The Viennese press is greatly moved by a recent utterance
of Prince Bismarck. In an interview with a correspondent of the Zukunft, the ex-Chancellor has, it is said for the fourth time, invited Russia to seize Constantinople by a coup de main with forty thousand men, pension off the Sultan, and then wait calmly to see who would declare war. He believes, evidently, that nobody would; and that both Austria and England would content themselves with obtaining the "com- pensations " to which he alludes, out of Turkish terri- tory. In this event, Russia would devote herself for many years to conquests in Asia ; while if England fought, Russia would be fully occupied, and in either event would be compelled to let Europe alone. We have discussed this advice, which excites great indignation in Austria, else- where; but may mention here that the St. Petersburg papers reject it, Russia having at present "no large designs." It may be added, that the Prince assumes the success of a rush on Constantinople a great deal too easily. The Emperor Nicholas -contemplated one in 1854, but was convinced, most reluctantly, that the enterprise was impossible. Russia is stronger now in the Black Sea, but Turkey is better armed, and the Ottomans would fight for their capital to the death.
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