No. 547.
Mr. Hoffman to Mr. Evarts.
St. Petersburg, December 4, 1879. (Received December 22.)
Sir: One of the imperial trains was blown up in the suburbs of Moscow day before yesterday. It is generally supposed that this was an attempt on the life of the Emperor, although he was not in the train that was injured. It contained only his escort, servants, and baggage returning from Livadia. Two or three cars were upset and damaged, but no one was injured.
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It appears to me to be doubtful whether the Emperor’s life was really attempted, or whether the design was to further the Nihilist cause by adding to the uneasiness and distrust already existing in the government and among the people. This incident will probably lead to further and stricter repressive measures, and thus add to the discontent of the middle classes.
Whatever their motives, it is to be hoped that the perpetrators of this cruel outrage will soon be arrested.
I have, &c.,