The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-03
NEWS DIRECT FROM RUSSIA.

MicOAoaef and SWeAbOrg-Vho Financial
Condition Of Russia--Ths Transportation OF
Pr0visiOns-Are the Mobiles or Scrfs DiscOn-
tented! &c., &c., sc.
Among the passengers who arrived on Friday last
iy the steamer Atlantic was Colonel Tai p Shaner,
who has direct from Russia, where he has been
travelling for the last five or six months. AS this
was his second visit to that country, he had ample
opportunities for observation and of becoming &C
quainted with its character and condition, its re-
sources and the popular feeling with regard to the
present war. Wherever he went he was received by
all classes from the imperial family to the lowest Of
cial with the greatest hospitality and every atten
tion and courtesy was paid to him during his visit.
He has been charged by the English papers with be-
ing in the pay of the Czar and that he Is bound by
pecuniary obligations to support the interests OF
Russia; but the real object Of those charges, which,
1t Is deserving of particular notice. have been made
against nearly all Americans who have spoken favo-
raby Of Russia, is to throw discredit on their
statements, and by doing so to conceal the
actual condition of things in that country from the
world. Their object, however, has become so ap-
parent that their accusations are entirely disre-
garded, and the public mind in this country has,
from the frequent misstatements, intentional or
otherwise Of the British press, at last come to re-
gard their accounts Of the war with dlstrust and
suspicion.
Soon after his arrival, we paid visit to Col.
Shaffner, and in the of few hours
tion with him, obtained much Of interesting infor
nation in relation to the war, and the means at the
disposal Of the Car 70 carry it on. While in Rus
sia, he travelled over distance of three thousand
miles, and visited Cronstadt, Nicolaief, Sweaborg,
and many others Of the most important fortresses
throughout the empire. He was all through the
northern central and southern portions and during
his travels was in frequent intercourse with the
bility, "a well as the lower classes Of
the population. Wherever he went it was
only necessary to introduce himself as an American,
when he was Immediately greeted with the warmest
welcome and compelled to partake Of their hospi
tality. was the same with all the members of the
imperial family. Before giving any of the facts
which he related to u.s. we must state that there
were some which he could not as q man Of honor
make known without compromising his character
with the Russian government and destroying oil
confidence with our countrymen in their business
and personal relations. These facts relate TO the
mercal force Of the army the strength Of the forts
and the financial of the country, in regard
to which he did not consider himself justified to
ter into specific details although he has given sui
cieht to enable us to form pretty accurate esti-
The wisdom Of this policy on the part of the Czar
win at once be perceived when contrasted with that
Of the Allies whose movements are known to the
Russians frequently before they take place. In many
respects this secrecy attended with the greatest nd
vantage and, particularly when nations are engaged
in actual warfare, cannot be too strictly enjoined
upon all having business or official relations with
them, and who are entrusted with matters Of State
importance We have stated that Colonel Shaffner
was in constant intercourse with oil classes Of the
people; and as great deal has been said about
their feeling in respect to the war, we shall begin
BY giving his experience and impressions on this
subject
II has been reported that the nobility are becom
ing tired of the war; account Of the evies which
are made upon them for men; and that
they are beginning to display their oppo
sition to the government already, though in what
way we have not been informed. So far, however
from this being the case, they are among its most
strenuous and ready supporters, and have signhed
their willingness, again and again, to sacrifice
all their wealth before they will consent to yield an
inch. There is only one sentiment among them,
and that Is determination to carry on the war so
long ss there is rouble in the treasury, man to
shoulder musket. On this matter they express
their opinions pretty freely and they appear to be
a feeling Of national pride or national enmity. They
argue in this way:--"Suppose we are defeated tho
loss viii fall more heavily upon than If we were
to allow ourselves ignominioasly to sue for peace.
Our enemies, flushed with victory and renewed
confidence in their own strength, would demand as
an indemnity, perhaps the fairest and most fertile
portion Of our country-a portion, too, that we
fought 90 hard and 30 long to OBTAIN; they win in
sist, too, ON ms defrayng the expenses Of the war
with money, and upon the relinqushment OF some
OF our hest forts and the diminution OF our navy,
which they have already expressed their determine
tion to confne within the narrowest limits.' But
there is still stronger feeling actusting them, and
that is the feeling of religion which almost reaches
the bounds Of fanatcism. II is summed up in the
two words. their "God" and their emperor and
exceeds, or we should perhaps say stands In the
place Of, patriotism with them. Nothing can ex-
ceed their zeal and deyotedness in seconding the
wishes Of the Czar, their Indignation at the ont.
RACES which have been committed upon their church
by the allied troops. The desecrati0n OF the churches
at kertch aroused the most intense hatred through
out RUSSIA hatred which IL will take years TO
remove from the Russian. In fact so great
was the excitement created thereby that the
government did not consider il polite or prudent TO
publish al the reported Of outrage committed
The decoration OF their churches and the outrages
which have been psrpetrated il Is feared, II fully
known, might lead TO turbulence, and give 70 the
war the character Of religious feud riot. Speak
ing one day to wealthy Russian noble about the
feeling Of the aristocracy, he said to Col. Shafncr
that the moment the Car required it, his whole
property in money estates and serfs, amounting to
over len millions, would be cheerfuy given up, and
he himself. and every member Of his family, were
ready 10 sacrifice Themselves rather than allow the
Allies TO dictate terms 10 Russia. The general feel
. ing in which the very serfs participate, II one Of
confidence in the ultimate triumph Of their country
They believe the Czsr Is invincble. and that
Russia never can be defeated. Is 1t possible to