The Russo-Indian Question; Historically, Strategically and Politically Considered with a Sketch of Central Asiatic Politics and a Map of Central Asia (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1869. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. POLITICAL ASPECT OF THE QUESTION. It is perhaps only repeating an obvious truism to remark that the Russo-Indian, or Central Asian, question, as it is variously termed, embraces matters far wider in their scope and significance than any mere arrangement between the English Government in India and the ruler of Affghanistan. When it is borne in mind how intimately its future aspect will be connected with the solution of that inexhaustible problem for politicians, which is called the Eastern Question, it will be seen at once how closely this whole subject is bound up with the future peace of Europe. The question, therefore, is one of European, and not merely of Asiatic, interest. The optimist school of politicians, who see nothing but good in the future proximity of the Russian boundary to India, do not deny (for indeed they could scarcely do that in the face of so many historical facts testifying to the contrary) that the Asiatic interests and policy of Russia have always, from the commencement of the present century, been opposed to those of England. They appear, however, to base their anticipations of future benefits from this proximity upon what is alleged to be the modified and enlightened character of Russian policy since the accession to the throng of the reigning Czar, and are wont to declare that the influence of public opinion, and also of civilisation, which has undeniably been making such rapid strides in Russia of late years, cannot fail to modify her aggressive spirit and her traditional ideas of her 'manifest destiny.' In their opinion, therefore, any dread of harm to English interests from Russia's proximity to India is an illusion of bygone days, which all sensible men should now for ever discard. They declare that there need be no fear...