THE EASTERN PROBLEM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5655, 28 August 1896, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE EASTERN PROBLEM.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, — Professor Bickerton's last letter is indeed a paradox. lam afraid he is fairly between two stools, for hi 3 position now is, that he wants the Porte abolished without war. In desiring the destruction of the Porte he has certainly hit the right nail on the head. Of that there can be no doubt, but how is he going to obtain that result without war? Would a demand made by united Europe cause the Turkish army to dissolve into thin air. 1 am afraid the Professor is getting badly mixed. His contention is simply: No Porte ! no atrocities ! and also that united Europe could abolish the power of the Porte without war. Now, how is he going to obtain his results ? Apparently, united Europe is going to tell the Turks that they are . not to do it again, and of course they will desist, because they are afraid of the consequences. The position would be similar to that of Napoleon Bonaparte after Elba. At that time Europe was united, and determined. Why, then, did Napoleon not submit to the demand of united Europe ? Why was Waterloo fought ? This is not a case that may be considered on" a par with a dock or a coal strike. In such cases arbitration may be useful, but in a case like the Armenian atrocities, arbitration would be like trying to calm a mad bull by an Act of Parliament. Both the Professor and Mr Early are agreed that war is only for the benefit of capitalists. Well, it may be so, but may I ask (1) which set of capitalists received benefit from the Armenian atrocities, and (2) which set would benefit by the abolition of the Porte. — I am, &c, BEITISH SUASION.