Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-23
England and Russia.

we nave never entertalneu uVupt
rs to what would be the course Of
Turkey in the event of war between
England and Russia. Allreports about
treaties with other Powers and about
her remaining neutral. to the contrary
notwithstanding, if war is declared
and continues for any length of time,
Turkey must become the active ally Of
England. Not only dees her territorial
integrity in both Europe and Asia de-
mand that she stand by England, but in
the matter of dollars and cents it is
to her interest to do so. No other ma
ton can or will " endorse her notes" to
the extent that the English can and will.
No other Power can protect her to the
extent that England can. If war does
come it will not be confined to little
strip of territory in Afghanistan. 1t
will not be simply war in the East and
a fight for the possession of Herat. 1t
will be war wherever England can find
q point at which to attack Russia.
1t will be war at the very gates Of
Turkey, and the Porte well knows that
Russian success will mean another dash
towards the sea by Russia, another
step towards "manifest Destiny" the
ABSORPTION Of another slice of Turkish
territory by Russia. Every blow dealt
by Russia that may count against Eng
lish prestige will help to drive in the
wedge with which Russia has been try
ing to rend Turkey ever since the days
of PETER the Great. We are therefore
not surprised at forecast in respect
of Turkey which appears in special
to the Baltimore American from its
London correspondent. That CORE
spondent says that there is in London
a firm conviction that Mr.. GLADSTONE
and the Sultan understand each other,
and that at the "proper moment Turk
ish army will be forthcoming to spread
fire and sword through the Caucasus"
Also, that the rumors of Russian ALI
ances and warnings to Turkey to close
the Dardanelles all originate in Russia,
or are the products Of the fecund
brains of Berlin financiers heavily
long on Russian securities. Three
may be, he adds, "a pretence Of
closing the Dardanelles should war
be declared, but the pass will be so
loosely defended, say the British naval
officers, that English iron-clads will be
let by with little more fighting than an
admiral's complimentary salute. Until
the necessities of the campaign call for
Turkish troops on Russian soil, they
will gradually occupy the positions va
Gated by the British in Egypt and the
Soudan, and British gold will provide
them with necessaries to which for
long time they have been strangers.
As to the position Of the other great
Powers, the Americans correspondent
thinks that they care perfectly willing
TO look on while Russia and England
cripple each other; but as the strife
wakes hotter questions will arise which
will inevitably force them to take
Sides" Whether the other great
Powers be drawn into active par
ticipation in the conflict or not, there
can, we think, be no question as to
where their sympathies will be. How
ever FESTIVE these Powers may be under
highlands arrogance and grasping poll
cy, continental Europe has infinitely
less to fear from English success than
from Russian success. AS long as the
issues are confined TO diplomatic circles
anti-EDglish talk costs very little, but
when it comes to the tug of war there
is not, We think, aPower in Europe that
can afford to see the northern colossus
gain triumph.