The morning call., 1894-05-04

suffered in accordance with their social
standing in life.
1.-THE more highly educated and re-
fined prisoners who are detained for
political reasons-storles to the contrary
notwiths tanding-are not subjected to SO
many indignities as are the felons. con-
spirators, counterfeiters and murderers OF
low extraction.
NEARLY all of the cruelties for which
Saghalien is noted are perDetrated upon
this latter class of prisoners, and it must
be said that their lot is even worse than
death.
"Most of the convicts are employed
gathering wood and clearing away trees in
the forest. The work commences with the
break of day and ends about o'clock at
night.
Gangs of men are placed under guard
of command of an overseeing officer, who
is generally low bred subaltern, with no
more heart or feeling than piece of stone.
'These creatures abuse and maltreat
the unfortunates under them in frightfEl
manner, and the prison officials listen to
no complaints of the convicts, but simply
take the word of the soldier in all cases re-
ouiring arbitration.
II was a few days over seven months on
the island when a prison inspector from
the Russian capital visited the place.
MY capture. it seems. had been COM
municated TO the capital, and L afterward
learned that the question OF holding me
had been debated. the fact of my being a
citizen of the United States. strange TO
say, being quoted in my favor. 1t is the
first time have ever heard of the almighty
Gar ever acknowledging the rights of
another nation.
81 was accorded more freedom than Is
usually allowed prisoners. but as the
eighth month rolled by great fear seized
me that the prison inspector would not
recommend my release, so l planned TO
escape.
"a sampan with crew of Chinese
fishermen came ashore near the mouth of
creek a mile below the stOckades one
night to avoid a blow. l saw her beating
about. and taking to the woods | came out
near where the boat was drifting toward
the beach.
Il could see three sentinels hurrying
from the stockade toward the boat, as they
where near the prison, and without wait
ing or stopping to think what might hap
pen | waded into the breaking water and
grasped the sampan's gunwae.
"The Chinese were greatly frightened
and jabbered at me to let go my hold. but
one of them who seemed to be the cap
tain said something to his men ana then
was hauled on board.
'The sentries were making all speed
along the beach. but the sampan got clear,
the squall having died out, and put out to
sea, leaving the gesticulating soldiers rush.
ing fran tically about the shore.
THE alarm must have been given and
boat manned with soldiers, but as the
wind was fresh the Chinese craft hauled
quickly away from the island.
after varied experience in the sampan,
l got back to Hakodate, which l soon left
for Yokohama. came 10 San Francisco
on the steamer Belgic.
II will never go near Russian territory
again."
Seilich is a Polish Jew and a man of
fair education. He speaks English pretty
we'll. and says that he intends learning
the language more perfectly, and will
probably make his headquarters in Chi
cago, where he is acquainted with several
prominent members of nihilistic societies.
During his stay in this city he has lived
at several sailor boardiDg-houses and
made tie acquaintance of number OF the
city front boatmen.
Seilich is rather secretive Ia his move
ments, and seems to fear that he is not
altogether beyond the reach of Saghalien