Daily Kennebec journal., 1878-04-04
England and Russia.


There appears to be little reason to hope
for q peaceful solution OF the questions at
issue between England and Russia. Both
nations have cast aside the dupliciy of di-
plomacy, and confront each other with di-
rect language and preparation for bloody
conflict. The proposed Congress OF Euro
pean powers is dead The Gar stands
by the treaty of peace with the Sultan,
and TO maintain it strengthens the position
held by his army and increases 'he num-
ber of his battalons near Constantinople.
England is as resolute in opposition to the
treaty as Russia to support it. Her fleet
rides in the Sea of Marmora. a menace to
the Russian conquerer and his designs.
The Queen has formally called out the
reserves, while the government, strength
ened in its war policy by the exchange of
Salisbury for Derby in the Foreign Office,
and pushes on with great energy the prep
arations for war.
The circular signed by Lord Salisbury
and sent to the other European powers is
a paper which means war to the knife
against the treaty OF San Stelano. He
declares that every material stipulation of
the treaty involves departure from the
treaty of 1856. He objects to the article
relative TO New Bulgaria, that it would
form a new Slav State under the control
Of Russia, and give her Il preponderating
political and commercial influence in the
Black and Egean seas. The Greek popu-
lation will be put under the Slav, and
Russia will practically govern the State.
The stipulations in regard TO Thessaly and
Epirus are accompanied by conditions that
will increase the power of Russia to the
prejudice Of Greece and every other coun-
try having interests in the eastern Mediter.
ranean. The Porte will be deprived OF
political power by the severance of
Constantinople from the Eastern Provnc-
90 still left under its control. The acqui-
sition of Bessarabia and Batoum makes
Russia dominant over all the vicinity OF
the Black Sea, while the acquisition of
the Armenian strougholds secures her in
huence over the population OF the prov
lace, and enables her to arrest trade be-
tween Europe and Persia The indemni-
~ stipulated for is evidently beyond Tur-
keys means, even not considering the por-
uon Of her revenue hypothecated to other
creditors. Its mode OF payment being
vaguely stated, it may thus be demanded
Immediately. left to weigh down the
Porte's Independence for many years,
commuted for more territory, or be made
the means OF entirely subordinatng Tur-
kish TO Russian policy. The combined
effect OF the treaty stipulations is to de.
press. almost 10 the point of entire sub
lection, the political independence of the
Porte.
To such treaty as this England is op-
posed; she would willingly have gone in
toa Congress where its slipuations could
be examined as whole, but would have
no part in one restricted by Gortschakoff' 8
latest reservations. The upshot OF all
which appears to be that Europe is on the
verge OF vast conflict, greater than any
on the eastern continent since the wars of
the first Napoleon.
Russia has been seeking to draw to her
support Or neutralize Austria, but without
success for the indications are that the
latter power is in sympathy with England
aad opposed to the aggrandizing schemes
of Russia upon her border France also
has been tried by Russian diplomacy, to
secure her to the Russian cause, but she
refuses to depart from the position of neu-
traiity.
Should such war occur as now seems
almost beyong doubt, the effect in our
country will be to stimulate business, help
our industries to get upon their feet again
aud make the path of the government,
easier in the payment of the national debt.
and the resumption OF specie payments
Everything that hostile armies will need
and that we can supply will be in demand,
and our vessels will be the carriers of the
worlds products.