between peace and war, might well have induced her to
increase her pretensions. But as the reverse happened, it is clear that England, by her step towards more intimate rela- tions with Japan, did not stand in the way of peace, but, on the contrary, furthered it, though without claiming any merit as a peacemaker. Discussing the influence of the Anglo- Japanese Alliance on Russia's future foreign policy, the writer finds in it, first of all, an insuperable obstacle to a policy of revanche and of further armaments ; and secondly, a guarantee against any threatening movement against India. So far, however, from proving a loss to Russia, this will be a great gain ; it will check "fantastic and furious Asiatic adventures," and enable Russia once more to rename her true role,—that of maintaining the status quo in Central Europe, in which " we willingly go hand in hand with England." Such a policy, adds the Russ, "will be displeasing only to our friends in Germany," and will more than anything else tend to reassure and conciliate England.
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