The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1878.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 88, 19 October 1878, Page 2

The Temuka Leader. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1878.

'Th«r-b is apparently another crisis impending in Eastern affairs. We have •scarcely ■ceased to congratulate Lord Beaconsfield upon the ability which he displayed in so successfully grappling with so many great difficulties at the recent Congress, when the political horizon is again surcharged with ominous clouds. The leek has not .agreed with the digestion of the Russian hear. How far the Czar may be forced to show a hostile spirit time will shortly tell. It is very evident that the Russian people, that is the wealthy and influential portion of them, are very •much aggravated at the submissive attitude of their representatives and the concessions granted by them at the Congress. The principal safeguards against a fresh outbreak of hostilities are undoubtedly the low state of Russian finances, and the harassed condition of her army after its recent sanguinary and hard fought battles. If the portion .of the population of Russia who represent its bone and muscle were asked to decide the matter their unanimous voice would be against another war, but unfortunately their vote will not influence the Czar * to anv great extent. The great autocrat of all the Russias will no

cnubt consider his position very seriously before he persists in the repudiation of the treaty of Berlin. The combination against him would be too powerful, more especially if be continues to ignore the advice of the Emperor of Germany. The treaty of Paris was broken through in the most barelaced manner, on the plea of relieving the persecuted Christians, when for years Russian agents had been employed fomenting the rebellions and encouraging the massacres which their nation was so pharisaically deprecating. “ Put not your faith in princes” is an old saw which might he vastly improved by the addition of “ especially Russian Princes.” Diplomacy and intriquo are their trump cards and when they have done their work, the grasping paw of the ever hungry bear is stretched out to clutch the victim in its merciless grasp. Russia is not satisfied with having annexed Finland and Poland to her northern and western borders, for territorial aggrandisement is her policy and conquest her battle cry. So southward and eastward the eagle stretches her wings towards the mosques of the ancient Byzantium and the muchcoveted palm groves of India. A history of Russian piogress in the East from the conquest of the tribes of the Caucasus to the more recent capture of Khiva, would disclose such a labyrinth of intrigue and treachery, combined with scenes of the most cruel butchery, that the famous, or rather .infamous Tamerlane, the Conquering Tartar, who built bis towers of human skulls, would have surrendered his laurels could he have witnessed the barbarities perpetrated by the civilised Russians in Turkestan and on their march to Khiva. For the last thirty or forty years in the East, the struggle has been between British gold and Russian intrigue, and the latter is gradually gaining the day. Russian merchants are competing with British merchants in in many of the principal Indian cities, and according to Rawlinson, they have succeeded in excluding the British dealer from many of the markets. The present quarrel between the British and the Ameer of Afghanistan has no doubt been created by Russian intrigue, and a very short time will serve to disclose the extent of Russian support afforded to Shore AH. The occupation of Calm! and Herat has been long coveted by the Russians, as they know well if they once possessed such strong central fortresses they could c«mmand the most important passes to British India. This may not be affected for some years, but the Russian advance is in some respects like the march of the Goths and Vandals, or the conquering Huns, and cannot toe chocked except by British bayonets. It is a matter of necessity that Russia must find fresh pastures for her growing .population, and what fairer field can offer than is afforded by the rich soil, untold wealth, and genial clime of India. Opinions are divided upon the effect likely to ensue from the meeting of the two rival nations on the borders of their respectively conquered territories. Some writers hold the view that it will have a civilising effect upon the native mind, whilst others prophecy the most disastrous consequences. There is very little doubt that many of the most influential natives are inimical to British rule, more especially the priests who have great influence over the native mind, and if Russia and England did not meet on friendly terms, there being no sympathy between the British and the conquered tribes, the most sanguine must tremble for the result. The relief recently afforded to the starving millions of India, and in a less degree the visit of the Prince of Wales, have no doubt tended to cultivate a friendlier feeling in the native mind towards their rulers. But we are accumulating important historical events so rapidly, in these days, that it may not take so long as we imagine to evolve effects, which the mountain of Eastern complications is labouring so violently to discharge.

To the country of Nizer floated the ship, and to pass over it was not able. I sent forth a dove, and it left, the dove went and turned, and a resting place it did not find, and it returned. I sent forth a sw-dlow. and it left. The swallow went and turned, and I sent forth a raven, and it left. The raven went, and the corpses it saw, and did eat, and wandered away and did not return.