SERVIA, AUSTRIA, TURKEY, AND RUSSIA. 171 



literature, because it was treason to the Slav cause ; and she opposed 

 the establishment of the Servian Constitution, because it was a 

 dangerous innovation. In fact, every step taken by Servia in the 

 path of progress has roused the resentment or suspicion of Russia, 

 intent only on her selfish policy in the East. 



Servia has no wish to take part in " la haute politique." All that 

 she asks from Russia and Europe is to be let alone to develop 

 her own resources. There is no fear of her tranquillity being dis- 

 turbed by any great Power save Russia, who in her last attempt 

 failed, as she will in the future. 



Russia emphatically represents brute force on the European stage. 

 She is a real power ; one that has to be reckoned with, but need 

 not be feared. 



Looking back on Servian history, we find that Russian strength 

 has only served to inspire the Serbs to fresh efforts, first to secure 

 their independence, and then to push on in the path of civilisation 

 and progress. The Servians have but to be true to their country, 

 and they will be left free and undisturbed to work out their own 

 political salvation. 



Should there be any Power so ambitious as to attempt to annex the 

 country, or even by violent means to change her form of Govern- 

 ment, that Power will have to encounter not only the resistance of 

 Servia, but of Western Europe. 



The Kingdom of Servia has a surer guarantee than any that can 

 be given by Kings or Cabinets. She has the guarantee of her own 

 people, and of European public opinion. 



Russia has yet to learn that one may be a Slav without cherishing 

 any dreams of a universal Slav Empire, that one may be a staunch 

 friend to the cause of Christian emancipation in the East, without 

 being a friend to her despotic Government. 



Should Russia ever attempt to assert her dominion or political 

 influence over the Slavs of the Balkan Peninsula, we may be certain 

 that however disunited the Governments of Europe may be to-day, 

 they will always be united in resisting her advance upon Constan- 

 tinople, and, if need be, they will say, and that in no faltering 

 terms :— " Hitherto shalt thou go, but no further ; and here," (on the 

 riverain of the Danube), " shalt thy proud waves be stayed." 



