The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1871.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2478, 25 January 1871, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1871.

'lhiE news from Europe is so fur reassuring that it seems probable the Russian difficulty will be got over; but of this we must not be too certain. We must never forget that conditions imposed upon a conquered nation are generally more galling than strict justice or impartiality require. They are jsacrifrces to necessity, and contain such -concessions as the conqueror pronounces pcedful as a guarantee for futilre peace.

Such being the case, they ave disabilities that are constantly felt. They may not of themselves be actually detrimental to the progress ■*>£ the country, but they annoy and irritate because of continually reminding the people of the result of an unsuccessful war. The destruction of the Turkish fleet at Sinope led to the condition in the treaty of the Russian coast on the Black Sea being left comparatively unprotected. No large licet was allowed in its waters—no arsenals on its shores. Turkey might arm, and Turkish ships might sail, but Russia was too dangerous, a customer to be trusted with means of attack, and must be content with the barest means of defence. The rest must be left to her good behaviour, Fourteen years have passed over, during which the country has been re organised, and great progress made in material prosperity as well as social re-organisa-tion. The railroad has materially strengthened Russia, by enabling the Government to concentrate troops at a short notice upon any point of attack. France is reduced to a state of helplessness, and the causes which led England to be nervously sensitive as to Russian movements in the East are to a great extent removed. Even Turkey can no longer be considered moribund. Western civilisation is rapidly modifying its institutions, and bringing its inhabitants into sympathy with the most advanced nations. So that in all probability such re-arrange-ments will in the Treaty of Paris as will to soothe the pride of Russia, and as are consistent with national equity. It is much better than a doubtful war; but then remains the question —What will satisfy Russia I She may ask too much, and the time taken to require the modifications is inopportune ; for no nation likes to concede to apparent fear what would be withheld as a matter of justice. It is the interest both of Russia and Great Britain to settle the matter amicably.' As for the"Alabama claims, ugly as the matter looks, we never dream of their causing a rupture with America. The two nations had once a three years’ war about the rights of neutrals, which was found a most unprofitable affair to both. Since that time they have had several nasty-look-ing disputes ; but in spite of a good deal of bounce on both sides, they do not forget their family relationship, and generally contrive to square matters so, that they become better friends than ever after the disputes ave settled 'An export and import trade of j£G5,000,000 annually is not a matter to be imperilled recklessly, and this only represents the United States side of the question. The English is equally important ; so that there is much to be lost and nothing to be gained on either side by war. But with all these reasons why hostilities should he avoided, some way or other tliey are sometimes ■slidden into ; and one point must not bo overlooked —“ the leadimj jonraah “ condemn the SHyy&ttiou that the Colo- “ aies remain nentmt in time of mar.” Long before the European troubles broke ouf, we pointed out the necessity of the Colonies pressing the English Government to this very arrangement. Not a single Nbav Zealand journal gave its help. Most likely many people thought the matter merely a wild theory that needed no consideration. Had it been done, however, there would have been less need to press defensive arrangements upon public attention. We again urge this matter upon those in authority. We never had serious apprehensions about the American Avar —a Russian quarrel is more likely ; but in such a seething pot of political complications as Europe is, no one can tell Avheuce a bIoAV may come. We tell the Mayor and Corporation it is part of their duty to see to it, and avc haA’e no doubt in all Avellarranged measures they Avill be supported energetically by the citizens. If they do not move, they may rest assured tliey will have abler men taking the work out of their hands.