The comparative freedom enjoyed in Siberia was not without visible result.  The peasants were more prosperous than in Russia, they lived in better houses and enjoyed more real comforts of life.  The absence of masters and the liberty to act for themselves begat an air of independence in the peasant class that contrasted agreeably with the cringing servility of the serf.  Wealth was open to all who sought it, and the barriers between the different ranks of society were partially broken down.  The peasants that acquired wealth began to cultivate refined tastes.  They paid more attention to the education of their children than was shown by the same class in Russia, and the desire for education rapidly increased.  The emancipation of the serfs in Russia was probably brought about by the marked superiority of the Siberian population in prosperity and intelligence.

In coming ages the Russians will revere the name of Alexander not less than that of Peter the Great.  To the latter is justly due the credit of raising the nation from barbarism; the former has the immortal honor of removing the stain of serfdom.  The difficulties in the way were great and the emperor had few supporters, but he steadily pursued his object and at length earned the eternal gratitude of his people.  Russia is yet in her developing stage.  The shock of the change was severe and not unattended with danger, but the critical period is passed, and the nation has commenced a career of freedom.  The serf has been awakened to a new life, and his education is just commencing.  Already there is increased prosperity in some parts of the empire, showing that the free man understands his new condition.  The proprietors who were able to appreciate and prepare for the change have been positively benefited, while others who continued obstinate were ruined.  On the whole the derangement by the transition has been less than many friends of the measure expected, and by no means equal to that prophesied by its opponents.  But the grandest results in the nation’s progress are yet to come, and it is from future generations that Alexander will receive his warmest praise.

The working of mines on government account has greatly diminished in the past few years, and the number of hard labor convicts in Siberia more than equals the capacity of the mines.  When the political exiles, after the revolution of 1863, arrived at Irkutsk, the mines were already filled with convicts.  The ‘politiques’ sentenced to hard labor were employed in building; roads, most of them being sent to the southern end of Lake Baikal.  In June, 1866, seven hundred and twenty prisoners were sent to this labor, and divided into eight or ten parties to work on as many sections of the road.  Before the end of the month a revolt occurred.  Various accounts have been given and different motives assigned for it.  I was told by several Poles that the prisoners were half starved, and the little food they received was bad.  Hunger and a desire to escape were the motives to the insurrection.  On the other hand the Russians told me the prisoners were properly fed, and the revolt must be attributed entirely to the hope of escaping from Siberia.