The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-06-27
Sannter Brothers,
scranton's Leading Outfitters.

Our strongest impression Of Russia, however, is
that of vast military empire The Russian
army OF more than 900 men is, in the opin-
ion of General Miles. the best in Europe. Its
officers wellskilled, its soldiers hardy and
capable OF greater endurance than those of any
other army. Its army and its severe and vari-
able climate render Russia practically uncon-
querable and he who would attempt to subdue
the Savs would probably repeat the experience
of Napoleon, and find the grave OF his hope in
the Russian snow.
When the Russians first appeared in history
they occupied one.ffth OF their present European
possessions. Now the Russian empire has
larger continuous territory than any other
tion, having increased sxteen-fold il 400 years.
As glacier steadily and powerfully moves down
from the region of eternal snow, Russia has
extended her domains on the line Of least re-
sstance over the eifeminate of Asia. Like.
a glacier, also, this slow advance may at any
time break forth into rapid torrent and carry
everything before it,
The history Of Russia is a chronicle Of expan, !
sion, conquest and absorption, containing req
ord of any important withdrawal from previousl
occupied territory. Although defeated by En-
land France and Turkey in the Crimean war,
Russia in a short time retrieved the slight ter
rtorial losses, re.fortifed Sebastopol, regained
her control of the Black sea, and took adyan-
tage OF the ensuing peace to obtain new territory
in Asia. The whole of Siberia has been obtained
without a conflict with European nations and rs.
ually without exciting the conquered tribes.
o
This acquisition of territory is still continuing,
through the use Of bold and slSillful methods.
One OF these is the sending of traders into ada.
cent foreign towns followed by CoSSack guards
In this way Russia obtained a hold on Persia
and the grasp frightened this year by
large Russian loan to the Persian government. In
this way also Russia has anncZed slice afte1
slice of Afghanisan in her eagncrness to gaiI
lIerat, the "Gate Of India" She has now u
a railway to the boundary line within hv
miles of lIerat. In the event OF war Russia could
seize this key 10 India and hold the country at
her mercy. At the Pamrs Russia has extended
her territory to point within twenty miles of
India. Towering over the Roof of ASIA" the
great black bear is Covetousy viewing the rich
land OF the lion. His figure looms up against
the horizon large and protpntous. lie repre-
sents nation whose manhood has been strength
ened by life in a vigorous cimate whose army
is the largest and most effective in the world;
whose country is as invunerable as Achilles; and
whose aim and dream is even greater than its
power. This aim is nothing less than the com 4
plete control OF Asia. In the attainment Of u
purpose the English will be driven from II
the Americans will be thrust out of the Ph
pines, China will be annexed to Russia arI
key, the sick man of the East, viii. De pl
in Russian hospital for treatment. With
results attained the position of the Slav is
sured and who, then, can measure the power
the Lord OF Asia?
Shall the Anglo.SaNons passively allow the
territory TO be taken from them, their cor
mercial interests in the east TO be destroye
their supremacy to be usurped by an absolu
monarchy The people of the United State,l AZ
the British empire emphatically and confdetn
answer "No!" Humanity and civilization re.oS
the answer with a prayerful "Amen!' To s,
port this decision special preparation is nee,
in the line Of diplomatic training and fuller
formation on the part OF officials and n.
unanimity and quickness of action in COM
and parliament. So closely are the Saxons
Slavs related that the old adage may be 6tti
changed TO read: "When waxoa meets Sax
comes the tug Of war" The struggle .
mGnd the exercise Of all the best qualit
Anglo'Saxou character. The Anglo Sax :
Of liberty, energy, push talent for mate
gress, morality and Christianity will prd
factors in winning the victory But
eat the lotus leaves Of oyer-confdence -
sleep may prove fatal.
The stability OF a nation depends on
acter of the individual. Therefore, let e
the standard OF integrity and purity wit
inished and increasing vigor and keep
from stain and defeat May the Ang =,
awake to the greatest international ord
the twentieth century and continue the
OF empire in the assurance that none
their place while freedom and rghte
main their watchwoTds waylAnd