The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-09-08
France and Russia.

One of the stories in circulation in the
foreign journals is to the effect that NJ
Theirs has gone to Geneva to have a confer
ence with Prince Gortschakoff, the Chancellor
of the Russian Empire. One of the theories
is that the ex-President of the French Re-
public has gone to confer with the Prince
upon the complications that will naturally
arise out of the Eastern question. There is
no great Power that has as much interest in
the Eastern question as Russia. In the past,
when France was a leading Power in Europe,
her interests in the Eastern question were
identical with those of England. Since the
time of Napoleon, and even before that time
French craftsmanship has always looked to
the East as field for new enterprises. The
first Napoleon invaded Egypt, and in his
idle moments talked of invading India. NJ.
Theirs came near quarrelling with England
on the Syrian question, and Napoleon was
the ally of England against the ambition of
Russia in the East The theory has been adj
vanced by some thinkers that France will be
disposed to remain neutral in any further
discussion of the Eastern question, or per-
haps take sides with Russia against England.
Ever since the fall of the French Empire
Russia has been assiduous in her attentions
to France. 1t has been the dream of the
modern Russian statesman to make an alli-
ance between France and Russia. We find
Continental newspapers diligently nursing
this hope. If Russia could succeed in an
alliance with France, or an assurance of
French neutrality during a war for the pos
session of Constantinople, there could be
little doubt, we think as to the result Of the
strife or as to the fate of the Turkish
Empire. But why should France take
sides with Russia in any such contro-
versy? When France was fighting for
existence Russia ostentatiously took sides
with her foe. But for the threat that Russia
would interfere Austria would have joined
France At the close of the war the EN-
peror Alexander congratulated his uncle, the
Emperor of Germany, upon his success in
overthrowing the French Empire. Since
then the relations between the rulers of
Russia and Germany have been ostentatious
in their cordially
Having, therefore, stood by while France
was dismantled, Russia now proposes to ask
her help to further her own purposes.
The true policy for France is to dill
gently attend to her own business to
disdain all alliances with the great
Powers of Europe. She has learned now IS
she learned in the time of the great Revolu-
ton that she can have no hearty alliance
with the other Powers unless upon u basis
that is offensive to tho wishes of her best
people. England was glad enough to have
France assist her in the war against Russia,
which ended in the fall of Sebastopol. But
when Germany had her foot upon the neck
of France England did not raise finger in
her aid Russia would be only too happy
to have France assist her now in furthering
her progress toward the south. But when
German cannon were at the gates of Paris
the Russian Emperor was telegraphing his
congratulations to the commander of the
German troops. France has shown that she