The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-05-20
This Picture and That.

hC BNhhlbS biiiNuibN pObNNSh clO'b
Britain and Russia has stimulated in
quiry into the history, government and
policy of the mysterious nation whose
dominion extends over so large part
of Eastern Europe and Western Asia
England's standing in respect to civil
cation is matter concerning which
there is no question except by the men
who make war with dynamite, and who
are themselves, in their methods at
least. beyond the pale Of civilization.
There is not similar unanimity among
those familiar with Russian politics and
the methods of the Russian government.
According to some of the witnesses, the
great northern power is beneficent
factor in the work of civilizing parts of
Europe and Asia; according to others,
all the horrors of an absolute monarchy
of medieval times are perpetuated I'M
der the reign of the czar; back of a
cultured and nominally Christian court
there is cruelty and barbarity such as is
commonly associated with the history
of the dark ages. The Christian Union
of last week contained two pictures of
Russian civilization-one of which is
painted in bright and cheerful colors,
the other in the somberest and most
chilling hues. A correspondent who
has resided some time in Russia, and
given considerable attention while there
to the study of its history and policy,
says "From the accession of Peter the
Great to the throne of the Russian En-
pire, the advance of the people in civ
ilization has been wonderful and | see
no reason why it may not continue, and
probably in an increased ratio, and they
become a beneficent power over North
ern Europe and Western Asia. Like us
of America, Russia is fusing and solidi-
flying different races of people into a
grand whole, and, like us, they may
eventually arise to high and enlight-
ened stage of government and action"
This statement is made in connection
with brief history of the various
barbarous Asiatic tribes, under the
general name of Turcomans," which
Russia has subdued. These tribes are
almost continually carrying on a saw
age warfare among themselves, of mas
sacre, robbery and slavery, with all their
attendant crueltes and sufferings."
''As Russia extends her power over
these barbarous hordes,' it is alleged
4" she compels them to live in peace with
each other, and introduces a fair degree
of civilization among them" This. it
is maintained, is better for these people
and humanity at large than to let them
continue in their savage state. Russia
is the only nation at present who can
subdue these barbarous people and rule
over them. The Turks and Persians
have neither the disposition nor the
power. Moreover, they are themselves
scarcely more civilized and humane in
their own governments. The English
are too distant, land have a sufficient
task in governing, civilizing and Chris
tianizing the East Indians So this
correspondent "can see no evil, but
much good, in the advance of the Rus
slams into Afghanistan, and even to the
borders of India" He may wish the
government and religion of Russia
"more liberal and enlightened than at
present." but improvement is going on,
"and in course of time they may be all
that one could wish"
The contrastingpicture to these sunny
views of Russian absolutism and Rus
sia's patient but relentless march over
the domains of conquered tribes to an
outlet on the Indian Ocean, is furnished
by Russian in book entitled q" Rus
STA Under the Tzars.n Its main inter-
est is said to be its heartrending de-
scriptions of the sufferings of those who
servile obedience to the ukase of auto
cratic powers The book is one long
cry for the European condemnation of
a tyranny which is greatly feared in
Russia. Civil liberty, individual rights,
legal permission to seek ''life, liberty
and the pursuit of happiness" are UNI
, known in Russia. The "absurd, bloody
useless Afghan war" is ''device of
despots to get rid of a burning internal
question" How the houses of political
suspects are searched is described The
police obtain entrance late at night by
: lie about telegram. Each member
of the household is placed in charge OF
an officer. The house is overhauled
! from cellar to attic for eliminating evil
dence. The search is prosecuted with
/ coarse brutality. Some scrap of writing
among daughters letters eXcites sus-
t picion. She attempts to seize and swal-
low it, but is choked till she surrenders
t the scrap, reduced to mass of pulp
, Her efforts to save an innocent bit OF
/ writing from vulgar inspection is taken
as proof of guilt, and punishment is
. melted out accordingly. The girl is
= ta1~or 40 tho lshonoa oF Jotant;o,,