We have dealt elsewhere with Prince Lobanof's position in Europe,
and will only say here that he was a man of great ability as well as of great force of character. Full of charm, of great versatility of talent, and endowed with not a little culture—he was exceedingly fond of historical research—he was a thorough Russian. He had gained great influence over the Czar, and his advice in foreign affairs was usually implicitly followed, though it is said that it took nearly a year's hard work to induce the Czar to visit Paris. He was the author of the alliance with France, and partly by his tact and partly because he supported the alliance so loyally, he obtained a considerable ascendency over the French Foreign Office. It is said, indeed, that he overthrew a French Minister by merely hinting his disapproval. The last point to be noted in regard to Prince Lobanof is his dislike for England. Whether the origin of that dislike was personal or political does not matter. His policy, at any rate, may be expressed by the formula, 'Keep the peace and worry England.' This was, indeed, a step necessary to carrying out his plan of allying Russia with France, while at the same time keeping on friendly terms with Germany and the Triple Alliance. If A and B hate each other, the best way to keep on good terms with both is to get them to combine with you in worrying a third person whom neither of them much likes.
Previous page
