4
in spite of the formidable opposition of the Russian nobility.
The fiat of one man, supported by a few choice spirits, has ac¬
complished all this. The revolution has been a bloodless one;
no social disorganization has resulted; and even some of its
bitterest opponents begin now to admit that, as the operation
had to be performed some time, it was as well to do it at once.
They are now learning to adapt themselves to the new order of
things.
Serf emancipation is of deep interest, for the following
considerations:
1. The anti-slavery cause receives powerful encouragement
from it. It took many years' agitation, and the expenditure of
£20,000,000 sterling, to emancipate 800,000 slaves in the West
Indies. American slavery has lasted a long time, and is still a
fearful blot; but in Russia we have, in the short space of two
years, the emancipation of 23,000,000 of a fine rac ; of peasants,
who are, physically and mentally, superior to the negro race.
The influence and example of these emancipated serfs will
operate on the world, and will show that, while so beneficial a
revolution has taken place successfully in Russia, other conn-
tries may learn to ' go and do likewise.' The serfs have shown,
by their peaceful demeanor, and by avoiding any violent
excess, that they know how to appreciate their newly-acquired
liberty.
2. The friends of constitutional government have reason to
rejoice in serf emancipation, as forming the first instalment of
liberal institutions in Russia. Even the late Emperor Nicholas
was convinced that emancipation was necessary, bnt he would
not give it, knowing that it would involve reform in all other
departments of the state; that the upheaving of the masses
would affect every institution in Russia. As serf emancipation
included municipal institutions for the peasantry, a constitution,
therefore, for all Russia follows as a corollary; and I found,
among all intelligent Russians, the full conviction that a consti¬
tution must naturally come in a few years; that as municipal
constitutions grow out of emancipation, so provincial assemblies
are the result of municipal freedom, and a constitution will bo
the fruit of provincial assemblies. These steps are now bein«
taken. °
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