A letter from the Emperor of Russia, dated the 13th
October, relieving his brother Constantine of the viceroyalty of Poland, has been published this week. It is, like all Russian documents, excessively verbose ; but the meaning is clear enough. His Majesty sent his brother, he says, to Poland "as a pledge of his sincere desire to advance in the way of pacification to the restitu- tion of order, and to introduce a favourable state of things in harmony with the wants and interests of the country,"—the favour- able state of things being the proscription of all educated young men doomed for life to the ranks in the Caucasus, under a decree suggested by Wielopolski, sanctioned by Alexander, and approved by Constantine. The Poles received Constantine by an attempt at his life, and "a constantly growing rebellion, intrigues more and more traitorous and criminal, have convinced his Imperial Highness of the incompatibility existing between the actual state of the country and the thought of benevolence" of the Emperor. The Archduke, therefore, is withdrawn ; but it is graciously added that when all Poles have sought the Imperial clemency Constantine may be sent back to rule over the few Poles left alive. It is time English statesmen gave over praising this Sovereign's "clemency." He is just like all other despots, gentle enough so long as there is no trace of opposition ; but after that, without fear, or pity, or reverence for mankind
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