On the second page of the same journal you will find an inspired
editorial, which I have reason to know is a semiofficial reply to
certain comments of the press, and more particularly to an editorial
which appeared in the issue of the Times (London), dated January 20
last, adversely criticising Count Mouravieff’s circular above referred
to.
[Inclosure in No.
242.—Translation.]
Leader in Journal de St. Petersbourg of January
13–25, 1899.
The circular of the Imperial Government of December 30, which we
print elsewhere, gives a more definite form to the proposal
contained in the communication of the 12th of August last on the
subject of a meeting of a conference for the purpose of assuring to
the people of the world the benefits of peace. In designating to the
powers, in the event of the present time seeming favorable to them
for the convening of the conference, a certain number of questions
to examine, with a view of the common elaboration of a detailed
programme, the imperial cabinet has proven its desire of arriving at
a complete agreement in a matter of such great importance to all
civilized nations.
Certain foreign papers have already published their first comments
upon the subject of the new Russian circular. Without wishing to
underrate the value of these organs of the press, we are not able to
see that they represent a majority of European public opinion. This
public opinion has pronounced itself with such
[Page 554]
unanimity in favor of the idea
contained in the Russian communication of August 12 that it can not
he supposed that this opinion has changed on this account. In
awaiting the opinions which may be expressed by other journals when
the text of the new circular shall be known to them we will confine
ourselves for the present to showing how certain organs of the press
have so singularly erred.
Certain English papers have maintained that Russia, previous to the
meeting of the proposed conference, ought herself to set the example
of reducing her military and naval forces.
That is a theory to which it would be very difficult to subscribe;
and inasmuch as one of the journals maintaining it has thought that
it could invoke common sense to support its criticisms of the
Russian proposals, it is permissable to say in reply that simple
common sense is quite sufficient to justify the theory it
develops.
In truth, what power is there which could think of reducing alone its
military forces, when the others not only do not stop but still keep
increasing their armaments? No government whatever, justly
solicitous of its duties toward the nation, could so manifestly
disregard the most elementary laws of public foresight. The régime
of armed peace which was pointed out in the Russian circular of
August 12 not having changed, the Imperial Government should, as
well as the others, remain with arms ready.
Russia, however, in no way ceases to ardently wish that this régime,
so onerous to the people and so prejudicial to the lofty interests
of humanity, may come to an end. It is exactly this state of mind
which inspired the initiative which she took in this matter and
which continues to direct her efforts in the same way. It is to be
hoped that the acknowledged interests of nations and general good
sense will overcome the obstacles which the realization of the
Russian proposals may meet.
But it would certainly be illogical to expect that Russia should
reduce or stop its armament as long as the proposed conference shall
not have assembled or resulted in the desired results. As long as
the other powers continue to increase their armaments, Russia
naturally sees herself obliged to resort to similar measures,
without on that account renouncing her invariably pacific views or
her hope of seeing the development of the great humanitarian ideas
or the well-known interest of civilized nations bring about a
general agreement of the powers, so desirable for the realization of
the magnanimous views of His Majesty the Emperor.
