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    Untitled Article

    " Does the treaty of Adrianople place llio Porte in a situation corresponding with the expectations raised by these assurances ? The answer must be left to the judgment of Europe ; it might be left to the dispassionate judgment of the Cabinet of St . Petersburg . " Undoubtedly , if we look only at the relative position of the two belligerents , tho fortune of the war might have enabled the Emperor to exact still harder terms . The Sultan , threatened by a formidable insnrrection in Constantinople , having lost his army , and having ordered the remaining Asiatic troops to retire to their homes , was unable to offer any effectual opposition , and threw himself under

    the mercy of the Russian commander . By the persuasion of the British and French ambassadors , and of the Minister Extraordinary of the King of Prussia , the defeated Monarch was induced to place entire confidence in the moderation of hLs Imperial Majesty . " It may not be easy ta accuse of want of generosity the conqueror who checks the unresisted progress of success , and who spares the defenceless capital of his enemy . Nevertheless , the treaty in question , certainly not in conformity ¦ with the expectations held out by preceding declarations and assurances , appears vitally to affect the interests , the strength , the dignity , the present safety , and future independence of the Ottoman empire .

    " The modes of domination may be various , although all equally irresistible . The independence of ii State may be overthrown and its subjection effectually secured without the presence of a . hostile ibrce , or the permanent occupation of its soil . Under the present treaty the territorial acquisitions of Russia are small , it must be admitted , in extent , although most important in their character . They are commanding positions , far more valuable than the possession -of barren provinces and depopulated towns , and better calculated to rivet the fetters by which the Sultan is bound . " The cession of the Asiatic fortresses , with their neighbouring districts , not only secures to Kussia the uninterrupted occupation of tlio eastern coast of the Black Sea , but places her in a situation so commanding as to control at ^ p leasure tlte destiny of Asia Minor .

    " Prominently advanced into the centre of Armenia , in the midst of a Christian population , Russia holds the keys both of the Persian and the Turkish provinces ; und , whether she may be disposed to extend her conquests to the east or to the ¦ west , to Teheran or to Constantinople , no serious obstacle -can arrest her progress . " In Europe the principalities of Wallacbia and Moldavia are rendered virtually independent of the Porte . A tribute is , indeed , to be paid to the Sultan , which he has no means ¦ of enforcing except , by the permission and even the assistance of Russia herself ; and a prince , elected for life , is to demand investiture which cannot be withheld . The Mussulman inhabitants are to be forcibly expelled from the territory . The ancient right of pre-emption is abolished ; and tho supplies indispensable for Constantinople , for the Turkish arsenals , and for the fortresses are entirely cut off . The

    most important fortresses upon the Danube are to-be razed , and the frontierleft exposed and unprotected against incursions which at any future time may be attempted . " It is sufficient to observe of the stipulations respecting the islands of the Danube , that their effect must be to place the control of the navigation and commerce of that river exclusively in the hands of liussia . " Servin , by the incorporation of the six districts referred to in the treaty , is erected into an independent and powerful State ; and when tho Allied Powers shall have finally decided upon the character of the Government , and tho limits to bo assigned to Greece , the circle will be completed of territories nominally dependent or tributary , but which must be animated with tho most hostile spirit ; and the recognition of which by tho Powers of Europe is scarcely compatible with the security , perhaps not with the existence of the Turkish

    empire . " Thu commercial privileges and personal immunities which are secured by tho treaty to thu subjects , of Kussia appear to be at variance with any notion wo are able to form of tho authority of a sovereign and independent prince . It is true that by capitulations with the Porte , in consequence of the defective uareunistration of justice by the Turkish Government , rights have been obtained by L tiro pen n nations of such a description aa would not have been conceded by the States of Christendom . These rights have not only been still further extended by the present treaty , but the stipulations , so far from being drawn up in the spirit of peace , are to nil appearance rather calculated to invite and justify the renewal of hostilities . What reasonable prospect of ' eternal peace , friendship , « nd good understanding , ' can bo afforded by an instrument which contains a special provision ,

    making tho calamities of war almost dependent upon the capricious extortion of a , Turkish officer , or the uuapthorised iUTOgiince of a Russian trader ? * ' His Majesty ' s Government are persuaded that it will bo impossible for His Imporinl Majesty to rofiuct upon the terms of Article 7 . of tho treaty of Adriunoplo , without porcoiving at onco that they must be utlorly subversive of tho independence of the Ottoman Power , ' This article stipulates that merchant vessels of nil nations , without any restriction of sizo or tonnage , ahull bo admitted to pass freely through tho Str .-iitrt of tho Darda-Jiollos and tho Bospliorus . Tho right of Visit on tho parlor tho Turkish Government is expressly excluded , 'lino

    provision not only deprives tho Porto of tho ONordmt of a v \ g \\ t in ita own waters , iiuWent in the very nuturo of hnlrpcndont sovereignty ; but it ulno destroys a nciu'twiiry protection « gi » iimt the effects of foreign hostility or domicile treachery . 'J . ho power of murohing u lliiHahui army , at any moment , through any part of tlio Turkish territory , without tho porinibaion of tho Govornmuut , could not bo nioro degrading or uioro daugoroufi . '_ ' Suuh ulijtulatioim aro nut onl y destructive of tho territorhu rights of sovereignty , and threatening to tho safety of tho Porto , but their obviouH t . i-ndoiicy in tu iill'oet tho nuulitiuu und tho WiteroHtH of all inuiitiino » uten in tho Muiliturrnnoiiii , and mny demand from tlioso H ( atv , i tho inout noiiijun condflUralion . " How ia tho true character of tho \ csdel to bo

    ascertained ? In former treaties , the bulk and the amount of tonnage to be admitted had been faxed by Russia herself , and was regulated by what had been found to be most usual and most advantageous in the navigation of those seas . The right of search , for the purpose of ascertaining the nature and value of the cargo , with a view to fix the duties to be levied on importation , was very generally relinquished by the Porte in its practice towards the vessels of foreign Powers ; the ship's manifest transmitted from the Consul ' s office being admitted as sufficient evidence of the nature of the cargo , instead of proof derived from actual inspection . But the right of visit , in order to ascertain the character of the vessel , and the object of the voyag « has never been relinquished , and can never be relinquished bv a state in any degree careful of its own independence and" its safety .

    " The Porte is not only prohibited from exercising any interference with the free passage of the Straits by Russian ships , but it is also divested of this indispensable attribute of Sovereignty in its relations with all other Powers , and that , too , by virtue of a treaty concluded with the Emperor of Kussia . " If the Turkish Government should detain and visit-a ship belonging to any foreign State , the injury would not be offered to that State , with which , perhaps , no treaty may exist , but to the Emperor of Russia , who , according to the terms of the article in question , would at once be furnished with a justifiable cause of war against the Porte . But suppose any such State were fraudulently to send an armed vessel , or a vessel carrying armed men , into the waters of the Turkish dominion , and under the walls of the Seraglio , with purposes the most liostile , would lu = Imperial Majesty , by the treaty of Adrianople , become responsible for such an act ? In either case the Sultan would be entirely dependent upon Russia in a . matter ia which the dignity and security of his Government were vitally affected .

    " Is it too much to say that such stipulations are inconsistent with the desire of his Imperial 3 Lijesty to preserve the independence of the Turkish Empire ? " His Majesty ' s Government have always been persuaded that the power of imposing a pecuniary burden upon the Ottoman Porte , as a . compensation gnd an indemnity for the expenses of the war , would be exercised in the promised spirit of equity and moderation . His Imperial Majesty cannot fail to reflect that , in judging of the character of such a transaction it is necessary to compare the sum exacted , not only with the espenses of the war , but with , the means of the Power upon which the payment is imposed . The Cabinet of St . Petersburg will undoubtedly acquiesce in the principle that indemnities , whether pecuniary or territorial , ought not by their operation to crush the Power by whom they are given , or to expose bv- their consequences

    the military security of neighbouring and allied States . The Emperor is too wise not to desire , even in the midst of conquest and success , to maintain inviolate that system established for the general tranquillity of Europe in which His Imperial Majesty ' s -august predecessor took so prominent and so honourable a part . It is , therefore , with sincere satisfaction that His Majesty ' s Government have learnt from the declaration made by Count Xesselrode to your Excellency , for the purpose of being transmitted to your Government , ' that it was in contemplation not only to diminish the amount of the sum stipulated , but also to make a different arrangement with respect to its guarantee . ' It is by such conduct that His Imperial Mnjo . sty will really manifest his generosity , and his regard for those princip les of just and enlarged policy by which alone can be secured the confidence of his allies and the respect of Europe .

    " Even if the Emperor were not thus to yield at once to the impulse of his own disposition , the same determination would stilt be recommended by considerations of prudence , jis being essential to the success of objects which ho haa professed to have much at heart . His Imperial Majesty has declared that a regard for the true-interests of Kussia induced him to feel more desirous than any other Kuropean Power of maintaining tho independent oxistence and integrity of the Ottoman empire He has ulao repeatedly avowed that the condition of the Christian subjects of the Porto demunded his constant solicitude , and that the obligations both of his own conscience and of public treaties imposed upon him tho special duty of consulting their welfare and providing for their protection . These objects , at all times difficult to reconcile , would , under the strict execution of tho treaty ,

    become altogether incompatible with each other . The real situation of tho Turkish l'ower is too obvious to escape the most common observation . The Sultan is surrounded by independent States ionned out of his own territories , and with the great muss of tho European population of hi * empire anxiously waiting fo > r a monqpnt when they may pry tit by this example , and shako off hid dominion altogether . Defeated and reduced to tho lowest degree of humiliation , ho hits retained his throne and political existence by the mercy of his conqueror . The disaffection of his Mahometan subjects of all ranks , whether produced by repeated disgrace or the effect of a gradual change long hiiico in operation , lias become general , hi this condition , with a broken authority and exhausted resources , lie is called upon to provide for the indemnity which in exacted from him . In what wanner ia the Sultan to relieve himself from tliis burden , and by whom

    must , the saurificcN principally bo made ? If thu Turkish Government bo tilill permitted to act at all aa an independent Power , it is eloiir iliut the iiucossiuy aum . s must be raUud by fresh iinpuwitioiiH upon the people , nnd by wucli uiemia ua aro authorised b y tho law ami eiiHtimis of the empire . It ia equally certain tluvt the Christian Mibjoetrtof the Porto must hurgoly contribute to furnish thorn ) tmpplien . Coin |> li « uoe with tlio doinandn of iho Government will be difficult , lnit tho urgency of the ease will justify tievorily . Uoaistnnco may Le attempted j If nuuei'Stiful , leading to ^ ouuriil uonfu n ion and revolt . ; ii otherwise , Hpoliatiou and oppression will follow . At all uveutn , nuw bi'uuoN of calamity will bo opened ci « louluU'd to frustrate , thu mliiiiltvd olijuolti of his linpurinl Majority , and fatally ilcnl . riulivo both to tin ; iitdopoiuloiuui of the I ' urte und to tlm happiuodB ami prosperity of thu Ciiristinu mibjoutriof tho empire .

    " There are other considerations which ought to have their due weight in the mind of his Imperial Majesty , " It cannot be doubted that the result of tlve war has been such as to change entirely -foe relative position of the belligerents towards each other , as well as towards the neighbouring States and the rest of Europe . This change , it may be admitted , is to a certain extent the natural eonseqnence of an unequal contest ; for at the termination of hostilities , characterised on one side by the most signal success , and on the other by continued disaster , it would he unreasonable to suppose that the pnrties could in every respect resume their former relations . It is , therefore , not exclusively to the conditions of the peace , but also to the events of the war , that we are to ascribe the change which has taken place . In whatever manner it may have been accomplished ,

    the fact is suiticient to justify some anxiety on the part of these Powers who have always felt a deep interest in the preservation of the system of the European balance established by the treaty of Paris and at the Congress of Vienna . This anxiety must be greatly increased when , in addition to the unavoidable weakness and prostration of the Turkish Power , it is found that fresh causes are brought into action which are obviously ealculate 4-to-basten and insure its utter dissolution . The evils attending upon uncertainty , expectation , and alarm must be universally felt throughout Europe . Encouragement will be afforded to projects the most adverse to the general tranquillity ; and the different Powers , so far from disarming , will probably augment their warlike preparations , already too extensive for a state of peace .

    _ " It is only by a frank and cordial desire on the part of his Imperial Majesty to remove all reasonable grounds of suspicion and apprehension—it is only by a sincere endeavour in conjunction with his allies to confirm and perpetuate the repose which has hitherto been enjoyed , and by making this the main object of European policy , that we shall bo enabled to avert the threatened dangers . In this salutary work his Imperial Majesty ¦ will assuredly call to mind th ' e example of his ' . illustrious predecessor ; and he will recollect that , whatever may have been the glories of his reign , the last ten years of his life , devoted exclusively to the preservation of peace , eminently entitled him to the gratitude of Europe . " I am to instruct your Excellency to read this despatch to Count Nesselrode , and , if desired , to give hid Excellency a copy . The sentiments of his Majesty are expressed without reserve , but with cordial and friendly feelings . They are expressed , too , without previous concert or communication with any other Power whatsoever . " I am , &c , " Aberdeen . "

    Untitled Article

    Oxford is peculiarly situated . Dependent as the town" is upon the gown , there arose in old Tory times a strong disposition to tyrannise on . the part of the latter ; and , in many respects ; to succumb , with £ culpable excess of humility , on the part of the former . But in spite of this there has always been a strong liberal element in the city , and men have gallantly made sacrifices and endured insults to return at least one liberal member , and to maintain a sturdy opposition . Latterly , however , influenced

    OXFORD FESTIVITIES AND THE COMMEMORATION .

    by the general spirit of enlightenment , as well as moved by that success which , always commands respect , the University hns shown more becoming courtesy to the city ; and the strenuous efforts of . some men , whose energy placed them above tho reach of tyranny , and whose talents compelled respect , have placed the city on a less unequal footing as regards the University . Perhaps this laudablo change has been brought to a climax by the exertions of the present Mayor .

    Conservative in avowed politics , Mr . Richard Spiers has been a fortunate and enterprising tradesman , and lias felt and shown a generous spirit which comprehended all parties . Respected alike by tho University and city , he has been able to bring the two together ; and , wo believe , for the first time to unite them in a common celebration of harmony . This was effected in the good old British mannerby an invitation to dinner , and to a reception , including all ranks . Those festivities , which we trust inaugurate a new era in Oxford , took plnco last week . There is no need to describe them in detail , because they have the common characteristics of all such proceedings . Mr . Spiers invited to a banquet tho chief men of the county , the University , and the city , and soiuo persons distinguished in art and literature and science from tho country generally .

    Tho banquet , held on Wednesday week , comprised the city and county members , the municipal authorities , tho heads , und many members of tho University , and other gentlemen—in all 200 . Tho Town-hull was decorated for tho occasion , and n graceful compliment was paid to the chief guests , by painting their shields , and ranging them round Iholuill . Determined on conciliation , the first to . ist proponed by tho Mayor was the rather antiquated one of " Church and Queen , " next tho " Uoyul Family , " then thu " Army , " then tlio "High ( Steward und tho City of Oxford , " tho " City ami County Members , " tho " University Authorities , " and ii number of other toasts npiirojH'iuLo tu tho occasion . Of course all theso toustrt woiv duly acknowledged , ami uftor dinner the giu i st , s were refreshed with cutt'uo ; mid so ended the entertainment . Hut ( hia M « . i not all . A " Reception" followed on Thursday . Tho Mayor and Mayoress received a

    Untitled Article

    July I , 1854 . ] T H E ~ £ E A D E R . 607

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), July 1, 1854, page 607, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2045/page/7/