to honour the toasts at these festivities, and in all the articles upon them, that the object of what was taking place was the establishment of peace. Even the partisans of war, the Russian correspondent previously cited amongst them, speak not of any hatred towards the conquerors of the lost provinces, but of a "love which somehow hates."
However, we are well aware of the cunning of mental sufferers, and we can realise that this constant repetition of a desire for peace, and silence as to the sentiments in every man's mind, is precisely a threat of the worst significance.
In his reply at the dinner at the Elysée the Russian Ambassador said—
"Before proposing a toast to which everyone will respond from the depths of his soul, not alone those within these walls, but all those, and with the same enthusiasm, whose hearts are at the present moment beating in unison with ours, far away or around us in great and beautiful France, as in Russia, permit me to offer an expression of the deepest gratitude for the welcome, addressed by you to the Admiral whom the Tsar deputed to return the Cronstadt visit. In the high position which you occupy your words express the full meaning of the glorious and pacific festivities which are now being celebrated with such remarkable unanimity, loyalty, and sincerity."
The same entirely baseless reference to peace may be found in the speech of the French President.
"The links of love which unite Russia and France," he said, "were strengthened two years ago by the touching manifestations of which our fleet was the object at Cronstadt, and are becoming every day more binding; and the honest interchange of our friendly sentiments must inspire all those who have at heart the welfare of peace, security, and confidence," etc.
In both speeches the benefits of peace, and of peaceful festivities, are alluded to quite unexpectedly and without any occasion.
The same thing is observable in the interchange of telegrams between the Russian Emperor and the President of the Republic.
The Emperor telegraphs:—
"At the moment when the Russian fleet is leaving France it is my ardent wish to express to you how I am touched by, and grateful for, the chivalrous and splendid reception which my sailors have everywhere experienced on French soil. The expres-
