If the opinions of the majority of the Russiam newspapers are to be judged, the news of the diplomatic agreement between England and Germany in regard to China is both a surprise and a confirmation of the constantly expressed disbelief in the reality of European unity in the Far Eastern crisis.
The "Rossia" says:—At the moment when our Minister returns to Peking to open negotiations with Li Hung-chang and Prince Ching, we stand not in the midst of a friendly European orchestra led by the beat of a single director's baton, but among separate musicians, two of whom, the English and Germans, are playing a duet on their own account. Whether we have or have not any real ally in the Far East, it behoves us to remember that in the East generally Russia must count upon herself alone, and that in Russia's policy there is a definite end towards which we must strive without deviation or wavering, without seeking a modus vivond! with any European or other Power. Thank God, Russia is strong enough to march alone.
The "Noroe Vremya" says:—As regards thd adhesion of other Powers to this arrangement, if Russia, for example, were to agree to the Anglo-German proposal, the English and Germans would settle down in such force at Newchwang, probably Shanhaikwan, or Dalny even, that it would be seriously difficult to oust them from those ports. Our land frontier with China and our special relations in regard to Manchuria render it in the highest degree important for Russia to watch over the peace and tranquillity of northern and north-eastern China, and such peace and tranquillity can only prevail as long as we alone have to do with China there without the ce-operation of any other foreign "Kulturtiirger." Consequently, north of the Peiho we cannot admit any other influence but our own. Wo have no desire to violate the territorial integrity of China, but we cannot have foreign traders and missionaries creating trouble in localities directly connected with our dominions. Open the door throughout southern China, exploit the very heart of the country, and spread the Gospel with the sword as much as you like, that is your business, but we cannot open the door to you in northern China.
According to the "Novosti," which is the only newspaper that finds the agreement geceptable, an addition ought to be made to it for the purpose of opening up the whole of China to foreign trade, so a3 to put an end once for all to the absurd comedy played so long by the Chinese Government.
Tu an article on the Anglo-German Agreement the "Herald" expresses the opinion that the acceptance of the Agreement by Lord Salisbury amounts to a most imprudent and oven a most frivolous affirmation of British mistrust of St. Peters burg. The Imperialist Tories, the journal remarks, appear to think that little reliance is to be placed on the integrity of Russian policy as on their own probity.
The "Birschevija Viedomosti" thinks the Agreement strange and enigmatical, since the maintenance of the integrity of China is an accepted fundamental principle of all the Powers, and the Anglo-German Agreement therefore aims at the protection of that which needs no protection. The journal goes on to observ "To the question from what side is the integrity of China threatened with danger there can only be one answer—from the side of those who have arranged to crush every one who thinks of preventing them from taking as booty those parts of China which they have long regarded as belonging to them. Russia will meanwhile know how to protect the integrity of China in spite of all agreements and without them."
The St. Petersburg " Viedomosti," in discussing the Anglo-Norman Agreement, observes that the measure is in no way directed against Russia. The journal declares that North China must'belong exclusively to the Russian sphere of influence and that this will be understood by both British and German pol saki Press,"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.