Year: 1879

At the recent trial OF Mrsky in st. Petersburg for
the attempted assassination of General Drentchu the
prisoner spoke to the following effect addressing
tho judges 1t is quite possible that
you will condemn to lose everything. ut least
great deal. That is not my concern. do not fear
to die. There is something dearer than my life.
That is my honor aud the views to which I have
sacrificed everything. These views and the princi-
pies hold wish to present before tho Court in
order that those who how present may leave the
Court with the conviction that am an honest man.
am socialist. Our party is not political in the
strict OF the word. 1t il rather the party of
economic reform and social regeneration. You call
this party criminal and destructive. This is
error l wish to refute. We do not wish
destruction. On the contrary. we wish to see
society calm and tranquil. resting on soupder
foundations than at present Ours Is the party of
the people. but cannot in my conscience consider
II anti-governmental for this reason-not having AZ
yet created established any other order.
not logically wish to overthrow the monarchical
equity with It. You say we are criminal. cannot
accept this dchnition-especially on your part.
Why are We thus designatedl Because we have
committed some murders2 But these murders
only the reply to yours. admit that assassination
is very bad weapon. but at present 1t is unfortu-
nately Indispensable to us. for 1t gives us tho only
possibility OF struggling with you. We only
using your own methods. and ON this occasion allow
Of the things which You ssnctionrmen taking
advantage of their fellows and the sacrifice
of individual win to others. What compcls





with which we are treated We are deprived even of
the right of having our opinions. We are prose
cuted for our opinions, on the ground that these
opinions are erroneous. But, in that case, why are
prosecuted? II these opinions are erroneous
why are they bugbear? II they were allowed to be
sropagated society would be the best judge Of them
and would condemn them IL they were as bad rs
you say. Now. listen; are so strongly convinced
that tho truth is on our side that we are fanatics IN
this conviction. Yes. we are fanatics Tomorrow
shall die. A hundred others will replace me. We
march to power tho ancient Christians went to
martyrdom, and we die with love and hope" Mirsky
again insisted on the idea that his attempt
could not be denominated assassination, but that
IL was rather a duel, where the greatest chances
were against him. At any rate. he said, accord
ing to his Judgment, nothing could be charged
against his honor In all the affair III have retained
my dignity as q man." he added. and he hoped the
Court even after having condemned him, would
have respect for him. Addressing the judges, no
said :.Gentlemen. leave my fate in your hands. :"
And added :--"Now address some words to my
companions in misfortune. companions accidentally,
for there wss nothing in common between until
we found ourselves associated by the most unfortu-
nate circumstances. As regards my companions,
ain very guilty. for they did not know who was.
and took advantage Of them In deceiving them.
This is why ask tkeir pardon. will only add that
In using them IL under the conviction--errone-
Gus. alas that they would not be brought into
trouble"