SERFDOM IN RUSSIA.

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 285, 13 July 1860, Page 3

SERFDOM IN RUSSIA.

Of Russia we have heard little of late, and that little relates rather to domestic improvements? than,to. foreign aggreisions or politics of any kind. The Czar appears to be seriously bent on the mitigation of the evils of serfdom throughout his dominions. The following speech was addressed by the Emperor on the 14th of April,, to the members of the committees from the twenty four government* of the Second Convocation:— Gentlemen, —I begin by renewing the expression of my gratitude to the nobility of the three governments of Lithunia, who have first set the example, and have labored on the common work. Then addressing all the members of the committee collectively :— ! As for-you, gentlemen, I will say to you what I have already said to your government Marshals. I shall say to you that a holy work is in hand, and that it closely affects my heart. I am convinced that you also will regard it as a holy work. I have two objects, or rather I ought to say I have only one, the good of the country,

and I have no doubt you have the same object. I desire that the improvement of the lot of the peasantry should not be merely nominal, but a reality, and that the transaction should be effected peaceably, and without a shock. That cannot be effected without some sacrifice on your part. I wish these sacrifices to be as little onerous to the nobility as possible. '"" .. A programe is in existence, drawn up for your labors, which defines your direct duties. You have to answer questions that will be put to you. For the rest, if you find it necessary to add any considerations of your own, you can express them in spe- | cial memorials that will be examined and laid before me. Act unanimously with the general welfare in view. I know that absurd rumours have been in circulation. Doubtless they have reached your" ears. It has been said that my confidence in the nobility has, been impaired; that is a falsehood and a culumny. Pay no attention to them, and trust in me. From the beginning I addressed myself to the nobility with full confidence; it is with the same sqhfidence I address you now. I depend on your justifying my expectation by your acts. My Minister of the Interior and Count Panine, whom I have created President of the Examining Committee in the place of General Rostovtoff, are acquainted with my intentions and my views on this question. They will be able to communicate them to you in detail. You must assist us, gentlemen. Therefore, gentlemen, with God's help, set to work. By command of the Emperor of Russia, the end of the war in Caucasus, which has lasted fifty years, will be celebrated throughout the whole of that country on the 6th of September. The Governor, Prince Bariatiuski, arrived at Tiflis on the 6th of March, and immediately assumed the duties of his office.