New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-25
RUNORS ABOUT THE CzAR.
INFLUENCE OVER HIM OF THE MES
MERIST, PHILIP. BROKEN

ST. Petersburg. Nov. 24-It has been learned
that the recent summonng or DR.. Merzhievsky.
one Of the foremost specialists in nervous dis
eases. to the south Of Russia, which gave rise
TO the report that he was going to attend the
Car or the Czarina, or both, their maJest!es
having In turn been alleged to he suffering
from meancholia, to visit Balakava. where
the Grand Duke Nicholai Konstantnovlch is de-
tained as insane.
Some observers OF the situation do not believe
that the accession OF the Grand Duke Vladimir.
uncle of the Gar. to the throne. in the event Of
the Cars abdication and the death Of his
brother. the Grand Duke Michael, the heir pre-
sumptive would be unpopular and they DO not
credit the reports that the accession to supreme
power of the Vladimir family would materially
alter the existing status of affairs. as the masses
ignorant in regard to every Cars true
character, and the educated people attach mere
ly subordinate Importance thereto. and the pos
sible effect of the Draconlan system under
sterner ruler on the prospects OF possible revo-
lutionary movement is naturally regarded
idle speculation.
The latest reports about Philip the mesmer-
ist, who is said TO have the Car completely
under his influence that he is former
French physician. naturalized American and
that he has been i'll Russia for about year,
living in the homes of two Montcucgriu prn
cessos, who married Russians 1t IS added that
the Gar granted Philip the right to practise
medicine in Russia and TO the epaulctteS
Of a military surgeon of the rank OF q Coun-
cillor of State, Hhich equals that of general.
Finally, 1t is asserted that the court physician,
DR.. OFT. went to Livadia and succeeded I'm per-
suading the Gar to forbid Philip to practise
the Czarina. and the departure of the minis
tiers of War. Of the Interior and Of Finance from
Liyada was interpreted sign that Philips
influence was broken. 1t is also said that these
ministers jointly presented "A report TO his majes
ty disoredting Philip. that the Car defended
Philip a,ld that he resented what he Casscd
interference with his personal affairs, but
finally yielded This is looked upon in some
quarters as evidence that the optimistic state
ments on the subject of the Cars mental con-
dition require limitation. Numerous persons
who have returned from Livadia within the last
three days assert that the Gar has been moody
and Disguised because his early hopes of intro
during a happier regime in Russia were frus-
trated by the Teactionists whose intimidation
imposed a distasteful role upon him His maj
esty was also said 10 be in genuine fear that
his abdcation would he demanded. which was
strengthened by the sudden return Of the Grand
Duke Michael and the latter'S demonstratVe
public appearances. Persons knowing the Gar
the throne and domestic happiness he would
abdicate
The acceptance of tho lucrative but unimpor-
tant Enthusiastically Of Apanages by the
Cars bosom friend. Prince Oboensky is inter
preted as going to cover before possible
changes which might destroy the value Of his
personal influence.
In any case. the ministers departure from
Iivada possibly indicates that the crisis is
past.