Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-08

but soon learned she was member Of the
Terrorist party, which up to that time
knew very little about. Her rapid and We
hement utterance rather startled me at hrSt
but soon grew accustomed to her forclole
denunciation of the Gar and his Govern
ment saw her once afterward, when the
almost fatal act of displaying the precon'
certed signal was assigned as her part In the
forthcoming tragedy. When questioned In
regard to her fear of consequences, she re-
piled: "I know no fear; no greater honor
than this could be conferred upon me. POOR
Sophie Perovskayr, nobly born, gently nuf-
tured, ended her life through the hangmans
rope, and finds rest in a nameless grave
Her co-worker Jelabof was also present.
but it would occupy too much space to give
individual histories.
THE INSIDE WORK.
After we had spent some time in conver-
sation, the Secretary motioned for silence;
he dare not rap for fear of attracting atten-
ton from outside the house. Some OF our
people had lately Joined the secret police
for the purpose of learning what people ana
houses were suspected, and the President
had received an intallible warning that we
would have to be very careful. All eyes
were turned to the Secretary, who proceeded
to read cipher letters from the different pro-
vinces, which announced the number OF ar
rests, and where arrested, the progress the
cause was making, and an account OF the
work accomplished by agents of the society.
The expenses for the past week were de-
clared 20 be 785 roubles, while the contribu-
tions amount to 1,O96 roubles. The balance
in the treasury was stated TO be about 2O,OOO
roubles. 1t was apparently large sum 10
have on hand, but they were reserving their
funds for a special purpose. They intended
increasing their field of operation. Madam
Anne Ivanovna was ordered to the province
of Sarstoff to take position as teacher,
and at the same time disseminate Nihilism.
One of the high dignitaries of the
Empire secured her the position. His
name though well-known throughout the
world I cannot mention here. He was aware
of her object. Michael Isakof was ordered
10 the shores of the river Volga there to
labor among the Starovers, or Old Faith
men. These people are bitterly opposed to
the Gar and his Government and hesitate
not to avenge the insults heaped on their
forefathers. They are powerful factor IN
the Empire, and have always allied them
selves to the Nihilist cause. Isakof being
rich was expected 10 defray his own ex-
penses. Next several names were proposed
for membership, then collection was taken
up which amounted to $50 roubles, lnclud-
ing 450 roubles sent by M. Philipof, of the
Riazan Province. The Chairman thanked
the members for the noble work they had
performed, and encouraged them to further
good deeds in the future; then, after be-
slowing on me my new name of Soukinsy-
noff (no Nihilist is known by his own
name) declared the business part of the
meeting concluded.
DISARMING SUSPICION.
Music is not apt to arouse suspicion, so
we enjoyed some fine singing of Russian
songs, and piano solo. We INDUCED in
tea, wine, and, as became good Russian
subjects, cigarette smoking, varied by pleas
ant conversation on various subjects. About
II P. NJ. the meeting was adjourned. The
room selected for meeting in is invariably
provided with a fireplace, in which all
papers are destroyed before separating.
This work usually falls to the Secretary's
lot, so Madam Sophie Paulovna, the per-
son filling that Office, destroyed all the
cipher letters and documents used during
the evening. Thus was every trace Of our
secret assigned to the flames
Our leave taking was made in hushed
whisperings, and our departure conducted
IN Lne same SCedlLny mauneE III Wnlcn OuI
entrance had been effected. Two went first
who reconnoitered the street outside, and at
prearranged signal given at a short dis
tance from the house, two more ventured
forth. In this way was the gradual dis
persion OF the assembly accomplished, and
each one reached his home without having
excited the suspicion of the police. On
stormy nights such have just described,
particular caution was required, as many
people on the street at once would lead to
questioning and perhaps an investigation.
We separated withhearts full of hope for the
cause. But Of the members present that
evening, three never saw again. Sophie
Perovskayr as previously told died in the
hangman's hands. Jelaboff shared the same
fate, while Elinkof yielded up his life,
from the effects of the same bomb which so
cruelty killed his imperial master. Such is
the life of the Nihilist in Russia. But as
every cloud has silver timing, we can only
hope that the cloud will disappear and the
silver lining make Its presence felt across
on which will be written the one word Free
dom. IVAN SMIRNoFF.