[102]. See note, p. [189] et seq.
[104]. The Yakutsk massacre has lately (April, 1903) been recalled to public memory by the arrest of the Russian revolutionist, Michael Gotz, in Italy, and the attempt of the Russian Government—fortunately frustrated—to obtain his extradition. Gotz was one of the youthful exiles at Yakutsk, and was severely wounded, but survived to be court-martialled and condemned to penal servitude in the mines for life. He and his comrades were subsequently amnestied, chiefly in consequence of the notoriety given to the affair by an account of it published by the Times with indignant comments, which caused such feeling both at home and abroad that even the Russian Government was affected.—Trans.
[105]. English readers might suppose that, on the expiration of their sentences, political convicts would be set free unconditionally. But this is not the case. According to the Russian Penal Code, Art. 25, “The results of the sentence to hard labour are: the abolition of all family and property rights; and, at the expiration of the sentence, settlement in Siberia for life.” In practice, however, “politicals” (especially those having influential friends) are occasionally, after the lapse of years, allowed to return to European Russia. There they must live under police supervision; and though they may choose their place of abode, it must be a town; but not the capital nor any of the more important or manufacturing towns.—Trans.
[106]. Among the others to be released with me were Martinovsky, Prybylyev, Mirsky, Starinkièvitch, Zlatopòlsky, Mihaïlov, Fomin, and Kohn; all of whom have figured already in my narrative. Stefanòvitch also was of the party, but was only destined to remain with us for two months, after which he was sent to be interned in Yakutsk. He has spent the thirteen years since we parted in various places of Siberian exile.
[107]. About 8½d. to 10½d. the English pound, a pood being equal to 36.1127 lbs. avoirdupois, and a rouble to about 2s. 1d.—Trans.
[108]. A familiar form of transliteration is employed here, but more correct would be Tsesarèvitch.—Trans.
[109]. A village constable appointed by the inhabitants of the commune.—Trans.
[110]. A kind of cloak with fur both inside and out.
[111]. The elder or chief of the commune, as the stàrosta is of the village.—Trans.