Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 1891. The League of Peace.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 29 October 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 1891. The League of Peace.

• Russia, so we are informed by the latest cablegrams, has entered upon a new course. She desires peace in Europe so that she may pursue her course in Asia. The Pamir plateau episode has heen ably checkmated, by Lord Salisbury securing the support of China, so Russia takes another twist, and, under the guise of a league of peace, attempts to harden up her position elsewhere. The prince Vladimir has proceeded to Spain, and is to proceed afterwards to Denmark, Holland, Servia and Greece. The selection is good, for position, as Denmark and Holland command the entrance to the Baltic and could keep the German navy shut up, under Heligoland. Spain has the advantage of a coast line to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece and Servia could worry Turkey, north and south. Though the idea is excellent it is likely to fail in execution, and has probably been put forward merely to hide other pro-

ject's. Ml these countries aye poor, and Hohand is not likely to do anything contrary to the wishes of England, as France, and Germany hunger for her t ,_ritory, and it is only the fear of England thai keeps them from attempting to annex it. Denmark would simply be inviting extinction to do anything antago nistic to Germany. Servia is the tool of Russia against Turkey, and will be so for many years. Greece is too insignificant, but it goes without saying that England would never allow any arrangement to be made by her, that would give Russia a say in the Mediterranean. Spain, has for a number of years indulged in civil wars, but has let the rest of world alone, and she has nothing in common with Russia to tempt her to do ought to annoy her nearer and better neighbours. These rumours need only looking into, to show their folly. However if all combined for peace, no harm would occur, as, with the exception of Servia, they are all at peace ; but a league of peace, if it means anything to Russia, means that the countries brought into the league shall remain at peace, whilst Russia is at war, or, that if Russia goes to war, they shall aid her. All combined, these four countries could place half a million soldiers, and three hundred and thirty men-of-war with six thousand sailors, at the service of their ally. The men-of-war do not include many first class ironclads. We shall hear more news about Russia's action in I Asia, soon.