New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-04-12
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
THE PRESENT STATE or RUSSIA


RUSSIA As 1T is. BY Count GuROwsEI 12~o, PIP 3d.
d. Appleton Co.
! TIE design of this work-some chapters OF which
have already appeared in the columns Of THE TRIBUNE
lis not only to describe the actual state of Russia,
but to give philosophical analysis Of the causes which
bave determined her historical development. Count
de Gurowsbi is disciple of the modern school whi;h
recognizes provdental connection, or the operation
of general laws in the Of events lie takes no
superficial empirical vie Of his subject but collecting
rich variety of facts brings the lights OF profound
philosophy to their explanation. His work, indeed
negects no essential deta-t is minute and accurate
in s statistcst abounds in lively pictures OF society,"
manners and cbarocter-but everything is considered
in relation to universal ideas-eyery movement is re-
earded as exponent effect of some central,
plastic principle According TO the author, il is not
the external form Of government, not the lives or
deeds of sovereiens not the battles for geographical
boundaries, nor the treaties and stratagems of d.
pomscy which compose the exclusive objects of lis
tory There is deeper life in-dwellng in nations
which reveals the real character of people, aud their
influence on the destiny of the human family. This is
the point of view in which he examines and describes
the institutions of Russia. Following the idea thus
stated, he finds in RusSia power greater than the
aufocrscy-there are causes at work in the heart Of
the people which will dssipate the existing darkness
the inferior strata of society contain the promise of
tie future-and from the lowest classes of the people
unciyilized, degraded and desperate as they nov
appear-wll issue current to change the actual state
Of the Empire and to impress new influence on the
progress Of humanity
1t will be perceived that Count Gurowski has at
tempted to grappe with problem OF no easy solution
None but an intellect of high order could Go it even
tolerable Justice In addition to this, it requires a
profound knowledge of European politics, thorough
philosophical culture and peronai familiarity with
diplomatic and military affairs. Happil', Count Gu
row,k combines these qualities in eminent degree.
resident in this country for few years past, where
he has had ample opportunity Of watching the effects
of democratic institutions, and where his brilliant So
cial powers have won him numerous friends ia our
principal cties-he has brought European expe-
rence TO the elucdation of his theme which enables
him to treat it with irmness and force thai few wri-
tiers with different antecedents would have been able
to command His qualifications in this respect, will
appear from slight sketch of his history the leading
features ofwhich detailed in the last edition of the
Brockhaus Characterization.
Count dc Gurowski is member of family belonging
to the ancient nobility of Poland He born on the
hereditary estate about the of tho pres
entcentury. Distinguished from boyhood by uncommon
intellectual endowments he completed his education
in Germany, passing the term OF FIVE years at the
chief seats of learning in that studOus country In
Berlin he was pupil of Savigny, Hegel and Schleer-
macher in Heidelberg he attended the of in
sructicn, under Thbeau, Schl5sser, aud Creuzer he
At jena during the time of Oxen Fries and Laden
aud siterward continued his studies under eminent
teachers at Lepsc. While yet student at the Uni
versy, he acquired deep interest in the Of po-
ltical reform with the generous instincts of youth
LIE sided with the defenders of popular rights and
took an active part in the revolutionary movements OF
, that day. Returning TO his own country IN 1928 his
, activity and zeal soon proved OF perpetual
irritation to the Grand Duke Constantine aud from
that time until 1880 he beet of suspicion to
the Government, and was often obliged to pay the
penalty of his political enthusiasm by long ard dreary
impIisonments. The light Of hope shon, brightly
, amid the darkness of the dungeon; the moment OF
release the signal for efforts and in 1882 he
found among the prominent leaders of the
cessul Polish instruction of that date For his psrtc
patton in this enterprise he was condemned TO death
but escaped 10 France where he became the agent OF
the Polish Democratic party. In conjunction with La
Independence he concerted measures for the freedom
of his country but the organization OF tyranny
too powerful for justice About this time he engaged
in conspiracy headed by the present Emperor Louis
Napoleon, aiming at the establishment of the Duke Of
Reichsiadt the throne Of France, while Louis Ma
poleon himself to he King of Poland Among the
: intimate associates Of Gurowsk in Paris were the
celebrated philosopher DestuttTrscy, Godfrey Cav
sgnac. Msrast, Bastde, Buchez, Guinard, Blinqui
and Others whose names were conspicuous in the last
Revolution, well with the distinguished st. 81
mopists Enfsntn Michel Chevslier jules Lechevalier
and LhermDier. For many years he led the life Of al
exile in different countries of Europe.
Atlength the course of his reflections with his en-
c arge6 experience, effected revolution in his mind
He was led to abandon his cherished faith the resar
rectiOn Of Poland He became convinced that the
destnes of the great Slavic race could not depend
ore of it's feebest branches; and as Russia alone
scented the Slavic vitality in the moving compca
tons of Europe be conceived the idea OF Panslsyism
gave ii scientific and historical exploration, anC
4 sought in it clue to the aggressive expansion o
Russia. The purpose of Panslaysm was the union o
the scattered Slavic families into an int sral mas
around one mighty stock 1t did not ain to give
laws to Western Europe but TO reject her authority
and that of all Guardian invaders Dszzled by the
magnitude of the conception and by the apparent en-
thusissm of the Emperor Nicholas for lis promotion
Gurowski became a conscientious believer 10 the nOolI
and beneGcent mission. Sf Cxsrism In 1885, be re
turned to Russs BY special alqsesty WAS received
int, lkt confidence OF tbe Emperor becsme rlsr