Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1874-10-07
A DIPL0sLATYc SECRET.



Few people know how deeply in
debted the United States is to Russia
for kindly services during the war
II has often been saguely whispered
that Russian influence prevented the
armed Interference Of France, and per-
haps England, in behalf Of the South.
We are enabled to lay before our read
crs trustworthy information, never be-
fore published, in support Of the truth
of his rumor.
Whom Governor Curtin, on the eve
Of his return 10 this country, went, In
his capacity Is Minister to Russia, 10
take formal leave of the Emperor the
latter closed the conversation substau-
TALLY in these words, IL wish, sir,
that you would, upon your return, ex-
press my hearty thanks 10 tho Ameri-
can people for the reception they have
givon my son, the Grand Duke Alex
is" This, 1t win be remembered, was
shortly after General Grant had re-
fused TO return Alexis call, and the
latter had leh Washington in disgust.
Governor Curtin noticed the Emperors
failure 10 send thanks TO the Govern
ment as well as the people. He sup
posed, however, that II was slip Of
the tongue until the Empress bade
him farewell In almost precisely the
same words Il shall be very happy"
said be, ITO carry the Majesty's thanks
to my Government and people" 81
sent my thanks, sir," the Empress re-
torted, 'to the people---and only to
the people Governor Curtin after
wards complained Of the slight that
had thus been publicly put upon the
Government he represented. He was
invited by Gortschakof to a confer
cnce on the subject. Three books
were brought in from the archives OF
tie roreief once The iirst contnin
ed an autograph letter from Napoleon
III, asking Russia TO join with Eng
land and France In breaking up the
Federal blockade aud guaranteeing the
Independence of the Confederacy.--
The letter asserted that England had
already promised her cooperation,
which was probably a lie The second
book contained the Emperors reply.
He fatty declined the alliance proposed
by Napoleon, and declared that, in the
event Of anS European interference in
the war, Russia would actively aid the
North. The third book had within Il
copies of the sealed orders given TO
tho Russian Admiral who, as our read
ers will remember, brought his fleet
into New York Harbor during the
war. The orders directed him to pro-
ceed at once, with his whole available
force, to New York city; to remain at
anchorage there for some time and,
in the event of European interference
with the blockade, to put himself and
his whole force at the command of the
Cabinet at Washington, and promise
abundant and speedy reiniorcements.
While Governor Curtin stared dumb
founded, at these unexpected proofs Of
Russias steadiast fidelity TO the Union
cause, Gortschakoff said TO him =
Perhaps you can appreciate now, sir.
why the Emperor and Empress sent
their thanks TO the people who have
honored the Grand Duke Alexis and
not to the Government who has insul-
ted him. We saved your country and
now your President insults our repre-
sentative, 1t is too much" Curtin
quite agreed with him, and the inter
view ended
We have every reason to trust the
gentleman from whom we have re-
ceived this story. 1t will probably be
found substantially correct, although
there may, Of course, be errors in de-
tail.