The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1878-04-04
Russia \ ENGLAND.

During the recent war Russia pub
li.hed news Of opinions only when II
suited her convenience or served her
purpose. There were periods when her
army officers were great disfeminatoIs
and, again there were long intervals
when these same officers said nothing
themselves nor allowed n one else
to say anything. The periods of 81
fence covered eras of preparation, and
the communicative moods wGre inspi-
red 10y results accomplished. Through
ont tie whole campaign this policy was
maintained Judged by the rule of
the campaign, the recent semi-oficial
ouiburst from -. Petersburg il sisnii =
cant, in that il indicates that Russia
has perfected her plans, has completed
her preparations, sad il ready TO meet
the crisis, Her readiness To declare
what she shall do, under certSin con-
tngencies, means that she is ready to
precipitate the contingencies, or, in
other words, that she is ready for ac-
ton.
In such a crisis readiness for action
on the part Of Russia involves, or may
involve, such tremendous issues that
the nations Of Europe may well con-
template the prospect with many mis-
giyings. As matters stand now, Rus
sia has settled several questions that
have agitatcd Europe, OF at least has
opened the way to settlement. bat \
war with England will unsetile oil of
these, and add new and confusing COM
plications everywhere. The attitude
of Russia would indicate that, notwith-
standing All rumors TO the contrary,
satisfactory arrangements have been
been made with Germany snd Austria :
that an alliance with Turkey, in the
event Of war with England, has been
concluded, and tina: the neutrality
with other powers has been secured.
1t has been a difficult task TO make all
these arrangements without doing the
work of war, but the very conditions
under which the Russian diplomatists
speak argue that the difficult task
has been accomplished, or that Russia
believes it has been accomplished.
A Turkish alliance 10 to Russia, en-
gagged in a war with England, a nsces-
sity and, with the new English policy
in view, such an alliance is as impor-
tant to Turkey az we'll. England, to
thwart Russia, would give all of Euro
pean Turkey to Greece. Russia, TO
twart England, would preserve the
Turkish power in Europe. and give
Bosnia, Herzegovina, Albania, and
even part Of Macedonia to Austria.
England's policy enyites no strong al
lies, while Russia's gives TO an impor-
tant power a new coast line on the
Adriatic and a new port on the .FSsap.
In her counter play against England,
Russia ia forced TO abandon her trsdi-
tional policy but, while maintaining
her position as to Bulgaria and the
straits, che makes friends Of both Aus
tria and Turkey, and for the time be-
ing, isolates England.
With Turkey as base, Russia is
ready for a battle at onc,, and if she
has decided OH war it may be assumed
that she Will by a bold demand force
the retrenchment of England, or pre-
cipitate a conflict. England, on the
contrary, even if determined on war,
will delay hostiIiticS until her prepare
tons are complete. With her ironclads
within Il few hours sail Of CONSTANT
nople, and at the Dardanelles, she can
well afford to do this.