The Globe. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1878.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1263, 5 April 1878, Page 2

The Globe. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 1878.

The firm attitude at last assumed by tbe British Cabinet is producing results. The Circular Note to the European Powers, explaining England’s policy, has been received with applause throughout the Continent. That Circular, the telegrams inform us, criticised the terms of peace between Turkey and Russia, and insisted on the whole being submitted to tbe Conference. To understand the position it may be interesting to glance at the progress of events during the last ten days. On March 24th it was announced that Russia insisted on the exclusion from the consideration of the Conference the question of Bessarabia and the cession of Armenia as essential to a modification of the treaty conditions demauded by England Austria. On the other hand Great Britain as strongly insisted that all the terms should be submitted, and at the same time kept actively placing her fleet and her army on a war footing. A small railway for military purposes had been purchased, and four new powerful ironclads added to‘ the list of our navy. This action, as a matter of course, greatly irritated Russia. Again the scone changed. On the 25th we were informed that the Emperor of Russia was inclined to reduce the terms provided Turkey would enter into an offensive and defensive alliance; and on the 26th Russian troops were stated to be embarking for home. But after gaining possession of the port of Bojukdero the embarkation of homeward bound troops was countermanded. On March 27th the situation was” declared to be critical, although in official circles it was still thought that war might he averted. Russia was stated to have finally refused England’s demands, and the meeting of the conference was supposed to have been virtually abandoned. On the 28th Lord Derby resigned because ho opposed the determination of the Cabinet to call out tho Reserves, This step had been resolved upon, Earl Beaconsfield stated in the interests of peace, and for the security of the Empire. The next day’s news was that orders were issued to have tho troop ships in readiness to embark the army corps, and to all

appearance war would be declared in tbe course of a few days. Moreover the Chancellor of the Exchequet stated in the House that the time had come when a a decided step would have to be taken. In the meantime Russia had been straining every nerve to isolate Austria from England, General Ignatieff was despatched on a special mission to Vienna with that aim, but he had to return, without accomplishing his object, Austria immediately assumed a more decided tone, and announced to Europe her determination to oppose the terras of peace. At the same time the Marquis of Salisbury issued the circular despatch to the European powers explaining England’s position. He insisted on the necessity of all the provisions of the peace being considered in relation to existing treaties. This document has been received with applause both by the English and the majority of the continental press. It is evident that the firm attitude of the English Cabinet has largely aided in permitting the possibilities of a peace. Austria has been induced by it to take a decided course, and the approval of the French Republican journals is evidence that the Government of that country sympathise with the steps England is taking. It is evident that Russia was under the impression that England dare not show fight. Up to the time that the fleet had actually entered the sea of Marmora, the Ministerial policy was hesitating and wavering. Action was only resolved upon when the Turks were completely crushed, and when Russia had gained every advantage. Under promises which were made only to bo broken, the Czar “ pushed on the realisation of his wildest dreams, and the Turks, stung with rage and maddened with despair, threw themselves into the arms of the Czar-” Such is the present position of affairs. One portion of the English fleet is in the Sea of Marmora and the other at Gallipoli, but Russia is in possession of a position which commands the entrance to the Black Sea, while she is fortifying the lines of Tchataldja, which command Constantinople, and she is in possession of nearly the whole country of European Turkey. We have no further information regarding the Czar’s purpose to enter into an alliance offensive and defensive with the Sultan, but were such an event to take place, England would enter upon the campaign under great disadvantages. Not only would Russia start with all the Turkish fortresses in her possession, but the fleet would be available against us. Notwithstanding these advantages, Russia hesitates to enter upon the struggle. Convinced at last that England means war, she has paused in her career of aggression. An Austrian and English alliance would, in spite of the drawbacks under which they would labor, be such as to test to the utmost the strength of Russia to oppose. But it is useless to speculate. The aspect of affairs changes with such rapidity that even in this issue wo may announce some startling combination of events which may completely upset all calculations.

Elsewhere we re-publish, witli a most important addition, Mr. Clark’s report on the water supply of Christchurch. In making a clear copy of the rough draft it appears that one slip was accidentally omitted, and so an incomplete report forwarded to his Worship. The portion left out contained Mr. Clark’s recommendations, which are contained in the paragraph immediately following the estimate of the cost of the various schemes. He proposes taking the water from the head waters of the Avon 34ft. above Cathedral Square, which will give fall enough to supply all the houses with water. For fire preventive purposes ho proposes keeping a steam-engine constantly with steam [up, which could pump into the mains through an air vessel, as soon as an alarm of fire was raised.