New-York tribune., 1901-12-28

form, OF government, which is supposed 10 be
bent on a plan Of universal conquest. But Rus
sia is wise in clinging to her own form OF gov
ernment, and the suppositon Of an aggressive
policy is not borne out by facts. The expansion
in the Northeast has been the irresistible tend
ency Of the nation, not the execution of plan
Of the rulers Hence British opposition TO this
EXPANSION is useless: moreover there is no
cause for jealousy: England should welcome
Russia's progress as affording her markets.
Vladinnir's account Of the Siberian railway is
detailed and is fitted into this view of Russias
activity--it is "the last and most important
measure in the great work Of slow, pacific con-
quest"
Mr.. Colquhoun, treating Of Russas subtle
game of encroachment upon neighboring ter
ritory, sounds a note OF alarm, ana nnos
much to criticise IN British methods. He
thinks It probematical whether India is so
governed to insure the contentment and the
loyal support Of the people, and he. represents
the government bureaucracy Of hard and
fast type-such a Mr.. Kipling has pict-
ured in many lights. He urges a simpler law,
and a less complex. more personal admnstra-
ton Russia is moving toward India. not pre-
pairing for any wild adventure" such direct
attack would be at present, but through
squeeze" of British India in Afghanistan The
only real defence. in Mr.. Colquhoun's view, is to
preserve Afghanistan and Beloochistan as real
barriers. by developing communications to
Cabul Kandahar and Sestan. Fortified posts
should be established in Afghanistan, and an
active policy maintained. The conflict is COM
ing between Slav and Saxon. and on the deter
mination with which it is met hangs the future
of Asia and of Europe well.
ArchangeI is the northern province OF which
Mr.. Engelhardt writes--a great stretch Of coun-
try on the Arctic Ocean, extending from the
Norwegian frontier the island of Nova Zem-
bla. that is still almost unknown land to
Western Europeans. The author is a nobeman
"of infinite resource and energy" and of pro-
gressive ideas who has accomplished much for
the development Of the province of which he
is governor. His account is primarily that of
traveller. but, of course, one with unusual IA
cilities of observation. He describes the rugged
country, the life and some of the work re-
Gently undertaken by the Russian Government
TO aid in the development of the province. His
descriptions are reinforced by a very numerous
selection of admirable half tone reproductions
photographs His description of the Lapps is
interesting. their whole appearance bearing
striking resemblance to the popular representa-
tions of gnomes with their dwarf1ike and thick
set figures. their high tasselled caps and their
pointed boards. The race is dying out, rather
being absorbed by it's neighbors. The Samoy
edes the that inhabits the vast stretches
of the "tundras' seem little removed from
savagery. Notwithstanding the lately aroused
activity in providing this country with means
Of communication. it is hard to see, from Mr..
Engelhardts account. how il can ever be of the
far reaching commercial and political impor-
tance anticipated by the translators of the book.
Colonel Epauchins book is translated. with
the avowed purpose of bringing the lessons
therein conveyed 10 the attention Of British Off
GERS. That is the purpose of the Wolseley series.
of which it forms part. Recent events have
seemed to show that British officers need in
struction badly; and perhaps this account Of
General Gurkos movement across the Balkans
in 1877. by which he captured the Shipka Pass,
may inure to the advantage OF the British arms.
1t a brilliant movement, and an example
Of what an able and energetic leader can ac-
complish. 1t was the most striking achieve
ment of the Russian cavalry during the
The account here given is detailed and clear,
from military point of view.