22nd December.
In the November number of the "Contemporary Review," Dr. Dillon gors very thoroughly into the ques tion of the rela'iuns of Germany with her neighbours on either side and in particular with Rus-la, {¢ must be understood that in this article we repose merely to summarise whut writes, but nob in any way to endorse his views. He was writing at a time when men's minds were full of the idea of the unstable equilibrium brought about by the downfall of the Czu's forces, and when suggestd new combinations for additional stability were matters of daily occurrence. For Russia, there lies the cho-ce between abandoning Europe to the Teuton in the hope ut winning Asia for the Slav, or of turning her face once more westward, Germany naturally desires that she should do the former. But in order that such a policy might be successful, it would be necessary to face and outweigh the Anglo-Japanese Alli-unco, and to do that the aid of France would be indispensable. With Russia paralysed and France willing, the thing might be done, but. the help of France would be a sine qn& non. Hence the events of the past few months. Hence the effort, vigorous and sustained, to prevent an Anglo-Russian rapprochement.
Dr. Dillon recalls the fact that Prince von. Biilow while remained strong had a good word even for the Anglo-French under standing, but that no sooner had Mukden apparently demonstrated the rottenness of ull things Russian than the Kaiser went to Tangier, What had up to then bern "an excellent guarantee of the- world's beice" became all of a sudden a menace to German interests, Fsenchmen had to choose between "military invasion and moral servitude." Luckily the steadfastness of England provided an escape from the shlemma, ani so the coup filed. Dr. Dilon xdduces examples of the Kaiser's feelings "in table talk and private letter-,"_ which he thinks show that "the Hoh"nzollern World-power which the Kaiser's Government is striving to build up presupposes the crippling of France and Britain." It is believed in France that Germany is "spoiling for a fight," and the latest speeches of the talkative Kaiser certainly do not tend to disprove the correctness of that view. Three times since 1871 has France b-en threatened with uvasion, in 1875, in 1887, and again this year. The "Novoe Vremyx" is quoted to show the Russian belief shat Germany was at the time of writing trying to bring about "the creation of a four-fold combination," Germany, Russia, France, and Itsy against England and Japan, The Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich 18 reported to have said: "Germany manifestly tending towards the annihilation of the all-world naval dominion of Englind. And that is by no means. a transitory or casual aspect of German policy. On the contrary, it is the vital condition of the entire political and economic life of the German people, and in virtue of history the German people cannot possibly renounce it." He further thought that Russia had nothing to fear from German naval power. But the majority of Russians ask why they should strive to strengthen a very possible enemy close at their own doors. They may not love Eng-lund, but they are not therefore de-irons' of making Germany mistress of Europe. It is keenly felt in the Czu's dominions that the Russian hear for many years has danced to the order'of a German showman. Partly by cajolery, partly by threats, Russiajthe Russian was induced to turn away from she, Middle to embark upon adventures in the Fir East, The result has been disastrous to Russian interests in both, In like manner the Kaiser and his Ministers have kept constantly before th" eyes of the Czars the dread of Liberalism and the advisability, nay the necessity, for the two Empires to show a combined front to it, Again the result has been disastrous, In 1863, in 1866, and in 1870-1, the Russian Government showed a mo-t benevolent neutrality towards Germany, Ib thought, xays Dr. Dillon, that by so doing he Czars were cutting a stick for their own back. Nor did German support against Liberali-m. preserve the life of Alexander IL, Russinn and French historians say that modern German history "has been a series of preparations for war; alliances, conventions, open and secret treaties, double insurances, septennates, the barter of territory, she building of ships, the very.dusigns of war-voss-Is—in word, nearly all her thoughts, words, ind xe's were ce-ordained to that end,"
The making of the Dual Alliance was an unlooked-fur check to Teutonic policy. There is no dubs that the talking Kaiser was largely regs ponsible for it, as he has been for other rapprochement since. Russia had no desire to assist her western avighbour to the subs ance while keeping the shadow for herself.. She had intervened once or twice befure to save France from aggression, and but for ber defeat in Manchuria would have been ready-to do +o again in 1905. As it happened England was at hand to fill the gap, Dr, Dillon shows that, notwithstanding the long-standing friction that has existed between Russia and Great Britain, and in spite of being egged on to attack us when at a disadvantage, Russia has strenuously refri-ed xo to de, And now an influential Ru-sian Review writes "In Germany they absolutely encour: aged our dash in the Far Hust, and to-day, after the unparalleled smash up of our military forces, they are: again endeavouring to inveigle us: into new international combinations: directed against England, on' the pretext that close ties bind. us to Germany."
The views expressed in this very comprehensive paper are declared
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.