RUSSIAN POLICE METHODS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 16, Issue 93, 2 December 1902, Page 2

RUSSIAN POLICE METHODS.

The centenary of the abolition in Russia of torture as an organised system of legal inquiry has recently provided the Russian Press with a text for numerous articles on the humanity and progress of their country.

Thus, during the reign of Anno, when the ex-stable boy and favourite of the Empress, Biron, was in power, it was a favourite form of torture to stand a culprit naked in the snow during the severe northern frosts of mid-winter, and to drench him with buckets of water, either ice cold or cold and hot alternately, a form of “ inquiry ” which too often had the disadvantage of killing the poor wretch before he had time to confess anything. Thumbscrews, the clog, and every form of whipping and beating, with almost as many names for various processes as are to be found in the dialogues of the slaves of Roman comedy, were everyday attributes of the old Russian halls of justice.

Just 100 years ago the Emperor Alexander I. abolished the torture as being a ‘‘ shame and a reproach to all mankind.” But he forgot to order the legal instruments of torture to be destroyed, and these lingered on and were undoubtedly used for another quarter of a century. Officially the torture has, of course disappeared. In actual . fact, however, there is a great deal of tortore going on, in Russia, at the present day. Father— ‘‘lf you would only be a. good boy all the new year you would make me very happy;’:' Little boy.— “ But think father, how unhappy I would be.” She ; " The jeweller says the diamond in my ring is not genuine,” He : " Um-er—he told me the ring was pure gold I forgot to ask him about the stone.” Tramp~‘‘Pi'ease, mum, I haven’t a friend in the world.” Housekeeper —” Well, I’m glad there’s no one to worr3' over you in case you .yet hurt. Here, Tiger ! ”