National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-09-11
AatiunaI aepnbIifan
4 DLPLOKATTC SECRET.


The following spoeryphal story is from the
Chicago Tribune: Few people know how deep
ly indebted the United States is to Russia for
kindly services during the war. 1t has often
been 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 our readers trust
worthy information, never before published, in
support of the truth of this rumor.
When Governor Curtin, on the eve Of his re-
turn to this country, went, in his capacity as
Minister to Russia, to take formal leave Of the
Emperor, the latter closed the conversation
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, it 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 fail
ure to send thanks to the Government as well
as the people. He supposed, however, that it
was slip Of the tongue until the Empress babe
him farewell in almost precisely the same
words. 81 shall be very happy" said he, 'to
carry your Msjesty's thanks to my Government
and people," 81 sent my thanks, sirO the
Empress retorted, ''to the people-and only to
the people," Governor Curtin afterwards com
planned Of the slight that had thus been public
" put upon the Government he represented.
He was invited by Gortschakoff to a conference
on the subject. Three books were brought in
from the archives of the Foreign Office. The
first contained an autograph letter from Ma
poleon III, asking Russia to join with England
and France in breaking up the Federal block
ade and guaranteeing the independence Of the
Confederacy. The letter asserted that Eng
land had already promised her cooperation,
which was probably lie. The second book
contained the EmperoE's reply. He fatty de-
elined the alliance proposed by Napoleon, and
declared that, in the event Of any European in
reference 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 readers will remember,
brought his fleet 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 European interior
ence with the blockade, to put himself and his
whole force at the command of the Cabinet at
Washington, and promise abundant and speedy
endorsements. While Governor Curtin
stared dumbfounded at these unexpected
proofs of Russia's steadfsst fidelity to the
Union cause, Gortschakof said to him: 'Per-
baps 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 that has
insulted him. We saved your country, and
Cow your PresidenC insults our representative.
1t is too much" Curtin quite agreed with
him and the interview ended.
We have every reason to trust the gentle
man from whom we have received this story.
1t will probably be found substantially correct,
although there may, of course, be errors in
detail.