The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1883-04-19
A Dramatic Career.


That these prosaic days are not wholly
without their thrilling romances and
hairbreadth escapes is shown by the re-
markable career of Prince Krapotkine,
the Russian Nihilist.
Prince Krapotkine now lies in prison
at Lyons, France, having been recently
condemned to five years imprisonment
as an anarchist.
Russia has produced, in this genera
ton, few men more learned, more elo.
quent, or more accomplished than this
man of princely rank, doomed to soli-
tary confinement in foreign country.
Prince Krapotkine traces his descent
from Rurick, the first ruler of Russia;
and claims, indeed, that he has better
claim to the Russian throne than the
reigning Gar himself. Belonging to a
| family not only noble, but very rich, he
early manifested q craving for knowl-
edge, and in his youth devoted himself
to scientific studies. He became, while
| yet young man. noted geologist,
| geographer and traveller; and wrote sew
eral scientific works on subjects of physi-
cal science, which won for him wide
reputation.
Outraged by the despotism of the Rus
| Sidu hTdpOIhiIiO, III 6ptGC
| Of his wealth and his fame as man Of
science, about ten years ago joined the
revolutionary society of Nihilists. de-
voted to the destruction of the Empire;
and from that time he became one of its
most active and energetic members.
Prince Krapotkine, besides being
learned, is an orator of a high order.
His bold and vehement eloquence, cleo
trifying those who heard him, rapidly
made converts wherever he went At last,
however, he was hunted down by the
Czar's police. He was arrested and
thrown into the dungeon of the fortress Of
Peter and Paul, atSt. Petersburg. These
dungeons, gloomy to the last degree,
extend beneath the ice-cold river Neva.
No ray of light from heaven relieves
their darkness. No wonder that the
prisoner was attacked by deadly i'll.
ness and had to be removed to the Nicho.
las hospital near by.
As the Prince gradually recovered his
strength in the hospital he began to plan
Ills escape. By some means he managed
to communicate with his Nihilist friends
outside. Having received permission te
walk three times week in the hospita
yard. he one day observed cart lader
with wood enter by gateway. This
gave him hint of method of escape
He contrived to convey message to the
Nihilists, asking them to have carriagt
with swift span of horses, stationed or
} the outside, near the gate, every da,
from noon till four o'clock. s
One day wood-cart again passed
through the gate. which was left oper
and unguarded. Krapotkine did not los'
; an instant. Throwing off his prison
coat he darted through the gate. hotl.
! pursued by the guard who always closel,
watched him in his walks. The earriag'
, was waiting outside, as it had been ev
cry day for four months. He leapet
! into it unhit by the balls of the soldiers
and pushing aside one who reached hin
, Just as he was getting in. The carriag
: drove off at lightning speed. and within
: two days the Prince was safe in Switzer
/ land. ...~-s- --s--
!, Ever since his daring escape until hi
: trial and conviction at Lyons a few week
]: ago, Prince Krapotkine has been livin
in Switzerland, busily involved in tn
] plots of the Nihilists, and in close CO
1 operation with the revolutionists of Gel
D many, France and other countries.
D There can be no doubt of his sincerity
. since he chose to give up rank, fortune
position, scientific fame and even ibel
! ty, in adopting what he regards as tn
cause of oppressed people, and his hi.
tory shows us how despotic the Russia
political system must be to drive men {
;. the learning, eloquence and courage {
;. Prince Krapotine into the ranks of COZ
! spiracy and Youths Con
;. Dunion.