THE OBLIGATIONS OF RUSSIA.
[To THE EDITOR 01 THE "SPECTATOR.")
Sra,—The two definite suggestions in your articles in the Spectator of September 19th will, I hope, soon bear fruit. If it is impossible otherwise to induce Russia to fulfil the obligations which the commonest humanity imposes upon her, by all means let a definite offer be made to further her acquisition of Constantinople in return for the establishment of sound government over all Christians in Turkey. If this fails, I trust we shall not shrink from the further policy you suggest of formulating our demand for good government, declaring our entire disinterestedness, and occupying Smyrna temporarily as a guarantee. Europe dare not, in face of Christian opinion, try to turn us out; and if they did, I think Italy and our cousins across the Atlantic might well have "Something to say on our side. My object, however, in writing now is not only to heartily support these proposals, Yait also to urge that there is still a third policy which we are free to adopt without let or hindrance from any. We can recall Sir P. Currie, and entrust the care of our nationals to Italy or the United States. We can dismiss the Turkish Ambassador here, breaking off all diplomatic relations with the man whom Gladstone rightly calls "the Assassin" and the Duke of Westminster "the Incarnate Fiend." Further, we can solemnly withdraw from this shameless concert of inaction, and publishing to all Europe in an open despatch the histo .y of our efforts and of the sacrifices we offered to make, we can throw upon the Powers who have rejected every proposal of ours the entire responsibility for whatever may happen. How long will it be before they are suitors
to us P—I am, Sir, Sze., H. J. TORR. The Woodlands, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire. P.S.—Cannot the most cautions of meetings suggest this ?
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