Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-08
POLICY OF RUSSIAN STATESMEN.
Directed Toward the Consolidation of
| Russian Nationality.
From the Chautauquan.

From the Chautauquan.
The grand policy of the Russian state %
exceedingly clear and simple, however com
pick may he at times the diplomacy by
which it is carried out. This policy con-
sists in the consolidation of Russian ma
tIonnlty, the union of the Slavonic race
under Russian leadership, the steady ex
pansion of territory on the south and east
wherever the needs of the nation seem to
require, and the development to the high
est degreee of the economic resources of
the enormous country ruled by the cars.
The present cza" has been something of
a puzzle to the world. Much was expected
OF him by the friends of Russian progress,
because of hi; known inclination toward
liberalism. His course has been some
What, but not wholly, disappointing. A con-
siderable influence has been retained by Po-
bedonostzeff whose views have already been
referred to. The Russian national party
has grown in strength until revolution and
socialism, if they exist, are lost in greater
movements and are heard of no more. The
good understanding with France continues
being based on the solid ground of financial
self-interest. The general peace policy in
augurated by Alexander III has been en-
phaSized by an attempt to reach q basis of
universal peace through the peace congress
at The Hague. The initiation of this move
ment by Russia has been the subject of
heated controversy as to the Russian mo-
tive. 1t may have been due in part to the
enlightened views of the car but its pro-
motion by Russia was Enquestionably die
tdted by Self-intereSt. 1t is to be noted that
Russia is now at the highest point of pros
perity that she has yet attained. and is
putting forth strenuous efforts to extend
and consolidate her vast empire. Peace is
the need of the Russian nationalists-a
peace that will enable them to negotiate
with China for Manchuria. and 10 utilize
their wealth in the building of railroads
and in promoting unity IN other ways. They
do not wish to be disturbed in the Russifi-
cation of Finland and the other provinces
which Is an important part of the national
isl scheme.
The grand duchy of Finland Russian by
conquest since 1909. has always maintained
its national organization. and even Alexan-
der III exempted it from his scheme of
classification. Nicolas II. in an imperial
iescript after his accession, promised to
protect The Firms in their rights, privileges
and religion; but The peace manifesto and
the decree of Russifying Finland came at
about the same time. The latter violation
o. faith and outrage upon loyal province
has been lost sight of i'll the rapid success
SION of events of greater Importance to
the world, but 1t stands a striking evil
dence that whatever may be the personal
Inclination of the ear, the nationalism of
katkoH and PObcdOnOStZeff is at present
the ruling influence at St. Petersburg
We are apt to think of a so-cailed abso-
lutc monarchy as depending for its policy
solely upon the will of the sovereign, but
every ruler, however great his power, must
depend upon the support of strong class.
to whose wishes he must defer When if is
a majority, We have a democratic monar-
chy. 1t has already been shown that such n
popular will cannot at present be created in
Russia The car depends upon the sup
port of the dominant class, the military
arlstocracy, and 1t is to the will of the
car, as modified by the will of this class
that we must look for an explanation of
Russian policy. The pride of this class is
intense and demands the upbulding of Rus
sra, and that Is best Subserved by peace.
Should this need of peace for Russia cease
the powerful military machine that is being
organized, along with railroads, canals and
ports. would be set in motion, and the
cars benevolent dream would lose its
cham for Russia