The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-09
The Emperor OF Russia Speaks for the
Union-A Magnificent Letter.


1t is with no ordinary satisfaction that we
ubmit to our readers this morning the broad,
generous and enlightened views of the Emperor
Of Russia on the subject of our Southern re-
bellion, as communicated to our government
through the admirable letter of Prince Gort-
schakoff to the Russian Minister at Washington.
Mark the delicacy with which, in this imperial
communication, our present overshadowing
domestic troubles and dangers are approached.
The Gar, modestly pleading the privilege of an
old and constant friend, cannot resist the desire
to assure our government and our people of his
sympathies for the cause of our Union, and
of his wishes to see it re-establA shed in its
integrity. Carefully avoiding theN- ofIicious
character of partisan, and every pretension
Of Judge between the two divisions of
our country in arms against each other, the
Emperor puts forward an appeal for the Union
which leaves no loophole for double con-
struction. Sympathizing with the success of
our united country, tho prosperity of our PEG
pie, and the unexampled development of
powerful nation under our popular institutions,
Russia, bestriding the continents of Europe and
Asia, and standing high above the contemplate
jealousies of England, has failed to discover the
elements of an independent power in the spuri-
Gus government of our rebellious Confederate
States.
1t requires no profound researches into the
antecedent relations of England and Russia
with the United States to enable us to reach a
Just conclusion between the equivocal neutrality
and "belligerent rights" presented by England,
on the one hand, touching our so-called South
ern confederacy, and, on the other hand, the
clear and unequivocal attitude of Russia We
perceive at once that while England regards
our country united as great rising commercial
rival which it is her interest and her purpose to
put down, Russia regards the maintenance Of
our Union as essential to the balance of power
in both hemispheres Nor can we doubt in this
connection the solicitude expressed by the
Gar in reference to our domestic security, hap
piness and prosperity. His views upon this
point are those of an enlightened and inquiring
statesman, devoted to the cause of Union, law
and order, and against disintegration, discords
and anarchy.
We iuCiiHc W tue opiuioH tnat our lOya pe0-
pie will not consider the very brief letter of
Mr.. Seward in reply to Prince Gortschakoff as
equal to the occasion We think that Mr.. Sew
ard has neglected fine opportunity for tell
ing exposition to the Western Powers of Eu-
rope of this American question. But, however
this may be, We have no doubt that this admira
BILE and seasonable letter from ST. Petersburg
will create q more profound sensation in the
British Cabinet than that resulting from the
battle of Bull run. Lords Palmersten and Rus
sell will discover from this Russian view of
American affairs that an English continental al
lance with the German States against Louis
Napoleon will probably be met by an alliance
including France, Italy and Russia.
AT all events the double-dealng statesmen of
England will be apt to recognise in this lette,
of Instructions to the Russian Minister at Wash.
ington rebuke and warning entitled to re-
spect. In this anticipation we arc particularly
gratiiled that the Emperor of Russia has so
clearly defined his position.