The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-21
American Doctors Leave Berlfn.-AnDeaJ
to Bismarck William Hard I'm.
Other European News.

~'~O>AN~ A~AAAA- -AOA AV 10 6d1O Vu0G 6voU uls
most intimate friends are ignorant of hi,
real name and of his early history-Step
MAX has been well-known figure for tn,
last eight or ten years in the advanced cir.
cles of London life. Under what circum-
stances he escaped from Russia it is impos
sible to say, but since he has lived in Lon
don he has been recognized as perhaps the
ablest and most ardent of the little band OF
prescribed patriots who gather round
Prince Peter kropotkin at Harrow on the
hill. Stepniak himself, however, dwells in
tiny retired villa on the banks of the Re.
gents canal in the midst of the wilds of st.
Johns wood, and it is there that l called
upon him few days ago and enjoyed a
friendly chat over his lecturinR prospects,
mo, it is not Major Pond, but his broth
lieve they work together" he explained, as
he poked up the fire and lit the candles in
the little bare study laden with books and
papers. II am to give fifty lectures in two
months, SO I have plenty of work before
me. In fact, I believe I am to lecture
every day, even Sundays included" he de-
| clared, cheerfully. Fortunately Stepniak
is perfect tower of strength with ca
pacity for working sixteen hours day for
weeks at a stretch, and apparently feeling
none the worse for it.
"And what will you talk about? Nothing
but Russia, or socialism as well?'
well, have four lecture.-on Siberia,
the Russian exiles, Tolstoi and the Jewish
question. But apparently the American
public is only interested in the two first
subjects, and SO far it is only Boston that
has Displayed any desire toaAear about sFol-
stoi. It is in Boston that shall hope to
begin my campaign"
And tell me what is your real object in
going to American
"Oh, the cause is of course my main rea-
son, and shall hope to carry on the work
begun by George kennan. and spread a
real knowledge of the political conditions
of Russia. If possible I shall try and in
itiate society similar to our Friends of
Russian Freedom, who first formed them
selves into a society in London in the
spring of the year."
This society I must explain, has for it's
object the aiding of Russian patriots in
their struggle for freedom by lawful means,
as we'll as the collection and circulation of
correct information concerning the tyranny
Of the cars government by means of a
monthly organ, Free Russia. This latter
function presents unusual difficulties owing
to the utter untrustworthiness of all Of
fetal communications. In time as Step
MAX explained to me, they hope to have
sufficient funds at their disposal to send
special correspondents to Russia who, at
the risk of imprisonment and exile will be
prepared to bring back documents too pre-
cious to be entrusted to that most untrust-
worthy of institutions, the Russian post
Office. companion society in America
would of course be advantageous in eyery
way, besides creating fresh circle of sym-
pathetic interest in the wrongs of the Rus
sian people.
''There is nothing" declared Stepniak.
that the Russian government dislikes go
much as the escape of political prisoners
from Siberia. Felix Volkhorski who. "A
you know, made such a marvellous escape |
has been living with me since his arrival |
from Canada, and am thankful to saw |
we are shortly expecting several more
friends from Siberia to recruit our little
band.'
And what are you going to preach in |
in Russian,
~ Ia Oh course quite premature and |
useless to produce any detailed plan of re-
form. We must take what we can get.
But we believe that political liberty should |!
take the form of elective distric councils.
md am convinced that the nationaliza-
ton of the land would be one of the first |
great reforms to be carried. The Russian
people are quite prepared for it already,
for the idea of private property in land has
never taken root in their minds as in
Western Europe. The economic recon-
struction OF society would have to come
later"
II have been too busy to settle all nv mr.
ranRements as yet. Indeed I cannot tell
you what towns am to lecture at beyond
The great towns in the eastern states, New
York, Boston, Philadelphia, etc. l have
lot heard vet whether go westward or not,
out no doubt 1T will all be arranged in
'ime." As regards language Stepniak
speaks English with very decided accent
md possesses most thorough kuowledpe Of
,ur tongue, SO that his American sympa-
,hizers need be under no apprehension on
he score of not understanding him.
AS rose to leave, the conversation turned
or moment on the recent murder OF Cen
Seliverstof, the Russian police agent in
Paris. which is sur posed to have been done
o avenge the execution of Mile Gunzburo.
member of the nihilist party. IF it were
lone BY our people It was mistake de.
:lared Stepniak, "for it was done in de.
lance OF the laws of national hospitality :,
"Weli. whatever you do. don't ist anr
iussian officials be murdered in England. =
suggested.
mo. indeed" he returned with a lauph
that would be too dreadful" and with q
rarm shake of the hand left him.
1