Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1876-03-25
THE SERF'S REVENGE.
A STORY OF SIBERIAN EXILE.

During the revolution in Poland, in
1830-3l, there were many Russians liv-
ing near the Polish frontier who became
more or less involved in the movement.
Many of them sympathized with the
Poles, and where they could not public
ly take part i'll the revolution they did
so privately. Some gave money to the
insurgent cause, and while they would
not inform the government officials of
any plans of the conspirators, they were
ever ready to tell the latter what the
government was doing against them.
Their houses frequently gave conceal
ment to the messengers of the Poles,
when pursued by the government
scouts, and furnished convenient hiding
places for refugees, who found their own
homes too hot to hold them. A great
many proprietors of landed estates were
suspected of disloyalty, though it was
often difficult to prove it against them.
The government made great many
arrests among these frontier residents,
and held investigations over their con-
duct. Some were discharged on giving
proof OF their loyalty, or on no evidence
being found against them; others were
imprisoned on account of the suspicious
against them, and when there was proof
OF their disloyalty they were banished
to Siberia. The punishment was in
proportion to the extent of their offense.
and varied all the way from few years
up to the duration of the natural life of
tho offender. Some were marched in
chains over the long road into northern
Asia, and frequently their journey last
ed more than two years before they
reached their destination. More dis
tinguished prisoners were entitled to
ride, and went forward day and night
with great rapidity; thus they travelled
III a few weeks the road that the pedes-
trlan prisoners we're many months in
passing to the end.
Among the residents on the Russian
frontier at that time was a nobleman
named Dol.ef, who had served in his
youth at the court of the emperor at st.
Petersburg. The atmosphere of the
court did not suit him, and so after few
years he left the service, and retired to
his estate, where he hoped to live in
peace. He formed an acquaintance with
few noblemon living near him, and
made occasional visits to Warsaw when.
ever the solitude of his country place be
gan to weary him. By-and-bye the in
surrection broke out, and speedily az.
sumed the proportions of revolution.
Most of the Poles espoused the cause
some OF the Russians living on the
frontier declared III their favor. and
others against them; while still others.
as before stated, remained, or professed
to remain, neutral.
OF this last number was Dolaeff He
argued that as he had served in the
army, and had always been thoroughly
loyal to his emperor, the latter could
need no special proof of his adhesion to
the government cause. On the other
hand, his esttte was 50 near the frontier
that, If he pronounced emphatically in
opposition to the rebellion, his life and
property would be in great danger from
the hostility of the Poles. He remained
quietly at home in attendance upon his
affairs, and hoped to escape all trouble.
Among the serfs on DOlaeff's estate
the master was not particularly popular.
he was imperious, and often cruel, and
Ill the collection of the annual dues,
from such rs had control of their own
time, he was never merciful. He de.
manded always the last copeck upon an
agreement, and no plea of sickness, bad
harvestS, or low markets had any weight
with him. Occasionally a serf was Sc
verely beaten at his order for some
triiing offense, and he was never back.
ward in demanding. on all occasions,
the exercise of his full seignorial rights,
Ivan Stepanof was one of the most ILL.,
teDigent serfs on the estate, and often
assisted his fellow laborers in getting
ont of difficulties with each other, OF
with their master Dolaeff regarded him
very favorably, and generally showed
him more kindness than was his wont
towards others. Ivan was prosperous,
in worldly point of view, and on two
or three occasions had relieved DolaefI
from financial embarrassments. But
one day, after heavy loss Mt cards,
Dolaeff sent for Ivan, and asked him foi
a sum of money greater than he could
command. Ivan protested that he had
not that amount, and could not raise it.
Dolaeff, in fit of anger, struck his serl
a blow that felled him to the ground
then, kicking him in the side, he turned
away, and Just as he was getting out OF
earshot he heard Ivan mutter
" will have my revenge fer this"
A week later Dolaeff was arrested on
charge Of aiding the insurrection. II
was shown that several raha1a had hoo,,