The Portland daily press., 1878-07-16
The Treaty OF Berlin.


means than war. The dispute has been long
prosecuted and bitter. The divergence of
views was so wide there seemed no common
ground on which the two nations could
meet and peaceably discuss the matter at
controversy. So suspicious was each of the
other that professions of peace and advances
toward conciliation by either court were
looked upon as snares. That under these
circumstances the dispute is settled without
resort to arms is matter of astonishment.
The result is in the main due to the efforts Of
Germany. Doubtless the Russian dread of
repetition Of the experience of 1854, and
the English dislike of war did something to
bring about an understanding 1t induced
the rivals to accept with alacrity the prof
fered offices of Bismarck. Had Germany
held aloof there must have been an armed
conflict. But she has proved herself as great
in peace as in war. The honor that comes
from the treaty of Berlin has been won by
her. England has whatever credit attaches
to the driving of asharp bargain. Russia
has achieved the ostensible objects for which
she went to war. But to Germany is due the
distinction of bringing about a satisfactory
settlement. She alone Of all the nations
represented asked nothing and had no am
bilious aspirations to crafty. Austria shared
in the spolation of the Ottoman empire.
France and Italy were there as interested
parties to defend their rights or assumptions
as,,Mediterranean powers.
As between the nations whose quarrel led
to the Congress tits not yet certain which one
has come out with the greatest credit and
the most positive gains. Russia went to
war with the object of ameliorating the hard
condition of the Christians in European Tur-
key, and professed to have no further de-
signs. She has certainly gained that object,
and something besides. The absolute indie
pendence of three Of the Christian tributary
States has been achieved. The virtual
freeing from Turkish rule of the suffering
provinces has been accomplished. Bosnia
and the Herzegovina are placed under the
kindly care of Austria. Bulgaria is relieved
from Turkish Pashas and tax-gatherers. In
addition to this Russia has finally broken the
power OF an ancient enemy, has got back the
territory she lost in the Crimean war, has
gained valuable port on the Black Sea, and
two long-coveted towns in Asia. She has
not been able to compel the fulflment of all
the terms of the treatment of San Stefano,
but has got more than she professed to seek
when she opened the war. On the other
hand she has probably forfeited the friend.
ship of Roumania.
England started into the quarrel with the
declaration that the territorial integrity of
| the Ottoman empire must be preserved. She
goes out of it bearing portion of the plum
| der which results from the spoliation of that
| empire. She has lost honor, that is all; and
has gained great material advantages. She
has acquired the rich island of Cyprus, vir-
tually established a protectorate over Asiatic
Turkey, and maintained her position in re-
| gard to the Straits. The ends she has
achieved are matters to be rejoced over; the
means she has used to accomplish them she
cannot be proud OF. British rule over Asia
Minor will be for the benefit of that country
and the whole civilized world; but the way in
which il was established is not to be praised.
Russia then has achieved the object, the
amelioration of the condition of the Chris
tians, for which she declared she went to
war. England on the contrary has not
gained the object she professed to have in
view, the preservation of the territorial in
tegrity of the Ottoman empire. But she has
acquired some territory without fighting or
paying for it, and has probably established
another great Asiatic empire like that of In.
dia. But the only thing settled seems to be
the partition OF Turkey. The Eastern ques-
tion, the possession of Constantinople, is yet
to be determined. Russia apparently is in as
good condition as ever to prosecute her de-
signs upon that city. The tools she has to
work with are three or four small Christian
States envious of each other, and looking to
her for assistance. Bv judcously encourag-
ing their quarrels she may yet make her way
to Stamboul. The true method of checking
her progress would have been to establish a
strong State owing its creation to the West
ern powers and depending upon them for aid
and advice. That was not done, and the
Eastern question is still open.