Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1910-11-21
ious views OF Tolstoi were set forth in
his "Christs Christianity" and MY
- 1ol;er
Eaeomr unic.t.d by Holy Synod

exc0mmunleotoo oy Uoiy SyUoo'
In 1901 Tolstoi was accommodated
by the holy synod. and in October. 1902.
he deposited his memoirs and dairies
with the curator of the Rumyanzoff
museum on the condition that they
should not be published till ten years
after his death, and in November of the
same year he legally made over his
whole fortune, including his real and
personal estate, to his wife and chill
dren.
Tolstoi was several times threatened
with expulsion from Russia and was
several times, according to report, on
the point of being exiled, but he seemed
on the whole to be treated with un-
usual leniency IN view of his strongly
pronounced views, especially as set
forth in a manifesto entitled The Peo-
ple's Rights" his criticisms Of i'm perial
acts and his open letters to the en-
peror. He was, however, expelled from
Moscow in July, 1901, and had since
resided at Yasnaya Poliana. His health
at that time was poor and for a period
his life wa in danger. but he regained
his strength and resumed his work
Later he suffered a relapse and in Feb
ruary, 1902. was reported to be dying.
Once more he rallied and in June his
Denounced japanese War.
In July, 1904, Tolstoi wrote a strong
article denouncing the Russo-Japanese
war, and in January, 1905, Tolstoi pub
lished an open letter to the emperor re-
garding internal conditions in Russia.
which was printed thruout the world.
On the occasion of Tolstois sOth birth
day extensive celebrations were held.
altho they were strongly disapproved
by the Russian government and were
made the subject Of an appeal by the
molly synod to all believers to abstain
from participation.
Several Of the publishers Of Tolstoi's
works have been sent to prison. On
the last occasion the venerable writer
addressed a note to the court, chal-
lenging the prosecution Of himself, in
stead of the publisher. But the magis-
trate did not venture to institute pro-
ceedings against Tolstoi and the gov
ernment took no notice of thee hall
lenge.
AZ Heart a Peasant.
Altho Tolstoi came of an aristocratic
family, being a descendant of Count
Peter Tolstoi. the friend and COM
rad OF Peter the Great, and receiving
his educationu at Kazen University,
d
artillery and commanding a battery at
Sebastopol. he was at heart a peasant
in the best sense of the word, devoted
to the improvement of the condition
OF the Russion masses AMI eager to
lead them in the right path.
With these objects in view, he, as
early as 1875. organized peasant
schools on a new and original educa-
tiOnal basis co-Operited in the i'm
provement Of cheap. popular publica-
tions, organized relief for the starving
population of middle Russia Gin 1891
92) renounced his property in copyright
land and money, and during the recent
agrarian disturbances, actually but
vajnly invited the peasants to plllnder
his estate at Yasnaya Poliana. There
he lived the life Of peasant, in a
peasants hut, partaking only OF the
simple peasants food and wearing the
broad leather belt. fur cap, long beard
and wide trousers tucked into high,
cowhide boots.
Family Lived in Mansion.
But altho Tolstoi chose the existence
of a peasant, his family occupied the
substantial family mansion on the Yas-
maya Poliana estate. not far from Toll
stoi's peasant hut. In the mansion was
the authors library and there he went
whenever he desired to dictate to his
secretary, after which he returned to
his peasant occupation.
Notwithstanding he led a country
mans life Tolstoi was a great reader
and among his recreations were chess.
cycling, lawn tennis and swimming.