The record-union., 1893-04-10
THE RUSSIAN TREATY.

LIE hOSC1EAN MA
The Russian treaty matter is very much
involved. AS the Pittsburgh Chronicle
Telegraph puts it:
The purely ethical considerations of the
eXtradition question are very complex, but
the practical side OF the matter is not at all so.
Hundreds OF treaties have been made be-
tween the civilized nations Of the earth, and
if We desire TO project ourselves by the pun
ishment of criminals under our law who
escape TO Russia, We must accord the same
privilege 10 Russia.
If we hold that the assassin of a Presi-
dent of the United States ought to be ex-
tradited to us by any country, shall we
not agree with that country to do like
wise in its behalf? That its political head
is Emperor or King or Gar, makes no
sort of difference, as will surely be con-
ceded.
But we freely admit that, under the
laws of Russia, Furnishing for conspiracy
against the head of the Government
men may be convicted on testimony
which we would deem wholly INSULT
cient to warrant infiiction of punishment
upon a dog. The Society of American
Friends of Russian Freedom cite as q
noticeable case that of a young student at
the University of Kieff, who was
charged with an attempt against the life
of the Car, found guilty, and hanged,
merely because there was discovered in
his possession a pamphlet advocating
representative government for Russia.
A Russian refugee. then, returned I'M
der such a treaty, and charged on no
stronger testimony would stand a very
poor chance for his life once he were
landed in Russia. In Russia all power is
practically lodged in one man, and he an
autocrat; as between him and the people
there is a corrupt, cruel-hearted class of
officials and mobiles. VIII we, then, be
justified in agreeing under such con-
ditions to return criminals" as defined
by Section 242 of the Russian criminal
law:
The ACKNOWLEDGEMENT against the life or per-
son or dignity OF the Lord anu Emperor Is
regarded as an accomplished crime, not only
i'll case an attempt has already been made by
the wrong-dOer to put his criminal intentions
into operation, but also as soon as he has
started any preparations whatever for this
purpose, either by urging another person 10
take part in those intentions, or by plotting
a conspiracy or starting secret society Tor
that end, or by joining such society or con-
Spiracy, or else by expressing either by word
or in writing his opinions and suggestions
on this subject, or in what other manner
soever.
] fhic lou
tai punishment. Now, if Americans pro-
test that refusal to agree to extradition
under such laws is not excusing assassin
alton, are they not occupying safe
ground? Is, after all, in case of the as
sassination of our President, our claim
for the return of the murderer under
laws that secure him trial by jury and
assurance of punishment only on per-
fectly clear evidence of guilt to be
classed along with Russian laws concern
ing such crimes as are punished by death
under the Russian code we have cited?
| 1t surprises no one that political con-
spiracy, to the death, is always on tap
i'll Russsia-the Russian system breeds
it; her repressive, iron-handed and
steely hearted policy produces anarchists,
! Ours does not, and with US assassination
is too infrequent, too unlikely to make it
necessary to enter into compact with
| Russia that gives her advantage over
men, whom if we do not apologize for we
at least believe will not have a fair trial
if returned by extradition.
The simple question is, Shall we help
| to tighten the shackles in Russia, and to
! give greater power 20 the autocratic grip?
We think not. But if the United States
refuses, will the anarchists who are
breeding trouble among US have the com
mon decency to confess the great-headed-
ness and generosity of the American
! Government?
If it were possible to close and condi-
tion the treaty with Russia so as to make
it fit only assassins of, or conspirators
against the life of the Car, who are as
| clearly guilty as we would require as
sassins of the President to be proven, we
could not object to the compact. For
assassination cannot be winked at any
where by any one. 1t is the political
crime for which no nation can have
| bowels of mercy. We cannot afford to
declare that killing king by ASSASSIN
methods is only a political crime, and
not murder. II the treaty is rejected the
! American people must not be understood
as holding to any such ideas.
Unjust Taxation