The Wilmingtonian., 1885-06-06
RUsSo-ENGLIsH SETTLEMENT

RUSSO-ENGLISH SETTLEMENT.
There is a strong feeling growing in Eng
land that the Afghan frontier line, as de-
fense to British possessions in Hindostan is
political mistake.
England is under an immense annual ex-
penditure in subsidiziDg the Ameer and his
tribal following. The good will of Persia
also is not obtained without some sacrifice.
The theory is broached that the true line of
defense of Hindostan is along the mountain
passes of tho Northwest provinces bound
ing India proper. The main argument as to
the sacrifice of Afghanistan is that as the
people of that country are unwilling to ac-
cept English Jurisdiction, to allow military
railroads and fortresses to be built, therefore
the inhabitants have sufficient belief in their
rights and power as an independent nation
to refuse Russian overtures also. The
treaty under contemplation will def
nitely enough for the present mark the
boundary line between Russian and Afghan
territory, and if the people of the latter are
willing to undertake its defense there is no
reasonable demand for British aid. Tho
means devoted to the bolstering up of that
country could be better applied to the par
pose of strengthening British frontier posts
of Hindostan, where the first serious con-
flict between Russian and English arms can
occur.
Russia is looking for an outlet to the sea.
The probabilities are that if she cannot
achieve that objecG in Europe she will do it
in Asia The nearest road is directly south
through Afghanistan and Belochstan to the
Indian Ocean. The present hidden policy
of England appears to be that in relinquish-
ing the Afghan protectorate future Rus
sian advance in that direction would not be
| opposed. No opposition in Belochistan or
Afghanstan could permanently withstand
Russian aggression in that direction. A
Russian seaport would be established in
close proximity to Bombay and other Indian
mercantile centres on the West coast, and,
in case of any future war between England
and Russia might be menace to their
trade.
1t would be a practical severance of Eng
lands commerce between Asia and Europe.
Did Russia establish mercantile post on
the Persian Gulf or the Indian Ocean her
title to free passage through the Suez Canal
and its use in time of war, as England has
lately done, would be as legitimate claim
as that country's. There would be great
popular objection in England 10 such con.
oession. I,,it her coInzaorcial- rights is5euld
uphold Russia in the demand when present.
ed to the other powers.
However, the more Russia colonies, es.
tablshes seaports, and assumes the role of a
commercial nation the nearer she puts her.
self on an equality with England, and lays
herself open to that country's attacks from
that direction whence she can strike the
heaviest blow, her navy.
Many of the most prominent statesmen oil
England have been converted to the idea
that Russia, as neighbor would not be dis.
advantageous TO England. The large popu
lation of India, much more than double that
Of all the Russias could never assimiate it
self to Russian theories of government or re-
ligion. Their civilization is not inferior tc
Russian. The Hindoo is already Informed
III on the advantages of constitutional
though not representative government. The
most obscure peasant has momentary access
to justice and equally ready redress. Tht
people of the country are also informed O
the distinctive disadvantages of the law,
aud jurisdiction which they live under owe
the despotic form of government that exist
in European Russia The Hindoo is inf
nitely moe free than the Russian peasant
The former has every advantage that con
stitutional government affords but race in
depend srce.
The enlightenment of the people of Ildii
is England's strongest defense against th
possibilities of Russian aggression.