The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1880-01-20
The Horrors Of Siberian Exile

| GQe doCrorS OF Slperlau Exlle
OF the treatment Of political ok.
lies in Siberia l have before me a
thrilling description from the pen OF
Mr.. Robt. Lemke, German writer
who has visited the various penal es.
Adjustments of Russia with all OFF,
cial legitimation. lie had been to
Tobolsk, after which he had 10 make
a long, dreary journey in a wretched
car, until a high mountain rose up
before him. ln.its torn and craggy
flank the mountain showed a colossal
opening, similar to the mouth of a
burnt-out crater. Fetid vapors,
which almost took away his breath,
ascended from it.
Pressing his handkerchief upon his
lips. Mr.. Lemke entered the opening
OF the rock, wlern he found n large
watch-hous with picket Of Cos
sacks. Having shown his papers he
was conducted by guide through a
long, very dark and narrow corridor,
which, judging fromits sloping des-
cent, led down into some unknown
depth. In spite of his good fur, the
visitor felt extremely cold. After a
walk Of some ten minutes through
the dense obscurity, the ground be-
coming more and moro soft, vague
simmer Of light became observable.
1--WE are In the mine," said the guide,
pointing with significant gesture to
tho iron cross-bars which closed the
cavern before them. 3lcl
The massive bars were covered
with q thick rust. A watchman, ap-
peared, who unlocked the heavy iron
gate. Entering room of cslsidera-
BILE extent, but which was scarcely a
mans height, and which was dimly
lit by an oil.lamp, the visitor asked /:
"Where are wef" ain the sleeping
room OF the condemnedl Formerly
1t was a productive gallery Of the
mine, now 1t serves as q shelter"
The visitor slHddered. This sub
terranean sepulclire, lit by neither sun
nor moon, was called sleeping
room. Alcove-like cells were hewn
into the rock here, on couch of
damp, ,half-rotten straw, covered with
Backcloth,. ,.thc unfortunate sufferers
were to repose from the days work.
Over each celia crampiron was fixed,
wherewith to lock UP the prisoners
like ferocious dogs. No door, no
window anywhere.
Conducted through another passage
where few lanterns were placed,
and whose end was also barred by all
iron gate, Mr.. Lemke came TO large
vault, partly. This was the mine. A
deafening noise Of pickaxes and ham
| mers. There he saw hundreds OF
wretched figures, with shaggy boards
sickly faces, and, and Redeemed eye.
lids; clad IN tatters, some Of them
barefoot, others In sandals, fettered
with heavy chains No song, no
whistling. Now and then they shyly
looked at the visitor aud his campan-
ION. The water dripped from the
stones; the eonvicts were thoroughly
wet. One of them, o tall man with
suffering mien, labored hard will
gasp;ng breath, but'se strokes of hi
pickax were not heavy. and hrm
enough to loosen the rock.
why are you here?" Mr.. Lemkt
asked. , lG- -Ioi,
! The convict looked confused, will
| an air almost of CONSERVATION, ant
silently continued his work.
at is forbidden TO the prisoners t.
speak on account Of their Danish
ment I" said the inspector.
Entombed alive; forbidden to sa!
| why.
"But who is the convict2" Mr.. Lem
Ike ssked the guide, with low voice.
s'it is number ll&," the guide re
piled, laconically.
"This / see,r answered the visitor
but what are the mans antecedents
To what family does he belong 2"
ale isa Count" replied the guide
"a well-known conspirator. More,
regret to say, ! cannot tell you abou
! Number Hal" m esla 4e
Tho visitor felt as if he were stifie
, in the grave-like atmosphere-as
mis- chest were pressed in by a demon
| iscal nightmare. He hastily aske
his guide TO return with him to tn
upper world. Meeting there th
commander of the military establish
} ment, he was obligingly asked b
that offier.: ,s
, aWell what impression did OF
, penal establishment made upon you
Mr.. Lemke stifily lbowing in 81
, ence, the officer seemed to take this
! a kind Of satisfied assent, and WEI
on: n f.~1,.
every Industrious people, the me
, below are they not?" z ,!l. .tla 81
! "But with what feelings," Mr.. y
4 make answered, "must these unfor
Q unates look forward to o day Of re-
Q after week of toll :"
: "Restln said the officer; ''convic
must always labor. There 70 no re-
A for them. They are condemned
! perpetual, forced labor; and he wi
:, once enters the mine never ieav
" Iitp
a "But This Is barbarousp o
}. The officer shrugged his shoulder
81 and said .The exile works daily, I
d twelve hours; on Sundays, tc
,f They must never rest. But, no
to mistaken. Twice year. though, r.
al 10 permitted them--at Easter I'll
70 and on the birthday of his Males
- the Emperor."-Kdrl Blind, IN
~ GonfemDOra7y RevietC