Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-06-03
THE WILL OF PETER THE GREAT.

The following historical document
will be read with lively interest. 1t
is the will of PETER THE GREAT, as
was sent to Louis XIV, by the
French ambassador at St. Petersbrrgh,
in which is found tho political idea
which has ever since presided over
the policy Of the sovereigns of Russia !:
ain the name Of the Most Holy and
Indivisible Trinity, we, PETER ], to
all our descendants and successors to
the throne and government of the Rus
sian nation: The Great God, from
whom we hold our existence and our
throne, having opened ouI eyes and up
held our steps, permits me to consider
the Russian people as fore-ordalned to
the general domination Of Europe. /
found this thought upon the fact that
European nations have reached, for the
most part, a state of old age, approach
ing decay, or they are making rapid
strides towards IL; IL follows, therefore,
that they must be easily and indubta-
bly conquered by q people young and
fresh, when this latter shall have at
tanned its full age and strength. l look
upon the invasion Of the countries OF
the East and West by the North aspe-
riodical movements, determined by the
designs of Providence, who thus re-
generated the Roman people by the in
yasion Of barbarians. The emigrations
of,he Polar races are like the floods the
of tho Nile, which, at certain periods,
are sent to fertilizo the impoverished
land of Egypt. found Russia a stream,
leave it river, my successors will
make it large sea, destined 10 fertil-
ize impoverished Europe, and it's waves
will flow over in spite of the dikes OPP
posed by weak hands, if my descend
ants know how to direct its course. 1t
Is on that account leave them the
following directions, which recon-
mend to their attention and constant
observation:
al. Keep the Russian nation always
in a position for war, that the soldier
may be always Injured and in breath;
leave him no repose but for the amelio-
ration of the finances of the State; re-
model the army; choose favorable mo-
ments for an attack In this way make
peace subservient to war, and war TO
peace, in the interest & ACCOMPLISHMENT
of the increasing popularity OF Russia.
"2. Attract by all possible means.
from among the learned people of Eu-
rope, captains during war, and thelearn-
ed during peace that the Russian nation
may profit by the advantages of other
countries without losing any of her
own.
"3. On every occasion take part in
the affairs and debates of Europe, and
especially in those of Germany, which,
being nearer, more directly interests US.
Al. Divide Poland by keeping up
continued trouble and jealousy; gain
over by gold other Powers; inhuence the
Diet: corrupt them in order TO have a
decision in the choice of kings; cause
partsans TO be named; protect them /;
introduce Muscoviie troops, and seize
the occasion TO render them stations
~ there. If neighboring powers Of
fer difficulties, appoase them momenta-
rily by parcelling out the country, I'LL
an opportunity offers Of retaking wha,
was given.
SIS. Take as much as possible from
Sweden, aud study the means of draw
ing on her attacks, in order to have q
pretex, for subjugating her. To OBJ
tain this, separate her.from Denmark,
and carefully, for their rivslity.
SO. Always take wives for Russian
princes from among the prineesses of
Germany, in order to multiply family
alliances; bring Interests nearer, and
unite Germany itself TO our cause by
increasing our. influence there,