MILITARY TRAGEDY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2552, 17 November 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

MILITARY TRAGEDY.

A ukeadki'i, tragedy is reported from Russia, caused by a soldier being driven mad, "as it would seem, by dread of corporal punishment. A Polish soldier of a regiment stationed at Ardalian, was sentenced by his commander to be beaten with rods for an offence against the military regulations. As his comrades were preparing to carry out this punishment, which is now contrary to the Russian law, the infuriated soldier snatched a knife out of his pocket and stabbed the soldiers severely right and left. Three of them were wounded, aud the remainder being without weapons took to flight. The Polish soldier then rushed to a tent and seized two Government rifles, and tired with one on his commanding officer. Fortunitely the rifle was loaded with blank cartridge, and thus no harm was done. The soldier, quite infuriated, commenced to break the rifle. Whilst busy doing this another officer approached him and tried to bring the man to reason. The soldier, instead of listening to this officer, instantly levelled the other rifle and fired, mortally wounding the officer. On hearing the report, another officer came running up to the place. Seeing his comrade weltering in his blood, and the soldier preparing tj fire at him, he gave orders to some of the soldiers who had assembled on the spot to fire at the soldier. This they did, and a bullet soon terminated the unfortunate man's existence.