RUSSIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 626, 28 November 1863, Page 8

RUSSIA.

The Journal de St. Petersburg denies the rumors published by the foreign pre=s concerning new constitutional arrangements by Russia relative to Polish and German aff are. Speaking of the alleged radical reforms and new alliances about to be entered upon by Russia according to French account*, it says : - The conclusions drawn from these pretended news are as false as their premises. In Poland the emperor, whose sentiments on the Polish question have not changed, considers it to be his first duty to be the re-establishment of solid and material order, founded on the ground subverted by anarchical possessions. From a diplomatic point of view, the government remains determined to fulfil its international obliga tions, and at the same time to maintain the rights of Russia within the limits of treaties. As regards German affairs Russia sympathises with the union of the strength of Germany, based on the interest* of all the States of which that country is composed. Russia has no more reason to provide against the dangers which might result to her from Germany, than Germany has to put herself on guard against coming dangers from Kussia. The rumours which are current have, therefore, no foundation, and evidence extreme indiscretion, if not malicious premeditation. The Emperor Alexander will embark at Odessa for the Crimea, and will visit Theodosia. Kertch, Simferopol, Baktichiserai, and Nicolaieff successively. His majesty is expected to return towards the 15th of November. The Grand Duke Consfcantine seems to have definitely resigned his post in Poland, and General Mouravieff «f Kara has been nominated his successor. Several stormy debates have taken pace in the council of ministers on the subject of Polish aflairs. The Grand Duke Constantine is said to have warmly defended the policy of the local government, at the same time complaining that his intentions had been misunderstood by all parties. If rumors are to be believed, the grand duke announced that he considered his mission at an end. Count Mouravieff Amourski, formerly governor-general of Siberia, is to succeed him. The fact is certain that the count had been charged with a -"mission to Poland, and that he has just returned to St. Petersburg after an absence of ten days. The Journal de St. Petersburg, of 19th September, announces that the Finnish Diet was opened on the 18th, with a speech from the emperor. Among other subjects the imperial speech stated that the revenue of the grand duchy had always sufficed to cover current expenses, and will be sufficient to pay off the debt contracted for the expenses of the last railway. No new loans will be undertaken without the consent of the Diet, except in case of a sudden invasion, or some other unforseen misfortune. The emperor was desirous of remedying the imperfections of the fundamental laws. The speech concluded as follows :— " I shall soon cause to be laid before the Diet bills granting more extended privilf ges, upon the pssesstnent of taxes, and the right of introducing bills, reserving to myself, however, the initiative in fundamental changes." Letters received at Hamburg from St. Petersburg state that 11 ironplated gunboats, with turrets, will be completed in the spring. 20,000 men are reported to be stationed in Finland. fntelligenc* received at Turin from Odessa states 26 battalions of the Russian reserve are being levied in Eiew, to act against the insurgent peasants in the Ukraine. Engagements are continually taking place with the Russians in the Caucasus. The Invalide Russe publishes a report confirming the statement that the Russians began on the 9th September to destroy the forests bordering on the Warsaw and Vienna Bailroad. Prince Thadeus Lubomirski and Count Stanislas Zamoyski have be«n arrested.