The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-12-22

he" nuSSian premier, lrepoff, lmme-
diately upon the assumption of office,
that Russia must have Constantinople.
AT the same time he informed the
Russian people and the world that the
allies already had entered into a SOL
1emn agreement whereby the Turkish
capital would be turned over to Rus
Esia.
This declaration was enunciated be-
fore Field Marshal Won Mackensen
and Gen. Won Falkenhayn had rolled
back the Rumanian army and cap
tured all of the Wallachian plain.
Since then nothing has been said by
Premier Trepoff concerning the pos
session of Constantinople. The COM
ESined German, Austrian, Bulgarian
land Turkish army, closed the door
Through which Russia's legions were
to march on the converted city.
Russia's Opportunity.
Russia may now satisfy her ambi-
Etion, according to the authority indi-
Gated to the extent of freely using the
|Bosporous, the Sea of Marmora and
the Dardanelles without losing mil
lions of men and wasting billions of
treasure. Her allies can have the same
privilege by arranging peace at this
time on reasonable and just terms.
The Dardanelles and the Bosporous,
according to this authority, have
been strongly fortified until this time
lby the Turks because they appre-
lhended attack, and for no other rea
lson. With binding peace agree
lment, supplemented by at least par
'tial disarmament, and a worldwide
association Of nations to enforce
peace, there no longer would be real
danger of attack.
Neither would there be any good
reason why Turkey should maintain
strong defensive armament on both
sides of the Dardanelles. This would
be practical illustration of disarma
ment, according to the German au-
thority. 1t would be Immediately ap-
preciated by the entire world, but
more especially by the allied nations
which, with Russia, are fighting
among other things for an opportun-
lty to utilize the Dardanelles.
Great Britain and France made a
determined effort to open the Dar-
danelles on orders issued by Winston
Spencer Churchill when he was First
l;ord of the British Admiralty. The
lsttempt failed. Many celebrated gen
erals then were sent to the Darda-
nelles to cooperate with the efet. Ap-
proximately 100000 allied troops were
reported in that vicinity. The loss to
the allies land forces was placed at
more than 100000 men, and again
they failed to open the Dardanelles.
They they were withdrawn from Gal
lipoli.
Allies Blocked.
Presumably as last step in the di-
rection of capturing Constantinople,
the allied troops were landed on neu
tral Greek soil at Salonica. More than
a year has elapsed and no progress
in the direction of achievement has
been made. With a great army of
Germans, Bulgarians and Turks
massed against him, Gen. Sarrall is
held fast, while Russia no longer can
expect to force her way through the
Balkans.
The right of Turkey to hold the
Dardanelles has been disputed for
centuries. But few years have gone
by since all the Balkan nations, in
cluding Bulgaria, sought to drive the
Turks permanently from Europe. De-
spite these efforts Constantinople re-
mains in Turkish hands. The forti-
fications of the city are stronger by
far than ever before and seemingly
capable of withdrawing all the pres
sure which the armies and navies of
great European nations can exert
against them.
All this turmoil and strife may be
ended, according to the German au-
thority who believes dismantling of
the Notifications along the Darda-
nelles can be arranged. A peace
agreement with definite guarantees be-
hind it, he contends, would accom-
plish that result.