THE RUSSIANS AS SPIES

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 13, 1887

THE RUSSIANS AS SPIES.

THE efficiency of the Russian spy system, says the Buffalo Commercial, is shown by an incident connected with ex-Governor Curtin's stay in St. Petersburg as America's ambassador. After the downfall of Napoleon III., he went to London on a brief visit. While there he received an invitation to call on the fallen potentate, who was then living at Chiselhurst. He responded to the invitation and was received with a great deal of warmth. The ex-Emperor talked for a long time about his own career, his poverty, his former life in London, and his visit to New York. Finally, after a conversation of nearly two hours, he came to the real point of his desire to see Mr. Curtin. He said to him: "You are on intimate terms with Prince Gortschakoff. Have you any objection to telling me what are his real views upon the subject of the re-establishment of the empire?" "I know what his sentiments upon the subject are," said Mr. Curtin, "but they are of such a nature that I do not feel at liberty to communicate them to you." "I understand you," said the ex-Emperor, "and am much obliged to you for your civility in calling."

Gortschakoff's opinion, which Mr. Curtin withheld, had been very vigorously expressed. He said that this "French scoundrel" should never have any help from him in getting back his throne, as he regarded him as a man dangerous to the peaceful condition of affairs in Europe. When Mr. Curtin returned to St. Petersburg, Gortschakoff invited him to dinner. During dinner he said to him, "You have been away?" "Yes, in London." "You saw many people there?" "Yes." "A number of distinguished people?" "Yes; I saw some prominent American friends of mine." "I am told you also saw the man who at one time seemed to hold in his hands the destinies of Europe." "Yes; I saw him," said Mr. Curtin. "Have you any objections to telling me the nature of the conversation you had with him?" "It was not important," was the reply; "it was mainly upon personal topics." Here Gortschakoff said, with a very knowing look, "I know all the details of that conversation. I am very much obliged to you for your discretion in not communicating to Louis Napoleon my views upon the re-establishment of the French empire."

As there was no third person present at the interview between Mr. Curtin and the ex-Emperor, this interview gave him a very high opinion of the completeness of the Russian spy service.—Selected.