Morning journal and courier., 1884-02-25
A Nihilist Leaders Retreat.
The Home of Profssser Pierre Lavrofr in Paris.


 Paris.
 lFrom the Pall Mall Gazette.l
 At the summit of the Rue St. Jacques, some miles away from the center of gayety and fashion, and further even than the ex. treme limits of the Quartier Latin, lives the man of all others whom the Russian govern msnt is most anxious to secure-Pierre Lav rolf. Where the pavement is narrow, the streets always muddy, stands a house o1 more imposing aspect than the surrounding modest dwellings. But it is not here pre- We must pass under a large porte cochere, cross broad yard to reach a smaller struc- turs that stands well away from all the noise of the street, and ascend two flights of dusty stairs, before attaining Lavreff's door. A slight pull at bell rope that has seen better days sufices, and in 8 moment the door is opened by Lavroff himself.
 Alone, and even without servant to pro tect him, stands the man who exercises the greatest influence among Nihilists that exile has scattered all over Europe. At once the memory of Fedora suggests the possibility of Kidnapping; but then, and in spite of his gray hairs Lavrof seems as strong as Brad laugh, and the Russian secret police could scarcely hope to remove so formidable an adversary down so many stairs, across so broad q yard, into so busy a street without attracting attention. The cheery voice, the cordial reception of the menaced exile soon drives away these passing thoughts, and we are at once admitted into the aanctum, 8 small study, where the four walls are hidden hi 10ny w o hooks that reach fO the oeI1- ing
 There Is one comfortable chair for the visitor. If the guests are numerous, then bundles have to be removed to make room; but this inconvenience does not detract from the hearty welcome that betoksns the tradi- tions of northern hospitality. Nor is it pos sibIe to mistake the Russian origin of the host. A square face enframed by square beard and long hair, square, broad shoulders, covered by long coat of an indescribable gray brown that reaches to the feet, combine with the military gait of the wearer to remind us of some sketch taken during the siege of Sebassopol. There is 8 small bedroom be- yond the study, and on the other side lum- ber room, where we can obtain a glimpse at huge eases half Alled with books. Perhaps these have been collected by the Russian Red Gross society for the relief of political prisoners, of which Lavrof and Vera Sassou- fitch are the joint presidents.
 LII hu9oAh Ac Wa tIS AEHs DfOI6sS0F WHO after the accession of Alexander II. delivered lectures on philosophy; and. when in exile, he organized classes at Paris for young Rus sians on history and sociology. The son of uobleman, he was, as is usual in Russia, placed in the army, but at the age of 21 he had already attained the position of professor of higher g9etheEnatics in the school of artil. lery. This was followed by the studies of physical sciences and the contribution of many able papers to the Russian reviews and press It was not, however, till Lavroff be- came the principal editor and contributor to an encyclopedia which would give, in the Russian language, information similar in character to Diderot and D'Alembert's historic work, that he was molested by the govern ment. Sentenced for same verses written against Nicholas I. and Alexander H., he was exiled to the bleak and ice bound province of Volga; Rbut after three years' suffering he succeeded in eluding the vigilance of his guardians and ultimately arrived in Paris in 1870. Being a widower, his mother alone followed him into exile; but as she is now dead, Layroff is absolutely alone. During the last sixteen years he has not only been separated from his children, but has not dared to com. municate with them, for fear of compromis- ing them.
 Layrof lives by his literary work; it is his principal occupation, his principal joy, and his principal source of income. Poor, he contents himself with the modest repasts served In the little restaurants thai abound in the Latin quarter; but he 5s rarely so poor as to be unable to help friend Tn distress. His sight being feeble, he does not care to go