Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1854-03-15
THE DIPLoMACYoF THE GEAR.

The Paris Charirari-the French Punch---in
the following jue despira admirably hits on the
cunning diplomacy Of the Emperor Nicholas:
"The Emperor Nicholas commanded the at
tendance Of Count Orlof his fvorite and his
counsellor: Count Orloffr Sire The mo-
ment has come for replying something to the no.
LITIGATION of the entrance Of the fleets into the
Black Sea; what do you think of that actY Il
consider it an act of war; ooh, oh! how you
TALK But, sire, think of the gravity! 'The
thing does not appear so grave as you say, Or
loft Certainly, the entry or the Anglo-French
fleet into the Black Sea is not without import
ance, but we must examine the circumstances
under which it took place. From what quarter
did the wind blow at the moment? Sire, l
know now But know: the official reports
of Menschikoff tell me that it was from the
south 'Wcl sirep well, then, there was
nothing Irregular in vessels coming from the
Bosphorus entering the Black Sea with south
wind. If they had entered with a north wind, 1t
would have been contrary to all the rules OF
navigation;. the thing, too, would have had
much greater gravity, and would necessarily
have caused it to be supposed that the fleet en-
tertained the worst Intentions Il confess, Sire,
that should not have thought of any such dis
tincton.' Very likely you would not; but
y
know which was the vessel that was first! "A
French one.' 'And does not that cause you any
rehectiony mot the least, Sire; and avow
that this fact seems to me without Importance
Really! Well-listen. Of the two countries
which had supplied the combined fleet, which is
that which is most directly interested in thwart
ing my projects on Turkey? 1T is England
Good If an English vessel had appeared the
first in the Black Sea, it would have been d.
rect provocation; but as it was French vessel
that first appeared, it had, under the crcumstan-
ces, the appearance of being sent to alternate
the importance of demonstration so grave as
the entrance of the fleets, and Of establishing it.
self as an intermediary between Russia and Eng
land. What do you say to this reasoning!
Sire, am astoundedp Let us continue
Have you read the instructions given to the adj
mirals 'Yes sire.' what did you remark in
them? THAT they were to protect the Turk
ish territory And is that all 7? All that
know Then you are blind; the fleets are ex-
pressly ordered to salute the Russian flag
'Truep well, is not that an act fpoteness?
Il do not deny it, Can an act of politeness be
considered as declaration of ware mo, cer-
tainy' you see, then, that am warranted in
replying to the notification of the entrance of
the fleets that | do not consider it as declara-
ton of war, nor even as hostile demonstration.
And take no notice of little details which con-
firm me in this determination. It's in that sense
that | am about to reply to the Western Pow
ers. You seem surprised, Oroffp Sire, can
not understand your Majesty's decision. Your
Majesty is good enough to humbug either me or
the Western Powers 'At last you understand
mel My interest is to gain time. Whilst my
fleet will remain at Sebastopol, and the English
and French fleets are sailing about in the Black
Sea without doing anything, my army on the
Danube will gain ground exhaust Turkey, and
ruin her in the presence of her allies who are in
active with arms in their hands. In the spring
we shall see what has to be done, for have
more than one trick in my bag 'Ah sire, you
are sublime! PROSTATE myself at your feet!
The Emperor kindly raised Orloff, and set him
to prepare dispatches"