The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-12-19
9ithulond 1ispatth,
WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 10, 1888.
The Case of Richard Wagner.
RESPECTING THE FATE or Az
AMERICAN CITIZEN IN RUSSIA.

UNCERTAINTY RtSfEtIlNN NIB ram VT An
AMERICAN CITIZEN IN RUSSIA.
4 Washington special SAYS Boston and
Philadelphia newspapers few days ago
contained accounts about the arrest and
transportation 90 Siberia Of Richard Wag-
ner. naturalized citizen 81 the United
states. because he had evaded the military
service imposed upon all Russians. Wag-
ner, IL appears, is a native Of LODI. little
town near Waraw. lie is about thirty
two years 81 =. and came to this country
in 1866. x active and industrious. and
possessing. moreover. some talent for de-
signing. he readily obtained employment
in q large mill In Paterson, y. J. After
having worked in BoStoa and other places
IN Massachusetts for short period he en-
in Philadelphia.
I'm the latter part Of October, 1882, young
Wagner received a letter from home, tell
ing him 20 return Immediately 10 claim his
portion 81 MS fathers estate. In the event
oi his refusal toe letter said, the Govern
mont would cOniscate his share as a pun
i>hmcnt for having evaded military duty.
The Young man was unwilling 10 lose his
inheritance. amounting 10 some $1,000.
and in the early part OF November. much
he sailed for Europe. Having been
n1turaliZed. he had no difficulty before
starting 20 secure n passport from the state
Department. some time in January Of the
present wear Mr.. Murphy received letter
from Mr.. Wagner. which announced his
arrival in LODI. 4 second and third let
ter. however. told how he had been sub
icc,cd 20 police surveillance Immediately
after his arrival, and how he was compelled
20 report himself 10 the chief ~ police
cvcry Gav. stu another letter said that he
hld failed 90 obtain any satisfaction from
tie American Minister. At one time he
was threatened with hanishmcnt. The
letters which were sent 10 him from this
country evidently never reached hiS hand,
FOR he never mentioned the fact OF receiv-
inc them. Since March nothing has been
heard OF Wagner. and his friends in Phil
adclpIia think be has been eXiled TO Sibe-
ria.
At the state Department il was said that
the ease hid been i'm the hands Of Mr.. Hunt,
United states Minister, for some time. The
story a. told 10y Wagner friends was adj
mitfed 10 le substantially true. though il
wa, doubted whether he had been sent 10
Siberia. The punishment for evasion Of
The Russian Government did not acknow-
ledge the right OF eXpatriatiOn. Once q
Russian. always Russian. Even in the
case OF Young Wagner. who had not
reached The age at which Russian subjects
are enrolled in the army when be came TO
thi, country. the Russian Government
claimed allegiance. II would be considered
matter %, courtesy il the Russian Gov
eminent should accede TO the request OF
the American Minister and allow Wagner
10 leave The country. This was only one
of number OF like cases.
As rule the Russian Government had
been found unwilling TO yield TO the repre-
sentatiors Of the American Minister. II took
time. however. and negotiations were going
on now in regard TO this case. II Wagner
had really been sent 10 Siberia, it would be
known here al once. The files OF the De-
panmcnt showed that he had been detained
merely and compelled to give mp his pass
port. The matter would probably be SET
tied shortly IN a satisfactory manner.