The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1878-07-30
PETER THE GREATS WILL.
The Policy which Governs A"ssi""
DiDIOmats and Generals.

burg. General Allen B. Margruder has
sent it, with an accompanying sketch, TO
the atlantic Monthly, and it appears IN
the July number. The will is as tol-
lows: ,.,.
In the name OF the most holy and indi-
visible Trinity, we, Peter the Great,
,-4~>>.<>~4~ .,,.-s>.a ~sa-r%ss 1se>.S:- *
to the throne and government OF the
Russian nation:
The All-Powerfnl, from whom we hold
our life and our throne, after having re-
yealed unto his wishes and intentions,
and after being our support, 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 ma
tons of this portion of the globe are
fast approaching state OF utter decrep-
itude. From this it results that they
can be easily conquered by a new race
of people when it has attained full pow
er and strength. We look upon our in
vasion of the west and east as a decree
of Divine Providence, which has already
once regenerated the Roman empire by
an invasion of barbarians."
The emigration of men from the north
is like the inundation Of the Nile,
which, at certain seasons, enriches with
its waters the arid plains of Egypt. We
found Russia 6, small rivulct; we leave
it an immense river. Our successofs
will make of it an ocean, destined to
fertilize the whole of Europe if they
know how to guide its waves. We
leave them. then, the following instruc-
tons, which we earnestly recommend to
their constan: meditation:
l. TO keep the Russian nation in con-
slant warfare, in order always to have
good soldiers Peace must only be per-
mitted to remit the finances. To recruit
the army, choose the moment favorable
for attack. Thus peace will advance
your projects Of war, and war those OF
peace, for obtaining the enlargement and
prosperity of Russia.
II. Draw unto you, by ali possible
means, from the civilized nations of
Europe, captains during war and learned
men during peace, so that Russia may
benefit by the advantages of other
nations.
III. Take care to mix i'll the affairs of
all Europe, and in particular of Ger
many, which, being the nearest nation to
you, deserves your chief attention.
". Divide Poland by raising up con-
tinual disorders and jealousies within its
bosom. Gain over its rulers with gold
influence and corrupt the Diet, in order
to have voice in the election of the
kings. Make partisans and protect
them; If ighburing powers raise OBJ
jections and opposition, surmount the
obstacles by stirring up discord within
their countries.
V. Take all you can from Sweden
and to this effect isolate her from Den
mark, and vice versa. Be careful to rouse
their jealousy.
vi. Marry Russian princes with Ger
man princesses; multiply these alliances
uuite these interests, and by the increase
of Our influence attach Germany to our
cause.
VII. Seek the alliance with England
on account of our commerce, as being
the country most useful for the develop
ment of our navy merchants, etc. and
the exchange of our produce against hel
gold. Keep up continual communica
tions with her merchants and sailors
SO that ours may acquire experience il
commerce and navigation.
VIII. Constantly extend yourselves
along the shores of the Baltic and the
borders Of the Euxine.
TX. DO all in your power to approach
closely Constantinople and India. Re
member that he who rules over these
countries is the real sovereign of the
world. Keep up continued wars with
Turkey and with Persia. Establish dock
yards in the Black Sea. Gradually OBJ
tain the command of this sea as well a
the Baltic. This is necessary for thu
entire success of our projects. Hastel
the fall of Persia. Open for yourself :
route toward the Persian gulf. Re-es
tablish as much as possible by means o
Syria, the ancient commerce of the LIE
want. and thus advance toward India
Once there you will not require English
gold.
x. Carefully seek the alliance of Aus
tria. Make her believe that you viii
second her in her projects for dominion
for Germany, and secretly stir up othel
! princes against her, and MANAGE so that
each be disposed to claim the assistance
of Russia and exercise over each a sort
of protection which will lead the way tt
future dominion over them.
! XXI. Make Austria drive the Turks out
of Europe, and neutralize her jealousy
by offering to her a portion of your con
quests, which you will, further on, take
back.
XII. Above all, recall around you the
! schismatic Greeks, who are spread owe,
Hungary and Poland. Become theil
centre, and support q universal dominion
over them by kind of sacerdotal rule
(autocratic sacerdotalc); by this you will
have many friends amongst your enc
miles,
XIII. Sweden dismembered, Persia
conquered, Poland subjugated, Turkey
beaten, our armies united, the Black and
Baltic Seas guarded by our vessels, pre-.
pare, separately and secretly, first the
court of Versailles, then that of Wen
ma, to share the empire of the universe
with Russia. If one accept, fatter hel
ambition and ansour-propre, and make
use of one to crush the other by engag
ing them in war. The result can not be
doubted. Russia will be possessed of the
whole of the east and of great portion
of Europe.
XIV. II, which is not probable, both
should refuse the offer Of Russia, raise a
quarrel between them, and one which may
ruin them both. Then Russia, proftine
by this decisive moment. will inundate