Among the Celestials : vol.1 / Page 111 (Color Image)

0111	Among the Celestials : vol.1

CHAP. Iv.] DEFENSIVE MEASURES. 85

has probably been more than counteracted by

the strong defensive measures we have taken

in the direction of Kandahar. The Russian

advance to the Pamirs has certainly been fully

counterbalanced by our moves to H unza and

Chitral. Perhaps we may hope that the acquisi-

tion of Wei -hai-wei will form a due reply to the

Russian lease of Port Arthur. In this way only

does it seem possible to prevent the Russians

acquiring that political influence which we have

so much reason to fear may be exercised to the

detriment of our commercial interests.

There is indeed one other method which

many advocate for the purpose of staying the

advance of Russian influence. It is the policy

of bolstering up China. But before we adopt

that policy, I think we ought to consider with

the utmost attention what it really means. In

Turkey, in Persia, in Afghanistan, we have

tried a similar policy ; we have tried to infuse

life into moribund semi-civilised states, and in

our selfish interests to use them as buffers

against the advance of civilisation. But we

have had but small success. After spending

millions of money and thousands of lives in

support of Turkey, we had very nearly to go to

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