Star.
London, England, 1829-08-26 00:00:00

THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER.

TO THE EDITORS OF TIIE GLOBE—PARIS PAPER.
Lausanne, July 115.
Gatmoteri—The credit which the Glebe enjoys is so justly
merited, that it cannot be matter of indifference to see it express
an opinion on facts which are not sufficiently authenticated.
The 534 number of the 7th volume furnishes an instance of the
negligence of which I complain, in the article headed " Holy Alli-
ance," the materials of which appear to have been exclusively
drawn from a pamphlet of N. Empeta, an ecclesiastic of Geneva,
formerly a disciple, or auxiliary, of Madame de Krudener, and
who, about a dozen years after the period of the formation of the
Holy Alliance, made all the haste he could to reveal to the public
the secrets of hat epoch, and the hand which he had in that holy
work by his prayers and his influence with Heaven.
When this pamphlet' appeared in Switzerland, where people un-
derstand the boats paces of those men who feed themselves upon a
manna a little more substantial than the manna of Heaven, the
virtues of which, however, they extol to the faithful, it was rem'•
timed as the trial of a new engine deolned to revive a zeal, which
had much need of resu,citation, by the recital of great events per-
formed by Divine Grace, through their interposition. It was,be-
sides, observed that the assertions of the author of the pamphlet
were not accompanied by any document calculated to confirm
them ; and what ought to complete their discredit was, that the
Pythoness, whose miraculous influence had been extolled by the
author, had not found, on her return to St. Petersburg!), what she
might have hoped from that influence had it been real and merited.
Being considered with that calm impartiality which the Glebe
professes, it does appear to me that the pamphlet of M. Em-
peta could not furnish it with sufficiently accurate data.
Without at all prejudging the Holy Alliance, as it appeared to
the civilized world in its results, still it may be acknowledged that
its first conception did not merit the reproaches which were so
liberally heaped upon it upon its subsequent developments.
Though intrepid in the midst of dangers, Alexander I. bad a
horror of war. Being thoroughly acquainted with the abuses which
caused the discontent of nations, he hoped that during the con-
tinuance of a long peace, the want of which began generally to be
felt, the European Governments, recognizing the necessity of un-
dertaking the refotms which the wants of the age called for, would
seriously employ themselves in executing them.
To accomplish this purpose, a profound tranquillity was Indis-
pensable; and as the disorders which had followed each other du-
ring nearly thirty years, appeared to have greatly weakened the old
ideas of order and subordination, he thought that he could supply
their influence by making a solemn appeal to religion.
On the part of this monarch, at least, there can be no doubt bat
that this appeal emanated from the pure impulse of his noble heart;
and I shall shortly have occasion to state to you some facts in
proof of his sincerity ; but the genius of evil quickly attacked
these philanthropic conceptions, and turned them perversely against
their benevolent author.
The saemblage in the plain of Vertu* of a Russian army,
amounting to 160,000 men, ready for service, had struck with stu-
por the diplomatists of Europe. who were present at the imposing
spectacle ; but.this display of the military forces of a great empire
caused much less terror than the invisible and moral power, which
had created the magnanimity and the well-known principles of the
monarch who commanded these troops. At this moment it was
that from the north to the south, and from the west to the 'egoist,
eyes of the oppressed were directed towards Alexander I. but
from this moment is al-is to be dated the conspiracy which was
concerted in secret to despoil him of that formidable moral power,
which bad given to hint as auxiliaries, all the friends of knowledge
and humanity, in a word all good men.
Disposed from his innate moderation to congest to every thing
which might inspire confidence ag drat his preponderating Influence,
and willing at any price to dissipate the terrors which it was pm-
tended were experienced, he agreed to the tormation of an
Areopsgean Court, where the simple plurality of suffrages should
decide upon the measures to be taken in common for the mainte-
nance of the general tranquillity.
The genius of evil quickly perceived what might be gained from
this generous abnegation of a preponderating influence. To the
odious direction which was given to the match of public affairs, is
to be imputed the change which toms place in the confidence of
nations, and the magnanimous Monarch who had so just a title to
it saw it pass Sway Irons him, amidst the impious applause of the
enemies of his glory, who dared to impute to his all-powerful will
the most unpopular measures which they bad themselves dictated
at their Areopagus. Europe knows now whom to blame for those
deeds, and posterity, ever just, will mark with its ineffaceable seal
the guilty.
I have promised to relate facts which would prove that Alexan-
der I. availed himself of the peace created by the Holy Alliance,
to apply himself to the reform of abuses.
On the 16th Slay, 1816, the ukase was signed which enfran-
chised the serfs of Estimoia, as well as the organic law which
Used their rights and duties—a difficult measure. which had been
in preparation from the commencement of the reign of Alexander
I. and prosecuted by him with indefatigable perseverance—a inn-
sure which demanded equal respect for the rights of all, on which
account it was supported by the Nobles who had extolled his phi-
lanthropy.
On the OM of August, 1817, a similar measure was adopted in
favour of the serfs of Courland, and the Emperor, passing through
klittau on the 30th of the same month, at the moment when the
deputies of the serfs were assembled to hear their enfranchisement
Proclaimed, with his accustomed kindness took the trouble to ex-
plain to them himself thereat nature of the ukase.
January, 1819. he repealed the ancient laws which prohibited
certain classes art his subjects front the exercise of trades and ma.
isufactures.
' A decree of amnesty, published on the 14th of December. 1819,
in favour of the Polish insurgents who had joined Napoleon, re-
' pealed **sequestration of their property, commanded eternal for-
. gedubsess of the past, and prohibited for the future all inquiry as
to that affair. The regeneration of Poland followed in 1818. On
the 47th of March in the same year, on opening the Diet, Aleut'.
der pronounced these memorable words :—••• The organization
which was in action in your country has permitted the immediate
establishment of that which I have given you, and the putting into
practice of the principles of those liberal institutions which have
constant* breathe object of my solicitude, and whose influence, I
hope. with Goes assistance, to extend over all the countries wrds
Penniman has confided to my care. You have thus afforded me
the memo of showing my country what I have king since prepared
for It, which it wiU Obtain when the elements of so important a
work shall have obtained the necessary development."
Tb. speech which he delivered on the 13th of June, in closing
the Diet of 1945, is not less remarkable, and allows in what gene-
rous sense be peeviously contemplated the Holy Alliance.
On the sth of March, 1819. the Deputies of the Province of
Livonia presented to the Emperor the bases of the (*gadget*
prepared for the epodsof the enfranchisement of the serfs of their
province. The Mamma replied to them* these terms :—" I am
very glad to see that the Nobility of Uvoala has fulfilled my ex-
pectations. You have afforded ao maple worthy of imitation;
you have acted is the spirit et oar age, sod have telt that liberal
principles alone can establish the happlaese of nations." Oa the

6th of January, 1820, the procianiatioo of enfranchisement was
carried into effect in a solemn manner. These are words, gentle.
men, which I trust will have sense weight with you.
Doubtless the actions of public men, and especially throe of
Princes, belong to history, which bas the right of deciding on
them, without respect to penonst but can this judgment extend to
the religious opinions of a Statesman, Sovereign. or other ;moon.
when the individuals placed in dependence on him could profess
them in fun liberty. and whoa be imposed his on no one? It ap-
pears tome at lout that some has a right to interpose between
the Divinity and his worshipper. to know the kind of worship
which he offers, and that it would be proper and just to despise
any one who permitted the violation of with a secret.
If Alexander I. entered Paris at the head of his army, it was
because the Dictator of France had sought for bins in his own
capital; but the French can never forget the magnanimity of his
conduct. The individuals who bad the honour of approaching him
at this period could satisfy themselves that it was the result, not of
political calculation. but of the philanthropy which formed the
basis of his character.
Perfectly convinced that France could not be happy without ob-
taining the liberal institutions which she bad sought after since
1787, at the price of so many sacrifices, he was so much disturbed
on learning the machinations carried on to dissuade Louis XVIII.
from the concessions which were to precede his entry to Paris, that,
forgetting the dangers which be might incur by sing the can-
tonments then occupied by the 4:i-demist Imperial Guard, he pro-
ceeded to Compiegne to make the King acquainted with the truth.
The Proclamation of St. Ouen peeves that the Sovereigns came to
an understanding.
Goo forbid that I should doubt the influence which belongs to
Poolrooms in the affairs of this world ; only it appears to me that
one can often account for them without having occasion to explain
them by the immediate intervention of that power.
Having had the honour of being placed near Alexander I. from
his seventh year. and having early observed the development of
the rare qualities which subsequently distinguished themselves, his
conduct as a public man has presented to my mind only the natural
example of one of those great and noble characters who adhere
firmly to the principles whose truth they have recognised.°
The too short reign of this monarch, which was disturbed by so
many important events, did not permit him to realise all the useful
projects be contemplated for his empire. However, a great and
salutary example was given ; it will not be lost.
YOU will, Gentlemen. pardon these somewhat long explanations
on the part of an old man, whose latter years have been grievously
afflicted by the loss of him whom he bad so much reason to love,
and it will not appear extraordinary to you that he collects his last
energies to drive away the birds of night who still endeavour to
soil the tomb of a citizen Monarch.
FREDERICK CJESAR DE LA HARPE,
Formerly Tutor of the deceased Emperor Alexander I.
• Amongst the numerous examples of the cordial interest which
he felt for his fellow-creatures, there is one which deserves a medal
of gold from the Society for Encouraging Services rendered to
Humanity. He assisted by his personal exertions, continued for
many hours, in restoring life to a peasant who was nearly drowned
in the Vilna, in 1807.

THE EVENING STAR.

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