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New Zealand Mail, Issue 421, 6 March 1880, Page 24

The rumor of an impending war between Britain and Russia is nothing more than might have been expected from the course events have recently taken. It is, however, only a rumor, and lacks confirmation ; but for all that we are inclined to place some credence in it, for it is a likely outcome of the disturbed relations which have some time existed between the two powers. Russia’s antagonism to Britain is ever more or less pronounced, if not always openly expressed, but iu secret her plotting is unceasing. The Afghanistan . complications are due in great measure to Russian intrigue, and that she has received such a decided check in Central Asia, repulsed by the Turcomans on the one hand, and out-diplomatised in Persia on the other, has intensified her hostility in a very marked degree. Then again, the internecine dissensions by which she is racked imperatively demand a remedy. Anything to distract the attention of the people from the liberal reforms upon which their minds are set, even the desperate alternative of a war with Britain, would be accepted as a welcome means of escape from the terrible Nihilistic complications which are literally convulsing Russian society. Whilst we regard those complications as a substantial safeguard of peace on Russia’s side, we yet cannot ignore the extreme probability of an attempt on the part of the Imperial authorities to bring about a war as a counter-irritant. That this will be attempted is, we think, certain, but its success as a remedial measure is more than doubtful. Its doubtfulness as a remedy in another direction is, however, less pronounced, for Russia, once armed for the fray, would be Russia armed against herself*. Nihilism, which permeates every grade of Russian society, would then become rampant, and the long ages of Russian tyranny and oppression would terminate in the overthrow of existing institutions. Severe throes will attend the birth of liberty in Russia, even as they did in down-trodden France. The toppling of the towers of autocracy will produce a grand crash, and after that order will be evolved out of chaos, and the rights of the people will receive recognition. That the Russian Government are prepared to go to extremes it is certain, but we do not think they will succeed in dragging the country into war. Rumors, however, will abound in the meantime, and as what is possible ought to be provided for, no harm can come of preparing for the contingency of a war with Russia. It will be well to push on harbor defences.