New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-17
RUSSIA And AMERICA

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We learn with pleasure that some distin-
guished citizens of New-York propose to pre-
sent to the Emperor Alexander, through the
medium of his son, the Grand Duke Alexis,
on the latter's visit to this country, q work of
art which has been Dtrusted for execution to
an eminent American artist, and which is de-
signed to commemorate those redeeming events
of the nineteenth centuTy--.hc emancipation
of the Russian seris and of the American
slayes-in which the two countries have taken
so distinguished a part The work Of art in
question represents President Lincoln setting
free the bondsmen of America and
the Emperor Alexander delivering from
slavery the serfs of Russia. Divergent
as the respective institutions of the two
countries are, it was certainly a remarkable
and gratifying coincidence, that tho genius of
Christianity and Humanity should have achieved
in the Northern and Western hemispheres such
n signal and almost simultaneous victory.
Possibly nothing could have endeared Russia
so much to the American heart as the tender
solicituGe displayed by the Car for the
masses of his people, while at the same time,
in curbing the pride and battling the greed Of
the landed gentry, he gave severe rcbuke to
those countries where the toiling multitude
continues to languish III a semi-feudal AFFECTION.
While, for instance, the English aristocIacy
bebeld with scorn and ill-cOncealed indigna-
ton an act of Emancipation which humbed
and despoiled tie aristOcTacy OF Russia, the
American People hailed the event with deVout
delight as a grand and benefcent onward
movement in the progress OF mankind. Inc
sympathy for Russia in this country had been
up to that time of that negative ard platonic
nature such as proceeds from the absence OF
inter national jealousies and collisions, bu'
encefOrward it assumed positive chalac-
ter of regard and was hallOwed by 1eel-
ings of sincere admiration. when our
own struggle against Slavery had culml-
mated in civil war, these feelings OF
good will were infinitely strengthened by
the sympathetic demonstrations Of Russia.
The American people are not likely ever to
forget that at the time of great national
crisis, when we had to contend with domestic
and foreign enemies, Russia was our stead
fast, devoted friend, and sent mighty
squadron to New-YOrk HarbOr as an homage
to the power of the Union, at the same
moment when Rebel craft sailed under the
English flag to destroy it.
BygOnes are bygOnes. We have forgiven
England as we have forgiven the SlayehOld-
ers If this worldwide display OF magma
nimity makes us feel stronger and proudcr as
a great Christian nation, ever ready to pardon
injuries, it must certainly detract from our
moral grandeur if we were not as grateful TO
our friends as We are fCrbearing toward
our foes. Magnanimity is an easier
yirtue II implies a sense of power,
while gratitude implies one of obligation.
We can see in tie eagerness displayed by
our Government and our PEOPLE in preparing
a cordial reception for the son Of the Car
something far different from the ordinary at
tentiOns which are lavished upon princes on
their travels. 1t is founded on a generous re-
collection of past friendly offices, and re-
cogHition of the great services rendered by the
Autocrat of all the Russias in difficult circum-
stances to the cause of humanity.