RUSSIA AND THE WAR.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 871, 19 November 1870, Page 3

RUSSIA AND THE WAR.

The G-oloss, of St. Petersburg, says that the war between France and Prussia cannot be regarded as a matter of indifference but that the latter Power " is not sufficiently interested in it at once to take part with one of the belligerents." Whether France or Prussia should conquer, thinks the (Moss, the result must be very advantageous to Russia; for in either case the struggle will have exhausted both the combatants, and by diminishing "their financial superiority;" make it "much easier for Russia to compete with them" *'* Our situation towards France," the Goloss continues, '• would be very little changed if that Power took possession of the Rhenish provinces j but Prussia, if successful, might become a very dangerous enemy to us. It would therefore be better for us if France were victorious; but as we cannot assist her without making war on Prussia, it. is our duty to help neither of these Powers, ar.d leave them full liberty to weaken each other. Even if Austria or Italy were to take part in the war, we should not be compelled to follow their example. The more powers there are engaged in it, the greater will be the advantages of our neutrality. As a proof of this we may recall the enormous benefits derived by Prussia from her neutrality during the Crimean war."