The Portland daily press., 1863-05-25
Monday Morning, May IS. 1863.


The Russian Government has published the
official text of the notes on the Polish question
which were addressed to it by France, England,
Austria, Sweden, Italy and Spain, with the
replies given TO each of these Powers. Though
slightly varying in accordance with the sever
al notes by which they are called forth, these
replies are substantially the same, and are
very conciatory in words. No modification
is betrayed at this strange unanimity of Euro
pean monarchs in favor OF an armed insurrec-
ton; on the contrary, in accordance with the
usual diplomatic language, what was intended
to be a remonstrance is accepted as another
proof of the intimate friendship uniting the
demonstrating princes with the august Emper-
or OF Russia.
The Russian Government, OF course, refus-
es 10 do anything for the Poles so long as they
are in arms. Every other Government of Eu-
rope would have done the same thing. But
after the suppression of the rebellion, it is an
nounced, the Emperor will be disposed to show
clenency, and to enter into further negotia-
tions concerning the best means TO restore to
Poland lasting peace.
No intimation, however, is given of the
kind of concessions which Russia is disposed
to make. The evasive character of this part
of the notes is well described by the Paris
Chdripari, which publishes woodcut repre-
senting European diplomacy under the figure
of an official in full Court dress, with port
folio under his arm, addressing with Joined
hands female figure supposed to personify
Russia. Il have TO recommend TO your no.
tice," says Diplomacy, shat poor Poland"
MY health, thank you, is tolerably good"
replies the other. 1T is Poland speak Of"
says the parsonage with the portfolio. "Yes,
as you say, the winter has been mild one.'
The Russian Governments skillfnlly endeav-
ors to change the offensive attitude in which
it was put by these remonstrauces of the Eu-
ropean powers into an aggressive one, by inn
putting all the blame for the Polish outbreak
to the party OF disorder" of Cosmopolitan
revolution" whicn does not appreciate the be-
nevoent and liberal intentions Of the Emper-
or, and by charging the European powers with
too great lenency toward It. The Ian
language of the Russian notes on this topic is
as precise and definite as ii Is evasive on the
subject of concessions. 1t urgently appeals
to all the Governments TO unite in putting
down this revolutionary party, which threat
ems the peace OF all Europe.
The most important notes are those ad-
dressed to England and France. The replies
to the other Powers, even Austria not exclud-
ed, are little more than polite acknowledge
ment. But with England and France the
whole question is argued at some length. As
to England, little hope seems to be entertained
at st. Petersburg of coming TO full under
standing with her. Whatever the shortcom-
ings OF England in her international policy
may be, she generally proves inflexible in her
regard for constitutional rule, and is not like
ly, under any circumstances, to withdraw the
demand for an execution of the Treaty of
1875 which guarantees to the Poles a national
representation and national institutions. The
only Prince in whom Emperor Alexander
could hope to find powerful ally was Louis
Napoleon. The appeal to him has, therefore,
been particularly urgent, and no means has
been left unlried to gain him over to French
Russian alliance.
Thus Louis Napoleon finds himself again in
a situation which so well suits his wishes.
The eyes of all Europe are once more turned
upon him, aud anxiously waiting for his next
move. The press, which draws its inspra-
tons FROM the Imperial Cabinet, is, therefore,
as enigmatcal as it always is on such occa-
sions. One of the semi-official papers, the Pa
trie, declares on one day, 'The reply of Rus
sia expresses in substance, ideas and inten-
tions, on the part of the Emperor Alexander,
which correspond in every respect with those
of the Emperor Napoeon;" and the next day,
in an almost warlike article, says that the an
swer in spite of prudent phraseology amounts
to a fat refusal" To speculate, therefore. on
the plans OF the Emperor would be lost labor.
1t may only be considered as certain that he
is more busy than ever in studying the map
of Europe, and that his policy will be deter
mlneQ III tnlS question, as IL mas been In all
others, by the prospect of the advantages that
he may expect to derive from one or the other
course.
In the meanwhile, every European paper is
discussing the more or less probable chances
of grave and imminent European conflict.
The Morning Post of London, the organ of
Lord Palmerston, has violent article against
Russia, which ii accuses of an intention to put
off this whole question indefinitely. The or
gans of the Progressive Party of Prussia
speculate upon how they may aid Poland
without endangering the safety Of the Rhine
provinces. Italy finds that, in case of general
war, her armies might have to march side by
side with those Of Austria; yet one of the Pro-
gressive papers promises that if Austria will
cede Venetia to Italy. 100000 Italians will join
the Austrians and French for liberation oil
Poland. The Swedish Diet has passed sig
nifcant resolution. The nobility and clergy
on motion IN favor of Poland. voted the or
der of the day expressing strong sympathy for
Poland, and confidence that the Government
would do all in its power for that country. re.
garding, hover the maintenance of peace. un.
less the public interest should require war
This reservation in favor of peace was reject.
ed by the representatives of the citizens and
the peasants-a clear reflex OF the sentiment.
which animate the majority of the Swedish
people.
Thus 1t would seem that the fuel for Eli
ropean war is still accumulating.-lN. Y. Tri