The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1904-04-18

W. ~ 'hHbbhN, April 10. - IN
Gerschuni whose execution takes place i
st. Petersburg on some day in May no
yet fixed, has long been regarded by Rus
sian offcialdom as the most formidabl,
nihilist living and perpetual menace e
law and order in Russia.
DIR. Gerschun. a Polish jew, was driver
into the nihiist camp by persecution OF
account OF his Ieraehte descent. His par
ents were both killed IN an anti-Semiti'
riot in which the Russian authorities made
no effort 10 protect the Jews. severa
prominent officials had taken a leading part
In organizing the outbreak. This discovery
made young Gerschuni, then youth Of
lS. bitter enemy of Russian offcialdom.
DR.. Gerschuni threw himself into the
work of political conspiracy with grim en-
thusiasm.
He took a prominent part in some half
dozen revolutionary movements in South
Russia. notably At Odessa. hief anH
Kharkon. On these occasions. disguised
as a workman, he fought the Russian
police and troops side by side with the
men whom he had melted to rebellion
lie was leader in the daring attempt
to poison the present car in January,
1897
After The failure of this murderous plot
Russia became too hot for the arch-con-
spirator, and he fled across the frontier and
made his headquarters IN Vienna and Der
lin for five years.
He became acknowledged chief Of the
Russian revnlutionists who believe in po
htical assassinations and bomb outrages
His temporary home in Vienna became the
&c no bpl he whole
nihilist organization in his hand
The numerous branches of the secret
revolutionary league in Russia sent the
money collected Tor the cause to him and
took their instructions from him. When
some desperate deed had TO be accom-
plshed somewhere in Russia it was Ger
schun who planned the details and dis
patched the emissaries to carry out his
IDEAS. Sometimes a police officer had to
be removed by assassination; at other
times outbreaks Of reasonable discomfort
had to be organized in different parts OF
Russia. Gerschuni plotted and planned
everything. and always oontrved to find
willing agents Of his will
During the FIVE years he spent abroad
the Russian government was able to trace
thirteen local revolutionary outbreaks
four outbreaks among peasants, three ris-
ings in the Caucasian provinces, eight stu
dent risings in various university towns,
six noiticai assassinations and eight un-
successful attempts at assassination to Ger
sehuni's followers,
Besides this revolutionary activity, nc
edited g nihilist organ, wrote manitestoes,
compiled records of crimes recorded IN his
tory as having been committed by success
sive Russian czars. and contributed Wig
orous criticisms Of the Russian govern
nent's policy to leading journals in several
European countries.
About two years ago, Gerschuni was re-
preached with remaining abroad in safety
while his emissaries risked their lives IN
realizing his schemes. The reproach stung
him to the quick, aud he immedia tely went
back to Russia to continue his reasonable
campaign under the nose OF Russian OF
fcialdom.
Nevertheless. he continued to be plot
ter in the background and to find other
men 20 do the deeds of violence which he
planned.
He persuaded an enthusiastic young
revolutionist named Balanschoff to assas.
Finate the minister Of the interior, Sipiagln,
and elaborated all the details of the crime
which was successfully perpetrated. Bal
anschoff, however, was arrested and execut-
ed uerschuni then arranged the attempts
20 assassinate Prince Obellnslly and Gov,
ernor General Bogadanovitch, both Of
which failed
Recently Gerschun contrived to gain q
remarkable and mysterious ascendancy
over young artillery officer Lieut.. Gre
Foreh, who, under his banenl influence
was transformed within short time from
loyal servant Of the ear into red hot
revolutionist. Gersehuni wanted to have
Pobiedonostzeif, the proeurator Of the hols
synod. assassinated, and he induced Lieut.
Gregorieff to undertake the task
Lieut.. Gregorieff went 10 the appointed
place with the intention Of numbering III,
aged statesman. When, however. he re
allied how old and feeble his intended vic
tim was he refrained from shooting
Gersehuni. wild with fury. sent an anony
Nous communication to the authorities
$500
See PERI. the greatest equilibrist eve
seen. balance a flower on his chin at tbs
Druha4tfn -