Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-07-28

tains Is very fine, but one meets with a ter
rible shock on entering the city, for the eye
everywhere rests on a scene of misery.
1t was in 1861 that Poles and Lithuanians
Joined forces for another desperate struggle
TO free themselves from the yoke of the Rus
sian despot and establish a government of
their own, similar in form to that in exist
ence previous to their subjugation by Rus
sia- The delusive promises of Napoleon Ill
served to feed the flame already kindIed and
to the promise of his support may be sttrib-
uted the revolution OF the ever memorable
year 1861, when the most horrible brutalities
the human mind can conceive were practiced
on innocent men and women During the
preparations for the uprising the ladies of
the best families willingly gave their ser
vices In the collecting OF contributions in
churches and elsewhere. This work pursued,
presumably for sweet charitys sake, was in
reality to obtain funds to aid the revolution
lists IN carrying out their schemes The hand
sornest ladies in the cities were chosen for
this work, and nobly did they perform their
part. In Wilma were massed 1900 soldiers
awaiting orders for distribution throughout
Lthuania. In Wilma, right under the very
eyes OF the soldiers, the Nihilists held their
meetings secretly and organized their forces
for struggle which they felt sure would
lead to victory. The hot headed students, as
usual, were unable to restrain themselves, and
1t was not long before the insurgents were
openly singing "God save Polandn in the
streets and even in the churches. Ostra
Brama, picture Of the Virgin Mary, played
an important part in the rebellion of 81. This
picture, set in frame which glistens with
all kinds Of precious stones, has a remarkable
history; over this picture is thrown an arch
and all persons passing under it must do so
with head uncovered People from the sur
cities and villages gather here to
pray, and many place money in the Virgins
keeping to have masses said for the repose of
the souls of friends. The priesthood of the
Greek church lately published a statement to
the effect that this picture was of Russian
origin, and did not therefore rightly belong
to the Polish people, and that it was their in
sention to take it TO Russia. This drew forth
a strong protest from the Poles, for this
picture not only represented the central
figure Of their church, but was of immense
value historically: many curious legends are
handed down commemorative of the SUPER
natural power it possessed 1t is said that
Turing a war with Sweden one Of the enc
ny's soldiers, forcing his way into the city,
attempted to rob the sacred emblem Of the |
Jewels and precious stones which encircled it, |
1ut before he could complete his act of van
ialism he was violently hurled against the |
opposite wall and killed. 1t was at this hal |
owed shrine that the people OF Poland |
gathered to pour forth their sorrows and |
,lead for deliverance from the iron |
Toke Of the Russian despot 1t was the /
endeZyous Of the young students, members /
4 the old nobility Of the land, who suffered |
Irrest while praying for their country's re- |
ease; even ladies of the best families were so /
arried away by their enthusiasm that they
oined the rebellious faction, and with their
athers, brothers and lovers shared the hor-
ors Of prison life. The gloomy citadel was
t this period filed to Overlooking with hap
ess prisoners; but they suffered feariessly,
elieving it for their country's good
The nobility during the earlier part Of the
Tuggle made great mistake in seeking to
Mist the sympathy of the peasant element
D the fight for freedom. The peasant-un-
ccustomed for generations to the slightest
onsideratlon from their lordly masters-re-
anted the sudden affection of the nobility,
caring some act of treachery was medi-
ated Thus those who would have been the
blest allies Of the cause were turned into the
itterest enemies
About this time the Count N. was gradu-
ted from the gymnasium here, and became
student of the faculty of Jurisprudence.
'uring his residence in the city he was the
uest Of the Princess W., an old and highly
steemed friend of the family. He had
nown her from his earliest childhood, and
lstly estimated her high and noble char
cter. She was immensely rich, and dis
-ibuted to the poor and deserving with q |
wish hand; her sympathy was entirely with
ne revolutionary movement, but this she did
OF openly express, being personal friend
the czar and great favorite at court |
he count had not taken part in any Of the
demonstrations, feeling that
le movement was premature and would end
for the country and all con-
,rned; but the simple fact Of his lately be-
lg a student at the university was suff-
ent excuse for placing him under police ,
irveillance. OF this of course he was not q
ware, and went about as usual in his light ,,
aarted, happy frame Of mind. 1t was in the j
irly spring, and the movement was progress .
e slowly, when one evening as the guests
ere sitting down to dinner at the Princess !
rs the count was approached by several
who produced a summons from !
le chief of police, and waving it before his
ICE, declared him to be political prisoner,
7 order of his majesty the czar. 1t was in
ain that he expostulated and demanded TO
now why he was so insulted. His appeal
IL on deaf ears, and after bidding his Kind
ostess hurried good-by, and receiving
ON her a trembling "God bless you; will /
, all in my power to save You" he was
ished out of the house and into a closed car
age. q
Half an hour later he was locked in cell :
,957 of the prison, surrounded by utter /,
to the world. His imprison- &
ent lasted eleven months, and he was after
ard exiled to Siberia He is now in free I
merica, but to this day he does not know
by be was arrested and exiled.
A Tremendous Sensation
ould have been created one hundred
~ a 49, = n I