A SECOND "PETER THE HERMIT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 55, 5 March 1877, Page 4

A SECOND "PETER THE HERMIT.

It is stated that a new " Peter the Hermit" has appeared in Russia, and is employed under the highest auspices in inflaming tbe populace to the requisite pitch of fury which the Eussian Government may care to cultivate in support of the official policy in the Eastern question. He is the ex-cap-tain of guards, Alexander ProhoatchikofF, one of the wealthiest inhabitants of Moscow, who, from loog acting on the Slavic committee, has come to conceive or pretend that he has received a special mission from heaven to rouse the Russian people for a crusade against the Turks, declaring that he has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to lead Russia to tha redemption of the Slavs. He came before the people of Moscow and preached the holy war. From Moscow he went in company with excited multitudes to neighbouring towns, and everywhere was hailed as a heaven-sent prophet. The Governors and officials were conspicuous in thier attendance to the new saint. When tbe enthusiasm had been nursed to a sufficient pitch to allow of a further development, the prophet departed in state for Livadia to announce the will of the Most High to the Czar of all the Russian and Vicegerent of God npon earth. The gravest statesman conducted the presentation with the most admirable composure. Prince Gortschakoff appeared as devout a believer as the humblest tnoujik. The Czar gave the lunatic or impostor a lengthened interview, and ever since the prophet declares that he is authorised to anounced that the father of bis people will not fail the cause of God at the coming crisis. His return lo t Mcscow was a triumphal marcb. In all the cities the magistrates, municipal councils, and corporations went ont to see him, and conducted him to bis residence amid a procession of the inhabitants. At Moscow the town council granted 10,000,000 roubles at his demand towards the expenses of the military preparations. — Boston Transcript.