Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1896-01-01
UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA.

The newspapers throughout the country
produced profound, but pleasing, sensa-
ton, last week, by the publication of a
story to the effect that the Russian
government had voluntarily offered to
lend the United States S4O0, 900, 900 in
gold without interest. Although there
has been q mild denial Of the story,
there is no doubt of the fact that it is
based on a greater or less semblance of
truth.
The feeling between the United States
and Russia has long been one Of the
greatest friendship. 1t is true that the
government of Russia is despotic, while
that of the United States is, theoretically,
the most liberal in the world; but in the
relations between the two countries, these
facts do not figure. There are other
considerations which, from a political
standpoint, are more important.
Russia lacks but one essential require
ment of being the most powerful nation
in existence, and this requirement is the
possession of one or more seaports that
are not liable to be closed by the ice
during four or five months of the year.
She sorely feels the need of such seaports,
and the only thing that stands in the way
of her acquisition of them, is the jealousy
of the other European powers, especially
Great Britain. 1t is generally recognized
that the acquisition of these seaports by
Russia, means the waning of all other
European influence, to the increase OF
Russia's prosperity and power.
Some of the powers that stand in the
way of Russia, especially Great Britain,
are also, to a certain extent, objects OF
jealousy to the United States. They have
control of more or less territory in the
Western Hemisphere, and the United
States naturally looks upon all such
countries as a possible enemy. AS be-
tween Russia and the United States,
however, there is no possible conflict OF
interest. The possible enemies of the
United States are the possible enemies OF
Russia, and that makes the friendly
feeling between the two countries especial
ly strong. In the event of war between
the United States and Great Britain,
Russia would surely attempt to take
advantage of the opportunity to get pos
session of tho straits leading into the
Black sea, and also to get possession Of one
or more seaports in Southern Asia, and
there is every reason to believe that
Russia especially desires such war.
So in view Of these facts and conditions,
the people of this country are not exactly
prepared to doubt the truth of the story
which suggests big loan from Russia
Just at this time. 1t is known that Russia
has something like 500, 900, 900 or $500, ,0OO,-
600 lying in her Golfers, and this vast sum
has been boarded solely for use in the
event of war. If she ever does have to
use it tor war purposes, she will have to
spend great portion Of it in the United
States, and taking into consideration the
dangers of transportation, especially dur
ing war times, she cannot do better than
send the money to this country now. 1t
can also be understood how, under these
circumstances, she can afford to lend it to
country as strong as the United States,
without interest.
1t is certain that Russia offered to lend
the United States S6O,OOO,O 600 in 1893, and
that the offer was refused. The Washing
ton authorities will not give any positive
information as to whether the offer has
been repeated; but it has leaked out that
the Rothchilds and other British financiers
have become very much concerned over
the matter all the same, and have offered
to buy all the bonds that the United
States cares to issue at per cent. interest,
the lowest rate that the government has
ever been able to procure. There is
talk about Washington to the effect that
while it might not be good policy for this
country to accept Russia's generous offer
that is to accept such loan from an Or
ganized governmental the same time it
is not desirable to place any more loans i'll
England just now, and, therefore, if
another loan is to be made, all things else
being equal, the bonds will be sold to