The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1922-02-02

HENperNu ny inc NANlOnAi Geographic SO
ciety. Washington. ID. CT
In their latest uprisings against tn,
soviet government, the Ukrainians OF
Little Russians" are but justifyin.
anew a reputation as fighters that ha.
stuck to them since the dawn Of Eu
ropean history. Theirs is one of the
richest sections Of the old Russian
empire and not only have they been
called upon to defend their title many
times. but at others they have Jared
forth against the Poles, the Russians
of the North. the Tatars and the
Turks. seemingly for the mere Joy of
fighting.
In recent. years the Ukraine has
quieted down So that casual students
mt the time OF the Russian revolution
hardly realized that there was such a
distinctive section left.
The Ukraine has had a trouble
some career. The wild Scythians
helped to feed ancient Greece and her
colonies from its endless steppes. A
thousand years ago Kiev was already
becoming an important. place. When
the Saxons still ruled England. i'm the
long ago. the banks of the Dnieper
were meeting-plare for many races,
drawn thither by commerce. Religious
differences had not yet arisen. for all
were wOrshipers of idols. Even then
a Slav people were safely established
here. sowing and reaping their har-
vests and Sending their surplus grain
down this river to the Black sea.
The name Ukraine means border
marches" For centuries Il was the
bulwark that protected Poland and
Lithuania from the Tatars, Turks. and
other migrating Orientals. AS a re-
suit II has had cruel taskmasters.
The native population was largely
Cossacks--a wild and unruly people
mt that time. They were not original
~ tribe, but were men who went
forth into the wilderness to find free |
dom. The vast steppes. covered with |
grass to the height Of horse, within
which multitude Of game lurked.
lured them on.
There were Poles and Lithuaninns
and Russians and even Turks among
them. They became marvellous shots.
riders, and swimmers; their horses
were famous for their swiftness and
endurance. Their differences gradual
" blended In unity Of purpose and
principle.
Crude Republican Government.
The name Zaporogians was applied
% the community that was the heart
md soul Of the great Ukraine. Their
was crude. but very re-
publican In form. Each year the old
'fiicers laid down their duties in the
presence Of general assembly, even
n that day called the rada, and new
mes were then chosen.
As any member OF the tribe could be
ievated to the highest Office. II per-
nitted each one to aspire to this dig
lily. The highest official was known
. the "hetman." II unpopular. he was
ometimes choked to death-an effec-
We, II cruel. displacement.
They carried on an intermittent war
are with Tatars on the east, stealing
heir cattle and occasionally sacking
pc unprotected towns. Again, their
airing excursions would be directed
gainst the Turks 10 the southeast. in [
ne Balkans. When tired of this they
irned northward to the Slavonic pop !
lation. :
These early Ukrainians were ever $
war with somebody and for some 4
,dy. They fought with Poland {
yninst Russia, with Russia against a
GLAND, with Poland against Turkey. {
ifh Turkey against the Tatars. They T
SISTED In placing an unfrocked monk c
BON the throne at Moscow. They
ere simply natural warriors who re- r.
Iced In that occupation. The war I,
DR. shaved his head except for wisp 7
the crown, which was allowed TO | h
ow long enough to wind around the e,
r.. =;
Although processing the Orthodox
eek faith, they were the brigands n
d the corsairs of Christianity. d,
'ough nominally subjects of Poland q,
long time. the Ukrainians were al
Instantly involving Poland In trouble or
In the Tatar and Turkish rulers. is