The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-09-23
RUSSIAN


RUSSIAN SUCCESS.
That the unexpected always happens,
was a ~favorite political maxim with a
late prime minister Of England. While
it cannot be denied that the broad
catholioity of the assertion is not always
or even generally borne out in the ex-
perience Of most men, it must be adj
mitted that the declaration contains a
sufficient element of truth to apologize
for it's enumeration. Most notably is
this the case in the recent incident of
the passage OF the Dardanelles by a
Russian war vessel. For many a long
year Turkey and Russia have played the
parts of the European cat and dog. They
have had frequent encounters, and have
always displayed a most c~ommendable
readiness to fly at each others threats
on the very slightest provocation, or
indeed without any provocation at all.
A commendable readiness, that is to say,
in the eyes of other great powers who,
in their jealousy of Russian encroach-
ment, have upheld Turkey in her posses
sion of Constantinople. The lion will
some day lie down with the lamb. We
have scriptural authority for that bright
vision of the future, if we care to cherish
it. But it reads like a chapter from the
history of the millennium to learn that
Russian and Turkish interests in the
straits can be unified or even harmon
lied. But recent and authoritative dis
patches prove beyond question that
Russian influence has secured a signal
diplomatic triumph at the court Of the
sultan. The Moscow's passage through
the Dardanelles was not a first feeler
thrown out by the cZar to test the negll-
gence OF the animosity of the powers.
It was q grand coup in a succession OF
elaborate moves on the political chess
board. As long ago as April last, Russia
secured from the s%ultan's government
a most important concession. At that
time Turkey consented to the passage
of Russian ships with troops on board,
provided that preliminary notice of in
tention were given. There and then
was the real step IN advance for Russia.
With that privilege granted, it was as
easy as lying to send the Moscow with
out notice through the straits and
explain that the passage of a ship with
time-expired men on board did not, ac-
cording to the convention, constitute a
violation Of it's terms. OF course, Russia
did not stop there. No one who has
studied the history of her exploits would
expect her to do so. When the sultan
had the audacity to arrest the Moscow
en- route, he was speedily brought to a
realization of his true attitude in the
matter. 10 show his sense Of contrition,
the sultan forwarded an abject apology,
paid the indemnity demanded and
promised to be a good boy and never do
it again.
Turkey ia more or less-a good deal
more than less-the creation of the
great powers. From their point Of view,
the concession is practically worthless,
and Russia may take advantage of it
only at her peril. In an addition to the
treaty Of Paris, confirmed by the therein
agreement Of 1878, the sultan declared
his firm resolution to maintain the
ancient rule of his empire and prevent
foreign ships OF war from making the
passage of the straits. In the mainte-
nance of this resolution he was guar
anteed assistance by the powers, and
absolute prohibition is still the law of
Europe. Russia may allege hat in the
present instance the Moscow is a mem
Der Of the volunteer feet, and therefore
no more to be olassed among vessels of
war than the C%unardors on which, in
case of an outbreak of hostilities, the
British government maintains a claim.
In the meantime, the validity Of that
exouse will be strongly questioned.
Russia's policy IN the matter is plain
ly to be seen Of all men. The Black sea
must be cloaed to the wal ships of all
other powers save herself by virtue of
the treaties already IN force. She can
come out as often as she p%leases, but for
all others the door is shut. In this wav,
the powerful feet, maintained in tho
Black sea, would be at full liberty to
lend assistance to the equally strong
naval force that has It's headquarters in
the Baltic. Continual dropping will
wear away the hardest rock. The great
white car is evidently a firm believer in
the old saying, and it will be no fault OF
his or his advisers, if the rock that bars
his way to the possession Of CONSTANT
nople DO not finally worn away by a con-
tinuance OF the "dropplng fire. policy,
of which the D]ardanelles incident is q
characteristic specimen.
NOTWITHSTANDING the fact that the
Helena Journal ridicules the resolution