The sun., 1896-10-28
9ERMAyr AND RUSSIA.
Disnarek's Conuents Upen Rassie as the
"Champion or Christian Civiiisation."
TNorn the London Standard.

Tfom the london Sfdnddrd-
BERLIN, Oct. 1.-The Hamburger Ndchrichten
prints hitherto unpu ublished letter written by
Prince Bismarck to the late Emperor William.
and dated Varsin, Aug. IL. 1877, bearing on the
relations between Germany and Russia. 1t pref
aces It by saying that "thetlrst signs OF the
alienation OF Gortschakoff's Russia from the
Three Emperors' League and her efforts to con-
clude an alliance with France, date from 1873.
Prince Bismarck always knew how to subor-
dinate his personal feelings to political inter-
ests, the most important of which he always
considered to DO the maintenance of peace.
That object, however, could be attained only
by a careful fostering of Germany's relations
with both Russia and Austria Hungary, and of
n good understanding between these two pow
ers. He continued. therefore to act as the
arose out OF their conflicting interests in tho
Balkan Peninsula, and still more after the end
reconciliation OF the opposing views OF Austria
Hungary Great Britain. and Russia as his prin-
cipal task during the Berlin congress-" Prince
Btsmarck's letter runs rs follows:
respectfully thank your Majesty for the gracious
letter of the sixth from Gasein, and share the pain
ful regret with which your Majesty conempiates tho
imprudent splitting up of the Russian armies and
consequent dlsasters Not that from the political
point of view, apprehend therefrom q turn of
events dangerous to the peace OF Germany. On the
contrary these une pectei victories OF the Turks
have rendered the possibility of further spreading
of the war through the interference OF England or
the fears OF Austria, moro remote But IL 10 impos-
slble TO read OF the misfortunes OF those brave
troops OF a nation friendly terms with US with.
out the keenest sympathy to learn OF the shame
ful cruetles perpetrated by the Turks on wounded
and defenceess people, without indignation. In
view of such barbarlties It is hard to maintain dip
lomatic posure, and think the feeling OF indig
nation must be general among all the Christian pow
ers, Perhaps would accord with your Matestys In
tentions II the Foreign once addressed communica-
tion conceived In this spirit to the other cabinets.
ana called upon them to make Joint to
the Porte. These occurrences bear witness that In
this war; the Russians really tho champions Of
Christian civilization against heather barbarsm.
rejoice TO find In your MaJestys letter confirmation
OF my conviction that Germany must not assist at any
humiliation OF Russia and that your Majesty Is re.
solved TO stand true to the Emperor AeIauder-that
Is, TO carry the neufrultS bfenretidnte and to
give diplomatic support to Russas reasonable Wishes
including those whi based not general Chris
tian but tustdable Russian aspirations as It Is
now probable that the peace negotiations post
poned Only victors indeed, will the Russians be
in position to give effect such wishes and victory
w perhaps turn Its back them stlll longer II. aS
the latest reports OF third battle at Plevna show.
they continue try to capture strong positions OF
the enemy with Inadequate forces. The useless sacri
flee of brave soldiers is the only result Your Majesty
apprehendcd that the Turks would the conflict
before the arrival OF the Russian reenorccment but
1t that the Russians have not patience enough
TO await mure favorable turn OF events.
"One irn!t OF your Majestys policy seems to have
rlpencd already-yiz., the due appreciation OF Ger.
man frendshIpby Russian public opinion. The OF.
forts last year Of Prince Gortschakon and other anti
German politicians to establish understanding
hostile TO us-nrst with Austria, and then, at their
pleasure with Francs-aud to discredlt Germany In
the eyes of the Russian people and army have den.
ntely failed. We have remained on good terms with
England. and the people OF Moscow. who used to DO
hostile to Germany. intend 20 send address
your Majesty. Your Majesty has strengthened the
friendship with Austria at Ischl the hitherto in
defatigable calumniators of Germany now address
their tales OF our becose lonGngs to deaf With
Gods help. the Three Emperors' League. under your
Majesty's guidance, will continue to insure to the
Emperor Alexander free scope. and to the rest of
Europe peace. i shall deem myself happy If can
once more serve your Majesty with all my strength
in this glorious task. but. alas. capable of
that yet. 1t is true that my immediate symptoms
have improved since was at K!ssnGen. but my gen.
eral debility is almost greater than before went
there. All mental work oSc.tes my nerves TO such
degree that sleep avoids my pillow"
Most of the German papers reproduce the let
ter. In the belief that 1t will give rise a good
deal of discussion. The EOSsiSche expresses its
gratitude to Prince Bismarck for understand
ing tho situation in the East so long ago as
1877. better than his Journalistic hodmen
nd