§ THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURYsaid, that some time ago the noble Earl the Secretary for Foreign Affairs had stated, on the authority of the Russian Government, that the rumour that General Mouravieff had ordered certain ladies in Poland to be flogged for wearing mourning was devoid of foundation. He perceived from the papers of yesterday that this order of General Mouravieff was somewhat modified in its terms. It was now stated, that in the first instance the order imposed a penalty of from twenty-five to one hundred roubles for wearing mourning; but it went on to say, that if the penalty was not paid, the wearers would be subject to punishment by the knout. It was also stated that this punishment had been inflicted in some instances, and that there had been an insurrection in Wilna in consequence. He wished to know, then, from the noble Earl, Whether he had received any confirmation of the statement that General Mouravieff had issued such an order; and, if so, whether it had ever been carried into effect?
§ EARL RUSSELLwas understood to say, that our Ambassador at St. Petersburg had been instructed to make inquiries on this subject, and he reported that General Mouravieff had imposed a penalty upon the wearing of mourning; but the account contained no statement, that if the fines were not paid, the ladies would be subjected to the knout.