The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1900. THE OPEN BACK DOOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 213, 7 September 1900, Page 4

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1900. THE OPEN BACK DOOR.

For the causa that laoks assistance, Xot the wreng that nesds rcsistasM, For the future ia tho fiistanco, And ths csod ttiit tto can do.

The sudden withdrawal of Russia from the concert of the Powers in China is an event of far-reaching import, falling, as it does, into line with her traditional methods, and indicative, in a large measure, of her ultimate aims. There is nothing \eTj unexpected ot surprising in this ■when the landmarks of the great Eastern question are borne in mind. The form and scene are new, that is all; the principle and objective have been more or less familiar for over a century. There is a very close connection between Napoleon's expedition to Egypt and the latest phase in the development of the problem of the Far East. Since the beginning of the century, when the Emperor Paul enthusiastically agreed with "Napoleon for a' jc/int invasion of India by France and Russia the policy of the latter has been a masterpiece of stategy and perseverance, now with astute diplomacy, and then with giant stride; but each move on the Continental board accompanied by plausible explanations, and guaranteed as perfectly harmless. Thus has each step been smoothed over by solemn assurances of pacific intentions declared to be unselfish 'and absolutely final, and then as soon as secured has proved to be but the stepping ground for another move in the same direction. Some of these moves were impelled iby necessity, by the expansion of a virile and increasing population; but others were dictated by the lust of dominion in pushing the frontier of empire along the lines of least resistance and toward the most desirable and long coveted objectives. For a considerable period the movements were southward and westward; steady and relentless. Russia knew how to play many parts, neither halting nor turning aside for long until eitherh er purposes had been achieved, or she had been resolutely opposed, as in the case of the treaty of San Stefano. So skilfully were her plans laid and carried out in the great Asiatic hinterland that important campaigns and immense annexations failed to excite much apprehension in England. Lord Lawrence, when Viceroy of India, expressed the popjpfor belief as late as 1865 that "Russia might prove' a safer neighbour than the wild tribes of Central Asia/ The policy of Russia has been to lull suspicion, by means of solemn 'assurances,' always in plentiful supply for foreign, and especially for English, consumption. When our statesmen awoke to the reality and proximity of the danger the idea of a neutral zone, of buffer States between India and Russia, became a leading feature of British policy. The course of events marked by Penjdeh/ the Pamirs, Cabnl, and Candahar, is indicative of the outworking of that policy. Not at the back door of India, however, does the danger loom today. The difficulties of an attack on this naturally strong and wellguarded central position are too great, and so wo expect to find the waves of advance breaking toward the right and left of it—toward the Persian Gulf on the one side, and toward Manchuria and the Pacific coast oil the other^ with Port Arthur and Pekjn, it is suspected, as the objectives. ■ The former has already been secured and strengthened, and many believe that the closing of Act 1., by the withdrawal of Russia from the concert of the Powers, is but the prelude to Act IL, which shall witness an attempt in some way or another, to obtain a footing in Pekin. There is nothing fanciful or unduly alarmist in this. It is within the bqtmcl.3. of possibility, if not probability, at the present moment. What is really taking place in Manchuria just now le cannot say, btlt this We do knoiv, that the back door of China is practically Open and undefended. Our telegraphic news mentions important -battles) great arsenals, and strategic points being won by the Russians. Plow* could all this be taking place unless their base in Eastern Siberia had been Well provided for such all occasion* or that reinforce--nlents and 'supples! have been quickly brought on the scene by the transSiberian railway? Of the actual possibilities of this great military

road there is much popular misconception. Originally it intended that it should be ready for opening in 1905. Then the time was shortened to 1902, but early in this year Prince Hillkpff, the Russian Minister of Ways and Communications, declared that it would be opened in a few, months, ■ The truth is that it is virtually open now, and it is to this fact and what it implies we are to look fox the real explanation of the turn of events in China at the present moment. The German press professes to be puzzled, and is awaiting an"'inspired lead from the Government. Quite bo. But we may be sure that the English press is neither puzzled nor in want of official guidance on this matter. Presumably all the Powers desire to maintain the integrity of China, the re-es-tablishment-of a strong and enlightened Government, which shall move forward, however, cautiously in the path of national progress. It is simply impossible that it can remain a huge mass unreeeptive and unresponsive in face of modern civilisation. If it refuses to move and come into line with civilised states, nothing can prevent its sure and not long delayed partition; but if it is wise enough to awaken and move, who can say how much will depend on its guide or the ideal it will accept for imitation?

Japan has had ambitions, and lias made overtures to become China's reorganising agent and helper, and the two together might become a menace to the Western nations. But to have Russia for guide, philosopher and friend would mean much more to the other Powers, for the elements of such a compact would be inimical in the highest degree to all their cherished and legitimate interests.