The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1885-10-09

Gov. Curtin Relates Some Anecdotes of
the Russian Autocrat.

In the mouse poSIoElce bne Otner
dav, writes the Washington CORE
spondent of The Indianapolis Journal
some statesmen were discussing the
trial of Riel, the rebellionist in the
Northwest province, VINO has been
sentenced to death for conspiracy and
treason against her majesty's govern
ment, Amongthem was representative
Curtin, of Pennsylvania, ex-governor
and eX-minister to numerous foreign
countries, ,
r. II should not care to have my life,"
said Gov. Curtin, chang in the balance
OF many of the courts of foreign coun-
tries, and especially courts-martial.
The tribunals of Russia are very
oppressive, and the people who
are called upon to defend them
selves against treason, conspir-
acy, Or even disrespect to the gov
eminent, have little chance for life. 1t
is almost sure death to be charged
with anything against the ear of Rus
STA. / remember an instance which
came under my notice while / was
United States minister to Russia,
which shows the oppression. An
American of considerable prominence
and q good deal of wealth, who was
travelling over the world, came to me
with a letter. He made my head
quarters his own, and | showed him all
the Courtesies | could. He was quite
independent and American, I found,
however, in his observations about the
czarish government, and seemed to
understand the courtesies required to-
ward the ruler and his subordinates.
Zone day, while the American was in
st. Petersburg with me, continued Gov.
Curtin, "wetook a stroll on the leading
thoroughfare at a time when the pop
ulaCe vas out in force for drives and
walks. 1t is a custom strictly adhered
to that the head shall be barred and
the people shall bow in courtesy to the
CZa when he drives through the streets.
When we were out the car passed our
party, who were on foot. He was in
his carriage, accompanied by
Gus attendants. Everyone raised his
hat and bowed except my American
friend with me. The czar recognized
me and my friends, and also the one
Id IN " ohlllOC AalAhA Il saw bIlt1U
the discourtesy was observed, and
turned to my friend when the caval-
cade had passed andsaid: 'Youmade
a great mistake in not saluting the
car Oh replied he, Il don't care
anything about that
THE next day a note came to me to
appear at the foreign Office. / went"
"'GOu were out on the street yester-
day when thesczar passed through on
his driver
eyes, 4 replied.
""You had some friends with you?"
""Yes, SIR
Gone of them did not salute the
sczar?'
az believe not
"'Well, you had better ask him to
come down here, and apologize or
explain his action. That will be salts
factory,
"Of course, / was greatly embar-
raised, and promised to have my
friend call and make the amend hon
orable if he would do SO. Bet do you
know that fellow wouldn't do it? No,
his American obstinacy showed it
self. even to mulishness. He said
he wouldn't do it; hedidn't propose to
apologize for failing to salute the car;
he had done nothing wrong, and moth
ing to apologize for. This was com
munlcated to the foreign Office, with
my regrets. Icould do nothing more.
The very next day my friend came to
me with q great document from the
Russian government. He said he
wanted 1T translated. | had it done
for him. In was a notice to skip.
ooh! but / shallnot doit,' henaive-
ly replied. Il am guilty Of no crime.
and I.shall remain here as long as /
WISH
"a lew evenings afterward, / learn
ed, some officers called at the hotel
and took my. friend away. He was
never heard from after that. / donot
know whether he was sent to Siberia,
to prison, or executed"
Gov. Curtin related an incident which
illustrates the perfection ofthe Russian
spy system. While minister to Russia
he went to Paris. 1t was during the
Franco-Prussian difficulty.
The president of France sent forhim,
and he went to the palace.
You have recently had a talk with
the ear OF Russia about our foreign
trouble?" he asked.
~ have" replied the governor.
Would you care to tell me what he
thinks of it,
We'll, as a diplomat representing
the United States, Unjust decline" the
governor answered.
Returningt to Russia the car request
ed his presence.
You have just been over to
France?''
Eyes, sir.
Talked with the PRESIDENT"
HYes.n
Would you care to tell me what
was said about the foreign difficulty"