The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5263, 5 February 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1878.

The news received by .cable within the last day or two is of a startling character, and points to a possibility of England becoming involved in the war. From the first: sign of the’ collapse of the Turkish arms, it was feared that the belligerents might agree to terms of peace without reference to the other Powers of Europe, and' without consulting their interests. ’ In this it was felt lay the great danger of England being dragged into a war. If the late telegrams to hand convey anything more than conjecture, there appears to be grave cause for apprehension. We were first informed that the terms for a treaty of peace had been agreed to, and afterwards came the announcement that the Porte was pledged not to reveal the conditions until a formal treaty of peace was concluded. However, it was stated that the terms Russia dictated included the independence of Servia, with the addition of a part of Montenegro, and a war indemnity of fifty millions; the Russians to hold Kars, Batoum, and Erzeroum until such time as the indemnity was paid. These terms, certainly, on the face of them, do not appear harsh. If tho integrity of Turkey were not held inviolate by these conditions,' she would still remain a power of considerable magnitude in Europe. Servia heretofore was almost independent, whilst as for Montenegro the warlike mountaineers who inhabit that tributary state were a source of constant annoyance to the Ottomans, and were continually waging a war of independence, Under the -conditions telegraphed it would appear , that the price Prince Milan was to be paid for his treachery in not adhering to his treaty obligations, was to be the absolute independence of Servia, and the annexation of a portion, of the , small State of Montenegro. It was expected that more concessions than the above would be demanded of Turkey. The Czar ostensibly went; to war to protect the : Christians of European-Turkey, and i the work'could not: be considered’ accomplished till Bulgaria was rendered completely, independent. It was felt that nd‘treaty for : better behavior on the part of Turkey would bo a sufficient guarantee against Turkish misrule as long as Bulgaria remained an integral part of Turkey - It appeared to !us somewhat unaccountable that, no i mention was made, in the telegrams announcing the basis of peace, of some provision for tho protection of the Bulgarians, the people who; were alleged to have suffered the most through Turkish onpressioh,- and who were the* morp completely at the mercy, of the Porte owing to their contiguity to the seat! of Moslem power., It was,the Bulgarian atrocities Which gave Russia a protexfcl for going to war, -and for her to draw back without substantial guarantees being exacted from Turkey for the protection; of thoi Bulgarians ;would be to leavp the work for which the Czar professedly drew tho sword practically undone; - No -mere clause, in a treaty—so said Russian 5 sympathisers—woiilcl'^be' 1 suflicieni to protect tho from the. vengeance of tho Turks. The twopebplos for centuries) have cordially-,hated! each Other, and this hatred has been'intensified Iby the horrible' -cruelties committed by both sides since the commencement of tho 'present conflict. Those who havo witnessed the fearful -acts of slaughter

which have taken place in Bulgaria within the last eighteen months give it as their opinion that Bulgarian and Mahommedan cannot in futuro exist on thb same 50i1... /Bulgaria’’has been decribed as 7 the; backbone of Turkey. It comprises the greater part of tho Turkish terri;. toryin Europe, and it did seem exceedingly strange that the Russian armies, after having driven the Turks from Bulgaria, should march back again, and leave their fellow-Slavs and co-religionists to their fate. However, .the, telegram received last night is more intelligible than those previously received. It conveys the information that the treaty of peace contains, conditions that will virtually amount to the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire in Europe. Sir Stafford Northcotb, so- runs the telegram, has stated in the House of Commons that, according to authentic information, the conditions of peace included the formation of Bulgaria into an autonomous military principality, with a Christian ruler; the independence of Roumauia, Seryia, and Mon tenegro ; the administrative, autonomy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These terms, if finally agreed to, will be equivalent to carrying out the long-projected policy of wiping out the “ Sick Man.” Russia also demands the payment of an indemnity, and an ulterior agreement protecting Russian interests, in the Dardanelles; With reference to the war indemnity, if it be fifty millions,’ as stated, it is hard to see how Turkey is to raise the money. Everyavailable coin has already been wrung from her'people, and her credit is completely gone in the foreign money markets. Even before the present war Turkish bonds were selling for a fraction of their nominal value, and the Porte was unable to pay interest on loans. There may be some truth in tba statement that Russia is to hold Eczeroura, Batoum,, and Kars till the money is forthcoming; and as Turkey will never probably be in a position to pay the indemnity, the Russian occupation of TurkishArmenia may be regarded as permanent should none of the European Powers interfere at the present juncture of affairs. It has been said that the possession of Armenia’would give Russia a vantage ground in future Asiatic wars, and would be a standing menace to England. However, there is a great conflict of opinion in England on this point, and we do not suppose that the annexation of Armenia would influencehertoanygreatexteutin declaring war against Russia, It is about the Dar'danelles-lias tho chief danger to European and English interests. That'the Black Sea shall not become a Russian lake is the, ground that England will most likely take up, and in this we may anticipate, she will have the support of Austria,; a : Power that is , more .vitally . interested in the question. Meanwhile, despite all the talk about peace, the Russian army is marching against Constantinople, and the fleets of France and Italy have been ordered to take up a position; close to the scene of warlike operations. In h few days tidings may be received of the outbreak of a great European war, though-we are still inclined to believe that the difficulty will be got over without further reference to the arbitrament of the sword. When Russia is really convinced that : England ( is in earnest, she will yield'many'points before incurring a war with the greatest Power,ln the world.