Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-22

WARDER came and took away my
"A prison clothes, and brought me the old
= blue suit which | was wearing at the
time of my arrest, and which | had not seen
for two years
Make yourself comfortable said the super
intendent, while | was dressing, you have
nothing to worry about. The truth will soon
be told now"
When l heard him say this in quite a
kind voice l could scarcely believe my ears
Was this the man who had all along treated me
so shamefully?
He evidently had an idea of what was pass
ing through my mind suppose | must have
looked astonished for he made haste to add
in an apologize tone:
Il see by the newspapers that there Is no
evidence against you, and that you will soon
be set free. When that time comes | don't
want you to think unkindly OF us. Remember
in prison have to do many things we don't
like"
l thanked him and left the cell with my
guard,
Before leaving prison, two Of the policemen
took hold OF me and took off my clothes until
l was naked. Then. they began to punch me
and pinch me all over until | cried from
pain. One of them put his fist in my mouth
and, taking hold of my tongue, twisted it until
he nearly tore it from the roots. This was to
make sure that had not poison in my mouth
l nearly tainted with the pain They roared
with laughter. This treatment went on every
day during my trial
Having redressed myself, ! was told to follow
my guard, and after walk along some cor
ridors, | found myself at the prison entrance
where a prison van was drawn up. AS was
getting into the van | caught one glimpse
of the beautiful sky which | had not seen for
so many weary months, The van was sur
rounded by soldiers in the courtyard OF the
prison, and when the great doors opened |
could see from the small grating many more
soldiers, and hundreds of police and eendarmes
pushing back a great crowd who tried to make
their way to the van.
There seemed TO be more women than men
in the crowd. Most OF them we're girl stu
dents There must have been many thousands
in all. Many waved handkerchiefs and their
hats, and | heard them shouting my name. |
was overjoyed TO find that | had so many
friends outside, and my heart became much
lighter.
All the way TO the court the streets were
thronged. and l could see Cossacks driving
the people back with whips before we arrived.
Although had lived In Kiev for 50 many years,
this was the first time l had ever seen tho
building
AS We entered the court, the thought came
into my head Il must not fear God will
help me. He win show them The truth. lie
will not leave me alone in this hour" And it
this thought that kept me up during the
terrible time of my trial, which now seems to
me like a nightmare.
Going up the stairs l met several students.
with their BLACK Hundred badges on their
coats. They stood in our way, and would not
allow us 10 pass for the moment.
wait moment" they cried. You dirty Jew!
They will show you here how to Kill our Christ.
ian children"
was placed in a cell in which prisoners
awaiting trial were kept |. was very small.
with a wooden bench on one side. Four sol
diers guarded me with loaded rifles. 1t seemed
hours before heard voice calling;
Bring in the prisoner"
The four soldiers. with naked swords sur
rounded me, and took me into court, telling
me TO occupy the tny dock, in which, for
thirty-five days and sometimes nights, was
to remain.
My eyes first fell on the four judges. all OF
whom were dressed in black while the Pres
dent, in addition wore his chain OF office At
the back Of the judges, another forty or fifty
officials filled every available chair. and mduy
were standing. Among these | recognized all
the prosecutors who had come 20 see me- the
Governor Of Kiev, and the Chief OF GeUdarnes,
who had me arrested, and during my impris-
onlnent had frequently questioned NE
Presently my eyes wandered around the body
Of the court room, where ] noticed a number
OF iashionably dressed women. | wondered
what they had come for
All eyes were turned on me- and felt very
nervous. | saw great nuu,ber OF lawyers
walk IN, and a warder told me they we're all
against me. This made me very much afraid.
But soon atterward saw my lawyers come into
court. and my confidence came back
IL seemed to me that there was a quarrel De-
tween the lawyers ri sht at TIE starr, as 10
where they should sit think mine must have
won. because they laughed and looLet very
happy One OF them teckoned To me. ant toil
nie 10 take sea- at the otrcf end of the
18th. just against item.
shall never forget my feelings when saw
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