The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1885.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5147, 16 July 1885, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1885.

The strained relations so long existent between England and Russia are approach* ing a climax. Too much carelessness has apparently been displayed by the late English Government in connection with attempted Russian aggression, and insufficient weight has evidently been placed upon the movements of a Power which, to a certain extent, puzzles those who would endeavor not only to ascertain what its strength is, but what its immediate movements are intended for —although its ultimate intention may be patent. There are various incon gruous elements existent in the Russian Empire, socially and politically, and these have very seriously militated against its advancement as a Power. Its mode of Government is certainly opposed to the ideas held at the present time as to how empires should be directed, yet those who hold sway within the Sclavonic dominion are masters of the situation —that is, in their own land—and if the iron hand be used, as it has been in former times, in this case, an unwilling and reluctant people will be dragged into a war for which they have no relish or desire, and for what reason P The wish for territory Sis not—at present— the basis of Russia's action ; the love of dominion may be strong in the mind of the Autocrat who sits on a trembling throne ; but although there is existent in the heart of the successors to the great Alexander a burning desire to become possessed of India and all its wealth, there lives a positive necessity which the present Czar of all the Russias must meet; and that is a serious one —Home reform. Autocracy will not suit the present age; despotism cannot live in our days, and in order to divert the thoughts of bis people and to ensure—brief happiness only—a continuance of power, the Emperor of a vast territory must needs shift for himself" as best he can. The age of progress has asserted itself, and has actually begun to creep into the dominion of a potentate who has for so long held individual power over millions of his fellow men. It is only a natural result that those men are not very likely, when they see an opportunity of freeing them* selves, to neglect taking advantage of it. Had not the Great Bear broken out in this or some other spot, internal strife would have caused no inconsiderable trouble ; if the Afghan difficulty had not arisen, a home revolution would have taken place. Rnssia was ripe enough for one of the most complete internecine troubles that the world's history ever furnished, and step by step was such a consummation being led to when this Afghan difficulty was brought "on the board " to divert the attention of a discontented people. No fear need be entertained as to the threats of the blustering Russian. This sort of thing will probably be kept alive for some time, unless quelled by the prompt action of British states men; parleying will be continued, and all manner of means adopted to turn the minds of the people from their own deplor* able state. The downtrodden condition of the Russian masses is the only excuse that can be offered for their having so j long put up with the system of Government nnder which they positively labor. Were it not for such outside issues, which must come as blessings to the Autocracy, a home revolution would be inevitable in Russia. Thus the evil day is " staved off."