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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 83

Herat

Herat.

The Powers are always at war. In the balance of power each watches every other. England's troubles in the Soudan afford Russia's opportunity to steal a march on India by threatening Herat, which is the most commanding position in Asia, the ganglionic centre from which the roads radiate to Persia, Tartary, Afghanistan, and India. Of Herat may be said, in one sense, as of ancient Rome, "All roads lead to Herat." Therefore it is termed the Key of India.

Lord Beaconsfield's policy was to grasp Afghanistan, and make his "scientific frontier" beyond it. Fifteen millions sterling were sunk over this enterprise, abandoned by Mr. Gladstone. One cannot help reflecting on the instability of English political counsels. How was it that a leader, such as Lord Beaconsfleld, could pledge the people to an enterprise which was hateful to them? Surely the government of Eng and must be, in reality, not responsible, but the most irresponsible of all. We see this again in the purchase of the Suez Canal shares.

But the grand element of safety to England is the Nihilism of Russia. Although the hypocrisy of diplomacy necessitates expressions of sympathy with the Czar, English statesmen cannot view with dissatisfaction the sapping at the core of the strength of the Colossus. What is the use of extending the Russian frontier, and adding to the huge unwieldy dominion?

Yet fate drives them on. Russia must invade India, as a Nemesis for the British conquest. The life of Clive shows rapine, treachery, and greed. The seeds were then sown of Russian invasion.

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Lord Dufferin is plunged into a position of terrible anxiety. He has to act. The details of his work can only be faintly imagined. Of course the population of India sympathises neither with Russia nor England, except in so far as the sensible people prefer King Log to King Stork.

Russia has a tremendous advantage in the base of operations, swarming down from landward. England's disadvantage need only be suggested, in having to ship all her British troops to India. We remember that there was once a mutiny of the Sepoys. The Russians are civilising Central Asia. Would England do it?

It is characteristic of the different styles of the two nations, that while England has a "Frontier Commission" at work, Russia pushes along its soldiers. The Asian policy initiated by Peter the Great moves on with the stealthy steps of Tarquin's Ghost.