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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5267, 9 February 1878, Page 2

Constantinople has fallen. Thin city, founded upon the site of Byzantium, was built a.i>. 328 by the Emperor Constantine, and after being the capital of the Eastern or Byzantine Emperor for more than 1000 years, was taken by the Ottomans in the year 1f53 of- our era. Its inhabitants, who number about 700,000, at the present day, consist of Turks (about half), the rest Greeks and Armenians, Jews and Franks. Since 'the time of' Fetor the Great, as is well known, the eyes of Russia have been steadily fixed on Stamboul ; and, at length, she is there. The' outlook is a grave one. That littlo reliance could bo placed on the promises of-the Czar was certain, but somewhat was expected from,his fears. la the face of the distinct language of England, and the ' invitation of , Austria to a Conference, the Northern Bear has chosen to hug the heart of Turkey in hia stern embrace The | Czar has thrown protocols, to the wind with his own word of honor ; but the Conference will perchance go on, for isi not. that great potentate an honorable : man. The possession..-of . the City of the Sultan will! give* Russia ■ a loud' voice.; in -any conference (should such be possible now). What courso;:England' and Austria will now take, what course the civilised powers 6f the world .will'take, .it is hard to say. Russia 1 is in the Golden Horn, and to get her out may not

prove an easy task. Of course the telegram, which reached us shortly before 3 o’clock this morning, requires confirmation. Let us hope, in the interests of England and civilisation, that it is incorrect.