The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-08-29
THREE COUNTRIES.
A Russian OmciaPs Views of Their
ReIatiCnx
(FrOm the London Daily News.)

" Aoih INC iihtOn DailE NeWS.l
recent events have not tended 10 i'm
prove the relations which exist between
England and Russia There has been
much hostile criticism, both written and
spoken, Of Russia's foreign policy and
the methods by which her government
has pursued ii. A representative of the
Daily News called upon DR. Markoff IN
order to learn how Russians regard this
denunciation of their country.
How, then. does Russian opinion re-
gard Mr.. Chamberlain's latest program
of foreign policy?" lin Russia. Mr.. Cham
berlain's speeches are generally regarded
as a bid for an alliance with Germany.
How such an alliance would benefit Eng
land We fail to see. Germany is Eng
lands greatest commercial competitor
and she has colonial ambitions which
must inevitably clash with yours
Then. from the Russian point of view,
an Anglo-German alliance would be re-
garded as strengthening the German part
ner without helping his English aIly?"
Certainly. That Germany should well
come such an alliance is not surprising.
The Triple Alliance is now in a very rusty
condition, and will hardly stand any con-
siderable shock. Germany alone exists
as a great power by her ability to excite
quarrels between England and Russia. If
once Russia and England were 10 come
into comparative insignificance as a Eu-
ropean power. Two instances from re-
cent events supply admirable examples of
Germany's power and weakness. After
the Germans seized Kiao Chou. in order
to transfer European attention from that
violation of the status quo, they set 10
work 10 excite English and Russian jeal-
ousies. BY a hint 10 Russia that unless
she occupied Port Arthur England
do bay S1IrPARdn6 in forcing
Russia's hand The stratagem succeeded
admirably. III feeling was reused both In
England and Russia, while Germany
posed as the friend of both nations BY
acting the same part the Kaiser was for
a long time able 10 block all effective ac-
ton in the Near East But as soon as
Russia and England came to an agree
ment on the question of the Sovernorshlp
| OF Crete Germany had to eapitulate.
.sThere is growing feeling of irritation
n russia against Germany. There are
numerous danger points in the relations
| of the two countries. They range across
| TWO continents We were not pleased at
| Germany's action in precipitating events
| in China. German policy has persistently
| but indirectly opposed Russian aims IN
| Turkey. The recent revolt in Russian
| Central Asia is attributed. If not 10 the
| direct. at least to the indirect. influence
| of Germany at Constantinople. Nor do
| we look with favor upon the Kaiser 5
! visit to the Holy Land. Russia is very
| sensitive about the holy places We also
| do not approve of German activity In
| Asia Minor generally and the proposed
| German railway from Jaffa to the Persian
| Gulf in particular. Russia regards Asia
| Minor as within her sphere OF influence.
| Then. again. in Austria German infiu-
| ances have been decidedly anti-Slavic.
I 10 fY,crtx
! difficult for Germany to pose as Russia 5
| friend, while at the same time working
| for her own ends. No doubt an alliance
| or understanding with England would
| suit Germany admirably, but except as a
! proyocation to Russia il is difficult to see
how it would serve English interests
| I'm what light is the growing good will
| between England and America regarded
! in Russia?" Russia and the United
/ States have always been on friendly
| terms An understanding between Eng
| land and the United States might con-
| ceivably bring about a better feeling De-
| tween England and Russia Stranger
/ things have happened. Russian disap-
| nroval of Americas action in the present
| war has been greatly exaggerated. Inc
| Novosti does not speak for the RUSSIAN
| government, which is. in reality, friendly
| TO America If Spanish statesmen are
/ comforting themselves with the hope thai
| Russia will interfere to save them they
will be rudely awakened. The Russian
government has no intention whatever
| of interfering in the Spanish-American
war. With regard to the Philippines
Russia would look with equanimity upon
their acquisition by the United States
provided they are no longer to remain
Spanish. there is no nation we wouic
rather see take them than the United
States That would, at any rate. remov'
the danger of the Philippines falling int
the hands of Japan Germany or Eng
land If Germany protests against I'M
action of the United States in the Fal
East she will not be supported by Rus
sia.'