The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-06-21
Russia During a European War.

From the Times.
The possible attitude of Russia in respect to
the war which appears to have been inaugu-
rated in Europe has been matter of comment,
but there are considerations thereon which
have not received much prominence as yet.
For many years the efforts of Russia have been
directed eastward rather than to the west. Her
growing influence has been towards the east,
and it has been an influence not without benefit
to the advance OF civilization. This advance
has been by process of absorption rather than
that of conquest, and the tribes OF semi-savages
over whom her sway has been gradually ex-
tended are certainly benefited by that sway.
The extensive regions of Central Asia are not
the domlnions OF regular kings or peoples; they
are indefinite in their habits and in their organi-
nations. Their subsistence is gained often by
plunder, and their progress has been but pro-
gress in all that is barbarous. Towards these
Russia has been the great civilizing power.
And her attention is more directed to their
development than towards schemes of aggran-
dlzement in Europe.
But England, 1t is sad views the advance of
Russia towards the frontier of India with jea-
lousy and even alarm. We Judge that this jea-
lousy has been modified considerably OF late
by calm review of the probabilities of the
case. There are geographical difficulties in the
way of an advance against India which would
suffice to put TO flight the most earnest fears
for British supremacy In the East. And we
HuU, luueCu Jldl IL pOIIIOu Vi Jll6 EnSllSu press
is vigorous in its demonstrations that so far
from Russia being dangerous rival, she is
fulfilling a destiny which cOmports with the
most friendly relations with the conqueror OF
Hindosan.
England has declared that she will be neutral
in the event of a German war. By taking sides
in such she would gain no material advantage,
and by abstainlnE from assisting either belli-
gerent she could only lose prestige as military
power. But Russia could force her into war,
perhaps, by another attempt to obtain control of
the highway from Europe TO the East. And this
she will not do. The Germans and Italians may
and Will fight to attain their several objects, but
for the present, at least, the course of Russia
does not point in their direction. Nay, if Napo-
leon even sets an army in motion for the scene
of conflict, the situation as regards Russia and
England does not change. Tney have their o wn
views and their own work, and can look on
philosophlcally at the mutual slaughter among
other nations.
This is we think, the policy of Russia in
the "Nationalities" of Central Asia, under the
protection of powerful and progressive empire,
presents much that it is agreeable to contem.
plate. IL Is an enlightened policy as regards
the progress OF civilization and the advance
ment of the Russian nation. We, here, who found
that, of all the European potentates, the most
cordial sympathy towards us was felt by the EN-
peror Alexander, when the time of our great
trouble unloosed the tongues OF enyious detrac
tors can certainly feel pleasure IN noting the
probability that in the desolation of Europe hC
is not likely to bear part, and that while tn,
process of that desOla5ion is carried out, hi
course will be marked by the springing up o
new prosperities and new enlightenment.