Page:England & Russia in Central Asia,Vol-I.djvu/54

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
34
ENGLAND AND RUSSIA IN CENTRAL ASIA.

in the rear of the victories of a civilised power. It is to be regretted that the English observer cannot but fail to perceive the accuracy of that assertion in the case of the subject of which Herr von Helwald was immediately treating. We find the progress of science and knowledge in the rear of Russia's conquests to be remarkably slow; we discover numerous undertakings of all kinds that should be promptly carried out neglected; and we look in vain for that enlightened administration which always follows, according to the German writer, in the rear of the triumphant armies of civilised nations. But we find, on the other hand, that remarkable enterprise is shown in Russian circles, military and scientific, in making science and exploration go before their armies. The territory that is already Russian is neglected; but that destined to become Russian is explored and mapped out with remarkable care. While Kizil Kum, S emir et chin sk, and list TJrt, are, comparatively speaking, disregarded, Hissar, the Pamir, Kara Kum, and Kashgar are explored with the greatest possible diligence, and information bearing upon those places is snatched up with the most eager avidity. And this remarkable reversal of the natural order of things is one of the most unequivocal indications of the truth of the assertion that in her present Asiatic possessions Russia finds neither content nor satisfaction; and the result of her disappointment is that she looks beyond in her policy, just as her soldiers do in a mere spirit of chauvinism, to the prize that is to reward her for many years' expenditure in blood and treasure. Her reward can