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

How RUSSIA AIDED THE NORTH TO
SUBDUETHE SoUTH.-Few people know
how deeply indebted the United 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, and perhaps England, in be-
half of the South. We are ennbled 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. ia his
capacity as Minister to Russia, to take
formal leave of the Emperor, the latter
closed the conversation substantially
iu these words: II wish, sir, that you
would, upon your return, express my
hearty thanks to the American people
for the reception they have given my
SOD, the Grand Duke Alexis" TLie,
it will be remembered, was shortly
after Gen. Grant had refused to re-
turn Alexis call, and the latter had
lett Washington i'll disgust. Gov.
Curtin noticed the Enperor's failure
to send thanks tn the Government az
well rs to the people. He supposed,
however, that il was slip of the
tongue, until the Empress babe him
farewell In hlm"st precisely the same
words. Il shall be happy" said he.
ito carry your Alujesty's thanks to my
GoTerniHuiit and people" II sent my
thanks, sir. the Emrress retorted, ITO
tho people-and only to the people. "
Gov. Curtln afterwards complained Of
the slight that hnd thus been publicly
put npon the Government he repre-.
sented. be WAS insi'el by Gortscha-
kof to conference on the subj ect.
Three books were brought in from the
archieves of the foreign office. The
first contained IN autograph letter
from Napoleon III. asking Russia to
join with England and France in
breaking up the Federal blockade and
guaranteeing tho independence of the
Oonfederacy. The letter asserted thu,
Englaud bud already promised her CO t.
operation. which was probably a lie.
The second book contained the Empe-
ror's reply. II. fatty declined the
alliance proposed by Napoleon. and
declared that, in the event of any
European interference in tho wai,
Russia would actively aid the North
The third book had within it copies of
the sealed order given to the Russian
Admiral who, us our readers will re-
member, brought his fleet into New
York harbor during the war. The
orders directed linn to proceed ii. once,
with his whole available force, to n "
York city; to remain ut anchorage
there Tor some time; aud. III the event
OF European Interference with tho
blockade, to put himself md hiA whole
f"rcs ut the com mnnd Of the Cablnet
at Washington. aud promise abundant
aud speedy rein:orcenenis. While
Gov. Curtin starrd, dumb-fuun,ied. ut
s!.se Unexpected proofs of Rnssias
steadfnst Ii iclsty TO The Union cause,
GoIlscuakuH said to HIM: "Perhal,s
yon can appreciate now. sir, why the
Emperor and Empress sent their
th"Dk~ to the people who have hnnored
the Grand Duke Alexis, aud uot to tue
Government hat hns insnlted hlm
We saved your country. aud now ,uur
Presldcht Insults our representative.
1t Ia TOO much" Curtin quite agreed
with him, and tho interview ended
We have every reason to trust the
gentlem'n from whom we have re-
ceived his story. II will probably b..
fonud substantially correct, although
there may. of c"nrse, he errors III de-
tail.-Chicig0 Tribune
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