The Sun.
London, England, 1864-05-11 00:00:00

undertaking the outcasts of this noble race suffer
the most, or are the most to be pitied. -Whether
waiting on the shore for the means of transport, or
is the act of crossing the Euxine in the crowded
and miserable vessels, or again when landed at their
destination, in all the horrors of over-stocked places
and contagions diseases, it is impossible to say
which is the worst. The details of their adventures
in the several stages are most harrowing to dwell
upon, and must make the reader shudder to
contemplate. To think also that these decimating
inflictions and excruciating torments have been
endowed by a noble race, adds tenfold to the
horrors of the reflection, and renders it difficult to
restrain one's indignation in due bounds. It is
difficult for those who are accustomed to the incon-
sistent and equable rule of constitutional govern-
ment to csmprehend the motives of those who thus
constantly urge on an exterminating war, and per-
sists in the face of all remonstrances from other
nations to follow out their preconceived policy.
The only solution that can be found is in the want
of humanising feeling that is so lamentably deficient
in the Russian, as also in some other states.
This want is, indeed, most painfully in the details
of the Circassian exodus. Seldom has it fallen to
the lot of the present generation to peruse such a
harassing recital as that which is here presented
before us, and it naturally suggests itself to the
mind to consider the circumstances that have led to
the sad casualty, and the consequences that may
ensue from its occurrence. There can be no doubt
that it is the tyranny of the Russians that has led
to their departure. That rule has been of such ft
class that it involves resistance even from the con-
quered; and causes men to undertake the most des-
perate measures rather than abide under its sway.
The best proof of the invincible character of their
determination is that those who still remain are re-
solved to follow, notwithstanding the fearful priva-
tions and sufferings to which their predecessors have
been exposed. It is truly observed in the account of
this sad affair that the " sacrifice of independence
alone would surely not have induced 300,000 people
to fly in a body from their country." Also, they
would have adopted more prudent and precautionary
measures before proceeding on such a momentous
expedition. It is quite idle for the Russians to say
that they have endeavoured to take steps to con-
ciliate the people. No one of any discernment can
possibly attach credence to such an assertion. The
stern denial to their declaration is given in charac-
ters that none can fail to mark. The brave but
unfortunate Circassians have rendered a solemn
protest against the cruelty of their barbarous op-
pressors in the sight of GOD and Man, and the
nations must look on with awe at such a fearful
visitation befalling a noble race, and with indig
nation at the barbarity that propels the deed. It
is to be trusted that in the land of their adoption
these unhappy exiles may meet with a better fate,
but that will not condone the conduct of those who
have driven them forth from their hearths and
altars, from the graves of their fathers and the soil
of their birth.