COUNT TOLSTOI'S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 191, 22 November 1910, Page 5

COUNT TOLSTOI'S DEATH

BURIAL IN CHILDHOOD'S PLAYGROUND. THE FAMILY AT THE DEATH-BED. MOURNING IN RUSSIA. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received 21, 8.30 p.m. St. Petersburg, November 21. Astapowa advises that Count Tolstoi's interment, will, according to the deceased's desire, take place on the hill at "l'asnayopolya, where he played in childhood. The death chamber is decorated with pine branches, and the public and peasants are freely admitted. They sang a memorial hymn.

The body has been embalmed and dressed in a short black Russian shirt under a white sheet. Thg face is calm. All the family were present at the death. Four hours previously, when the heart crisis was at its height, Tolstoi took his daughter Taliana's hand, drew it towards him, and said: "Will this be the end? 1 ' That was all.

The Abbot of Opin monastery and the monk accompanying him were not allowed to see Tolstoi. They slept in the waiting-room at the station. The Grand Duke Nicholas Miehelovitch has telegraphed to the Countess: "My whole soul is with you and your family in this sad moment." Innumerable other condolences were received. At Moscow several theatres abandoned the Sunday's performances. The League of Feminine Culture, is forming an international committee to consider the best means of honoring Count Tolstoi's memory.

Students at Kasan spent the Sunday as a day of mourning. At St. Petersburg the Holy Synod has decided that the Church is not to participate in the funeral or in the memorial services. Barristers, literateurs, doctors and others will hold meetings in connection with the mourning for and honoring the deceased. News in the Russian Press regarding the death was censored.

WITHOUT THE PALE OF THE

CHURCH,

St. Petersburg. November 20. Count Tolstoi was not reconciled to the Church before his death. Six physicians were attending Count Tolstoi at the last.