TERRIBLE CONDITION OF RUSSIA.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 106, 15 April 1876, Page 3

TERRIBLE CONDITION OF RUSSIA.

The Cologne “ Gazette” gives a sad picture of the internal condition of Russia. The nobles and landowners, who were always more or less opposed to the emancipation of tbe serfs, an event which took place in 1861, now declare as openly as they dare that the personal freedom of the peasants has brought ruin both upon themselves and upon the country. Fourteen years’ exp?rienco have shown that the Russian peasant was not prepared for freedom, which he has regarded as a mere handle tor license. The traveller through the Governments of Great Russia, tbe territory of the Volga, far down to the South, in visiting the villages and examining the family life of the peasants, cannot fail to come to the conclusion that their material and moral condition has distinctly deteriorated under the influence of freedom. Their position has sunk in some cases even into complete pauperism. Drunkenness has increased to a frightful extent, and as a result of this wo meet with indolence, dull indifference, and with the great majority a complete dissatisfaction with the existing state of affairs. Incendiary fires are very common, and social life is becoming every day more unsatisfactory. The question naturally arises, is tbe emancipated serf really free ? Ho is hampered in bis actions by tbe village authorities, under whom be, bolds and tills the laud which is set aside for tbe peasantry. But he lias no real interest in tbe work, as be may be removed from the portion lie lias occupied for twelve mouths to another plot the following year. TV or can ho escape from his life without a passport, which would certainly bo refused him by the authorities if lie desired to seek Ids fortune in a large town. Tims be becomes callous, brutalised and a drunkard. This is not a pretty picture, and we are glad it is not drawn by an English hand. It suggests a good many thoughts above tiie country which is to compete with us in civilising the East.