The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1880-06-24
RUSSIAN WOMEN RBVOLUT1ONIsTs

the second Catherine, Russia has boasted
feminine revolutionists. Catherine her
self overthrow the Romanoff dynasty
and seated herself-a native of Prussisn
POmerania-on the throne, where her
descendants now, rule. The Countess
Daschkof, her confidant and assistant,
rode at that time in male attire at the
head of the famous Preobrajenski regi-
ment, with pistols at her saddle bow
au1, though this woman general was
then but eighteen years Of age, to her
tactics the success of that bloodless rev.
olutiOn was largely attributable. The
object OF those women was to establish
another line of aristocracy but to- day
revolution of different character is
in existence its motto, My Country
and Liberty. What grander battle cry
for freedom than this? Country aud
Liberty" Thousands Of people signing
for liberty have torn themselves from
their native land and come to the United
States in its search. But liberty here is
not so great liberty for women as some
monarchial countries allow. Even in
Russia woman holds her own property
uncontrolled, and under certain circum-
stances casts a vote in its management.
But the progressive women Of Russia
are not satisfied with this. They de-
mand wider freedom OF self-government.
They ask land fer the landless freedom
OF the press; free speech ; trial by jury;
religious liberty and elected representa-
tives. Women of the highest rank take
part in these demands, and with many
Of them the bullet is used, because the
ballot cannot be.
Vera Ssssulitch, who shot Trepoff, the
obnoxious Chief OF Police, aud whose
whereabouts were for a long time un-
known, made good her eseape from
Russia, and is now one Of the active
directors OF the revolution, from its
headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland.
Nera's act was not one Of private ven
geance; she was the agent of The CEN
trail body, the choice falling upon her by
lot.
Olga GobreslaWska, young girl of
Moscow, whose house was under sur
veiIlance, escaped by means of bal
loon, descending in field half a mile
from the city, whence all trace OF her
was lost.
At an outbreak in Keiff three young
ladies of high birth took a leading part,
ball from the revolver of Olga Ruffaw-
ska killing a policeman during the me-
lee. OF the two preliminary meetings
held before'this outbreak, one was COM
posed entirely of women, among whom
was the daughter oi General Gershfeld.
belonging to the highest official class Of
the empire. Another participant was
the Countess Psnim, a student of the
University, equally renowned for her
studious habits, her remarkable beauty,
aud her republican ideas.
Praskowin Katschka, girl Of nine
teen, handsome, prepossessiug, and
member Of a well-kuown noble family
in the wilma District, shot young no
bleman in his own dining saloon. Like
Vera Sassuiiich, she was doubtless act
ing under orders, as this young noble
man had shortly before received a
threatening letter from the Executive
Committee Of the Revolutionary Soci-
ETY.. This organization is the most
complex, secret aud complete revolu-
tionary society ever known. lis mem
bers, men and women, do not hesitate
TO sacrifice themselves in any way or
dered, locating in remote parts Of the
Empire, taking upon themselves all
manner Of privstions in order to propa
gate their ideas, or hazarding their lives
with the GOODNESS seen in case Of these
young girls.
Russia has for ages been a land Of
atrocities, until now a general insurrec-
ton prevails. Fearful crimes have
brought forth fearful retribution even
I Tire Winter Palace Of the Gar was the
scene recently Of an attempt to destroy
the whole imperial family. The licen-
tiousness of this Court has usually
| equalled that of a Turkish seragliO.
The present Gar is ruled by Princess
/ Dolgoronky, of whom he became enam-
Ored several years since, thereby causing
rupture with his family. The ill
health and death Of the Empress are
traceab'e to this period of domestic
trouble, for so infatuated was the Car
he wanted to bring up the child of him
self and this woman in his own family,
treating II as though the Empress was
its mother. Could he have divorced the
+. Empress, he would have married the
/ Princess; but this could not be done
without abdicating bis throne. He fell
into parozysms Of fury when be found
he could not take this step without
losing his crown. The Countess Hern-
dikoff, wife Of one Of the Masters Of
/ Ceremony of that Court, was recently
banished for saying that in case Of the
death of the Empress, she doubted not
the Gar would marry the Princess,
whose wonderful control over him
seemed to increase after his rupture
with his family. 1t remains to be seen
if the prediction was correct. While
the Czarowitch Inclined toward govern
mental reforms, the Princess Dolgo-
ronky opposes them, and through her
] Influence, it is said, the Gar has been
induced to refrain from the prOmulga-
tion Of the new constitution, which was
expected several months ago.