Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-01-31
Oistorita!.
From the n. Y. Evening Post.
RUSSIAN DIPLOMACY.

1t is difficult fully to understand in this
country the Gutocracy OF the Emperor Of
RuSSla-that is to say, the absolute power
OF single man over the liberty, prosperity
and lite Of SO many millions of men. 1t
seems as firmly established as it is mighty.
Yet however absolute this power, it is sur
rounded with great and unforeseen dangers.
Open the history of Russia, and you meet
with two or three of those catastrophies,
which are splendid but terrible illustrations
of it. 1t has been said of the monarchy of
France, before 1889, that it was an absu-
Lutte monarchy, moderated by songs. 1t
was so to certain extent but with more
truth can it be said, that the absolute mon
archy of Russia is a monarchy moderated
by assassination. Let one remember the
tragic death Of Peter III. and Paul /. An
anecdote will better illustrate from what
quarter come the deep-concealed dangers.
Lord Cloncurry relates, in his recently
published Personal Recollectionss that be-
ing at Rome II the last years Of the past
century, he got acquainted with many
Russians Of high rank, such as Orloa, the
avorte OF Catharine H., and Potemkin,
son Of the celebrated minister. The intro
duction Of the Muscovite element, be says,
made a strange MIXTURE in our society !;
when sometimes discussions arose that
brought the habitual steady English love
of freedom into conflict of argument with
the fierce barbarian vigor of the Russians; /;
and that, too, in presence of the polished
frebleness of some noble subject Of the
church. On one occasion, the Compara-
tive merits OF democracy and desp tsm be-
ing under debate, the risk of mischief at
the hands Of a senSeles, ill-condtioned ~.
rant was urged as more than a counterpoiSe
for the good that could be done by be-
nevoent and wise autocrat "Against that
risk exclaimed Count Pahen, who was
present, we have safeguard. Here is the
Constitution OF Russia ~ and starting up,
he closed the argument by drawing dag
ger from his pocket, and flinging it upon
the table with an earnestness and energy
that lett no doubt Of his personal willing
ness to put that sharp constitutional remedy
III operation, if necessary for wrong
A few years after, the terrible earnest
ness of his words was fully realized; for
this same Count Palhen, then military
governor OF St. Petersburg, played the
most prominent part in the assassination OF
( Paul |.
The government being absolute, the
natural consequence is, that absolute obedi-
ence becomes the first duty aud chief merit
of agents in every station. To obey and
to succeed, whatever the purpose, becomes
the paramount qualification TO secure favor
and promotion. Thus the diplomacy,
which represents talent, skill, and attain
ments of highest order, aud the mighty in
terests of the state, has gradually assumed
that character, by which the ruin esprit
of the government is strongly and faithfully
reflected.
Talents can be applied in two ways, tc
achieve noble things, beneficial to civiliza-
tion and mankind - or to serve selfish ends
ambition and usurpation. Both spring
from the principles of the government -
When free, it promotes liberty and the rea
welfare Of nations; when absolute, it is at
engine of despotism, producing lis natura
effects, ignorance and slavish spirit. How
admirably are both exempifed in the char
acter and policy Of the United States anc
Russia
1t follows that Russian diplomacy is lee
to use as its lavorite means, intrigue, craft
and deceitful ariifice-or, haughtiness, ar
rogance, and domineering, according II
cases. II is conscious that it is the sures
way TO please the Master, and it is con
scious also that behind it stand the armies
ready 10 support and execute every politi