Norwich bulletin., 1911-09-09
RUssIA's FRIENDLY ATTITUDE
 EXPRESSED TO LINCOLN
Alexander II. Wrote Historical Message
 to This Country.

Fifty years ago Thursday President Lincoln listened to the reading of a note from Alexander H., cZar of Rus sia, that was to give that country a place in history as the friend of the United States.
 The czar's letter was addressed co the ambassador at Washington. It's text was as follows:
 From the beginning of the conflict which divides the United States of America you have been desired to make known to the federal govern ment the deep interest with which our august master was observing the de- velopment of a1crlSiS which keeps in question the prosperity and even the existence of the union. The emperor profoundly regrets to see that the hope of 8 peaceful solution is not realized, and that American citizens, already in country the most formidable of the scourges of political society-a civil war.
 .For more than 80 years that it has existed the American union owes it's independence, it's towering rise and it's bers, concentrated under the auspices of it's illustrious founder by institu- tions which have been able to reconcile the union with liberty.
 This union has been faithful. 1t has exhibited to the world the spectacle Of a prosperity without example in the annals of history. It would be deplor- able that, after so conclusive an expe- rience, the United States should be hurried into a breach of the solemn compact which up to this time has made their power.
 stitutions and of their existence, and perhaps even because of their diversity, providence seems to urge them to draw closer the traditional bond, which is the. basis of the very conditions of their political existence. In any event the sacrifice which they might impose upon themselves to maintain it, are beyond comparison with those which dissolution would bring after it. Unit ed, they perfect themselves; isolated, they are paralyzed.
 The struggle which has unla ppily arisen can neither be indefinitely pro lonsed, nor lead to the total destruc- tion of one of the parties. Sooner or later it will be necessary to come to some settlement, whatever it may be, which may cause the divergent inter ests, now actually in conflict to COCK ist. The American nation would then give a proof of high political wisdom in seeking in common such a settle mentz before as.uselesS diffusion of blood, barren squandering of strength dIlO Ol plnDIiC IICllSS, t1IiU dCtSS Ol tIO- 1ence and reciprocal refusals shall have come to- deepen an abyss between the two parties of the. federation, to end, definitiyely, in their mutual ex- haustion, and in the ruin, perhaps, ir- reparable of their commercial and po- IticaI power.
 "Our august master cannot resign himself to admit such deplorab1e an- ticipations.
 Hoped for Peace.
 His imperial majesty still places his confidence in that practical good sense of the citizens of the union who appreciate so ;udiciously their true in terest.s. His majesty is happy to be- lieve that the members of the federal government and influential men of the two parties will seize all occasions, and will unite all their efforts to calm the effervescence of the passion. There are no interests so divergent that it may. .ot be possible to reconcile by laboring to that end with zeal and perseverance, in a spirit of justice and moderation. s
 If. within the limits of your friendly relation your language and your cOun- cils may contribute to this result, you will respond sir,s-to the intention of his majesty. the. emperor, in devoting to this the personal influence which you may have been able to acquire during your long residence at Washington, and tlIe consideration which belongs to VOLT character as the representarlve