The Times published on Wednesday a letter from the Duke
af Argyll in which his Grace states with unusual definiteness his opinion as to the best solution of the Eastern question. tie declares that, except perhaps Spain, no Continental State satisfied with its present territory, or free from the danger of losing some of its possessions, and that this is the cause of the universal armament, and especially the cause of the dis- creditable conduct of the Christian Powers in regard to the Armenians. He would therefore have England come to an understanding with Russia, but would not give her Constanti- nople, Russia already pressing too heavily on the "Hinterland," of every Power, except France, in the world. He would carry out in preference the idea of the Emperor Nicholas I., neutralise Constantinople and the Dardanelles, allow Russia free access to the sea., and subdivide the remainder of the Balkans in any way most convenient. That is a suggestion to be considered; but there are two difficulties,—Russia would probably reject a plan which would leave her open to mari- time attack on the South, and would scheme to obtain Con- stantinople just as much as before. The partition cannot be accomplished without war, and as Russia must bear much of the burden. Russia would expect much of the spoil.
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