Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-09-07
LONDON, July 9.
LONDON, july y.
DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST
RUSSIA BY FRANCE

The question of peace or war between
these powers has at length been decided
France has declared war. The following
important documents we received This morn
ing IN DIonireHrS to the 5th inst -
Fans, Jnty S--This day, at two o'clock in
the afternoon, the Senate assembled, the
prince Arch Chancellor delivered the FOLLOW
ing speech.
have 20 communicate to the Senate, lSy
order OF the Emperor, two treaties of slh-
ancc, concluded in the name of his Majesty
with the Emperor of Austria, the other with
the King ofPrussia.
When our Sovereign, pausing in the
midst OF victories, terminated the first Polish
war, the Court Of Russia promised to ADOPT,
without reserve, the plan wisely combined,
rescuing the Continent from the influence of
England, and for bringing back that power
TO principles mort Contormable TO the rights
of nations
Russia was not slow in departing from
this saiutary system.
The change, on her part, being announc-
ed by CERTAIN facts. and the means of nego-
citation beng cfectualiy employed during the
course OF the year 1911, the Emperor wa.
bound to resort to measures which the Dig
nifty OF the Crown, the interest of his PEOPLE.
and the danger of his Allies dictated.
he Treaties which are about to be laid
before you form step towards the execu-
ton OF this design"
His Highness then delivered the documents
referred 10 in his speech
RefoTt Of tie Dfinistcrfor FOREIGN .A9;,f,s 10
1hc Emperor, &c.
SIRE-The Treaty between France and
Kuss" was Treaty of Offensive Alliance
against Engtand. 1t was OH your return from
the Conference of the NiemeD, in which the
emperor Alexander said to your Majesty,
that he would be your second against Eng
lana, tnat you determined to sacrifice the adj
TantaSes victory had given you, and to pass
rapidly from state Of War to state of
Alliance with Russia. This Alliance, which
augmented for france the means of Warn
gain England, ought also to have secured,
tne feace OF the Continent. In 1909, howe
yer, Austria made war upon France. Russia.
III contradiction to the precise text of Urea.
ties, afforded you no aid. Instead Of the15O,-
600 men which might have been put in mo-
lloh, ard which ought to have supported the
frenCn army, olly is 900 were brought INTO
the ned, an D. the time they crossed the
Russian frontier the fate of the war was de-
cided.
After this epoch, Sire, the ukase of the
l9'h December, 1910, which DESTROYED our
Commercial relations with Russia, the admis-
sion OF Eng.Ish Commerce is.o her ports.
her armies when from the commencement
Vt 1911, threatened the Invasion of the Duchy
OF warsaw, finally the protest respecting
OIaenburgh, annlhllated the alliance II no
longer existed whenon both sidesarmies were
toriHed tor reciprocal observation.
The whole Of the year 1911, was. how
ever, spent in conferences and negotiations
with Russia, in the hope of withdra wing If
possible, the Cabinet OF Petersburg from the
war, upon which it appeared to be resolved.
Snd TO obtain knowledge Of its real inten-
tons 1t IS proved to the Certainty of eyi-
dence, that mat Power proposed at the same
n.ne 10 depart from the Conditions OF the
eltY OF Ilsit, 70 place herself in peace
ith England, menace tAe existence OF the
Duchy OF warsaw, making use of the pretcxt
ihdemnites claimed for the Duke Ut Oiden-
0Grgh.
Your Majesty, determined to maintain
by arms, The honour II treaties, the existence
aud integrity OF The States ofyour Allies, has
telt the Importance of uniting yourself more
ciosely to power, when you were already
attached by words dear 20 your hsar.. and
the general political principles of which
arc tic sumo as those Of your MIcsry for
hls purpose. Treaty was coacIuost a, 81
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