In the autumn of every year, the Russian conscription season, the names of the young Jews who have completed their twenty-first year are called out at the recruiting station from a prepared list.

When a Jew whose name has been called has failed to present himself on the same day, the recruiting authorities issue an order on the spot imposing a fine on his family.

The police then appear in the house of his parents to collect the sum of three hundred rubles.

In default of cash, they attach the property of the paupers and have it subsequently sold at public auction.

In the case of those who possess nothing that can be taken from them the police insist on their giving a signed promise not to leave the town.