TOPICS OF THE DAY.
THE LATEST RUMOURS.
THElatest rumours of the hour are interesting, if they are only true. They indicate that the Russian Government, partly under the influence of the Emperor's indecision, and partly from eagerness to stand well with Europe, has agreed, if the Protocol is signed, to disarm when peace is made with Montenegro, and when the Turkish Government has agreed to treat directly with St. Petersburg. The British Govern- ment, again, in its eagerness to avoid a failure visible to its own followers, has, with one reserve showing deep-rooted dis- trust of Russia, expressed its readiness to sign the Protocol, the precise terms of which it still keeps concealed. Should this arrangement be carried out, an assumption we do not make, Russia will have secured three very important objects. She is left free to choose her own moment for action ; she has obtained the formal assent of Europe to the proposition that Turkish misgovernment is a European and not an internal question ; and she has obtained the power of throwing the whole onus of refusing to disarm upon the Government of Turkey, which, if it acts consistently, will plead that its " Parliament" will not allow of any diplomatic interference with its independent action. These are important diplomatic successes for Russia, but they will be purchased, if at all, at the price of an apparent deser- tion of the Southern Slays, who have been promised active protection, and not an endless continuance of diplomatic chatter, of a breach of the Russian Emperor's pledge at Moscow—he having obtained no guarantees whatever—and of an immense increase in the Pashas' confidence in themselves. They will say, and say justly, that the only motive for such a recoil after such a demonstration is fear; and say also, unjustly but naturally, that the fear is fear of Turkish prowess in the field. They will consider themselves at liberty to treat their Christian serfs exactly as they please, their absolutism being declared by Europe too necessary to be disturbed. If any doubt should remain in their minds as to this pleasing conclusion, it will be removed by the anxious care of the British Foreign Office. Lord Derby intends to send an Ambassador again to Constantinople, and thus inform the Turks and the world that England was not really annoyed at the failure of the Conference, but only expressed an unreal annoyance because other nations did, and because it was not expedient openly to make Lord Salisbury ridiculous. The moment it could be decently done the Foreign Office resumed its old position, and to show clearly that it had resumed it, selected as its Envoy Mr. Layard, the strongest Turcophile, except Sir Henry Elliot, at its im- mediate disposal. No course could be conceived more acceptable to the Pashas, whose victory over Europe, Russia, and civilisation is thus announced to every corner of their dominions, and who can now recommence in safety their work of " settling " Bashi-Bazouks in the Greek provinces and islands where " repression " begins to be desirable.
We confess we distrust the whole story. The anxiety of Russia to see this Protocol signed, to procure one more assur- ance on paper that Turkey is a bad Power, is to us unintelli- gible ; but nothing whatever has been changed in the situation, which originally produced the European alarm. Turkey is not even externally at peace, for Montenegro has still the audacity to declare that she is entitled to the terms settled by all Europe. The insurrection in Bosnia is not over, but is, on the contrary, about to assume, as the weather improves, very much larger proportions. The fate of the Slav Christians is no better, but worse, for every outrage has been embittered by a momentary hope that Russia would keep her promises, and save them at least from open violence. No " reforms " of the character required—that is, reforms enabling Christians to enjoy the fruits of their labour in security—have been carried out, or can be carried out, with the instruments possessed by the Turkish Government. No fear whatever has been inspired in Constantinople, where the Pashas think their army irresistible, and point with pride to a fleet which, whatever its condition, is commanded by an Englishman, quite certain to do all to protect them that can be done by daring, capacity, and fidelity to the cause which he unfortunately serves. At sea and on shore, the Sultan sees no enemy he need dread, unless it be the fanatics, who can be soothed by giving the Rayahs into their hands. Every circumstance which can make Turkish rule intolerable, or excite patriotic Russians, or make insurrection imminent is, in fact, intensified ; and then we are told that peace is secured, that Englishmen may make profits comfortably, and that there never was wisdom equal to the wisdom of a Government which covers a cesspool with paper, and claims for that grand sanitary measure a certificate of the health of the house. With such a Government ruling Great Britain, and such a spirit reigning though Europe, anything is possible ; but for the present, we decline to believe that the right cause has been hopelessly crushed down. After all, slavery was not solidified when John Brown was so triumph- antly hanged.
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