HOROSCOPE OF THE CZAR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 249, 19 October 1881, Page 4

HOROSCOPE OF THE CZAR.

Private news from Russia is curious and characteristic. For a long time after the horrible catastrophe of the late Czar's death, Alexander 111. had become a prey to the most distressing nervous depression, refusing to stir from the palace unless surrounded by a formidable escort, and passing his time in the solitude of his own apartments, always secured from intrusion by bolts and bars. The visit of the Duke of Edinburgh aroused him in a great measure

from this morbid state, and the arguments aud persuasions of his royal were so beneficial that a change of scene was consented to. and the departure for Peterhoff resolved upon. Here, to the astonishment of the world, a complete revulsion of feeling on the part of the Czar took place for a time ; guards were dispensed with, the surveillance abolished, and the Emperor walked abroad with the Empress and the Imperial children, and went among the peasants of the village with the greatest alandon — inquiring concerning their mode of life, their reasons for discontent, and their welfare in general. In a short tmie he became the idol of the village, and not unfrequently the peasants rushed forward and threw themselves on their knees before him to crave his blessing, as though he were the Great Archimandrite of the Greek church. Society was completely nonplussed at this great and sudden change in the attitude of the Czar. Some people thought it due to the wise counsel of the Duke of Edinburgh, others to the soothing influence of Peterhoff, the most beautiful spot on tbe face of the earth. But the most popular belief in St. Petersburgh is that of the recent drawing of the Imperial horoscode, the result of who has been spread amongst the people. It has been taken by one of the great astrologers which abound in the city and drive a roaring trade, for the Russian people, from the highest to tbe lowest, all believe in fortune telling. The horoscope is flattering indeed. By an ingenious combination of figures appertaining to the late Czar's death with the birth of the present Emperor and tbat of his sire, it is proved beyond a doubt tbat ihe young Czarewiteh, who is now only thirteen years old, will not succeed to the throne until he has attained the ripe age of seventy-six. Alexander 111. is to die at six o'clock in the evening of 26th November, 1944, aged ninety-nine, having reigned for the space of sixty-six years. All this is comfortable in perspective, and enables the present Czar to feel secure in spite of the Nihilists and their malicious intentions towards him.