12 SEPTEMBER 1874, Page 15

THE MENNONITE SETTLERS.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]

SIR,—The Russian Government has offered even better terms to the Mennonite settlers than appears from your article of last week. After General Todleben's late visit to the colonies, the Government so far fell back upon the Empress Catherine's promise of perpetual exemption from military service, as to propose to the Mennonites three alternatives for duty in the Army,—viz., service for the same length of time in civil hospitals, in the Government fire brigades, or in the Imperial forests. Many, how- ever, are declining these offers, and still prosecuting their intended emigration, because they feel no confidence that the fair promises will be permanently kept.—I tun, Sir, &c., JOSEPH STURGE.