The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-09-13

How RUSSIA AIDED THE NORTH TO
SUBDUETHE SoUrH.-Few people know
how deeply indebted the Uuited States
is to Russia for kindly services during
the war. It has often been vaguely
whispered that Russian Influence pre-
vented the armed interference of
France, md perhaps England, in be-
half of the South. We are euabled TO
lay before our readers trust worthy in-
formation, never before published, in
support of the truth of this rumor.
When Gov. Curtin, on the eve of his
return to this country, went, in his
capacity as Minister to Russia, to take
formal leave of the Emperor. the latter
closed the conversation substantially
III these words: II wish, sir. thnt You
would, upon Yonr return. express my
hearty thuuks to tho American people
Tor tho reception they have given my
son, the Grand Duke Alexis" This,
1t will be remembered, Was shortly
after Gen. Grant had refused to re-
turn Alexis call. and the latter had
left Washington in disgust. Gov.
Curtin noticed the Enperor's fnilure
to send thanks to tho Govern ulent as
we'll as to the people. He supposed,
however, that 1t was slip Of the
tongue. until the Empress babe him
farewell In almost precisely the snme
words. II shall be happy" said he.
ITO carry yonr Mnjesty's thanks to my
Government and people" II sent my
thanks. sir. the Eurress retorted, ITO
the penple-and only to the people. +"
Gov. Curtlu afterwards cntnplained Of
tho StJ0If that h,,1 III; Il ~
put upon the Government he repre-
sented. He WAS Invited by Gortscha-
kof to conference on the subj .ct.
Three books were brought III from the
archteVas of the foreign Office. The
first contained an autograph letter
from Napoleon III, asking Russia to
join with England and France in
breaking up the Federal blockade and
guaranteeing the Independence Of the
Oonfederacy. The letter asserted that
England hnd already promised her CO =.
operation. which WAS probably lie.
The second book contained the Empe-
ror's reply. He h.tiy declined tho
alliance proposed by Napoleun, and
declared that, in tho event of any
Europenn interference in the war,
Russia would nc;'vely uid the North
The third book had within it copies Of
the sealed order given to the Russian
Admiral who, rs our readers will re-
member, brought his fleet into New
York harbor during tue war. The
orders directed INN to proceed at once,
with his whole available force, to n "
York city; to remain at anchorage
there for some titar; and, in the event
OF European Interference with tho
blockade, to put himself and his whole
f"roe ut the mand Of tie Cubinot
ut Washington, aud promise abundant
uht speedy reinforceinents. While
Gov. Curtin stared, dumb-founded, ut
these Unexpected proofs of Russ.a's
stendfnst Ii lcltty 10 The Uuion cause,
GortscuukoH sniu to ham: "Prrhaus
yon can appreciate now, sir, why The.
Emperor and Enprcss sent tneir
th"uk- to the people who have hnnured
the Grand Duke Alexis, aud not to tue
Government thnt has insnIted hlm
We saved your country, and now our
President Insults onr representative.
1t Id too much" Curtin quite agreed
with him, and the interview ended
we have every reason to trust the
gentIem from whom wo have r--
ceived ihls story IL Will probably b..
tonnd substantially correct. although
there may, OF course. nU errors IN de-
tail. - ChicW0 Tribune.