I think the decree good, because to me it appears moderate, and it respects the pretensions of each, leaving to the nobles, as to the serfs, full latitude to make such agreements as they shall deem advantageous." The author, however, afterwards adds, — "Thus far the results have not corresponded with the hopes entertained. The nobility have not shown that eagerness to enter the track opened for them, which we had a right to expect. Power has not brought the necessary perseverance to bear upon this point, and has incurred the suspicion of timidity or duplicity. The serfs have not sufficient intelligence to frame the conditions of their own enfranchisement, and would be afraid of compromising their future welfare. They distrust the Government more than their masters, and would rather remain serfs; than place themselves in a greater dependence on authority." — "The Russian nobles," he continues, "wish for the emancipation of the serfs, because they are ashamed to pass for slave-traders in the eyes of civilized Europe; because they begin to perceive some profit in emancipation, and to be apprehensive for their own safety, fearing that the serfs may by and by seize that liberty which is now refused them. The Government wishes for it, too, in order to appear well before foreign nations, and to augment its revenues. At this rate, there would be none but the serfs themselves who would not wish their freedom; for to listen to the partizans of the present order of things, their condition is insured at present, but would become quite precarious on the day of their emancipation. If, in fact, the nobles are determined not to part with any of their lands, — in that case, indeed,
