THE EXILES OF SIBERIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 408, 1 October 1856, Page 8

THE EXILES OF SIBERIA.

Whilst Russia and Russians are the prevailing topics in all circles, a few gathered remarks upon those victims of Russian policy, the poor exiles, may not be deemed inappropriate, and as the laws of the empire require that all those condemned, in whatever part of the country they may have received sentence, should pass through Moscow on their way to Siberia, the traveller who may have chanced to he there during the weekly gathering, will have little difficulty in recognising facts in the following account.

On reaching that city they are allowed a brief rest in the convict prison, their daily journeys being so calculated that the separate bands all arrive there from divers directions each Saturday night. After resting throughout the ensuing week, during which term they are relieved of their chains, they are despatched in one common band on the second Monday after their arrival; but ere their departure, government appoints a committee of prison authorities to control the jailers, and to see that they do not use harshness. These members are also empowered to hear statements from the prisoners, and in many cases to grant redress. Such interferences do not, of course, extend to the quashing of legal proceedings, but merely to the prisoner's comfort, his health, or perhaps some last wishes respecting his family. The excellent Slazv, physician to the prisons, was some yea rs since constantly present on the occasions, and was one of the warmest philanthropists ever known. His exertions on behali of those unhappy convicts were incessant; bis labours though, evidently those of a love that made him deem no sacrifice of time or comfort too great He was a German from Cologne, and as keen a Roman Catholic as ever that zealous city sent forth; and it would be well for mankind if half the world only possessed as much of the true Christian spirit as this worthy philanthropist. Sparrow's Hill—for so "is the place named from wnich the doomed band depart—is situated at some distance from the city, and is not a prison, as might ijg expected, but consists of a number of log,-liuts, united by a strong wooden wall, and in the interior divided into two or three courts, each strictly guarded by sentinels. In the first of these, both se„es are to be seen mingling indiscriminately, and ad dressedalike in long loose greatcoats, made of a kind of grey cloth; the only distinguishing mark i 3 that the men have half their heads shaved, whilst the women retain their long hair —a privilege also granted to the men as regards their beards; which decoration is the pride and delight both of the merchant-class and the peasantry. They are led from thence into a second court, where their names are registered -, as also their crime and histoT7\ **ere {hey make their petitions; some soliciting leave to travel by the side of a brother, a fellow exile—a poor consolation that, of being together in disgrace; but the boon, if granted, is hailedwith the greatest joy. A woman will also sometimes petition to accompany her husband; but only in raie cases is this permitted. According to the laws of Russia, she may marry again, for the banishment of the husband cancels the marriagebond as completely as death ; but if her prayer is granted, Government pays her expenses, and she assumes the convict dress, though not the fetters. The children of convicts, after five years of age, become parish property; a rule which the various proprietors in the territory are not disposed to relax, as the boys, at least, serve ultimately so far as to furnish the conscription for the army. The examination past, the exiles are led to a third court, where fetters are placed upon the whole band. This is a most cruel and brutal affair. The fetters consist of a couple of heavy iron rings, one for each ankle, united by a chain, not adapted to the size of the person and his length of stride, but of one unvarying length, about two feet. This is connected, by means of links from four to five inches long, with another chain fastened round the waist. The hoops round the ankles are not fastened by a padlock, so as to be removed at night, but are rivited by the executioner, who drives an iron bolt through the rings, and by strong and careless hammering—for he often misses the mark, and strikes the flesh—flattens the bolt at both ends, in such a way that removal is impossible except by means of the file ; and in these chains, the poor weary foot-sore wretches are to walk every step of a journey which takes them only a few days short of six months. Meanwhile a sergeant stand's by, who must answer for their security with his own life, as he takes charge of them during their pilgrimage ; and he sees them properly secured and fastened together m fours by the wrists. At the head of the line staru.s a little table covered with copper coins, from which every man receives in advance a certain part of his daily allowance ; government giving each for Ins maintenance forty-eight kopecks—a fraction less than fivepence a day—and to each woman permitted to accompany her husband, half that sum. This ceremony over, the gates are thrown open, and the world ceases to exist for them. It is surprising to witness the calm bearing, the sad but resigned looks of that assemblage. Hope is now dead j and in its place a dim vague glimmer appears in the distance of life, to which they look, perhaps, more

with a dreamy curiosity, than with any active feeling of terror or despair.

The gate thrown open, the exiles are handed over to a strong guard, employed exclusively on this duty, and each soldier loads his gnu in their presence ; there is also a mounted escort, with spears the commander of which carries a long whip to lash the cavalcade into order ; and thus they move on the males first, then the carts, and, lastly, the females. Their day's journey is from 22 versts to 25 versts (from 11 two-thirds to 15 two-thirds miles English.) Persons of rank are not treated otherwise then the lowest serf—noblemen being compelled to march the dreary journey on foot, and as heavily chained as the vilest felon. Political prisoners are undoubtedly treated more harshly than even the most ferocious criminals; and although during the contest with Poland, there may have been exaggerated accounts published in England as to the numbers banished, there is not the sdghtest doubt as to the cruelty exercised on all who were so. During their short rest at Moscow they were linked together like felons, treated by their jailors like brutes. The Times many years ago, gave a touching account of facts which have been since confirmed. One hundred and fifty Lithuanian nobles were mentioned as having been met barefooted and chained, on their march to Sibera, their sentence being that they should be put as common soldiers into the regiment of the Caucasus, Orenburg and Siberia. The two young Counts Tyskiewicz, almost children, were so loaded with heavy chains, as at each step to sink iuto the ground; and they held out their little hands, imploring charity to buy lighter fetters, which their guards refused them. At Choracewicze was to be seen Mr. Warcynski, the Marshal of Osmiand, the same town where the Kirghiz murdered in a church 400 women and children. He was seated in an open waggon—a blessed privilege, too, this was considered—his hands and feet were chained and connected to his waist by other links ; a collar of iron encircled his neck; his long grey beard flowed over his breast; and his head was'shaved in the form of a cross—his coat being half black and half white. He was condemned to hard labour for life. Those destined for the miues are shut out even from the light of heaven ,- they not only lose rank and riches, but by a refinement of cruelty, are deprived even of their names, and a number given them instead, by which the driver of the band calls when he has need to address them.— .Chambers' Journal.

Mobbing of the Bishop of Oxford w Belgravia.—The bishop of Oxford, Dr. Wilberforce, is the eldest son of the celebrated William Wilberforce. We recollect hearing the Bishop making his first speech in the House of Lords, after his elevation to the episcopal bench. His manner is somewhat imposing, the style dignified and commanding, and his general reputation is that of being a scholar and a logician. He has since his elevation to the episcopacy, evinced a strong leaning towards what are called Pigh Church or Tractarian views; and has consequently lost much of that popular favour which would otherwise have followed, not only fn.m the memory of his father, hut for his own sake, as an able and accomplished ecclesiastic. Tt seems that in the beginning of May last, in consequence of the continued incapability of the Bishop of London to discharge the duties of his office, the Bishop of Oxford attended, in his stead, a confirmation at St. Paul's, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge. A more injudicious selection could not have been made. His lordship had officiated at JDrompton Church on a similar occasion, a few days previously, and there he had, to his heart's content, enough of processions of the clergy, with all the pomp and paraphernalia that could make the show as imposing as possible. At St. Paul's, however, a different scene awaited him. While Mr. Liddell and his seven curates were waiting for him under the porch, the bishop and his chaplain approached the church on foot, and as soon as he reached its gate, a large body of the inhabitants assailed him with cries of " Why d m'tyou go to Rome, and join your brothers? " "No Popery } " "No Oxford Popery i " "No Traitors in the Church ! " The bishop, greatly agitated, turned round and addressed them, which only increased the confusion, and Mrl Liddell approaching him, arid the chaplain taking his arm, led him up the churchyard to the vestry, followed by a parting volley of groans and hisses, whichseemed;to paralyse the ecclesiastical party. After robing, a procession of Mr. Liddell and his curates, the clerk and two vergers, the bishop and tw6 chaplains, paraded down the chancel, south aisle; then through the entry and up the nave to the altar. After the litany, the bishop addressed the candidates from the choir, and not from the pulpit; and, when the ceremony was over, peparations were made for another procession ; but Mr. Liddell having ascertained that a large crowd was still outside, after, apparently, a close conversation in the vestry, the procession was abandoned, the congregation was dismissed, and the clergy unrobed and took their departure amongst them. The bishop and the chaplain, in plainclothes, then followed, escorted by Mr. Churchwarden Westerton, some of the church officers, detectives, and a body of police. *

The Friendly Islands.—The' Sydney Herald' furnishes a few items of intelligence from this group, received by the John Nussey, which left Tonga on the 17th ultimo. There was no ground whatever for the rumour which prevailed here some months since, that King George contemplated placing his dominions under British protection, that is to say, applying for the establishment of a British protectorate at Tonga, similar to that of the French at Tahiti. King George, with the full concurrence of his chiefs and people, is determined to maintain his national independence, and with the many improvements which have latterly been made in their system of government and jurisprudence, their fitness for admission into the rale of recognised sovereignties is beyond doubt. From the French they have long since received this recognition. For a long time past a regular code of laws has been in force. These laws have latterly been greatly amended, and are administered by native governors, judges, and inferior! officers, Formerly these officers derived emolument from the fines imposed ao punishments, but now these fines go to the state, by which, all .officers are to be paid. An improved system of internal taxation has been brought into operation, under which, among other changes, a license-fee of thirty dollars per annum is to be exacted from all resident merchants or traders. The commerce of the place is greatly improving. The manufacture of cocoanut oil has greatly increased, but this is a product which cannot he. raised beyond a certain limit, and that limit will soon be attained/ Coffee, cotton, and other valuable articles of commerce grow well upon these islands, and if attended to would be very profitable, but two difficulties stand in the way _f this : the Tongese will not themselves |labor steadily, and some absurd regulations, which the good sense of King George will no doubt, induce him speedily to abolish, prevent land from being occupied by foreign planters, even upon lease. Three French national vessels (storeships) had called at Tonga upon their way from Tahiti to New Caledonia, but their visit was a friendly.one. A .charge" was brought by the Rev. M. Calinan, Catholic Missionary, against King George, of Jiaving caused the insertion in the' Sydney Empire,' of a communication, purporting to be a true report of the state of affairs at Tonga, wherein his (M. C's) character was said to have been slanderously, attacked. But a ver}' slight enquiry showed this, charge was absurd, and that neither, the TongeseKing, nor any of his chiefs knew aught of the matter, and the charge was passed aside by the French Commander as groundless. It would, it is plain, be well if this gentleman, M. Calinan, were removed by his superiors to some other station, for he is always squabbling with the local authorities with .whom his colleagues in the mission seem to live in harmony. The Guvernor of Vavau had ordered alt .themales of-that place to prepare one gallon of cocoanut oil. each, and all- the females to prepare half a gallon each, as a contribution for. the support: of the Wesleyan missions. It was said that Uvea had been visited by a tremendous hurricane, which had inflicted much injury. Other places had suffered in like manner in a more or less degree.

The Artistand theJDog, Stealer.—A certain celebrated painter of animals, as they never were painted before, and may never be painted again, had painted the portrait of a splendid Newfoundland dog, but he strayed or was stolen as he was returning from his last sitting. His owner ■was inconsolable; but, knowing the distinguished artist'.s large and intimate acquaintance -with persons who confidentially concern themselves with other people's dogs, repaired to him for advice, and authorised him of the magnificent palette to offer £10 reward for the recovery of the missing favourite. "C^e artist soon [put himself into communication With one of his private friends, who asked him what kind of dog it was ? Why, (said the artist),' look here; this is his picture : should you know him again?' The fellow gazed at the vividly faithful representation for a minute or two intently, and then said, 'I thinks I'se. got him now; I shall know him if I see him. But what's the tip?' * Ten pounds.' * Werry ansome, indeed, and worth a little trouble ; but such a prime hanimal as that 'ere will cost a deal of trouble to get hold on, such uncommon care is taken on'em. Howse'er, I'll do my best;' and again he glued his eyes,on the pictured dog, and then withdrew. A. month elapsed without tidings of the missing Ten Pounder; but at length, in the dusk of the evening, the great artist was summoned into bis painting-room, and Ihe c found" his confidential agent. '.'Well, Bill,' (quoth the former), 'any news about the dog? I have given it up.' '.Oh no, don't, sir,' was the reply, with a wink. 'I do rally b'lieve I've got him at last. But is the tip all safe still, and no mistake?' 'Ay—have it any way you like.' 'It ant a check V asked his astute companion. ' No, a ten-pound note, two fives, or sovereigns.' 'Well, and no questions ant to he asked? lcst'l should get any friends into trouble V ' Only you bring the dog, my man, and you take the money, andTall's done for ever. Honour !' ' Well, sir, where that words said by a gent, there's an end of everything • so the dog will he here in half-an-hour's time, and a pretty business I've had to find him..' Half-an-

hour's lapse saw this little stroke of business complete, and dog and cash ' exchanged. ' Well, now, my man,' (said the artist), * that it's all over, though I said I woulJn't ask a question, I can't help it, merely out of curiosity. I give you my honour that I have no other motive, and will take no steps at all in consequence of what you may tell me. Did I ever deceive you V ' No, sir, you never did.' ' Well, do you know who stole him?' 'Quite sure you won't do anything if I te.'l you?' ' Honour, honour!' ' Well, sir, I was the chap as priggd him.' 'You!' echoed the artist with expanded eyes, uplifted hands, and a good start. ' Yes, me, sir. I took'd the dog, and no mistake,' 'Whew! Well; but now I'm more curious still to know why you chose to be so long out of your money, your ten pounds ? Why not have brought him back in a few days and got your £10 at once?' ' 'Cos, sir, yoa see, I sold un to another parly for seven pounds, who took such a liking to the creature, that I hadn't the heart to steal uri from him, till he had had a week or two's comfort out on him; but as soon as he had, Iknow'd how to prig the dog. I, as could doit once, could do it twice, and now you've got what you want; but it sartingly sounds coorious, don't it?' 'Why, you consummate scamp,' quoth the artist, almost splitting with laughter, 'you've got seventeen pounds out of the dog!' Yes, sir, that's ths figure exact,' replied the stplid Man of Dog !' * Well, but, you impudent vagabond, if you could prig a dog, as you sa\', once, and twice, you„ may thrice——-'-'Well, sir, so I may ; but this here dog will be looked arter unkimmin close now, and I shan't run no risk.' ' Well, honour among thieves, eh ?' ' Quite correct, sir,' quoth Kunokleptes.—7?/ac/nuoo_. Schools in Lower Canada.—The report of the Superintendent of Education for Lower Canada for 1851 has just been received. The amount of the annual grant for primary schools is shown by the general table •to be j£30,000 and the amount contributed by rate-payers to he about double that sum—no less than £59,508. [The Canadian colonists do not appear to be afraid of paying rates for educating their children, Ed. L. T.]