The former, at least, would only make use of a war to promote their own revolutionary schemes, as they did in the crisis of the Russo-Japanese War.

Under the circumstances, there can be little idea of a united outburst of the national spirit which would enable an offensive war to be carried on with persistent vigour.

There has been an extraordinary change in the conditions since 1812, when the people showed some unanimity in repelling the invasion.

Should Russia to-day be involved in a Western war with Germany and Austria, she could never bring her whole forces into play.

In the first place, the revolutionary elements in the heart of the State would avail themselves of every weakening of the national sources of power to effect a revolution in internal politics, without any regard for the interests of the community.