New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-21
AID MAY COME FROM RUSSIA.
A SECRET ALLIANCE WITH THE CzAR RE-
PORTED TO EXIST.


AGREEMENT SAID TO HAVE BEEN
MADE IN THE WAR OF THE RE-
BELLIoN AND TO BE
STILL IN FORCE.
fpY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrBUHE.l
Washington, Dec. 2O.-An interesting story Is
heard to-day In connection with the war taik
which is still current, particularly among off,
GERS Of the military and naval services VINO
seem tc believe that England will not back
down as promptly as is supposed. The opinion
Is general that, in the early stages OF hostih-
ties at leart, the principal cities OF the country
would be at the mercy OF the British memoir
war II the antiuuated coast defences Of the
country and the Navy had to be depended on
solely
The country has no completed land fortiflca-
tions which could withstand assault 1t mas
only one battle-ship-the Indiana-and three
coast-defence vessels-the Amphitrite, Monterey
and Miantonomoh-whch could be counted on
to render efficient service in battle. Thererore'
while officers Of the Army and Navy speak
confidently Of the final outcome. they 40 not
attempt to disguise the fact that the Uniteo
States would suffer greatly at first If 1t were
not that the country can rely on the ASSISTANCE
of strong anti-English ally.
It is about this ally that the story referred 70
is told 1t is said that there are In the state
Denartn,ent confidential documents which are
In the nature Of a secret treaty with Russia
lfuar
ment pledges itself to afford all possible assist
ance TO the United States in case this coun-
try became involved in war with Great Britain
Go for as is known persons outside the State
Department have never had an opportunity 70
peruse this important document. There seems
N no little doubt of It's existence. however. In
some form.
According to report quietly circulated TO-
dav. Minister Breckenridge has recently inquired
of the s.. Petersburg authorities II they re-
parded the compact to be still in force, ana
has received an affirmative reply. II is further
said that Mr. Breckenridge has communicated
information to this effect to Secretary Oney.
officials at the State Department Will not dis-
cuss the subject. Officers o. the Army ana
Navy claim to have positive Intelligence Oh 'ne
existence Of an agreement between Russia anu
the United States. and they attach great I'M
portance to the alliance. They say that in the
event of war the flower Of the Cars navy
would be sent to American waters, ana that
the Russians would be delighted TO combine
their fleet with that of this country In con-
nct with England.
Officers contend that the confidential compact
was made during the war OF the Rebellion and
that there Is evidence file in the state De-
partment showing that the agreement mas peei'
renewed on several occasions since. through th's
countrys diplomatic representatives al d.
Petersburg
With Russia's best ships added to those ol
this country In service and undergoing coiii-
pletion, and taking nto account the ia'' ."''
Great Britain must maintain strong squadron
In the Mediterranean and Chinese waters, naVal
officers are of the opinion that the allied no.
t,lIa would prove an antagonis; not TO be
despised. even by so formidable a maritime
Power as England.