The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-01-09

In II I answer the question so often asked: What
was the purpose OF the Russian fee, In American
waters in 1891" WHARTON BANNER.
PHILADELPHIA. Jan. I.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 1. 1901.
M. Thomas Willing Balch, Philadelphia, Pa.
Mr. DEAR Mr.. BALcH-I have read with
interest your letter Of Dec. 20 last and also
your admirable book--The Alabama Arbi-
tration--you have presented TO me-. You
nave done good work. BY the publication
Of the Palmerston Russell correspondence
you have made clear the desire and the
purpose Of the British Government In 1892
es, working In cooperation with the French
Government, to break up the union OF the
United States Of America by recognition
OF belligerency and independence OF the
Confederate States OF America, probably
going to the point OF armed interference.
believe nothing but the refusal OF the
Emperor Alexander III. OF Russia in 1893
to cooperate with Lord Palmerston and
the Emperor Napoleon III. prevented
open support by European nations OF the
Confederate States. Americans owe almost
az much to Russia for support in 1883 as
TO France in IT'S. | am willing 10 comply
with your request for a statement in writing
Of what the Emperor Alexander ii. said to
me in August, 1879, about his course in
1858, when ] reflect that probably no more
important statement Of his position at
that time has been made.
That you may understand why | was
given an audience by the Emperor and
why he talked to me OF many great acts.
I must tell you what you may know al
ready. that In May, 1873, | was appointed
Russian Financial Agent in America by
the Grand Duke Constantine. General
Admiral OF Russia at hat time, and asso-
ciated with Capt. Semetschkin, chief OF
a board Of officers sent here TO build cruisers
for the Russian Navy. or the members OF
this board Semetschkin is dead Grippenberg
Ii now a retired Rear Admiral and Avalon is
now vice-Admiral and Chief 81 STAFF Of the
Russian Navy. Alexien IL now a Woe
Adm. al and Commander-in-Chief of the
Russian naval and military forces in the
Far East and Civil Governor. the most
important position held up to his time
by any Russian not a member OF the
Imperial family. Several Of the subor-
dinate members Of that board are Rear
Admirals. These men were all my friends
twenty-five years since; they all are my
friends to-day.
/ must also tell you that / was called to
Russia in 1879 by the Grand Duke Constan-
tine and Prince Dolgorouki for conference
with them and the Ministers Of Finance.
Ways Of Communications and Public Do
main about large and important railroad.
coal. iron and steel enterprises about to be
undertaken in the south Of Russia. In
consideration Of these services, on Aug 20,
ta-a tha EpnNaror oraatai ma a KNIGHT Of
ST. Stanislaus, second class, and gave me
the cross and other insignia Of the order,
/ lave been to Russia many times since.
always on public business. You will now
understand my position and why the audi
ence Of which | have spoken,
On a Sunday morning in August. 1879,
after breakfast with the Grand Duke Con-
~stantine at his palace Of Pavlovsk. where
l had gone .upon urgent invitation sent me
the day before, the Grand Duke and I we're
talking in his library Upon sundry subjects
Of interest. but not Of great importance;
like his effort to induce MIR. Gladstone TO
Join with him in a work 10 unite the Church
Of England and the Greek Church, Of course
an impossible dream. After an our or
more Of this conversation. when ! was about
70 take my leave. not understanding why
! had been brought eighteen miles from
NJ. Petersburg into the country for break
fast. the lodge bell was rung and tho Grand
Duke called me to n window opening on
the court yard and said: you will now
understand why you are here. the Emperor
wishes TO talk with you In a somewhat In.
formal way as he could not II you were
presented In formal manner by your Min.
%irter.' A man. the Emperor Of Russia,
mounted on horseback. came into the
yard No escort OF servants or body
guard or armed men with him, followed 10y
a one-horse phaeton In which were two
ladies', the Empress % Russia and the Quesn
Of Greeoe, daughter Of my host the Grand
Duke Constantine. This ~as surely a
unique and most interesting beginning 90
an important interviews Within half an
hour | was presented TO the Emperor by
the Grand Duke C~onstAntlnr IN" Empress,
the Grand Durhess Constantine. a my
dear friend kemstschkln aisp in attend.
anoe was presented A. your American
banker
The Emperor spoke fhslish and talked
more thai half az hour He spoke II
financial plans - hi- Minister - Finance
and Ask~d nv opinion - them ~ IN"
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