The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-09-15
A DIPLOMATIC SECRET.

A LEAF FROM THE VISIT OF THE GRAND DUKE
ALEXIs-THE DISCOVERY OF MINISTER CUR
TIN-THE FAITHFULNESS OF RUSSIA To THE
UNITED STATES.
The Chicago Tribune contains the follow
ing revelation of bit of secret history which
is now first made public: 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 prevented the armed in
reference of France, and perhaps England,
in behalf of the South. We are enabled to
lay before our readers trustworthy 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 conyersa-
ton substantially in these words: II wish,
sir, that you would, upon your return. ex-
press 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 Gen.
Grant had refused to return Alexis call,
and the latter had left Washington in dis
gust Gov. Curtin noticed the en-
peror's failure to send thanks to the
He supposed, however, that it was slip of
the tongue until the empress babe him fare
well in almost precisely the same words.
81 shall be happy" said he, "to carry your
J majesty's thanks to my government and
people," 81 sent my thanks, sir" the en-
press retorted, "to the people-and only to
} the people," Governor Curtin afterward
. complained of the slight that had thus been
publicly put upon the government he rep
resented. He was invited by Gotsschakoff
! to conference on the subject. Three books
were brought in from the archives of the
foreign office. The first contained an auto
graph letter of 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 Eng
land had already promised her cooperation,
which was probably lie. The second book
contained the emperor's reply. He fatty
, declined the alliance proposed by Napo-
: leon. and declared that, in the event of any
European interference in the war, Russia
would 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 avail
able force, to New York City; to remain at
, anchorage there for some time; and, in
the event Cf European interference with
3 the blockade, to put himself and his whole
force at the command of the cabinet at
Washington, and promise abundant and
[ speedy reinforcements. While Gov Curtin
stared, dumbfouuded, at these unexpected
f proofs of Russia's steadfast fidelity to the
Union cause, Gostscbakoff said to him:
Perhaps you can appreciate now, sir, why
! the emperor and empress sent their thanks
r to the people who have honored the Grand
I Duke Alexis and not to the government
that has insulted him. We saved your
} country, and now your president insults
our representative. 1t is too much" Curtin
] quite agreed with him and the interview
ended. We have every reason to trust the
gentleman from whom we have received
this story. 1t will probably be found sub
stantially correct, although there may, Of
3 course, be errors in detail