Year: 1863

The Policy OF Rassia aad resaace To
4 ward. ihis Country.


AT the period when. having just struggle


into existence, the United States were attract


ing the notice OF all Europe, there were tw


great empires then dividing the majority o


power in the Old World. France and Russ


were then most powerful, and had naught Il


fear save from England. who ruled the sea


Unaided she was incapable of making any SO


rious attack upon the great Powers just named


but she had their commerce at her mercy Sht


was the only maritime Power, and much capi


tai did she make out Of the fact. Alexander O.


Russia and Napoleon the Great both understood
that this domination of the sea which England
held so exclusively was fetal to their best
| interests, and both were alike overjoyed when
the American people gave Indications Of de-
termination to contest with England q suprema-
cy which up to that time she had revelled in.
The Gear of Russia asserted openly that in the
rising republic he saw the Power which was to
counterbafsnce and check the arrogance OF
Great Britain, and he expressed desire that
from his government the United States might
ever meet with good will and encouragement.


Napoleon the First went still further to prove
his desire that this republic might all the more
speedily assume the position she was evidently
to attain. He sold for q pittance to this gov
ernment the lands which France possessed in
the Mississippi valley, 80 that we might
as he distinctly asserted, become all the
more powerful and the more, quickly rival
the influence of his hated enemy-England.
For years Russia and France have pursued the
same policy, and we have always considered
both our friends and allies until the advent of
Napoleon the Third changed the course OF
French policy and left us with but Russia true
to the old feeling of friendship. The present
Czar entertains the same sentiments towards us
that his uncle did. He has given ample proof
fleet Of his men-of-war should be at anchor in
our harbor Is but an additional instance of his
good will. The Emperor Alexander Of Russia
has not and will not depart from the policy ofhis
predecessors, because he is aware that we
alone can, as maritime Power, curb the
arrogance and insolence of Great Britain,
and because he must know that we can
not for q century or two in our on
ward march come athwart the progress
Of the great Russian empire. We have no
call save upon this continent, which we must
rule. Russia may. If she can, rule the Old
World, and we heartily sympathize with every
stride she makes towards the attainment of
power, progress and civilization. We are tho
friends and well wishers Of the Russian gov
ernment, as will be proved by the reception
our citizens will tender to the officers Of tho
squadron now in our waters. There will be
heartiness and good will in the greeting which
shall impress its sincerity upon its recipients
and Europe shall see that the great American
republic and the great Russian empire are
truly friends.


France we were wont to associate in
all ideas of gratitude for the attainment
of great power and influence. We felt
that to her cooperation we owed the very
existence Of our government; and on those
occasions when there were national meet
ings toast to France, words Of praise and
of grateful recollection, were ever uttered
and cheerfully responded to. Our hour Of
trouble came, and we found that France, now
under the guidance of an INSCRIPTIONS sove-
reign, was ready to take advantage of our
misfortunes, and that, departing from her time
honored policy, she was now the enemy Of that
nation whose independence she had helped to
conquer. This was q bitter discovery, and it
was long ere the fact could force itself into the
minds Of our people; but at last acts were
committed which precluded all possibility Of
mistake, and France stood forth In avowed
enmity to the United States. This was q
sad blunder on the part Of the Emperor
Of the French; and we repeat what we
have so often asserted Of late: it will cost him
his throne and entail the ruin Of his dynasty.
Such want Of good faith-such o failure in
comprehending what was the best policy to
pursue-must and will entail defeat and dis
grace upon Napoleon, and that at q period
much nearer at hand than he may suppose, un-
less he change his political programme.


There Is one point in the arrival Of this Rus
sian fleet here which must not be overlooked
During the Crimean war Russia had all her YES.
sells blocked up in her different seaports
| Should she now 60 to war with those Powers
| which have made so much bluster about Poland





| she will have her fleet free, and will be enabled


to prey upon the commerce Of her enemies
| We have been taught lately what is the most ad


vantageous course TO pursue as regards bellige


rents, and, having obtained our cue, with plenty
| of modern British and French precedents, shall


act accordingly, much to the benefit Of Russia


That France will see more points in this Rus


sian naval visit to our harbor we do not doubt


Napoleon will see in 1t an acknowledgment o
the willingness Of Alexander to enter into al


alliance with the North; and here France viii


find still further cause for reflection. Thi


naval visit will cause sensation in Europe


and we are much deceived IT, when the new


reaches London and Paris that Russian fee


is at New York, there will not be less tall


about recognizing the South and more abou
1 A. .ox-ar If tha North and Tho fna a,hilitv an.