The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-04-08
Russia in 1863.

In the supplements of Sunday edi-
tions of northern newspapers are seen
of late full-page reproductions of
scenes in New York harbor In October,
1S63-the third year of the war. Gigan-
tic figures of Abraham Lincoln and n
Russian admiral holding out a ship
flank the page on either side. In the
central columns are reproductions Of
scenes and cartoons taken from Har-
per's Weekly. One picture represents
a ball in honor of the admiral and
officers of the Russian fieet-the ladies
wearing the hoops of that period. An
other displays Russian street pro-
cession in Broadway, and still another
a reception of the common council of
New York by Admiral Lisoyski on
board his flagship. There are two pic
lures of the Russian ships, eight IN
number. One cartoon depicts the aston
ishment of John Bull and Napoleon
when they first descry upon the hori-
zon the Russian fleet and the other
represents the Russian bear and the
American Eagle going proudly down
the street, while in the background ap-
pear a detected lion and a French
bird of unknown species with dropping
wings. These pictures were printed in
Harpers Weekly of October II, 1868.
Harpers Weekly was in those days
powerful organ of opinion, and its
editorial of October II openly advo-
Gated an alliance between Russia and
the United States. In order that the
readers of The Age-Herald may see
what Russia did in crisis of the civil
war we give below the essential por-
ton of an editorial put forth by Har-
per's Weekly:
THE cardinal principle of the policy of
the western powers of Europe is a steady
offensive and defensive alliance France
and England-it was Louis Napoleon s
calculation-if heartily united, could rule
the world. That alliance. formed by the
emperor, was maintained through the
Crmean war and the Chinese war II
the southern Confederacy Is recognized
the recognition Will be simultaneous at
both London and Paris, the calculation
being that the United States could not
afford to make war upon both the western
powers.
what is our proper reply to this hos
tile combination? Would 1t not be wise
to meet the hostile alliance of the VEST
ern powers by an alliance with Russia?
1.-THE analogies between the American
and the Russian people have too often
been described to need further explana-
ton here. Russia, like the United States,
Is nation of the future. Its capabilities
are only just being developed.
AT the present time Russia and the
United States occupy remarkably similar
positions. A portion of the subjects of
the czar residing in Poland has attempted
to secede, just as our Southern States
tiltu W StOtut lIOii illt 1nlOH ana set
up a Confederacy; and the czar, like the
government of the Union, has undertaken
to put down the instruction by force
OF arms.
'"rhe czar, like Mr. Lincoln, neverthe-
less preserves in his purpose. and being
perfectly in earnest and determined, has
sent fleet into our waters in order that
If war should occur, British and French
commerce should not escape so easily as
they did in the Crimean contest
IAN alliance between the United States
and Russia at the present time would re-
lieve both o. us from apprehensions of
foreign interference The reception last
week in this city to Admiral Lisovski
and his officers will create more apprehen-
sion at the Tuileries and at ~ James
than even the Parrot gun or the capture
of Atlanta. If followed up by diplo-
matte relations with view to an alliance
no mean Importance In history"
Comment Is unnecessary The Rus
SLAMS prevented recognition of the
Confederacy by England and France
in the fall of 1868, and the waning of
southern resources in 1864 afforded no
opportunity afterwards. Russia did
her work at the critical moment and
Secretary Seward paid her $7,20O,000
for her services, taking in excuse
Alaska, then believed to be absolutely
worthless.
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