The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-10-24
POWER OF RUSSIA.

1raone, &c.
POWER OF RUSSIA.
In the evening, the Emperor again resu-
m d his geographical observations. He
dwclt particularly on Asia /; on the sitna-
ton of Russia, and the facility with which
the latter power might make AN attempt on
India, or even on China, and the alarm
which she might therefore Justly excite in
the English. He calculated the number OF
troops that Russia might employ, their
probable point of departure, the route they
would be likely to pursue, and the wealth
they would obtain in such an enterprise
On all these subjects he made the most Gu
rious and valuable remarks. | very much
regret my inability to record them here,
for my notes, in this instance, afford me
only Slight hints, and | cannot trust To the
accuracy of my memory in filling up the
details.
The Emperor next adyerted to the snpe-
riority of Russia over the rest of Europe,
in regard to lie immelsc powers she might
call up, for the purpose Of invasion toge-
Their with the physical advantages OF her
situation under the Pole, aud backed by the
eternal bulwarks of ice, which, in case Of
! need, would render her inaccessible
Russia, he said. could only be attacked dn-
ring one third or fourth oftlT year while
ON the contrary, she might throughout the
whole twelve months, maintain attacks up
on us her assailants would encounter the
rigotTs aud privations of a frigid climate,
and IA barrrn soil, while her troops, pouring
down upon us. would ENJOY the fertility and
charms of our southern region.
TO these physical circumstances" con-
iinded the Emperor, may be added the
advantage of an immese population, brave,
hardy. devoted and passive, including those
numerous unoisilizcd herdrs, to whom pri-
walton and wandering are the natural state
OF existence. Who can avoid shuddering"
said he, " at the thought of such a vast
mas unassaiiable either on the TANKS or In
the rear, descending upon us with lmpunlty;
if triumphant, Overwhelming every thing In
its course or il defeated, retiring amidst
| the cold and desolatien that may be called
its force of reserve ; and possessing every
facility ofissuing forth again at a future
opportunity. Is moi this the lrtad of the
HYDRA, the Antaus Of fable, which can
Only be subdued by seizing it bodily, and
! Siding it in the embrace. But where
is the Hercules to he found ? France alone
could think Of such an achievement, and II
must be confessed we made an awkward
attempt at it,
The Emperor yas ofopinlon, that in the
new political combination Of Europe, the
fate Of that portion of the world depended
e~atircly on the capacity and disposition of
Il s.nglG man. Should there arise said
he, " an Emperor of Russia, valiant, impe
tuous ard Intelligent !; in IA word, Il Car
with "A beard ON his chin, (thls he pronoun
COS emphaticali,1 Europe is his own. IL"
may commence his operations IN the Ter
man territory, at 100 leagues from the two
capitals. Berlin aud Vienna, whose sofe-
irigns are ms only obstacles. He secures
AN alliance ofthc one by force, aud with
his aid subdues the Other by a single stroke.
He then finds himself in the heart OF Ger.
many, amidst the princes of the second
rank, most of whom are either his relations
or depu nd"nts. lnthc meanwhile, he my,
shuild he think it necessary, throw a lew
frchrands across the Alps, on the side ol
Italy, ripe for explosion, and he may then
march triumphantly To Paris, To proclaim
him the new iibrrator. know If wcr"
: Ill SIKH Il Ntilihlitt, ] h'hIh ~" ~
reach ( .lnis in a given time, aud By regular
marching stations, there to become the
master and arbitcr of Europe. =
Ten after Il few moments silence, he add
ed, d" Perhaps, my dear Las Cases, you
may be tempted 70 say, as the munster OF
Pvrrhus said to his master, And alter all
TO what purpose 2 My answer Is, to esta-
bIish a new stale of society, and To avert
great misfortunes. This is a blessing whici
Europe expects and s%olicits. The old sys-
tern is ended, and The new one lsno conso'
lidatcd, and will not b, so until after lon
and ~f,rinns conyulsions."
The Emperor WAS again siknt, and a',f'
measuring, with his c"mpasses, the DIS
lance on tle map, he obscr'd, that Con
s%tantinopIe was, from her situation, eaicnla
ted to be the centte and seat OF uni' eraa
dominion.
There was a fall Of snow TO tile depti
Of b inches in the state Of Maine, about
fortnight so.