The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-06-20

'elauvt 10 tie aultuOe OF Russia Ia Tue present |
var is very significant la a circular TO the |
Russian Enjoys to the several Courts of Ger
many, Prince Gortscbakoff declares f" that if |
T0 many goes to the aid Of Austria
Ia political equilibrium resulting f'om
be treaties by which the German Confedera-
Jon is constituted will be destroyed" The tone
Of his circular, taken in connection with
he language held by the Russian journals
IN reference to the treaties of 1915 plainly ind-
, ties the nature of the engagements entered
INTO between Napoleon and Alexander. The
czar's organs would not speak 80 emphatically
Ia Germany and so slightiDgly of the arrange
uents Of 1915, by which Russia has profted 80
largely, if there were not an Interior design TO
5lsturb the existing treaties.
II will be recollected that in the territorial
redistribution Of Europe proposed in the first
sit,iDgs Of the Congress Of Vienna, Russia was
dissatisfied with the share OF the spoils appor-
TONED to her. Alexander insisted that the
whole of the Grand Ducby of Warsaw should be
made over to her, as an Indemnity for the sacri-
fees she bad made during the war. Lord Cas-
tiereaeh strongly opposed these pretensions, Sc
corded by Prince Metternich and NJ. Talleyrand,
and the differences arising out of the claims Of
Russia and the proposed annexation of Saxony
to Prussia finally resulted in the secret treaty OF
alliance between Austria, France and England
1t was only the return of Napoleon from
Elba, and the CONSERVATION created by
it amongst the Allies, which had the
effect Of reconciling their conflicting views
W on these points Russia was, greatly against
her inclination, compelled to accept of the Grand
Duchy Of Warsaw without the fortress of Thorn
and its dependent territory, whilst portion Of
it, containing eight hundred thousand inhabi-
tants, was ceded to Prussia, in addition to the
whole of the territories which she possessed be-
fore the battle Of Jena. Another stipulation to
which the Gar was reluctantly obliged to give
his consent was, that Poland should not be incor-
porated with Russia, but should form separate
kingdom, preserving its own laws, institutions
language and religion--a condition that was in
part subsequently violated in 1880.
Russia, therefore, as we have shown, although
so largely gamer by the treaties of Vienna, has
still her reasons for being dissatisfied with them.
Secure in the possession of what they brought
her, she would be glad to have them revised in
the hope Of obtaining further additions to her
European territories. The millions of Sclaves
who are included among the subjects of the Aus
trian empire would be welcome increase to her
own population, whilst their transfer would be
benefit to themselves. The refrigeration of the
Polish territories is, also, perhaps, another the
objects which are embraced in the scheme of her
understanding with France.
Much, however, as Russia may covet these
objects, they are Of far less Importance in her
eyes than the cancelling Of the treaties Of 1854,
which impose insurmouptable barriers to the
realization of her designs on Turkey and the ex
tension of her sway to the shores of the Medi-
terranean. Although the present Gear processes
policy of peace and a desire for the internal
Improvement Of his empire, there is reason to
belieye that his present quiescence is the result
rather circumstances than of inclination. When
the moment comes when Russia can wipe out
the memory Of her reverses in the Crimea, and
free herself from the restrictions imposed upon
her by the treaty of Paris, it will, we think, be
found that Alexander is just as eager to carry
out the traditional policy Of his predecessors as
his father was before him.
This, however, can only be done by the extern
sion of the conflict now waging in Italy to the
Continent generally. Both the Russian and
French emperors are too deeply impressed with
the necessity of concliating the public opinion of
Europe to take any steps which might serve to
precipitate general war; Neither will make
any move in that direction until all the resources
ofnegotiation shall appear to have been exhaust
cd. As soon as the capture of the principal for
tIesses in Lombardy will have rendered the furth-
er tenure of that province impossible by the Aus
trians Louis Napoleon will make another effort
to induce Francis Joseph to make formal re-
nnnciation of his pretensions in Italy Failing in
that he will unquestionably carry the war into
the Austrian territories, for by such means only
can its objects be attained. 1t will then be seen
whether the German Diet will persevere in their
intention to consider his entrance upon Austrian
soil an invasion of their federal interests If they
DO, nothing can save Europe from general war.
Russia is bound to support France as soon as the
armies Of the Confederation are brought into the
field, and she has too many important objects to
gain by the fulGlment of her engagements to rem
der her secession from them likely.
A struggle like this between the greatest mill
tary Powers of the world, who will be pretty
evenly balanced if Prussia acts with the Diet,
cannot fail to be a prolonged and sanguinary one.
Notwithstanding all that is said about the ten
dency of the recent improvements In ordnance
to curtail hostilites, we believe that they will
have but little effect in abridging the duration of
such war. Taking the casualties reported in
the recent great battle at Magenta, in relation to
the large number of troops engaged, we do not
think that they offer any larger proportion OF
men put hors de combat than is to be found in the
statistics Of previous engagements Of the same
importance. So far as the losses amongst the