30 SEPTEMBER 1876, Page 14

THE PREMTRR'S SPEECH.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPROTATOR."3 Sin,—Permit me to point out the curious fact that whereas the- Tory papers are constantly telling their readers that the "atrocity- mongers "—as the Bulgarian sympathisers are nick-named in some quarters—are pandering to the ambitious designs of Russia, and that the latter Power is merely using Servia as a tool, and is entirely pursuing its own selfish interests in its attitude towards Turkey, we find from the utterances of the Premier—than whom no one knows better how to tickle the ears of an English audience—that the main end and aim of the policy of England in

secure its own vital interests. Five times in the course of his speech does the Premier repeat the statement that the vital interests of this great nation are of primary importance. How contemptible must this clap-trap make England appear is the eyes of foreigners, it is needless for me to point out.

For a statesman devoid of any higher motives than such as actuate Lord Beaconsfield in his control of British policy, it is- perhaps not surprising that he should see nothing but dishonesty and wickedness in the conduct of Servia, but it is also curious that Lord Beaconsfield should eulogise the "sublime sentiments" of his fellow-countrymen in their indignation at atrocities occur- ring at the other end of Europe, and yet fail to see any justification for the uncontrollable anger of the Servians, who are on the spot, and who naturally have tenfold greater inducements for active interference on behalf of their co-religionists and fellow-country- men than we have.

It would be easy to point out many more inconsistencies and unworthy sentiments in this speech, than which nothing is more calculated to alienate the Servians from our sympathies, and to drive them into the arms of Russia ; but I will not further trespass on your space.—I am, Sir, &c.,