Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-01
AIMS OF THE NlHILIsrs.
"Stepniak," the Famous Russian Writer, Die
courses on Oppression in HIS Country.

Sergius Stepniak, the famous Russian revolu-
Zionist, exile and writer, who arrived in New
York Tuesday, has come 10 this country to de-
liver fifty or more lectures, and in view Of the
great interest which Americans feel in Russian
affairs, and the particular interest which they
must necessarily take in a man who has been q
co-worker with the most noted leaders Of the
popular movement against the czars, it seems
probable that he will address large audiences.
PEN PICTURE OF srEPNIAK.
1t twas mild-mannered nihilist who sat in q
room in the Everett House and answered ques-
tons from newspaper men. Anybody, taking
a good look at him. would say: There's man
overnowlng with good nature; a warm hearted,
sympathetic fellow. He cannot be nihilist."
But that is the very sort Of man to make good
nihiist, according to the definition which Step
max himself gives, for. as he puts IL. the nihi-
list n man who, touched by the suffering Of
MS people, feels impelled to espouse their cause
and to make a martyr of himself, il needs be-
10 right their wrongs He may do very bad
things, but he does them because he is q very
good man.
Stepniak must measure five feet eleven in
helght and weigh 100 pounds. The loosely TT
ting tweed suit which he wears makes him look
an even heavier man. He is well proportional
with erect body. full chest, magnificent
shoulders and a well-balanceed head. He
mas fuil black whiskers and bushy black hair.
~ "AS CAaSh. anu dIc luu VI lllt anu
telligence, and his face is altogether pleasing
one, showing great animation as he talks and
expressive Of dignity and character in repose.
WHAT THE NIHu.1sTs WANT.
1.-The nihilists rs a party" said he, ''believs
that certain things should be given to the
people Of Russia. They want national parlia-
ment, universal suffrage, local autonomy and
naturalization Of land. They do not believe
IN i, a state church, but in absolute freedom in
religious matters. For the present they are
hghting for but one thing and that is for the
substitution Of free government in the
place OF autocracy. They ask no more than
this, willing to leave the rest to be settled af-
terward. and willing to take their chances with
other parties in the determination of what in
sututlons are best suited to a free people. They
do not ask for a republic. although they are in
oiVidualiy republicans. They would be willing
that the relgning car should be the president
Tor life. But they do insist that autocratic
power shall be done away with"
Ihis and much more Stepniak said, speaking
with great rapidity and earnestness, exhibiting
wonderful command of English and the ability
to use English words Discriminatory. His
pronunciation, however, was far from good,
and at times it was difficult to catch the words
which fell SO rapidly from his lips.
HIS PRESENT PURPOSE
What are you here for?"
II come as the representative Of the paper
which is published in England-Free Russia
paper which has for its object the awakening
In the civilized nations of the world of n senti-
ment OF disapproval of the course of the Rus
sian government toward the people of Russia.
we have no popular sentiment to which we
may appeal In our own land in the hope that it
may lead to a modification of the rigorous
treatment OF his subjects administered by the
car But we realize that foreign opinion of
our country has a tremendous influence. In the
sentiments of other neapla
nave found lever which We NAV use to great
advantage in our work
For example. we realize that what has come
from the work of George KEENAN, has made an
epoch IN Russian history. do not mean that
the sentiment which he has aroused has had its
greatest effect direct upon the car. 1t has
operated perhaps more strongly upon others,
upon the great body of officials surrounding
the car and it has certainly produced a great
impression upon the entire body of Russian
liberals The paper of which 1 speak was
founded by some of the leading men of Eng
land and our committee of management is COM
posed of noted men Of both parties. wish to
create In this country an interest in our cause
similar to that which is felt in England. That
is what am here for and if do it shall
consider that 1 have made a very successful
journey"
WHEN FORCE SHOULD BE USED.
DO you indorse the practices of the Russian
terrorists?" was the next interrogatory which
10 THIS question Stepniak responded with the
counter question. IF any one Of you should
nave your sister nogged what would be your
ieenngs-what step would you stop at to over
turn the government that authorized such
punishment! Then he went on to describe the
eiaaohs pre'allng In Russia between people
anu sovereign; lhe conditions were SO severe,
he said that they could not be tolerated.
we tried the propaganda first" he con-
.lnueo, put we got nothing from 1t except the
mus cruei anu parparous treatment OF all who
. .Soh part IN II. Ihere Is no other way than by
boye ond hoIs %. VIA. we ran' ana must
better for humanity If force sbail he msed ~
it would be if We should continue to endure.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
81 had my first trouble with the government"
said Stepniak. sin 1873. when 7 was ,n.l;n.
nronaoando amona a.. -. e
%. ~. PEASANTS, was oroereo
nI", eae. ou. uion leave the country. l
:. Ia ls my haihe ana residence somewhat and
s.u AePt On WIN my work. was probably the
IT'S ms. VI Nha' are known as the Illegal people.
. ns p1t "a. covers persons VINO, having been
ordered TO leave the country, stay in it under
a'soeu lanes, .tpie' III apprehended, TO I'M
IonS ;n 1s7s "a pd .hl.a went 70 S"itIer-
cation which was circuInteS in Rnss;a Ru atnr
l returned to Russia, still an illegal person.
and published paper called Land and Liberty"
now dld you manage to escape arrest?"
An that was my good luck, said Stepniak.