Perplexed | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 3, 1871

Perplexed.

The following statement, which we clip from the Detroit Post, shows the perplexity attending even a Conference called to deliberate upon European affairs:—

The London Conference, in which the Great Powers are expected to consider the “Eastern Question,” now appears likely to have about as free a discussion as men might have with their mouths gagged. England will not allow the Congress to discuss the real “Eastern Question.” France will object to any discussion of that part of the “Eastern Question” that relates to Egypt. Bismarck says the Congress must not presume to discuss the Franco-German war. Italy will not allow any mention of the pope. Spain will insist upon absolute silence relative to her affairs. Russia says she means to reject that part of the treaty of 1856 which provides neutrality on the Black Sea, whatever the Congress does or says. And now Turkey comes forward and objects to any discussion touching the Danubian Provinces. “Men,” said a French general once, “this election is perfectly free. Every soldier will vote exactly as he pleases. But if any one votes against the government, he shall be shot!” So this Congress is to consider the Russian claims, provided it decides as Russia wishes; to consider the “Eastern Question,” provided it does not meddle with British or French operations in the East; to declare whether the old balance-of-power treaties are still binding, provided it does not meddle with the treaty of 1807, which Prussia repudiates, or the treaties which guaranteed the papal see, which Italy repudiates, or the violation of treaties of which both France and Prussia have been guilty, or the Spanish disturbance, or the Danubian Provinces questions, or the Concordat, which Austria has repudiated. Except these, and a few dozens of other strict limitations, the conference will be perfectly free!