Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1855-08-12
UNION AND AMERICAN
SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 10. 1855.
Commercial and Financial.


1t is now generally admitted that the financial
resources Of the Russian Empire have been largely
unler-estima,ed That the late Gar had long
been preparing for the present crisis, can scarcely
be doubted. If such preparations have not been
making for many years, how happens it that such
| vast army and navy are now equipped and sus-
tanned, in active service, without extraordinary
calls on people for money, without hardly the
mention of new loans and increased taxationsg 1t
is plain, therefore, that Russia is prepared for an
unprecedented struggle, mighty and long pro
tracted conflict. Already have her Allied enc
mics expended $500, 1000 in this bloody war
fare, and the cry is heard again for more money.
France alone wants Sl2O00O,OO0. England is
equally needy, while both countries are nventing
every new form Of taxation to replenish wasting
treasury. Russia does not appear to be diverted
or perplexed In the least, with any financial ques-
tions. Her whole energy aad skill are devoted to
the one great purpose Of overthrowing her enc
mics. 1t is said that the Car, conscious of his
own strength, "smies when loan is spoken of in
England or France" The world, he intends. shall
know that in the present struggle at least one par
ty has counted the cost. If money is wanted, full
well he is aware that it cannot be had from abroad.
The question then is Has the Emperor The means
to carry on the lrar? We believe he has-to an
extent not even dreamed Of May not the answer
to this question help the solution of the great nap-
cial problem of the age viz: what has become Of
the hundreds of millions of gold and silver which
the earth in all past time has produced? We be-
lieve it has been boarded by despotic nations and
that Russia has got c lions share. 1t is fact.
that for many years capital has been flowing Fast
in steady stream from all parts Of Europe. Doubt
less large amount has found its way TO China
and other contiguous nations but neither trade
nor emigration there has required the amount of
gold and silver which other parts of the world
have produced and lost. 1t is plain therefore, that
the majority has remained in Continental Europe.
and, as we said before that Russia, the only des-
potlc nation par erceleRcs on earth, has it safely
stored away by hundreds Of millions.
The amount of precious metals in the world |
existing in various form of coin plate, iewery ETC.,
would almost defy human computation At least |
$1,000 600 in value arc now being added yearly |
to the stock of past ages. For fifty years past the
annual production has averaged Sl0OOOO,OOO, or |
total of $50OO,0O0,OOO. Admit that not more |
than an equal amount had previously been dug
from the earth, and we have an aggregate of SlO,-
000,000000. What has become of all this wealth.
lift has not been boarded, or buried in the earth?
Whatever may be done with other property, |
god and silver are seldom destroyed-indeed they
cannot be lost unless sunk in the sea- The ablest |
writer's and inanciers are, and always have been,
in puzzle about the whereabouts of so much |
money. We shall soon see if the great political
changes and revolutions going on in the world, do
not unlock vast amount of treasure to develop
and bless the nations in future days of peace-Ha-
dependent.