(Observer.)

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 222, 11 October 1873, Page 2

(Observer.)

We may say with truth that the intended sumriagQ is a pledge of the honest desire enterta a. jd by the Sovereigns of Russia and Great Britain to chei ish cordial amity. ibr is tins desire an unimportant element in any speculation as to future relations of the two countries. Our Sovereigns of lute years have always identified themselves with the foreign policy dec:ncd by the nation most conducive to its honour and welfare. And the hearty wish of I lie English nation to remain at peace with Russia will only be confirmed by the knowledge that such a desire is also entertained by our Jtoyal Family. In Russia, where the initiative of .the Sovereign plays a far larger part in the determination of the foreign policy of the Empire, the wish njanifested by the -Gzar for a clor-e connection with our Royal Throne will do much to allay the jcalpusics *nd animosities left as a legacy by the Crimean war. Gradually a conviction is gaining ground in England that our own interests in the East and those of Russia are not necessarily antagonistic ; that, on the contrary, witli fair dealing und loyal good faith on both sides, union between the two Empires is the best guarantee for the pacific development of progress through Central Asia. If wo could be sure that a like conviction had made equal way in Itussia we should entertain little fear as to any possible collision between the two great Powers of the East. The marriage of the Grand Duchess Marie with the Duke of Edinburgh will tend to strengthen the doubt of this conviction.