The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-02
War Threa ten ngs-Our Relation to
the Impending Conflict.

the Black and Egean seas, says the Ing
lish circular referring to the erection OF
Bulgaria into a semi independent State
under the Treaty Of San Stefano Now, in
this declaration the English government
has frankly committed itself to a plain
statement of Russia's offence. Russia adj
yances into field that England has deemed
her own. England proposes that English
political and commercial influence shall
preponderate in that part of the world now
and in future as they have done hith-
erto. Hitherto Englands presence as
the dominant Power in the Levant was
thinly disguised by the existence OF
Turkey; but Turkey stricken down and
Russia advancing to possess the spoil OF
the fallen enemy is met by England, who
pretends tina. it is the general possession of
Europe Englands declaration in regard
! to Greece indicates the Power she would
like to substitute for Turkey to hold the
nominal empire Of the East while its ma
terial advantages are continued to England.
This drift Of the British policy is plainly
presented in the circular issued rs
sort Of declaration Of principles
and motives for Englands opposition
to the San Stetano treaty the substance
OF what British plenipotentiary might
have said at the Conference. Yet while it
| is thus made clear that the animus OF Eng
lands opposition to Russias settlement
of the Eastern question is that Englahds
own toes are somewhat severely trodden
upon, England continues the hypocritical
pretence that it is Europe that is injured,
and that England unselfishly champions
alone the cause of oil other States. But
Europe stolidly refuses to see it, Austria
stands out it is true, for good terms; and
Austria and England, though they do not
raise their voices in unison, yet clamor to-
gether against the course of Russia.
In this attitude of the Powers we have
before us an exhibition Of what has always
been contemplated as a necessary conse-
quence Of the attempt to determine the
difficult problem presented by the presence
in Europe in the nineteenth century Of
barbaric Power that should have been ex-
tinguished a century since-an exhibition,
in short, Of what has appeared SO wildly in
the visions of diplomatists as to have pre-
vented hitherto any great endeavor to settle
the Eastern question in the only final way
by the displacement of the Ottoman EN-
pire. All the statesmen foresaw very clearly
that the overthrow of Turkey was the least
important part Of the settlement, and
that the determination Of what should
be put in it's place was point, that, ii not
previously agreed upon, would be the cause
OF greater war than the one necessary to
crush the Ottoman Power. But to con-
struct IN agreement that would reconcile
the varying interests OF the Powers that
claimed to be heard was an evident impossi-
bility, and the Moslem has remained at
Constantinople full century past his legiti-
mate date because of that impossibility. It
was necessary to wait on fortune to bide
the time till some fortuitous complication
of European politics should tie the hands
of her great rivals and leave Russia free
to perform the Office of destiny for the
Ottoman. That time appeared to have
come Austria seemed by her relations in
the alliance Of the three Emperors commit
ted to Eussia's purpose so far as the over
throw Of Turkey and to be disposed to de-
pend on Russia's good will beyond and Of
England without allies, no apprehension
was felt; consequently Russia went ahead
and has driven the Asiatic to his last ditch
in front Of Constantinople but now the
others rise to dispute with her the fr1its Of
her victory, and in the name Of Europe de-
mand that the conquered territory shall be
settled in accordance with their particular
interests. Each one uses the name Of Eu-
rope, but each one desires only his own
advantage and Russia is certainly more
justified in this than the others, since she is
entitled to indemnity.
War is probable therefore; for Russia
seems to have taken position from which
it is not possible for her to retire and it is
incredible that England is only clustering
in her preparations. Should war really fol-
low we do not doubt that the sympathies of
the American people will be with Russia, as
they have been hitherto in this War for
Christianity, and as they were in former
war with Great Britain. Having had in
wars of our own with England experience of
her arrogance, IN uslice anu ulsregoru even
to mere humanity; and having in our times
of trouble felt what it was to have her i'll
will and learned how absolutely all her
high declarations as to neutrality and the
cardinal virtues are covers for malignant
and mercenary spirit, our sympathy as a
people instinctively and irresistibly ranges
itself on the side that is against her. AS
to that we cannot be called upon to explain.
Our sympathy will be given where we choose
TO give it ; but as to acts that might be done
under tho impulses of that sentiment we
ore not equally free. Our good will toward
Russia must not be abused In the way in
which it is reported some adventures
are already taking steps to utilize
it. 1t is to be hoped that in case