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Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2800, 4 February 1878, Page 2

A EtraiotTß, which caused a painful seasation, was industriously circulated last night to the effect that news had been received of England's having declared war against Eussia. After seeing our contemporary's sensational headlines prefixed to the few items of calograms scarcely later than those published by us on Saturday, it is not difficult to assume whence the rumour originated. It is, no doubt, much to be feared that in spite of the recent assurances of members of the British Cabinet to the contrary, Great Britain will soon be involved in the struggle between Russia and Turkey; and historical precedent, her own prestige, and the terms of the Treaty of Paris, all lead us to the conclusion that Britain's interference will be on the side of Turkey. Notwithstanding this, we deprecate any cry of " wolf" before the wolf appears; and especially is this sort of sensationalism undesirable when direct communication with Europe is interrupted, and days may intervene between the occurrence of some striking event and its transmission to the colonies. The news published this morning does not warrant the extreme views promulgated by our contemporary, or the circulation of the rumour last night. Certainly the occupation of Gallipolli by the British —a port and town on which the Eussians are said to be advancing—might be accepted by the latter as a declaration of war, but it might also have the effect, by its very boldness, of arresting the advance of the Eussians over a country every mile of which progress brings them nearer to a direct violation of the Treaty of Paris, entered into with three other powerful nations, and from the conditions of which Eussia has not been released. But then it must also be remembered that the occupation of Gallipolli by British troops has been reported before, and without foundation, and there may nofc be greater truth in this latest statement by cable. One other remark we have to make, regarding the manufacture or doctoring of calograms. On Saturday we published one item to this effect: " A St. Petersburg serai - official journal states that the relations between England and Eussia are improved." Our contemporary, presumedly copying from us» makes it read : " A St. Petersburg semiofficial journal states that the relations between England and Eussia are not improved. 1' flow far the alteration, by the insertion of the word " not," is justified, we leave lo the judgment of readers, especially those who are in the habit of telegraphing or receiving telegrams. The original message was as follows: " St. Petersburg semiofficial journal stales relations between England and Eussia improved." Of course the insertion of the word " not" suited the view of our contemporary regarding the situation, but such tactics are dishonest, misleading, and calculated to render all news by wire absolutely unreliable. Should England become involved in the war, the news will reach us soon enough, and the exaggeration of facts which though ominous are not deCnite, will only tend to create unneces-

sary nlarm and uneasiness. One thing may bo conceded, that tho occupation of Gullipolli by the Itussians would precipitate matters, for it would be as menacing to " British interests " as the presence of a .Russiau army in Constantinople, commanding as it does, the Btruits of tho Dardanelles and the approach, to the Black Sea.