SOCIETY IN ST PETERSBURG.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5692, 9 August 1886, Page 3

SOCIETY IN ST PETERSBURG.

Some lately published articles on " Society in St Petersburg" have attracted great attention in Paris, according to a correspondent of the Daily News : — " According to Count Paul . Vassal! (the author), the Czar is not a popular sovereign ; that is to say, he is powerless to excite the enthusiasm of the masses. He is, above all, frank, honest and straightforward, but lacking deplorably in regal qualities, being shy, diffident and afraid of being brought under the influence of interested people. He wastes his energies in bureaucratic details, has bound himself round with red tape, and is unable to form a rapid j judgment on anything. He is behind the age, and is ignorant of his country's needs. A sort of Chinese wall separates him from all who could inform him of the wishes of his people, and of the reforms which the Government is in need of. "With all his defects he is gifted with a sound judgment, is a sincere patriot, and has the dignity of true honesty. He will resolutely, should occasion offer, defend the national honour, and will never bend before his enemies. In the Afghan question he showed a strength of will, we are told, which surprised everyone, especially as it was unsuspected. He would j have gone to war had the necessity been < apparent, and he will go to way without hesitation if it be required in Bussia's : interest." j