Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-04-19
The Cars Dilemma.

The nihtliStS-with one exceptfon-Who
ccolly planned and executed the murder OF the
Car Of Russia have paid the penalty OF she'd
ding human blood with their lives. They were
promptly arraigned, tried without loss of time
and executed Immediately after conviction,
The new Gar could not have shown them
mercy, however much he might have been dis
posed that way. The assasstns Of his father
were beyond the pale of his mercy. as absolute
as is his power. The prompt execution OF the
consPirators and assassins was intended as
warning to the nihillsts' organization that the
laws live and are enforced though the Car
may be killed; that conspiracy and assassina-
ton cannot escape the vigorous grasp and
ready execution Of the laws. It Is evident from
all the Information received from Russia that
the execution OF the prisoners has Inspired the
nihilists to renewed and more desperate ef-
forts Instead OF oVeraw1ng them. There ia a
reign OF terror In st. Petersburg which causes
almost every heart to beat anXiously, and the
one who feels, no doubt, the keenest anxiety
and dread Is he who was but
recently crowned autocrat Of all the Russias.
The same mysterious warnings which followed
the Cars late father into hts most secret re-
treats, reach Alexander III. by inexplcable
means. bis person ia continually guarded by
the most trusted OF his officers and troops, and
bis palace Is surrounded by soldiers believed to
De loyal; yet there must De traitors among
those nearest to him, else how could those nj.
hlllst communications warning him shat when
he signed the death warrant CT Sophie Pieotrs-
Ky he also signed his own, have reached the In.
nermost chambers OF his palace? The political
condition Is such that he cannot tell whom to
trust. In spite OF the most rigid repressi7e
measures that can &c devised, the conspirators
daily furnish evidence Of their continued and
dangerous plottings- The very candles which
were Intended to surround the coffin of the late
Car at his interment were, by an accident,
found 20 be flled with death-dealing explo-
sfve. The nihilists have given evidence OF an
organization and discipline that is almost won
derful Members OF the order detailed for the
DOGGY work OF assassination. 60 to the per-
romance Of that work as IL 1t were duty. and
when captured, die, refusing to expose the Sc
crets OF their order. heyoung Car Is describ.
ed as man OF broad mind and liberal
views He is accredited with an earnest desire
to Consult the welfare OF his people, and to
make his government progressive one. The
secret order which confrontS him demands
constitutional form OF government, and this
demanc may have TO be complied WITH In order
10 restore peace to Russia; but II the nihiIIsts
are directed By men OF the high Intelligence
many suppose, they ought to comprehend that
the Gar might yield to petition and request
what he could no. to demands and threats: that
In the present state OF affairs any concession
OF the government would have the appearance
OF being the result Of fear. 1t is apparent that
a large proportion OF the Cars subjects. com.
prising men OF learning, are discontented: that
they desire government more In accord with
the spirit of this age, and that the agitstion In
behalf OF liberty viii so on from secret conspi-
raey 10 open rebellion and revolution. The
iron hand OF power has failed after years OF re-
pressiye, even destructive measures after
sending thousands TO death and to exile to
crush out this sentiment Indeed lie grows
stronger and holder, aud while the people OF
this country, and, 10 fact, OF all civilized por-
tons OF the globe condemn assassination. no
matter what cause may tnstigate the crime.
there is hope that the new ruler Of Russia
viii carefully STUDY the condition of his people,
and take measures for granting to them all the
liberty that men, created IN the image of
God, should enjoy.