The New York herald., 1868-03-02
Russian Policy In tho East.

A letter from Tientsin to the Moniteur, dated
November 2, shows how skilfully the Russian
policy in the East has been conducted. Instead
of forcing Christianity and opium down the
throats of the Chinese, like the English, the
Russians have contented themselves with
building up peaceful commerce with China,
which has already assumed vast proportions
and which is not without serious political
importance. The commerce of Russia with
China by the Siberian frontier Of Kiakhta has
for several years amounted to about sixty mil
lion francs Twelve million dollars) per annum.
Kiakhta, on the left bank Of the Amoor, is the
extreme frontier of the Russian possessions on
that side. Opposite to Kiakhta is the Chinese
city Of Maimaitchin, which is separated
from the Russian city only by the waters Of
the Amoor river. From Kiakhta or from
Maimaitchin to Pekin the distance on horse
back is twenty-five days by way of Oorga
The journey by caravans Is much longer; it
sometimes requires six weeks. In summer the
caravan is composed Of long files Of camels
escorted by few Mongolian horsemen armed
with the lance and the buokler. In winter the
spectacle changes. Sledges sweep over the ice
in the midst Of whirlwinds of snow, which the
western wind, almost perpetual on this portion
Of the Asiatic plateau, drives before it The
Chinese, tradesmen by birth, are ready to
undergo, when 1t is for their interest, all the
seventies Of winter and the Russian mer-
chants, who come in winter from Irkootsk in
their sledges covered with furs and hides do
not yield to the Chinese in courage and energy.
The greater part Of the merchandise
brought to Msimaitchin to be exchanged at
Kiakhta for Russian productions is composed
OF four different kinds Of teas Three Of these
varieties Of tea are Of superior quality, and
come generally from the northern Chinese
provinces, such as Yunnan and Tse-tchuen.
This has probably given to these so-called
caravan teas" their reputation In Europe.
The fourth variety, on the other hand, which
is scarcely known except to Russians, Mongo-
lians and Tartars il composed Of the remnants
Of tho most inferior crops. II seems that to
this are often added tea leaves which have al
ready been used and afterwards dried. It's
name, "brck tea," comes from the form In
which It is exported. Dried leaves or not, all
Is mixed and strongly pressed until 1t looks
"very like brick" II Is in this condition
that it is transported to the fair Of Nijnii-Nov-
gorod, whence it is distributed in all the cot
tages Of the peasants. The populations OF the
steppes Of Mongolia and Siberia also purchase
| from the Chinese Of the frontier tea mixed
with a kind of grease, which Is afterwards
rolled into balls before being exported. At
Maimatchn is sold also great quantity
Of Chinese porcelain. The Russians, who
have been in business relations with the
| Empire OF China for two centuries, acquired
almost at the same time with the Dutch a taste
for Chinese porcelain. The finest European
collections Of Chinese porcelain are to be found
| in Russia
Almost all the Chinese productions bought
at Maimaitchin by the Russians go to the
great fair OF Nijnii-Novgorod, which is held
from June to September. Thence they pass to
the rest Of the empire or to the rest Of Europe
In return, besides cash payment, which il
always in favor Of the Chinese, the Russian
imports consist Of cloths Of Russian manufsc.
ture, Of furs from the Siberian provinces, ol
feathers and moroccos and Of metals abun
dainty furnished by the mines Of Siberia