THE RUSSIAN CORSAIR FLEET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3212, 24 July 1878, Page 3

THE RUSSIAN CORSAIR FLEET.

» A correspondent of the London Standard, telegraphing to that journal on May 15 says : — The Golus of May 14 publishes from tho Official Gazelle the Russian text of the appeal of the Czarewitch for subscriptions for a Corsair licet. This document is well worth quoting, and I therefore send you a translation of it. The Golus introduces it with the following characteristic remarks: — "It is now two hundred and fifty years since a genuine Avar cry echoed throughout the length and breadth of the land, 'Rush to tho flags young and old ; leave your wives and children behind you, and save the country.' Such was the cry of a simple citizen, the famous Kouzina wninn, and the appeal was responded to tiy every Russian heart. Today the official journal published a document of the highest importance, which reminds us of the war cry of Ivou/.nia Minimi. The august protector of the volunteer lleet now being Organised, the heir presumptive to the Crown of Russia, gracijusly opens the doors of his palace and person illy invites everybody to bring his offering for the defence of our cause, Avhich is as just a* it is respectableWe proceed at once to quo!"-»ihis appeal in exlenso, so that not a word sh dl escape the attention of the MuscoA r ite Avorld." Here is the text of the important document. : — " More than two months have elapsed since our heroic troops, after having accomplished feats almost unparalleled in history, and carried their glorious standards from country to country, have been stopped under the Aery Avails of the enemy's capital. The instrument of peace had just, been signed, and all Russia was rejoicing at the prospect of Avcicoming back her heroic sons, when, just as the enemy was about to accept our terms, tho Avar vessels of the strongest maritime power suddenly appeared in the Sea of Marmora, and in close proximity to our troops. In ti.afc country, situated at the Avestern extremity of Europe, war preparations were begun in the most rapid and ostensible manner. With abundance oi capital, these measures

soon assumed a character of immense importance, and the realisation of the results of peace has been prevented. No enemy on land can cause the slightest uneasiness to Russia. We possess a numerous array 1 and a people reckoned by millions. All are devoted to the throne. There always have been, and always will be,, patriotic heroes, like Mininn, in Russia. Their task is to gather together and organise the defensive powers of the country, and when we can dispense with attacking to find out the weak side of the adversary and make him reflect. If, therefore, God has deputed us to reap the fruits of the war and to protect our Christian brothers in the East, all our forces must be directed to attacking the enemy at sea. Will our sailors be able to attack ? Of course they will, for they are Russians. But we must give them an abundance of good and rapid ships, and they will soon find out the weak point of our new adversary. Dozens of vessels, under the command of competent captains, may be scattered over all the commercial routes of the enemy and put a stop to his universal trade. A month's blockade like this will have a singular effect on his heaps of gold, of which he is so proud. He will find them melt almost liko snow. The organisation of this volunteer fleet and subscriptions to carry it out are decreed by the Emperor. The sums collected will serve to buy vessels in all ports, which may be sent on the track at the first moment. The sooner they are ready the better. He who desires peace must be prepared for war. Moreover, this movement is not a temporary one. It will serve the cause of peace as of war. In times of peace the ships can be employed in commercial affairs. Once disarmed the vessels will be able to transport the millions of tons of merchandise which the foreigner buys in our country or brings to us. Russia losses millions daily through the want of a merchant navy. It is possible that the money obtained in this -way will one day be repaid to the subscribers. In auy case, in the event of war we shall have a fleet fit for defence as well as for attack. If our adversary has more money than we have there is not a people in tho world that love their country more than the. Russians, and woe be to those who doubt it. Now that, for defensive purposes, the Czar has authorised the formation of a volunteer fleet under the control of his son, the Czarewitch, let us make Our offerings with an abundant hand. If the enemy insults us, let us rise as as one man to defend our just rights, and God will crush the provoker. Subscriptions will be received at St Petersburg at the palace of His Imperial. Highness, the Grand Duke, heir to the throne, &c."