Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1878-03-07
The Peace Conditions.

The condition of affairs in Europe is still
such as to cause grave anxiety, and although
there have been within the last two days occa-
sionsl intimstions Of pacific conclusion being
reached, yet the arbitrary nature of Russia's
demands upon Turkey, coupled with those
conflicting interests, the integrity of which
seems to be threatened, preclude the placing
Of too much confidence in an early and salts
factory settlement. Just as during the time
that the Government of England was fuming
and fretting the Gar was quietly perfecting
his plans and hedging In Turkey with condi :
tiofs from which there was no way of escape,
20 now, when the latter Power Is arguing and
hesitating over the terms of peace, the
Russian troops are being silently massed in
Bulgaria. San Stefano is occupied, and we
need not be surprised at any moment to hear
that the northern eagles have been planted on
the towers of Saint Sofia But all the while
England is watchful and anxious. She sees
that in the conditions proposed by Russia
there turks an encroachment Of the treaties of
1865 and 1871, and both Germany. and Austria
appear to labor under the apprehension that
the demands made as to q two years 81 er
vision Of Bulgaria by Russian commission,
and its occupation for that period by $4,000
troops, is something that will create compli-
cations not before dreamed Of 1t is true that
the financial condition of the great Powers of
Europe is not such as at present to justify
them in beginning and attempting to. prose-
cute war. France may be considered the
only nation powerful enough TO safely adopt
an aggressive policy. But her people, even
although they know their strength, are not
likely, with their recent experience, to again
risk the chance of losing all that they have
gained. Their feelings against Germany may
be of the most bitter character. They have
old grudges to wipe out. but they are
shrewd enough to preceive that their power
can be better used in preserving strict neu-
trality, and by that means limiting the smbi-
ton Of England and the aggressions of Russia,
while at the same time they keep Germany
from making an excuse for joining in the con-
fiict. But, unfortunately, diplomacy is not
all-powerful, and even those Prime Ministers
who are the most anxious 10 remain quiet and
peaceful have to submit to the will of the
people. Russia herself has evoked q spirit
which cannot be easily silenced. There is q
war fever in the empire, the soldiers are filed
with dreams Of conquest and glory, and q
pressure Ia thus being brought to bear upon
the Cabinet Of st. Petersburg which it finds
it hard 10 resist. The temper Of the English
people is also of the most defiant character,
and it needs but little to set the whole nation
In blaze. When mob rule begins to show
itself, as it has done lately in London, and
when hooting and jeering crowd storms the
residence of q statesman on Sunday because
he holds views sntagonistic to theirs and has
the courage 10 express them, there is small
hope for diplomacy securing triumph. In
| such cases government, no matter how pow
erful, becOmes.a mere puppet in the hands Of
the people, and no thoughts Of commercial
stagnation or inability TO carry on the conflict
are indulged in when the animal instincts Of
human nature arc aroused.
The conditions imposed upon Turkey By
Russia are OF the most exacting character,
An indemnity of 81, 100, ,0Oo, 900, the redemp-
tion OF Turkish bonds 10 the amount of $780,
000. 900, compensation to the Russian resi-
dents in Constsntinople and the maintenance