The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-22
A NEW FRA DIAyoLo.


Titled Brethren.
ST. PETERSBURG, Dec. 2i.-fspecial AT Joust-
kin, Poland, the criminal court has just been
engaged In one OF the most extraordinary trials
on record. The accused was Russian noble
man named krowkowski, whose exploits rs
brigand put Fra Diavolo and all his brothers in
the shade. The interesting thing about all his
criminal and romantic career is that there Is no
room for fiction in the story, because II has been
established by evidence, corroborated and sworn
TO In court. For years past this man krow-
kowskf was In the habit OF carrying on nocturnal
warfare upon tho rich mobiles OF voipyn.
Being the son OF rich parents, who lived at
Fodolsk. he received an excellent education,
and spoke French like Partisan. He spent
great deal OF his time in Paris at the commence
meut OF his career, and was the guest there OF
several aristoefatic families. In 1881 he was
living n very fast life IN the French capital, and
when his fortune began to slip away from him
he organized q band OF brigands. The principal
officers were his coachman, his Wallets and some
workmen on his estates. Then he set out for
Keeiof government, and commenced 20 take
the castles OF mobiles by storm or strategy, ac-
cording to the circumstances.
In q short time, after few skirmishes with the
cars troops, he found himself and his band
surrounded and nothing seemed left for him but
death or surrender. The troops, however, only
succeeded FIJI capturing a comparatively small
number OF the brigands, and their establishment
was great when IL was discovered the chief had
escaped. Then it wss remembered that a feeble
and white haired man, bent with age asking the
charity Of the officers, was permitted to pass
through their lines. That bogus old beggar was
Krowkowski.
Two years slipped by and nothing more was
heard al him until suddenly he appeared at the
head OF another band of robbers, which he or
eanixed and equipped for service in Gaiieia,
where his exploits were recommended. of
course he never remained very long in one
place, and his movements were singularly
rapid He came upon community like bliz-
xard, and his boldness knew no bounds.
At Loustkin and Doubna, It was shown in evil
dence, he often used TO walk about the street
and Girt with ladies, but every time that the
police got wind of his presence the search for
him proved fruitless. One night. however, the
authorities became aware of the fact that the
celebrated bandit was in little inn on the out
skirts OF the village Of Keyertsi. The troops
were Immediately called out, the place was sur
rounded and all doors carefully guarded.
suddenly Russian officer, In full uniform,
appeared. With authority he asked to see the
oficer In command of the troops. The latter
approached him respectfully, and told him the
object Of the visit. The handsome officer seemed
surprised st first, and then smiled at what he
appeared TO regard as hoax. Then he re-
ouczfesHh young lieutenant in command to be
20 good a. TO give a letter, which he presented
him in the polltest manner possible, TO his
friend, the chief of police. The lieutenant took
the letter, promised to deliver 1t, and saluted.
The fnc-looking Russian officer stalked away,
after having returned the military salute with
which the troops honorcd him. When the
lieutenant got back 70 the village and reported,
he handed the chief the letter which he had re-
eeiycd from his brother officer. The chief
opened Ii and read in French the following:
.krowkowski, chief OF brigands, presents his
compliments 10 the chief of police" The I'M
fortunate lieutenant lost his rank for allowing
hlnscif to be duped.
Krowkowski also followed the example OF HIS
italian confreres In making prisoners and de-
handing high ransom for them. One of his
prisoners was the daughter of prominent Rus
sim count The count paid the amount and
got back his daughter, but was soon after hor-
riflea TO hear that she was to become mother
lie then proposed that the outlaw marry his
daughter, and promised that II he did so and re
turned to an honest life he would do his utmost
20 secure his pardon, and would succeed be-
You'd doubt, but KrowkowsN replied that he
regretted exceedingly that previous engage
mcnt put itout of his power 10 comply with the
counts request, as he was very much In love
with another lady.
The authorities then went 20 work 10 discover
that interesting young lady. They found her
house. where at LAST, after desperate fight,
krowkowski was captured.
Although his fights and dueis were innumcr-
able, there was no evidence that he ever COM
mitted cold blooded murder. That was about
all that could be said of him, except that he was
= charitable robbef, and his gifts to the poor
were prinoeiy. The court sentenced him 20 penal
sersitude for life. and an appeal TO the car has
been unanswered. lie will be sent 10 the Island OF
saghalien, In Siberia, where be viii be chained
to some other convict Ia the gold mines, from
which no prisoner has ever yet escaped