The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-13
A Diplomatic Secret.
Prom Tho Chicago Tribuue

4 u AsAA hno NnicARo 4flounc. .--
Few people know how deeply indebted
the United States is to Russia for kindly
services during the war. 1t has often beer
vaguely whispered that Russian influence
prevented the armed interference of France
and perhaps England, in behalf of the
South. We are enabled to lay before oul
readers trustworthy information, never
before published, in support of the truth Of
| this rumor.
When Governor 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 con-
versation substantially in these words: 81
WISH, sir, that you would, upon your return,
express my hearty thanks to the American
people for the reception they have given
my son, the Grand Duke Alexis" This,
| 1t will be remembered, was shortly after
General Grant had refused to return
Alexis call, and the latter had left
Washington in disgust. Governor Curtin
noticed the Emperor's failure to send
thanks to the Government as we'll as the
people,. He supposed, however, that it was
a slip of the tongue until the Empress babe
him farewell in almost precisely the same
words. g! shall be happy" said he, "to
carry your Majesty's thanks to my Govern
ment and people" 81 sent my thanks,
and only to the people," Governor Cur
tin afterwards complained of the slight
that had thus been publicly put upon The
Government he represented. He was in
vited by Gortschakoff to conference on
the subject. Three books were brought in
from the archives of the Foreign Office.
The first contained an autograph letter
from Napoleon I'LL, asking Russia to join
with England and France in breaking up
the Federal blockade and guaranteeing the
independence of the Confederacy. The
letter asserted that England had already
promised her cooperation, which was pro-
badly lie. The second book contained
the Emperor's reply. He fatty declined
the alliance proposed by Napoleon, and
declared that, in the event of any European
interference in the war, Russia would
actively aid the North. The third book
had within it copies of the sealed orders
given to the Russian Admiral who, as our
into New York Harbor during the war.
The orders directed him to proceed at once,
with his whole available force, to New
York City; to remain at anchorage there
for some time; and, in the event of Euro
pean interference with the blockade, to put
himself and his whole force at the COM
mand of the Cabinet at Washington, and
promise abundant and speedy reinforce
ments. While Governor Curtin stared,
dumbfoahded, at these unexpected proofs
of Russia's steadfast fidelity to the Union
cause, Gortschakof said to him Perhaps
you can appreciate now, sir, why the En-
peror and Empress sent their thanks to the
people who have honored the Grand Duke
Alexis and not to the Government that has
insulted him. We saved your country, and
now your President insults our representa-
tive. 1t is too much" Curtin quite agreed
with him and the interview ended.
We have every reason to trust the gen.
tleman from whom we have received this
story. 1t will probably be found substan-
tally correct, although there may, of
course, be errors in detail.