The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-04-26
The traditional Policy. Of Russia

He w ILL DE TETER THE OHEAT-ht
the present moment, when events are de-
veloping the policy of aggrandizemenl
which Russia is pursuing, it may be inter-
esting to reprint the following document.
which was published in l8l 8 by the French
newspaper La Presse as an authentic
copy OF the political will OF Peter the Great
Whether genuine or.not. it cannot be de-
MED, in view OF recen; disclosures. that it
is pretty accurate programme of the ca
reer on which Russia has entered:
In the name Of the Holy and Invisible
Trinity, we, Peter The First. to all our de-
scendants and successors to the throne
and government of the Russian nation:
Having by the great God Of whom we
received our existence, been also endowed
with the gift Of prescience, we view the
Russians as called, in the course Of future
events. to the general dominion Of Europe.
This opinion is founded on the act, that
the other European nations have reached
state Of old age next to caducity, toward
which they are journeying with giant
strides; hence it follows, that they should
easily and undoubtedly be conquered by
people young and new, when it shall
have acquired its strength and vigor. We
view the invasion OF the east and west
countries by the north as a periodical
movements, decreed among the arcana oi
tha: Providence that regenerated the Ro.
man people through the invasion OF the
barbarians.
The emigrations of the polar men are
like the food of the Nile, which comes q,
certain periods to iertilize the exhausted
lands OF Egypt. We found Russia riv.
ulet, and leave it converted into a river
and my successor will find it a sea, des
tined to fertilze impoverished Europe, and
its waves will break down all opposing
dykes, il my descendants have but the wis
dom to direct the current.
To this end have the following instruc
tions, which are recommended to theil
attention and constant observance.
1. To have the Russian nation con
stantly at war. that the soldiery may be al
ways disciplined and ready for action
Allow the nation no rest, but for the re-
plenishing of the treasury, reorganizine
the armies, and choosing the opportune
moment for attack; making, in this man
ner, peace serve war, and war serve-peace
in the interests. aggrandizement and pros
perlty of Russia.
g. To attract, by all possible means
the most efficient and celebrated military
officers in Europe during war, and the
highly educated, scientific men Of al
countries, in time of peace, that the Rus
slams may enjoy the advantages of othe1
countries without losing their own identity
3. To take part, on all occasions, ir
the disputes and contentious among tn,
States Of Europe, especially those OF Ger
many, in which, as the nearest, we art
the most directly interested.
| 4. To subdue Poland; foment thei
continual rivalries and disturbances; gair
their mobiles by bribery; influence thei
diets, and. by intrigue, take action in tn
ELECTION OF their kings; from partisan
cliques, and for their protection send then
i Muscovite troops, to remain in the couDtr.
until the moment Of complete occupation
If the neighboring powers make opposi
ton, quiet them at once by dismemberin
the country; and giving 10 each a part.
4, s. To take what we can from Sweden
and make an attack by her a pretenc
for subjugation. For this, separate he
from Denmark, ands likewise Denmar
from Sweden, and foment, with care, a
animosities and rivalries between them.
II 6. To select wives for the Russia
princes among the princesses Of Ger
r many, for the multiplying Of family all
I ances conciliate interests. and by ther
' will unite Germany 10 our cause, and ir
crease our influence in that country.
i Z. To attend Assiduously to formin
! an alliance with England for our CON
3 merce; the assistance of that power "
: most need for the purpose Of building u
a maratime force, and she viii be of tn
/ greatest service in supplying US with b.
: gold in exchange for our lumber and oths
= productions. Continual intercourse wi,
/ her merchants and sailors, will accpstol