Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-06-13

Many monarchs have delighted in an extrava
CANT and startling exhibition OF power, but the
Russian despots. perhaps more frequently than
others, have been in the habit of blending dra
matte contrivances both with vengeance and
play!ulness.
The Emperor Paul a strange half mad
parsonage: he honored with his favor many
humble persons, and among the number, one
Frogere, French player. who had the honor OF
dining at the imperial table. where sometimes his
sallies were held 10 be brilliant. One day a
compliment was paid to the Emperor which went
10 exalt him above Peter the Great The En-
peror affected modesty. but at the same time At
tempted witticism. remsrking that 50 to Halter
him was ''robbing Peter To paw Paul. and ap-
pealed 10 Frogere il that was fair The player
Tor the sake of the Joke rather than the truth
actually admitted that il not. las there was
no probability that ever any one would be able o
rob Paul TO pay Peter" This did not please
there was too much sarcastic truth in II To pass
current in that society. Every one looked blank ;
the party broke up before the gloom passed ::
away. and Frogere. much disconnected, retreated
to his bed and tried 10 forget the mishap ].
sleep That night his chamber was abruptly
entered by an officer and four armed men. and
the Emperor's warrant for his arrest was pro-
duced Ii was announced that he was banishei
TO Siberia and must forthwith commence his sad
Journey He was merely allowed time TO pro-
vide himself with change of clothes, when he
was forced into carriage which. strongly guard
ed. aud moved onward two soldiers with pistols
and a drawn sword being his companions in the
vehicle. They advanced briskly during the
night. and when day returned, the actor was
bindfolded
A stop was At length made he was removed
from the coach, and the bandage being taken
from his eyes, he found himself in wretched
howell. Some course food set before him.
while an officer with whom he had frequently
been on intimate terms. looked on IN cold for
hidden silence.
Frogere was too much afflicted u eat
What have | done" be exclaimed Ito merit
this severity!
Need you be toldl' inquired the oiheer;-
have you forgotten the mad Insult YOU ventured
To offer TO the Emperor OF all the Russians at
his own table, So outrageous sarcasm his i'm
perial majesty could not forgive
Heaven is nv witness, said Frogere,-l
meant no offence. Can YOU not make this
known. cannot you intercede FOR meE'
Impossible all can do is TO take care OF
your property at Moscow. Any other commits
sion that YOU NAV give me ! viii faithfully eN-
scute
And am | 10 DC banished for liieE'
No; the kindness OF the Emperor tor You
forbid him 70 go 80 far: YOU are only TO remain
in Siberia thirty years.
Thirty years Frogere exclaimed with
horror. la that mournful hour the vast differ
ence between Punishment Tor life and "only
thirty years. was hardly appreciated
The officer took his leave. Frogere VAS again
blinded. and the carriage pursued IT. Journey
At intervals IL stopped. scanty meal was set
before the prisoner. How long they had been
travelling be could not tel. bat be had concluded
they had reached the confines. when. blinded
with more care than ever he found the upper part
of his dress loosened. his arms pinioned, AMI Ia
this situation be placed upon seat be
heard the Earring sound of muskets. aud the mil
itary word of command. aud recommended NJ
soul 10 Heaven. Another movement made.
which told him the fatal moment was at hand,
when the btndage tell from his eves. aud he
found himself in the same place which he had
Oiled when he hszarded that iOcular remark
which had caused him To experience 30 much al
niction The emperor presided. aud all present
laughed. delighted With the imperial prank. for