So the six Ambassadors of the six Great European States came together and
gravely discussed what should be done.
One of the ways of diplomacy is to act very slowly. This gives time for
things to come right again of themselves, and also time for the people to
cool down, and not disturb the game by foolish outbursts of sentiment.
And another of the ways of diplomacy in this Eastern Question has been,
with great show of indignation, to threaten the Sultan with destruction
unless--he promises certain reforms for the future.
This, of course, he is perfectly willing to do. He solemnly pledges
protection to the Christians, and punishment to their persecutors, without
the slightest intention of carrying out the promised reforms. Indeed, he
knows that he could not do it even if he wanted to. And the Powers know it
too, just as well as they know _they_ would not carry out their threat to
destroy his rickety throne.
But all this talk gives time, and two or three more years are thus gained
for the Sultan and for the Powers, too; and in the mean time the people
are pacified, because they think something is being done toward wiping
out the great iniquity in the East.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57