V.
NO one is thinking of war, but milliards of roubles are being spent on preparations for war, and millions of men are under arms in Russia and France. "But that is all done to secure peace. Si vis pacem, para bellum. L'empire c'est la paix, la republique c'est la paix." But if that is so, why is it that among us in Russia, in all the magazines and newspapers published for the so-called educated classes, the military advantages of our alliance with France in case of war with Germany are clearly explained? And not only that, but even in the Rural News, a newspaper published by the Russian Government for the benefit of the simple people, it is impressed upon that unhappy people, deceived by the Government, that—
Friendship with France is a benefit and advantage for Russia too, because if, contrary to all expectation, the aforementioned Powers (Germany, Austria, and Italy) resolved to break the peace with Russia, though with God's help she might be able alone to defend herself and to be a match for the very powerful alliance of her
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