Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-12-13
RICHMOND, DEcEMBFR 10.

Interesting Yeas IF the Russian Empire.
This Empire begins to attract, by IFS
extent, population aud troops, the atten,i-
on ofali The civilized world. IL is much
more powerful than the Roman Empire
was at lis utmost height-and is certainly
the greatest power which now exists be-
neatb tEe sun. The English statesman
begins to regard il with establishment and
awe. The cOnrse taken by the court of
ST Petersburg will enter into all the cal
culatIonS OF the politics of Europe. Boz
naparie, IN the zenith OF his power, was
not more formidable than Russia is, NJ
will be IN Il few wears. Sir Robert Wilson
has lately written volume TO prove, that
in putting down Bonaparte, England has
raised up much more dangerous rival
In the north.
Russia has her eyes upon Turkey. tits
highly probable that with all his profess
sions TO the Bible and Peace Societies, the
Emperor will avail himself OF; The first mo-
ment. when the west of Europe is entan-
glcd III war, 10 poHnce upon his victim
The situation of such country sthere-
fore an object of earnest curiosity to eve
ny politician. An American Citizen, who
was in Russia at the close of the lasI year,
and who had some of the best opportuni-
ties of studying her condition, has reduc-
ed his information 10 writing. We are fa
vored with the M. Sand submit the fol-
lowing extracts TO our readers
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
RUSSIA In November 1916.
The population OF Russia is divided in
20 five classes, viz. the nobility, The cler-
gy, the merchants, tile bergers, and tie
vassals. OF their relative proportions
was unable TO obtain any information Oh
which could rely. IT may be we'll here
TO remark, that III Russia found il ex-
tremely difficult 10 receive correct infor-
nation Oh any subject ,ven OIL those
subjects which ought 10 have been most
familiar 10 every one, J often received ac-
counts the most contradictory.
J. The NOBILITY are divided into 70 or
II grades, all of which have rights and pri-
vileges nearly equal, and are distinguished
only by their ranks and titles. Nobility
is conferred at the pleasure of the empe-
ror, who frequently bestows it, of the in.
ferioT grades, on foreigners of merit and
of useful requirements, who become sub
iects Of the empire and all officers Of Il
certain rank acquire II in virtue OF their
office. The rank of a major, for instance,
confers tie Sth grade Of nobility. All
children, without regard TO seniority, in
berit the titles Of their parents. The wild
ow las well Of the nobility as Of all other
classes entitled To hold property inherits
one-seventh Of the real aud Onc-fOurlb of
the personal estate :. Of the remainder,
One-fourteenth goes to the daughters, and
the rest 10 tue sons in equal proportions.
Thenobility enjoy The privileges OF choos-
ing their own judges are exempt from
arrest for debt, or Imprisonment for any
crime, until alter having -een found gull
ty are not bound to render any service,
either military or civil, or to pay any.tax
to the empire, except the capitatiou TAX Of
three rubiess Tor each Of their male vas
The silver ruble of Russia is worth near IS
cents but the paper ruble is now worth only
eaefourth OF the silver one. Accousts are
kept, and every thing estimated 10 the paper
TUbic