illness (an epidemic catarrh, generally called in Russia and
Germany, "Grippe"), which had greatly increased the mortality of the
city.

_April 5th._--At one o'clock Sir Moses visited Count Nesselrode. We
were at once received by him in a very friendly manner. He said he had
already spoken to the Emperor about Sir Moses. The latter informed the
Count of the two purposes for which he came to St Petersburg, viz.,
the establishment of Jewish schools, and the repeal of the two Ukases
for the removal of the Jews from the frontiers. This, the Count said,
was not in his department, but the Government was at present engaged
on the amendment of those Ukases, and that he should be happy to
render Sir Moses all the assistance in his power in furtherance of his
objects. Sir Moses then spoke to him respecting the cultivation of
land, and the Count said that his views were in strict accordance with
those of the Government; that he wished to raise the Jews, and make
them more useful members of society; that the cream of the Jews were
in England, France, and Germany, but that those in the ancient
provinces of the Russian Empire and Poland were engaged in low traffic
and contraband pursuits.

Sir Moses expressed his deep regret to hear the Minister's opinion,
for which he was not prepared. He then said to his Excellency that he
should be happy to be presented to the Emperor; the Count told him he
would ask His Majesty, and requested Sir Moses to call on Count
Ouvaroff, the Minister of Public Instruction, at one o'clock on the
following day. He again repeated his desire to render him every
assistance.

In the course of the day Sir Moses left his card and letters of
introduction at Count Orloff's.

_April 6th._--We called to-day on Count Ouvaroff, with whom we
remained an hour and a half in conversation. He assured Sir Moses, for
himself and on the part of his colleagues, that the measures of the
Government for the organisation of the Jewish schools were designed
for their improvement and happiness, and not with the slightest
intention of conversion to another religion, but to make them more
useful members of society, and to fit them for advancement. He also
assured Sir Moses that the Government had some plans for a more
liberal treatment, but that the Jews must first prepare themselves.

"The Jews of Russia," he said, "were different from the Jews in other
parts of the world; they were orthodox, and believed in the Talmud,"
which