The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1815-10-11
THE RUSSIAN CHARACTER.

F'om tHc FdVfS " n ~ ClGfKe, IL. Il. ~.
an RngHsbman.
81 have had occasion TO mention the filthy
cslab ',hment called an inn, and digniied by
the title o PHotel DE ConsfanfinoJ!e. in which
we resided The master of il had not less
t''an i've hundred persons, as servants; and ia
Other capacilics ~ ploycd TO assist him. Ii
may serve o convey an idea Of the morals o!
this city, when the fact j. stated thar in this
rs vcre i0eiuded a number oil hired pro.,i
tntes, constantly keep, by him, 10 open s,ews
belonging 10 the house, for the numerous
gues,s by which il was inhabited. The rea-
der may be spared what else might be relat
ed concerning The publicity OF such apstl-
mtp,s
A swarm Of slaves, attendants, hirclings,
and dependent sycopbants, is peculiarly char
actciistic ai domestic reeoony in Moscow.
The Dobles consider the honor OF their fstni-
lies go materially npiested in maintaining
numerous table, that should any Of The satei-
lies which usually surround them fois sake his
pcs, al dinner, and swell The train sf any 9TH
er person, the offence is rarely forgiven
they will aitcrwards pcfsccu,e the dcser,er
by every means Of revenge within their pow
er; and, no, being burdcned hy scraples Of
conscience, thcy generally find means OF in.
oulGuI5 heir vengeance. have seen PET
500, wJo were victims of their own good ua-
tuIo, IA baying accepted invitations v vhich de-
ooycd them from the table oi their lord.
Sltnilar motives gave rise 10 tho prodiglous
hospitality which has been described by ira
vellers. Before the reign Of Paula stranger
no sooner atG!ved in Moscow, than the most
earliest solicitations we're made for his rogu-
lar attendance at the table Of this or tharno.
b'eman.. Ii his visits were indiscrinina,c,
Jealousy aud quarrels were the inevitable con-
sequences. During the 'eisn Of Paul, Egg
lishmen were guests which might involve
the host In diff uliy and danger yet, not
wIthstanding the risk incurred, il is bot jus
ticc 10 acknowledge, the mobiles fch them
selves SO gTotifitd by the presence Of a stfan-
ger, that, having requeNed bis attendance,
they would close their portals upon his equip
age, lest II should bc di.ccroed by the OH.
Gers Of police.
The curious spectacle presented at their
dinners has no parallel in The rest OF Europe.
he dishes and the wines correspond IN gfa-
daiion with the rank and condition of the
guests. hose who sit near the msster oil
the houseare suffered TO have no coDnexion
with the fare or the tcnznls a the lower end
OF the table and uothisg would so much
distress Russian prince, as sending for
portion Of the soup and vieods which are
there placed. That which be intends Tor
the Qualification Of the favored few aronnd
him, is generally carried to lhen; nor i' 8,
usual TO ask for any thing. The number 81
persons in waiting is prodieious. In The
house Of the yoong eoont OfIof were 90 less
than four hundred servants many OF then,
sumptuously clothed, add cibeIs. mingled
win them, IN rags. l, wss no antommon
sight TO obsersc, betiDd cbsir, fellow IN
. plumcs and. gold, iisc Eeapoliisn running
foci,nap add another Ly his slcrs leckin.
nhe bcaxsr !soin the s.e.is.