The Washington times., 1901-09-02
Circulation Statement.
EnEInnd md Russin.

1t is not the Cars approaching visit
to Western Europe that is causing the
British press and public to take new in
terest in the relations between Eng
land and Russia, which for several
years past have been unsatisfactory to
the former country. It is developments
in Persia which are causing uneasi-
ness and a feeling OF impotent rage
throughout the United Kingdom.
Some time ago the Indian Govern
ment established what is called the
Quetta Nushk trade route between In
dia and Eastern Persia. Russia, by
virtue of a loan made to the Shah in
1900, controls the Persian customs. and.
ii is said. has been taking advantage
of this power TO harass and tax to
death the British-Indian trade. This
in itself would be enough TO stir the
blood Of John Bull, but the affront is
all the more calling because of the re-
minder it affords of the clever manner
in which England herself was done out
of control of the Persian custom houses,
especially those on the Persian Gulf, by
Russia.
Years ago, early in the reign Of the
Shah, Nasr Ed Din, England loaned
him three million pounds sterling, TAX
ing the gulf and other custom houses
and the handling of their revenues by
way of security. When. late in the
nineties, ii became evident to Lord Sal
isbury that Russia was endeavoring to
secure a foothold at the head of the
Persian Gulf in order to provide a port
and terminal facilities for the proposed
Russian Trans-Persian Railway, the
British Government congratulated it
self that possession of the custom
houses interposed a barrier to the sue
cess of that movement But the st.
Petersburg people quietly arranged a
new loan for the Shah, who, like most
Oriental princes, is open to the allure
ment of ready cash, and gave him
money wherewithal to discharge his
debt TO England. Downing Street had
not thought of that possibility, and
was taken by surprise. Immediately
Russia took over the Persian custom
houses and every bit of the prestige in
the country which the British had built
up slowly and extensively for a CEN
tury.
The Court at Teheran is much more
greatly under Russian influence today
than it ever was under that of Great
Britain. and, barring the possible result
of war, which we consider improb-
able, apparently there is nothing in
sight to prevent the Gar from holding
and fortifying the head of the Persian
Gulf. or from completing his railway,
or, in fact, from practically annexing
Persia within the next five years.
Writing on the subject of British and
Russian relations, Sir Roland Blenner-
hassett. Commissioner of National Ed
ucation in Ireland, says: We must
strive for a final settlement with Rus
sia. or grid ourselves for fight"
According to the gossip of certain |
political circles in London, the Sails |
bury Government is allowing matters
with the conditions in Persia
to reach the press, in order to prepare
IF q firm policy toward Russia. Should
such an announcement be made it could
have but little effect upon the other
party except possibly to provoke a few
smiles at ST. Petersburg. The lion is
4 terrible animal, no doubt, when at
arge and out Of meat When, how
ever he has all four legs caught in a
South African trap he is not so dan
gerous And our friends. the Musco-
vites, are adopts at making hay while
he sun shines.