THE RUSSIAN CONQUEST OF AUSTRALASIA.

Observer, Volume 3, Issue 67, 24 December 1881, Page 232

THE RUSSIAN CONQUEST OF AUSTRALASIA.

A CHAPTER OF CONTEMPORARY HISTORY.

The following extract from the "Decline and Fall of the British Empire " (published in 1980) may be of interest to our readers : — "In these two eventful years (1881-82) there was a widespread movement which permeated the most remote British dependency in favour of the separation of the Colonies from the Mother Country. The Home policy of Protection was generally credited with having produced this .state of feeling in the Colonies ; but men of reason marvelled that the Colonies, which had nearly all for years worked on the Protective system, should advance any such transparent pretext. From whatever cause proceeding, the feeling existed ; and there also appeared to be a general desire of the British at Home to confine their attention to their own insular domain, and all their Colonies and dependencies to act as they chose. The concession of self-government to the Transvaal Boers had established the principle that each integral part of the Empire was entitled to be the sole judge of how it should be governed ; and the Bradlaugh- Gladstone Cabinet, backed up by the great Radical majority in the kingdom and Parliament, was extending the principle in turn to every part of the Empire, though with unblushing inconsistency the right was denied to the Home Rule agitators of Ireland. " Peace, retrenchment, and reform" being the watchwords of the Radical party, Gibraltar had been sold to Spain, our West Indian possessions had been bartered away to Brother Jonathan, and negotiations were going on for the cession of Malta to Italy. The latter step was, indeed, definitely resolved upon, despite the warnings and protests of eminent military authorities, who pointed to the close rapprochement existing between Italy and Russia, arising from the mutual hatred of Austria. All warnings were in vain, for the will of the people was declared for noninterference in foreign affairs, and already the British forces were being withdrawn and the fortifications dismantled. The South African Colonies had meanwhile rejected then 1 British Governors, and had formed themselves into two powerful independent nations — one ruled by King Cetewayo, and the other by Emperor John Dunn I. The Canadian Parliament had got the length of discussing federation with the United States, and there seemed a near prospect of the great republic holding sway over the whole of North America, in realisation of their favourite Monroe doctrine ; while the action of the United States in regard to Peru and Chili proved that they also aspired at dominating the vast southern continent. The various Indian Presidencies were at the same time declaring for self-government under native rulers, and it was felt to be an injustice to deny to the loyal natives of Bombay, Madras, &c., the privileges accorded to the turbulent and rebellious Afghans. The shares held in the Suez Canal by Her Majesty's Government were sold at a good profit, but it was whispered that the purchase had been effected on behalf of the Russian Empire. In this unsettled condition of affairs the Australasian Colonies still maintained their allegiance to the Mother Country, although the Fijian colonists had shewn signs of strong resentment at the shabby treatment they received, and were speaking of " casting off the British yoke" — an ominous term, coming from Britons, towards that Power which they used to be fond of xipholding as the champion of the oppressed and the defender of men's liberties. There were a few impractical dreamers, in which class New Zealand was represented by Dr. Wallis, a disappointed politician,who had gigantic schemes for an Australasian Confederation ; but these schemes were exceedingly unpopular, on account of a proposal that the Maoris and Chinese should have equal rights with Europeans. Despite the outward maintenance of loyalty, however, there was a strong party in New Zealand who favoured separation from Great Britain, and cried for the establishment of the New Zealand Republic, with John Bryce as President. This party was fond of pointing out that the only tangible result of our connection with Great Britain was the saddling of the Colony with a heavy annual salary to a xiseless Governor, New Zealand receiving absolutely no protection from the Imperial forces. On the other hand, the Colonial party pointed out the necessity for keeping up our union with the Mother Country, as, on account of our sparse population, extensive sea-board, lack of army and navy, or any adequate fortifications or armament, we would be entirely at the mercy of any aggressive or ambitious foreign Power, were it not that the British fleet was known to be ready to defend us against all assailants, and all the power and prestige of the British army were at our call at the first appearance of danger. It was at this critical j uncture that a series of events transpired which formed a striking commentary upon the arguments adduced for and against the separation of New Zealand from Great Britain, proving that the British Government left the Colonies completely unprotected, and, at the same time, clearly demonstrating that the Colonies had themselves made no provision for repelling the invasion of an enemy. These events occurred with a suddenness which w r as calculated to paralyse all resistance, and they occurred in this wise. About ten days before Christmas, 1881, a Russian cruiser, the flagship of the Pacific Squadron, paid a visit to Auckland, and her officers ■were received with open arms, were hospitably entertained on shore, and were shown over tie city and surrounding country. The brass band from the ship olso came ashore, and gave an afternoon's musical treat to the people of Auckland ; and on St. Nicholas' Day the vessel was thrown open to the public for inspection, when thousands availed themselves of the opportunity of viewing her internal arrangements and gazing admiredly at her Krupp guns, mittrailleuses, and other engines of destruction.- Nothing was thought of this at the time, for Britain and Russia, were at peace, and no rupture of their friendly relations wan even dreamt of.

It was on Christmas Eve tliat the people of Auckland received the first warning note of coming trouble — at least, it was so construed after the event. Admir.il Aslambegoff and several of his subordinate officers were being entertained to dinner at The Towers, Remuera, by the Mayor of the city, Mr J. M. Clark, and, some misunderstanding 'having arisen between the Russians and the Auckland Volunteer officers as to the relative merits of English and Eussian soldiers, the fat old Admiral and his party left the banquet in wrath, and departed for their ship, uttering what appeared to bo threats I and imprecations in their own language. Mr Lourie. who was present, was obserxed to be startled by what they said, but, on being questioned on the subject, he assured the guests that there was nothing serious in the ebullition that had taken place. It only showed the truth of the old German rhyme — Als die Wein ist in tier Mann Ist der Weisheit in die Kxnn. And he had no doubt that, on reflection, their Eussian guests would hasten to tender an humble apology for their conduct. [ On the afternoon of Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25th) a message was received at the Auckland Telegraph Oflice frnm Wellington, intimating that there would be no cable messages for next day's papers either from Britain or i Australia, as, by some unaccountable accident, ! both cables had been cut. The severance of the cable had taken place just as a message was being Avircd by Eeuter's Agency from London. This jnessage commenced thus : — " Loxdox, December 25. — Russia has this day declared war against Turkey, in consequence of the refusal of the Porte to pay the war indemnity. The British fleet has been sent to the Bosphorus. Anxiety is felt regarding the intentions of the Russian Pacific Squadron, which sailed some time ago with sealed orders for ." Here the message abruptly ended, but there was sufficient to disclose cause for alarm.' Next morning it was found that Auckland was cut oft" from all communication by telegraph, and the uneasiness caused by this discovery was by no means lessened when three additional steamers carrying the Eussian flag sailed right into the harbour, and took up position in line with the flagship, the Africa. The Mayor hastily summoned the City Council and officers of Volunteer regiments to a conference, at which it was decided that warlike preparations should be made, in view of the suspicious movements of the Eussian fleet. To remove all dubity, Mr Clark volunteered to proceed on board the Africa, as if on a friendly visit to the Admiral. This he proceeded to do, but was not allowed on board, and returned to town with the startling tidings that Admiral Aslambegoff had demanded the surrender of the town to the autlioi-ity of the Emperor of Russia. The final answer of the city authorities was to be given that evening, and, failing submission, the town would be bombarded the following day. Then ensued a long and anxious deliberation, at which, however, there was but one opinion— "Resistance to the death!"

But how resist ? For now there dawned upon these harrassed patriots the deplorable lack of the means of defence in the Colony. There were no fortifications (the last vestige of Fort Britomart had been swept away only a few days before) ; there were no munitions of Avar ; there was no standing army — not even a small British garrison to serve as the nucleus of an army of defence. True, there were our rifle and artillery volunteer corps, but these were felt to be awfully inadequate. Still, no one dreamt of surrender. The city was in a state of tremendous excitement, and many citizens were already beginning to seek safety in flight. A message of scornful defiance was returned to the invaders, and a hurried Council of War (presided over by Major Withers) was held. It was decided to throw up earthworks and erect substantial barricades from the foot of Queen-street to Britomart Hill, and resist the landing of the invading force. Meanwhile, Mr Peacock, exMayor, had discovered, by means of a powerful telescope, that one of the newly arrived Eussian ships wns a large transport' filled with soldiers. In the afternoon a trusty messenger was sent to Onehunga to send off any steamer that might be in harbour for assistance from the East Coast and Wellington ; but this messenger returned with the news that a Eussian man-o'-war had that morning entered the Manukau Harbour, had seized all the shipping, and was menacing the town. It was thought, however, that McGce, armed with Webster's Dictionary, would be able to keep the Russians at bay ! The Aucklanders, though they found themselves in dire difficulties, did not give way to despair. Under cover of night, the steamship Eotomahana made an attempt to run out and fetch down the Thames Volunteers ; but though she got past the four vessels in harbour undiscovered, she was blown to pieces by another Eussian man-o'-war which was cruising outside Tiritiri. All night the besiegers worked at their improvised fortifications, or drilled under the Volunteer officers — the stores of Messrs Evitt and Hazard being ransacked for arms and ammunition. They found that they had a force of 5000 men fit to bear arms, but there was not arms for more than one half of these, while there were not over 100 rounds of ammunition to each rifle. Ere morning broke, all the women and children, with as much food, etc., as could be collected, had been removed to Mount Eden, to which it was determined to retire if driven from the city. The women and children were encamped in the capacious crater on the top of the hill, while bodies of nien were told off to throw up earthworks on the topmost terrace. By 7 a.m., on the 27th, the main force which was to resist the landing of the Evissians was ready for ' the fray. During the night very formidable earthworks had been thrown up on the city side of Custom House-streefc, between the two wharves, and the sight of these seemed to cause the besiegers to abandon the town. Having seized the steamers Takapuna and Tainui, large bodies of Russian troops were lauded by means of them on the Queen-street Whax'f . At last, under cover of a galling fire from the war-ships, this force advanced, with fierce hurrahs against the earthworks. The Russians were well-officered, and showed great courage and steadiness ; but

clesx^ite their utmost efforts, the attacking force could get no further than the stores of Ehrcnfried Bros. The defenders had two cannons, which, swept the wharf at this point ; and the Victoria Rifles poured volley after volley with deadly effect into the advancing ranks, with the result that they were repeatedly forced to retire in confusion. A company of blue-jackets, led by Lieutenant Navakoosky and sub-Lieutenant Ovrascherosky, was diu-ing this struggle landed on the Railway Wharf to try and create a diversion in that quarter ; but so able were the dispositions of the defending forces that this move caused no embarrassment. After suffering considerable loss in their futile attempts to carry the earthworks, the Russian commander Avithdrcw the attacking force — the fleet, however, keeping up a steady fire on the gallant defenders. About 2 p.m. this fire ceased, and shortly afterwards the bombardment of the city began. First to be destroyed were St. Paul's Church, the Museum building, the Northern Club-house, and the new Masonic Hull — all of which are prominent features in the landscape from the harbour. Shells and red hot cannon balls Avere fired into these buildings until they caught fire, and the raging element soon completed their destruction. Shortland-street West was the target for the enemy's shells, and soon the City Flour Mill, Messrs. Clark and Co.'s warehouse, the Post-office, and other buildings were in flames. It was feared that the Avhole of Queen-street would be demolished, and Mr Yon der Heyde ran up the German flag at the "Dcutsches Consulat," while from the masthead of the high and dry Herald ship a white flag fluttered in token of truco. Thus the west side of Queen-street was saved ; but the Russians soon burned down Fort-street and Custom Housestreet, and forced the Aucklanders to retire from the eastern portion of their lino of defence. About 8 p.m. there was a luli in the bombardment ; and just as the defenders were congratulating themselves that the day's fighting was over, the watchman of the Union Sash and Door Company's works came running in with the intelligence that under cover of the bombardment a regiment of Russian soldiers had been landed in small boats at Ilobson's Bay, and were now marching to attack the defenders in the rear. As the admiral was preparing to make a simultaneous attack with a stronger lauding party than before, it was seen that retreat was inevitable, and the defenders retired in good order on Mount Eden. The Russian forces on shore devoted the evening to " looting," after having demolished the remnant of the earthworks, while those on the fleet amused themselves by shelling the pleasant suburbs of Parnell and Ponsonby, which blazed through all the night — a spectacle of woe to the homeless multitudes on Mount Eden, who gazed on a sight of unparalleled grandeur with feelings of bitter anguish and a fierce resolve to retaliate on their relentless foes. But the succeeding day only showed them how completely they were at the mercy of the enemy, and how vain were all their courageous resolves and heroic efforts. The Russians marched in force on Mount Eden, by way of Symonds-strcet, while another detachment crossed the country from Onehunga, and the hill was soon completely invested. While waiting on the capitulation of the defenders of Mount Eden, the Russian forces were employed subjugating the surrounding country. In the Waikato, as elsewhere, the colonials were almost powerless to resist ; and their fall was hastened by the action of the natives, who welcomed the Russians as their deliverers — those who, according to Te Whifi's prophecy, should possess the land when both Maori and pakeha were exterminated! In a very short time the Avhole of the North Island had been subjugated by Russia. The last to capitulate were the brave defenders of Mount Eden ; but at last both their food and ammunition were exhausted, and they had to surrender at discretion. The people Avere permitted, on laying down their arms, to return to their homes (or sites of them) and go about their avocations ; and the Mayor and family were invited to be the guests of Admiral Aslambogoff, at The Tower, Remuera, where the Admiral was hoav quartered. The Russian General in command of the expedition was the guest of Mr Joseph L. Wilson — the Herald having become an " inspired " organ of the Russian Government, and appearing each day with glowing accounts of the successes of the Russian arms in different quarters of the globe. The Slav, which had been allowed to exist on suffercnee, had been suspended and heavily fined for publishing an article asserting the right of the people of New Zealand to elect a parliament composed of one half Maoris and one half Russians. From the Herald- we learned of the Russian occupation of Constantinople, the sinking of the British fleet in the Dardanelles by torpedoes, and the destruction of several British troop ships in the Mediterranean by the combined fleets of Russia and Italy. Furthermore we learned of the conquest by Russia of the Avhole of the Australasian Colonies by a ridiculously small force ; and to add to our mortification we Avere assured that the British Government was as yet unaware of any disaster having befallen their dependencies here. Thus avus the spectacle presented of a high spirited and Avarlike people subjected to a galling military despotism because of the neglect of the duty to defend their territory from aggression, or because of their too implicit trust in the aid of Great Britain. In New Zealand especially the British so long accustomed to rule, chafed under the merciless Maori-Russian domination, and had formed a Nihilistic Association for the purpose of freeing themselves from the oppressive yoke of the conqurer. This secret organisation had a powerful branch iv Auckland ; and this branch had matured a plan by which they might overturn the Russian rule. The meeting to make the final arrangements for the projected coup Avas held at midnight, and extraordinary precautions had been taken to ensure secrecy. The business Avas completed, the different leaders had received their instructions, and the assemblage Avas about to disperse, when an umvclcome interruption took place winch blasted all thoir hopes of freedom ! The door of the room was suddenly flung open, and a loud voice exclaimed — "Hallo! Been asleep ? They've been calling you by telephone from the office for the last five minutes !" I "Eh I Oh ! Yes ! Where are the Russians ?"

" Still off fho Railway "Wharf !" I rubbed my eyes; for the Toice sounded familiar. It was the jolly host of the Star Hotel. ; and then I realised that the Russian Conquest of Australasia -was the result of a too hearty dinner, and a rather inactive liver 3 inducing deep sleep, ■while my mental faculties remained -wide awake. Thoroughly disenchanted, I jumped up, exclaiming — « Hang it ! I must have slept, a full ten minutes, and am three minutes behind time for an appointment I made !" #*** * # - The explanation of the above is simple enough. I had the previous evening been reading J 3mo Disraeli's "Curiosities of Literature," and had been much impressed by his speculative remarks on the " History of Events that might have occurred ;" and the current news from that morning's paper had gob curiously mingled withil speculations in my mind. Yes ; " The Russian Conquest o£ Australasia was only a dream ; but it leaves me with the unanswered question — Are our Colonial defences satisfactory ? If this matter is looked into, it will be found, perhaps, that what is here depicted as the " baseless fabric of a vision" is in reality that which might he 1