PRINCE GORTSCHAKOFF ON THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1789, 14 November 1879, Page 4

PRINCE GORTSCHAKOFF ON THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

M. Louis Pcyramont, ono of tho principal contributors to the Paris “ Soleil,” lias bad an interview with Prince Gortechakoff at Baden. Tho Russian Chancellor was naturally somewhat reserved. “ I have held,” said the Prince, “ the Portfolio of Foreign Affairs for tho past twenty-four years, and on account of my health I hare often begged his Majesty to accept my resignation. Only lately I returned to tho charge, but tho Emperor would not hear of my retirement, though I am now eighly-ono. My two months’ rest has done me much good, and,in order to profit more thoroughly thereby, I have requested my friends at fit Petersburg to refrain from troubling mo with politics upon any consideration whatever. The bitter war which has just been waged between our Press and the German has failed to movo me, although I have been judged very unjustly. All tho world is acquainted with my policy, which has not varied during tho post twenlyfour years. As regards Erance, I am of opinion that, wore her weakness prolonged, it would produce a deplorable gap in the European concert. It is probably to this opinion, which I have never concealed, that I owe tho hostility of tho German Chancellor. I have always said to your statesmen “ Be strong.” This is indispensable to your own security, and to tho necessary equilibrium of Europe. Such are tho words which I often re; cated to M. Thiers, and afterwards to tho Due Decazcs when ho visited mo at Interlaken. Whatever tho Government of Franca may bo, J shall always preach tho same doctrine, recommending at the same time much prudence in her dealings with certain Powers. Tho papers speak of a coalition of Germany and Au»tria, and possibly even of Italy, against Russia and Franco ; but it is bettor to leave this subject untouched. Suffice it to say that we have not the slightest dread of a war of invasion, though it is wiser to keep on our guard. I cannot feel angry with Prince Bismarck for adopting an economic system which is disadvantageous to Russia ; for had I been in his place I should very probably have acted in a

similar manner. As for the Berlin Treaty, a dissertation on this matter would carry me too far; but neither I nor my co signatories ever thought that we were creating an irreproachable marvel when we adopted the various stipulations of which it is composed. All that I may add is, that Russia furnished a proof of great moderation and of a sincere love of peace, which all impartial and wellintentioned men should give her credit for. The Sovereigns of Russia and Germany love and esteem each other much, and the affection which unites them will certainly suffice to remove many difficulties, and to smooth down the trifling differences which may arise. Once more I profess a deep love for France, and I believe I have shown this in a convincing manner during the past few years. I consider it of tho highest imporlanoo that France should hold in Europe the place to which she is so justly entitled. The fall of Franco would be a severe blow to civilization.” The correspondent describes Prince Gortachakoffi as being in admirable health, bright, and active —his voice clear and strong as when he was quite a young mam