Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-12-07
Written for THE EVENING STAR
A NIGHT WITH THE NIHILISTS.
Former Siberian Exile Joins the
Order.

A Former Siberian Exile Joins the
Order.
He DESCRIBES HIS ISITIATIoN-How SECRET
MEETING Is CoSDUCTED.THE OBLIGATIONS OF
A MEMBER OF THE ORDER-A STRANGE SCENE
AT NIGHT.
Some years ago while resident of Peters
burg circumstances threw me constantly into
the society of leading uihilists. Being young
and of an impressionable temperament soon
became interested in their work. / was born
and reared in very much oppressed part OF
the cars vast domains and possibly for that
reason my sympathies were more easily
aroused. The conversation of my friends was
ever temperate, with no suggestion of dyna-
mite or any other explosive. Their chief OBJ
iect was to secure more liberal form Of gov
ernment for the people, and TO succeed in
this they must first educate the masses to a
proper understanding of the exigencies of
the situation. This could be done only by
the dissemination of liberal ideas, and for that
purpose the nihilist faction sent agents
throughout the length and breadth of the
land Their success was simply annoying,
not so much among the peasant population
among the higher and better educated classes.
the oppression under which they lived while
the former, buta few years released from bond
age, had yet to learn the glory and grandeur
OF the word freedom. By foreign nations the
tihilist movement Is regarded with suspicion
Tor the reason that outside the Russian empire
Its aims and objects have been falsely repre-
sented. Another reason may be deduced from
the fact that none but the Russian people fully
understand the fearful oppression which
governs every moment of their lives The
world With al of
bomb throwing and attempts on the emperor's
life, but this is not the work of the true nihiiist
II Is simply the work of fanatics, who, anxious
to appear prominently in the cause. take this
method OF accomplishing their object
The assassination of Alexander II has been
the greatest mistake of the nihilists in later
years. It well nigh threatened to overthrow
the entire movement; but the cruel and tyran-
nical oppression of the present year has been
the means OF driving many to join the nihihst
ranks. The cause has found fresh adherents
and It's strength rapidly increases. OF this fact
Alexander III Is well aware, hence his cOwardly
precautions on every occasion of his public APP
pearance, and might say his private life is
also indeed after the same manner. But to re-
turn to our secret meeting. The evening of
which am about to speak was in the middle
OF the 70s. / had just returned after
few years Of forced sojourn amidst the SHOWS of
"a
(as indeed was not at that time) hut simply
that had been known to associate with sus-
pected nlhlllsts - an example of Russian
justice. felt that l had already suffered suf-
nelent for the cause to identify myself with it.
l therefore applied for membership. Two
friends Interested themselves to obtain
my wish Tor me. l knew they had
succeeded, but l not apprlsed of
the day or hour of my initiation. 1t was an
evening IN midwinter, with the snow deep on
no 10
thick and fast. The oppressive stiffness which
always accompanies a snow storm added to the
gloom OF the scene, and as l stood looking out
on the prospect ali the sad events of my very
sad life fitted in silent array before me.
wondered if my friends in the far north ever
paused to think of the poor exile who had
passed some of the best years of his life in their
midst How well remember the long winter
nights (lndeed 1t was nearly all night, only four
hours daylight III which the iSpravniks
pretty daughter, Darlye. and / renewed new
pledges of an undyIng affection, when a sudden
summons from st. Petersburg ordered my imme-
diate return, and our dream of happiness was
rudely shattered. / promised to return. but
now other ties claimed my attention and was
lated never again to see my pretty snow bird
the ispraynlk's daughter. The sound of bells
was waited through the thickiy falling snow
and my meditatiOns were suddenly interrupted
by the stopping of small sleigh in front
OF the house. Ii was driven troika fashion and
the pretty arch over the horses heads was visi-
Die through the gloom. The two friends of
whom previously spoke jumped out and en-
tering the house. informed me that | must
hurry on my great coat, as they had come to
conduct me to a meeting of the circle. mean
ing the nihilists. As / was putting on nv
coat a mask was suddenly thrown over my face,
pIunging ME into midnight darkness Asking
no questions. trusting implicitly 10 nv friend
Twas conducted TO the sleigh and then began a
drive, which / thought would never end feel
4 uCrh ha
streets twice and across the iron bridge
which spans the Neya and back, but never a
word escaped the lips of my companions dur
ing the memorable journey. At length We ar
rived at the place of meeting, situated in the
Vasilewski Ostroff. i must here digress TO
say that many of the names which use are fic-
titious, others are 50 well known to the world
that there is no necessity to give other than
their own names.
The meeting was held at the house of Madam
Ann Popof. Still blindfolded was led into
the room where the members of the circle
were assembled. l was as yet ignorant of nv
surroundings, when a loud voice from distant
part of the room addressed me in the following
language Il afterward heard it was the chair
mani: We, the members Of NarOdnia VOLTA,
peoples wild are aware of all YOU
have to endure by associating YOUR
self with our cause - cold, hunger
contempt, derlslon, hatred. insults. nav even
fearful death. In case of your arrest have
you courage to bear the fortunes the govern
ment may infiict for the purpose of forcing you
to reveal the secrets of the brotherhood? Are
you ready and willing TO sacrifice your life for
the cause II necessity demands it? Think WELL
and If your courage fails you there is yet time
TO retract and we will take you back from
whence you came; but if You feel You
can wholly submit to our conditions we
wllrequire you TO take the nihlistic or iron oath
At the same time warn you that the obliga-
tons OF the brotherhood are heavy indeedaud il
require strong determination allied To an in
domitabie will TO fulfill them to the letter" Up
to this time had not spoken. | was bordering
deeply on all | had heard. The chairman pos-
sibIy installing my silence for cowar,lice again
addressed me, saying: Now for the last time in
the name of your country and all you hold
dear, are you ready and willing to assume these
Obligations l was somewhat awed by the
solemnity of the occasion, but found strength
70 say IN 4 clear, distinct voice, Il am ready and
determined to take upon myself all RESPONSE
bilities mentioned and become a member OF
the secret order of nihilists." The chairman
again spoke. Brethren. if any person present
has any objection to interpose against this
man becoming member of this band let him
or her state them or forever after hold their
peace" No dissenting voice being raised he or
dered the removal of the mask. [ was then
told TO face the assembly and hear the nihilis-
TIC or iron oath administered to me- This