The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-11-18
Rsssla and ste Geroaa-Spcaking Prev
inccs Of tho Baltic N


inccs Of tho Baltic. N
We print this morning cable despatch,
special 10 the HERALD, to the effect that the
Russian government is about TO take vigorous
action against the Germanising tendencies or
the age. It has for some time been matter
Of public talk that the uniication Of Germany
would, in the long run, not only deprive
Francis Joseph Of all his German subjects
and Of Upper and Lower Austria. but would
rob Russia of the German speaking people on
the shores of the Baltic. 1t is not long since
the Evangelical Alliance, Influenced by facts
which could not be gainsaid, ventured TO re-
monstrate with Prince Gortchakoff on the
Russianizing policy-which, both In matters
political and religious, had been commenced
in the Baltic provinces. It is well known to
all our readers how Prince Gortchakof dis
missed the European and American deputa-
tons of the Alliance. To say that they were
politely snubbed would be but to speak the
truth. Now we have 1t from most reliable
source that the outstanding of the Baltic
provinces has been fully determined upon, and
that the new policy, which is to be fully inau-
gurated with the New Year, is to be prose-
cuted with energy. In these provinces Russia
has hitherto tolerated the German language
and the Protestant religion; for the great bulk
of the people are German speaking and Luther
ans. After the LIST of January the govern
ment officials in these provinces, contrary to
ancient practice, are to address the central
government in the Russian language. This,
however, is not all. AS if to strike down by
one blow Germanism in the provinces, the
University at Dorpat--a university founded
in 1882 by the famous Gustavus Aldolphus,
greatly encouraged by the Gear Paul l., and
which in recent years has had not fewer
than eighty professors and some six
hundred students-is to be removed to
wilma and completely Russianized. The
old College, founded as far back as 1889,
is alone to be left in Dorpat. This outrage is
all the more to be condemned that the Univer-
sity of Dorpat was the chief school for the
Protestant clergy throughout these provinces
and particularly Of the Reformed Synod Of
wilma.
On the part Of Russia this is virtually q
commencement of hostilities. 1t is blow at
Germany which Germany must feel, and
which Germany, unless we greatly mistake,
will resent. 1t is surely too late in the worlds
history for European government to force a
language and a religion upon people. Agood
enough and perhaps wise enough policy in
the Middle Ages, it is no. adapted to the nine
teenth century. While Austria is INDUCING
the Poles in Galicia aud permitting them to
make use Of their ancient tongue in the law
courts and the Universities, and while she is
not unwilling to grant similar privileges to
the Czechs Of Bohemia, it is curious to see
Russia adopting policy SO repressive and so
cruel After all, there is something in mani
fest destiny; and, if We at all understand the
current Of events, this latest move of the Rus
sian government will have the certain effect
of Fastening on the inevitable conflict which
ia to humble Russia as Austria has been hum
bled and as France has been humbled, and
which is to leave Germany the undisputed
mistress of Europe. In resenting this out
rage Bismarck can count heartily on the sup
port Of the Swedes. We are sorry to have to
comment on facts so little complimentary to
the wisdom and culture of the Russian gov
ernment