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the preceding chapters we have traced the gradual emancipation, under the supervision of Europe, of isolated out-lying portions of the Ottoman Empire. We now approach a larger subject. During the last thirty years the Powers have assumed to deal with the central mass of the Empire; pruning it of its appendant tributary provinces, and recognising them under various conditions as independent states; readjusting its frontiers; regulating its waterways; and even supervising the details of its local administration.

This interference on the part of the Powers collectively has been largely due to attempts on the part of Russia to interfere single-handed with the destinies of Eastern Europe. In 1853, and again in 1877, Turkish misgovernment and Christian discontent were the opportunity of Russia. At the former date, as the champion of Orthodoxy, at the latter, as the saviour of Nationalities akin to her own, she entered on the path which leads to the Bosphorus. On both occasions she was too strong for the Turks, and the question for decision was whether she was to deal according to her good will and pleasure with the Ottoman Empire, as she had often done before, from the treaty of Kainardji down to the treaty of Adrianople; or whether the fate of that empire was a matter which concerned the European Powers in common. The question was answered in 1878 as it had been answered in 1856, but a second Crimean