“Scheming, Working, and Long Waiting”
In a recent number of The World's Work there appeared an article with the title “The Russian Absorption of Asia.” The writer gives a remarkably clear view of the methods used by Russia in following her long-established policy of extending the boundaries of the empire. It is worthy of study as constituting a striking example of political diplomacy in which now by advancing and now by retreating, now by bold assumption and now by injured innocence, now by explanations and excuses and now by unjust claims, the one ever-present design of accomplishing a selfish purpose is being fulfilled. Here are a few paragraphs from the article in question:— Various are the expedients which Russia brings into requisition in carrying out her ends. Privileges are obtained for her merchants and caravans to pass into or through the coveted country for trade; to open stores and banks; to trade at ports and navigate rivers; to establish post routes, with their various stations for exchange of drivers and horses; and to install consuls at various places. Concessions are secured for cutting timber, or operating mines on certain tracts of land, and rights are procured whereby Russia and her subjects may buy land and build consulates, stores, and factories, and also dwellings for those who are connected with the various enterprises. Rights are also obtained, or taken, to protect consulates and other Russian property, and to protect the Christian subjects of an unchristian government. Army reconnoitering expeditions are sent into the country with goods, disguised as merchants, or accompanied by a detachment of Cossacks, and claiming to be purely scientific expeditions. Out of pure generosity and solicitude for the welfare of her neighbors, she engages to watch over the conduct of Russian merchants located within their gates, and “permits” the prospective victims to employ Russian officers to reorganize their armies, and lends them money. In some cases these arrangements may be made in good faith and with honest intentions, but usually they are largely or solely for the opportunity they afford for getting the territory in her control; and, under pretext of establishing, furthering, and protecting these interests, privileges, and favors, she sends Russian subjects, supplies, and even troops into the territory. Privileges and concessions which, when asked for, are represented as unimportant, assume great significance after they are granted, and are rigorously enforced and greatly expanded. What may pose as a legitimate and perfectly harmless business arrangement is extended, as later construed by Russia, to cover privileges far beyond anything the victim ever dreamed of. The concessions which Russia exacts from others are rarely accompanied with equivalent or adequate returns, and more often nothing is granted in exchange. Frequently some small favor—or some act doubtfully construed as a favor—is made the pretext upon which a concession of great importance is demanded. When her operations in new territory arouse the suspicions of the outside world, and she is accused of overstepping her rights and pledges, she assumes an air of injured innocence, renounces any intention of desire of acquisition, and is profuse in explanations and excuses intended to deceive the inquisitor as to her real intentions. Then, if she does not consider the time ripe for a final bold stroke, she accompanies the denials with promises and a feint of withdrawing from her position, knowing full well from past experiences that such action is sufficient to cause the busy world to discredit and soon forget the charges against her, and thus enable her at her leisure to carry the preliminary operations through another stage without molestation. If, however, Russia feels that the proper time has arrived, she takes advantage of the lull caused by her denial, to strengthen her position in the new territory, rushing in new troops and supplies and building forts and barriers. Meanwhile, the world's mind is bewildered by the conflict between Russian denials on one side and persistent rumors on the other; and when the powers finally come to their senses sufficiently to grasp the situation and demand an explanation, Russia, in feigned surprise, remonstrates and coolly informs her accusers that they are laboring under some unaccountable delusion, as the territory referred to has been “Russian sphere” for lo! these many years, and is at present so thoroughly Russianized that it is remarkable any doubt should arise at this late day as to its being Russian territory. That there may be no further question, however, Russia now politely informs the powers that she has for some time been, and expects to remain, in possession of that particular section of the earth. While we may not approve the underhanded methods resorted to by Russia in extending her territory, we can not but admire the audacity, ability, and patience exhibited in her scheming, working6and long waiting for the consummation of her expansion project. Success may be a matter of a few years without rebuff, or it may be a matter of centuries with relapses or apparent abandonments—for Russia rarely entirely abandons a project until she has accomplished her purpose. How marked is the contrast between this story of continued intrigue and the standards of a true Christianity! Of individuals who exhibited these same traits of character, Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the market-places, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts; who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.” The scribes are not wholly extinct yet, and the Russian policy is not entirely confined to Russia.