RUSSIA: Krylenko & Carfare

Cat-like Nikolai Krylenko, famed for his pouncing cross examinations of witnesses and prisoners at numerous Soviet "propaganda trials" (TIME, Dec. 8, 1930, et ante), retired as State Prosecutor about a year ago, became Commissar (Minister) of Justice. Last week the Red State officially hailed Comrade Krylenko's "services in strengthening our courts and exposing sabotage and counter revolution," conferred on him the Order of Lenin.

Holders of this supreme Soviet decoration are exempt from Soviet taxes (proverbially heavy). They receive an inalienable monthly stipend from the State, ride free on Soviet tramcars, busses,...