The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1896-12-06
RUSSIA SNUBS FRANCE.
SHE TEToEs TINE PROJECT ron THE
CONTROL OF TURKISH FINANCES.

A Forcibie AvowaI OF the Czar's Positiop-
Patriotic Prose from the roet Laureate
-InteresunE Balboa Journey Across
Frnnee-studyins the MiEratiou OF Birds
-Germnn- RivaIiinE British ShIpbuiiders
"A 2o.ooO.Ton Steamer in Prospect.
LoNpoS Nov. 2S.-RussIa has given ample
evidence within a few days of her complete
mastery of the Turkish situation. She has not
hesitated' to veto q pet project OF her ally, and
that. too, without oven an apology for her arbi-
trariness. 1t has been a somewhat humiliating
experience for sensitive French pride, and
there are some signs of restlveness under the In
hlction. 1t is moro n financial than q political
matter. No, that IN not quite the right way to put
It, The whole European situation is more u mat
ter OF finance than of politics. IL is impossible to
say whether financial or more broadly political
considerations are tho more potent in influ-
encing and shaping 1t.
Never before. perhaps, have financial iniu-
cnces been so potent In international politics.
They have come to the front not only In the
Eastern question, but they dominate the Span
inh crisis from the European point OF view. 1t
may even become necessary before long to e.
plain how Mr.. Cloveland's Administration is
hampered In dealing with the Cuban-spanish
situation by the influence Of the European
financial world. 1t is we'll understood that
Frances somewhat violent championing Of tho
Spanish cause Is due solely to the fact that the
bulk Of Spanish and Cuban bonds are locked up
in French strong boxes.
Dropping this depression. 1t should be said
that precisely similar motives led the French
Government to put forward a project for saw
ing the credit of the Turkish empire. BY some
strange fatality French capitalists arc tho
holders Of many millions Of the Sultan's de-
-...,utn ,1i,uatInna Naturally thAv tgiah tn
protect their interests. Under most circum-
stances. the fnanciers Of France are all power
ful with the Government. Their influence is
never obtrusive, always conservatives. always
for peace. The same may be said OF the fnan-
cial factor in politics throughout Europe.
1t may. perhaps, DO more correctly described
as tho commercial interest. Its influence IL
neither corrupt nor illegitimate; on the con-
trary, it is a safeguarding power which some
times does not make itself felt as strongly rs its
rights and the interest of the people demand.
1t is a seltish power naturally, but II would be
assuming q good deal to say that it is an unfair
or an indiscreet power in general Ut in the pres
ent instance.
The proposition advanced by France through
NJ. Hnnotaux, her Foreign Minister, included
the suggestion that Russia should accept a seat
upon the International Commission in charge of
the Ottoman debt, where she is at present un-
represented. This was an extremely clever
move on the part of NJ. Hanotaux. from the
point of view of Turkish bondholders. 1t
was. furthermore, a suggestion which 1t
was to the financial advantage Of Russia
TO accept. But 1t involved the vital point
of placing Russia in direct association
with the other powers in relation to the Eastern
situation. This is the last thing which Russian
policy would concede. Russia Is in fact IL not
in name complete master of the Sultan at the
present moment. She proposes to maintain that
relationship toward the sick man until she has
accomplished all her purposes in that quar-
ter OF the world. She has not announced
those purposes publicly. but they are
pretty we'll understood. We have in lieu Of
them q remarkably frank declaration Of present
Russian policy. made this week in an undoubt-
eddy inspired article in: the Petersburgsktyd
yfedomOstt. 1t 10 a declaration so clear. SO i'm
portant and of such universal interest to all OBJ
servers of public affairs that / give q full
translation:
Various foreign Journals. especially in
France, have lately announced that Russia has
agreed to appoint a representative on the Coun-
Gil OF the Ottoman Debt In Constantinople At
ilrst sight, II the news turn out to be correct.
would appear to be a de,irable means Of in
creasing Russian influence over Turkey. This
press. Tine salvation OF the Ottoman empire
depends exclusively upon financial improve
Inent. ana the nnAnCeS OF turkey must De thkeu
in hand In order to prevent the threatening
downfall of the Ottoman power.
t,on lhi lam means ,tai sv the instit uh on. OF an IN, lnt ifar a.
the control in Egypt. and the absence Of a Rus
sian, delegate from the council Of bondholders
has hitherto been the chief obstacle in the way
scter. Hence the shorts Of European Go1srn-
what was Russia to gain By this' The
s eGi rAi ff tho 81 jewish j is6 b anEePs. OF fnq Eu 9sPs.
is evident. Russia. has never officially reeoR-
ntZed the council of bondholders controlling the
revenues Of Turkey as a guarantee for her loans
from these Hebrew bankers. The latter. fore
seeing the Imminent bankruptcy and perhaps
Iion Of apparently sharing their interests. and
for this purpose they require the presence OF a
Russian delegate on the council OF bondholders.
In return Russia is promised the p%unctual pay
ment OF tho war contribution Of 5000. 900
Toublcs yearly. which would mean 100000
more than she has received during the last few
But what would Russia gain by this arrange
ment? The Jew bankers of Europe fear to leave
obtained for herself in Turkish affairs. In the
event OF a tinal settlement OF accounts they
obligation toward them and unbound BY their
effort, perhaps at the lat moment. to in
their side. We repeat. what advantage can
there be for Russia in this new adjustment Of
reeeiTias an eEtra Million ftG'p rub bHs 'ef WhsrSe Is Is
there any advantage for Russia In a political
Bensef The whole policy Of Russia since the
last war has been to Sc. aside the interference
OF Europe in the affairs and fate Of Turkey.
Our diplomacy WAS able 10 keep the Sultan from
joining the Triple Alliance at the moment of
his greatest political power. We have sue
ceeded in isolating Turkey from England. which
has now lost all prestige In the eyes Of the Otto
man Government, and Russia stands face to
face with Turkey alone. Finding no sup
port from any one OF the European
Iowers ard feeling completely Deepen
dent upon Russia. there is no donb. hat
and probably in a comparatively short space of
time win place herself entirely at Russia's dis
=. poaition. This new phase OF the Eastern question
Is clearly, understood by the Western Govern
ments. who recognize the predominance OF Rus
fla and who are now trying 70 create in the place
OF Turkey as u state something appearing TO
embOdy the interests Of Europe, so that, In tho
event OF n liquid alton OF old accounts. Russia
would encounter in the Dardanelles not Turkey
but Europe. as IN 1853. The first step toward the
attainment of this aim Is the appointment of a
Russian delegate to the Council Of the Ottoman
Debt. Can 1t possibly he that 200 yeara OF con-
slant struggle. tremendous Effort. and incalcula-
BILE sacrifices for exclusive dominion on the Black
Sea and free exit into the Mediterranean are to
result In the insecurity OF Russia's possessions