Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1910-11-12
|TOLSTOY'5 WIFE
| TWICE ATTEMPTS
TO DROWN SELF
Countess, Whose Husband Flees
Home to Die in Hiding, Be-
comes Desperate.
CUTS HOLE IN ICE FOR
HER FUTILE PLUNGE
Famous Russian Novelist Takes
Physician with Him as
He Goes Away.

lHS 0OSS hWoys
ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. IA pri-
Eate message received here from 1-ula
says that Countess Tolstoy twice at
tempted Is commit suicide today by
drowning, through a hole in the ice.
TULA, Russia, Nov. 12.-The myste-
rdous disappearance of Count Leo Toll
stoy. the Russian novelist and social
reforner, has made a painful impress
sion. That he should desire to spend
the evening Of his days in solitude
surprises no one acquainted with his
vicissitudinous career. but that he
should deliberately desert the wife who
had borne him nine children Is difficult
of belief even in the light of his we'll
known eccentrioities of character.
The suggestion Of failing mentality
is accepted by many in explanation of
the coupt's sudden leave-taking. which
may have a tragical sequel, as he
countess is prostrated. It has been se-
ported even that she had attempted
her life
Family without Clue.
The family were without a clue to-
day In a letter left for his wife the
count said:
II cannot continue longer to live sur
rounded by luxury. and, like many
other old men, 1 retire from the world
to complete my life in solitude.
"I ask that you do not seek my place
of sojourn and that you do not come
to it if it is discovered. beg forgive
ness for the grief that I may cause
you"
The noveiist's reference to living
amid luxurious surroundings is signifl-
cant of his state Of mind. as he has
long lived the life of peasant Wnlie
his fame occupied a substantial man.
sion on the Yasnaya Poliana estate,
Tolstoy Abode in a peasants hut, par
taking only of the simple peasants
food and wearing the peasants Co.'S
tune, a rough blouse. wide trousers
tucked into high cowhide boots,
leather belt and fur cap. He has not
always continued this humble mode Of
life, but 1t has been his choice.
Physician Accompanies Him.
The first news of Tolstoy's disappear
ance came from Prince Dmitry Obolen-
sky, who says that the count left his
home several days ago. accompanied
by DR. Makovetsky, his physician.
That the doctor should be a party to
the affair is another inexplicable fea-
ture. Makovetsky became the COM
panion of the count in succession to
the latters Private Secretary M. Guseff,
whom the government exiled to Sibe-
ria. alleging that he had influenced Tol-
stoys anti-governmental writings.
Tolstoy has been in ill-health for some
time. He suffered frequent fainting
spells and on October Is was uncon-
scious for hours. Later 1t was reported
that he had improved somewhat.
In his writings Tolstoy has condemned
suicide as immoral and irrational, and
as indicating perverted view of the
Significance OF life.
Count Leo Tolstoy is SO years old. He
married the countess Sophia Berss,
daughter of his friend, DR.. Berss, in
1scG. On his estate at Yasnaya Polyana
ne has lived a life of ostentatious sim
pncity, dressing in peasant costume,
using rude furniture and affecting the
pursuits of agriculture with antiquated
implements.
Tolstoy has written no novels since
the Doukhobors, who were prosecuted
and needed funds to emigrate to
Canada. He has, however, written
numerous short works, stories. maga-
zine articles and pamphlets since that
time. Resurrection" led to his ex-
communication from the Greek Catholic
Church
Previous to his retirement to his
estate at the time of his marriage,
when he began his career as great
writer, Toistoy had led an active life.
He served in the Russian army during
the Crimean War. and was wounded
before Sebastopol After that struggle
he resigned his commission to lead the
life of a man of fashion at st. Peters,
burg.
It is believed that Tolstoy proceeded
to an old monastery in the government
of Kaluga, which adjoins the govern
ment of Tula on the. west. He was
last seen here when he took a train on
last Thursday on the Kiausani railroad.
This road runs west through the cap
itaf of Kaluga, which is about fifty
miles from Tula.
Prince Omitry Obolensky's telegram
of Yesterday stated that Tolstoy left
his home on October 10. This is OBJ
viously erroneous, as the count was Ill
at his home on October IL. Todays
dispatch from Tula. states that the au-
thor was last seen there when he took
a train on November 10. This is more
likely correct.
cPNCIIc SHOWS RIG GAIN RV