The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1878-07-11
PETER THE GREATS VILE.

PETER THE GREATS VILE.
: 1t has been known outside of Rus
sia for long time that there is pre-
served in the Government archiyes a
will by Peter the Great, which moldes
the external policy of the Empire.
Historians of the eighteenth century
mention it. The copy which is given
below appeared in this country in the
Couries des Etats- Unis in New York.
JBtt94iya # n aadM al dMtach ta hays skb kbesn obtained al
of the Legation in st. Petersburg.
Gen. Allen B. Magruder has sent 1t,
with an accompanying sketch to the
Atlantic Monthly, and it appears in
the July number. The will is as fol-
lows:
In the name of the most holy and
indivisible Trinity, we, Peter the
Great, unto all our descendants and
successors to the throne aud govern
ment of the Russian nation:
The All-Powerful, from whom we
hold our life and our throne, after hav-
ing revealed unto us His wishes and
intentions, and after being our sup
port, permits us to look upon Russia
as called upon to establish her rule
over all Europe. This idea is based
upon the fact that all nations of this
| portion of the globe arc fast approach
this it results that they can be easily
| conquered by a new race of people
when it has attained full power ana
strength. We look upon our invasion
of the West and East as decree OF
Divine Providence, which has already
once regenerated the Roman Empire
by an invasion of 'barbarians.'
Emigration of men from the North
ia like the inundation of the Nile,
which at certain seasons. enflches
with it's waters the arid plains OF
Egypt. We found Russia small riv-
ulet: we leave it an immense river.
fOur successors will make it an ocean,
destined to fertilize the whole of Eu-
rope if they know how to guide its
waves. We leave them, then, the fol-
lowing instructions, which we earn
estly recommend to their constant
meditation:
Ito keep the Russian nation in
constant warfare, in order always to
have good soldiers. Peace must only
he permitted to remit the finances
To recruit the army, choose the mo-
ment favorable for attack. Thus peace
will advance your projects OF war,
and war those of peace, for obtaining
the enlargement and prosperity ol
Russia.
u.-Draw unto you, by all possl'
BILE means, from the civilized nations
of Europe. Captains during war and
learned men during, peace, SO tha
Russia may benefit by the advantages
of other nations.
III.-Take care to mix in the affair
of all Europe, and in particular o
Germany, which, being the neares
!. nation to you. deserves your chief at
tentiOn.
: IV.-Divide Poland by raising ul
continual disorders and jealonsle
within it's bosom. Gain over it's rul
ers with gold influence and corrup
the Diet, In order to have q voice II
!. the election of the Kings. Make par
1 tisans and protect them; if neighboE
ing Powers raise objections and op
position, surmount the obstacles D
o stirrine up dlscord within thel
= countries.
g Wake all you can from Sweden
!. and to this effect isolate her from Den
a mark; and vice versa. Be careful
i rouse their jealousy.
., vI.-Marry Russian Princes wit
n German Princesses; multiply thes
h alliances; unite these interests, ant
70 nv the increase of our influence, q
l. tach Germany to our cause.
If VII,-Seek the alliance with Ens
8, land ON account of our commerce,
W being the country most useful for tn
d development of our navy (merchant
r. etc., and for the exchange of our PR
ul duce against her gold. Keep up col
es tinual communications with her me
re chants and sailors, SO that ours ms
D. acquire experience in commerce ar
I'd navigation.
re VII.-Constantly extend yourself
n. along the shores of the Baltic and u
~ borders of the Euxine.
,s. IX-Do all in your power to q
of proach closely Constantinople and l
e. dia. Remember that he who rul
It. over these countries is the real sovt
of eien of the world. Keep up contln
ed ed wars with Turkey and Persia.
I'M tablish dockyards in the Black 81
20. Gradually obtain the command OF Il
". sea a. we'll as the Baltic. This is NJ
M essary for the entire success OF
70, projects. Hasten the fall OF Pert
Il, Open for yourself route toward