Page images
PDF
EPUB

cation of Russian disclosures, but we cannot conclude these remarks without expressing our lively satisfaction at the tone here assumed by Russia. It is not long since the "Frankfurt Journal" transferred to its columns the major part of an article which appeared in an English Review, and which we consider to be the most decisive exposure that has yet been made of the character of her institutions and her policy. The picture transferred to the columns of the "Frankfurt Journal" assumed even a bolder tone, and displayed deeper shadows. It boldly avowed the necessity of the occupation of Constantinople, the individualization, so to speak, of the whole of the energies of the mass of the Sclavonic people, and the necessity of their being devoted to the subjugation of Europe. Now, Russia falls back again on denegations, moderation, magnanimity, and innocence. Falsehood on her lips is the expression of her own alarms, and homage to the power of England.

LORD DURHAM AND THE EMPEROR

NICHOLAS.

Copy of a Letter from Lord Durham to Mr. Consul Gisborne, St. Petersburg, 5th May, 1836.

Sir,

I am not surprised to hear from you that the late proceedings in parliament have attracted the serious notice of the British merchants resident here.

The importance of their interests, and of the trade with which they are connected, naturally demands their anxious care. As the Representative of His Britannic Majesty at this Court, it is my duty also to pay the most unremitting attention to all events which could justify those apprehensions which it seems are entertained in some quarters. I am not, however, conscious of the existence of any rational cause for them.

No one event has occurred since my arrival here which could indicate the remotest chance of a rupture between the two countries. The most amicable communications have ever taken place between His Imperial Majesty's government and myself: every representation on behalf of British subjects has been promptly attended to; inquiry ordered where investigation was necessary; and ample redress promised when proved to be justly due. As to the political aspect of affairs generally, I may refer you to facts which, after all, far outweigh declarations and opinions from governments or individuals. The late convention with the Porte, and the evacuation of Silistria, are most important events and convincing indications of the intention of the Russian government to join spontaneously and cordially with us in the maintenance of the general peace of Europe. It is my firm conviction that this desirable object will now be effectually secured; and I can have,

therefore, no hesitation in assuring the gentlemen who have addressed you, that they may, without fear of interruption, apply themselves to the cultivation of that commerce which is the natural bond of union between England and Russia; and of which the encouragement and extension must be the anxious desire of the governments of both countries.

[blocks in formation]

Copy of a second Letter from Lord Durham to Mr. Consul Gisborne, St. Petersburg, May 8, 1836.

Sir,

I cannot deny myself the pleasure of requesting you to inform the gentlemen composing the body of British Merchants resident here, that His Imperial Majesty has been pleased more than once to express to me his high approbation of their conduct on all occasions and in all circumstances. You may easily imagine that this notice of my countrymen was as gratifying to me as it is honourable to them; and that I am, therefore, anxious to communicate to them this proof that their proceedings are justly appreciated and graciously recognised.

- Gisborne, Esq.

(Signed)

DURHAM.

Our desire to make these pages the faithful and complete record of what we consider the great question of the present age, and from which we apprehend consequences that, at a no very remote period, will convulse the state of Europe, and affect every portion of the globe, induces us to give a place to the two foregoing letters. We dispense ourselves from the painful

task of commenting upon them.

They have

been judged already. We believe that they

have not been misunderstood.

One expression, however, we beg to direct our readers' attention to, not because we find it here in the mouth of Lord Durham, but because it is a common fallacy which Russia is in the constant habit of reproducing, and that is," the union of England and Russia to preserve the peace of Europe." If union existed between England and Russia, it could be no object to preserve peace, since no danger could exist of war. If England united with Russia in her ambitious projects, there is no other state whose opposition, whatever character it assumed, would deserve the name of war. If Russia coincided in the pacific and conservative dispositions of England, no cause of collision throughout Europe could exist. But, as neither of these hypotheses is admissible-as Russia does not coincide in the conservative views of England-as England will not admit of the aggressive projects of Russia-no union can exist between them; far less can that union preserve the peace of Europe, which only is endangered by their

opposition. A state of cessation of hostilities can only be preserved by the assumption by England of such a position as will deter Russia from subjugating her weaker neighbours, and as will strengthen her neighbours to resist her attacks.

The appearance or the reality of union between England and Russia, which only can exist by the ignorance of England of the game which Russia is playing from Drontheim to Pekin, is the surest means of hastening results which it will be no longer possible for her to disguise, or for England to brook.

It is through the real or apparent union, during forty years, of English with Russian policy, that the present position of Russia on the Bosphorus has been obtained. But, within the last few months, England has happily assumed a wholly different position. The increase of our naval force-the decided and universal expression of opinion in the House of Commons-the admission by the Foreign Minister of the Crown of the general correctness of the ample exposures there made of her policy and designs-the universal feelings of the Bri

« PreviousContinue »