IF ANYONE supposed that Russia, crushed in spirit by her ill-success in the war, was likely to consider proposals of peace, the step taken by the Tsar ought to correct the notion. His Majesty has now assumed in person the command of his armies. The significance of this act is unmistakable. It means the strengthening of the personal bond between the Russian people and their Little Father. Thus united in a closer bond than ever before they will put forth all their powers to preserve their independence as a nation against the assaults of a Power that aims at world-dominion. Whatever sacrifices their Emperor may call upon them to make, whether as fighting men or as working hands, they will make them with whole-hearted devotion. The retreating troops leave behind them a country devastated by fire, but all that terrible loss and waste is cheerfully borne, in the confident belief that the sacrifice is necessary. If the Russian character is sturdy enough to bear with unfailing fortitude the humiliation of invasion and the misery of retreat before a superior force, we may securely await the moment when, supplied with the means for resuming the offensive, she will turn on her enemy and rend him. How long that moment will be delayed there is no knowing, but we have no doubt that it will arrive at last.
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