автордың кітабын онлайн тегін оқу  Semenovsky regiment. Blood and Steel. Revolution of 1905

Sergey Solovyov

Contents

Power is ghostly, like morning fog, and rests only on the tips of the bayonets of soldiers loyal to it

From the Author

Those terrible events, late 1904 — early 1905, look incredible and, even strange, rather almost fabulous from the top of our time. The events in that year in Zemstvo, opened by the Front of a large layer of the liberal elite to Emperor Nikolai Alexandrovich, led to a difficult situation, officials were engaged in hidden sabotage, in fact, went over to the side of the front. Cunning and short-sighted actions at the same time led to open indignation of the proletarians. A group consisting of members of the Free Economic Society, as well as cliques of Mr. Witte. was very influential, and decided on open actions when the Sovereign did not allow the convening of the Zemsky Sobor. Then, in modern terms, Witte played the card of the «Union of Workers of St. Petersburg,» moreover, blindly. He provoked a conflict, and did everything possible so that the delegates of the workers could not meet with the King. The suffering of the common people was indiscriminate to these heartless nobles, they simply craved the same privileges as the British aristocrats. Witte and his associates, without hesitation, would sacrifice both the King and the entire august family to achieve their goals. In the meantime, they tried to discredit the authority of the sovereign.

The fight became more and more inevitable. And, these days, the imperial life guards did not abandon their emperor. The guards did not deny, and simply carried out the order, and in the days of the Moscow rebellion. when the militants of parties and workers’ squads, or even just robbers and rapists, having seized weapons, began to plunder other people’s property and kill defenseless inhabitants. Chaos reigned in Moscow. Well, the massacre in Moscow was provoked by the connivance of the authorities, immediately, on December 7, who did not arrest the instigators of the bloody riot.

The guards were able to fulfill their duty, regardless of anything. Neither the words of the liberal press nor the slander of the intellectuals could overturn their courage and determination. Loyalty to the oath, honesty and loyalty to the Sovereign and Empire prevailed. However, the Life Guards of Nicholas II did not calculate whether the Tsar was good or bad, not tall enough, or married incorrectly. They were just doing what they had to do. It was they, the Life Guards, who did not allow Russia to fall into the abyss back in 1905. Although, everything was much harder than in February 1917. Simply, then in Petrograd there was no second colonel Min, and there were only one Dzhunkovsky and the princes of Lviv. The Life Guards, the only one, remained on guard of the state, and coped with the task during the riots of 1905.

Unlike the KGB of the USSR, which plunged the USSR into chaos. In 1989—1991, this service became treacherous in essence, going over to the side of traitors, to the side of foreign states. The Soviet Army, on the other hand, showed cowardice and indecision, the generals were afraid to make the necessary decisions, or were bribed. And, the USSR was destroyed by foreign spies. He did not fall under his own weight, as they try to lie to us. And it was destroyed by its own elite, as in February 1917, and the same events took place in Moscow in August 1991. And in February 1917 and in August 1991, the elites longed for the possibility of uncontrolled enrichment and impunity, which, unfortunately, they were able to achieve in our misfortune.

In China, the generals were not afraid and showed rigidity and fought back the rebels in Tiananmen Square. They crushed the traitors, did not step aside, but fulfilled their duty. This is the lesson of history, that everything is decided by the power of weapons and decisiveness, and not pieces of paper with seals called laws.

Prologue

Georgy Alexandrovich slowly walked along the parade ground of his regiment, carefully watching how the sergeant major conducts combat exercises with soldiers.

The day today turned out to be quite good, and such a long-awaited Christmas was approaching, with its small and great joys. Gifts for the daughter of Natalie and his wife, beloved Ekaterina Sergeevna, he prepared in advance, following this rule strictly. I already imagined how little Natalie would rejoice at such wonderful surprises. And for him, to be honest, the main surprise was the appointment to this position. One of the oldest regiments of the Russian army, and the last chief, Baron von Langof, became the head of the Petrovsky brigade from the chiefs of the regiment, that is, he stayed with them to pull the service strap. Colonel Istomin, who, like him, was also the head of the battalion, took the post of overseer of the Sovereign’s property in the Moscow Kremlin, becoming his commandant. Well, he received the long-awaited appointment to his beloved regiment, the head, where he began his military service as an ensign.

Feldwebel kept well done, managed with intelligence and meaning, and without raising his voice. That’s what it means, a man in his place!

For an officer who had been in the ranks for thirty years, the matter was ordinary, but informative. Not out of spite or bad mood, a non-commissioned officer with many stripes on his overcoat sleeve is doing this. The colonel himself did not immediately understand this, and probably ten years later, after memorable battles, now a long war in Bulgaria. I realized that this is not a drill, but a way to make a soldier accustomed to order, to create a habit of feeling his comrades nearby. And, follow orders, without hesitation. Also did not immediately understand it. Well, in the war, in battles with the Turks. You carry out the order, as it should, without even asking yourself a question, why? And you will stay alive and win…

Not every sergeant major in the companies of his regiment was remembered by Colonel Min, but he noticed this, noticeable, with important sideburns. It was Erofeev, the colonel heard how the non-commissioned officer commanded the platoon:

— Once, once, left-right… On.. left! Well done, you should immediately hear the order of the boss! — the sergeant major gave commands.

Here, and the old servant of the chief saw, he turned to the ranks, and shouted in a perfectly set voice:

— Smirna!

The soldiers famously stretched out into the frunt. And the sergeant major himself ran up to the colonel, stopped about six steps, and, according to the charter, took three steps to the chief, saluted and famously reported:

— Your high-bearded! I conduct combat exercises with the second platoon of the fourteenth company!

— Excellent, sergeant major. Continue!

And, so as not to embarrass the soldiers with excessive attention, Min rushed to the headquarters of the regiment. Yes, this surname was in his family, just Min, and no von Min. And not from Germans of origin, but from Scots, And the grandfather, the founder of the clan, was a purely civilian man, an engineer who arrived in Russia from Scotland. But Father, went to the generals. Such a career in Britain would simply be impossible. And he could never get such a regiment under command, the oldest, along with Preobrazhensky. For example, the Grenadier Guards or the Coldstream Guards could hardly even enter the service. Min understood all this, and appreciated the trust of his sovereign.

The officer opened the door, climbed the stairs. Everything was familiar here for an officer who had long served in the army. In the chancellery thundered newfangled typewriters, «Underwood,» a pair of maidens sporingly controlled these newfangled devices. Nearby lay trays full of printed orders and forms.

Min gave honor to the regimental banner, the famous banner of their regiment, decorated with St. George ribbons. The sentry standing at the banner was like this relic, stately and tall, a true fellow. The colonel even perked up a little, and indeed, recently passed the day of November 21, a great holiday, the Day of the Entry of Our Lady into the temple, a regimental holiday. And yes, he accepted the regiment on December 5 of this year.

But all one thing was dreary in his soul, alarming, after all this news, and today’s return from Tsarskoye Selo, where he was received by the Sovereign. Before that, he managed to talk with the duty general, Prince Golitsyn, and was able to understand all the anxiety of the Imperial Court. This conversation only reinforced his worst fears.

But then Lieutenant Colonels Riman 1st Nikolai Karlovich, Baron Maidel Roman Karlovich, von Etter Ivan Sevastyanovich got up, and he, as he should, greeted his officers, the commander of the battalions of the Semenovsky regiment.

— Sirs, good to see you.

— So what, Georgy Alexandrovich? What is heard at the top? said von Etter.

«It’s not going well. And August Fedorovich confirms the fears. Turmoil begins… With this Zemstvo, with a petition, Mr. Witte went too far. And here, and the war with the Japanese, everything is one to one, as if on purpose!

«Yes, now August Fyodorovich Langof is the head of the Petrovsky brigade,» Riemann said, «he knows what’s what.

— And another, as I heard from the chief of police. Labor unions stirred. Their zemstvo support.

— So, our gentlemen liberals decided to shake the calloused hands of artisans? And the smell of sweat and burning does not bother? Riemann chuckled, «everyone is wise, these friends of Mr. Witte. They want to bring us all under the monastery! Especially, Prince Lvov, and his gang! That’s who should be arrested, but sent to Siberia forever!

— Maybe we will be sent to the army? It’s a shame to sit in St. Petersburg, gentlemen! — Maidel was indignant, — all the officers are awaiting the decision of the Sovereign!

— In such an environment, Baron, ’and Riemann chuckled again,» I’m afraid we’ll find another matter.

— What?

— For which the First Emperor created his Amusement. To defend his See. We, gentlemen, have to disperse these rebels and troublemakers with a bayonet and bullet.

— Potishe, Nikolai Karlovich, — asked Min, — do not talk about it, so loudly.

The chief of the regiment fully understood the validity of Rimann’s words. And the way several generals wished for this, it would be necessary to arrest this Government of troublemakers, led by Witte, and send them all to the Peter and Paul Fortress. That others would be discouraged to muddy the water. Reassure these zemstvo, yes, the unbowed liberals, who in life did not raise anything heavier than a silver spoon. And then, out of stupidity and anger, these stupid people raised such an element that could cover Russia with their heads, flooding it with blood. But no, the Life Guards will not allow this, Colonel Min himself was sure of this. And, he was going to fulfill any order of the sovereign.

Part One. Bloody Sunday

Putilov plant

Work in the middle of the day was just boiling in the workshops. To tell the truth, everything was not bad here. A great new building, with huge windows that gave plenty of light, high ceilings and good ventilation. The lighting was electric, bright lamps burned with clean light. Convenient, good, just work, no need to be distracted by empty.

The carpenter laid in the trolley in even rows carefully treated with fugank boards. He liked what he did. I even loved the smell of wood, this incomparable bright aroma. I would never exchange this case for any other, say, iron. Gar, crash, it was not his, did not like such a job by a skilled craftsman.

Hands, as if they themselves did such a familiar job. Here, however, he overlooked, dropped several boards in a pile of sawdust. He even sighed with grief, took off his cap, and slammed it on his gray harem pants.

— Sergunin, I warned you! Why didn’t you take the sawdust, damn it! How will the fire happen? Did you forget everything?

— Yes, Mr. Master, everything is under our supervision… So, and the barrel of water is full, I spill a bunch all the time… We try, we remember the instructions of the authorities.

— Keep your mouth shut, Fedorov! Don’t consider yourself smarter than the master. What happened to whom to answer? Something for you?

— So the fines, I suppose, no one canceled! Here, for all the nonsense earned deprive. Are we so directly rich, or what?

— Well, and you, Ukolov, consider yourself well done. So frankly, it will not be easy for you to find a job. You are with us, not a turner or a milling machine operator. Carpenters and carpenters are lined up a lot, near the board, everyone should get a hunt and a state-owned apartment, and the flow is not bad. Where will you go, to your village, to your Kolpino? You can’t earn that kind of money anywhere. And they won’t take you to the undertakers. Their artel is strict, they don’t take strangers, and the master laughed, satisfied with himself utterly.

— Not the case like that. Not according to conscience. Why should you, Mr. Tevtyunin, cling to Sergunin? Works, man, tries. The daily lesson performs exactly, on time, does not detain anyone. That car, we even finished upholstering with wood early. And the shop manager declared gratitude.

— And you, Subbotin, there? Well, I didn’t expect it! Everyone from the fact that you go to this «Meeting of Workers» has lost all respect for the authorities. No, to attend Sunday school, or there, the factory reading room, we have heard enough of various blanks!

The master turned red, it became clear that he was angry. Yes, and the character is complicated, the artisans knew about it.

— So good people are going, Mr. Master, — Subbotin answered with a smile, — sensible. They are glad about the workers, about their needs. You know, our life is not easy, and the prices in St. Petersburg are rather big.

— Okay, that’s it! — and Tevtyunin waved his hand, as if he chopped with a saber, — I dismiss Sergunin, and Fedorov and Ukolov. And you, Subbotin, too, so that the master does not contradict, but does not climb into his own business!

— How so, master? It’s not human, it’s wrong! — noted Subbotin.

— So let the Workers «Assembly think of you. And money for food gives you. And you, gentlemen, artisans, at the end of the week go to the factory office, for calculation. That’s it!

And the master, no longer wanting to discuss what had happened, went further, through a huge workshop, checking the work. Other artisans only looked at their comrades, but no one quit their jobs, fearing fines.

— What are you looking at? Or is the day over? — Subbotin calmly said, — the work must be completed!

Workers’ Union

— So, you all heard, comrades, how unfairly master Tetyavkin treated the woodworking workshops of the Putilov plant with our comrades Sergunin, Subbotin, Fedorov and Ukolov. The dismissal was not fair and we have to stand up for them. Otherwise, after all, anyone can be deprived of a place at the wrong request of any factory manager.

He spoke so ardently, and confidently, a man, about thirty years old, standing at the table. The audience listened, nodded animatedly, agreeing with the arguments of their leader. The place was chosen, quite suitable, among the working village on Vasilievsky Island. So, there were rumors among the workers that almost hundreds of activists were gathering. Yes, there were fewer dedicated comrades. And where could you sit with a hundred people?

Under the ceiling of a large room, in the dim light of a tin lampshade, there was gray smoke from cheap tobacco. Yes, the people were accustomed to a lot, and were extremely passionate about talking, so everyone sat quietly. And everyone smoked, from the first to the tenth.

— So this is understandable, — an elderly worker noticed slowly and with significance, with pleasure to tighten cigarettes with smoke, — this is not the first time this has happened, and again from master Tetyavkin. What will we decide, Ivan Fomich? Society thinks differently…

— That’s what I’m talking about, Comrade Lavrentiev. Our friends from all departments of our «Union» in St. Petersburg sent us. We are simply obliged to stand up for our comrades, to show working solidarity. Otherwise, and tomorrow, and we, like husky dogs, will be thrown out of the threshold. And our Soyuz will cease to be respected, among us, artisans.

— You can and simply do, teach Tetyavkin a little, so that society would respect in the future…

— Verily say… It is necessary to brainwash it…

— It’s something to say Semyon, in the evening to meet, yes to explain. If he doesn’t understand well!

— And, it would be nice to open the windows, otherwise we’ll burn it? — one of the delegates noticed with a laugh.

— And that’s right. And then, the devils, you can’t breathe… — added smiling, Ivan, — Martha! Bring tea, be kind! And crumpets, of course! And then he was hungry, for such a conversation! And I’m not alone!

One of the artisans rose, opened the satin curtains on a low window, and opened the shutter, giving way to cold air. It smelled noticeably of winter cold and sea.

The woman brought a tin tray, with glass glasses in curly cup holders. And then a large dish with crumpets and plates. Although they were now open in the vents, and the aroma of the freshest oven filled the room, right up to the ceiling.

— From, please take a bite, — said Vasiliev.

«So, Ivan Fomich,» Lavrentiev noted, «people are different here, students and philistines. They were called there, «revolutionaries.» Social Democrats, yes Social Revolutionaries… Say, they want to give our business a political coloring.

— Drive them into the neck, these geese, — Vasiliev answered wickedly, but grabbed the table with his fist, — the working man lacks another clamp on his neck! I know all of them… They collect money from fools, they say, for a common cause, but they themselves, according to Switzerland and France, sit, drink coffee there, at the expense of the people… Everything is clean with us, I, but Father George can report for every penny of the people. Here, now, the fund is ready for a strike. If the owners do not return our comrades to work, then we will go on strike! And the money, from contributions, will go to help the artisans. Father George promised to meet with the mayor, from the estate of the «Workers’ Assembly.»

— You say correctly, Ivan Vasilyevich, right… And who will we send to the director of the Putilov plant? Lavrentiev smiled cheekily.

— So, Zakhar Semenovich, — Vasiliev answered, — I don’t see anyone better than Inozemtsev. An intelligent worker, skillful and intelligent, people respect him. Yes, from the Narva branch of the Society, let a few people go with him, talk to Mr. Smirnov. What will other delegates say? From all branches of society?

— We know this master well. Sensible, no doubt. Yes, you, Ivan Vasilievich, better manage. With our dear Sergey Ivanovich.

— Lavrentiev says correctly, — Inozemtsev himself got involved, — people trust you more, Ivan.

There were no special disputes, it did not happen. Everyone just cursed their heads in response, giving authority to such an event.

Workers sat here, interpreted about their daily needs, not understanding themselves what History was doing now, changing everything in this world, at the usual conversation. And then, ordinary people, with their own minds, without any intellectuals, and aristocrats, and other abstruse personalities, quite coped, and they themselves began to decide their fate.

— And if Smirnov does not agree? Yes, the labor inspectorate will not stand up for the dismissed comrades? And what does Father George say?

— Then, my dear comrade Lavrentiev, we will go on strike… We can’t be afraid, this is stupid. Our comrades will lose respect for us. And the factory administration.

Ivan Vasiliev calmly said this. True, it was dreary now on his soul, but it was impossible to retreat.

— Here, here! All here, brothers! — one of the artisans buzzed.

— You, Eroshka, go for it. You’ll spoil the whole thing, «Lavrentiev said, frowning.

— Sure, no bedlam to fix! — Vasiliev said, — the police bailiff expects from us that we will repair the booze. Immediately then everyone is stuffed into a funnel, but into a suit. Do not shout, you comrades, but speak in line. And I will begin, since the delegates sentenced me to that.

— Right, Ivan Vasilich, you always say business! — agreed first Lavrentiev.

«Yes, we understand, not stupid, I suppose,» Eroshka whispered.

One of the young workers encouragingly slapped the young boy on the shoulder, and all together, with a hundred artisans, approached the office building of the Putilov plant.

The police bailiff was the first to jump out of the door, evil examining the workers who approached.

— What came? Or do you have nothing to do? he shouted, raising his bossy voice.

— So, your nobility, purely on business, — Vasiliev, who came forward, calmly answered, — on our factory affairs. About workers. We want to talk with Mr. Smirnov, the director of the plant.

— You’re… Busy after all Sergey Ivanovich, you have to wait.

— So we will wait, it’s important. Tell me, delegates from the Workers’ Assembly came about the illegal dismissal of our comrades.

— What… Expect.

And the police officer, dusted off his bash and trademark overcoat from falling snow. He did it leisurely, for show, watched the workers look at him.

It was still a winter day, and the artisans shivered chillingly in their short coats. And those who still wore smart jackets with varnish visors covered their ears red from the cold with their palms.

— Well, what is there? Will he come soon?

— Or escaped, through another exit. Exhausted!

Such voices were increasingly heard among the workers who were tired of waiting.

— Calm down, comrades! — Vasiliev tried to encourage the workers, — stand your ground!

But now, the oak door creaked, and Sergei Ivanovich Smirnov came out on the porch. Every director of the Putilov plant was known.

Some of the artisans reached for their hats, but Vasiliev looked evil at such, very inclined to the authorities, and quietly said:

— No need to break your hats… We are no worse than this gentleman, too, we have respect for ourselves…

— So what came, factory workers? — the director began the speech first, — otherwise it’s cold, why stand in vain?

«Here, Mr. Smirnov, is a demand to you from the Workers’ Assembly,» Vasiliev replied, stepping forward with the paper, «about the illegal dismissal of our comrades.»

— Who will you be? — asked Smirnov with irony.

— Ivan Vasilievich Vasiliev, chairman of the «Union of the Assembly.» Authorized by all branches of the «Assembly of Workers» of St. Petersburg to negotiate with the factory administration.

— Forgive, gentlemen, so I will not accept your letters. As far as I know, Soyuz has no right to represent the rights of artisans. Well, of course, I will listen to the dissatisfied workers themselves.

— Okay… Comrades, go to the factory office.

Subbotin, Sergunin, Fedorov and Ukolov went to the stairs. Looking back at our own, it was clear that we were hesitant and wary of the turn of the matter.

— And yet, Mr. Smirnov, take the paper, — Vasiliev insisted.

The director frowned displeased, but still, did not refuse the elected artisans.

— And you disperse, there is nothing to pillar here! — I took command of the police bailiff, — go, what are you standing here!

The guardian of the law shouted, painted a thick face from Natuga. But it was clear that he himself was scared. He often touched with his palm in a white glove, the handle of his saber. Or, the same palm, as if by itself, outside the will of the owner, so affectionately and tenderly stroked the black holster of the revolver.