Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-08
NO. 2S9.
miscellaneous.
RUSSIAN CRUHLrIES.
THRILLING SCENE AT THE TRIAL OF A
YoCNG NIHlIlsr.

From the ith to the l4th of October last
the military court OF Kharkoff was engag-
ed in trying fourteen persons accused of
belonging 10 secret society, the purpose
of which was To overthrow the existing
government and social system of Russia
In the course Of the trial it WAS shown
that A. Syyizianko and Legky had distribut-
ed pamphlets and proclamations inciting
the people to insurection; that Philippoff
had forged passes; that Daniloff had insult.
ed the officers who went To arrest him;
that Prof. Syizianko had not reported to
the authorities the crimes of his son, Alex
ander, youth of 10 years. The accusa-
tons against the other prisoners were
comparatively insignificant The defence
was conducted very poorly, all the coun-
sci being appointed by the court from
among the military counsel. The trial Of
the youth. Sytzianko, produced an unusual
excitement in the court. DR.. Sytzianko
had all the sympathy of the public, beng
esteemed both rs an able Professor OF the
University of Kharkotf and as a physician.
Eight months Of prison lie had made
him almost unrecognizable his face was
deadly pale. Still when examined he de-
Tended himself ably. His son Alexander,
a gymnasium pupil, was undoubtedly
the most remarkable of all the accused.
His beautiful face, his clear and charm
ing voice, and his eloqucncc produced II
very favorable impression on the public
The most striking moment of the trial
was this; The attorney for the State
asked Alexander why. on the preliminary
investigation, he had made certain state.
ments which on the trial he recalled In
explanation the youth described most elo-
quently all the horrors of the prison life
he had been submitted to. His physical
suflerings and moral tortures he said,
had reduced HIM to n condition in which
no person can be responsible either for
his words or Tor hls actions. He told how
he felt when during the winter he was
shut in II small, dark, damp underground
cell, and subsisted tor a time on one glass
OF water that was given 10 him once in
twenty-fo hours. The father OF the
youth could not stand such dreadful
tale; he tainted and so put an end TO the
exposition of the secrets of the political
prison. A most exciting scene followed.
All the ladies' present in the courtroom
cried and tears were seen on the faces of
the stoutest men. The court adjourned
When it reappeared the attorney for the
prosecution requested that the prison at,-
thorities and guardians should be summon
ed rs witnesses. On the next day they
were brought Alexander Sytzianko was
requested to repeat what he had said oil
the previous day about the abuse received
by him at the hands OF the prison authori-
ties This he did. and added some details
even more shocking. Again his father
felt sick and requested the court to be al
lowed to leave the courtroom. This Pc
tition was granted. The prison authorities
were unable to contradict the startling
revelations made by the youthful prisoner
On October l4th the judgment of the court
was announced to the accused. Alexander
Sytzimko and Legky, being deprived of
all rights. were sent to Siberia for two
years and eight months at hard labor !;
Phillipoff, being deprived of fcertain special
rights. was exiled 10 Siberia for two years
Blinoff and Kuznctzoff were sent TO u
fortress for four months Daniloff also got
four months. and Golubeff two months.
The rest of the accused, including DIR.
Sytzianko, were acquitted. On Oct. 25th
the same court will try burgher, Julisoff ;
burgess. JulisofI; the son of the priest
kojin, daughter OF the priest, kojin, the
son of State Counsellor Balabuch, DR..
Rndakoff. and the daughter Of the sergeant,
Gangozoff. all accused of political crimes.
st ptfsfsi,ur1 GOIOs