The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1855-12-14
News Direct from Russia.

Col. p. T. Shaifner, who came over In the At
laniic, direct from 81. Petersburg, communicates
some very interesting information TO the New
York Times. lie travelled extensively in the
Empire, and had every opportunity laid open TO
him OF learning the condition Of the country aud
the sentiments OF the people. Like most Of the
recent American visitors at st. Petersburg, Col.
Shafner has predictions in favor Of the Russian
cause. With this nimaton for the readers ben
eft, we give several extracts from an account
interesting as differing from the ordinary reports,
II no, in other respecis.-PoH. Ado.
Financial condition Of Rnssia-Aionsy plsn.i.
FIJI. Perhaps there are not half dozen persons
in the Russian Empire who, at the present mo.
meni, thoroughly understand its financial condi.
ton; and a temporary resident who wishes 10
discover wha, effect the war has had upon its re.
sources, can only form an opinion upon this sub
ieci from what he sees. In Moscow, 81. Peters
burg aud large ei,iss, ,hers 70 ao'h'"s 10 i"
ducc the supposition that the ife.blood Of the
country is being drained by an exhausting war
Gold and silver coin continue plentiful, and are
freely used in the ordinary transactions OF every.
day life. A merchant in his store will change
bank.no,e coin with us much readiness as he
wo,ld in the city Of New York. Brokers charge
two per cent. TO change notes Of large amount in.
TO gold, but even this is regarded as an lsraeiiish
transaction In the grand and luxuriant exirav.
agances OF the noble, two years war bps made
no sensible difference in the cottage Of the serf
there is yet no appearance Of want, no muiierings
Of complaint. Merchandise and goods have not
increased in value and champagne, to illustrate
by example, can be bought in ST. Peicrsberg
cheaper than jersey cider is sold In New York
Copper is the only article that has increased In
value, and this is attributable TO other causes than
that Of the war. The erection Of public and pr.
va,e buildings goes on; churches are built rs
usual, and vast sums Of money have within n few
months been lavisbed on new additions TO the
palace Of PecerhoG Il may be true that the
shipping merchants and Others connected with for.
eign trade have been ruined, but il Is also true
tina, the resources Of the country are becoming
more rapidly developed than could have been pos
sible in time Of peace manufactures are spring
ing up throughout the country and men find in
them occupation, and recompense for wha, they
have lost. ......
The levies for the war do not njurc the com.
mercial amp agricultural interests OF the country
or men there are plenty; Of gold there Is abun.
dance, and Of wheat there Is more than enough
for the wants pf ALL The people feel themselves
secure within their territory. They do not fear
that its resources will be easily exhausted, and,
therefore. they have made up their minds thai
there is long, long ~ar ahead.
The Russians seem to admit and believe ihs;
France and England are two powerful nations
whose pride Is thoroughly engaged in this contest
They, too, are proud. They would never submit