RUSSIA IN THE PACIFIC.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Issue 39, 29 June 1878, Page 2

RUSSIA IN THE PACIFIC.

(From the Pall Hall Gazette.) It is sufficiently remarkable that whenever any serious misunderstanding arises with Russia we hear th.'.tall preparations have been mode to prey upon our commerce in the Pacific ; that arrangements have entered into for the equipment of privateers ill American ports, and so forth. So persistent are these announcements, that we incline to look upon them as a part of the systematic game of political " poker " which Russia has so successfully played for two years past at our expense. But for that very reason we ought neither to bo deluded nor to allow ourselves to be injured when we me thus forewarned. There can ho no doubt that if war docs occur, we could be considerably damaged in the Pacific Ocean by Russian cruisers, if there commanders chose to run such risks as no English Captain would shrink from when ho saw a good chance of injuring the enemy. At present we are not strong enough in the Pacific for the interests we have to protect. Nor must it bo forgotten than there exists between Russia and Japan certain stringent engagements, which at the commencement of a struggle would very possibly tell against us. These are points altogether trifling as regards our main policy, but they should not bo overlooked in a general survoy of the situation. The heavy expenditure incurred at Petropaulovskl, and the obvious wish to stand well with China and Japan, ought to convince us that, so far as adequate preparation for contiugenoies can secure her interests, Russia at any rate does not intend to be taken at a disadvantage. The threat of fitting out privateers in America is interesting as shewing the amount of importance which Russian journalists and diplomatists attached to the Declaration of Paris. Indeed, as the Russiaus now contend that the Treaty of Paris is torn up, it is difficult to see what remains, from their point of view, of the declaration itself, which is merely an informal document attached to the Treaty. They are well aware, howover, that two con play at the game of privateering, and that the first " privateer " whioh issued from an American port would be the signal for such reprisals as would daunt the courage of any European Power whoso alliance Russia may bo bargaining for at the present time.