RUSSIAN REVOLUTION.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1917, Page 3

RUSSIAN REVOLUTION.

RASPUTIN'S NEFARIOUS METHOD.S

The 'Russky Slovo' explains that the illness of the little Grand Duke was due wholly to the-machinations of the dead Rasputin, aided by Mme Vimbova, ladyiu waiting to the Empress. The monkftnystic had worked on the superstitions of the Royal Family (declares the newspaper) until they had come to the belief that the health of the crippled heir depended wholly upon the presence of Rasputin at court—a belief which was fortified by poisonous powders administered to the child invalid by Rasputin's accomplice whenever it was necessary for the monk to absent himself from FWrograd. Mme Virubova, according to the monk's story as given by the newspaper, obtained poisonous powders from the physician, and contrived to place them in food brought to Alexis The result was that during Rasputin's absences the delicate health of the young heir apparently grew steadily worse, until Rasputin was summoned back to tho court, when the powders were stopped and Alexis became immediately better. Rasputin always announced that forty days after his J<-ath Alexis would fall ill. This prophecy came true with startling accuracy, being caused (the newspaper declares) by Mme Virubova administerin,!' another powder to the little Grand Duke, in the hope of continuing the tradition of Rasputin's infi-ir-nce over the Imperial Family and, preparing the way for a successor to him.