Though Mr. Brodrick disclaimed the notion that we had any
closer understanding with Russia than with any other Power, we sincerely trust that we and Russia, as the two Powers chiefly interested—we by reason of our commerce, and she by reason of her territorial propinquity —will take special pains to keep in accord. If that can be done the Chinese difficulty may be successfully dealt with. If not, and if we are to be always on the verge of a quarrel with Russia, our new entanglement becomes most serious. The great point, to our mind, is not to expect too much from Russia, but to try to find out what she really wants, and then, if possible, to satisfy it not by yielding the narrowest minimum in the approved dog-in-the-manger spirit, but by adopting a policy which shall frankly and fairly acknowledge Russia's special claims. There is plenty of room in Asia for both Russia and Britain.
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