SPERANSKY AND THE DECEMBRISTS 317many sleepless nights. 1 Of course, such evidence is by no means con-
clusive, yet there is no particular reason to discard it. Speransky was
kind-hearted and somewhat sentimental. He surely was very conscious
of the moral position in which he found himself. We can only surmise
that this was indeed a very painful episode in his life. Quite possibly,
as Golitsyn suggests, Speransky thought that the best and most effective
way in which he could help the defendants was to see to it that the
trial was conducted in as correct, orderly, and equitable manner as
possible. It would be quite in keeping with his conviction that good
administrative procedure is the best way to solve most difficulties.
Of more immediate interest to us is how Speransky's role in the
trial affected his relations to Emperor Nicholas. In the very first days
of his reign - or more precisely during the short interregnum that
lasted from the death of Alexander I to December 14 - Nicholas called
in Speransky to help in the drafting of the manifesto of accession after
Karamzin had failed to produce a satisfactory text. For three days,
between December 10 and 13, the Emperor saw Speransky every day to
discuss the text of the manifesto. 2 It is significant, though, that Spe-
ransky was only a second choice and that he was called only after
Karamzin had proven unsatisfactory. Nicholas harbored some suspicion
towards Speransky, a suspicion which seems to have been based on
Alexander's treatment of Speransky in 1812. Deservedly or not, and in
our opinion, it was undeserved, Speransky had the reputation of being
somewhat of a liberal. And Nicholas I loathed anything that was even
faintly connected with liberalism and constitutionalism. The young
Emperor's suspicions and distrust appeared to be further confirmed
by the revelations of the Decembrists.
The zeal and ability displayed by Speransky as a member of the
High Court, helped him to regain the full confidence of Nicholas. It
has been suggested that the efficiency, enthusiasm, and devotion he
displayed in the performance of his task at the trail were motiyated by
his desire to dissociate himself clearly from the Decembrists and dem-
onstrate his absolute loyalty. Perhaps such considerations played a role
in shaping Speransky's attitude, but we have no evidence to support it.
It seems equally convincing, both psychologically and on the evidence
of his entire career, that Speransky had always made it a point to
perform the task assigned in as perfect and expert a manner as he
could. Further, the performance was always carried out so as to satisfy
the desire - expressed or implied - of his superiors. It was a technique
1 Korf, Zhizn' grata SperansRogo, II.
~ Syroechkovskii, Mezhdutsarstvie, pp. 77-79.