ENGLISH FEELING IN REGARD TO TURKEY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 342, 29 May 1877, Page 4

ENGLISH FEELING IN REGARD TO TURKEY.

We clip the following from the Birmingham Post of the lOfch March : Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., is as active as Mr. Hadfield, once member for Sheffield. Advancing years never deterred him from incessant Parliamentary work. Now Mr. Richard has found time to edit in part, and write in part, a substantial pamphlet on the " Evidences of Turkish Misrule." It seems strange that such a •work should be needed.. The commonest attention to Turkish history shows that they never had it in their minds to rule in any European sense ; and so long as they can sustain their power by loans and murders, and find eminent apologists in England, they are not likely to attempt what we should c?ll honest rule. The same Eastern Question Association which issues Mr. Richard's pamphlet also publishes one on the "Promises of Turkey," of ■which an account is much needed ; and one by Sir George Campbell, M P., on "The Races, Religion, and Institutions of Turkey and the Neighbouring Countries." Nothing can be more timely or relevant than information on these subjects. Tliis Association follows in the steps of the Anti-Corn Law League, and seeks to produce conviction by giving actual knowledge. A good many persons need it. Good would be done if the people could be got to look into these large-typed, well-written, clearly-expressed tracts. The Eastern Questior- is not over yet. Russia can hardly go back from her threat, in answer to Lord Beaconsfield's boast, that she woul I establish protection for the Christian subjects of the Porte ifthe Powers did not. If England stands by, sees it done, and the said Christian people come co owe some kind of freedom to Russia alone, we must lose all influence out there, and not wear a very chivalrous look in the eyes of Europe. This question is still unanswered —what is best to be done] Dr. Humphrey Sancl•irith stated the other day that when Prince Milan (I think ic was he) sent an order for arms to Birmingham, it was stopped by the Foreign Office ; *.nd when arms were procured from another country, they were endeavoured to be intercepted by our consuls. This is worse than not helping the oppressed ; it is hindering them from helping themselves.- So there wants an intelligent public opinion to aid Ministers. If charges brought against the Turks of misrule and obstinacy are not mere lying and nonsense, there will be no amendment save by force brought to bear. It may be bad not to join Russia, but it will be worse to prevent her attempting Christian deliverance herself.