Page:England & Russia in Central Asia,Vol-I.djvu/105

85 CHAPTER IV. Russia's military strength in central asia. There is no point of greater interest to Englishmen, connected with the presence of Russia in Central Asia, than the military resources and power of that country. It is impossible for Englishmen to affect any philosophy in studying the conduct and movements of the great northern empire. Russians may be actuated by some honourable motive, or they may not ; they may conquer and annex territory in the interests of humanity and civilisation, or the reverse; but whether they do or not is a very secondary matter for this country, Avhose interest in and concern at Russia's operations are solely occasioned by the menacing position Russia has assumed in Central Asia with regard to India. It will be said that this is indulging in a very idle fear, in a very unfair hostility. It Avill be called by one school un-English ; by another, typical of England. It will be condemned as a selfish and as a chauvinist sentiment. But of the perfect accuracy of this statement there will be no doubt in the mind of any impartial observer of affairs. Our attitude towards Russia is one of