The Russians have applied their diplomacy among the Kirghese and pushed their boundaries far to the southward.  They have purchased titles to districts controlled by powerful chiefs, and after being fairly settled have continued negotiations for more territory.  They make use of the hostility between the different tribes, and have managed so that nearly every feud brought advantages to Russia.  Under their policy of toleration they never interfere with the religion of the conquered, and are careful not to awaken prejudices.  The tribes in the subjugated territory are left pretty much to their own will.  Every few years the chain of frontier posts is pushed to the southward, and embraces a newly acquired region.  Western Siberia is dotted over with abandoned and crumbling forts that once guarded the boundary, but are now far in the interior.  Some of these defences are near the great road across the Baraba steppe.

The Kirghese do not till the soil nor engage in manufactures, except of a few articles for their own use.  They sell sheep, cattle, and horses to the Russians, and frequently accompany the droves to their destination.  In return for their flocks and herds they receive goods of Russian manufacture, either for their own use or for traffic with the people beyond.  Their wealth consists of domestic animals and the slaves to manage them.  Horses and sheep are legal tender in payment of debts, bribes, and presents.

In the last few years Russian conquest in Central Asia has moved so fast that England has taken alarm for her Indian possessions.  The last intelligence from that quarter announces a victory of the Russians near Samarcand, followed by negotiations for peace.  If the Muscovite power continues to extend over that part of Asia, England has very good reason to open her eyes.

I never conversed with the Emperor on this topic, and cannot speak positively of his intentions toward Asia, but am confident he has fixed his eye upon conquest as far south of the Altai as he can easily go.  That his armies may sometime hoist the Russian flag in sight of the Indo-English possessions, is not at all improbable.  But that they will either attempt or desire an aggressive campaign against India is quite beyond expectation.

It is but a few years ago that English travelers were killed for having made their way into Central Asia in disguise, and Vambery, the Hungarian traveler, was considered to have performed a great feat because he returned from there with his life.  There is now the Tashkend Messenger, a Russian paper devoted to the interests of that rich province.  Moscow merchants are establishing the Bank of Central Asia, having its headquarters at Tashkend and a branch at Orenburg, and Tashkend will soon be in telegraphic communication with the rest of the world.