Russia and England.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2861, 16 April 1878, Page 3

Russia and England.

Iv the present crisis between England and Russia, tlte utterances of the l{ns>ian Press may be interesting. Tim following translation from "iho ("!01-<». which. The Timos' S. Petersburg!) i-nrrespomlent says, "is generally tin- re|iro9entalive oT diplomatic wisdom and political prudence," we give verba'im : —

" A great event has occurred which many among us have ardently desired, but if we listen attentively to the voice of public opinion, we can easily perceive that the news of peace has not produced any particular joy. On the contrary, it is considered by many as a severe blow to our legitimate interests. There is neither delight nor rejoicing, nor triumph, such as there was on the conclusion of the former peace of Adrianople. How is this to bo explained? Probably by the fact that in 1829 we dictated to Turkey a peace most honorable to ourselves, while now, in 1878, after taking prisoners more than 100.000 Turks and shattering all the Turkish armies, we must submit the conditions of peace to the confirmation of all Europe! That is what lies like a nightmare on the soul of every Russian. He cannot understand why Europe, which remained neutral during the war, and did not 3pend a kopek or a drop of blood for the salvation of the Turkish Christians, can now dictate to us conquerors the conditions of peace. To his plain common sense it is unintelligible that only the famous Anglo - Turkish and Austro-Hungarian interests should be respected, when Bussian blood flowed in torrents for the honor, glory, and interests of the .Russian people. Are the legitimate interests of Russia as nothing compared to the necessity of keeping up the prestige of the Austrian Government and the inexplicable interests of the insatiable British lion P These questions are at present much discussed in public, and the doubts which they raise lead to very sad reflections. In listening to these outpourings of just indignation we become alarmed for the immediate future and ultimate destiny of this causo for which the Eussian people flew to arras. It would seem that the preliminary peace concluded with Turkey has greatly diminished the significance of Russia as a Great Power, and will give to our avowed and secret enemies in Western Europe the opportunity of laughing both at oar weakness and at the smallness of the results obtained at such sacrifice. We cannot believe in such an end to the war. It seems to us impossible that Eussia should submit to play the part of a meek servant of a Western Europe. Never will the RusBian Government consent to sacrifice the blood aDd fortune of its subjects to serve the prestige of another Government and to give to * the Shylock of European politics' right to say that he dictated to victorious Russia the conditions of her peace with Turkey. That is impossible, and it will never be so long as there remains a drep of blood in the veins of the Eussian people and a single kopek for the defence of its honor and its rights. We look forward with more confidence to the final issue oi the war and of the now commencing diplomatic campaign. We are convinced that Kussia will not yield a single iota of her demands, which have been determined by the necessity of securing an honorable and lasting peace. Only believe in the self-sacrificing devotion of the nation —only trust to :jts boundless love for the honor and dignity of Eussia, and you will fear no threats from armed fleets or diplomatic representations. Recognising fully its part in the great historic mission, Russian policy will soon put English and European interests in their proper place, beside and not above the undeniable legitimate interests of Eussia."