HOW THE LATE CZAR WAS KILLED.
The recent trial of Russian Nihilists has developed new facts regarding the assassination of Alexander 11. It seems the execution of the terrible plan was confided to three of the most trustworthy men in the Nihilist brotherhood. There was a wall facing the scene chosen for the attempt. In that wall three "niches had been contrived for watchmen to shelter themselves when necessary. Each of the Nihilists occupied a niche. The first was ordered to allow the Emperor and his suite to pass. The-second was to throw the first dynamite bomb as soon as the backs of the escort were turned. The third was to do nothing unless his comrade failed. The order was faithfully executed. As soon as the Emperor and his escort passed, the second Nihilist threw his bomb, which exploded, with terrific effect, killing horses and Cossacks, and blowing the Emperor’s carriage to pieces. Bnt the Czar was unhurt. Then the first- Nihilist,' with his deadly missile concealed under his armpit, forced his way through the crowd, and flung his bomb before the the feet of the Czar, just as the latter had extricated himself from the wreck of the carnage. The act was both suicidal and murderous, a deed of assassination not without heroism, for the Nihilist himself whs instantly killed, while the lower portion of the Emperor s body was actually blown off. Then the third Nihilist forced his way through the ring of horrified spectators, lifted the shattered body of the Czar and examined the victim. All this time bis bomb ready for use, but seeing that the Emperor was already beyond hope, be placed the mutilated body in the hands of the Emperor’s brother and the aide-de-camp, and then retiring into the crowd, disappeared. Subsequently betrayed by the woman, Helfman, he was arrested and tried on Feb. 25. The details of bis trial are already well known. But the terrible resolution of the murderers as»revealed by the trial may well cause tne third Alexander to. fear the fate of his father, ere long, for the Nihilists have officially announced that the coronation shall never take place.
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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2917, 1 August 1882, Page 3
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359HOW THE LATE CZAR WAS KILLED. South Canterbury Times, Issue 2917, 1 August 1882, Page 3
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