The Eastern Question

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 21, 1878

The Eastern Question.

Of the dispatches to the effect that the Russians are now occupying Constantinople, the London Post says:—

“We do not know at this moment what the precise nature of the occupation is. According to some diplomatists, the Russians have possessed themselves of two forts in the Bayouk and Chekmedji lines. According to others they have gained still greater advantages. Details are of small moment. Practically, all are agreed that the capital of Turkey and the key of the East, is in the hands of the Czar.

“Indignation will be of little avail. It will be alleged that no deception has been practiced, and we shall discover that this was one of the terms of the armistice which was never communicated to us. Yesterday the British military and naval force could, at any moment, occupy Constantinople, while the Austrian army could cut the Russian communications. To-day the situation is entirely altered. The British fleet can no longer advance to Constantinople, and may find itself even barred out at the Dardanelles.

“The Czar can now afford to laugh at Austrian menaces, since his communications are open from Constantinople to Odessa or Sebastopol. Our pottering over a trumpery £6,000,000 will probably cost us ten times that sum; but, whatever the cost, it is still to be hoped that the country will see its honor vindicated. This direct attack upon our honor will raise a feeling of resentment not to be appeased until we shall have taught our foe that we have the will and power to punish chicanery and maintain the empire which he is seeking to undermine.”

The warlike excitement in England is beginning to be shared in Austria, and the dual monarchy, timid as it is, and in spite of the moderating advice from Berlin, is rolling up its sleeves. The cloud gathering over Europe grows blacker day by day.—Detroit Evening News.