Colonel Grimm, the Russian officer who betrayed official secrets to
the German Intelligence Department, has been tried by Court-Martial for his offence. He made a full and detailed confession, and doubtless for that reason his life was spared ; but the sentence upon him is still a terrible one. He is con- demned to degradation from his rank, to twelve years' penal servitude in the mines of Saghalien, the Russian Botany Bay, and to pass the remainder of his life, if he survives, in some village of Siberia north of Irkutsk. It is said that his treachery will cost the War Department £1,200,000, as many fortifications must be rebuilt, and some bridges moved. Colonel Grimm has, it is stated, petitioned the Emperor to commute his sentence into one of death; but the example is too dangerous, many bad men of his type being willing to risk the necessity of ultimately committing suicide. The sentence will, we imagine, be confirmed, and we do not envy the feelings of the German officer who conducted the negotia- tions.
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