THE DESIGNS AND PROGRESS OF RUSSIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 285, 16 May 1857, Page 7

THE DESIGNS AND PROGRESS OF RUSSIA.

In the " Colombo Observer," of the 12th January, we find the following :—: —

As a pretty clear indication of the extent to which Russia is implicated in the suicidal advance of the Persians on Herat, the fact is mentioned that the golden "boodkies" in which the bribe to Esa Khan was paid, were Russian coins. An Indian journal, the "Moffussilite," has commenced the publication of a series of papers by an old "attache" to the French Embassy, who has, however, completely identified himself with the British. From the first of these papers we quote as follows :—: —

" There is no use in disguising the fact ; no wisdom in deriding all assertions of danger to India consequent on the annexation, by Russia of Asiatic Provinces contiguous to our Indian possessions. The facts are as clear as the noon-day sun. Russia has advanced, will advance, and is advancing, slowly, steadily, but surely advancing towards India. Already Russia has rapidly diminished the distances which formerly intervened between our out-posts. The British sentries at Peshawur are nearer to the Russian videttes and Cossack picquets, on the Oxus and at Asterabad, than they are to our cantonments at Bombay and Drnapore. " No man in his senses can believe that the seige of Herat is instigated and undertaken by Persia, impoverished, con-

temptible, and bankrupt. For years and years past she has been the pliant tool and willing slave of her daring, ambitious", and Imperial master. The Court of Teheran exists merely as a puppet in the hands of the Muscovite. The magnificent, productive and valuable provinces of Ghilan and of Mazenderan, the fairest jewels in the diadem of Persia, are actually mortgaged to Russia, whose troops at the present moment garrison Asterabad, in large numbers, and occupy the principal roads leading to Teheran and to Meshed. To the west, the Russian " corps d'arme," encamped on the banks of the Araxes, can enter Persia in an hour. To the north, the Caspian is in undisputed possession of the Russians, and swarms with Russian transports, corvettes, and gun boats."

Our readers will remember the Russian Prince Soltikoff, who was in Ceylon at the commencement of Sir Colin Campbell's term of Government. We have recentlymet the name again in connection with the East, and it is stated that Russian statesmen in St. Petersburg are more familiar with Ceylon, its resources and its defences, than any statesmen in England.