Smyrna times., 1854-08-09
Criminal Artltles.
Written for the Smyrna Times.
RUSSIA AND THE WAR
BY TEMPLEToN TUssLE, ESQ.

THE GENERAL ignorance manifested by the
people of Europe in regard to the manners,
customs and institutions of this country, has
been not only matter of surprise, but even of
amusement to the American people. And this
ignorance is not only prevalent among the un-
learned, but also among the most distinguished
savans and authors of the day. 1t is related of
a well known authoress, that when she beheld
Benz. Franklin, our Minister to the French
Court, she was astonished that he spoke Eng
lash and was of a fair complexion. This ig-
norance is not the result so much of want of
information as it is of a UrOng information:
for it is the policy of foreign governments to
decry our institutions and condemn our princi-
ples,-and, to do this, they believe the best
plan to be observed is, not to keep quiet in re-
gard to them, but to clothe them in false colors
and give to them false effects and consequences.
Now, this is a source of much amusement
to the well-informed citizens of this Republic
But if was to tell those laughing and we'll
informed citizens that they offer much cause
for merriment to some of the nations of the Old
World, on account of their ignorance, they
would be surprised But it is so. There are
very few beside those who have carefully ac-
quainted themsek&th the facts, who do
know the real position of some of the European
nations. Dependant upon the reports of travel
lers and the correspondence of agents, we have
heard only the fruits of prejudice and hatred
and it is not to be wondered at, if, believing
than, tho aa mo continaHS should h,l nr,,uSnd i'm
our mind. But it is now time that we should
inform ourselves of the facts, that we may the
more rightly understand our transatlantic bre-
thren.
1t would take up too much time and try the
patience of my readers to too great degree,
if | should proceed to examine every nation OF
the Old World, SO will satisfy myself with a
few remarks upon the question most interesting
to US at present-Russa and the War--leaving
the others for some future tiae, if should get
into the humor of giving my opinions in regard
to them.
D IT is our ignorance in regard to Russia to
e which shall call your attention. There are
e very few who do understand the mode of gov
c eminent and the character of the people. That
5 is an enslaved, degraded and depraved race
!, shall not attempt to deny, but that they arc
: also energetic, improving and determined peo-
y pie, may not be so readily believed. We have
d here, only OF her slavery and dcgrLdation--fol
IL it has been and is the policy of her neighbour
is to dccry this empire, not for the same reasons
Is they dccry us but for similar purposes,--bu
=! there are things which, if known, would mate
i rally a!Icct present opinion.
Is The government of Russia is absolute mon
rs archy-powcr being vested exclusively in tn
e, Gar, who is also the head of the church,
? Around him is an arlstocracy of noblcs depen
lc dant upon him not only for their profession
of and titles but also their lives. The people ar
i'd held in bondage on the estatcs, and are consid
ts cred the WeaLh of the land. This form of goy
n. ernment, however unpleasant for us to consider
re and however difficult to believe, is the bette
lie mode of government for Russia than any othc
sc whether monarchcal or democratical. sha
tie attempt to show this by argument--ard the rC
ID suit may be different opinion from that pr
Ids mulgated by prejudice instead of truth.
Ills Experience--and by what shall we Judge
- not by that !-provcs to us this fact: The mo-
ro- enlightened people the more free their go
me ernment. Now, free government is not ii
nd cause of enlightenment, but enlightenment
ish the cause of free government: and the mo
as carefully we insure means of enlightenment Il
not more firmly do we insure liberty. IF this
to true, therefore, man to govern himself must
his enlighEned, and until he is SO, he is not able
the govern himself 11a.a a t.t
ers From this we conclude that on account
uld the present state of morals, education, refr
the ment and enlightenment in Russia, she is !
only unable to be free, but, also, it is an imp
the sibility that she can be free without sol
lie change in her people. But it may be rema
,uld ed, alt should not be so despotlc." That
If not the point. To us, it appears despotic--
themit is not SO; never enjoying liberty, Il
do not miss it--not knowing in what it tr
consists, they do not crave it. Truly, Il
}, as may crave liberty--but it is a far differ
liberty from that which rejoices our land
. would be such liberty as beheld the bloot
ssia. France rolling in streams through Paris,
e of which led the wild rabble to the execution
|, be- king. Again, where law is not observed
cory reason Of ignorance and deprayity, we can
IS to depend upon respect for the law so Of
ch is means than honor or respect for rights of !
sold must be used--aud that means is force. Ag
nther this compulsion to be determined, energ
it is and successful, must not be vested in man
q the a few, but in one. If / was not compele
lcorn be brief would give stronger tone 90 h
parts arguments, but shall leave them to be
ating digested by my readers, when they will G
to the same conclusion that | do itssl
-W0s saa aifE 4 gi ne Ho1J tHs stHW ~
ro aHriqa3s u