The morning call., 1893-03-22
CHINA AND RUSSIA.

The onward march of Russia in Asia
threatens to bring it in conflict with China.
Not many years ago Russia in Asia was a
geographical expression OF vague meaning
to be indicated by sweep of the hand over
the map, but not TO be delineated by pen
tracing. But the conquering march of the
Cars advance guard and the opening up of
railroad communication have materially
altered our conception of Russia's position
in Asia. Practically. the only opposition
which blocks its way to further dominion
come from Great Britain and China. Per-
sia is so weak and so much under ths in
fluence of Russia that it scarcely can be
considered a power Of any weight in the
affairs Of Asia. The semi barbarous races
ana tribes of the steppes and plateau region
as far as Northern India have been sub
dued and sssmilated more OF less, and their
nomadic habits have not been a bar to ser
vice OF some kind under the White Car.
AtGhanistan still Is Independent, but it is
always q question with the Ameer whether
ne should take sides with Russia or Eng
land. He does not like either power, but he
is not master of the situation, and. on the
whole, England gives him more freedom to
rule his wild kingdom than Russia would.
Were the Afghans under the control of
fighting instincts. a succession of conflicts
on the northern Indian frontier is Inevitable
until Russia and England have scarcely a
league of neutral territory between them
over which to quarrel automatically. Fur
ther encrOaehments would be the prelude of
war. But Russia has also China to deal
with. The Russian empire is fated by the
forces at work to extend eastward and
southwark, and, although slow to rouse into
action, China is dogged and tenacious, and
will not willingly abate her claims to any
territory over which she has asserted
dominion from times antecedent to Rnssia's
rise as a great power. The Pamir dispute
will be followed by many others. Terri
tory in that inh0spitable region would ap-
pear not to be worth contendiDG for, but it
is hard TO restrain the restlessneSs Of the
forces the Gar maintains along the Asiatic
frontier. and China is doubtless apprebsn-
slye Of further entertainments. The Chi
nese are said to be forwarding repeating
rifles to the Pamir region, and also a staff
OF instructors to guide the troops In their
use. 1t is not likely the instruction will be
sufficiently opportnne to drive the Russians
back if they persist in the march OF conquest.
For the time being China will get the worst
Of the fighting. but the lesson of reverses
Will not be thrown away Having a Euro
pean power as belligerent on land China
will lie compelled to adopt the European
army system in arms and tactics. For naval
warfare she already has a number of
armored vessels equipped with rified guns,
and although she made little beadway
against the French some years ago it does
not follow that considerable Improvement
has not taken place since. China is
dangerous power to force into European
methods on account of her swarming masses
of population, who form good raw material
for an army under competent leadership.
bnt that is what will occur If Russia insists
upon absorbing Chinese territory.