New-York tribune., 1912-02-04

that when l was last in the land OF the
Car there was not an Orthodox church
in any part of the empire where the
officiating clergyman did not offer up on
Sundays and saints days prayers as
part and parcel Of the liturgy calling
down the wrath of heaven and every
conceivable curse upon the French.
These prayers dated from the time of
the invasion of Russia by the French,
just hundred years ago.
Possibly, and probably. these prayers
continue to be offered up to this day, in
spite Of the fact that near quarter of a
century has elapsed since Russia con-
tracted a close and intimate alliance
with France, primarily aimed against
Germany and in a lesser degree against
Austria The bulk of the population of
Russia consists of ninety millions OF
mostly illiterate peasants, and since all
the little education which the moujiks
receive is of a religious character, de-
rived from the village priests, 1t will
readily be understood that the latter, by
sinning into the ears OF their parish
ioners curses against the French from
the altar week after week, have caused
The French TO be regarded by the peas
ants in the light Of the spirit Of evil.
STIRRING UP OLD HATRED.
The celebrations already organized and
now about to commence of the patriotic
burning Of Moscow and of the ignomini-
Gus rout of the French invading army.
a rout that may be said to have first
broken the power of Napoleon, to have
destroyed his prestige and to have in
sugurated the subsequent series OF
events eliminating in his overthrow
cannot fail under the circumstances to
revive in the breasts of the moujiks ami
mostly Of an intense character against
those French whom they have been
taught since their infancy by their
Church TO hate and TO curse. And since
the celebrations are to be national and
TO extend TO every town and village Of
the empire. and since. moreover, the
PEASANTS are now represented in duly
constituted parliament by legislators
whom they have elected as the ex-
ronents OF their views, II remains to be
seen whether or not the Franco Russian
alliance will receive a jolt and setback.
Particularly If Emperor William and his
diplomatic agents avail themselves OF
the opportunity.
81
which win begin about Easter time and
continue throughout the summer, to
reach its climax in October, when Mos
COW was burned. will be blended with
the beginning during this summer OF
tne tercentenary of the election of tho
mouse Of Romanof to the throne OF
hussia. the festivities in connection
herewith attaining their climax just
we've months hence. People have be-
soine 30 accustomed TO look upon Petei
'he Great as the founder Of the House
" Russia that they fail TO realize that
He Romanoffs had exercised sovereign
sway over the Muscovite empire for al
most hundred years before the DARING
.sat OF calling the great city Of st
e'ersburg into existence on the desert
swamp at the mouth of the Neva.
me nrst OF the Romanoffs TO occupy
'ae throne OF the Cars was Michael oi
'nas name, who at the age Of sixteer
vas elected by the Boyars TO be thei
Iuisr In February 1913. at Moscow III
"ss chosen on the nomination OF De
s.Fsvs Troubetskoy. after the lattel
80 fsr'iuAA Che srown and he wa