In an empire so extensive as that of Russia, whatever be the eiforts, whatever the wishes of him who governs, it is scarcely to be expected their influence, so powerfully felt at the centre, can extend with equal force to those distant provinces, which his smile seldom visits, his presence rarely cheers. Yet here, though depravity marks so many individuals, and theymar the endeavours which the Emperor is continually making for the universal benefit of his subjects, even here, he is beloved and respected, reverenced and obeyed.
His visit to the Crimea was a subject of joyful expectation before it took place ; and the mild and conciliating manners of this most powerful monarch, won the hearts of the humblest of his subjects : few there are who do not boast of having seen the Emperor Alexander, and not a few who had the honour to converse with him. Divested of the parade of state, he travelled without any military escort, and won, or secured the confidence of his people, by that he evinced in them. Yet, to man is allotted no good without alloy ; and the same sun which nourishes and brings to perfection the healthy and nutritious plant, draws up also the most noxious weeds. As, however, cultivation overpowers and destroys their number, so the spreading ofcivilization, will lessen many of the moral evils which now exist.
The manner in which his Imperial Majesty travels, and the forms observed throughout his journey, it may be well to notice. Previous to his departure from the capital (where he is seldom very long stationary), the route he determines to take is marked out, and those places at which he will stop ; to these are affixed the date, and time ofthe day he purposes to be there, from which he seldom deviates : of this list, several copies are printed, and distributed to the different governors of provinces through which the Imperial suite is to pass ; the governor distributes these lists to the Espravneks, and it is their duty to assemble all the horses of the district to the different stations, to be in readiness before the appointed time. This, ina districtsometimescontaining 20,000 souls, is no inconsiderable office ; and in the Crimea is said to have afforded a golden harvest to thosewho had the trouble of it; forthe rich and noble bribed high to be exempted from sending their horses, and those of the poor only were sent to this service.
The Emperor's suite on this occasion, consisted of twenty-three carriages, all of which were drawn by eight horses, except two or three occupied by the domestics, which had six only.
The carriage ofa general officer preceded theImperial carriage, that all might be in readiness, and the work of changing horses was almost instantaneous, where the Emperor found no inducement to delay. No foreigner can now purchase slaves in Russia, and a late excellent ukaz has enacted, that a Russian, or naturalized subject, must have civil rank, equal to that of Lieutenant in the army, or one degree lower only in the military service, to admit of his purchasing an estate, and consequently possessing slaves. Formerly the wearing a sword, which, raising a man one degree above the private or common soldier, constituted him a noble, was a privilege that also gavehim this power of purchasing property, and possessing slaves.
The nobles, however, may sell property to their own slaves, who thus, through the favour of the monarch, are encouraged and stimulated to industry, by the promised reward of freedom.
The abridgment of this right of purchase, by slow and gradual means, is one of the most needful steps towards emancipation ; and while his Imperial Majesty thus forwards, and endeavours to promote this Christian work, he sees the necessity of civilization going hand in hand with freedom.
The free-born Briton, will perhaps think it impossible, that emancipation should not give happiness the moment it is conferred ; yet, certain it is, that the Russian peasant is happier, and has fewer wants unsatisfied, than the peasantry of that country whose liberty is her boast ; and we had, during ourjourney across the Continent of Russia, more than one proof given to us, that this blessing, in the hands of those who know not how to use it, soon ceases to be valued, even by themselves. "Take us back again to your service," said the slaves of a Polish nobleman of high rank, who had given freedom to one of his villages " when we were with you, we wanted nothing ; nowwe are free, vre want every thing!" So true is it, that the Russian, accustomed from his infancy to find all his wants supplied upon the estate to which he belongs, is too thoughtless and improvident, to have the care and provision for a family, devolve upon himself.