Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1905-04-21
THE COSSACkS.
Some Account OF Their Manners and Customs
and Marlke Proclivities.
BY BYRON NlLLETT.

and Marllke ProclivitieS.
BY BYRON MILLETT.
Gas free as a Cossack," has been n
by.word among the Russians for many
generations. The Cossacks of the
region of the Don, in the southeastern
portion OF European Russia, have been
recognized as distinct people for
upwards of nine centuries. Large set
Elements of this people have existed in
Siberia and in other parts OF the great
empire for several centuries. Russian
scholars, in the early part OF the last
century, sought to maintain with much
research that the Cossacks were OF
Polish origin; but according to the
most authentic data attainable such
conclusion proves to be inaccurate ;
that they were originally mixture OF
various nations comprising Greeks,
Poles, Turks, Malo- Russians, Calmucks
and Armenians. Their environments,
habits and customs caused them TO
develop into strenuous nation more
than three hundred years ago, repu-
tation which they have since main
tanned.
In the sixteenth century, there arose
among this people a great general
named Jermack, who at the head OF
seven thousand brave and adventurous
COssack warriors conquered many oil
the warlike tribes OF Siberia, but ow-
ing to the vastness of the country and
it's climate, this General was unable 70
hold on to the country he had con-
quered as against the encroachments
of the Russian government, and in
1851 Siberia was added to the domains
OF the vast empire. The General was
rewarded for his bravery, and since that
time the Cossacks have been among
the most devoted subjects OF the Gar
pay no taxes, except in the matter OF
military service; are hardy, strong and
brave; considered the best horsemen
in the world on long marches wherein
physical endurance becomes an i'm.
portant element. For many genera.
tions their chief weapon has been a
spear about ten or twelve feet in
length, which they yield with dexterity
they are also proficient in the use oi
modern firearms; also in the use oi
whips in dispensing mobs. The num-
ber of Cossacks engaged in the pres.
ent war with Japan is not numerous
body. A large contingent is kept at
home to guard the Gar and preserve
order. The use OF the whip in the
hands OF Cossack in riding down q
large mob has become proverbial in all
civilized countries. Their population
in southeastern Russia is estimated al
100000. In their own country the
Cossacks are hospitable and honest
among themselves; but away from
home, on predatory excursions, it is
claimed on good authority, they are
efficient robber bands.
A Frenchman who had resided
among them in the Don country for
more than twenty years, remarked il
was unnecessary to resort to locks and
bolts to protect property from theft
that a trunk unlocked containing
money and valuables might be trans.
ported FIVE hundred miles in the
Cosssck country in safety and without
fear OF molestation; that very few Of
the people drink to excess or use
tobacco, always being desirous OF keep.
ing themselves in good bodily trim,
In combats among themselves, they
do not resort to the use OF weapons,
but fight with their fists. In religion
they are Greek Catholics. Many oil
them are said to be we'll educated, and
careful and tasteful in their habits. A
queer custom has prevailed among
them from time immortal. If one
should happen to sneeze, all present
arise and make polite bow. Clarke
the able historian, Vol. / 9th ed.) at
page 396, observes: Perhaps few in
England, casting their eyes upon q
map of this remote corner of Europe
have pictured in their imagination a
wealthy and enlightened society, en-.
joying not only the refnements, but
even the luxuries OF the most civilized
nations"