Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1854-05-04

measures, but proposed to set free III,
criminals. and gorge the populace witt
drink. Besides these were host 0
young officers scattered through almos
every regiment in the capital, who wer'
relied upon to bring over their com
panies when the time for action should
come.
The death of Alexander, and The
generous contest which ensued between
Nicholas and Constantine, induced the
conspirators TO hasten the day for the
outbreak. The strongest feeling in the
minds of the Russians of the lower clas:
is that of veneration for the Emperor
Constantine had been proclaimed a:
such; and it would not be difficult tC
convince them that his remuneration was
forgery, and that his brother was con-
spring to gain the crown. Nicholas
was but little known to the soldiers; he
was in fact rather unpopular as an over
strict disciplinarian. The soldiers thus
confused between the rival Emperors,
would be easily induced to follow the
orders of their leaders, who would be
able to make such terms with the new
Car as they should deem proper. II
was now the Gath of December. In two
days more the troops would be sum-
moned to swear fidelity to Nicholas
The conspiratorS also learned that the
government had gained some intimations
Of their intention. 1t was resolved to
precipitate matters, and to begin the in
surrection on the morning of the 96th.
"'The scabbards are broken" said Ry-
leieff; eve can no longer hide our sa-
bres." 81 pass the Rubican," T" exclaim-
ed his friend Alexander Bestoujueff,
"and will force my way with the sabre. "
1t is no time for half-measure. 1t was
determined, if possible, that Nicholas
should be asssssinated. I'VE will see, -
said one, "whether there are any Brutu-
ses or Riegos in Russia" Said Ry-
leieff to the feroeious Kakhofski, "Dear
friend, you only of us all are alone in
the world. You ought to sacrifice
yourself for the Society. Rid US of the
Emperor" -... ..... ... ....
The morning of the Goth came, and
as the oath to Nicholas was being ad-
ministerted to the civil authorities and
in several regiments, the conspirators
rushed through the regiments most de-
voted to them, exclaiming, "They are
deceiving US. The Grand Duke Con-
stantine has not refused the throne
He is in irons, as also is the Grand Duke
Michael" Il have come from Moscow
with orders from the Emperor Constan-
tine to oppose this treachery," cried
Alexander Bestoujueff. "The Emperor
loves our regiment, and will increase its
pay Down with all who are unfaithful
to him." shouted his brother Michael.
The confusion spread. The wooden
blocks which supplied the place of flints
on parade days were quickly thrown
aside, and in few minutes the arms
were put in fighting condition, and the
troops were formed in order of battle.
At that moment the general Of the regi-
ment rode up and ordered the officer TO
repair to headquarters He was in
stantly shot dead, and the troops, with
loud cries of ''Hurrah for Constan-
tine" marched into the centre of the
great square. and took up their position
close by the immense granite rock from
the summit of which the statue Of Peter
the Great seems to wave benedictions
upon the city which he had evoked from
the Finnish marshes.
1t was almost noon, and as yet Nicho-
las had received no tidings Of the out
break. In an hour he learned that
several companies in actual revolt were
under arms close to the palace. A mo-
ment's irresolution, and all was lost
He did not hesitate Giving hasty
orders to collect such troops as could be
depended upon, he took his son, deli
cate child of eight years, by the. hand,
and descended to the body guards who
kept watch at the gates. al confde
him to your care" said he, delivering
the terrified boy into their hands. They
passed him along from rank to rank,
and swore to die in his defense. They
refused to deliver the young prince into
The hands of his tutor, who demanded
him. "God knows the hearts of all, ;"
hey said: "but we will surrender our
father's son only to our father in per-
son.
Meantime, body of troops had been
brought together, and Nicholas, putting
himself at their head, advanced to meet
he mutineers, from whose augmented
ranks the cry of 'Hurrah for Constan-
incl" was continually heard. On the
way he encountered a company Of
.roops. He accosted them with the Gus
.omary salutation, Good day, my chill
Iren'' "Constantine for eyerP' was
heir rejoinder as they marched on TO
DIN the insurgents. Another detaeh-
nent, whom he addressed in the same
manner, halted IN surprise, "To the
light about-marchl" he promptly
ldded, and they obeyed mechanically. |
Still endorsements continued to pour
n upon the mutineers. Some compa-
lies who had already taken the oath to
Nicholas, were persuaded that it was
obtained by fraud. and deserting their
uperior officers, they joined in the cry
# '.Constantine foreverl'' Attacks,
which wanted but little of being sue
essful, were made upon the Senate