The Express.
London, England, 1867-10-03 00:00:00

TO THI EDITOR 07 THI EIPMB.

Sts,—As a letter in the Times of yesterday sug-
gests that the British burial grounds in the Crimea
should be placed under the superintendence of her
Majesty's consul-general at Odessa, I trust it will
not be considered intrusive if I say a few words
upon a question of such tender and permanent in-
terest to many a British home.
When I was appointed her Majesty's consul-
general for the Russian ports in the Black Sea,
and in the Sea of A zoff, in 1858, I made it one of
my first duties to visit the Crimean graves, and I
took counsel with those most qualified to advise
as to the manner in which they might be best pro-
tected from sacrilege.
I am bound here to offer to the Russian authori-
ties, and especially to Count Strogonoff (then
governor-general), the highest tribute that
language can pay for the anxious concern which
be showed to alleviate our national sorrow' and for
the prompt measures which he took to do away
with all cause for apprehension. I was assured,
and I firmly believe, that no Russian would disturb
ground so hallowed as the last resting place of a
soldier. A true and unaffected respect for the
dead is indeed one of the most marked features of
Russian character. Nevertheless, as a very mourn-
ful feeling existed in England, I submitted to her
Majesty's government that I should be authorised
to offer a yearly donation to the Monks of " Saint
George," if they would undertake to preserve the'
sanctity of the British graves in their vicinity.
Being duly empowered, I then applied to that
reverend brotherhood, who readily promised their
aid, but refused any remuneration. I therefore
further recommended that the British cemeteries
should be placed under the inspection of a Russian
officer, trusting that any possible remains of war-
like feeling among the peasantry might be thus
best conciliated. Her aM government ap-
proving this suggestion, I selected Captain Mant,
an artillery officer of English descent, who had
high testimonials. He, giving up all other em-
ployment, established iimaelf at Sevastopol, and
the local authorities were instructed to afford him
every assistance he might require for the efficient
discharge of his solemn duty.
About a year afterwards some objection having
been made that Captain Mant did not speak Eng-
lish with sufficient fluency, his appointment was
cancelled. A considerable sum was collected from
private love and patriotism to place the graves per-
manently in good order, and they were also put
under the immediate superintendence of her
Majesty's consul at Kertch.
It should be remembered, however, firstly, that
the cemeteries are of such large extent that it is
impossible to keep them in perfect repair without
great and constant expense.
Secondly, that there are rights of private pro-
party which make it difficult to preserve a part of
the land from being brought under cultivation.
Until these obstacles are surmounted, until the
graves are defended by walls high enough to keep
out wandering cattle and solid enough to resist the
trying effects of climate, it is to be feared that com-
plaints may always be made.
But if the sacred ashes of those we loved and
honoured must necessarily remain far away from
our reverent care, let us always recollect that they
repose among Christian men as chivalrous as they
are brave, and among women very gentle and
pious. No one could perpetrate any sacrilegious
act towards them without meeting condign punish-
ment, and arousing one common feeling of indigna-
tion throughout the Russian empire.
And so, if we cannot remember the heroes we
have lost without some pangs of natural sorrow,
which even years do not render less keen, we may
feel well assured of the respect which their brave
enemies will pay to their remains, and be partly
consoled by the ennobling memories of so much
valour and renown.—l am, &c.,
E. C. G. MURRAY,
H.M.'a Consul-Oempral at Odessa.
Conservative Club, London, Oct. 2.

ARREST OT FOUR SI7SPECTED FREYA/SR ric
poor.—On Tuesday night, about nine "block, the Liver.
pool police arrested. In Dale.street four suspicious charm.
tees, who were supposed to have been concerned in the
outrage in Manchester, when Kelly and Deur were
reamed. The arrest crested considerable excitement, but
by a clever ruse the prisoners were safely conveyed to the
Lime-street station, and sent on to Manchester before the
crowd in the street were aware that they bad left the
polio: oodles.