New-York tribune., 1896-01-26
VESTIGATIO,
[BY CABLE TO THE TRIDUNE.l


"a not an exharating drink. The discussion of
foreign topics has been dull this week. and the
nublic has lacked the stimulus of exciting events
and startling surprises. The Pail Mall Gazette
has attempted TO enliven affairs by printing
Constantinople dispatch in relation to an often
N,ve and defensive alliance between Russia and
Turkey The news is not officially confirmed
from any capital and is discredted at the Foreign
Office but 1t is seriously discussed by all the
Journals except "The Times" which recently had
a painful experience Of its own with similar
disclosure the alleged secret treaty between
Russia and China. II the Sultan has put himself
In the hands of Russia. he has chosen strange
fine for the surrender of any rights. He has
anparently baffled the combined resources of six
Powers and trumphed all along the line. When
ne has succeeded In bringing the diplomacy OF
Europe to naught why should he seek an offen-
siye and defensive alliance with any single Pow
er? Why should he abandon his permanent
policy Of playing off one Power against another?
On this ground alone the rumoied convention
may be regarded as improbable
Still there are certain differences which seem
20 render the disclosure reasonable. Russia has
thwarted England during the recent comphca-
tions in Constantinople and has broken up the
European concert. Russia has rendered the Sui
tan important service and may have bargained
4
owes Russia good deal of money. Russia may
have demanded payment of an instalment OF the
indemnity fund and secured this treaty from the
bankrupt Government under financial pressure
The Sultan too has been directly under the in
nuence of the Russian and French Ministers, and
may have consented to the revival OF the treaty
of Unkar-Skeessi an act Of retributive JUS
t,ce to England for attempting 10 coerce him.
While these and other conjectures can be formed,
the secrets Of diplomacy are not obtained in
Constantinople so easily as In Washington.
II Russia has adopted measures by which the
Black Sea Is converted into a private pond, with
q free outlet for her navy. the truth OF the as
closure will not be admitted by any responsible
diplomatist The story may not be true. but de-
malls do not settle it, for these would be forth
coming In any event.
What is more to the point is the temper OF the
English journals in discussing the general SUD-
feet. Even with flying squadron available ior
service there are suggestions from any source
that the Cyprus convention now binds England
10 protect the frontier Of Asiatc Turkey, or that
the Sultan should be prevented from hinging
h,mself into the arms Of Russia Indeed. signs
are not wanting that the English people wouid
be relieved II Russia were to assume the moral
-..rons,b,lity for the future conduct Of the Sui
tan since Europe has been unable to prevent or
.venee the slaughter Of the Armenians. The
Ssltan accepted from Lord Beaconsfeld British
orotectorate over his domnons and made bad
bargain, for he lost Cyprus and got nothing
IN return worth having. A Russian protectorate
may be worth more, and certainly cannot be
worth less
The Sultan wants two things The privilege OF
ending his days the throne and money to pay
tie expenses Of the palace. If Russia will guaran-
tee these the alliance will not be bad bargain
tv thara no DreSent
tone OF public discussion In England that such
coalition would lead to with Russia. The
main point that is made is that the transit OF the
straits free for must be free for all. but little
stress Is laid even upon that.
Sir John Tenniel hits off the main situation
with a cartoon representing John Bull and Nine
France seated on bench under tree and cast
ing sly glances at each other, with remarks
as,de. "She's rather an attractive woman" and
"After all he's not so bad" This expresses the
rapprochement as embodied in the Siam conven-
+ion and the Niger-Tunis stipulations. But the
pu.s,an Is on the other side Of the tree close to
Madame II THE Pail Mall Gazettes' story be
srue for the French Minister is reported TO nave
consented to the Constantinople intrigue
r,. nawe Of the Siam convention Is received
,s,, In Erance although 1t is evidently good
.,roke ~ Diplomatic business for the radical
ministry Apparently the French people nave a
Ieener zest for an intrigue with Russia III "nioi
nothing is to be gained, than for larry soou
bargain with England. The Ministers are re-
preached, not for having made a Dad ai'a"se
,r,.rt IN the Mekong but for having entered
into closer diplomatic relations with Ehs'aho'
That Is not popular policy In france
The feeling Of public confidence that the Vehe~-
;uela question will be adjusted amicaoi' mas a"
creased steadily during the week. Every ",'',1
ter who speaks. whether 1t is Mr. Chaii'De''"',
Mr. Coschen. or the Marquis OF Lahsuo""e, 30
concilfatory Jingoism here has apa'eo' a"N
has not at any time been directed asaiiis' N"
ca Some irritation was caused ny ''e
.ha Dav,s resolution. but this was at once al
layed by Senator Wolcotts speech. r.
been received with hearty satisfaction oy Hns
&C., rha toy, of Justice Brewers letter
$ alarmed critics. who had assumed indis""''o"
over the Commissions reported demand ior '"e
presentation Of British evidence 49,.
Several journals have even suggesteu '""
points Of dignity might be waived ana l"e -
case actually argued before the Con''i'S''o
the general opinion Of the English press 70 '"-
the Government cannot recognize '""' 80,
In any form Some keen critics have argue" 81"
the Commission by disclaimng the iuhc"o"'
IN Arbitration Board and assuming moueS.'
duties of an information bureau mas co'"'e a.,
ed the effect or Mr.. Cle'eid""S
and menacing language.
The tone toward Mr.. Cleveland h'nse"
changing. Englishmen are no" oispoSeO -
iieve that ne is anxious to settle the qu.''
soon as possible having found out that the Com.
mission IL an impractcable expedent. Direc'
action with Venezuela IL regarded as the easier,
method Of adjusting the boundary dispute al.
Indications that President Cleveland is disposeu
70 favor that course are welcomed. Doupt -