New-York tribune., 1883-12-18
THE CASE OF RICHARD WAGNER.
UNCERTAINTY RESPECTING TIE FATE OF AN AMER
ICAN CITIZEN IN RUSSIA.
lry TELEGRAPH TO TIE 1EIEUNK.l

UNCERTAINTY RESPECTING TIE FATE OF AN AMLK-
ICAN CITIZEN ~ RUSSIA.
ley TELEGRAPH TO TIE 1EEUNEI
WASHINGTON, Dee. 17.-BOstOn and Philadcl-
pia few days ago contained accounts about
The arrest and aton to Siberia Of Richard Wag
per nauraized citizen OF the United States because he
had eyaded the military service imposed upon all Rus
slams Wagner, IL appears, is native OF LODI, little
town near arsaw. He Is about 81 years OF age and
came TO this country in 1867 Being active and industr-
ous and possessing moreover some talent for designing
he readily obtained employment in large mill in Pater
son. ~ j. After having worked in Boston and other
places Massachusetts, for short period he entered the
employ Of Joseph p. Murphy, In Philadelphia.
the latter port OF October 1882, young Wagner re-
eeived letter from home, telling him to return immedi
aely to claim his portion of his fathers estate. In the
event of his REFUSAL the letter said the Government
would connscate his share punishment for having
evaded military duty. The young man unwilling to
lose his Inheritance amounting TO some $1,000, and In
Che early part Of November much against the advice Of
his friends he sailed for Europe. Having been nauazed
he had no difficulty before starting in securing passport
the State Department Some time la January OF the
EsSS9ney Which announced his arrival in LODI second
aud third letter. however tod how he had been subjected
TO police surveillance Immediately aftcr his arrival and
how he was compelled TO report himself TO tho chief OF
police every day Still another letter said That he bad
failed TO obtain any satisfaction from the American Minis
ter Az one time he threatened with banshment.
The letters which were sent to him IRON tls country cvi
IDENTIFY never reached his hand Tor ne never Inen@n EN- @
the fact OF receiving them since March has ben
heard Of Wagner ana MS friends ia fniduepnd hlA fo
has been exilcd TO Siberia .
the State Departmental said that the case bad been
the hands of Mr. Hunt United States Minister for some
time The storm told by Wagncr's friends was admit
ted substantially though II was doubted whether
be had been sent 20 Siberia The punishment for evasion
OF military duty generally heavy fine The Russian
Government did not acknowledge the 1sht OF ehlaIla-
ton. Once a Russian, always Russian. Even III Tho
case OF young Wagner who had mol Teacheu thc age at
which Russian subjects are enrolled In the army wen nc
came this country, the Russian Government claimed
allegiance II would be considered matter oi courtesy
the Russian shuold accede 10 the request
Of the Minister aud allow wagner 70 leave the
country This only OF a number OF IKE cases.
A. rule the Russian Government had Dcen IOuhd uh
willing TO yield u the representations OF the American
Minister II took time, however, and negOtlauohs were
going on now In regard 20 II Wagner had real
been sent 10 Siberia It would be known here AT once
The files Of the Department showed that he had bech u
tanned merely and compelled TO give up his passport
The matter would probably be settled shortly In satS-
IacInrN IN