<
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
It is hardly fair to dismiss Mr. Schuyler's work without alluding to his views regarding the relations of Russia to Central Asia, and this we can do more satisfactorily by quoting the substance of his "conclusion." After premising that it is unnecessary to assume the theory of a settled plan of conquest on the part of Russia, he proceeds:
"Central Asia has no stores of wealth and no economical resources; neither by its agricultural nor by its mineral wealth, nor by its commerce, nor by the revenue to be derived from it, can it ever repay the Russians for what it has already cost, and for the rapidly increasing expenditure bestowed upon it. Had Russia known fifteen years ago as much about the countries of Central Asia as she does now, there can be hardly a doubt that there would have been no movement in that direction. Even the steps taken in 1864 would not for a moment have been allowed.
Despite the drain upon the Imperial exchequer, it is practically impossible for Russia to withdraw from her position in Central Asia. Notwithstanding the many faults which may be found in the administration of the country, the Russian rule is on the whole beneficial to the natives, and it would be manifestly unjust to them to withdraw her protection and leave them to anarchy and to the unbridled rule of fanatical despots. Apart from this moral consideration, that of her prestige in Central Asia would be sufficient to keep Russia there even at a still greater loss.
On the contrary, as far as one can foresee, Russia will be compelled in the future to advance still further. It seems now to be impossible for her to remain where she is. Kashgar, Bokhara and the Turkoman country must either be annexed or they must be reduced to a position of real, and not nominal, vassalage. This accomplished, Russia will have arrived at a true ethnical and political boundary. She will have under her rule in Central Asia all of the Mohammedan peoples of Turkish race.
On the east, her neighbor will be China; and as the Russians are not disposed to get into difficulties with that empire, we may expect few boundary disputes. On the south, the frontier will be the Oxus, separating the Russian domains from Afghanistan, as agreed upon by arrangement with England. Although the rulers are Afghans and of different stock, yet the inhabitants of Balkh and the province south, as far as the Hindu Kush, are of Turkish origin. This range would therefore form the true ethnical frontier of Russia on the south, and it must be remembered that mountains are always better barriers and boundaries than rivers.
On the west, the Russian frontier will join that of Persia, which is inhabited by men of a different race, and, although Mussulmans, yet of a sect violently hated by the inhabitants of Central Asia. If any difficulty with England ever arise, it will probably be in Persia -- where at present Russian influence is paramount -- and not elsewhere."
<
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Vambery - England in the Orient
Foreign retirees in Manchuria
Japanese priest crosses desert to Tibet
An early traveler in Egypt
First Japanese Buddhist Temple in America
Waiting in Ulaan Baatar
Central Asia after the battle at Penjdeh
Underground City near Bokhara
Public Opinion 1885
Central Asia
Bokhara
