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Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1511, 19 March 1887, Page 4

The dangerous condition of affairs viibin that vast empire, however,

doubtless, largely explains the anxiety of her rulers to distract the attention of the people from the pusuit of reform, through the gate of revolution, by keep ing up the excitement of foreign wars and annexations, and hence, perhaps, to some extent the fact that Russia is so constant a menace to the peace of the world. The cry of '• wolf" as regards her intentions towards England, or rather as towards England's dependencies and possessions, has been so often raised that by many people it is disbelieved m, but the |most incredulous Didymus among them must be constrained to admit that there is something m it m view of the recent remarkable despatch from the English Imperial authorities to the Colonial Governments which was pullished for the first time a day or two ago: There we are told that when some year or more ago danger was apprehended the Imperial Government were fully aware* that the anticipation wes well founded, and knew that Russia intended to strike a blow at England through her Australasian Colonies. A man-of-war was quietly despatched to Wakapuaka to guard the cable communication, and the thing was done so quietly that none of the colonies knew a word about it at the time. We are now plainly told* that if trouble eventuate Russia will strike first and declare war afterwards, and that her first blow will be delivered m these seas. No doubt the same alertness will be displayed by the Navy Department as is now known to have been displayed some time ago, and it is pleasing to find that if the Lion sleeps it is with one eye open wide enough to see what is going on and with his paw ready to strike when need arises. At the same time it is clear that the time may arrive at any moment when his cubs will be called upon to test their teeth and talons, and m view of the signs of the times we have evidently not taken up the question of the defence of our ports a day too soon.