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

NEWSPAPER GOVERNMENT.43

I would not shrink from the consequences involved in my principles. All who would do or obtain anything real in this world are obliged — to use your expression — to place themselves at the feet of somebody."

" True; but I should prefer to flatter even the government of the journalists rather than that of the priests: the advantages of liberty of thought counterbalance its inconveniences."

" Had you lived under it as I have done, and seen, as I have, the tyrannical minds of the greater number of the directors of the periodical press in France, and the results of their arbitrary power, you would not be quite so contented with that seductive word — liberty of thought. You would ask for the thing itself, and you would soon discover that the power of the journalists is exercised with as much partiality, and much less morality, than the ecclesiastical authority. To leave for a moment the subject of politics, just ask the newspapers by what they are governed in the fame or credit they accord to each individual! The morality of any power depends on the school through which the men have to pass who are destined to wield it. !N^ow you cannot think that the school of journalism is more capable of inspiring men with really humane and independent sentiments than the sacerdotal school. All the question is comprised in this ; and France is called upon to resolve it.

" But, without further reference to general considerations, give me an idea of the actual state of religion in your country; tell me, how are the minds of the men who teach the Gospel in Russia cultivated ? "