The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5276, 21 February 1878, Page 2

The New Zealand Times (PUBLISHED DAILY.) THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1878.

When the news was received that the British fleet had been ordered to Constantinople considerable uneasiness was created in the minds of colonists that England would bo involved in a war with Russia, but when a second telegram arrived stating that the fleet had arrived at its destination unopposed those apprehensions wore allayed. Again, wo were informed that the entry of the British squadron into the Sea of Marmora was with the full consent of Russia ; at least Prince Gortuhakoff stated so after the event, but that it was to be concurrent with the occupation of Stamboul by a Russian land force. However, tlic Czar and his advisers have been out in their reckoning, for Earl Derby lias informed the Russian Ambassador that the occupation of Constantinople by the army of the Czar might lead to serious consequences. The despatch of the fleet through the Dardanelles was the first decisive step England took in the wav, and points to the conclusion that she meant to fight if need bo. The telegram received yesterday afternoon, to the effect that the British squadron had left Constantinople for Mudania, a seaport on the Asiatic coast of the Sea of Marmora, is doubtless in consequence of tlic agreement to refer the Eastern Question to a conference of the "roa.t European Powers, to bo held at Baden Baden. It may bo safely relied upon that it was no intimidation on the part of Russia or Turkey which caused the withdrawal of the fleet from Constantinople. The bulldog would not so easilylo.se his hold, despite fact that there is a considerable section in Groat Britain who advocate peace on almost any terms. The following from the World pretty well summarises the views of that party:—“lf war is the doom of England, enormously increased taxation, and prices fixed at prohibitory points, would go hand in hand. There would bo misery, starvation, and emigration on a scale as yet undreamed of.

There might bo worse than this. The ‘ penny loaf at oightpence might produce riots and disturbances even among the peaceable andorder-loviugEnglish masses Our whole social .and political system would bo subjected to a strain of such unprecedented severity that its capacity to bear can only be conjectural. The farmers would at first be gainers, lor the value of wheat and grain of all kinds would speedily rise. But the gulf which used to separate town and country interest;, is now almost completely filled up, and the divorce that once existed between commerce and agriculture has been annulled. With the exception of a shortlived pecuniary gain accruing to the farmers, it is impossible to mention any class, save newspaper proprietors and holders of certain foreign scrip, who could derive any advantage. The country laborer, like the city artisan, would bo confronted by starvation. Prices would rise and wages would fall. Wo should be assailed on each side by sinister rumors of urban disaffection and agrarian rising. The seas would swarm with Alabamas, and the effect of these and of the emigration movements that would take placo from this country would be to turn the tide of prosperity back to America. It was not so much the Alabama business which lost the United States its carrying trade on the high seas as the unwisdom of the United States’ legislators in fixing a virtually prohibitive tariff for iron—not seeing that out of this material the carrying ships of the future would bo made. There are signs that American statesmen have recognised their mistake ; and the recognition of such a mistake, coming at a time when England was a belligerent, would bo to give the United States commercial pre-eminence among the nations of the world. Lastly, there are the consequences which war might have upon the political party that declared it. A Conservative Administration might enjoy for a short while the fierce glory of a ‘ spirited policy but when that period passed away when the master-minds of Conservatism have disappeared—-who shall say that the condition of the Conservative party might not be that of the mingled stupor and delirium which is the sequel of the drunkard’s debauch }” Wo believe that our contemporary is quite right in its surmise that the sea would swarm with Alabamas, and that it is the distant parts of the Empire which would ba affected by the enemy’s cruisers. In such a case, what provision has boon made for the defences of the harbors of this colony '! Absolutely none. We very much question if there are seaports of equal importance in the world so utterly devoid of protection. When the Home Government despatched Sir William Jekvois to report upon the defences of the Australasian colonies, his services were eagerly availed of by our neighbors. This was the only colony which refused to make provision for the hour of danger. Any ordinary observer of events can fully realise that since the commencement of the Russo-Turkish war the peace of Europe hung in the balance. In Melbourne, so strong was the apprehension of England becoming involved that everything was placed upon a war footing. Mr. Graham Berry, the Victorian Premier, although he might himself assault the Constitution of the colony, took wise precautions for the defence of the lives and property of the citizens of Melbourne from the attacks of a foreign foe. Sir George Grey stated in the House that the Home Government would keep these seas free of hostile warships. The statesmen of the other colonies entertain more common-sense views, and have a higher conception of the duties of colonists, When it is reflected that the navy of the United States was unable for years to stay the work of destruction carried on by a few Confederate cruisers, it will be seen that it would be impossible for England to protect every portion of her vast Empire from attack. No doubt, the mother country would defend the colonies with her last man and her last shilling, as has frequently been expressed by English statesmen. Nevertheless, a perfectly natural and reasonable feeling prevails at Home that the colonies should do something to protect themselves. The whole brunt of defending the colonies should not fall upon the shoulders of the British taxpayer. Now that the Eastern Question has been referred to a Conference, the danger is not so imminent as it appeared a few days ago ; however, we trust that the gentlemen who in the future may hold the reins of power in this colony will not be regardless of such an important matter as the defence of our harbors.

Since the foregoing was written another telegram has been received, stating that the European situation is less threatening, and it is expected that Germany will exert a moderating influence over Russia. We are inclined to the opinion that the decisive though somewhat tardy action of England, in despatching the fleet to Constantinople, has had an immense pacific influence on Russia, and that the uneasiness of Austria in regard to Russian ambition has also had much weight in shaping the course of events.