The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 11, 1903. RUSSIA’S GRAB.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 887, 11 May 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 11, 1903. RUSSIA’S GRAB.

Russia lias again proved true toiler old traditions, and lias again successfully, befooled tile oilier nations. Re-

cently assurances were given that the evacuation of Manchuria .was actual!/, taking place, and the Americans at least pretended to believe this.- But now. the truth is out., Russia was simply deceiving the other nations lo gain time to quietly make such preparations as would enable her lo defy them. That defiance is now made as the cables in .to-day’s Times will show. The mask has been thrown off, and now; an intimation is jn effect given to the world that Russia means to have Manchuria even at the risk of war. And, as usual,, she well knows that there is not much risk of that, for she has taken care to be so .well prepared that even a combinaof Rowers such as Mr J lay. proposes, would have to think very seriously before taking the responsibility of a eoniliet of such magnitude.. The

“ joint pacific pressure-policy" 2 ’ proposed by Mr Ilay is not .worthy, of a moment’s consideration.; Russia is now beyond that stage, and the only kind of talk to meet .the occasion is the talk of fight, and at present Ruslia has all the points jn tier favor. By trickery, she lias gained a position from which there is lit tle chance of being ousted. The Chinese have been coaxed or' linliicd .into submission to her designs, and .in case of a combination of Great Britain, United States, and Japan, Russia would have France with her, and Germany adopting the same tactics as was done with regard to South Africa. r j'he probability is that, after some display of indignation .(at which the wily Muscovite will only smile;, Russia will lie allowed to retain her hold on Manchuria without further protest. _________