A ROBBER REPUBLIC.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 6 December 1901, Page 4

A ROBBER REPUBLIC.

In Siberia-

Tho fact that Siberia is only half explored.; and. that wholo communities of fugitives ciist unknown <;o tbe Government, has often b?cn mentioned by travellers, bus the existence of an armed republic of thieves and runawys in one of the most fertile parts of Eastern Siberia will bo a ixvolation to most people; An extraordinary story now going the round of the Hussion Press shows, however (says tho "Morning Leader',) the ease with which the law may bo evaded in Siberia; and fc at it may bo possible for robber communities to exist, and carry on a regular government for years without interference by, and even in defianco of, the authorities.

It appears that in 1886, after the dissolution by the Chinese Government of the robber republic of /<!heltuga, a number of thieves itnei outlaw?; finding their occupation gone, decided to form a similar state in Siberia. They proceeded up the Amur in small bodies to a common rendezvous iii th 3 rich; gold-beaving region on the Gilui River, which runs eastward into the Zeya, one of the most important atlluents of the Amur. Here the now republic was founded. As president of this republic was elected an escaped convict named Bastrikoff. Police officials were appointed, daily parliaments and courts of justice held, and punishment inflicted upon offenders. The punishment of offenders against order or honesty was carried out with merciless severity; and every parliament was opened by the flogging of culprits. At first women were admitted into the community, but as on experience it was foitnd that most offences were the indirect consequence of the presence of women, a vigorous rule was enacted that no women should be allowed within sight of the community, and any women found violating this law were condemned to a merciless flogging. Asiatics also were excluded from the republic of Million Spring, as it was called, and armed sentries were posted to prevent intrusion, but Russian subjects were admitted on proving that they were outlaws or runaways. The end of thi3 strange republic, an account of which has been published by one of its members, was quite unworthy of its origin and methods. Reports were constantly being circulated to the effect that the authorities had discovered its existence, and were sending an armed force to withdraw it. The republicans on several occasions were compelled to send out men to reconnoitre. At last the wolf really appeared in the shape of an officer from Blagovestchensk at the head of a considerable force. The republicans were takei by surprise, and could not agree whether to resist or disperse. The invaders took advantage of their indecision, and poured in a volley, killing and wounding several men, and dispersing the remainder. Hundreds vmre taken prisoners by the the troops, and all the gold accumulated by years of work fell into _the hands of the Cossacks. Such. was the end of the Republc But it is stated that some of the runaways have gone north, with the intention of starting another republic in a still more remote spot.