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Leader (1850-1860), 25th March 1854, Edition 1 of 1, Page 268, Untitled Article

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      The " opposition was l ed by Mr . Oeorok Butt , who d « - lared that the . bill proposed an unjustifiable interference rilfa tlie rights of property . Other opponents of the measure , ikeSir GjBOnGE ( Jkey and Mr . Napier , said the bishops iCto powers to suppress the evils complained of . ' Sir WiiTuam HfiArracoTK supported the bill , and couendedthat the opposition to it on the ground of property was intcna ^ ble . An advowson might be a subject of purchase , mt ^ jpresentation was a spiritnal trust . - "• if&i AttObnet-General opposed the measure . He did lot&eQ ' y the anomalous Condition of the law of simony , bat biWaid not consider that the bill was calculated to do away ifitji the ejpsting evils , while it would tend to place Church patronage Inthe bands of one class . Without removing the

      o&istiag ^ s ^ cancUl and the . present anomalies , the bill would in ir ^ uc ^! ; the ' mischievous principle of excluding the lay energy of the Charcb . Qn a , division , the motion was negatived h y 138 to 52 . ' tJ ^ taffl ^ Cahokbies . —Mr . Fbrousost has a bill before the House- * to- appropriate the income of the next vacant canonry of Carlisle Cathedral for the purpose of augmenting the , incomes of the-incumbents . The canons get 700 ? . a yeirf the total o £ the income of the incumbents is only 546 / . -iMjjriSTBBs ' - llaxJSY .- —Mr . Miaix , opposed the second » ea ^ g , : ^ th © vMuii st « rr 8 'Money ( Ireland ) Bill , by moving ^ I ^ i tibe ^ e ^ that day six months . Bat he was defeated , wpiOTlW ^ I ^ IP to 97 . ¦ ^ M ^ axxl ^ t i , ( VSTAQE 8 , BiLi .. —This measure , introduced ^ SiSr ^^ Halford , is intended to prevent the stopoaees of * f

      iSmm ^ Pt tejnes > Sedin the hosiery manufacture from ififl ^ isiges . ' ;' < 0 n the motion for the second reading , Sir WrxiiAM Clay opposed the bill , and after a good deal of ducMossibn the House went to a division , when the second reading was carried by 120 to 73 , and the biUwas referred to t ^ tTraolc . Commi ttee . ¦• . . '¦ ' : ¦ .. ¦ ^( J ^^ b ^^ obtained leave to % x ||^^^ Jt > Ulj ^ cTemedv the defects in the law relating to «^ W ^ M ^^ l h 5 ^ % w 09 ? t ^ etli he pbserved , salutary |> rovi 8 U ^^; U 4 f ^ d ^ SQCcee ded ia putting down the practice ija . ^ b ^^ g ^ nwg-h puses , but had hitherto proved inadequate TO ^^|^^ t | in ' p riyate houses . . Every day brought ' to light m ^ u ^^^ m ^ Dg ' B »« iof fortune who 6 ad b ^ n ' aedtieeidi % j £ 0 &M £ & j ^ they were often raiiiea . Pe j&liies iraSffuppolpi'and the police were empowered to rater hcMuei ; 1 [) Ut"the law was defeated , betamo the owners of 4 «« ww |' , wwvr'tuv ' , «¦« - **«•<> ueivaimi ^ ucvauaD vim 'VVrllcvD % M

      these privateestablishmente w « re enabled , by fortify ing the doots , * tbkeep ; out the poUce Bntil rail gaining implements if ^ m ^ -jpt of iffie ; , way (^ er& being . a , ready ; conimnnication * in | h ¦ 0 fe ^ vb ^ m jwpe ; rj , the time required to force anenffii ^^ M ^ fe ?* £ *» . W ^ v The narties found WS S-ft S J' ppk » magstrate . ^ ere WOBftttrayrdischarged , and'the owners were able to rWoneiji f £ e house the same night and to resume their practices . 3 ^ f | rap ^^ n ^ « f the law ^ arose' from the ' difficulty of x £ ^ tiuim ; g ^| Id ^ if the systeia of Ijamng'putjtte police were put an end to . He proposed thor ^ rea tb jnake ; the act ' Of barring out a substantive « &bdM& ; to . antborise magistrates to-select from parties ^^ Pifet ] beCore them , some for prosecution , and , others to be TmtM * ses j ; and to make the giving a false name and address & ! : ¦ ' f ¦ . ' ¦>¦ ¦ ' . : ! —

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      THE SECRET EUSSIAN DOCUMENTS . Thb despatches of the British Minister at St . Petersburg , containing the views expressed by the Emperor . of JEtussia at the beginning of 1853 , in private and unofficial conversations , respecting what ihould or should not be done in the event of the downfall of , Turkey , are now before the public . There' is also a memorandum , drawn up ' and forwarded to the Foreign Office in 1844 , the result , it is stated , of conversations between the Emperor of Bussia and Liord Aberdeen , the Dake of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel . That document is as follow * :-

      —< j ( Translation . ) " Bussia and England are mutually penetrated with the con-? ' . etion that it is tor their common interest that the Ottoman orte should maintain itself in the state of independence and of territorial possession which at present constitutes that Einpire , and that political combination is the one which is most compatible with the general interest of the maintenance of peace . ' * , Being agreed on this princi p le , Russia and England have an equal interest hi uniting their efforts in order to keep up the existence of the Ottoman Empire , and to avert all the dangers which can place in jeopardy its safety . - , 'jfWith this object the essential point is to suffer the Porte to . live in repose , without needlessly disturbing it by diplomatio bickerings , and without interfering without absolute

      bearance required by the interests of the Christian population of that Empire . " This difficulty is real . la the present state of feeling in Europe , the Cabinets cannot see with indifference the Christian populations in Turkey exposed to flagrant acts of oppression and religious intolerance . * ' It is necessary constantly to make tie Ottoman Ministers sensible of this truth , and to persuade them that they can only reckon on the friendship and on the support of the Great Powers on the condition that th « y treat the Christian subjects of the Porte with toleration ana with mildness . * ' While insisting on this truth it will be the duty of the foreign representatives , on the other hand , to exert all their influence to maintain the Christian subjects of the Porte in submission to the sovereign authority . ' will be the duty of the foreign representatives , guided

      by these principles , to act among themselves in a perfect spirit of agreement . If they address remonstrances to the Porte , those remonstrances must bear a real character of unanimity , though divested ef one of exclusive dictation . " By persevering in this system with calmness and moderaration , the representatives of the great Cabinets of Europe will have the Vest cbanco of succeeding in the steps which they may take * without giving occasion for complications which-ought affect the tranquillity of the Ottoman Empire . If all the Great Powers frankly adopt this line of conduct , they will have a well-founded expectation of preserving the existence of Turkey . " However , they must not conceal from themselves how many elements of dissolution that empire contains within itself . Unforeseen circumstances may hasten its fall , without its being in the pow « r of the friendly Cabinets to prevent it . -

      " As it is not given to human foresight to settle beforehand a plan of action for soch an unlooked-for case , " it would be premature to discuss eventualities which may never be realised . "In the uncertainty Which hovers over the future , a single fundamental ides seems to admit of a really practical application ; it is that the . danger which may result from . a catastrophe in Turkey will be much diminished , if , in the event of its occurring . Russia add England have come to an

      underthat a few words about Turkey might calm anxiety . The despatch then continues : — "The Emperor's w-orda and manner , although still very kind showed that his Majesty had no intention of speaking to me of tlie demonstration which he is about to make in the south . He said , however , at first with a little hesitation , bat as he proceeded , in an open and unhesitating manner , The affairs of Turkey are in a very disorganised condition ; the country itself seems to be falling to pieces ( menace ruine ); the fall will be a great misfortune , and it is very important that England and BusBia should come to a perfectl y good understand ing -upon these affairs , and that neither should take any decisive step of which the other is not apprised . *

      " I observed in a few words , that 1 rejoiced to hear that his Imperial Majesty held this language ; that this was certainly the view I took of the manner in which Turkish questions are to be treated . " ' Tenez , ' the Emperor saiJ , as if proceeding with , his remark , ' tenez ; nous avons sur les bras un homme maladeun lomme gravemeBt malade ; ce sera , je vbus le dis franchement , un grand rnalheur si , un dc ces jours , il devait nous cchapper , surtout avant ^ que tontes les dispositions necessaires fussen prises . Mais enfin ce n ' est point le moment de vous paries de cela . ' * •* It was clear that the Emperor did not intend to prolong the conversation ; I therefore said , ' Vbtre Majesty est si gradeuso qu ' elle me permettra de lui faire encore une observation . Votre Majeste" dit que 1 'honame est malade ; e ' est bien vrai , mais votre MajestcS daignera m ' excuser si je lui fais observer , qua e ' est a rhomme ge ' ne reux et fort de m&nager l'bomme malade et faible . * " +

      In commenting on this interview , Sir Hamilton Sejmour does not fail to sugg-est that it is doubtful whether the understanding asked for would be acted upon , " as the Emperor ' s assurances were a little contradicted by the measures he had taken . There is & curious expression in a postscript to this despatch , which may as well be noted . The Emperor spoke to the Austrian Minister of the conversation above reported . .: .. u I told Sir Hamilton Seymour , liis Majesty said , that the nev Ministry appears to me to be strong , and that I am airxious for its duration—although to say the truth , as regards England , I have learned that it is the country with which we must be allied . We must not lean to this or that paarty . "

      Such was the overture of this confidential intercourse : In his despatch of the 22 nd January , Sir Hamilton relates a still more interesting interview , which took place on the 14 th , between himself and the Emperor . " You know , bis Majesty said , ihe dreams and plans in which the Empres 3 Catherine was in the habit of indulging ; tbese were banded down to our time ; but while I inherited immense territorial possessions , I did not inherit those visions , those intentions if you like to call them so . Oa the contrary , my country is so vast , so happily circumstanced in

      every way , that it would be unreasonable in me to desire more territory or more power than . I possess ; on the contrary , I am the first to tell yonthat our great , perhaps our only danger , is that which would arise from an extension given to an empire already too large . " Close to us lies Turkey , and m our present condition , nothing better for our interests can be desired ; the times have gone by when we had anything to fear from the fanatical spirit or the military enterprise of the Turks , and yet the country is strong enough , or has hitherto been strong enough , to preserve its independence , and to insure respectful treatment from other countries .

      " Well , in that empire there are several millions of Christians , whose interests I am called upon to watch over ( surreiller ) , while the right of doing so is secured to me by treaty . I may truly say that I make a moderate and sparing use of my right , and I will freely confess that it is one which is attended with obligations occasionally very inconvenient ; but I cannot recede from the discharge of a distinct duty . Our religion , as established in this country , came to us from the East ; and there are feelings , as well as obligations , which never must be lost sight of .

      " Now i urkey , in the condition which I have described , has oy degrees fallen into such a state of decrepitude that , as I told you the other night , eager as we all are for the prolonged existence of the man ( xnd that I am as desirous as you can be for the continuance of his life , I beg you to believe ) , he may- suddenly die upon our hands ( nous rester Bur les bras ) . \ Ve cannot resuscitate what is dead ; if the Turkish empire falls , it falls to rise no more ; and I put it to yoa , therefore , whether it is not better to be provided "beforehand for a contingency , than to incur the chaos , confusion , and tho certainty of an European war , all of which , must attend tho catastrophe if it should occur unexpectedly , and before some ulterior system has been sketched . This is the point to winch I am desirous that you should call the attention of your Government . "

      Sir Hamilton said that Turkey had long been plunged in dilHculties thought to be insurmountable . With respect to contingent arrangements , England is disinclined to them , particularly in this instance . She would feel repugnance to disposing of the succession of an old ally by anticipation . " Muintenunt je dd ^ ire vous parlcr en ami et eu gentleman ; si nous arrivona b . nous entendre our cetto affaire , l'Angleterro et inoi , pour lo reste , peu iu'importu ; il m' « st indiflo ' rent

      standing as to the course to be taken by them in common . •' That understanding ; will be the more beneficial , inasmuch as it will have the' full assent of Austria . Between her and Russia there exists-already an entire conformity of principles in regard-to the affairs of Turkey , in a common interest of conservatism and peace . " ¦/¦ . " In ' order to render their union more efficacious there would remain nothing tabe desired- but that England should be seen to associate herself thereto with the same view . " / The reason which recommends the establishment of this agreement is very simple . -

      " On land Bussia exercises in regard to Turkey a preponderant action . '• . ' : ' il On sea England occupies the same position . "Isolated , the action of these tvro Powers might do much mischief . United , it can produce a real benefit ; thence , the advantage of coming' lo- a previous understanding before having recourse to action . " This notion was in principle agreed upon during the Emperor ' s hist residence iu London . The result was the eventual engagement ^ that if anything unforeseen occurred in Turkey , Russia and England should previousl y concert together as to the coarse which they should pursue in common . " The object for which Russia and England will have to come to an understanding may be expressed in the following manner : —

      " 1 . To seek to maintain the existence of the Ottoman Empire in its present state , so long as that political combination shall be possible . " 2 . If we foresee that it must crumble to pieces , to enter into previous concert as to everything relating to the establishment of a new order of things , intended to replace that which now exists , and , in conjunction with each other , to see that the change which may have occurred in the internal situation of that empire shall not injuriously affect either the security of their own States and the rights which the treaties

      assure to them respectively , or the maintenance of the balance of power in Europe . " For the purpose just stated , the policy of Russia and of Austria , as we have already said , is closely united by the principle of perfect identity . If England , as the principal maritime power , acts in concert with them , it is to be supposed that France will find herself obliged to net in conformity with the course agreed upon between St . Petersburg , London , and Vienna . , " Conflict between the Great Powers being thus obviated , it is to be hoped that the peace of Europe will bo maintained even in the midst of such serious circumstances . It is to secure this object of common interest , if the case occurs , that , as the Emperor agreed with her Britannic Majesty ' s

      Ministers during his residence in England , the previous understanding which Russia and England shall establish between themselves must be directed . " The " secret and confidential" despatches from Sir Hamilton Seymour date from the 11 th of January , and are almost coincident with the formation of the present Ministry . Writing on that da }' , Sir Hamilton recounts how on the 9 th he saw tho Emperor at the palace of the Grand Duchess Helen ; how the party had been arranged for the meeting ; and how the Emperor there expressed the pleasure he felt nt

      hearing of the formation of the Aberdeen Ministry , and his hope that it would be of long duration . He wished to be especially remembered to Lord Aberdeen . England and Russia , said tho Kmpcror , it was intended should be on terms of amity—when " we" are agreed , it is immaterial what " others " may think or do . Aa to Turkey , he continued , that is another question , and may give us all a deal of trouble . Here the Imperial diplomatist broke off the conversation ; but Sir Hamilton , thinking tho opportunity should not be missed , gently hinted

      necessity in its internal affairs . " In order to ^ carry out skilfully this system of forbearance , with a view to the well-understood interest of the Porte , two filings must not be lost sight of . They are these : — "In the first place , the Porte has a constant tendency to extricate itself from the engagements imposed upon it by the treaties which it has concluded with other Powers . It hopes to do so with impunity , because it reckons on tho mutual jealousy of the Cabinets . It thinks that if it foils in its engagements with one of them , the rest will espouse its

      quarreL and will screen it from all responsibility . " It is essential not to confirm the Porte in this delusion . Every time that it fails in its obligations towards one of the great Powers , it is the interest of all the rest to make it sensible of its error , and seriously to exhort it to act lightly towards the Cabinet which demands just reparation . "As Boon as the Porte shall perceive that it is not supported by the other Oabinets . it will give way , and tho differences Vfhich have arisen will be arranged in a conciliatory manner , Without any conflict resultiag from thorn .

      There m a second cause of complication which ia inherent in the situation of tho Porto : itia tho difllculty which exists in reconciling the respect due to tho sovereign authority of tho Sultan , founded ou the Muauuhnaa law , with tho fur-

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      268 THE LEADER [ Saturday ,

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      * " SLuy ; w » liavo on our hands a aick man—a very sick man ; it will bo , 1 toll you frankly , agreat misfortune ff ono , of llicso UayH , ho ulioulU si iu away from us especially before all necessary arrangouionla were made . ] Jnt , however , thia ia not the time to speak to you on that matter . " t" Your Majesty is so gracious that you will allow ino to make ono further observation . Kour Majesty suya the man is siek ; it ia vi ^ ry true ; but jour Majesty will deign to exeu . so me if I n .-mark , that it m tho part o . tho sonorous ana atronu ; man to treat with gonUonchB tho sick and fooblo man .

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), March 25, 1854, page 268, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2031/page/4/