WILL OF PETER THE GREAT.

Southland Times, Issue 1705, 21 February 1873, Page 3

WILL OF PETER THE GREAT.

We are indebted to a correspondent who has forwarded us a copy of the above document, remarking that in the present aspect of Russia's policy of territorial aggrandisement in Central Asia, it may be interesting for colonial readers to know the manner in which that sovereign prescribed to his successors the course which they ought to follow in order to acquire universal dominion. The will runs as follows : — "In the name of tbe most holy and indivisible Trinity, we, Peter the Great, uuto all our descendants and successors to the throne and Government of the Russian nation : " The All-Powerful, from whom*we hold our life and our throne, after having revealed unto us his wishes and intentions, and after being our support, permits us to look upon Russia as called upon to establish her rule over all Europe. This idea is based upon the fact that all the nations of this portion of the globe are fast approaching a state of utter decrepitude. " From this it results that they can be easily conquered by a new race of people when it lias attained full power and strength. We look upon our invasion of the West and the East as a decree of Divine Providence, which has already once regenerated the Roman Empire by an invasion of barbarians. " The emigration of men from the North is like the inundation of the Nile, which at certain seasons enriches with its waters the arid plains of Egypt. "We found Russia a small rivulet, we leave it an immense river. Our successors will make of it an ocean, destined to fertilise tbe whole of Europe, if they know how to guide its waves. We leave them then the following instructions, which we earnestly recommend to their constant meditation : — " 1. To keep the Russian nation in con stant warfare, in order always to have good soldiers. Peace must only be permitted to remit the finances. To recruit the army, choose the moment favorable for attack. Thus peace will advance your projects of war, and war those of peace, for obtaining tbe enlargement and prosperity of Russia. "2. Draw unto you by all possible means, from the civilised nations of Europe, captains during war, and learned men during peace, so that Russia may benefit by the advantages of other nations. " 3. Take care to mix in the affairs of all Europe, and in particular of Germany, which being the nearest nation to you deserves your chief attention. "4. Divide Poland, by raising up continual disorders and jealousies within its bosom. Gain over its rulers with gold ; influence and corrupt the Diet, in order to have a voice in the election of the kings. Make partisans, and protect them ; if neighboring powers raise objections and opposition surmount the obstacles by stirring up discord within their countries. " 5. Take all you can from Sweden ; and to effect this isolate her from Denmark, and vice versa. Be careful to rouse their jealousy. " 6. Marry Russian princes with German princesses ; multiply these alliances ; unite these interests ; and, by the increase of our influence, attach Germany to our cause. "7. Seek the alliance of England on account of our commerce, as being the country most useful for the development of our navy (merchants, &c), and for the exchange of our produce against her gold. Keep up continued communications with her merchants and sailors, so thdt ours may acquire experience in commerce and navigation " 8. Constantly extend yourselves along the shores of the Baltic, and the borders of the Euxine. "9. Do all in your power to approach Constantinople and India. Remember that he who rules over these countries is the real sovereign of the world. Keep up continued wars with Turkey and Persia. Establish dockyards in the Black Sea Gradually obtain the command of this Sea as well as of the Baltic. This is necessary for the entire success of our projects. Hasten the fall of Persia Open for yourselves a route towards the Persian Gulf. Re-establish as much as possible, by means of Syria, the ancient commerce of the Levant, and thus advance towards India. Once there you will not require English gold. " 10. Carefully seek the alliance of Austria. Make her believe that you will second her in cer projects for dominion over Germany, and secretly stir up the jealousy of other princes against her, and manage, so that each be disposed to claim the assistance of Russia and exercise over each a sort of protection which will lead the way to future dominion over them. " 11. Make Austria drive the Turks out of Europe, and neutralise her jealousy by offering to her a portion of your coni quests, which you will, further on, take back. " 12. Above all, recall around you the i schismatic Greeks, who are Hpread over i Hungary and Poland. Become their centre and support — aa universal do- > minion over them by a kind of sacerdota 1 ■ rule (autocratic sacerdotal) ; by this you i will have many friends amongst your enemies. "13. Sweden dismembered, Persia coni quered, Poland subjugated, Turkey l beaten, our armies united, the Black and Baltic Seas guarded by our vessels, pre- ) pare separately and secretly first the [ court of Versailles, then that of Vienna, • to Bhare the empire of the universe with

Russia. If one accept, flatter her ambition and amour-propre, and make use of one to crush the other, by engaging them in war. The result cannot be doubtful, Russia will be possessed of the whole of tbe East, and of a great portion of Europe " 14. If, which ia not probable, both should refuse the offer of Russia, raise a quarrel between them, and one which will ruin them both. Then Russia, profiting by this decisive moment, will inundate Germany with the troops which she will have assembled before hand. At the same time two fleets, full of soldiers, will have tbe Baltic and the Black Sea, will advance along the Mediteranean and the ocean, keeping France in check with one, and Germany with the other. And these two countries conquered, the remainder of Europe will fall under our yoke. " Tims can Europe be subjugated."