LETTERS TO TIIE EDITOR.
CONSTANTINOPLE IN 1S73.
170 THR EDITOR 07 THB 8PROTATOR:1 Sza,—I have only just seen Mr. Julian Sturgis's interesting letter on the subject in the Spectator of September 26th. I also was at Constantinople at the time, and at Buyukdere also, in continual intercourse with Russians. It wasa charming society, and we could discuss burning questions with the utmost good humour, at the moment when politics had to be forbidden at Belgravian dinner-tables. The feeling against England was very bitter, and it often would be said,—" We can't take India from you, perhaps, but we will never cease to annoy you there." They complained naturally enough, that after all the blood and treasure spent, Constantinople was as far off as ever, and that only the certainty of England's laisser alter had started them on the enterprise. The report was current, too, that the Grand Duke (Nicholas, was it ?) on arriving at San Stefano received two telegrams, one from the Emperor, " enter," the other from Prince Gortachakoff, " don't." The Grand Duke was never forgiven, I believe, by the nation for obeying the counsel of caution.
It was more than once said to me,—" Who has gained by the war ? England, who has picked up Cyprus at our expense." When the news of the arrangement leaked out, through some speculators hurrying to buy up land in the island, the Russian colony would not believe it, and even Rustem Pasha, a sincere friend of England, who had retired to Buyukder4 after his Governorship of the Lebanon, said guardedly, "It seems un likely. Ce n'est pas dans les traditions Anglaises.' The Turks were furious at our not helping them till the last moment, and then for a price; and when I left, it seemed difficult tc know which of the two nations we had offended most deeply. Though the Russians were encamped so near Constantinople, there was little sign of their presence, and the °fillers only showed there in mufti, and effaced themselves completely. When our Fleet came up the English seemed the victorious masters of the city, en evidence everywhere. Times are changed since then, and the defeated Russians now make le pluie et is beau temps. Is it another example of the eternal justice of history ? But I cannot help thinking that after the humiliations we have so often imposed on the Russians, they do not presume so very much now on their undoubted triumph.
As I write, Mr. Courtney's letter in the Times of October 19th comes as a commentary on the difficulties our selfish policy has created for us everywhere. Excuse my expressing regret that the Spectator not only could recom- mend the annexation of Egypt, but also the swallowing of Zanzibar, as a bonne.bouche. One must live abroad to know that Mr. Courtney's policy is the only one England can follow with honour and safety. Till some arrangement of the kind is carried out she will always be distrusted as the snapper-up of considered and unconsidered trifles, and any attempt at redressing the abuses of other lands will be paralysed by the Powers till we have set our own house in order. It is not a Little Englander who writes, but one of those who gave in their names to start the Navy League.— I am, Sir, &c., [We bought Zanzibar with Heligoland.—ED. Spectator.]
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