The evening times., 1911-07-08
SUICIDE FROM
AN AEROPLANE
One Of the Most Dramatic In.
cidents in the History of
Terrorism
(London Opinion)


Several months ago speculation
was rife among flying men as to the
cause Of the terrible accident which
befell the well-known Russian avi-
ator, Captain Mazenewitch, who. for
no apparent reason, fell from height
of 1000 feet, being instantly killed
by his fall.
Light has now been shed upon the
mystery by the confession of an ar
rested terrorist named Anev, who, by
his confession. lifts the veil upon one
of the most dramatic episodes in the
history of Russian terrorism.
Captain Mazenewitch, though an
officer of distinction, was, neverthe-
less, at heart an ardent nihilist; and,
with the birth of aviation, Mazene-
witch, together with his conspirators
realized that the flying machine had
put into their hands novel and ef-
fective means Of bringing about the
destruction Of certain general, a
high dignitary of the emepror's court,
man who, by his sweeping reforms
and political beliefe, had made him
self the detested enemy of the revo-
lutionists.
Tray for the General
The general was known to have
1.-THE greatest sympathy with avia-
ton, which at that time was little
heard of in Russia; hence Mazene-
witch. having obtained leave of abb
sence, was dispatched post haste by
his comrades to England SO that he
might return as skilled and pro-
ficient aviator, we'll fitted to carry
out the task allotted to him.
Captain Mazenewitch first visited
Brooklands aerodome. but subse-
quently left for Pau Within a few
days Of commencing his apprentice
ship Mazenewitch was executing
spectacular flights in rough wind
with amazing sang-froid to the as
tonishment of his fellow pupils and
instructors, and articles appeared in
several English papers at the time
forecasting that brillian career as
an aviator lay before the courageous
Russian
| On obtaining his brevet Mazene-
witch returned to Russia and pro-
ceeded to carry out daring evolutions
over the city of Petersburg. AS the
Terrorists had forseen, it was but
matter of time before the exploits
OF their cOmrade would receive
recognition, and, in due course the
imperial court. among whom was
General N, paid a private visit to
the flying ground outside the city.
] 1t has been arranged by the society
that Mazenewitch, with the general
as passenger, should rise to q great
height, and, when at an attitude OF
some thousands of feet, should sud.
denly take his hand from the leve,
and abandon the machine to its fate
After q few preliminary circuits
4 Mazenewitch approached his victim
who, all unconscious Of the plo
weaved about him, accepted will
alacrity the offer of a fight rounl
the aerodome.
| Gives Sacred Pledge
A moment before starting detec.
tives stepped across to the pilot, and
In. low tones, urged the captain tc
give his word. as an ofacer and !.
gentleman. that he would, as far. al
was in his power, restore his pas
senger safe and sound. Mazene.
witch thereupon gave his parole Tn.
engine was started up, and present.,
the aeroplane became but a littl.
black speck in the sky, and even tn.
Terrorists shuddered at the contem
plation Of the CHASTITY scene which
was to follow. Yet the minutes flev
by and all was going well. Now th,
machine was seen to be falling Tiki
stone through the air to be shiver'