Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-30
EFFECT ON MOsLEMs.
Russia's Defeat by Japan's
Armies.
THE CZAR'S GRIP ON PERSIA
Was Even Stronger Than That Upon
Turkey.
SHAME IN THE M0sLEM WORLD
At the Fear Of a Country Proved to
Be So Impotent and
Hollow.


the Asiatic nations far removed from the
scene of action, those under the Russian
scepter and others stu politically independ-
ent-the Turks. Persians. Afghans Khirgiz
and MongoIs. Most momentous changes
may be expected at any moment as a re-
suit of Russia's crushing reverses.
In order to appreciate the significance
of the Mussulmans' present view Of Rus
STA We must bear in mind the awe and fear
with which they have regarded her ever
since Ivan the Terrible conquered the Ash
attic hordes in the sixteenth century,, said
diplomat today on being asked the posi-
ton of the Moslems toward Russia. Since
then Russia has been their arch enemy,
the victorious antagonist who has driven
them ever farther back. That Russia was
but an advance guard of western civiliza-
ton could not easily become evident to the
good but somnolent nations of the orient;
to them Russia appeared Allah's scourge
whom 1t was vain to resist.
ON the BoSphorus. before the introduce
ton of regular armies. the most insulting
and injurious demands of the Russian court
were acceded to in order to avoid war,
since it was felt that any conflict would
only lead to loss of territory and prestige.
Aided and encouraged by the western ma
tons. the sinking spirits of the Mohamme-
dams were raised for time In the Cri-
mean war, only to relapse into their natural
lethargy soon after. In Persia conditions
were no better. Russia grip upon Persia
is even stronger than upon Turkey. Were
ii not that England bars the way, the
whole country would easily fall under the
Muscovite sway. Russias conquest of the
Turcomans was the most potent factor in
the fear with which the Persians regarded
Russia
After the power of those dreaded no.
MAIDS was broken the successful campaign
against the Afghans. near the Punjab, In
1885, strengthened Russia's influence in the
country bordering on India. The Afghans
who boosted of their heroic resistance to
the British, had to recognize dangerous
and invincible enemy in the white car.
Effect of Her First Defeat
but these conditions" continued the
diplomat, held good until Russia suffered
her first defeat at the hands Of the Japa-
nese. The Russians are now contemptu-
ously spoken Of and their government de-
scribed as criminal and incompetent. Along
with these manifestations we have a harsh
criticism of the conception hitherto prevail
ing in MoSlem lands regarding the power
and greatness of the northern colossus.
Throughout the Mosem world shame is
felt at the fear inspired by a country which
has proved to be hollow and impotent. but
still more at the defeats which the Moslem
nations have sustained at the hands of that
overrated power. 1t Is the opinion of promi-
nent MoslemS that they may look forward
to more hopeful future. The Mohamme-
dams of India are no less rejoiced at the
present impotence of Russia, although the
animating principle Is not so much a feel
Ing of revenge against the foe of Islam as
the fact that an Asiatic nation has tri-
umphed over Christian one
THE reaction of the Russian reverses In
Manchuria upon the relations of Russia to
the MohammedanS of Asia Will entail Seri-
Gus consequences. The changes regard not
so much the present as the course of events
in the future For the present Turkey
can reap no profit from the events IN the
far east Still less can Persia do so,
as she Is yet more firmly in the clutches Of
the car. Irresolution, false conception of
the real state of things, arbitrary tyranny.
lawlessness and the other shortcomings of
Turkey beset Persia also.
OF Prime Importance.
'Afghanistan in this connection is Of
prime Importance. Russia had only laid
plans as to 1t, whose success rested with
the future. The present enlir assumed, In
contradistinction to his fathers policy, an
unfriendly attitude toward England, and, on
the other hand, gave abundant evidence OF
friendliness to Russia. After the news of
Russia s disasters by sea and land, a sud
den change of scene took place at Kabul.
The emir. who had constantly sought to
fan the fire of revolt among the unruly
tribes of northwestern India, seemed to
drop his plans. Khas Khan, the instigator
of the anti English policy, lost his influence
at court and other evidences of friendli-
ness TO England were exhibited.
New thoughts and ideas do not, indeed.
readily make their way In Islam. but when
events are freighted with a hope for bet
terment and the people recognize the OPP
portunity of obtaining revenge for the ig-
nominy and degradation which they have
suffered then the chains that bind even
the most snveterate conservatism soon
burst asunder. humanity steps into It's
rights and even the dreamy oriental girds
himself for unexpected effort
From this point of view, therefore, there
Is no doubt that Russia has, by her re-
verses in the far east, lost her nimbus of
power and greatness and has fallen great
ly In the estimation of the Mohammedans
in Asia.
This" concluded the diplomat, 'has ref
erence not alone to her military prowess,
but TO the witcbcraft and skill with which
the simple inhabitants of the northern half
of Asia invested her The Russian propa-
ganda has always endeavored to deceive:
II has emblazoned the Russian flag with
all the achievements of the western world.
SO that in these respects, too, change
has been wrought in the conceptions of the
urientais, and Russia has forfeited her
standing In the far east and the prestige
she has hitherto enjoyed throughout all
Asia"
SINCE ROYAL TRAGEDY.