Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-02-24
BRITISH ON GUARD.
Will Not Let Russian Fleet Pass
Through the Dardaneiles.


Anaconda Standard: Several times
since the beginning of the wal in the
east questions have arisen regarding
the passage OF Russia's Black sea
fleet through the Dardanelles straits.
This question is one which will doubt
less be brought up frequently during
the progress Of the conflict. Once al
ready the Russians have asked the
permission of the sultan TO sail their
fleet through the straits. Whether or
not the sultan would have granted
that request is not known, for the
protest of England against it was so
prompt that he had no opportunity
to make a reply.
Russia has now in the Black sea
seven battleships. two cruisers and
several smaller boats. With her Ash.
attic squadron so badly crippled, it is
not to be wandered at that she wants
to get this fleet where she can use IL
against the Japanese. 1t would be ex-
tremely convenient to have these
Black sea boats brought within fight
ing distance of the Yellow e It is
not likely. however. that these boats
will ever leave the waters upon which
they were launched.
This use of the Black sea feet is
forbidden to Russia by the twice-en.
acted treaty provisions which close
the Dardanelles to the passage OF
ships of war. The provisions of the
Peace of Paris, which terminated the
Crimean war, while slightly modified
by the articles of the Berlin treaty at
the close of the Turco-R Russian con.
fict, remain practically in force. Tur.
key is not the sole guardian of the
| straits. The treaties mentioned make
the naturalization of the Dardanelles
a European question. Even should the
Turk consent, Russia could not send
her fleet through the straits without
the added permission OF England, who
was made by the Berlin treaty the
guarantor of protection to the Turl
from attack in this quarter.
For almost a century the straits Of
the Dardanelles have been closed tC
all war vessels except those of Tur
key. In 1907 England forced a pass
age of the straits with a fleet, but, two
years later. recognized the principle
involved and did not again make the
attempt. In 1878 a British fleet en-
tered the straits, but this was to pro
tect Constantinople from a Russian
attack by sea. Although closed t.
armed vessels. the straits must be
according to the treaty provisions
kept open to merchant ships of all ma
tons.
Less than two years ago Russia de
cided to send two torpedo destroyer
through the straits. To avoid CON
plications. these vessels were entire
ly stripped of their armament an
passed through the straits as mel
chantmen. flying the commercial fla
of Russia. 1t was understood at tn
time. however. that this should no
constitute a precedent. Such a course
at any rate, would not be practicabl
in the present instance.
The terms of the Peace of Paris pre-
vided that Russia should maintain n
feet upon the Black sea, except sue
as was necessary for police duty alon
the shores. This. with the agreemen
regarding the use of the straits, al
pears to cork up the Black sea squad
ron pretty effectively, and it is nc
likely that the Japanese will have a
opportunity to practice against tn
vessels In this feet.