Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-07-19
TUESDAY M@RM1N@0 JULY 49, 1885,

disclosure of his villainies, murdered
him with an axe. At this juncture the
supposed corpse recovered its sensibil-
ity, and witnessed the cruel scene, but
had the prudence to continue motion
less until the inhuman monsterhad left
the apartment, when he availed himself
of the opportunity to escape to Riga,
and gave that information which ter
minated in the wretch's perpetual BAN
ishment amid the savage wilds of ST.
IBERIA; there, a prey to conscience and
remorse, he dragged out the miserable
remains of an existence, already too
near its close to allow time to expiate
life of such dreadful depravity."
On approaching the guard-ship, the
schooner was obliged to come to an
Choir in Cronstadt Roads, though she
was in danger of running ashore.
"Early on the following morning the
guard-boat visited US, with her crew in
state of evident intoxication, in con-
sequence oftheir previous visits to O.
Their vessels, from each of which they
invariably expect to be treated with Ii
quors; point of discipline widely diff
ferent from what is observed in the
British service. Our captain was un'
willing to increase their exhilaration;
but as soon as the officers descended
into the cabin, they desired their crew
might be furnished with brandy. The
Capt. was then given to understand
that he must pay for the shot that had
been fired over him: this is said to be a
perquisite of the captain Of the guard
ship. l am however, much mistaken,
Judging from the sound, if there was
any shot really fired over US; be this as
it may, it appears hard enough to be O..
bliged to pay for the instrument OF
ones own punishment, like boy at
school, who is charged for the birch
that tickles him.
GA singular feature in the manners
of these gentry is system of begging
a-y every article which happens to
take their fancy, and this in way that
neither expects, nor admits of a deni-
al: nay such was their rapacity and
meanness, that one even asked the cap
tain TO give him needles, thread, and
tape, for the use of his wife; and which
to keep him in good humor, were pro-
rhised on the next voyage. 1 after
wards heard many ludicrous instances
of the extent to which they sometimes
carry their begging system. A lady
of my acquaintance came over when a
child, and brought doll for her a.
musement: one Of the custom-house
fellows took it into his head to long for
this plaything, and, with rapturous adj
miration, made his petition according
ly; nor could the poor child's tears; or
the captains entreaties, induce him to
forego his covetous demand. AT length
the child's unwilling and faltering con-
sent was gained; by a promise bring
ing her a better one next voyage.
Cold indeed must be the hearts Of such
| men.
"Of course this system is not sancti-
oned by the government; it is only SUBJ
mitted to by the captains offoreign YES
sells to preserve the complacency, and
prevent the ill-will and annoyance; Of
these fellows in the arrangement Of
their port duties. On the contrary, an
instance occurred not long since, where
on threat of complaint to the govern
ment, the officer, in the most AFFECT
manner, returned the articles he had
received and entreated that the affair
might not be noticed. In our instance
their cupidity received material
check, on finding that there was Brl-
,ish officer on board: and, as they have
wonderful respect for military rank,
from that moment all begging ceased"
This is an excellent example of the
character of the custom-house officers
as it was drawn by DR.. Lyall, and
which he says, is the same every where
throughout the empire.
Petersburg has been already so well
described by number of writer's; as to
leave little to be CLEANED till few years
shall have led TO changes and improve
ments; and we could have wished that
MIR. Holman had been more briefin his
details regarding this capital. He has,
however, picked up a few novelties,
which will amuse the reader:
Gin order to provide for public secu-
rity and protection, and at the same
time to guard against the discussion Of,
and interference with, the measures OF
government, an active police pervades
every quarter of St. Petersburg.
$50 great is The vigilance and art OF
these gentlemen, that it is necessary to
observe the strictest caution in CONVEX
sing with strangers, as they not untre-
quently assume every variety OF dis
guise in order to detect such persons
as may be adverse or obnoxious to the
government. l have heard OF gen.
tleman, who having business with the
master of the police at the early hour
sonE tho