The arrival of the French fleet in Cronstadt on Thursday
was the occasion for the display of great Russian enthusiasm. 'They were received with every demonstration of respect by the Russian fleet under the Lord High Admiral. And even the Marseillaise, as the French national anthem, was played by order (for that occasion only) by the Russian military bands. As a revolutionary tune, it is in general strictly pro- hibited. The French commanders are to be invited to a banquet at which the Czar himself is to be present, and they are also to be feted at Moscow. In short, everything is to be done to make it evident to the world that Russia is not without allies. Such displays are very harmless safety-valves for nations mortified by the alliances from which they are ex- cluded, and we do not doubt that by relieving the sense of isolation, they promote peace rather than endanger it.
