Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-07
AN AMERICAN IN SIBERIAN EXILE.
Jacob Gerber Of Omaha Relates His Expe-
rieuce.


Jacob Gerber is once more in Omaha, having
escaped from the Siberian exile to which he was
doomed year and q halt. He arrived in the
city Sunday night after an absence of twenty
one months. After being resident of Omaha
for six years he returned to Russia to dispose
Of what property he had there and bring his
family to this country He had taken out his
first papers here, and supposed that he was to
all intents and purposes q citizen of The United
States, but subsequent events proved that he had
relied too much on the privileges Of citizenship.
He was seized soon as his identity was dis
covered; then, though he was at the time across
the border in Germany and at worship in
church, without a trial or hearing of any sort,
he was started to Siberia in spite of all his
friends could do in his behalf
When the friends Of the unfortunate man in
Omaha heard OF what occurred the case was
called to the attention of the authorities at
Washington. but careful investigation dis
closed the fact that the naturalization process
had not been fully completed and that it would
be impossible for the government to secure
the release of the prisoner.
The appearance Of Gerber among his old
acquaintances Sunday night created surprise.
His story a recital that was full Of out
rageous cruelty and human suffering The
evidences Of the truth Of the narrative were
simply shown in the frightful scars and still
unhealed sores in the living flesh. He sup
posed that he was going to the mines for life.
1t was not until he had reached his destina-
ton, nine months later, that he learned that he
was sentenced for fifteen years. He was placed
in a herd Of 800 convicts and started for the
Siberian wilds. The men were ironed together
In pairs and from the very moment that they
started their sufferings were indescribable.
Not once during the long, weary DAYS Of these
nine months were the irons removed nor the
bonds binding them to their companions
broken. When he arrived at Ilga he was taken
out into the middle of street and blacksmith
was called who took off his letters. Gerber
was told that from that time forward he would
have to take care of himself He remained there
three months before he found an opportunity
to carry into effect the plan for escape that he
had mapped out. He had excited the sympathy
OF fellow who was engaged in the mines, and
induced the latter to write a letter home for
him asking his wife to send him some money.
The money, amounting to $500, was sent, and
Gerber's friend took him to Yakutsk. He paid
$50 to get to Yakutsk and then took onveyance
by post to Tomisk. a distance Of 800 miles,
and paid for it S175.
He had secured the dress of q nobleman and
carried an official portmanteau that seemed to
have more to do with saving him from annoy
ance than everything else, for he was not
molested and was not asked for passports.
Money removed obstacles that he encountered,
and finally he reached a small town within fifty
miles OF his home without being detected. He
finally made a circuit of 300 miles and was sue
cessful in leaving Russian soil behind him. He
lost no time in getting as far away as he could.
for he knew he was not safe until he had reached
America. Thus it happened that he at last ar
rived in Omaha and of the money that had
been sent him by his wife he had 10 cents in his
pocket when the journey was over. Gerber
had about $4,000 worth Of property when he
left Omaha less than two years ago, but there
will be little of it left after he gets his family
with him. They are still at the old place, but
will come in the early spring.