The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-10-13

me 10y, fhfUUlb. tht biri rl-it 'ld'
greeted my waking eyes were the two
hangmcn Cpalatch) working IN the prison
yard. They were both large. powerful
men, dressed i'm the customary red shirt.
One OF them, Maximon. had murdered
his mother, and was sentenced 10 hard
labor for life; the other, PaoloT, had
brutally murdered his aged father. and
had likewise received life sentence.
Both men on being admitted 20 prison
declared their wish to become hangmen.
Their request was granted, and they
are apparently happy in pursuit Of their
CHASTITY occupation. They have good
food, and are allowed cigarettes and
three glasses Of vodka daily. They also
have the privilege of selling tobacco and
cigarettes TO the other prisoners, making
profit Of 300 per cent. in their transac-
tons. When the gendarmc entered my
cell demanded to know the reason Of
my being placed in such a filthy place.
He replied: "Thc governor was displcas-
ed at your manner Of speaking, and or
dercd you here for punishment "Go tell
your governor that | demand that he
send for Prince Suwaron, the governor
general; that | have a very important
state secret TO communicate, one which
must tell 10 him and him alone"
In few minutes the governor (brute'
of the previous evening" appeared at my
cell door and, smiling blandiy, said:
"What is this state secret you wish to
communicate? Make me your cOnfidant,
and will see that you are soon free
man; YOU will also receive large re-
ward" | answered: "TO Prince Suwa-
rolf will communicate my secret, and
to him alone, and it is necessary that l
see him at once" The governor remain
cd quite half an hour, ondoavoring TO
persuade me 10 communicate my knOwl-
edge to him. | was proof against all
his wiles. lie then said: "But you can
not receive the prince in this place. ]
will have you removed to a better cell.
But / resolutely refused to change my
quarters until had seen the governor
general. No amount of persuasion could
alter my determination.
Prince Suwaroff WAS sent for, came to
my cell and was much surprised to find
an old acquaintance amid such horribr
surroundings. My ruse succeeded; had
no state secret TO communicate, but did
have a serious complaint to make against
the governor Of the prison. The prince,
after severely rcprimanding the prison
officials. ordered that / be Immediately
conveyed to the department for pOliticals.
1t was on the third floor of the prison
and possessed at least few comforts,
the greatest Of which was cleanliness
The cells were large, light and airy, con-
tanning iron bedsteads and a few other
necessaries. Here | remained, waiting
orders for the next step in III already
eventful career.
Prince SuwaroT of whom Ispcak, was
the governor general Of the province Of
st. Petersburg. lie was one Of Russia's
greatest characters, and 50 greatly was
ne beloved 10y the emperor that when
death claimed him, Alexander il refused
to place another in his position, but chose
rather to abolish the Office entirely. Ills
kind heart and genial manner caused
him to be the recipient Of numerous let
ters from politicians, begging that he in
tercede with the car on their behalf
knowing him to be the4crsonal friend OF
the autocrat of Russia, and having per
haps more influence oWr his imperial
master than any other man ia the ON
pire. COUNT NoRRoiROw.