Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-02-24
In parkened Russia.

lt IL easier 10 get at tne trutH Hu""s
Darkest Africa than 10 arrive at q
clear understanding OF what Is going on
In Russia. or anticipate with any degree
OF accuracy Russian purposes. There Is
no telling what may at any moment occur
In the empire in the way OF a change OF
policy or military demonstration that
will put the rest OF Europe upon thorns'
The other great Powers live in state
of uncertainty and dread respecting the
Northern Colossus"
When the present Car asccnded the
throne of the Romanoffs. II was conn
IDENTIFY asserted In circles which were
seemingly advised that brighter era
for Russia had dawned. 1t was hopeo
and believed that Nicholas would III
s,itu,e liberal internal reforms. and
adhere rIgidly to the peace policy OF Els
father. IL was even suggested that ne
would probably grant some parliamentary
form of government, and there were en-
couraging indications that he wouid
throw of the yoke of Pobiedonos;sen, the
Jew batter and Jew-hater. and prosecutor
long to the Greek Church. These opti-
mIstic views were based on the know
ledge that Nicholas had travelled good
deal, had observed the free Institutions
of other countries. and had on occasions
given utterance TO sentiments known 10
be at variance with some OF those held
by his father in respect to government.
And 1t must be confessed that the new
Car signalized his accession to power by
several acts that appeared to justify the
faith OF those who thought they saw IN
him one who would antagonize many or
the tyrannical and fanatical traditions OF
his blood.
Now, however, all is changed. stern
and radical reaction has set In. There
seems good ground TO believe that the
Procurator OF the Holy Synod Is still n
dominating power. We hear of students
being arrested by droves, OF the sup
preston of newspapers. OF threatening re-
Dukes to those who dare hint at a Parl!a-
ment, and OF the knouting Of peasants for
non-payment of arrears Of taxes. Indeed.
1t would appear that Nicholas is Ro-
manoff OF Romanoffs. and that he is on
the route back to the terrible days ante
dating the first years Of tie reign cf his
grandfather.
But apart from the questions of civili-
cation and humanity, what concern out
side Europe the most are the rumors
touching the relations Of Nicholas 10 the
nrtC
establish a protectorate over Armenia are
again current, and that this coup may
be attempted is rendered probable by two
salient facts. The Pan-Savist agitators
are said to have acquired already a firm
grip upon the Car, and the Turks are
cuse for interfering in Armenia that they
gave her for Intervention In the Balkans
and the precipitation of the Russo-Turkish
war.
A Russian movement into Armenia
would, 1t is recognized, be but the be-
ginning Of descent OF the Valley or
the Tigris and the Euphrates to the
Persian Gulf, and a phase of RussIa's
long and persistent campaign against
Constantinople. Such a demonstration Is
not new Russian inspiration, as the
story OF the Russo-Persian wars, and
Muscovite intrigue at Teheran show. For
the Pan-Slavist all roads lead TO Stamboul.
1t follows, therefore, that IL Nicholas
shoula disregard the peace record of mis-
father and assume the role OF the cham
pion Of the Armenian Christians. Englend
would either have to call a halt or re-
verse her policy in respect to the Eastern
question. That she will DO the latter is not
10 be expected. and she cannot, it seems
clear. take the former course without
dragging Austria-Hungary and. perhaps,
Italy and Germany. into any trouble that
may result. No wonder, then, the other
great Powers are declared 20 be watching
Russia with strained eyes and bated
breath.