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July 1, 1854.] THE LEADER. 607
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OXFORD FESTIVITIES AND THE COMMEMORATION...
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
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The Teeaty Oe Adrianople. The Following ...
M Dons tlia treaty of Adrianople place tho 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 lelligerents , the fortune oi the war might have enabled the Emperor to exact still harder terms . Tlie Sultan , threatened by a formidable insurrection 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 merc 5 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 his Imperial Majesty .
" It may not be easy to accuse of want of generosity the conqueror who checks the unresisted progress of success , and ¦ who spares the defenceless capital of his enemy . Nevertheless , tlie 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 he various , although all equally irresistible . The independence of a State may be overthrown and its subjection effectually secured without the presence of a hostile force , 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 tile possession of barren provinces and depopulated towns , and better calculated to rivet the fetters by which the Sultan is bound .
" f he . cession of the Asiatic fortresses , with their neighbouring districts , not only secures to Russia the uninterrupted occupation of the eastern coast of the Black Sea , but places her in- a situation so commanding as to control at ^ pleasure the 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 ; and , whether she may be disposed to extend her conquests to the cast or to the west , to Teheran or to Constantinople , no serious obstacle can arrest her progress . " In Europe the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia are rendered virtually independent of tlie Porte . A tribute is , indeed , to bo paid to the Sultan , which he lias no means of enforcing except , -by the permission and even the assistance of Bussi * 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 the supplies indispensable for Constantinople , for the Turkish arsenals , and for the fortresses are entirely cut oft " . The most important fortresses upon the Danube are to be razed , « nd the frontier left 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 Russia . " Servia , by the incorporation of the sis districts referred to in tho treaty , is erected into an independent and powerful State ; and when tho Allied Powers shall have finally decided upon this character of the Government , and the limits to be assigned to Greece , the circlo will be completed of territories nominally dependent oc tributary , but which must be animated with the most hostile spirit ; and tho recognition of which by the Powers of Europe is scarcely compatible with tlie security , perhaps not with the existence of the Turkish
empire-. " Tho commercial privileges and personal immunities which are secured by the treaty to tho subjects of h ' ussiu appear to be at variance with any notion wo arc able to form or tho authority of a sorereijp Mid independent prince . It is truo that by capitulations with tlie Porto , in consequence of the defective administration of Justice by the Turkish Government , rights have been obtained by Luropmn nations of such a description aa would not have been conceded by tho States of Christendom . These rights huvo not only been still further extended by tho present trenty , but the stipulations , so fur from being drawn up in the-spirit of peace , are to all appearance rather cnloulated to invite and justify tho renewal of hostilities . What reasonable prospect of ' eternal pence , friendship , and crood understanding , ' can be
aflordcu by an instrument which contains a H |> eeial provision , mnkiiig the calamities of w « r almost dependent upon the capricious extortion of a Turkish oilicer , or the unauthorised arrogance of a Hussian trader ? u liis Majoaty ' a Government are porsuadeA that it will be impossible for His Imporiiu Majesty to reflect upon tho terms of Artiolo 7 , oiT tho treaty of Adrianople , without perceiving at once that thoy must bo utterly ( subversive of thu ijulcpundonoc of the Ottoman Power . 11 Tlu ' s articlo stipulates ( . but merchant vessels of all tuitions , without any restriction of sisw or tonnago , shall bo mlmlttod t , o pass freely through tho Straits of the Dardanelles and tho Koapliorua . Tlio right of vinit on tho part of tho Turkish Government ia ex primly oxcludiul . This provision
not only doprivotj the Porto of tho exorcise of a right in its own waters , inherent in tho very nature of independent sovereignly ; but it also dcHtroyu a neccHsnry protection iigninat the ciruul » of foreign hostility or domestic trouchory . Tho power of marching a Knsniau army , at . nny moment , through any part of tho Turkish territory , without the pormibuiuii « f tlio ( iovurnmont , could nut bo more , degrading-or inoro iliingisrouH . "Suuh Htipulutlons nro not only destruotivo of tho territorial lights of sovereignty , nnd threatening tn tho safety of tho 1 or to . but their obvious London uy is to uH ' uut tho condition ami tho intoiustH of all muritiino status in tho Moilitori-anoan , and may demand from thoso ntntcti tlio moat suriuuij conuldurntion . " lluw ia tho truo ohnrnctor of tho voaavl to bo
nacortaine < l ? In former treaties , the bulk and tlie amount of tonnage to be admitted had been fixed by Russia herself , and was regulated by what had been found to be most usual and most advantageous in the navigation , of those seas . Tho right of search , for the purpose of ascertaining the nature and value of tlie 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 vovage has never been relinquished , and can never be relinquished by a state in any degree careful of its own independence and of its safety .
" The Porte is not only prohibited from exercising any interference with the free passage of tlie Straits by Hussian ships , but it is also divested of this indispensable attrilute of Sovereignty in its relations with all other Powers , and that , too , by virtue of a treaty concluded with , the Emperor of Russia . " 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 treat / may exist , but to tlie Ernperor 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 anariued vessel , or a vessel carrying armed men , into the waters of tlie Turkish dominion , and under the walls of the Seraglio , -with purposes the most hostile , would his 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 in which the dignity and security of liis Government were vitally affected .
" Is it too much to say that such stipulations are inconsistent with the desire of his Imperial Majesty to preserve the independence of the Turkish Empire ? u His Majesty ' s ' Government have always been persuaded that the power of imposing a pecuniary burden upon the Ottoman Porte , as a compensation and an indemnity for the -expenses of the war , would ba exercised in the promised spirit ' -of equity and rnoderation . 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 expenses 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 tlie principle Unit indemnities , whether pecuniary or territorial , ought not by their operation to crush the Power by whom they are given , or to expose by 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 ostablisJied for the general tranquillity of Europe iu which His Imperial Majesty ' s august predecessor took so prominent and sp honourable a part . It is , therefore , with sincere satisfaction that . His Majesty ' s Government have learnt from the declaration made by Count Nesselrode 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 nlso to make a different arrangement with respect to its guarantee . ' It is by such conduct that His Imperial Majesty will really manifest his generosity , and his regard for those principles 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 tho impulse of his own disposition , tho same determination would still be recommended by considerations of prudence , as feeing essential to the success of objects which he husprofesaed to have much at heart . Hi . s Imperial Majesty has declared that a regard for tho true-interests of Kusaia indutied him to feel more desirous than any other European Power of maintaining the independent existence and integrity of the Ottoman empire Ho has also repeatedly avowed that the condition of thu Christian subjects of tlie Porte demanded his constant solicitude , and thut the obligations both of liis own conscience and of public treaties imposed upon him tho special duty of consulting their welfare and providing for tl ) eir protection . These objects , at all times iliincult to reconcile , would , under tho strict execution of tho treaty ,
become altogether incompatible with each other . ' lha real situation of the Turkish Power is too obvious to escape tiio most common observation . Tho Sultan in surrounded dy independent Slates formed out of his own territories , and with the great mass of tho Europeun population of hu empire anxiously waiting for a inoinont when they may prolit by this oxiunplo , and shuku off his dominiou altogether . Defeated and reduced to the lowest degree of humiliation , ho hiia retained Ii ' throne and political existence by tho mercy of his conqueror . The disaffection of liis Miihonjednn subjects of all ranks , whether produced by repeated disgrnco . or th « elfuct of a gradual change long sinco in operation , has be « oino general . In this condition , with < i broken mitliority and exhausted resources , ho is oalhid upon to provide for tho indemnity whioh iu exacted from him . In what manner U tlio Sultan to relieve himself from this burden , and by whom
must tho sacrifices principally bo made ? If tho Turkish ( lovornmcnt bo still jiormittwl to act iit all us an independent Povvor , it is clour Unit tho necessary aunw must bo nii-iud by 1 ' ronh impositions upon tlio people , mid by such moans as uro authorised by tho l « iw and cu . ituiiiH oi' tho empire . It is equnlly certain tlmttho Christian milijoctsof tlio Porto must h « g \> ly ooutributo to furnish tluwo ' mipplios . Cohi | ilinuou with tlio domundtf of llio ( JovormiKMit . will lui diflk'ult , but tlio ui'l'oiii'y of tho caso will justify nuvovily . Hoaistunco may bo utLeinjitod ; If HUQUctinful , loading to fjoucral uoul ' uitUiu and revolt . ; if otherwise , spoliation and opwiTaMou will 1 ' ollow . At all oviMits , new ucoiujh of cul . uultj will ho ononnd calculated to frustralu tho iuIid ' uUhI olijcclw of lii . i luinuriul Majesty , and fatally duatrui-livo both tu I lit' iiuli'iioiuluuco of lliu Purtc nud to this hu ] Hjlnoaa and prosperity of tho Clulatiau ( Hibjoc'tn of tho oninii'o .
" There are other considerations which ought to Iiave their due weight ia the mind of his Imperial Majesty . " It cannot be doubted that the result of the war has been such as to change- entirely the relative position of- the belligerents towards each other , as well aa towards the neighbouring States and the rest of Europe . This change , it may be admitted , is to a certain extent the natural consequence of aa 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 parties 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 , tlat we are to ascribe the change which has taken place . In whatever maouer it may have been accomplished ,
the fact is sufficient to . justify some anxiety on . the part of these Po \ v « rs w , ho liave always felt a deep interest ia the preservatioa of the system of the European balance established by tlie 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 calculated to hasten and- insure its utter dissolution .. The evils attending upon uncertainty , expectation , anil 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 cordi .-il d . esire on the part of his Imperial Majesty to remove all reasonable grounds of suspicion arid apprehension—it is only by a sincere endeavour in couj unction with his allies to confirm and perpetuate the repose which has hitherto been enjoyed , and by making this the raain object of European policy , that we shall be enabled to avert the threatened dangers . In this salutarv work hi * Imperial Majesty will assuredly call to mind th * e example of his illustrious predecessor ; and he will recollect that , whatever may luve been the glories of liis reign ,, the last ten years of his life , devoted exclusively to the preservation of peace , eminently entitled him to the gratitude of Europe ; . "lam to instruct your Excellency to read this despatch to Count Nesselrode , and , if desired , to give-his . 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 . ani , & c _ " Aberdeen . "
July 1, 1854.] The Leader. 607
July 1 , 1854 . ] THE LEADER . 607
Oxford Festivities And The Commemoration...
OXFORD FESTIVITIES AND THE COMMEMORATION . OxroKi > - is peculiarly situated . Dependent as the town is upon the gown , there arose in old Tory times a strong disposition to tyrannise oil the part of the latter ; and , in many respects , to succumb , with a culpable excess of humility , on the part of the former . 13 ut 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 by the general spirit of enlightenment , as well as moved by that success which always commands respect , the University has shown more becoming courtesy to the city ; and the strenuous efforts of some men , whose enorgy placed them above the reach of tyranny , and . whose talents compelled respect , Iiave placed the city on a less unequal footing as regards the University . Perhaps this laudable change lias 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 , ami has felt and shown a generous spirit which comprehended all parties . Respected alike by tho University arid city , lie has been able to bring the two together ; and , wo believe , for the first time to unite tlmm in a common celebration of harmony . This wm effected in the good old British mannerby an invitation to dinner , and to n reception , including all ranks . These festivities , which wo trust inaugurate a new era in Oxford , took place last week . There is no need to describe them in detail , becauac thoy have tlie common characteristics of all such proceedings . Mr , Spiers invited to a banquet the chief men of thu county , tho University , and the city , ami somo persons distinguished in art and literature a-nd sciunoo from tho country generally .
The banquet , held on Wednesday week , comprised tho city mid county members , the municipal authorities , the homls , und many members of tho University , and other gentlemen—in all 2 t ) t ) . Tho Town-hull was decorated fur tho occasion , und a graceful compliment wus paid to tlio chiuf guests , by puinting their shields , and ranging them round tho luilJ . Determined on conciliation , tho first toast proposed by the Mayor ivus tlio miller antiquated <> uo of " Church and Qwcon , " next thu " Koyul Family , " then tho "Army , " then tlio " Uigli Steward uncl the City of Oxford , " thu " City ami County Members , " tlio " University Authentic * , " iuhI u number of other toasts unpropriutu U > thu occasion . Of course all thoso tousla WL-ro duly ucknowlodgod , and after diiinur tlio giu-sU wore rolVoshed with culling and ho onded tlio ontortuiiiuieiK . liul this was not all . A " Reception" followed on Thursday . Tho Mayor nod Mayoress received ft
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Citation
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Leader (1850-1860), July 1, 1854, page 7, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_01071854/page/7/
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