father and benefactor has been taken from Crimea by the late emperor, ostensibly on us. In the midst of indefatigable cares for the ground of ill-health, but in reality on the welfare of Russia and the glory of the account of the uniform failure of his atRussian arms, my beloved father, the Em-tempts to defeat the allied armies, or compel peror Nicholas Paulovitsch, has passed away them to raise the siege of Sebastopol. Prince to eternal life! Gortschakaff was appointed by the new emperor as commander-in-chief of the army of the south.

shall bring the slightest dishonour on the national honour.' These words were spoken with a tone and energy of vehemence which excited among all present the most rapturous applause.

powerful, and perhaps his pride had been will I affix my signature to a treaty which excessive throughout his long reign; and that perhaps God had, therefore, humbled him at the close of his career; but the will of God be done; that the object his heir should never lose sight of was to labour for the dissolution of the English and French. alliance, and to bring over to Russia Austria, which Prussia had foolishly alienated and offended, and that his immediate care should be that Prussia should have weight in the conference, in order to diminish as much as possible the onerous conditions demanded by the Western Powers. Such is the substance of what the emperor is said to have recommended to his son in his dying moments."

It was reported that a circular despatch, of a very different tone from the Emperor Alexander's manifesto, had been issued to Russian representatives abroad. It stated that the mission of the new emperor was to shield the integrity of Russia, but especially to restore peace to his empire and the world. On the other hand, this was directly opposed by information received from St. Petersburg, as the following letter, dated March 9th, from that capital will show :

"In order to explain this enthusiasm, I must mention to you that in the saloons of the capital, and particularly at Moscow, the centre of the old Russian party, the late emperor was frequently reproached with having made too many concessions. You may judge by that fact if it be possible for his successor to grant any of the kind expected from him by the Western Powers. Amid the general movement of the public mind which carries them on more and more to a war à l'outrance-to a war which is declared to be holy throughout the whole empire, I must not conceal from you that a good deal of discontent begins to show itself. Whether right or wrong-and this fact time alone can show to be just-the Slavonic party accuses the new sovereign of showing tendencies by far too Germanic. The old Muscovites murmur at what they term the German invasion in the most important public offices of the state. They complain "The acts of the government, and espe- that the men who have the nearest access to cially the official words of the new emperor, the person of the czar are of German extend to show more and more clearly the line traction. For example, they see in the rank of conduct which he purposes to follow. All of his most intimate counsellors the two these speeches, addressed at the present mo- counts Adlerberg, father and son; two ment to the representatives of the different other aides-de-camp, Patkoul and Merder, bodies and administrations of the state, may who enjoy especial favour, derive their origin be condensed in these two words, 'Je main- from the Baltic provinces; the recall of tiendrai;' or in other words, 'I am firmly Prince Mentschikoff, and the nomination of resolved to march in the way traced out by generals Osten-Sacken, Luders, Berg, and my father.' The evening before he ad- Rudiger are not of a kind to reassure the dressed the diplomatic corps the czar ap- Russians of the old stock on the Germanic peared at the council of state. There, for tendencies with which they reproach the more than half-an-hour, he spoke on the Emperor Alexander II.; and, finally, the present situation of affairs with an eloquence personages sent to the different courts to and precision of language which struck notify his accession to the crown are all of every one present. His warlike address to Teutonic origin, as, for instance, generals the officers of the guard, who assembled to Lieven Grünewald, Budberg, and the son of take the oaths of allegiance to him, was also Count Nesselrode, This predilection for much remarked; and the deputation of the the German party excites, I repeat, serious nobility having presented themselves, in complaints. It is generally supposed in order to render an account to his majesty of Europe that the autocrat is absolute master the election of the chiefs of the militia, were in his empire, but this is a great error. The harangued in their turn with much warmth. czar is much more subservient than people This discourse terminated thus:-'I solemnly think to the exigencies of his nobility, and declare that I will not give up a single inch he is obliged to allow them a large share in of Russian territory to our enemies. I will the government. The great difficulty for take good care to prevent their penetrating him is to know how to distribute his favours further on the soil of our country-and so as to avoid giving dissatisfaction either to never, never—may my hand wither first!- the Slavonic party or the German party,

between whom the struggle has never for a As to my personal sentiments for your sovemoment ceased since the time of Peter the reign (here the emperor addressed Baron Great. At the commencement of each reign de Werther, minister of Prussia), they each of these rival parties make desperate have not varied. I have never doubted the efforts to raise its influence above the other, fraternal affection and friendship which his and they wage a mortal war. The Russians majesty the king always had for my father, were in high favour under Catherine II., and I told you yesterday how grateful I but were ousted by the Germans under am to him for it. I am deeply sensible of the Alexander I., so much so that General Yer-kind words which the emperor has caused moloff is related to have said one day to to be transmitted to me on this occasion. that sovereign, when asked to demand some (This was addressed to Count Esterhazy, favour, Make me a German.' The Em- minister of Austria.) His majesty cannot peror Nicholas showed much ability in hold- doubt the sincere affection which my father ing the balance, so as not to incline to one entertained for him at an epoch which he party or the other, and he kept both down himself has recalled by the order of the day with an iron hand. Will his successor suc-addressed to his army. Be kind enough, ceed in doing the same? That is the question. It will be resolved before long, but in the meantime I think it right to direct your attention to the fact, as it may exercise much influence on the energy and duration of the present conflict."

gentlemen, to communicate my words to your respective courts."

The body of the Emperor Nicholas lay in state at the winter palace, and the public were admitted at certain hours to see it. Three priests stood near the corpse and said On the 7th of March, the Emperor Alex-mass alternately. Immense crowds thronged ander II. delivered the following address to the diplomatic corps; an address which appears to exhibit a considerable amount of mental vigour :—

to

"I am persuaded, gentlemen, that all your courts feel sincere sorrow at the misfortune which has befallen us; I have already received proofs of it from all sides; they have greatly moved me, and I stated yesterday to the ministers of Prussia and Austria how much I appreciated them. I solemnly declare here before you, gentlemen, that I remain faithful to all the sentiments of my father, and that I will persevere in the line of political principles which served as a rule to my uncle, the Emperor Alexander, and my father. These principles are those of the holy alliance. But, if that alliance no longer exists, it is certainly not the fault of my father. His intentions were always upright and loyal; and, if recently they were misunderstood by some persons, I do not doubt that God and history will do him justice. I am ready to contribute to a good understanding, on the conditions which he accepted. Like him, I desire peace, and wish to see the evils of war terminated; but if the conferences which are about to open at Vienna do not lead to a result honourable for us, then, gentlemen, at the head of my faithful Russia, I will combat with the whole nation, and I will perish sooner than yield.

the apartment, the decorations of which were extremely simple, and every Russian as he passed knelt near the coffin, made the sign of the cross, and kissed the covering over the body. On the 11th of March, the remains of the emperor were carried to their final resting-place, in the cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul. The gorgeous procession proceeded amidst salvoes of artillery, the mournful beating of muffled drums, and the wailing of wind-instruments. As the magnificent sarcophagus passed along, the vast multitude bowed humbly and crossed themselves, and a great number knelt, as if in the presence of some sacred relic.

The remains of the emperor were left in silence and in darkness to return to dust, but his guilty ambition still disturbed the world; and his hand seemed to rise armed from the grave to smite down the peace of Europe. The evil spirit he had raised survived him, and the calamities he had created rolled on their gloomy course, though he no longer lived to contribute to them. Half a million of brave men had been his immediate heralds to the tomb, and a million of mourners had been made by his remorseless commands; still, no living man could say that a far greater number of victims would not be offered up to the memory of the ambitious and gorgeous despot of the north!

CHAPTER V.

ANOTHER DAY OF HUMILIATION; FEELING OF THE COUNTRY RESPECTING IT; DEBATE CONCERNING MR. ROEBUCK'S COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY; THE QUEEN VISITS THE WOUNDED SOLDIERS AT CHATHAM; RENEWAL OF THE BLOCKADE IN THE BLACK SEA; PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY; EXAMI NATION OF WITNESSES; REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.

Ir will be remembered, that soon after her | critical period, was equivalent to a confesmajesty's declaration of war against Russia, sion of weakness to the enemy, and an on the 28th of March, 1854, a day of national announcement to Europe that we feared humiliation and prayer was observed, for we were overmatched in the great struggle the purpose of imploring a blessing upon the in which we were engaged. How, it was efforts of our arms. At that time such an inquired, would the news be received at St. act was, at the least, unobjectionable, if not Petersburg if not as a cheering hope to the commendable. Although it can scarcely be enemy, and a sign that the resources of Engconceived that the Eternal and All-merciful land were almost exhausted? The terms Father of the universe would assist one com- also of the proclamation were offensive to munity of his creatures to slaughter another the religious feelings of a great part of the community, yet it must be acknowledged country, as well as to the sense of spiritual that fervent, sincere prayer is of the nature liberty which, in ruder ages, has been purof an inspiration to a religious mind. If it chased by so vast an amount of suffering, does not reach the throne of the Divine and which in these times is justly prized Mystery, and return laden with a blessing, as the inalienable right of Englishmen. yet it strengthens the man who prays, and "We," said the document-speaking in the gives him a resolution to address himself to name of the noble lady whose title it his labour with an enthusiastic devotion to usurped-" do strictly charge and command it. It is well, also, that war should be entered that the said day be reverently and devoutly on with a due solemnity, and not without observed by all our loving subjects in Engjust cause; and therefore it is proper, in land and Ireland, as they tender the favour going to war, to appoint a day when the of Almighty God, and would avoid His collective mind of the nation shall be fixed wrath and indignation." It was felt that upon the terrible and awful act which it the state of mind necessary for fervent sanctions, and, in effect, performs. Thus, prayer was not to be arbitrarily produced although it was urged by many that to by a royal mandate, and that as God alone implore the Deity for success in works of was the object to whom all prayers must gigantic bloodshed and torture, was an un- be addressed, so that to God alone belonged hallowed request-a prayer which, indeed, the solemn duty of commanding men to stood almost on the verge of blasphemy- pray. It was felt that, in this great matter, yet we spoke no word against the observance governments and princes have ever erred, of a day of national humiliation and prayer and that the objects for which they had on that occasion. commanded prayer had been often unworthy, low, and base. It was felt that the secular power of a fallible sovereign should not presume to direct the spiritual prayers and aspirations of a people, and stand like a shadow between them and their God. It was felt that, since the papal tyranny had been trampled under foot by the English nation, it would not be permitted to any sovereign to assume his shattered sceptre, and claim authority over the souls of his subjects. It was felt that a proposition for national prayer and prostration ought to come from the people to the state, and not from the state to the people. Feelings of

Very different was the feeling which animated us, in common with hundreds of thousands of the most intelligent of our countrymen, when, on the 28th of February, 1855, another proclamation was put forth, in the name of the queen, for another day

"of solemn fast, humiliation, and prayer." It was considered that this great people had been indeed most bitterly humiliated already-not by the act of God, for that would necessarily constitute a case for prayer and mental abasement, but by the incompetence or misconduct of their rulers. To hold a day of humiliation at such a

this kind made the 21st of March (the day appointed) coldly observed by some, and sternly condemned by others. The vast body of English dissenters were not the only people in these islands who regarded the command to pray and fast as a popish

ceremonial bordering upon profaneness and || mummery. Our rulers were not in a condition to ask Heaven for success against our enemies, when they had done so little of themselves to obtain it.*

On the appointed day, the Bishop of

to do it? A year ago we fasted and prayed by precedent; we went to church; we heard sermons; but we came away, and we went on as usual writing, and reading, and talking of our glorious army, our unequalled fleets, and the magnificent spectacle which we presented to the nation. Alas! if the privy council day of humiliation could not keep us from boasting then, who shall say that it is wanted to make us humble now? A day of prayer-it is a solemn phrase, not to be spoken of irreverently; but of all things reverence is most opposed to cant. We have starved an army-therefore let us fast; we have found our vaunted system worthless-therefore let us humble ourselves; we have taken all measures to insure disaster, and disaster has attended our efforts

therefore let us pray! But it is not reverence to be cowardly, and it is not piety to be superstitious. Laborare est orare. The gods help those who help themselves; but never did the gods lend a pitying ear to those who in the hour of peril, when the ship was drifting towards breakers, left the ropes and betook themselves to easy prayers. Our Puritan ancestors fought with sword in one hand and Bible in the other; but the Bible was not in the wrong hand. The Great Apostle did not desire the sailors of a disabled ship to fast, but to eat; nor was it till those resources of precaution had been taken which eventually saved the vessel that he deemed it seemly or pious to call upon the ship's company to pray."

The following able remarks on this subject appeared in the columns of the Examiner, on the Sunday preceding the appointed day of humiliation : "We certainly are a people much given to the observance of precedents. We lose an army, and precedent consoles us: it always happens in the first campaign. Why does it always happen? we are strongly disposed to ask; but we are told there is no precedent for such an inquiry. We nominate unproved men to important employments, we retain proved inefficient men in high offices, and ample precedent justifies the proceeding. And now, according to precedent, we are to pray and fast on Wednesday next. We are informed, indeed, that this 21st of March is not to be a fast-day. We have abandoned that popish superstition-by no means let us fast. Well, to those who are in easy circumstances this may be a gracious dispensation. Our statesmen who have bungled, and who now bid us all humble ourselves to deprecate the consequences of their bungling-they certainly will not fast. The 21st of March will be to them as other days, excepting only that it will be a holiday. No office, no committee, no House of Commons; only attendance at church in the morning to hear Mr. Melville, and, that popish superstition may not be countenanced in high places, dinner as usual in the evening. But there are some in this country upon whom that law is enforced which says, 'He that will not work, neither shall he eat.' There are some to whom daily Mr. Charles Dickens, in his excellent serial the labour is daily bread, and to whom a command to Household Words, had also the following reflections, be idle is, indeed, a command to fast. This seems which though somewhat whimsical, nevertheless go hard. If ministers, or even if a member of parlia- right to the heart of the matter, and express the ment, were to be mulcted a day's pay, the incon- common-sense views of hundreds of thousands of venience would not be great-the injustice perhaps Englishmen :-"If the directors of any great jointstill less. But these sheep-what have they done? stock commercial undertaking-say a railway comTheir part was to pay taxes, and they have paid pany-were to get themselves made directors printhem; was to send forth soldiers, and they have cipally in virtue of some blind superstition declaring sent them. Their work, one would say, has not been every man of the name of Bolter to be a man of done ill or grudgingly. A severe winter has com- business, every man of the name of Jolter to be a bined with the war to increase suffering; an un- mathematician, and every man of the name of Polter usually long frost has combined with a dull trade to to possess a minute acquaintance with the construcdiminish employment, and so multiply hardship; tion of locomotive steam-engines; and if those and what religion is that which, when all this has ignorant directors so managed the affairs of the body been so patiently and bravely borne, steps in and corporate as that the trains never started at the right says- Humble yourselves; give up another day's times, began at their right beginnings, or got to their work, another day's shopkeeping, another day's right ends, but always devoted their steam to bringwages, another day's profits; for this will be pleasing ing themselves into violent collision with one in the sight of heaven, this will prove that the na- another; and if by such means those incapable tion is lowly and penitent, this will perhaps avert directors destroyed thousands of lives, wasted milsome misfortune, perhaps win some favour for us-lions of money, and hopelessly bewildered and coneven the taking of Sebastopol ? What religion, we repeat, is this that presses thus hardly on the poor, while it makes dull the conscience of the rich? A day of humiliation! Surely we are already sorely humbled. What summons will stir in us such depths of shame as the letters from the Crimea ? The lines of Sebastopol-the harbour of Balaklava -the graves of Scutari-a military system tried and found wanting, a military reputation jeopardised in the sight of Europe, a national prestige departing from us if the thought of these things do not humble us, would a whole month of fast-days avail

glomerated themselves and everybody else; what would the shareholding body say if those brazenfaced directors called them together in the midst of the wreck and ruin they had made, and with an audacious piety addressed them thus:-Lo, ye miserable sinners, the hand of Providence is heavy on you! Attire yourselves in sackcloth, throw ashes on your heads, fast, and hear us condescend to make discourses to you on the wrong you have done? Or, if Mr. Matthew Marshall, of the Bank of England, were to be superseded by Bolter; if the whole bank parlour were to be cleared for Jolter; and the