Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-02-27

DR. BAmD's LECrURE.-On Wednesday eve
ming last DR.. BAIRD delivered the first of his
series of Historical Lectures on Europe, in
tie Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
DR.. b. commenced by sketching the physi-
cal geography of Russia, stating that large
portion of il was a beautiful and fertile coun-
try, well adapted to the growth Of wheat and
other grains; that much of Russia, particu-
larly of the southern portion, is a prairie,
very similar in appearance 10 those of Illinois.
DR.. Il. says that in travelling through Russia,
one is reminded forcibly of this country, vast
forests, wooden houses and wooden fences, all
giving it the appearance Of newly settled
country. He then sketched, briefly, the
course of civilization, from it's birth in the
east, to its general spreading over the western
world, and in SO doing, set forth in striking
manner, the enterprise and public sp rit of
ancient Greece, in planting colonies at Byzan-
tium, and along the northern shore of the
Euxine or Black Sea- ard thus introducing into
the southern and eastern parts Of Russia the
faith and forms of the Greek Church.
He also showed that while Greece was ex-
tending civilization in the east, Rome was
extending her sway in the west, and that
thus it was that Poland embraced the Roman
Catholic faith. lie then stated some of the
points of difference between the Greek and
Roman Churches, and showed that the enmity
existing between the Russians and Poles, was
attributable TO these differences.
DR.. b. then, in a most interesting and in
structive manner, cntcro d upon the history of
Russia, beginning with the union of the vari-
Gus contendiug parties in Russia. under the
rule of Rurc the Northman noticing the
division and ruin of the empire among his
sons by VaIdemir the Great, and the civil
wars consequent thereupon followed by the
eruption of the Tartars who overran the
country and established the three Kingdoms
of Astrahan. Kasan and the Crimea and in
their turn were overpowered by Ivan the
Great, who drove them from Central Russia,
and established himself upon the throne,
making Moscow his capital. DIR. b. then step
by step, traced the history of this interesting
country down to the present time interpreting
his remarks with anecdotes and incidents that
have fallen under his own observation, while
travelling in Russia He concluded his lecture
with statement of facts, showing that the
present Emperor is animated by sincere
desire to develop the resources of the great
empire over which he reigns that he is en-
gagged in the construction of numerous lines
of railways, encourages the Introduction OF
books into his kingdom, and has agents con,
stantly in this country, whose business it is to
inspect all useful inventions, and send such OF
them to Russia as may be needed there.
1t is rarely the case that our citizens have
an opportunity to listen to one we'll versed
in European history, manners and customs,
and so well able to impart his knowledge TO
Others, as DIR. Baird.
Our city has long been celebrated for the
the intelligence and public spirit of its citi-
zens, and we hope they will not suffer its rep
utation to suffer by failing to attend DR.. B. S
series of lectures.
The audience on Wednesday evening, though
large and select, was not as large an We would
like to have seen IT; the incl,mency of the
evening was doubtless one cause of this. We
hope to see the house crowded at the next lee
ture, which will take place this evening AT 7 |!
O'Clock, and will be upon Greece, Turkey and
the late War in the East C..