New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-06

value. But Mr.. Schuyler brought TO the TASK
peculiar qualifications. The Russian Official
system, q sealed book to most foreigners, was
to him an open page. The effect OF the Rus
sian encroachment, the condition OF the con-
ouered provinces, the customs and the Ian
guages of races hitherto unvisited by travei,
these he has made the subject Of profound
study. He handles with careful freedom the
great question which will come before the
next generation to be solved, to when inc
statesmen of Europe now close their eyes,
saying latter us the dcuge"-the problem or
the encounter of English and Russian domi-
nation in tho heart of Asia. Withal, in the
description of the new provinces lying at the
feet of Russia, where her military officials
hold sway, where the revenue constantly falls
short of the expenditure. where the land
groans under populations and exactlons, there
is strange likeness to our own present expe-
rience. The tale of hardship and of dsc0n-
tent that comes to our cars from the shores
of the Mississippi, seems echoed In Dir. ScEuy-
ler's report from the banks OF the OXus Inc
embarrassment which is found in governing
the South from Washington, has its parallel
at ST. Petersburg in dealing with Central ASA
A permanent foothOld in Tllrkistan was OBJ
tanned in 1884 by the capture OF Iashkent;
the whole province Of $1,000 square miles was
moro fully secured to Russia by the campaign
of 1874. In the interval mixed system of
military and civil rule had been introduced
into the province. The Russian officials who
went thitlier took their carpet bags with them.
We are told that they were rather poor ma
terial for governing class, having for the
most part left debts or scandals behind them
elsewhere in the empire. Among the specl-
mems Of their rule is the performance OF the
Project of Tashkent, who levied in one year
$4,000 of illegal taxes. Curiously enough, 1T
was thought good idea to Introduce the
savings bank system among the natives, and
when they had deposited $4,000 in the Eve
had almost said Freedmcn's) bank, the funds
mysteriousy disappeared, being applied to
" the administrative needs OF the district"
Whenever the career of project became tc0
notorious, he was remOved-to office in another
district. There was an affair of camels that
was more delicately managed than any or our
Southern State bond transactions For the
Khivan expedition 1900 of these beasts OF
burden were collected from the natives on the
condition that if the animals died they should
bo paid for ut $3j apiece. Nearly all OF them
persisted Now comes charmingly oriental
sequel. The projects convinced the people
that it would be imprudent to demand pay
for their camels from the imperial govern
mcnt. Hence ensucd great credit to tho pre-
fccts at home; and great hatred, among the
people who resigned their claims, toward the
authorities. In short. there is general dlscon-
tent trade langushes; the deficit of the budget
increases with every year. There is little pros
pect of the new provinces becoming profit
able.
The doubt expressed by Mr.. Schuyler,
whether the Russians have a fixed policy IN
Asia, will surprise American readers who have
imagined that conquest and extension were
the cherished purpose of the empire. In many
cases new forward movements were made ne
cessary by border disturbances; each advance
seems only intended to secure position or
prestige already obtained. Very noticeable Is
if, that while the policy OF Russia IN Asia
drifts with circumstances, there is great anxiety
to avoid every form of conflict with England,
and singular sensltiveness to British criticisms.
Further advances OF Russia seem inevitable,
and new complications with England must
cpsue. Perhaps the most significant feature
of the situation may be found i'll the aSSur-
ances of Abdul Rahman Khan. that the At
ghans would gladly take up arms in war
against British domination in India.
As might be expected, the publication of
this report has created great commOtion at
st. Petersburg. The Russian World (Nir) was
suspended three months for reproducing some
portions of the document. Denials of some
of the statements appeared in the Golos, but
the main charge was not discredited. The
Car appears to have put faith in the report,
as lie Withdrew his favor from Gen. Kauf-
mann, the Governor of T,rkistan. Mr..
Schuylcr's position was doubtless made
very uncomfortable by tho publication,
which must have created for him
host Of enemies. Exactly why
our Government should have placed
the Secretary of Legation in so delicate pO-
siton, since the dispatch was apparently con-
identlal, is not very clear Perhaps the story
of imperial management may have been thought
valuable AS shedding Light of contrast upon
republican rule. If this was the reason for the
publication, it is certainly not the first instance
in which the authorities at Washington have
gone to great lengths in the effort to dispense
among the masses sound political information
In this case they may haye builded better than
they knew.
PRECOCIOUS GELS.
Some time ago lad from one of the public