Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-04-03
Is War Impendingi


The game of diplomacy is still going on,
but all signs indicate that it cannot con-
tinue much longer. II now appears def
nitely settled that Austria will not form an
alliance with England in any event. Ger
many will remain neutral, but will continue
her efforts in the interest of peace. Her
last suggestion is to Russia, and to the effect
that the Gar should name what points of
the treaty he is willing to submit to the ac-
ton of the powers. The reply will posi-
bly, open the way for other steps on the side
of mediation. The London Times thinks
the disagreement between Russia and Eng
papers are no more hopeful. England de-
manded the submission of every article of
the treaty to the action of the peace con-
gress. Russia refused to grant it, and the
meeting is indefinitely postponed in conse-
quence The result is that all Europe is
astir with talk of an armed conflict between
England and Russia. Both nations are
making tremendous preparations for the
worst Every English shipyard is alive
with the hum Of new and significant activ-
ity. Notwithstanding the fact that she is
now the first naval power on the globe, she
is buying and building vessels as though
another Armada threatened her shores.
Meanwhile her land forces are being reor-
ganized and placed on war footing These
active preparations which have been carried
on without advertisement, are now supple
mented by calling out the reserve. The
government is sustained in this preparation
by popular majority. Lord Derby has
resigned. lie was willing that the govern
ment should insist upon the submission of
the Russo-Turkish treaty TO the conference,
but he is unwilling to back up the demand
by any display of force. In the East Rus
STA is no less active Additional tracks are
being put down upon all Russian railways
running north and south and to the Black
Sea- More than fourteen thousand new
cars and six hundred locomotives have just
been bought for the Bulgarian roads, so as
to give Russia greater facilities in the heart
of Turkey.
In the midst of all this din and prepare
ton for war Russia is as bold in the cabinet
as she is active in the field. The official or
gan of Gortschakoff, at st. Petersburg,
closes a long resume of the European stu
alton with these significant words ; The
moment has arrived when this question
should be definitely settled; with the con-
currence of continental Europe if it wishes
it; without its concurrence if necessary"
In official circles there is widespread belief
that Russia is more than match for Eng
land and is already to assume the offensive
at once in case the neutrality of Austria can
be secured and General Ignatieif has been
intrusted with the mission to Vienna for
that purpose. Whether war is to come or
not will soon be decided, and each new step
towards the decision will be watched with
the deepest interest, while the result of the
friendly offices of Germany will be impa-
tiently awaited.
Meanwhile, the comparative military
strength of the two countries is being
actively canvassed. Russsa's army now in
service amounts to five hundred thousand
men, which number could be very soon
doubled or even quadrupled. England's
present standing army is about one hundred
thousand, which by organized reserves, mill
tia and other volunteers could be increased
to four hundred thousand, to say nothing of
the indefinite resources from her colonies.
The navy of Great Britain is the most for
midable in the world, but war with Rus
Russia's advantage would be overwhelming.