6
Shortly after their establishment the Revolutionary Tribunals took hostages from the bourgeoisie, as safeguards against counter-revolutionary activities; but although the opposition continued, the hostages were released. The public can obtain entrance to the court room, by permit from the President, and the case being tried the day I was present was that of an ex-officer accused of harsh treatment of working-men in the performance of his duties. The case took several hours, with witnesses for and against the accused; but the verdict was that while the accused might have been guilty, it would not be just to convict him for what he did in the performance of his duties as an officer in the old Austro-Hungarian Army, because he was then the victim of the old régime and psychology, and therefore could not be held responsible for indignities perpetrated against working-men.
