The morning call., 1891-09-20
THE SITUATION IN EUROPE.

The dust which has been thrown III the
public eyes to hide the true inwardness OF
the British descent on Mityleue appears to be
blowing away, and people are arriving at
an understanding of that singular incident
1t will be remembered thatthe first news was
that the British squadron in the Levant had
landed a force of men OF all arms with Cat
ling guns. This was in line with the occu-
patton of Cyprus in 1878 under the Beacons-
field administration, and seemed consistent
with The attitude taken by England when
Russia forced the passage of the Darda-
nelies. But a day or two afterward came
intelligence that the British had not landed
with hostile purposes, nor with any nten-
ton Of etfec ting permanent occupation OF
Turkish territory; that the debarkation
was merely for a picnic on the island and
meant nothing. 1t seemed curious tn at pie
nickers should take Calling guns with then
But this again was explained by the state
ment that the landing party proposed to
diversity their festivities with military
manervers. All this struck people as puz-
zling. but they soon gave up trying TO solve
the riddle.
We have now an Ineligible explanation
of the affair The British landing at Nifty
lene was a surprise 10 the Porte, and it lost
no time in demanding an explanation from
the British Government Up TO date no re-
ply has been received, but the recognized
organ of the Sails bury administration an
nounces that England will not under any
circumstances allow Russia to obtain COM
mand of the DaTdanelleS, and il ever Tur-
key fails to keep the straits closed, England
will resort to eXpedients for meeting the
Difficult ty." In other words, it has come to
the knowledge of Downing street that the
immemorial foes, Russia ard Turkey, have
reached an understanding in view Of the
possibility of general European war; that
for the first time in history they are to stand
SHOULDER TO shoulder on the side OF France
as against the Dreibund; aud that one of
the conditions Of the compact is that the
Porte will offer no obstacle to the passage
OF the Black Sea feet into the Mediterra-
mean. The consequence was the demon
stratOn by the English at Mitylene
Russia's move on the chess board shows
that her statesmen have not lost their
matchless skill in political tactics. By Il
deXtrous maneuyer they have headed off
Germany'S wO0ing of England. They
clearly diScerned the effect on Lord Sails
bury's mind OF the passage OF the DaTda-
nelles. and felt assured that it would tempt
him TO take some stir which would bring
the British people face to face with the
prospect of participation in a European
war. How well they understood the game
is seen by the announcement, on the very
day that the British ambassador at Con-
stanlinuple was asked TO explain the Nifty
lene incident, that in the event of Liberal
su ccess at tie coming election ID England
Mr. Gladstone Will be Prime Minister, with
Vernon HaTcourt as the actual leader OF the
Government. These statesmen, whose
names are guaIan.ees Of peace, will rest
their claim for public support on their de-
termination TO keep England out of any
coming war, while the Tories will stand con-
victed OF having risked war from Sympa-
thy with the Queens grandson. 1t is I'M
necessary to point out which side the British
people will espouse. The Russian maner-
yer has made it impossible for any British
Government to join hands with the Drei-
bund 1t is a diplomatic triumph OF 10
mean Importance.
1t is quite possible that Lord Salisbury
may anticipate events, recede ON the posi-
ton of menace assumed by his organ aud
persist in the picnic theory. In that case
Russia has got the free entry of the Med
iterrauean, and her feet, Joined with the
Toulon feet. would make it uncomfortably
warm for Italy in the event Of a war.
Unless the Italians are better sailors than
they were at LISA, the magnificent IRON
clads which have been the wonder of the
world might share the tate OF their prede
cessOrs which old Admiral Tegethotf bat
tered so effectually On that occasion. And
if Italy Tecedes from the DreiGund. Ger
many might reconsider some of her present
contentious History is not raising statues
at the present day to the first Napoleon, but
the bond which unites Germany and Austria
will not be cemented by the announcement
that the German Emperor, in a public
speech, sneered at the husband of Marie
Louise as "a Corsican paryenu"