The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-23

Russia's Objective Point and tho Ulti-
mate Aim OF Her Present March-Not
Delhi, but Constn ntinople.
The London Telegraph, writing on the Central
Asiatlc question generally and of the present in
tent and ultimate object of the Russian march
against the Khanates and Engand's interests
therein, says
The problem presented by Muscovte encroach-
ments beyond the Hindoo Koosh stands there
doubtless Tor solution, and will one day task the
sagaclty and vigor of English statesmen. That we
shall have to frame policy suited to the circum-
stances few will be found to deny. The question,
in oil its bearings-and they do not concern India
alone, or India so much as countries nearer home
must be thought out by those who are responsible
for imperial safety east and west OF the Euphrates.
An abrupt interposition at the present time. still
more proceeding not only sudden but violent, not
only imparting declaration OF policy, but enun-
ciating distinct threat, bears its own condemna-
ton on its face-frst, because 1T would be uncaled
for; next, because 1t would be inappropriate. War
might not be the result but peace would not be more
secure. The capital Importance OF the Central Asian
question does not lie in rashkend and Samarcand
but on the Euphrates and Bosphorus There are
men oil great learning and sagacity who see visions
Of a Russian 1imour heading the warrior desert
tribes in new career OF conquest beyond the
Indus We do not dispute that IN process OF time
Muscovite genius may discipline Turanlan valor
and make the riders of the steppes once more for
mldable with lance and breecnloader: but an in
road upon Hindostan is not the aim of Russia. She
is playing for even greater stake. Her objective
Is not Delhi, but Constantlnople. Whenever she
tries to reach that goal again her course will not
be through Roufnania ana bulgaria; III Will be
directed athwart Asia Minor, and she will rely on
solid position about the 9xus and Caspian shores
to paralyse the arm of England in the East. The
production OF that effect Is tie end sought to be
gained by Central Asian corr tests. We shall be
smtten with political blindness II we ever fail to
discern this cardinal fact in Russian policy.
Those who think that India alone is endangered
would lead us astray from the facts. IL is not
India which is in PERIL 1t is the Bosphorus and
entrance to the Mediterranean. Now, except at a
greater cost than the object proposed is worth, we
cannot prevent Russia from subjugating the
Khanates any more than we could exclude her
nag from the Caspian. Khiva despite the bravery
of TurcOman and Usbeg, is doomed to become
Russian prefecture, and her troops will be master
OF the desert roads beyond. That result is O fore
gone conclusion, because obstacles presented by
nature have everywhere yielded to the art OF man,
and there are other really valid impediments.
When the conquest we not prepared to frus-
trate has been accomplished then we may devise
policy the basis oil ascertained facts. Unless we
are determined to fight at once we shall not say,
Here the limits TO your arms.o What Is
essential Is strict watchfpness and accurate
knowledge. Since we never Give up empire with
out struggle to maintain it, English statesmen in
England and India may be trusted to adopt
fitting course at the proper moment, provided al.
ways that they keep themselves well informed, and
are not lulled asleep by a iargon about trade and
civilization or caOled by absurd proposals 10 es-
tablish zone 0fneutrality.