The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-03-16
TENT LIFE N SIBERIA.
George IScnnan's Adventures A. a
siherian ENpIorer.

siberian Explorer.
Mr.. George Kennan's lecture al the
Guards han last night on Tent Life in
Siberia was a most interesting descrip-
tion Of life in the great and little known
Russian possessions in the north Of Asia.
Mr.. KEENAN, was announced TO lecture
on Russian Political Exiles. with nIustra-
lions. Through a NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
on the part Of the Lyceum bureau. through
which he was engaged by the Young
Mems Christian Association. he came
prepared TO lecture on Tent Life in ST.
IBERIA Il was too late when the error was
discovered 10 change the subject
While there was. Of course. some discp-
pointment in not hearing Mr.. KEENAN, on
the subject through which he is so widely
known by his writings. it was soon dis
PEELED by the deeply interesting. and al
times thrilling. descriptions Of his expert
ences during three years Of exploration in
the great untraveled expanse of territory
which the whole civilized world has come
20 regard with dread and awe.
The hall was filled with a brilliant audi
ence. In fact, few lecturers have STOOD
Kennan was introduced by Col. J. H. Is
till There was naturally a great deal OF
interest In the celebrated traveller. Mr..
KEENAN, is an Ohioan and is about 90
years old. While a telegraph operator in
Cincinnati he was sent 70 Russia as a
leader Of one OF the Russo-American Tele-
graph COmpanys exploring parties IN
Northeastern Siberia. AS superintendent
Of construction in 1866 ne explored and
located a route for the Russo-American
line between the Okhotslz sea and Bering
strait, spending nearly three years in con-
slant travel In the interior of Northeast
ern Siberia, returning TO the United States
upon the abandonment of the enterprise.
Later he went 10 Russia to explore the
mountains Of the Eastern Caucasus, cross
ing the great range in thBee different
places. Ten years ago he made a jour
ney Of 1900 miles. through Northern Rus
STA and Siberia for the purpose OF inves-
ugating the Russian exile system, in
which he visited all the convict prisons
and mines between the Ural mountains
and the headwaters of the Amur river and
explored the widest part Of the Russian
Altai. II was his articles on Siberia and
the exile system which made him famous.
His lecture last night was based upon
his experiences during the first eXpedt-
ton. and was vivid word picture of
adventures among the Koraks and other
tribes in kamtchatka and Northern Asia.
Mr. KEENAN, spoke for two hours and
had the closest attention of his audience
His lecture was humorous at times, and
his description OF the strange life Of
the nomadic tribes on ;he steppes was
full Of interest from beginning 10 end.
In the course Of his lecture he gave a
couple OF dance songs sung by Russian
villagers on the borders of Siberia. He
told of the difficulties experienced in ac-
curing a sufficient mastery Of the Rus
sian language TO make ones simplest
wants even understood. His description
Of his long journey over the treeless, un-
inhabited and snowy plains in search of
a branch Of the party of explorers sent
cit from San Francisco after the depart
ure OF that Of which Mr. KEENAN, was
a member. and the ultimate finding of
the explorers at night in a snow mound,
unmarked, save by a piece of stove pipe
protruding from the top Of the mound,
underneath which was their house. at
almost the last moment. when further
journey would have been certain death,
was thrilling in the extreme.
His description of the aurora
borealis, which is seen in all its
awe-inspiring splendor in Siberia. was
brilliant word painting.
At the conclusion of his lecture Mr.
KEENAN, alluded to the misunderstanding
as to his subject and volunteered, If the
audience desired to have him do so, to
don the convict garb of the Siberian exile.
The offer was greeted with applause Mr..
KEENAN, retired and in a few minutes re-
turned in the dress of the exile, with his
legs bound with the heavy chains which
are riveted to the prisoners and which are
worn by them during their captivity.
Mr.. KEENAN, described the dress and gave
a patriotic and touching description Of
the celebra ton Of the centennial of Amer
lean independence in the Russian prison
at st. Petersburg in 1876.
While Mr.. KEENAN, was donning the
convict garb Mr.. James L. Earle Of the
Young Mems Christian Association com
mittee stated that an effort was likely
to be made to secure Mr.. KEENAN,, II his
engagements would permit, for another
lecture on the subject which was first an
nounced. There was an enthusiastic re-
spouse by the audience.
Mr. KEENAN, will remain in the city I'M
til noon to-day. If, in the meantime. ar
rangements can be made, he may deliver
another lecture either tonight or Monday
night, under the auspices of the Young
Mems Christian Association, or of the
Savannah Lyceum.
THE LEVY Is A GOOD ONE.