Welsh Journals

-1 Wales and Armenia. Cymru Unllais. No. 7 OCTOBER 2nd, 1896. PRICE id. WELL BEGUN. When this circular first appeared, it could report only that there was a ' faint glimmering of hope ' that the public opinion of Great Britain would declare itself as to Turkish misgovernment. Since then that hope has flamed into a bright light of attainment, which has penetrated even the guarded windows of the Yildiz Kiosk We venture to sum¬ marize shortly the results of the past three weeks, that our readers, if any are still doubtful, may judge for themselves if it is indeed ' well begun.' Britain has shewn itself unanimous, enthusiastic, de¬ cided. The voices of dissent raised here and there have only served to emphasize this. In these columns we have printed with some fulness the criticisms of leading men who stand aloof from the popular movement: but most of these are already out of date, whilst the movement itself shews no sign of faltering. One or two of our public men do not know which most to blame of " the races which are murdering each other at Constantinople," others doubt whether it is a British interest to maintain the pledge of protection which we have given to an unhappy race. The Times and the Porte seem agreed that a few irresponsible agitators have misled an innocent public into saying what it does not mean : and a Member of Parliament cannot understand why persons who profess so much confidence in Lord Salisbury cannot leave him ' in peace' for twenty-four hours. We need not take up our readers' time by formu¬ lating answers to these criticisms : but we may remind them that every friend of the cause should have his answer ready to all honest objections, and that it is still our duty to con¬ vince individuals who differ from us. We need not say that from one end of Britain to another the public has judged with us. Of the enthusiasm of the public meetings the crowded attendance has borne witness : but another feature has not escaped observation. These have been meetings of men assembled not to talk, but to act. The note of deep feeling and of stern resolve has everywhere been struck, and con¬ tributions of money have not been wanting—an earnest of the greater sacrifices that Britain may yet have to make before her end is attained. Lastly, the meetings have been decided. Of empty votes of confidence in the Government there has been no talk: of pious hopes that others will perform our duty no mention. The meetings call upon our Government to act: if possible, with the co-operation of other powers : if other¬ wise, in any way they may deem conducive to the end. Even the oratory of Mr. Gladstone could add nothing to the substance of this call, though it clothed it in the appropriate diplomatic form. England believes this quarrel just, and makes it her own : and will pursue it, not by madly pro¬ voking against herself an irresistible combination of forces, but by all those methods by which a great and wise nation maintains its rights before the world. Of some results of this movement it is not too soon to speak. We cannot doubt the report that Lord Salisbury has been deeply touched by the trust that the nation is willing to repose in him : and we leave it to those who delight in paradox to maintain that a statesman's hand is weakened by the promise of the nation over whose destiny he presides to give him support in the course he desires to pursue, cost what it may. Still more marked is the change that has come over the public opinion of the Continent, where in almost every country the question is being pondered whether England is not at last sincere, and whether the time is not come for Europe to grapple with the problem of the East before it grows beyond control. Whether, as some think, of the fear that is the beginning of wisdom has yet entered the Sultan's palace we do not presume to say, but even for this it is no longer impossible to hope. For definite results in the field of diplomacy we are not in too great haste. For the moment at least, it would seem that the murderer's hand is stayed : and it is not insignificant that the Ambassador of France has given to the Sultan the strongest warning he has yet received For France, as we are officially told, acts only when England and Russia are agreed : and that agreement gives the surest prospect of a radical cure to the whole evil. If the news is correct that the European Embassies at Constantinople are unanimous in regarding these representations as having exercised a mos* effective influence, and as destined shortly to deprive the Eastern Question of a great part of its acuteness," we can only draw the desired conclusion that a distinct intimation has been made that the next step of the Great Powers is the resort to force. But we should be injuring the cause we have at heart if we led our readers to dwell too long upon the half news of the passing day. We need not doubt that the awakening of the British people has been at least a material factor in any result already attained : we have only too good reason to fear that any slackening of public interest would produce a reaction for evil. On another page we endeavour to point out what Wales can do : nor is the time come when we can suggest to any friend of this cause to relax in any effort that is still possible. May the words of a " very old man " come to the hearts of all Welshmen—" God bless you with wisdom and with courage, feeling that you stand upon the strict right in the sense of humanity. Be not faint¬ hearted but tell the truth. Be sure that this great country has nothing to fear with justice on its side." OPINION IN WALES. The Montgomeryshire Express.—At the Montgomery County Council a requisition to the High Sheriff,—asking him to call a county meeting to condemn the atrocities- received a large number of signatures. But this is not enough; every church and congregation should send up its memorial, and thus manifest an active sympathy with our Christian brethren in the East. The Armenian Rescue and Relief Funds greatly need help, and if Welshmen but faintly realized what is transpiring in the East the money would be forthcoming. A Bangor Correspondent writes.—" One step I find wanting, that is, that we as a nation or country should con¬ sult God more in this matter, and a good way to do that would be to set a day of prayer to ask God to remove this great plague of oppression and cruelty. To address all leaders of religion and religious periodicals in this country means money, and for that purpose I would gladly subscribe say ;£io, and a further £\o, if necessary, to carry it through if it took place." Similar suggestions have been made by several corres¬ pondents. We invite the attention of the meetings of Religious Associations to this matter, with a view of reaching an agreement as to date.