Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-10-02
A Russian Monte Cristo.

New York Times.
So many fortunes have been suddenly
made in Russian railways, it has become
the fashion for European gossips to in
variably credit Russian mllionaires with
thrifty speculations in railway enterpri
ses. Under the circumstances, it is not
surprising that avaricious adventurers
should besiege the monarchs of Western
Europe and Asia to take new steps in
the path of progress, as they seductively
put it. Baron Reuters tremendous
scheme in Persia is only an exaggerated
type of the whole brood of railway spec
ulations in Russia and adjacent countries.
In an autocratic government it is easier
to pay a contractor with concessions"
than in any other way. Besides ready
cash and subsidies, the lucky railway
builder secures concessions and monop-
olies that are mines Of wealth. A long
line of road is subdivided into sections
that carry with them exclusive privile-
ges in salt or coal, mining, fishing, grain
raising, vending of certain necessary
articles of popular demand. The roy
atty secured, and the subletting of the
contract duly made, the fortunate pos
SCISSOR Of these magnificent monopolies
HES him away to Paris or the shores of
the Mediterranean, and lives in more
than royal ease. Some of these mag
mates have been overtaken by calamities,
it is true; an imperial edict bas, for
mvsterious reasons, cut off their incomes
untimely, and one or two hapless persons
have been snatched from the lap of
luxury, to be sent to the bitter exile of
Siberia. But, for the most part, the
happy railroad-builders realize in their
lavishness the fascinating story of the
Count of Monte Cristo.
One of those baronial spectators,
who is said to have sumptuous palaces
in Paris, Vienna, and Nice, lately burst
upon the inhabitants of Tessin, Swiss
canton, with all his msgnifcence. Pass
ing day o! languid ennui at Lugano,
he became interest@ in the scenery.
Nay, more; interest deepened into en-
thusiasm, and, with the promptness of
millionaire, he resolved TO build
chateau then and there. This palace of
Aladdin is now rising on the ground
where M. lie Baron stuck his gol1-headed
cane. The building is to cost So, ,OOO,O 900
francs. the decorations and furniture
5000 600 each, and 0 brigade of his per-
sonal following will be detached by the
Baron from his other palaces to this. 1t
is gravely said that CrGsus has in his
train thirty Russian servants, sixty mu-
sicians, sixteen Russian and Swedish
singers, and an army of cooks, confec.
toners and caterers, A celebrated
prima donna is occasionally engaged to
sing for his special pleasure, and his
orchestra is obliged to give daily con-
cert whether he be present or absent.
The income Of this child of fortune is
estimated at 100000 francs. No won
der he can build palaces like Aladdin
and entertain his guests as royalty as
the Count of Monte CFistO.
When people are told that riches do
not necessarily bring happiness, they
usually say that they would like to try it
for awhile. 1t is hard to understand
why the possessor of untold wealth
shoul not be satisfied with life and all
that gold can bring. The gorgeous fc-
ton of Alexander Dumas hes made
MANY a man discontented with his bar
rem lot. To the average mind it seems
discouraging that there should be so
wide a difference between the golden
millionaire of the Russian railway and
the frugal citizen who must think twice
before he spends his slender wages.
Pe,-haps there is not SO much differ
ence alter all, n. le Baron, Of Tessin,
finds himself obliged to change
all his persona acquaintance,
his residence and surroundings |
once in two years. He completely ig- |
nores his own relatives. He is bored by |
incessant designs, real or fancied, upon
him and his money. The resources of
the world are exhausted to minister to
his faucies, tastes, senses and appettes.
Nevertheless, it is quite likely that he
murmurs the familiar refrain, "and still
am not happy" Possibly the frugal
citizen may think it is no explanation
Of the present disparity in income OF
which he makes complsint, bat he may
say tritely and truly Of NJ le Baron that
he brought nothing into this world and
be will certainly carry nothing out Of it.