Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1824-04-22
THE SITUATION & PROSPECTS
OF RUSSIA.


Translated from the Rsous Encyclopo-
dioue for Me " Y Daily .adosrtiser
Only a century ago, Russia was
aim ,st confined to thc territories oc-
cupied by the Muscrite race. which
was then generally the same consi-
dered with the Sclavonic race, whose
manners resembled those ofthe Scy-
thians, the Parthians, the Huns, and
all those scourges Of the human spe-
cies which caused, in SO many ways,
the nisfDrtunes of civilized Europe.
Now we are able to appreciate many
errors current in Europe. even a.
m,ng the most enlightened people,
who enter ain false notions concern
ing those distant countries. Russia
can hardly be thought of without a
wakenins the repuIsive recollection
of northern barbarians; though the
truth is, that the people in the north
of Russia, are much more civilized
than a great part of the inhabitants
south of that empire, of the southern
parts OF the Austrian states. They
are men whom Sweden, poland, and
some other countries have counted a.
mong their citizens, and who. since
tie Conquest, have gained much in ill.,
dust y, wealth, and learning.
Even Moscow, the centre of the
empire, the ancient metropolis, and
the seven governments which sur
round it, far from presenting bar
barous couatry, are perhaps more
advanced in civilization than a.
ny other districts in all the pro-
yinres of Russia. The useful arts,
and even the fine arts. flourish there.
Industry is at work in full activity.
and commerce, il possible, surpasses
it. Letters and the sciences are cul-
tivated on the borders of the Moskwa;
the philosophy Of Newton. the theo-
ries Of the LA Oranges, the Laplaces.
and the Lavoisiers. are taught in the
gymnaciums and the academies OF
the ancient capital, and the great ci-
ties of the empire. At Moscow, as
at Petersburg, the master pieces of
Corneille, Racine, and Voltaire, are
brought out upon the stage. even in
the language Of their authors, and
performed at the national theatre in
the Muscovite tongue. Painting aud
sculpture adorn the monuments Of
their sumptuous, and sometimes ele-
gait architecture, and this luxury ia
the fine arts atIests the progress
made BY the higher classes towards
civilization. A Russian senator has
given US the history of music, as we'll
rs the history of painting in Italy;
and the former. written in the French
language, 10 very remarked for the
beauty Of its conceptions, and the
Dobleness of its sentiments. Such
are the pleasures, and such the sta.
dies to which the great devote them
selves in the empire Of the Cars.
1t is far towards tue east, and near
the frontiers of the south, that it is
necessary 10 seek for barbarians: it
is IN those places still inhabited by
the Tartar or Nomade tribes; it is
on the other side Of Mount Taurus,
or still farther on toward, Turkey, |
at the foot Of Caucasus, or near the !
OF China. And even in
those regions the inhabitant is freed
forever from that character which
rendered his ancestors, The Huns and
the Adams. the scourge Of civilized
he realizes the advantage
and the benefits of instruction., and
cherishes the productive arts
Schools for mutual instruc ton are
on both banks of the Don
and the Wolga, on the shores Of the
Black Sea and the Caspian. as we'll
Is along the borders of the Icy Sea.
IN the heart of Siberia, and 90 the ia.
lie lands Of Upper Tartary. The
cossacks have learnt what men will
lot learn in the midst of France, who
ire resolutcly attached by prejudice
o ancient and erroneous doctrines:
hey require that their children SHOULD
q taught to read, to write, to cast