Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1855-12-11

preSs--4 plan Of tie Oake Constantine 10
Burn london - The military Strength Of
RpSsia-An imercan Engineer At 81 Peters
burg Con- ference Of Russian DiPiomatisis at
HafSam.
Correspondence of the Paris Pays.
ST.. PETERSBURG, Nov, i.
1.-The four sons of Nicholas represent well
enough the character of their uncles, whose
names they bear in order Of prm genttpre. The
actual Czar, Alexander, reminds elf not in fig
nre, at least by bis mild disposition full of
grace and kindness of Alexander |. Like him,
ne is tn aud stout with shade of religious
melancholy ON hi, enuntenance The Grand
Duke Constantine, whom the old Russian party
would have liked Ia see ascend the throne, Is
man Of violent character, passionate and obst-
nate. Except in stature, hc is the portrait Of
his uncle Constantine, late Niceroy OF Poland
known for his crurliy. The High Admiral j.
snort and squaty, with di-aggoeabe expression
Of countenancc; his walk is soycnly, his look
ill-natured; his shriil voice often hetrays his
thoughts The two other Gland Dukes
good-iempercd enough and remind one IA little of
the Emperor Ncho.us when very young.
" In the midst o. aasr four men, of different
stamp, j. the young i.mpress-a SOFT excellent
woman. beloved and respected by all. Under
the mask of Indifference, she conceals Il tender,
generous and humane heart, soul equal 10 her
position and to the Inheritance left 10 her
husband by the deceased Car. Gifted with
perior intel gcnce, she knows how to keep with
in bonnl- the two parties which are constantly
contendag for the upper hand. Better than the
Empress Dowager, whose ambition was confined
to the affection of the Emperor Nicholas, the
regnng Empress has gained an ascendency
over her husband which he docs not attempt to
throw off She knows how Ia keep up a good
understanding between he. husband and his
brothers, especially the Grand Duke Con
atanine An anecdoe is tolls Of her which shows
| ertact The Grand Dake Constantine, sometime
| since in IA council Of war, made a most singular
| rropositi nn-nGmeiy, 10 arm aud equip the whole
| fleet Of Crnnstadt. Roycl, and Sweabnrg, to en-
ha,k 2o,010 mon of picked tronps, TO make sail at
| "A pr pitl"as hour, to force n passage through
! the allied squ"drons or await their drpar!ure,und
| the moment they left the Baltic to effect lund-
| ing in Scotland or England
- Rather than perish with lis men in the ha-
sins Of CronStadt, was it rot better 10 ATTEMPT
to strike terror at London, which he hoped tu
enter with his 10000 men without meeting any
serious opposition on the way Certainly the
/ plan was bold and even practicable, and on due
| examination there was a chance Of success eS-
pec;ally if the vigilance Of the allied Eecls could
| lee deceived. For IA moment he gained over the
! Emperor and even the advisers of the Crown ia
| his views Ii It did perish, at all eyrntsthe Rus
.ian fleet would have wiped ont the rcproach Of
| cowardice which WAS pointed at il from all sides
| even IN Germany. Tho Empress most tnereeti-
| ealiy opposed ,'i- enterprise, which night, COM
promise the safety Of 81. Pter.burgh itself
lho Russian arHie, had enough to occupy tl,ln.
without d,ifiYing themselves al 2eUl0 Sola.r~
! and as many sailors, which might day lie
wanted to defend Ike Baltic coast Tie I,nper
Or hearkend 10 The advice of his wife. and disap-
proved hi, br"thef's plan. II l.. however. said
tint h" has again resumed it. Hi, ,dee fire alp
! penrs to be that he could sack aud burn London
! bury himself aad his troops undlr the smoking
rains f the first commercial city of the world.
80 In. Europe, and especially in France,
! strange notions are entertained of the mi liiary
! strength Of Russia. Her million of soldier.
with reserve millions 70 fill up the ranks are i've.
llevcd in. Doubtless they exist; she has mil
! lion of soldiers under arms may recruit anoth-