The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1881.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 4049, 20 December 1881, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1881.

Although the attention of English statesmen has been to a large extent confined to the consideration of the best remedies for the Irish people, it must not be supposed that they have exclusively given themselves up to the discussion of the reforms necessary to render Ireland a more prosperous country than at present. One question has, and is likely to exhaust a large amount of time—we refer to the hideous nightmare that has been the chief cause of uneasiness amongst the European Powers—the Eastern Question. The policy enunciated by the London Times has drawn forth the hostile criticism, and unsavoury remarks of nearly the whole of the Continental Press. It would appear that an Englishman, possessing a considerable knowledge in politics, wrote to the Times suggesting a remedy, which he felt sure would effectually put an end to the tedious Eastern Question, and would result in the establishment of a desirable and permanent peace. He proposed to portion but the Ottoman Empire among three powers—Austria was to have Salonica and Prevesa, and thus acquire all Epirus and Macedonia ; Russia would be satisfied with the capital of Turkey, as it is well known she has manifested a longing for Constantinople from time almost immemorial, whilst England was to receive the choicest portion, in the addition of Egypt to her already large possessions. On reading the above, everyone will be struck with the naive proposals of the Englishman, especially in regard to his own nation. Not only this, but it has been a subject of unfavorable comment by the Continental Press, that the claims of France and Italy have been entirely ignored. The Italian papers are unanimous in the opinion that their nation cannot be considered as of

equal rank with the three Empires mentioned ; but asserts, and with considerable justice, in our opinion, that although an older power, England has no right to dispose of the territory laved by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, without first consulting the power that, if not the strongest, can lay claim to more ancient prestige than fair Album herself. But even supposing that Italy were to remain a silent and acquiescent onlooker, is it not madness to suppose France would maintain the same attitude p We have had main proof that Franco has long since manifested a teuder feeling of regard for Egypt, and the late expedition in Tunis has shown that she is determined to assert her interests in that direction. The Austrian Press also is unfavorable in the criticism of the Englishman's proposals, on the ground that Austria is not strong enough to accept the burthen so kindly conceded by the Saxon politician. She says, " What, however, would Austria stake if she allowed herself to be tempted into giving effect to English proposals ? Her repose, her -peaceful development, and, perhaps, her existence." From the above it may be surmised that the settlement of the Eastern Question is almost as far off being definitely settled as it ever has been; inasmuch as no proposals for the partition of Turkey could be made so as to be satisfactory to all nationalities alike. Every year the question is brought up, and all European nations, and especially the English, have cause to recommend a total reorganisation of the finances and government of the effete Turkish Empire; but each Christmas passes without a satisfactory settlement, because no arrangement can be arrived at that will satisfy the demands of the various governments having interests at stake in the country that has proved ever a bar to the satisfactory termination of this tedious Question, and the thorough civilisation of Eastern Europe.