As Mr. Grant Duff says, we are in for it and must
stick to it, and we cannot ' conceive any one coming
to an opposite conclusion even if he took the gloomiest
view possible.'

To maintain the empire Mr. G-rant Duff looks to
' diplomacy.' ' As at present advised, I should imagine
that there would be some difficulty in making any
decided diplomatic stand about Merv.' Without an
army in the background we should certainly agree with
Mr. Grant Duff; 'but Merv is uncomfortably near
Herat ;' so he would make a 'representation' to Hussia:
' Do you not think that the object which both nations
have in view will be best attained by your making no
permanent settlement there?' Mr. Grant Duff thinks



334 THE EASTEBN MENACE.
*8uch a representation would very likely have been
successful because any interest which Bussia may have
in going to Merv is fiEir less urgent than the interest
which she has in keeping on cordial terms with this
coimtry alike in Asia and in Europe.' We would ask
Mr. Grant Duflf, as a member of the British Govern-
ment which permitted the violation by Bussia of the
terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1856, whether he con-
siders that in that violation Bussia displayed the interest
she has in keeping on cordial terms with us ?

We repeat, Diplomacy is worthless when unsup-
ported by Force.
