The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-18
A FORTUNATE CRIMINAL.
'TBy Count Leo Tolstoi. ]

On the shores OF the Mediterranean
there lies between France and Italy the
little kingdom OF Monaco. It numbers
fewer Inhabitants than large village
in all 7,000-and is in extent SO contract
ed as not to boast more than double that
number of acres. But, on the other
hand, it has a real prince, who possesses
a palace. has a. court, ministers, bishops.
generals and an army. Not, to be sure,
a large army-60 men-stiH an army:
nor is the revenue large. Duties are,
indeed, as elsewhere imposed upon wine,
alcohol and tobacco; but although the
people conscientiously drink and smoke
there are not enough of them and the
princeling would certainly be unable to
feed his courtfers and himself had he
not the special resource Of a gambling
house
There people lose or gain, as the case
may be, but the keeper always profits,
and, therefore, pays heavy dues to the
princeling. He can well afford to do so,
as his establishment is in Europe uni
que Similar places formerly existed in
some of the German municipalities; but
years ago, on account of frequent cataS-
trophies, they were suppressed. A player
carried away by excitement, would lose
all his own money and sometimes even
that of others, and then commit suicide.
So the Germans forbade their little
princes to keep gambling houses, but no
one could forbid the potentate of Mon
AGO. and that is why he has a monopoly
Therefore all the lovers of trente ct
quarantine rush to his kingdom, and for
his benefit despon themselves. Honest
toll does not enrich says the Russian
proverb. The princeling knows that the
spring from which he drains is impure;
but what can he do? 1t would not be
more honest to increase his income by
raising the duties on alcohol and tObac-
co. A man must livei So the princeling
reigns in peace, makes money, and like
a real sovereign lives surrounded by
.s411 MI
ishes. reviews his troops, holds councils
and promulgates laws, just like other
rulers, only on a similar scale.
Now. some years since a serious event
took place in the kingdom A murder
was committed. The inhabitants OF
Monaco are peaceable folk. and nothing
of the sort had ever before taken place
among them. The judges met, and, as
was proper. set about judging. All was
done according to rule-public prosecu-
tor, lawyer. jury long and conscientious
debates. Then, in accordance with the
law, they condemned the assassin to
death. So far, so good. The sentence
was submitted to the princeling and af-
ter his ratification all that remained to
be done was to execute it But an i'm
pediment presented itself. The country
possessed neither guiuotine nor execu-
toner.
After mature consideration 1t was de-
cided that to obtain the loan of a mas
terly cutter-off of heads, together with
his apparatus. the French government
should be addressed, and that at the
same time inquiry to the cost of the
move should be made Eight days later
the answer was received. The French
government consented to send the gull
lotine and the executiOner. As to the ex-
penses, they would amount to $4,000
francs.
The matter was referred to the prince
ling. His majesty thought the assassin
was not worth that price. Sixteen thou
sand francs Tor the neck OF a rascal!
All! no, indeed 1t would in that case
be necessary to increase by francs
yearly the taxes of each citizen. The
people might resist.
A council was held and it was decided
to address the same request to the King
of Italy. France is a republic, and re-
pubics do not respect Caesars, but the
King of Italy,a brother, might be less ex-
tortionate The reply was immediate. For
the consideration of 1900 francs. which
would also cover the expense of trans
portation. the Italian government de-
clared its Willingness to lend the appar-
atus and specialist.
This was cheaper, but yet too heavy
an expense to incur for such a wretch.
1t would still be necessary to tax the
citizens Again the council met. At
great length they debated as to how the
matter might be more economically set
tied. Why could not they employ a ma
tive soldier and behead the rascal at
home?
The general was consulted. He quite
properly might O1QeT one OIL MS warriors
to cut off the head, since that is their
trade, and, after all, what else is war?
The general spoke to his men, but one
and all refused to perform the task. mo.
sir said they I'VE have not had suf-
ficient practice"
What could be done? They reflected
and yet again held a council A COM
mittee was formed, a commission and
a sub-cOmmission. A way was found;
for the death penalty must be substitute
ed that of imprisonment for life. Thus
4 raI1r
and at the same time economic. The
| prineeling approved. But another diff
ficulty arose; there was no prison suit
able for lifelong confinement. There
We're police stations but no real prison,
safe and sure. However, one was ar
ranged; jailer was appointed, and
4 finally the prisoner was shut UP.
| Capital The Jailer guarded the pris-
oner and every day from the palace
kitchen brought him his meals.
A year passed The princeling, maxi
| ing up his accounts, found that the
1 prisoners support heavily weighted his
| budget THE fellow" thought he lis
| young and healthy; there is nothing to
prevent his living fifty years, and with
jailer, food etc, to what a sum will
| his expenses amount The thing cannot
go on" The sovereign summoned the
/ ministers.
You must take measures" said he,
| "to reduce the cost of keeping that
wretch; he is too expensive
The ministers held a council and delib-
Gentlemen" said one. It have thought
of means. We must do away with the
i jailer.'
But" observed another. 1.-The prisoner
| will escape"
We'll, let him escape and go to the
| DEVIL it will be a good radiance
The matter was referred to the prince,
| who approved, and the jailer was dis
/ missed Excellent 1t only remained to
! await developments.
Now at dinner time the prisoner went
] ont fo look @ taller hr1f nj findin q
him he repaired to the royal kitchen.
| got his food, returned to prison and
| carefully locked himself in. The next
! day an Identical programme was carried
out He obtained his food and tran
| guilty dined- As for escaping he had no
such ideal