Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1885-08-26
TRE CZAR'S METHODS.
Gov. Curtin Relates Some Anecdotes o
the Russian Autocrat.

day, writes the Washington CORE
spondent Of the Indianapolis Journal,
some statesmen were discussing the
trial OF Riel the rebellionist in the
Northwest province, who has been
sentenced to death for conspiracy
and treason against her majesty's
government. Among them was Repre-
sentative Curtin, OF Pennsylvania, ex
governor and eX-minister to numer
Gus foreign countries.
81 should not care to have my life,"
said Gov Curtin. chang in the bal
ance OF many of the courts Of foreign
countries. and especially courts mar
tial The tribunals of Russia are
very oppressive, and the people who.
are called upon to defend themselves
against treason, conspiracy, or even
disrespect to the government, have
little chance for life. 1t is almost sure
death to be charged with anything
against the car OF Russia. I remem-
Der an instance which came under my
notice while | was United States min
lister to Russia, which shows the OPP
preston. An American Of considera-
BILE prominence and a good deal of
wealth, who was travelling over the
world, came to me with letter. He
made nv headquarters his own, and
/ showed him all the courtesies [
could. He was quite independent and
American, / found, however, in his OBJ
seryations about the czarish govern
ment, and seemed to understand the
courtesies required toward the ruler
and his subordinates.
zone day, while this American was
~ cd
Gov. Curtin, 1--WE took a stroll on the
leading thoroughfare at a time when
the pOpulace was out in force for
drives and walks. 1t is q custom
strictly adhered to that the head
shall be barred and the people shall
bow in courtesy to the czar. when he
drives through the streets. When we
were out the car passed our party,
who were on foot. He was IN his car
raige, accompanied by numerous at
tendants. Everyone raised his hat
and bowed except my American friend
with me. The car recognized me and
my friends, and also the one who did
not salute him. [ saw that the dis
courtesy was observed, and turned to
my friend when the cavalcad6 had
passed, and said: you made great
mistake in not saluting the car.
oh, replied he, i don't care anything
about that
ssThe next day note came to me
to appear at the foreign office. [
went"
HEYou were out on the street yes
terday when the car passed through
on his driver
eyes I replied.
"'You had some friends with YOU?
"FYes, sir
"'One of them did not salute the
czar?'
81 believe not
"'Well, you had better ask him to
come here, and apologize Or explain
his action. That will Unsatisfactory
''Of course, / was greatly embar-
raised, and promised to have my
friend call and make the amend hon
orable If ne would do SO. But do you
know that fellow wouldn't do it? No,
his American obstinacy showed itself,
even to mulishness. He said he
wouldn't do it; he didn't propose to
apologize for failing to salute the
car; he had done nothing wrong, and
had nothing to apologize for. This
was communicated to the foreign
office, with my regrets / could do
nothing more. The very next day
my friend came to me with a great
document from the Russian govern
ment. He said he wanted it trans
lated. I had it done for him. 1t was
a notice to skip.
s'You must leave here at once
said to M friend.
"sOhl but | shall not do it, he
naively replied. 4 am guilty Of no
crime, and | shall remain here as long
I wish
ga few evenings afterward, Learned,
some officers called st the hotel and
took my friend away. He was never
heard from after that. do not
know whether he was sent to Siberia,
to prison, or executed"
Gov. Curtin related an incident
which illustrates the perfection Of the
Russian spy system. While minister
to Russian he went to Paris. 1t was
during the Franco-Prussian difficulty.
The president Of France sent to him,
and he went to the palace.
"You have recently had a talk with
the car OF Russia about our foreign
trouble?" he asked.
II have" replied the governor.
"Would you care to tell me what he
thinks Of it?"
''Well, as a diplomat representing
the United States, | must decline, .
the governor answered.
Returning to Russia the car re-
Quested his presence.
"You have just been over to
France"
eyes, sir"
''Talked with the president ?"
eyes"
"Would you care to tell me what