Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-23
The English Scare"

In view OF the reports that continue TO be
received touching the critical situation In
the Balkans aud along the Russo-AustriAn
frontier 1t may be well to look beyond the
matter OF Englsnd's alleged deienceless con-
dition for the true solution OF the recent
scare in the lsst-named country. II II more
than probable that the demand for precau-
ton against an invasion OF the little island is
hut an initiatory move in the direction oil
preparing the public mind for the great con-
tinental war drama that seems inevitable,
and IN which England will almost necessa-
rlly have TO take an important part.
The Russian agents in Bulgaria, Servia, Mon.
teuegro, aud Roumania have OF late been
doing their work well, and again the whole
OF Southeastern Europe il 10 ieverish state.
Here, there, and everywhere are indications
that the Psn-Sayic leayen or poison has
been placed to purpose, and that revolution
may result any dAv. For months Russia has
had large force on the Gslician and Reu-
manan frontiers. Recently that force has
been considerably increased, and it Is now
learned that Austria is rapidly massisg
troops in Gancia. To any one acquainted
with the traditional policy OF Russia re-
specting the Balkan States the programme
must be reasonably clear. II IL the
old story 81 fomentiag dscord and revolu-
ton, interfering in the "intcrest OF peace"
and attempting 10 plant the Muscovlie power
on the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. AZ
We remarked few days ago, all Russian
roads lesd TO COnstantinople. Twice within
the recollection OF macy now living the game
described has been started, but never played to
the flush. Twice, we may say. the northern
Colossus bad his grasp upon st. Sophia, but
was forced sullenly to relax 1t at the muzzle
OF British guns. Russian policy and Rus
sian hope have not changed, but neither have
English policy, English interests, and Eng
lish determination to maintain the Turk as
barrier TO tho Cars progress 10 the Medi-
terranean. II would seem 10 follow, there
fore, that even were England not pledged to
the maintenance OF the Berlin treaty that
even were her honor not involved in that
pledge and her assurances 10 Austrla-she
could not avoid becoming an active factor in
any hostilitie' growing out OF the continental
trouble. The war promises when II does
come to be one OF the most tremendous Ia
the history OF modern times. II will be a
shock Of arms that will probably change the
map OF Europe for many years, and its infiu-
euces will be projected far INTO the future.
The Continental Powers have been preparing
for It on q gigantic scale, both as regards
the number OF men TO be put into the
Geld and improved weapons, weight OF
metal, &c, TO be employed. Is 1t
not TO be expected that England. who has as
much at stake ~ any OF the other Powers,
will endeayor to sustain her part in q man
ner that will rebound both 70 her military
and to her moral prestige? II has been said
that England virtually dictated the BerliR
treaty. Certainly she was mainly instru-
mental in abrosatipg the treaty OF San Ste
| fano. But the Berlin treaty was primarily a
| settlement as between two Powers. II Eng
land is to have potent voice In The settle
mcnt that must fellow European war IN
which all the great Continental Powers will
probably be involved, 1t Is beyond question
that she will have 20 contribute potent mill
tsry element to the conduct Of that war.