Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-05-09

Demetrius Lisogub, who il described In the
new book, Underground Russia" by "Step-
MAX" Is the saint of nihilism. He was a very
rich man, owning large estate, but dressing
always in the shabbiest clothing, wearing at
the students meetings in the coolest winter
nights only linen jacket, a threadbare black
cloth waistcoat and thin, light-colored trous-
ers. and adding the thinnest of overcoats and
comforters and leather cap when he faced the
air. Lisogub was TALL slender pale, with a
long. thin beard and bore the expression of the
self-sacrifice which was his mode of life. He
lived in greater poverty than the poorest man
In his estate, devoting all his money to the rev.
Oiutlonary cause, and carrying his saving to
such an extent that his friends often had to in
terfere to save him from starving. Stepniak
says: II remember that one day he showed US
TWO articles, forming part of his dress suit. which
ne wore when, owing to his position he was COM
peiied 10 pay visit to the governor OF Cernigov.
OF to one of the heads of the superior police.
Ihey were pair Of gloves and an opera hat.
The gloves were of very delicate ash color.
and seemed just purchased. He. however, told
US that he had already had them for three years,
ana smiingly explained to us the little articles
ne adopted to keep them always new. The hat
was much more serious matter for its spring
had been broken whole year, and he put of
the expense of purchasing a new one from day
10 day, because he always found that he could
employ his money better. Meanwhile, to keep
up his dignity, he entered the drawing room
holding his opera hat under his arm his eternal
leather cap, which he wore summer and winter
alike, being in his pocket. When he passed into
the street, he advanced a few steps with his
head uncovered. as though he had to smooth his
oisarranged hair, until, being assured that he
was not observed. he drew the famous cap from
his pocket.
"This money, however, that he endeavored to
save with the jealous care of a Harpagon. was his
determined enemy, his eternal torment, his
curse for, with his impassiOned disposition and
with his heart so prone to sacrifice, he suffered
immensely from being compelled to remain with
his arms folded, mere spectator Of the struggle
and OF the martyrdom Of his best friends. Sub
jected to rigorous surveillance, having been
denounced for participation in the revolutionary
movement by his relations, who hoped, II he
were condemned, to inherit his fortune he could
do nothing, for, at the first step, his property
would have been taken away from him, and his
party would thereby have been deprived of such
indispensable assistance. Thus his FORTUNE was,
to him, like the cannon-ball attached to the leg
OF galley slave-it hindered him from moving
about.
His involuntary inaction was not only an an
noyance, cruel vexatiOn, as 1t could not fail to
be to man who united in himself the ardOr of
warrior with that of prophet-it was also
source of profound moral suffering. With the
modesty OF great mind, he attributed to him
self not the slightest merit for what seemed to
him the most natural thing In the wOrld-the
remuneration of his wealth and his lite of priva-
ton. Hence arose his profound melancholy,
which never left him. and showed itself In his
every word, notwithstanding the sorrowfully
whimsical tone he was accustomed to adopt In
order to conceal it. Thus, resigned and sad, he
bore his cross, which sometimes crushed him be-
meath its weight, throughout his whole life,
without ever rebelling against his cruel lot. He
was most unhappy man.
ION August 8, 1879 he was taken to the scat
fold in the hangman's cart with two compan-
Ions. Clubarof. and Davidenko. Those who
saw him pass say that, not only was he calm
and peaceful. but that his pleasant smile played
upon his lips when he addressed cheering words
to his companions. At last he could satisfy his
ardent desire to sacrifice himself for his cause
1t was. perhaps, the happiest moment of his un-
happy life"