The text of the Circular addressed by M. Barth4lany St.
Hilaire to the French diplomatists on December 24th, 1880, has been published. It contains an unqualified denial that either France or Europe is bound to secure to Greece the frontier determined by the Conference at Berlin. Turkey was 4' free " either to accept or reject that effort at mediation. M. St. Hilaire, however, believes that Greece will actually de- clare war, and therefore has earnestly called upon the Cabinets to support arbitration, upon the ground that a Turco-Greek war will involve all Europe, and even extend to Asia. " Each -country would have a terrible share in the catastrophe. We shall not be taxed with exaggeration by those who are acquainted with the present position of affairs in Europe. The picture is doubtless a dark one, but we have not drawn it with too deep shadows, and our anxiety is too real for us to desire to hide or -attenuate what is a fact. The peace of Europe is at stake." If the Powers really believe this, why do they not at once employ the European Fleet to carry out the decision which they believe to be just, and in the interest of peace P Surely that would be more reasonable than to ask Greece to give up her last chance 'of securing provinces which the Powers themselves have decided ought to be assigned to her. The Circular may, of course, be intended only to-urge the Powers to new efforts, but it will for ever terminate any reliance by Greece upon the promises of France.
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