THE LATE LEO TOLSTOI.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 922, 24 November 1910, Page 3

THE LATE LEO TOLSTOI.

London, November 21. The Times’ St. Petersburg correspondent stales that the newspapers are angry because Tehertkoff aud other outsiders prevented the Countess seeing her husband. The latter constantly asked for her and dictated numerous messages, believing she was ill at Yasnaya Polyana. All privately-owned theatres in St. Petersburg are closed as a sign of mourning. Astopoyo, November 21. Tolstoi’s last words were; “ There are millions of people suffering in the world. Why are there so many of you around me.” St. Petersburg, Nov. 21. Advices from Astopova state that Count Tolstoi’s interment will be according to deceased’s desire, on the hill of Yasnaya Polyana, where he played in childhood. The death chamber has been decorated with pine branches. Public and peasants were freely admitted, and sang a memorial hymn. The body has been embalmed, and is dressed in a short black Russian shirt under a white sheet. The face is calm. All the family were present at the death. Four hours previously, when the heart crisis was at its height, Count Tolstoi took his daughter Taliana’s hand, and drawing it towards him said, “ Will this be the end ?” That was all. The Abbot of Oplu Monastery, and a monk accompanying him, were not allowed to see Count Tolstoi. They slept in the waiting room at the station. The Grand Duke Nicholas Michelovitch telegraphed Countess Tolstoi, “My whole soul is with you and your family at this sad moment.” Other and innumerable condolences were received. At Moscow several theatres abandoned their Sunday’s performances. The League of Feminine Culture is forming an International Committee to consider the best means of honouring Tolstoi’s memory. The students of Kasan spent Sunday as a day of mourning at St. Petersburg. The Holy Synod has decided that the church will not participate in the funeral or memorial services. Barristers, literateurs, doctors and others are to hold meetings in connection with mourning and honouring the memory of deceased. The news in the Russian press regarding the death was censored.