The times., 1899-06-09
Mysterious Russia.

Our historic friend, the Mrscoyite Gov
eminent, is a power in the world quite
unique in respect of the mystery which
usually surrounds its policy. its proximate
purposes, and most of its actions. What
1t means in large way may be guessed
from the grand aims that have marked
Russian movements and purposes for two
centuries. but, as to its immediate inten-
tons the political and diplomatic world is
more often deluded than Illuminated by
outward manifestations.
Just by way of parenthesis, it may lie
remarked that Russii has broken of diplo-
matte relations with the free city of Bre-
men, because the latter has failed to give
satisfaction for the arrest of Russian
priest. On the other hand, it is reported
shat a party of japanese scientists who
were studying the fora and seismic disturb
ances of the Chinese LaoagT1ng Ienin-
sula of China, recently fell into the hands
OF the Russian forces on that shore and
the whole lot of them were shot by the
Cars local commander without even the
formality of a drum-head cOurt-martial.
Considering that there is peace and friend
ly relations between Russia and Japan. it
is trife difficult TO account for this in
ciyility on any ground familiar to Western
nations.
But. as remarked, Russia is peculiar ani
sui generis. If evidence were nee5ei 10
prove the proposition. Article of the ar
bitration scheme presented by the Russian
delegation at The Hague, ought to be sug-
gestive If not convincing. The country OF
the Car has always been regarded as our
staunch friend and hacker against Eng
land. for instance. Yet the article men
toned would seem to be aimed unfavora.ly
at US. and has all the appearance Of a Brit
ish chestnut puller. Perhaps our recent
and commanding assumption Of the role OF
an Eastern power may make the differ
ence, and cause change in the Muzco7ite
attitude toward Us. However that may be,
it is rather strange that the proposition
should come from Russia to bring such
questions as interoceanic canals and cur
rency under compulsory international arbi-
uation.
1t was chiefly to cover exactly those two
subjects of probable difference that the
British arbitration treaty was pressed upon
US two years ago The wonder is that
Russia should now become the proponent
of a plan which. if agreed TO. would be al
together advantageous 10 Great Britain,
and injurious to the United States. 1t has
an uncomfortable appearance OF represent
ing an Anglo Russian deal at our expense,
although We may say that we do not
believe anything OF that kind has hap
pened. But, if not. why should Russia
want 10 make the American Nicaragua
canal a thing to be haled before a
European arbitration tribunal. or why
should We run the risk of an in
ternationsl summons to show cause, in
case our Government might some day
awake TO its constitutional duty and re-
store the legal relations OF American sill
yer and gold which a succession OF cor
rupt Administrations have disrupted?
Count Muravief has too able a repre-
sentative at this Capital not to know that
the American people would fight in min
ute rather than ever submit either the
Nicaragua caEaI or their currency to ar
bitration. Then why does this singular
proposition emanate from Russia. Of all
powers in the world?