The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-10-09

erner. The chief officers were out,
and the under officials were afraid to
assume authority, but at length 1 sue
ceeded.
A Picture of the Prisoners.
While the parleying was going on at
the Wide-open gate of the prison for
common soldiers the poor fellows crowd
ed about in full view, and yearning-
ly gazed as though they hoped l was
bringing messages for their release.
Many Of them are overgrown, blowsy-
headed boys, others heavy-bearded
stalwarts answering perfectly to the
pictures in the illustrated papers so
familiar to all Americans by this
time. Withal, they We're trying to
make the best of a necessitious situa-
tion. I noticed two -limbed
young fellows engaged in a wrestling
match, each one as eager to prove his
mettle as if in battle with the plucky
little soldiers of the Mikado. What
happy provision of nature that the
fun-loving spirit can soften and bright
en- the hardest conditions.
The Russian common soldiers are
all peasants. These fellows looked ig-
norant and were rough and tough.
Born to a lowly sphere. and accus-
toned to severe authority, no doubt
they fight desperately. There was
fearlessness on every face, but 1 no.
ticed few faces of cruelty and defiance.
A Grim Enclosure.
The prisoners were confined in a Sc
ries of buildings in a large, grim
looking enclosure, with ample grounds
for exercise, and they evidently lacked
little for physical comfort. Their food
was abundant. AS little restraint as
ies I,1s,,
they seem healthy and in good heart.
There was none of that mingled pallor
and despair often worn by those in
close confinement. They had the ruddi-
ness and roughness of healthy ignO-
rance, and were extracting not a lit
tie merriment out of the situation.
To show how thoughtful the Japa-
nese are of their feelings, as well as
their comfort, l was told that when
the first batch of prisoners arrived at
Matsuyama there was no demonstra-
ton. While curiosity prompted thou
sands, including the few resident for
eigners, to turn out and witness their
coming, there was not an irritating
word or a note of cheer. They were
allowed to pass in perfect silence. Word
had been passed around by the police
that nothing would be allowed which
would wound the feelings of the pris-
oners, and there was absolute compli
ance with the order. Such restraint
on the part of a victorious people is
worthy of praise.
The Officers Prison.
In a different part of the city, and in
a large and very comfortable building,
the center of an old temple compound,
the Russian officers are confined.
think there were forty or more at the
time of NV visit Before This LET
reaches America the number will
doubtless be largely increased. Only
a sufficient number of common soldiers
were allowed to act as servants to
their captured commanders. A colonel
was the officer of highest rank in con-
finement. Several of them were men
of distinguished appearance and SOL
diery bearing. Fairly good beds with
mosquito MEETINGS, much needed at
this time, were provided, and even
hammocks were hung on the verandas
in which some were swinging and
doubtless Illuminating over the misfor-
tune that had befallen them. One Of
ficer, who spoke English quite correct
ly and fiuently, was invited into the
reception room, and 1 enjoyed a very
interesting chat with him. OF course
the inevitable japanese tea was served
during our interview, and a cup was
offered the prisoner.
Talk With the Prisoners.
A Japanese officer sat near during
the conversation, but placed no re-
striction upon us, and, though unac-
quainted with our language, seemed
not at all alarmed as to the character
of our conference. The officer was of
medium hight, with a slim figure, and
had the ease and manner of a culti-
waited and refined gentleman. He was
a commander of CoSsackS, and fell in
to the enemy's hands in small en-
gagement some weeks after the battle
on the Yalu When asked about the
treatment shown him by the prison
officials he said that he had no reason
to complain; that the guards were very
courteous, their accommodations suffi-
GENTLY comfortable, and that the
food was abundant and properly pre-
pared. They were allowed to sub
scribe for daily papers, and were lib
orally supplied by friends with the
late magazines. He received regularly
the Japanese Daily Mail and Kobe
Chronicle. When congratulated upon
the fact that he was thus able to keep
informed as to the progress of the war
he significantly replied, Yes, from the
Japanese standpoint" The tone of
his voice indicated quite plainly in
credulity as to the correctness of his
news, and confidence that Russia would
triumph in the end. There was such
an air of refinement about the man,
and his manners were so gentle, that
1 found myself softened in feeling to-
wards the poor fellows who are fight
ing for the Car, and had a heightened
admiration for the humaneness of the
Japanese.
Allowed to Have Their Priests.
All Russian officers being pronounced
members of the Orthodox Church, they
are allowed the ministrations of a
priest of their own faith. One had
been sent down from Toxic who con-
Quoted services for them on Sabbaths
and holidays. And that reminds me,
that at the outbreak of the war; when
of necessity feeling against Russia was
bitter and intense. the venerable Bish-
op Nicolai of Toxic, the head of the
Russian church in Japan, was assured
of the governments protection. Ever
since the bishop, native Russian, and
his Japanese priests, have gone on with
their work unmolested. That also is
to the credit of these people. Right
there In the imperial capital, where all
political currents meet, and where war
news is freshest and most exciting,
the Russian cathedral and it's priests
have been treated with becoming re-
spect.
In a. Prison Hospital.
Another building in Matsayama had
been fitted up for a hospital, in which
the sick and wounded Russian prison.
ers received the best medical attention.
Skilled nurses and accomplished sur
geons are in constant attendance, and