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RUSSIA ARMING

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 16, 1876

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 11.

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RUSSIA ARMING.

A correspondent of the St. Louis Globe Democrat, writing from St. Petersburg, Russia, says:—
“You have heard, doubtless, of the active preparations for war which have been going on in this country for some time past. These preparations are far more active than is, or can be, known outside of Russia, where, as you are aware, everything political or military—the two things are the same here—is conducted with the greatest possible caution and secrecy.
“The entire empire is getting ready for offensive hostilities, as is evident to any observer who travels to any extent through the dominions of the Czar. The present movement is, indeed, so palpable that the officers of the Russian army hardly deny, when asked by civilians they are intimate with, that a great war is imminent. Of course they don’t say yes—in truth, they have no positive knowledge on the subject—but, on the other hand, they don’t say no, because a negative would indicate very little intelligence in the face of incontestable facts.
“You know that Americans are much liked in this country. They have means and facilities for gaining information which no other nation has. I have been trying zealously for a number of weeks to get a clear clue to the existing situation, and I think I have got it. It is possible that I may not be right; but there are so many apparent corroborations of what I am about to tell you, that you will admit my views to be very plausible at least.
“It is generally believed that the object of the present martial activity is the seizure, occupancy, and absorption of Turkey by Russia, though it is not understood how or when Russia is to execute the plan she has so long and so ardently cherished. This government rarely, if ever, does or attempts to do anything without ample deliberation and thorough equipment.
“Russia, of course, expects to be victorious. She believes that her victory will result in the crippling of England, and the removal of all obstacles to her own further advancement in the East; lastly, to her undisputed control of Turkey, and her long-desired attainment of a sea-board.”