National Republican., 1884-10-25
A HIDEous CHARACTER.
Graphic sketch OF Michael BakurIen,
the Father OF NLhilism.


the Father OF Nihilism.
By Marco Dillon.
Michael Bakurion, tho father and insti-
gator Of nihilism, died at an advanced
age in Switzerland early In tho autumn
Of 1873. Although he was the recognized
leader and supporter Of all tho elements
of nihilism, communism, socialism, and
radicalism, he had during his lifetime at
tanned little or no celebrity. 1t is only
since tho czar of Russia fell victim to
deep aud direful plot that the name
of Michael B,kuren reached tho pub.
lie car. HO was born OF noble
parents, rearcd in tho 'lap Of luxury"
and literally educated in the German
universities. He is described as tall and
commanding, very dignifled In appear.
anco, of massive muscular powers, and
with almost giant intellect; of very
pleasing appearance, he possessed certain
peculiar traits of character that enabled
him to exert u powerful influence over all
those who came in direct contact with
him. Bold and intrepid, he was willing
to hazard anything In the accom- plishmout
Of his purpose. He was ambitious to q
fault, and whatever course he choose ho
pursued 1t with au energy that was truly
commeudable.
- An iconoclast Of tho fiercest order, he
was opposed to all tho doctrines of re-
ligion, to ali the rights Of inheritance, to
all political organizations, and to every
form of social and civil government.
Anarchy was his ideal, and he wor-
shipped his god with true and un-
wavering devotion. He loved it; cher
ished IL as the ono fond ambition OF his
soul. In q speech at Berno, In 1865, he
said:
"Our first work must be the destruc-
tion and annihilation of everything as it
now exists. You must accustom your
selves to destroy everything, the good
with tho bad for If but one atom of this
old world remains the new will never bo
created.
Deeds of political assassination and in
cendiarism are not the offspring of any
sentiment of personal hatred or ven
geauce. We know full well that one en-
poror killed will merely be succeeded by
another, who in his turn will again nomi-
nate tho chiefs of police. Such deeds are
justified by the necessity of roofing out
from mems minds tho habits of respect
for tho powers that be. Tho more attacks
on the car and his officials, the more will
tho people get to understand the absurdity
of the veneration with which those per-
sonages have been regarded"
Such were the elements of nihilism;
such were the sentiments he sought to
instill into the hearts Of his followers.
Anarchy, misrule. destruction of property,
and the overthrow of all municipal powers
was the ultimate aim of this remarkable
mao. He spent his whole life time ad-
vocating this cause, and had he lived to
witness the tragic event that struck the
death blow to the mighty car of Russia it
would no doubt have been the consumma-
tion of unbounded joy. His powers Of
anarchy, like an immense battering ram,
were constantly directed against tho walls
upon which rest every form of refinement
and civilization, seeking to overthrow
them.
For many years this man was the ruling
terror of all Russia. He stalked abroad
throughout the land. stirring up anarchy
wherever he went. He established revo =
lutiouary methods, and conce ntrated
every energy in his possession toward o
speedy and complete overthrow of the
Russian empire. Fire. rapine. and MUIR
der were the implements that enabled
him to strike terror into the hearts of all
Europe. He organized large bands Of
nihilists, proclaimed himself as their
leader, and administered to them the
oath Of allegiance to forever remain loyal
to the cause. Nor were his followers
| numbered among the ignorant classes, as
| ono might reasonably suppose; on the
contrary, the great majority OF thom were
men of rank and fortune, feature that
gave the organization its almost uncon-
trollable power.
One popularity about this remarkable
man was the great cunning he exhibited
in eluding justice. While many OF his
followers were speedily hanged he him
self almost invariably eluded detection.
| Only once did his adroitnes fail him.
| While leading conspiracy against the
| Russian government he was sapprehended,
found guilty of high treason, and ban
ished to Siberia. There he served short
| time till an opportunity offered him to
escape the vigilance of his keepers. After
many months of untold hardships and
privations he finally arrived in Switzor-
land. where he spent several years in
total obscurity. He subsequ emily came
| to America, and while here was known as
law-abiding citizen. He even after
claimed full citizenship Of the United
States, though never obtaining any nat
uralization papers. The last years Of
his life were passed in the remote wilds
of Switzerland.
| Inc CuhrACtet ol Unlb TeuhrhaDlo uhl
furnishes an interesting theme f or con
temptation. We can but wonder that O
man of his capacity, gifted with great
natural talents, and eminently fitted to
fill any position of honor and usefulness
should 80 far have abused his talents as
to espouse the rebellious cause Of nihil-
ism. If he had directed his time and
gifts into channels of usefulness, and pur-
sued them with the same in nvinciblt
spirit the same energy Of purpose, there
is no,estimating the vast amount Of good
he might have accomplished. We might
conclude that he possessed some redeem.
ing qualities, but certain it is that nc
outward manifestations were ever made
that would warrant such conclusion.
Thus we find him character embody'
ing In its foundation the most hide0ui
and repulsive features ever known. An
infdel in religion. fanatic in politics
and destructionist in government.
man Of great mental force, of keen per.
ception, fierce will, and an invincible
determination. What prodigy! Had
he but used his talents Alright he nigh
have gained for himself q never dyini
celebrity. instead Of sinking into thu
grave amidst the wilds of Switzerland
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