From the Times, 1 Sept.

are attracted to an empire where a career is suf ficiently open to talent; and the Czars, with no THE DANUBIAN PRINCIPALITIES have been little wisdom, have encouraged this sympathy by much talked about in these latter days. From admitting men of every race brought under their being mere names to many, the reminiscences of sway to a full equality, so that they be Russianized geographical half-hours at school, or connected in feeling. And they become Russianized. Geor only with ideas of corn and prices current, they gians and Finlanders hold high rank in the arare now recognized as forming a country of great mies which seized their countries, while the chief political importance, and the interest of Europe is command in Poland is actually held by a Pole. roused by observing that they are evidently cov- The Moldo-Wallachian aristocracy has always eted by two great empires, and are as certainly contained a number of Russian partisans, who about to fall away from the decaying dominion would have been more numerous but for the inof a third. Their occupation was the cause of the sanely protective and isolating system of the late war, while the treaty which enforced their aban- Czar. The Boyards could not anticipate without donment was looked upon at the time as most pro- dread that their productive lands should be pitious and important; and, though impatient brought within the iron cordon of Russian Cuspoliticians may declare it to have only substi-tom-houses and quarantines. The actual presence tuted one enemy for another, the change may of the Muscovite, from whom they have lately had still be considered as an unquestionable, though two visits, had a great effect in diminishing the not unmixed, benefit. sympathies of all classes for the Czar; but, per

A speedy decision as to the future government | haps not unnaturally, the severity of the Russian of these provinces and their relation to the Porte, rule has been forgotten in the unpopularity of a is to be desired both in the interests of Europe new occupation. and of the inhabitants themselves. Until lately, The Wallachians are not men of high feeling, no part of the Turkish Empire promised such they have been accustomed to subjection; they wide prosperity. Our own free trade was the have had to do with Phanariote Hospodars and great principle which called the fertile plains Turkish Commissioners; their rulers and the innorth of the Danube into productiveness, and, instruments of their rulers have been corrupt since spite of a long Russian occupation, at the time of modern history began; yet they say that the the European disturbances the wealth of the pro- presence of the Austrians is degrading to them. prietor, and, it may be said, the comfort of the They use this word, and use it in contradistincpeasant, went on increasing. The richer owners tion to the feeling inspired by the occupations of of estates began to be found in the capitals and the Russians and the Turks. There must be somewatering-places of Europe, and to take their place thing peculiarly offensive in that rule which exwith the magnates of other lands. The people, cites the same bitter feeling in Italy, in Hungary, with few pretences to heroism, are industrious and and among the pliant and almost servile popula peaceable, and more capable of an advance in the tion of a province accustomed to be enslaved. path of material improvement than the idle Ser- We do not know that the Austrians have inflicted vian or the cateran of the Montenegrin hills. any general injury on the country; they are not But by the renewed occupation of 1853 and the numerous enough to diminish its resources, and closing of the Danube, their prosperity was in a material point of view the change from 200,000 crushed. They have, since that time, seen their men to 30,000 must be a benefit. Yet the Walcapital in the hands of three armies; and that lachians dislike the new-comers. The Russians which holds it now is unquestionably more dis- took what they wanted, and gave bonds on the liked than the imperious Muscovite or the sullen Wallachian treasury, which was empty. Yet the but not tyrannical Turk. Indeed, the feeling people have begun to forgive. Bucharest abhors which exists with regard to Austrian occupation, the Germans. If the Russians were tyrannical, is a chief reason for a speedy decision on their they were not shabby. The officers went every future political state. There has always been a where, were agreeable waltzers, gave dinners, and Russian party in the provinces, as in the other paid for them. The Austrians are boorish and parts of Turkey. Indeed, through all the coun- supercilious, never buy a bouquet, and want to go tries contiguous to the Czar's empire, from the to the Opera for twopence. We do not know how Baltic to the Black sea, such a party exists, se- far our statesmen regard the feelings and tendencretly or declared. Even putting aside the influ- cies of the East: but there can be little doubt ence of gold and decorations, Russian nationality that the Austrian occupation, with its insolence, has a strong attraction for all bold and ambitious its acts of individual cruelty, and its recent prospirits. It is difficult for Englishmen to under-clamation of martial law, is reviving a sympathy stand this. How can they wish to be under a which it is the interest of the Western Powers despotism? But it may be asked, what they are and the world to extinguish. under now. Prussia squares their smallest ac- Another point, not to be neglected, is the influtions by her drilled bands of pedantic functiona-ence of religion. People talk of the Greek Church ries; Austria kills all thought, and labors only to as if it were only the creed of the small and scatkeep together a disjointed empire, that its iso- tered race which has given it a name, and as if lated provinces may stagnate, as they have done the religious and political sympathies which the for centuries. As for the Wallachians themselves, Greek has made himself conspicuous by proclaimit is better to be under the despotism of Nicholas ing, were not felt even more deeply by other races or Alexander than that of Stirbey. Constitutional less pertinacious and voluble. The church, which liberty the neighbors of Russia have never had, calls itself orthodox, has in the Wallachians sinand they do not feel the want of it. The aspiring cere though not enthusiastic disciples. They are

not likely to aspire to martyrdom; their zeal alty, with the gay Brussels of the East for a capimight cool in the enjoyment of a prosperous corn- tal, make the Wallachian plains rival in produc trade; but such feelings as they have, are for the tiveness those which we have all admired? Belchurch, and these feelings have become deeper gium has been a barrier in Europe; placed at an during the present war. All the Christians have important point, between two great military monfallen back on their religion which they think in archies, its neutrality makes war almost impossidanger. They have little political conversation with ble. Why may not the kingdom to be formed on strangers, most of whom they suspect; they nour- the Danube enforce by moral means the same reish each other's prejudices, strengthen each oth-spect from the other two continental giants? Beler's fanaticism; and, as they never hear an argu- gium is strong in fortresses and the matrimonial ment against their own views, think them unan-ramifications of its dynasty; the new King of the swerable. The war, which we look upon as neces- Roumanians would, of course, marry and throw sary and just, is to them a portentous and unin-up earthworks. But, if we have had a Leopold, telligible impiety. We are fighting against Christ- we have had an Otho. It is quite possible that, in ianity and liberty- against the honor of God and the rights of man. These opinions will prevail until the Allies effect great changes in the land they are defending, and in the Danubian provinces a beginning may be made. A field is open in which we may prove that we are sincere. Should we, in the place of these feeble and corrupt Governments which now press down the divided provinces, establish an exemplary rule in a compact state, we will not say with popular or even representative institutions, but at any rate with capable and incorrupt officials, should we open the Danube and keep it open, should we treat the new community with respect, even with more than it deserves, we shall have shown the falsity of those calumnies which are now Russia's best instruments for attracting to herself the sympathies which, rightly, should be ours.

ten years after his accession, the sovereign of our choice would be in the hands of the Greek priests. We should hear of his views on Servian annexa tion, his sympathy with Bulgarian grievances, his strong diplomatic notes in the case of a bastinadoed cattle-stealer from Montenegro. He might be a Catholic, like Otho, or a good Lutheran; but ambition might turn his head, and, after all, he must consult the interests of his children, who are being educated in Eastern orthodoxy. He will be an independent sovereign, and no one may control his conduct. He will be close to Russia, and it will be difficult to reach his capital with frigates and gunboats. On the whole, it is a dan gerous experiment.

We believe that the union of the two provinces under a ruler appointed with the sanction of the protecting Powers, would suffice to make the popIt is plain that the Hospodariate cannot last. ulation contented and Europe secure. Whether If ever there was a Government destroyed by the called President or Hospodar, the governor should malaria of its own corruption, it is this. Hospo- still yield homage to the Sultan as his suzerain. dars were appointed at about middle age -some We have engaged to support the integrity of the died at their posts; the career of some was cut Ottoman Empire, and must keep our word. It is short by an execution or recall; but all grew rich. well also not to break the link, however weak, The present rulers were appointed for seven years, which binds these outlying territories to Constanin pursuance of the treaty of Balta Liman, and tinople. A day may come when they may all be their term of office has nearly expired. The inter- restored, without limitation, to such a Governval may be employed in resolving what kind of ment as may exist there. In such a case, we government shall succeed the misrule of ages. should not like to find that we had created a dyWe believe that a monarchy has been thought of nasty with its obstructive rights. But the whole - a scheme which is generally tried, and which question deserves consideration in detail; and, has succeeded once. Leopold may be said to happily, there is time enough for its discussion. have done much to make the Belgians what they What is done should not be done hastily, when it are; and why should not a scion of German roy-is remembered that it is done forever.

BELLS OF CAST STEEL. There is a cast- Bells of cast-iron have been made at Dundysteel hell suspended in the works of Messrs. Nay-van Iron Works, near Glasgow, of a very large lor, Vickers, and Company, at Sheffield; which size. The iron is mixed with a very small prowas made at the manufactory of Mayre and portion of tin (I believe) as an alloy, and the reKuhne, at Bochum in Westphalia, in 1853, and sult is a very sonorous metal; but so extremely was sent over too late for the Dublin Exhibition. brittle that a very large one cast, at Dundyvan, Its weight rather exceeds a ton, and its height is for the Hyde Park Exhibition was cracked, acciabout four feet six inches. I have heard it rung, dentally, by a workman, who gave it a knock and it gives out a powerful and good tone, but with a small hammer. The sound was said to seems to have less vibration of sound than bell-be equal to that of most bells of its size.- Notes metal. Messrs. Naylor and Co. are now casting and Queries. some steel bells, not of a large size. I understand that the price of them is full one third less than if made of ordinary bell-metal. I should be glad if any of your correspondents have information or observations to offer on this subject.

"ALMIGHTY DOLLAR."-This phrase originated with Washington Irving, who first made use of it in his charming little sketch of A Creolo Village, which appeared in 1837. Malta.

W. W. [Notes and Queries.

From The Spectator. not to forbid its use, but to render it useless A GERMAN NOBLEMAN'S RECOL- for purposes of profit or advancement. LECTIONS OF RUSSIA.*

student can be matriculated in his own father

The keystone of the Dorpat University was INTERNAL evidence carries these thirty- removed,-namely, the right of choosing its own three years' Recollections of Russia as far professors. The Russian Government underback as the French invasion of 1812; so that took this good office, a piacere. In order to the actual experience of the reminiscent would build the new edifice on the right foundation, seem to have terminated some ten years ago. the Russian language was recognized as the only "The translator has in confidence been inform- one valid in German countries. No German ed of the name of the author; who vouches land without perfect acquaintance with the Rusfor the authenticity of the information it [the sian language. None can become professors in work] contains." The capacity in which the their own German home who cannot give their German Nobleman visited Russia, and his ob- lectures in the Russian language. The testimoject in remaining there for so long a time, do ny of the ignorant professor of Russian has more not appear. From passing indications, and weight than that of all the others. If he refuse the feeling with which he denounces the man- his "testamur," no genius, no talent is available, ner in which tutors and other foreigners even if it spoke with the tongues of angels. tempted into the country are frequently cheated by their Russian employers, it may be inferred that he himself filled some situation scarcely compatible with English notions of a

nobleman.

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The University has become a Zwing-Uri. The student, like a private, must bow to every generlaid aside by Germans, and the Russian taken al he meets. The German language has been up in its stead; which is much the same as giv ing a bottle of hock for the same quantity of Neva water. German is now thought good enough for servants and tradesmen, but the literary and educated classes apply themselves to Russian. Literature is the voice of civilization in a nation. Up to the present there has been no Russian literature. What is so termed is merely an inspiration from foreign sources. Because, here and there, a poetical mind has flown beyond the school system-because a romance or novel full of polished Epicurism has been sent to pressbecause gallantry and witticism are considered genius and philosophy-a fond idea is entertained about the flourishing state of native literature. It might have been supposed that a work like Krusenstern's "Travels Round the World" would have excited a peculiar interest on the literary horizon of Russia, because it was the first of the kind published by a Russian. Just in Russia. ask, however, how many copies were disposed of

The book consists of personal narrative, particular description, and the result of much experience or observation brought into general conclusions. The principal subjects are serfdom, the police system, including the prisons, the bureaucracy or civil service, and the public and private life of the Russian people. The capital, with its characteristics, edificial and human, furnishes a chapter, as likewise do the author's first impressions of the country from the German frontier to St. Petersburg: and very sickening first impressions they are, for tyranny and brutality; but they must have occurred so long ago, that matters have doubtless mended since, at least as regards of ficers and soldiers. There is also a chapter on the history and rights by treaty of the Germano-Baltic provinces, and an account of the manner in which treaty stipulations were disregarded by the late Emperor. This is the freshest, the truest-looking, the most interestSome despotisms, that pay no regard to ing, and the most informing section of the political or even civil rights, profess to have a book. It lays bare the utter disregard of the respect for the rights of conscience; and at Russian Government for engagements or rights all events tolerate religions different from that either political or religious; it exhibits the of the state. With great professions of religslow, calculating, and, under the circumstanc-ious liberality, and great practical indifference es, irresistible policy of Russia, by which the on the part of the educated classes, this is the national life of a people is crushed out of it; way matters were managed in Russia by the so that if the people cannot be actually made late Emperor :Russian, they shall at least cease to be Germans, Poles, or any other nation. A princi- Now that compulsory measures are employed pal step in this direction is to destroy a lan- in religious matters, the Greek Church has by guage, and with it of course all that that lan-ukase been introduced as the dominant one, even guage teaches and inspires. The process is, where according to existing treaties, the Lutheran ought to have remained unassailed. The *Recollections of Russia during Thirty-three the Russian ritual. Children of mixed marriag Evangelical churches are also forced to yield to Years' Residence. By a German Nobleman. Revised and Translated, with the Author's sanction, es, as well as illegitimate ones, are the prey of by Lascelles Wraxall. (Constable's Miscellany of the Greek Church; and the Russians, settling as Foreign Literature, Volume VIII.) Published by they do all over the country, increase the number Constable, Edinburgh. of these marriages and these children. Govern

ment and clergy are everywhere zealous propa- | equality with Russian serf-peasant ads. In the gandists. In Finland, especially in Evangelical Engineers' School at St. Petersburg, and in other Wiborg, numerous Lutherans are persuaded to establishments, they may be found as drummers enter the Greek Church; and the public papers told us not long ago that several hundred Lettonians had been brought over by the secular and clerical Russian influence, and that one peasant had been consecrated a Pope.

The Lutheran and Catholic Churches have been thus completely ensnared by the Russians.

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and fifers. In order utterly to extirpate this caste, they are bound, by a recent ukase, to submit to every conscription, whether ordered for the Eastern or Western provinces. Thousands of deported Catholics have also been purposely sent into districts where they are deprived of all religious support, and where the want of Catholic clergy will eventually force them to resign their creed.

The oppression which the Catholic religion has endured from the Russians is well known. That things will not remain in their present The effect of all this has been but too sucstate, may be assumed certain as a mathematical cessful: there is as yet no sign of Polish naaxiom, and equally so that the Evangelical tionality in Poland. The Czar's proceedings church within Russian confines will not fare often operate in the same way not only in the one hair's-breadth better. Lutheranism, which Germano-Baltic provinces, but even with Gerdiverges still further from the Greek Church, is a more odious object to the Russian clergy than mans who go to Russia in search of advance

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ment-that is, as adventurers.

Catholicism. The Russian Ministry of Worship has the inspection of the Catholic Academy at Petersburg. The Russian idolatry is found even among In the Catholic department of this ministry a Russianized German Protestant families. They Russian State-Councillor is head. The influ- cross themselves just as zealously as the Rus ence of the Bishop is quite ignored by the Acad-sians before the shrines in their rooms. I never emy; he dares not interfere either with the in- observed this servility among English and structions or the management; the Russian French, but in very many German families, who genius possesses the sole privilege of attend- kept the Russian pictures of saints in their aparting to the mental and spiritual welfare of all ments, under the pretext that they did so for the the inhabitants of the empire. But under the sake of the Russian domestics. pretence that the Ministry cannot act according "Are you of the Russian religion?" I asked a to its good pleasure alone, a Catholic Academi-State-Councillor, who bowed and crossed himcal Council has been established, composed of self, together with his wife and children, both beCatholic clergymen and Russian lay professors. fore and after dinner, in front of St. Alexander Any book for the Catholic Church, throughout Nevski. the whole empire, can only be printed at the ofNo; I am a Lutheran. Why do you ask? fice of the Catholic Academy. The revenues of "Because I saw you behaving quite like a the clergy, derived from estates, funded properRussian." ty, and tithes, have been taken away; the extraordinary receipts from the parishes restricted, or entirely forbidden. The principal supporters of the Catholic faith among the monastic and secular clergy have been banished to Siberia, others relegated to Russian monasteries.

A more tyrannic proceeding has taken place as regards Poland; but political apprehension may have been the cause: a dread of active conspiracy might possibly have prompted the extreme measures described in this passage:

"Oh! you must not be surprised at that: we do not believe in such nonsense, of course, but we have accustomed ourselves to it; we come much into contact with Russians, and these things please them."

The State education has a similar effect upon children born in Russia of German parents, whether males or females. The writer is speaking of those celebrated institutions for the daughters of the respectable classes on which the late Emperor prided himself, and which some courtly travellers have so much admired.

fern Kloster and the St. Catherine's foundation She is dressed, fed, and taught, according to the will of the Government. The Russian higher and lower nobility know no better education.

The importance of the Catholic Church has been undermined in various ways. Its numLook, for instance, at a young lady educated bers have been weakened by frequent deporta-in one of the two principal institutes-the Jung tions to Siberia, or to the steppes of the adjacent desolate government. These transportations have affected not only the Poles on the left bank of the Vistula, but still more the old Polish districts of Wilna, Mohilev, etc, belonging to Russia. In this deportation was included a considerable portion of the Polish nation-the Odnodworzen, or lower nobility without estates They were stripped of their privileges of nobility; and in order to make them feel their humiliation still more deeply, a number of this class, who had enjoyed a good education, were placed as privates in Russian regiments, and on terms of DXCV. LIVING AGE. VOL. XI. 11

Suppose a German daughter returns from one of these institutions to the bosom of her family. For six years she has not once crossed the threshold of the paternal home. She has grown a stranger to parents and relatives, who were only allowed an hour on Sunday to speak with her, after the manner of the drawing-room. A finicking stiff Russian being comes out, a natural German girl went in. Ignorant of all do

mesticity, the poor creature is confounded at the all this is really true? As regards confirmasight of that world in which she is now to live. tory evidence, the "German Nobleman Her head, filled with phrases, is of no more value could produce plenty. His opinion is like than the books in which the phrases are written that of most modern travellers; and he himin an elegant hand, and her heart has remained self, in one part of his work, quotes pretty miserably empty. The mother-tongue is for

gotten, in spite of all the grammatical exercises; freely from a Danish traveller of a century the daughter only speaks Russ, or can answer in ago, with the view of showing how little matOn the other side, the French when required, about weather, music, ters are mended. dancing, and the visits of the Empress and her

ladies to the institution.

great exertions which Russia has made during the last two years, both in the Baltic and "O God!" once complained to me with tears Black Sea, as well as in the moving of her a German mother, whose daughter had come large armies with the transport and commisback, after six years' separation, with first-rate sariat of necessity implied, seem scarcely contestimonials: "I do not know what has hap- sistent with the corruption and inefficiency pened to my Sophie. My heart bleeds when I look at the poverty of her mind and heart. universally ascribed to the Tchin or civil ser vice. Strangeness of modes, perhaps, may Father, mother, and sisters, have become objects of indifference to her. I will never send another color the conclusions of writers, as well as child to these institutions, even if we are forced to earn our bread by sewing."

I know a number of these beings, altered in the same manner, without any fault of their own. Many, too, possessing talents; not one of which, however, was employed or developed.

This writer some prejudice against Russia. exhibits a touch of both in his account of the prisons. His picture of misery is sad enough, but he makes out the majority of the noble prisoners to be such rogues that they deserve all they get. In the fancy picture of a prisoner innocently imprisoned, he supposes his feelThe picture of Russia as drawn by this wri-ings if relations should be ill and he not able to ter is as bad as that of any other author; in see them: but this is a hardship to which all some respects, indeed, it is worse. The only prisoners are exposed. It is the arbitrary imexception he makes is in favor of the army. prisonment and long detention that are the He describes the officers as being more like grounds of complaint; and though the mangentlemen and men of honor than the gener- agement is bad, what was it in our own counality of travellers do: in which he seems borne try a century ago? out by the facts of the present war. The igThe sketches of the German Nobleman are norance, corruption, servility, and immorality animated and readable; his general accounts of the civil service, he paints in darker colors broad and vigorous. Subject to the qualificathan any one, we think, has yet done; at tions already spoken of, the accounts seem least he enters into the subject more minutely. true enough; but the writer has a habit of Of the system of government, and the two dramatizing his instances, which throws an great classes of genuine Russians, the serfs air of fiction over parts of the book that the and the traders, he gives a sorry account; but matter itself may not possess. the question continually arises, how much of

cubs.

SAGACITY OF THE NORTHERN BEARS. to bask or sleep on the very edge of the pieces On one occasion, a bear was seen to swim of floating ice, so that on the slightest alarm cautiously to a rough piece of ice, on which two they can by one roll tumble themselves into their female walruses were lying asleep with their favorite element. They are exceedingly restless, The wily animal crept up some hum- constantly moving their head from side to side, mocks behind the party, and with its fore-feet and sleeping by very short naps. As with all loosened a large block of ice; this, with the help direction of the wind, as if expecting danger wild creatures, they turn their attention to the of its nose and paws, he rolled and carried un- from that quarter. The bear, on seeing his intil immediately over the heads of the sleepers, when he let it fall on one of the old animals, swims until he is leeward of him, from whence, tended prey, gets quietly into the water, and which was instantly killed. The other walrus, with its cubs rolled into the water; but the by frequent short dives, he silently makes his ap younger one of the stricken females remained proaches, and so arranges his distance that at by its dam; upon this helpless creature the bear now leaped down, and thus completed the destruction of two animals which it would not have adventured to attack openly. . . . The stratagems practised in taking large seal are not much less to be admired. These creatures are remarkably timid, and for that reason always lief

seal is lying. If the poor animal attempts to esthe last dive he comes up to the spot where the cape by rolling into the water, he falls into the bear's clutches; if, on the contrary, he lies still, his destroyer makes a powerful spring, kills him on the ice, and devours him at his leisure.King's Narrative.