New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-01
A TALK WITH LEO HARTMANN.


HIS PLANS FOR WORK IN AMERICA.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NIHILsr-GLAD OF AN op.
PoRTUNIrY TO TELL WHAT he HOPES TO Ac-
CoMPLsH-woRK HERE TO HELP THE CAUSE
IN RUSSIA
Leo Hartmann, the Nihist who arrived in this
country Wednesday last, really looks something
like the typical conspirator or revolutionist He is
snort 1.-the man with small head and small
hands. His hair, which is of light color is cut
closely ana stands out III all directions from his head
lie wears full beard which is of the same
tilt. His eyes arc particularly keen and bright and
are continually dancing from one object 20 another
BENG OF nervous temp >rament he is all the time
changing his position, and when engaged in conver-
satlon he smokes cigarette after anotherrapidly
rolling them with his fingers. One can see by his
dress that an attempt is made to appear as little
IKE foreigner as possible. Yesterday, when talk
ing 10 TRIBUNE reporter, he a black alpaca
coat, low cut white waistcoat and mixed gray
trowsers.
When asked if he willing to disclose his
mission to this country he replied that he was only
TO zoo gad TO have an opportunity of telling the story
OF tne wrongs of the Russian people.
on ask what brings me to this country Hart
mann continued. 1t is the desire to gain the sym
struggling for liberty in Russia We wish TO show
S,al shas change of government is necessary.
sympathy, once aroused, will have an infln-
ence upon the conservative element in Rus
sla, as well as encourage the revolutionary
m pafiy. t before coming here judged from the tone
people were little acquainted with Nihiisn-Inuch
less Less IN iact than in conservative England. 1t has
non here. This is utterly false. So is the report
Europe" '''' '>A''' ''
" " Have You any fear of extraditionr
:, Not the least" replied the revolutionist laugh
ing ngg Inc question was never raised at all in Eng
i lana Whiie was there 1t was only my arrival
mere mat 1t was raised for the first time. An attempt
hiight be made to kidnap me. Who can tell 7"
just what is the ulterior object aimed at by your
party IF, y .,.,,.-. ' 90 ~ ''D'
IL was first used by noyeliss to designate certain
philosophical idea. Those to whom the term is ap-
pied are revolutonists. What we wish is a gem
erai Congress elected by the people TO frame Con-
stitution-n a word. constitutional government
our party does not want even 10 lay down pro-
ha fhey f9E he people We would oppose nothing
an lis the movement gaining ground among the in
among all classes The Nihilsts themselves COM
pose the Raeleai party He who believes that they
Th upincipieu, olo9dtmrsty villains is mistaken.
Nney are honorable men without stain.
NO, you cannot understand the matter of
assassination ass. s in this country. But you did
not root out the curse of slavery in America and
Without the shedding of blood DO you think that
any ruler VIII give liberty to his people without
struggle on the part of the peop The Car is the
head of the present form of government and as lon0
as There Is no change the people Will suffer oppres-
SION; ~ becomes necessary. therefore. TO strike at
When Hartmann was questioned concerning the
present Gar and the policy to be pursued toward
MN py the revoiutionsts, he seemed TO feel tn he
was o. delicate ground Speaking about the policy
of the Present Gar he said:
80, +" lie has adopted such policy that it would be
dtiiicut for a change 10 take pace--in fact do
not think it possible. But it is highly probable
that after his death agitation might result in
patiently until the Car dies a natural death. Ii
there Is no ange of policy the Car will die ana if
cessorpursuesasniar policy he will be killed.;
and so ON. There were eight attempts upon the life
of the last Gar But if all countries would show
active interest in the subject of reform in Russia
the terrorists wouidno longer pursue this policy Ii
would not be necessary. If we depended solely
would have some doubts of success But the
misery M OF tne people is increasing day
creasing with the weight of their burdens. If a
change Is not brought about vast territories in
the country will become depopulated, the percent
births There Is not only political oppression but
social oppression The peasants are not able to paw
their taxes with the whole of their incomes to saw
nothing of supporting their families There is great
dltercncc between the social problem in Russia and
those tat nave arisen IN other countries. In Russia
there Is no middle class and consequently the op-
preston OF the Government falls directly upon the
working classes. 1t Is struggle between them and
the Government, you see. Therefore, gain lib
ment."
Are means still used to make the people ripe for
revoltf" ''fo i''
I'VE are endeavoring all the time to educate them
by means OF pamphlets treatlses and other docu-
ments. The party that has this work in hand is
much greater than the extremists terrorists
It is my purpose TO publish soon in
this country secret Government documents showing
the difference between the laws of Russia and the
actual administration OF them. Here is an example:
Certain laws were made concerning public schools
but the Minister of Public instruction sent ont Sc
cret circulars that directly prevented the laws from
being carried out"
In conclusion Hartmann said that he wished every
body TO understand that he did not intend TO or
game any Socialistic Nihilistc party in this
country. All he desired to accomplish was to make
known the condition of the people in Russia in the
hope of enlisting Intelligent sympathy. While this
his plan in general he had not as vet arran ged
the details. Meetings would he held in this city and
in other parts of the country and he intended 20
publish number OF articles. His stay here be said
he did not think would be long