Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

CHAPTER XVII.

Responsibility of the Emperor.—Effects of the Storm atPeter-hoff.—Death of Two Englishmen.—The Mystery in which all Occurrences are enveloped.—A Steam-Boat saved by an Englishman. — The Russian Police. — Disappearance of a Feimne de Chambre. — Politeness and Brutality united.— Cruelty of a Feldjäger.— Quarrel among Work-people, and the revolting Cruelty of the Police. — The Emperor a Reformer.— The Column of Alexander. — Reform in the Language of the Court. — The Church of Saint Isaac. — Its Immensity. — Spirit of the Greek Religion. — Its Degradation. — Conversation with a Frenchman. — A travelling Prison. — Insurrection caused by a Speech of the Emperor's

—Bloody Scenes on the Volga. — History of the Poet

Fouskine.— His Duel and Death. — Fate of his ambitious

Successor. — The Poetry of Pouskine. — Effects of the Adop

tion of Foreign Languages in Russia. — Consequences of the

Rage for English Nurses and Governesses in France. — Su

periority of the Chinese. — The Confusion of Tongues. —

Rousseau.—Decline of French Literature.- Page 5G

Disturbances in Russia. —Parallel between French and Russian Crimes and Cruelties. — Characteristics of Revolt in Russia.

—Order in Disorder. — Danger of inculcating liberal Ideas

among ignorant Populations. — Reasons for Russian Supe

riority in Diplomacy. — History of Thelencf, a Tale of Modern

Russia. - - - - - - - - -91

Petersburg in the Absence of the Emperor. — Character of the Courtiers. — The Tchinn. — Its Nature and Origin.—Destruction of the Aristocracy. — Character of Teter the Great.

—The Tchinn divided into fourteen Classes. — An immense

Power in the Hands of the Emperor. — Opposite Opinions on

the future Influence of Russia. — Russian Hospitality.— Po

lite Formalities. — Resemblance to the Chinese. — Difference