Such are some of the Russian considerations which, in
my opinion, constitute a greater incentive on the part of
our rival to upset our power in India, than either the
love of military glory or any desire to possess our Asiatic
empire. If Russia's views are illogical and erroneous,
that does not detract in any way from their importance.
Russia gazes across her plains towards India with her
own eyes, not with oura, and if ever sho attacks our
power there it will be her own perceptions of the feasi-




I



SUEZ CANAL.
'tnlitj of the enterprise that will lure her on, and not the

dogmatic asuertioas of English statesmen and generals
respeoting her rashness, stupidity, and impotence that
■will check her.
But, to get back to Odessa and ita com trade. What-
BTer maj be the fluctuations in the eiport of grain,
Odessa would appear to have a great future before it in
connection with the new direct trade ita merchants are
opening up with the East. Formerly, before the Suez
Canal was opened, much of the merchandise exported
from Oriental countries to Eussia was first conveyed to
^London or Hull, and thence transhipped to the Baltic,
Most of the sea-borne tea reached Eussia by this route.
