Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-02-25
6itntorous Selections.
COURT GOSSIP.
From the Homo Journal.

We have received from a diplomatic
friend the following clever letter, throw
ing light upon the peculiarities of the
Emperor Nicholas.
cannot help giving you little Rus
sian gossip. c., who is lately
from the banks of the Neva, relates
the following extraordinary anecdote of
the Emperor, which contains degree of
caprciousness and fun, that proves his
Highncss TO be at once drol and ty-
rant.
A worthy Russian gentleman was one
day passing along the street, when he
was accosted by an acquaintance who
asked him if he had heard of the vcto-
ry of the Imperial troops over one of
the Circassian hordes, with which the
Government was at war. The narrator
stated the time at which the conflict had
occurred, by which it seemed, in a coun-
try where electric telegraphs were as yet
unknown, that it was utterly impossible
the bulletin could have been transmitted
so rapidly. The Russian Immediately
doubted the story,-and then bidding
his acquaintance "good morrow"
passed on his way. Scarcely had he
reached home, however, when he was
tapped on the shoulder by gems d'arms,
and marched to the bureau of the chief
de police.
Arrived at the office, he was interro-
gated by the functionary as to the fact
of his having doubted the receipt Of the
morning news, and at once admitted
he had done so in consequence of the
apparent impossibiity of traversing so
vast country in SO brief space of time
" You still seem to doubt it 7" said
the chief of the Police inquiringly.
&c confess l do" replied the Russian.
Well, sir, your knowledge and pow
ers of calculation must be improved p
rejoined the official.
At a signal from the Judge, the Rus
sian was removed from his presence, and
on reaching the door, found chaiSe de
poste in waiting, into which he was rap
idly thrust. Away bounded the steeds
over the streets of ST. Petersburg and
for many weary and sleepless hour,
and many dreary day and night, on
they flew with the luckless doubter, I'M
I'll the Positions drew bride on the bat
tie field in question.
We have orders to show you every
attention possible, on the field of action
between the Russians and Crcassians,
on the - day of -" said an Off
Ger who stepped up to the coach door,
Look at it well, sir, if you please. SO
that its features will be familiar to YOU
when you get back to st. Petersburg 7"
A half hours repose was allowed to
the flying traveller, when he was again
thrust into the vehicle, and the heads of
the wild horses turned homewards.
Faster and faster,-iaster and faster
even than before, flew the Russian skep-
tic over the frozen ground, until almost
inanimate with fatigue and anxiety he
arrived in the capital in precisely the same
time that ,oas consumed in The Transmission
Of The victory over The CucasSiaaS !"
The painting steeds were drawn up at
the door Of the police office, and the
fainting traveller, supported by couple
of gems d'arms, was led into the pres
ence of the smiling chief.
You look tired, my dear sir" said
the functionary-" and seem to have
travelled fast! Hon. looked The Battle
field 2"
ooh l! charming" said the Russian, -
but am dead with fatigue !"
Il hope not" retorted the chief .
but don't doubt the speed Of government
courier another Time and whilst you
have discovered that every thing is pos
sibe for his Imperial Highness, will
thank you to hand over - roubes
to pay The cost Of yoaw rather crpensiue jour
ney knowledge, sir, is a luxury which
cannot be too dearly paid for %