The sun., 1902-01-10
WHEN RUSSIA WAS OUR FRIEND.
A Correspondent Attributes TO John W
Foster Some Interesting Statements.


To TIVE EDITOR OF THE sUs-Sir: Your
able editorial and convincing proofs as TO
what your correspondent calls the historic
myth OF Russia's friendship for the United
States during the Civil War in your issue OF
last Sunday Is conclusive. and once for all
the facts are brought to light which corrob-
orate all that has been asserted. and history
will ever bear witness TO the friendly part
pla yed by Russia during the critical period
OF American history.
The writer had occasion some years ago
to inquire OF Mr.. John W. Foster. the recog-
nized authority on all such delicate and diplo-
matio questions. as to the very facts raised
by your misinformed correspondent. and
was gratifed to learn not only OF the act OF
Alexander II. in sending a Russian squadron
IN New York, but also In that connection an
incident was related which had passed un-
observed by many historians. but Ia well
known to Mr. Foster and TO the State Depart
ment although not made n matter OF record
nor published to the world. viz: In 1868 the
French Minister In an audience with the
Gar at Czarskoye Selo In st. Petersburg
laid before him the proposition OF Napoleon
Ill to interfere In our Civil War for the pur-
pose Of perpetuaiing the division between
North and South After listening TO the
bold proposal OF Napoleon the Russian En-
peror abruptly ended the interview and i'm
mediately after the departure of the French
Minister from the palace he caused the
presence Of his Minister OF Foreign Affairs,
Prince Gortchakon. and said to him In sub
stance. Il wish you would inform the French
Emperor that the United States are our
friends. and tell him that they have the same
right 10 maintain a republican form OF govern;
ment as We have TO choose monarchy; tell
him also he must keep his hands OF and not
NEEDLE In their affairs. tell him further,
Prince. | will allow no one TO iipterfere on the
other side Of the Atlantic. lie who strikes
my friend strikes me.
This answer, couched In diplomatic Ian
guage. was sent that very same day 20 Paris.
was brought to a sudden end More than
that. our Minister at ~. Petersburs. Mr
S%snnc. SsIgs and ,he car desired him II TO inform
President lincoln that should France or
England presume, upon hostile measures or
active Sti In intervention Of Russia could be de.
And. SsNin. recently within few years.
when the Behring Sea arbitration was In
session the Russian Minister at Washin gton
called on Mr. Blaine, then secretary Of state
and told him he had been instructed by his
Government 90 say TO the American Govern
ment that when Russia transferred Alaska
10 America all her Russia'sl rights In that
Territory went with the transfer. and for
England or any one else TO question W at
Russia had always regarded a. right was
q diplomatic impertineno. on the nart OF the
Mr. Blaine. stood ready Ht all times 20 mako
her guarantee good IN any manner that may
be- desirable aud neceSsary Secretary blaine
was aRreeabiy surprised at this unmi-takabls
message Of friendship from the Gar. which
he immediately communicated Co the Presi-
dent and 20 the chairman OF the Foreign
Relations Committee of the Senst"
bog leave 90 remind your correspondent,
Mr. a Maurice low ,l Of another ~ historic orc
there l. a record IN the fles Of IHk slN OF
Decemhef. is1i, Wher. he can read and learn
that .na citiyens 81 New York t"ndsIed
banaust II Delmonico's 60 Grand Duke Alexis,
Who VA then visitiug the United states 81!
route 90 Russia tie VII read of The grateful
ineu' men In ouT country In acknowledging
Russia's great services 20 the cause of the
nnio9 and 'hs der os 1a,,ons 70 oh" ,oina oss,
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