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Rh equally calculated in the long run to check the internal passions of Christendom. The outer world, as already pointed out, was incapable, in its original state, of meeting the onslaught of Europe, thus providing an active incitement to wars waged between the western powers for so rich a prize. But England is gradually finding her mission in building up these politically decadent peoples into more stable communities, capable of resisting the attack, and thus of abating a definite cause of European strife. For instance, Southern Asia, and the seas that wash it, were once the scene of continuous battles between ourselves, the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the French; and, but for our presence, Russians and Germans would probably be fighting there now. In this instance alone, no inconsiderable portion of the human species has been removed by ourselves from the arena and the lions. But this is not all, by any means. This country has actively used her influence not merely to fortify the weak, who live under her own ægis in all parts of the world, but also to defend, by her diplomacy and even by her soldiers, many peoples not under her sway at all. For example, her Japanese Alliance of 1902 was signed in order not only to protect Japan from European aggression, but also to save the Chinese Empire from partition by the powers. In Europe itself she has constantly, though not always happily, ministered to the Turk, and has even fought for him. Even as early as 1816, Nesselrode, on behalf