RUSSIA’S HISTORICAL POLICY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1284, 8 October 1886, Page 1

RUSSIA’S HISTORICAL POLICY.

The following is a translation of an article which recently appeared in the Novosti, a journal published in St. Petersburg : As the visit of the Emperor last year to Finland still more strengthened the relations of Russia with her northern provinces, so in the present year the visit of the Russian Czar to his southern provinces, and the important events which accompanied it, convinces the people that their Czar is going to continue Russia’s historical policy in the East. The revival of our Black Sea fleet, the most powerful means by which to achieve our object, s'.reng hens the belief that the final deliverance of our co-religionists will not be lost sight of by their chami pion. It is of no avail to try and lessen the real meaning of the princis pal events of the present day, for they already show their successful influence on the Eastern question. We consider the Imperial order to the Black Sea fleet as reassuring for the friends of peace, but a menace to our enemies. Now when the impression produced in the West by the Czar’s words begins to show itself, even the most hostile circles consider it necessary to considerably moderate the tone of their anti Russian expressions. This s rdden attentive regard for the aspirations of the Russian people appears not only in article of the press, but also in political cabinets competing with us in the East, if we are to believe foreign papers, then Austria and England are endeavoring to prevent Prince Alexandra from, doing anything objectionable to Rus- . sia. Evidently in Vienna and Lon--1 don it is at last perceived that if the cord of Russia’s patience be too much strained it may snap. A not less distinct change has also taken place in the Greek question- The revival of our Black Sea fleet, together with the arrival in Athens of M. Bulzoff, has proved to the Greeks that they have a powerful champion among tho i European powers, and that they can • count on the realisation of their claims 3 without risking their fortune in a war with Turkey, but rather that they , should husband their strength until i the time should arrive for the final > settling of the question of the Balkan Peninsula In London also things are now looked upon in the same i light. Although the peaceful Tricu» 3 picus has only promised to disarm, ' but not a single measure has been i, taken iu that direction, yet the Engs Ush press considers it necessary to express itself in favour of the raising ’ of the blockade. We also are int termed from Vienna that the British Government has already applied to the powers for their agreement to this o suggestion. Consequently the pros mise of M. Tricupis is now sufficient d to soften the wrath of England. But it is long since that England flatly refused to be satisfied by such a pro- ® mise given solemnly by M. Delyannis. a Just fancy how the opinion of English Ministers quickly changes. Is it not " remarks le this unexpected williagness to please Russia 1 this readiness of Austria and England to regulate I, their Eastern policy so as to suit her )- interests, when such a short time back >- it seemed as if Europe was determined e to prevent Russia from having any t- voice in the affairs of the Balkan '» Peninsula 1 This unexpected change is in the policy of the western powers in e the East is most reassuring. It proves to us that many of the Eastern difficulties might be settled advanT tageously for Russian interests, to a ;e certain extent, without heavy sacrifices, by a firm declaration on the part ,r of Russia that she will not give way 7 in anything on the Eastern question, but that she is determined to follow - her historical policy. Not less reif. assuring, either, is this firm attitude of Russia. It neither causes a danger of complications arising, nor shakes the peace of Emope ; but, on the contrary, it Jguarantees its continuance. P If the Greeks at present consider it j possible to follow a less warlike course 0 of action, hoping that at the same o, time to avoid internal troubles, then Qe it is not owing to the threats of e " Europe, and the fear of the squadron 1( j of ironcleds iu the iEgean Sea, but iu the conviction that they have among the European powers one firmly convinced that the accomplishments of the national aspirations of the Christian people of the East, gives the best 9g means to establish a proper state of is, things, which will assuie a peaceful of state of things iu the Balkan Peninsula. This has always been advoj n cated by Russia. She has sacrificed eh. much by being continually employed For rest of Fiews see Fourth Page,