A FEMALE NIHILIST'S MEMOIRS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2626, 27 February 1894, Page 3

A FEMALE NIHILIST'S MEMOIRS.

The Russians are too used to guard their words and be self-controlled to be too vehement in their speech and manner, and are trained to keep all discontent of the kind inside, when in public. But amongst friends and relations assembled in the salons, with doorß and windows shut tight, the (tea-urn) singing, the large glasses of tea, mounted in their silver stands, circulating, those of the party, especially the younger and more ardent, give free vent to their sentiments. Then are their criticisms on the existing state of affairs pointed and animated, their complaints and accusations just; and I looked forward with pleasure to these reunions, which made the long, long winter evenings pass on pleasantly. Caution, however, was never disregarded; any noise, within or without, the entrance of a servant or unexpected guest, and suddenly the conversation changes, the animation disappears, only the eyes, which still sparkle, regard each other attentively and on the best known and friendliest faces. This distrust, this fear of being surprised, betrayed, is a characteristic of these gatherings. For people, knowing the espionage carried on by spies (people personally polished and agreeable), feel that it is possible for an enemy unawares to enter their circle, and retail all their conversation to the police, with certain additions perhaps. That is why there is such a inavked disproportion in what is concealed, and the precautions used to conceal it. I have often scarcely suppressed a smile, for what have some of them to hide so carefully.

Drawn together by the same education, the same situation, tho samo endless suspicion, there are in every city or town certain " sets" or divisions of society apart. These circles are connected all over the country, and have centres at St. Petersburg and Moscow, that in the capital being tho headquarters of our Socialism. There is, however, amongst these associations no organisation generally, each one acting for himself, each one studying separately to do something injurious to the Government, not fearing to risk their lives. Now, every meeting, every organisation not only political but the most innocont—is strictly for, bidden in Russia. Socialists have certain ideas and principles, the most general being those expressed in an ancient formula, one hundred years old, called the "Declaration of tho lights of Man." Also we ponder and try to discover the mcaus of realising or working these principles; some prefer a Republic, like the French; others a Constitutional Monarchy, as in England. Sophia Wassilief, in The Idler.