The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-18
SINGULAR HISTORY Of A ONCE WEALTHY RUSSIAN.
The Descent from Amuence TO Poverty.

from the Cleveland (Ohio) Herald, Dec 1911
The eccentric genius, Karl Lansing, concerning
whose actions at the station house on Sunday we
gave short notice, has interesting history which
we give IN part below. Born in Russia, he early
iather who was a. that time immensely rich, de-
termined TO give him thorough education, and for
that purpose sent him to the best schools and col
leges the neghboring empires could boast.
AS a consequence OF his facilities Kari acquired
eral languages, and when his education was pro-
nounced finished he could speak German, French,
Italian, Russian and Spanish with fuency. Shortly
after coming from college he married one OF the
became the envy OF the whole city Ills father was
man OF note, not only IN Russia but In the adoin-
ing provinces where his fame became household
word. During the wars OF Napoleon the First, Lam
sing the elder moved TO France aud his
means we're freely loaned to the EN-
with Italy. The rupture between Russia and France
produced GOODNESS between Napoleon and Lansing,
he rather favored his native land and would not
furnish the means to fight his own countrymen.
This GOODNESS finally grew into an open rupture and
after the disastrous campaign against Moscow
Lansing was ordered out Of the country. Karl with
his stall lovely wife came to America, ana procuring
stylish house In New York prepared to settle down
there, rs the course he had taken in the French
Russian war prevented his going home, on pain
OF Punishment TO Siberia For several years
everything went smoothly with him and his,
but at length his wife died, leaving him alone In the
world and nearly crazed at his loss. One reverse
followed anDher in rapid succession until the patri
mony given him by his father dwindled to nothing,
and he was thrown upon his own resources to gain
q livelihood. Having received splendid military
education he secured school for instruction In the
broadsword exercise, and for time did very wen.
sickness came upon HIM, and he was forced to give
up his school and write home for assist
ance. Ills father dared not send it. as
Karl had been prescribed by the Russian
government, and to aid him was to secure the
confiscatfon OF his enormous property Worrying
through hB sickness he ut length was able TO get
about. Mkt he tried to earn a living by means OF
his musical talents than which no man possesses
finer and managed by strict economy to keep the
wolf from his humble door. AT length he came
West rambling nom city to city Ia search OF en-
pigments piano tuner, which profession he stu
pursues. He Is said to be u splendid performer
the volonceo aud even IN his old age for he Is now
upwards Of sixty years OF age, he can be excelled
by very few.
lie possesses the happy geniaty OF most Russians
and seems but little troubled 80 long as he gets
fair living He refers to the scenes OF his former
days with q great deal OF pride, but SPEAKS or
France his home To which he intends TO 80 before
he dies. lie cannot, however, forget his WIFE, and
on each recurring anniversary OF her death his
sorrow $50 great that he resorts 10 the flowing
bowl TO drownit ". Such Is the brief history 81 one
OF Cieyeand'a citizens Born ana educated ~
niucnce, the admired Of a powerful nation, petted
nj the c0niL ot his native laua, 40 ha3 GRADUALLY de-
sGendci Che ladder vi fortune uHtil nov he L. AZ ne
toDt Pooling a0aI ~ paerrtul ~ those Wh0 aic
cnlDyiag thh s.nteS " tAc dek'c gpluess.