Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-03-21
WORLD AFFAIRS IN TuRMolL.
Russia's Crushing Defeat Gives Rise
to Much Speculation.

Il
Now that the full measure Of the
Russian disaster in Manchuria Is un-
derstood, says London cable OF Sum
day to the New York Sun, Europe Is
beginning to take stock Of the new sit
uation in world politics created by
this momentous conflict. The battle
of Mukden Is universally recognized as
political factor which must have an
inestimable influence in shaping the
history Of all great peoples. Its eff
fects upon the future development Of
the race may be left TO the discussion
of political students and theorists.
The changes which Il will impose up
on the existing International relation
ship absorb the attention of European
statesmen.
| They see first that the paralysis OF
Russia will release China, Turkey,
Germany and Great Britain from
enormous pressure. This effect ex-
cept in the case of Turkey, viii make
for peace and should enable Europe to
make great reductions in her arrna-
ments, with a corresponding relief Of
public burdens. Pekin viii be reliev-
ed from Russian dictation. although
perhaps threatened by other mentors,
and Germany viii no longer be
threatened by invasions Of both her
frontiers, while the Anglo-French en-
tente has much strengthened the tnti-
mate understanding between Great
Britain and France.
The United States will become per-
haps the controlling factor In safe
guarding the worlds peace, and as for
Japan, European opinion Is inclined to
put full faith in her good faith when
she declares that she has no ambition
for aggrandisement beyond the legiu-
mate spoils of the present campaign.
It is believed that English, French and
American influence at Toxic Is quite
sufficient to protect foreign interests
In Chinese markets.
All this, however, Is based on the
assumption that Russia Will fall to ac-
complish her own emancipation by
the overthrow of the present govern
ment It is generally believed that
considerable changes will occur, but
nothing short of q radical and COM
plete revolution would suffice to re-
generate and rejuvenate the nation. II
this should come, II would not take
long for Russia to fecuperate from
the present disaster.
The development OF her natural re-
sources under a strong, safe govern
ment would speedily restore Slav pres
tige to the position 1t Is numerically
entitled to occupy. A new govern
ment, coming from whence now there
Is not the slightest indication, might
in a few years again change fnterna-
tional conditions and destinies. Free
Russia would undoubtedly abandon the
mad dream of dominating the Pacific,
but she would certainly concentrate
her energies to secure a more natural
outlet in the Mediterranean. This
means the driving Of the sultan out Of
Europe.
The indications are that Abdul Ha-
mid will not wait for such a crisis.
European diplomacy is anxiously oc-
cupid at the present moment with
the problems of how to prevent him
from seizing the opportunity Of Rus
sia's embarrassment to settle old
scores in Macedonia and against Bull
garia. 1t will be one Of the greatest
Of modern diplomatic achievements ii
the spring passes without a Turkish
army marching against Sofia or per-
haps Athens. Such aggression would
bring down the forces Of civilization
against the Turk-if rot at the outset,
then at a little later stage-and the
task of expelling him from Europe
would fall probably to Austria, with,
perhaps, Italian assistance.