Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-04-20

The old doctrine formulated IN the
phrase to the effect that a national debt is
a national blessing seems to have held
good so far in the Anglo-Russian crisis,
at least so far as Russia is concerned.
Probably the greatest surety Russia has
that the action of her agents in Asia
will not precipitate war with Eng
land, is the fact that the great financial
syndicates Of London, as well as Of the
continent, are well loaded with Russian
securities.
1t was announced some weeks ago that
the influence Of Germany would be for
peace, because the German capitalists
held millions Of dollars worth of Russian
bonds, and anything that tended to de-
preciate the value Of these bonds, especial
ly a war between Russia and any other
great power, would create a financial
panic in the German empire which would
involve large and influential class of its
people in disaster, if not ruin.
The remar kable phenomenon was wit
messed in London last week of Russian
securities steadily advancing in the mar
ket, while the sound of the machinery as
preparations for war were being made
could be almost heard on Change, and on
every side the people and press were de-
handing that immediate steps should be
taken to ayenge the affrOnt that had been
offered to England by the attack on her
Afghan allies. The English capitalists
were anxious to lend money to Russia
even while the members Of Parliament
1
Minister for pursuing a pacific and tenn
PORTING policy.
Any one who viii look behind the scenes
on the European stage will see that great
er power is welded by the money kings
than by the monarchs who appear to hold
the sceptres of the nations. No power
dares 90 to war in opposition to the viii
and interests Of the Rothschilds and other
leading capitalists OF the world. These
men have power to decide the fate Of ma
tions and dictate the policy of empires.
No doubt they have made millions by the
fluctuations in the market for government
securities caused by the recent warlike
feeling between England and Russia.
Money cold, calculating cash-is King
in Europe as well as elsewhere. What is
national honor? What is patriotism?
What docs it matter if thousands die on
the battle held, or ifpestilence and famine
cause untold suffering throughout the
world? The money interests must be
consulted first, last and all the time.
So far as the recent crisis is concerned,
however, the conservative influence Of
money has postponed, if not prevented,
a conflict that would have caused a
shock throughout the world. 1t will not
be denied that money properly used is an
almost irresistible power tor good, while
improperly used it is a source of infinite
evil.
The bonds of peace and friendship in
Europe now are of very practical and
business like nature. They consist of the
interest-bearing securities which are the
evidences OF national indebtedness. These
bonds are more effective than solemn
/ treaties or sacred international obliga-
lions entered into by ambassadors and
! princes, and they outweigh the influences
of religion and civilization. Fortunate
/ is it for mankind that the interests of CAPT
/ tai generally demand the preservation of
/ peace and the maintenance of at least the
/ forms of law and order.