Any one of the great nations of Europe could sweep the decaying old Mohammedan Empire out of existence in one campaign; and the six combined Powers, England, Russia, Austria, Germany, France, and Italy, could do it in six hours! Then why do they not? Simply because Turkey occupies the most important and valuable _strategical position_ on the earth. And each of these great nations is in mortal fear that some of the others will get possession of it. I have already told you about the immense importance of these "strategic points" in the great game of European politics or diplomacy, and how eagerly the nations are all the time watching for opportunities to secure them. If you will look at your map, you will see that Turkey lies at the gateway which separates the Eastern world from the Western. The vast and beautiful region ruled by the Sultan, and known as the "Ottoman Empire," lies partly in Asia, partly in Europe, and partly in Africa. Stretching over a vast expanse behind the Sultan is _India_--that India, which has been for centuries the coveted treasure-house of the world. With his back turned upon this marvellous India, the Sultan's face is turned toward Europe, where six great Empires are looking with eager and longing eyes at the golden prize behind him in the East; and each glaring suspiciously and defiantly at the other at the slightest move toward the coveted land, to which the Ottoman Empire bars the way. So you can see that disturbing the Turk while he is butchering Christians might be dangerous business for these Great Powers. England knows that Russia is watching her opportunity to slip in at the first opening, and may get to the prize first. And Russia, and Germany, and the rest all alike fear the same thing of each other. If any one of them _alone_ should make a move against the Turk,--the rest, like a pack of wolves, would be at her throat in an hour. So the Powers must all act together or in _concert_. And this is what is known as the "Concert of Europe." And this much talked-of Concert of Europe has for its chief object the preservation of the _balance of power._ That is, not permitting any one of the European States to become very much more powerful than it already is, and thus disturb the _equilibrium_ of the whole. This delicate condition of affairs regarding Turkey is known as the "Eastern Question." And it is considered so important because, more than any other, it threatens the "balance of power." Whether Russia, or England, or Germany would be richer after an upset in Turkey, no one can tell. But it is pretty certain that new maps would have to take the place of your old ones, with the familiar outlines of some of the European States much altered.