New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-08-07
Our GREAT NATURAL ALLY.

We have a great natural ally amoJg the ma
tions, and that is Russia. The importance OF
lrieudly relations with this great and growing
power cannot be- easily oyer-cstimated. Ii Is
true that Russia is Oil absolute monarchy but
there 10 no doubt that advancing intelligence
wilt develop a proportonatc deg'ee Of political
freedom. Indeed. there are reasons for be-
liesiDg that the Empire will eventually become
great republic, or confederation Of republics.
But while speculalipns upon her future might
be pursued with interest AID probability, her
actual attitude is full of present Importance 70
liz, IA people. Like the United States,
though for different reason. Russia stands
alone among the nat0ns--trared and respected,
but unbeloyed. Like the United States. sho is
The great dlsturber of that ancient eugiss Of
despoti'in, tho balance of power. 1t is true
tina. she ia SO by reason Of her position, ex-
tent and homogcnty; while We are 50 in yir-
tue Of the great idea OF freedom which stands
open-handed at our portals, aud stretches forth
electric touches that reach all men. Lake US
tho Russians are independent within them
selves Of the rest of the world; they
can carry out their own ideas, and need
ask no fayors Like us, they have re-
solved upon the breaking Of every serylIe
bond and have assumed the immensa expense
Of it, without misgi'isg. II is probable that IN
this. more than in anything el,e, is the secret
of that strange and unexpected sympathy which
we lind flowing from them 10 W.. Moral SYN.
pathles cannot always be estimated ard ca'-
culated upOn, IA the interests Of commerce
can be; but WE should be atheists if wc dis.
believed in them, or in their incalculabe power. !
Like oil spiritual forces, We hear the sound
thereof, but cannot tell whence they come az
whittier they co." orr emancipation schsne
was planned by God, who is leading us to II
by path that We knew not went that way
when we entered III and il is baptized. and
to be baptized in rivers Of blood. And as To
theirs the end il not yet. 1t WAS uob!y and
boldly begun, but the empire is tall of threat |
cnin.s. Gods work of Righteousness, how
ever, when II starts never stops.
The aiis Of God sud slowly
Bu they grind exceeding 'ai'ii
II ia instructive 20 observe that the first de-
finite movements Of great Imperial Govern
m.nt. like the Russian, IN favor OF human
liberty, should Dc met by conspiracy and re-
yolt-not more among the NODES. who might
be expected to resist the Enlargement OF
their slave property, than amoag those who,
next to the serfs themselves, are to be most
benefited. The attempted assassination OF the
Grand Duke Constantine, Was IA suicidal blow
ut liberty itself. TOR he is the most liberia!
Lob'eman in Russia, jealous for emancipation,
and far more popular than tho Emperor,
whom hc would probably succeed, in any case.
But filtered freedom, when it awakes, IS like
n chained and blinded Samson. feeling f'r thc
pillar, OF LIS PRISON house, and is as likely as
not 10 tumble friends and foes ut iirst, into ia
discriminate ruil. 1t is 80 with us, and the
TACT is another bond of sympathy. Through
what u Gcihsemcnc Of trial are we facing
toward the sacrifice that shall give freedom
to tho captive, and opening of the eyes to the
blind"
We can help Russia, and she can help us.
God only knows how soon we may need her.
If France and England are willing to make
war upon us, il would be no small hndrancc
TO them to have Russia behind their backs BE-.
Gieadng rs. Ip view VI this possibility, we