Russia : Its People and Politics. 2 5 



would show conclusively that Russia's interference was not one 

 solely of land-grabbing. Her motives were higher, and those 

 motives seemed to be recognised when in her last war with Turkey 

 Europe stood aside and permitted the Turk to receive the chas- 

 tisement he so richly deserved. Turning to the acquisitions of 

 Russia in Asia, and tracing them step by step through the vast 

 continent, they found Russia now at the Pacific Ocean and face 

 to face with Japan, a foe more formidable than any she ever faced 

 in Europe. Russia's first advent in Asia began in the early part 

 of the 1 8th century, although long prior to that time a considerable 

 fur-hunting trade had been established. Her march through Asia 

 had left in its train order and civilisation. It was but natural 

 that a great and civilised Power like Russia should extend her 

 influence over Siberia, bringing under subjection the barbarous 

 hordes which for centuries had run riot. They, therefore, found 

 along the line of the trans-Siberian Railway flourishing towns en- 

 dowed with universities and first-class educational establishments 

 and technical schools of a high order, and as a natural conse- 

 quence of those manufacture, trade, and commerce extending. 

 The barbarities which made Central Asia a hell upon earth had 

 passed away, and the horrible tortures perpetrated had been 

 abolished. Russian rule in Mohammedan Asia kept in check 

 any possibility of a pan-Islamic movement of the Crescent against 

 the Cross, which the fierce religious fervour of the Mussulmans 

 was only too prone to bring into great activity. A spark would set 

 the movement ablaze but for Russian power, and start again the 

 •vengeful wars and cruel massacres which for centuries were rife in 

 Turkestan. Let them glance at the present war and the probable 

 outcome of its results. Russia, as shown, had marched steadily 

 across Asia. Her work in reducing to subjection the numerous 

 tribes which opposed her path had been fraught with great benefit. 

 A huge railway had been built at a cost of ^"100,000,000 sterling, 

 which enabled the Atlantic and Pacific to be united across two 

 continents. This work had been done at the cost of valuable 

 life and treasure, and the natural return for all this outlay was a 



