he Treaties of San Stefano and Berlin, which, for
clearness of statement, perfect grasp of a vital international
question, and prophetic vision, has never been surpassed among State
papers. Although written in March 1880, and in my possession a very
short time afterwards, I was not permitted to publish it until
September 1885, when it appeared in the _Times_ of the 24th of that
month. Its remarkable character was at once appreciated by public men,
and Sir William Harcourt, speaking in the House four days later,
testified to the extraordinary foresight with which "poor Gordon"
diagnosed the case of Europe's sick man. I quote here this memorandum
in its integrity:--

"The Powers of Europe assembled at Constantinople, and
recommended certain reforms to Turkey. Turkey refused to accede
to these terms, the Powers withdrew, and deliberated. Not being
able to come to a decision, Russia undertook, on her own
responsibility, to enforce them. England acquiesced, provided
that her own interests were not interfered with. The
Russo-Turkish War occurred, during which time England, in various
ways, gave the Turks reason to believe that she would eventually
come to their assistance. This may be disputed, but I refer to
the authorities in Constantinople whether the Turks were not
under the impression during the war _that England would help
them, and also save them, from any serious loss eventually_.
England, therefore, provided this is true, did encourage Turkey
in her resistance.

"Then came the Treaty of San Stephano. It was drawn up with the
intention of finishing off the rule of Turkey in Europe--there
was no disguise about it; but I think that, looking at that
treaty from a Russian point of view, it was a very bad one for
Russia. Russia, by her own act, had trapped herself.

"By it (the Treaty of San Stephano) Russia had created a huge
kingdom, or State, south of the Danube, with a port. This new
Bulgarian State, being fully satisfied, would have nothing more
to desire from Russia, but would have sought, by alliance with
other Powers, to keep what she (Bulgaria) possessed, and would
have feared Russia more than any other Power. Having a seaport,
she would have leant on England and France. Being independent of
Turkey, she would wish to be on good terms with her.

"Therefore I maintain, that