The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-16
Our 81. Petersburg correspondence.


81. PETERSBURG, May q, 1855.
The Fba1;fcatons Of Crontddt- efficiency Of the Russian
Vessels of War-Patrioc Sentiments Of the Russian Po-
puation-Popularity Of the Emperor Alerander-Nec
Viae Of the Character Of the Late Csar-1Re Russian Sfs
to be Freed at the Approaching CmondtiOn- pindsaive
feeling in Regard 10 Ausria-Singularly Tolerant Char
dctr Of The Russidns-Fine Opening for American En-
trTrise-No Room for american Humbugs, dc.
paid another visit to Cronstadt Friday last and
spent few days in examining the batteries
and other formidable defences which own defiance in
every direction from which an assaant can approach.
If the allies, mortified by the abortve efforts Of two
cessve seasons had made vastly increased preparations
for its attempted reduction this spring. in peace had
not been declared the Russians have done all that could
be effected by the highest talent in the country aided by
the most ample means and material, and the patient,
ceaselcss industry Of many could work without
being each others more than proportonaby
augment its power Of resistance Todtleben, the world
renowned engineer Of Scvastopols hastily constructed
earth dcfences, with several Of the ablcst men in
the imperial service have been employed there during
the whole winter, and the invaluable additions which
have been made TO the existing fortifcaons and the
seemingly impregnabe new works which have sprung
into being in and around the island town. clearly attest
the matchless skill and wondrous energy with which they
have prosecuted their mission. An Incredible number Of
nothing which human genius human labor could per-
form seems lc undonc. Every spot which rampant
could be erected with the slightest show Of advantage
brstes with guns and Of the largest cabrc
and even the Finland shore is studded with powerful bat
teres which look like the production Of long years of
perseverng toll instead OF the creation OF few months
Several Of these masked batteries They are built in
the forest and completely hidden by the that
almost impossible to perceive them at few yards dis
lance. powerful feet is also in the harbor and some
fifty sixty gnboats have been added to the float
ing defences.
Judging from the past rather ngorous inactivity Of the
Russian navy the ships in the event Of attack would
most probably have done but little service beyond divert
ing portion Of the enemys fire and attention Tho gun
boats miscrably frai and wrctchediy mo-
decd The first shot which should faily strike one of
them would make her coffin for all on board. Tho
gnes, however which osclators, Of seventy
horso power pretty good and the boilers excellent
Each boat carries three 64pounders deck which ira
verse entirely around her. IF the had continued the
allies would have had TO content themselves with rcpc
ton Of their previous performances, have insaney
given themselves up TO inevitable destruction Nothing
short OF the humiliation OF all engaged could pos
result, from serious assault upon Cronsadt in is pre-
cent impregnable condition
The most gigantic preparations had been made through
out the whole empire for prosecution Of the war on
vastly increased scalc II peace had not resulted fS the
Paris Conferences Tho Imperial Guards numbering
nearly three hundred thousand men TO have been
actively engaged this year. As 1t IL, although they re-
pcatedly begged 10 be led against the enemy not one
them has been within sound Of hostile gun during the
late war They the elite OF the Russian army Nearly
all the young Of tho empire who had escaped tho
conscrptian volunteered months before peace was de
clared and on my arrival in Northern Russia In tho
latter Part Of February every town and village was full
Of mils men, clad very much like fire engine largo
companies with tho addition of brass Greek Cross on
he front of their cap They seemed TO be imbped with all
the enthusiasm which patriotic ardor and religious zeal Is
careblc Of infusng into people naturally somewhat
s,od and mercural Tho streets Of st. Petersburg
swarmed with those robust but rather clumsy rrcguars
but they all returned their homes shortly after the pro
mitigation Of peace
Every day strengthens me In the conviction that
the Russians really love their sovereign, and they are
tho ouly people have yet seen who do. This was
strikipgly manifest during tho magnificent ilumina-
tons which took place here in commemoration Of tho
Empcrors birthday and the Empress Dowager's name
day. say nothing OF the gorgeous decorations and the
millions OF varicgatcd lamps with which almost every
house. ia every street. literally covered These may
or may not have been got up per order but every man.