Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-05-15
RUSSIA AND AMERICA.

to the New York Herald says:
The two special agents of the
Russian government who arrived
in New York last Saturday on the
Germanic were A. Grippenberg,
brother Of Count Grippenberg, Of
the Oimbria, and III. W. Hunt, of
Neponset, an outlying suburb Of
Boston. Captain Hunt was a hardy
fisherman on the Massachusetts and
New England coast, a trained sea-
man, a man of almost unlimited
endurance, cool and clear-headed
beyond question, and gifted with an
experience that few men of his age
possess. Both these gentlemen ar
rived in Boston early this morning.
Captain Hunt at once proceeded to
his fathers house in Neponset, and
arranged TO have a days rest after
his long and tedious journey. His
father and two sisters were glad to
see him and refused all callers ad-
mission until after the family re-
union. Your correspondent was
among the first few persons who
essayed to talk with the Russianized
American, and with much difficulty
an opportunity was given, in con-
nection with another gentleman, to
talk with the man who has so soon
worked himself into the confidence
of a great nation like Russia.
WHAT CAPTAIN HUNT HAS TO SAY.
81 do not wish to make any
statement relating to my mission
here," said Captain Hunt. 81 am
an agent, an official attache of the
government Of the czar, although
an American citizen. | am what
you might call a live Yankee, and
| don't propose to give away the
secrets entrusted to my keeping. !
do not hesitate to say, however, a
few things, as an American citizen
and traveller, who has had opportu-
mites to observe things in the
course Of his journey.
81 left Russia some time ago with
a few trusted friends and agents
and went to Ireland, where spent
some time in looking leiSurely over
the field. | found the people of
ireland, and, in fact, / may say
here that / found Irishmen, in
every land where they are to be
found, thoroughly in sympathy
with Russia. They believe the
time has come when good blow
can be struck at their old oppressor,
England"
do you believe, then, that a war
between Russia and England is
among the probabilities of the near
future?"
"It is inevitable. 1t cannot be
stopped. The negotiations are
merely to gain time-nothiug more.
Well, as | was saying, the Irish
men see their opportunity, and they
are determined to strike if they get
a chance. England, seeing this
disposition, has begun to take pre-
cautionary measures, and has re-
moved every Irish regiment from
Ireland and filed their places large
ly with Highlanders. The last regi-
ment left Dublin for England while
| was there"
"What is Russia's condition at
present in financial way?"
"She is in an excellent condi-
tion; never better. The talk about
her bankruptcy is all nonsense.
She has not begun to draw on her
resources yet. She is an immense
natlon-a young and progressive
nation. She is in good spirits, en-
thusiastio and determined to take
her proper place in EuropeY"
"What aid will she get in Eu-
rope?"
Austria is with u.s." he cried en-
Enthusiastically. "IgnatiefT's mission
was a triumphant success. Germany
is with us, and Italy is not against
u.s."
Y "What aid do you expect from
Irishmen?"
"Well, some of them volunteered
to fit out cruisers on their own
money, and we have agreed to let
them. We will have all the aid we
want" he said, "and we are not
afraid of the justice of our cause"
NOT PRIvATEERs.
Captain Hunt said. "There is
one thing | would like to explain.
1t has been said that the purpose ]
and my associates had in view in
coming to this country is to aid the
Russian government in fitting out
privateers 10 prey on British COM
merce in the event of war; Such
is not my purpose, nor do believe
That the Russian government would