The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-12


ing China back and out. |
1t would therefore seem that |
the time has arrived for Great Britain |
to spread herself over Tibet In some |
thing Of the same way that Russia Is |
spreading herself over Mongolia" writes |
Sir Claude Macdonald, former British |
Minister at Pekin and Ambassador at
Toxic. in preface to a new book on the |
Far East entitled with the Russians in
Mongolia" John Lane Company.
The authors Of the book are two Eng
lishmen, H. G. c. Perry Ayscough Of the
Chinese Postal Service and Capt. r. b.
Barry Of the Royal Sussex Regi-
ment. Their journeys, made separately.
took them through Mongolia proper.
north and south and east and west. and
together covered the majority Of i'm.
portant places in the country. Mon
golia proper cannot be said to be un-
known, but II Ii certainly very little
known. In view Of the international
questions raised by Russia's advance In
outer Mongolia the book Is Of timely
Importance, and besides 1t gives an in
teresting picture Of the present condi-
ton of a once great race Of conquerors
OF Russia's plans in Outer Mongolia
and their effect on British interests the
authors say:
There seems no doubt that Russia's
aim in obtaining a dominating influence
in Mongolia has been in order to obtain
buffer State between. herself and
China. Her Eastern diplomatic authori-
ties own that they fear that China may
become some day too strong for Russia.
Russia has had one experience Of the
rapid growth Of an Eastern nations
military prowess. and she does not in
tend TO allow China to balk her well
laid plans. She fears Chinese insidious
commercial enterprise, Chinese admir-
able colonial methods. She does not
want China along her frontier. and the
subsequent expense OF frontier line to
guard.
From a British point Of view one
cannot help seeing the danger Of any
Russian influence In Mongolia. Tibet
and Mongolia are very closely allied.
Their religion Is Identical. Their popu-
lation in both cases consists OF fanatical
followers of their respective spiritual
leaders, the Dalai Lama Of Tibet, the
Hu-,uk-tu' Of Mongolia. the former
being the spiritual head Of the faith Of
both countries
"Lamas from Uhasa are constantly
visiting Crga, and many Mongol Lamas
receive their education In Lhasa. The
omnatng influence in either Mongolia
or Tibet means the eventual dominating
Influence in both these countries.
Russia is obtaining this influence In
Mongolia Great Britain might have
obtained the same rights over Tibet as
Russia mas obtained over Mongolia, and
russian diplomats quite expected Great
Britain to take this action.
"Iussia's advance In the East Of late
years has been rapid-far more rapid
than would have been expected. She
mas chosen her opportunities we'll. Her
manipulation Of the Monaghan ques-
ton was admirably carried out during
the Chinese revolution, at a time when
the eyes Of Europe were riveted on the
Balkan States and the consequent
Questions which were arising in the
Near East.
'Russa Is a virle race, possessing
country with endless resources. Her
merchants are constantly seeking new
ground where profits are large and
easily obtained, 1t would be fatal ia
Great Britain to allow Russia to further
increase her influence In Tibet"
Disease and unsanitary conditions
aiotd by Lamaism are gradually reduc-
ing the population OF Outer Mongolia
Inc people are too lazy to till the soil
Io"t on trade as degrading and Obtain
livelihood by the easy method OF
) t'dns focks.
The only gold mining concern. tn
i'r""lorc Mining Company, started b,
w. tor Won Grotte to develop the enor
'1'us mineral wealth in north Mongolia
wa obliged to import Chinese labo
I'"o 900 miles away, simply becaus
'"' Nongols refused at any price 4
"'e the mines. To the Commercial
li the miner and the sportsman
MOE 'lia opens up fine field In tn
"''' lnIure, say the authors. and evel
"a" stern portion OF the Cobb Deser
''' by the employment Of artesia
W.. he converted into grazing land.
Ih' Russians are endeavoring
Li"ract the deleterious power OF tn
l"il's by stimulating the Mongols
'".n military force. The Mongo
d nue horsemen and descended froi
" Of warriors and with wise tralr
II nd leadership would compare we
VI, H., Chinese as soldiers