The Detroit times., 1910-07-15
ACTION
OF RUSSIAN GEAR
Father Wostorgoff Names Governors
and Yields Mysterious Influence
over Nicholas.

ST. PETERSBURG, July l3.-There
is no country in the world which IN
conspiracy and intrigue, prosecution
and spying can rival the Russian oil TO-
day. This has been emphasized by a
despotic bureaucracy which suppresSes
every rational expression OF the ma
tional need. The favorites Of the czar
and his reactionary surrounding OFTEN
plunge into schemes which 10 those
who do not know Russia seem impos'
sible OF fulfillment. or such nature Is
a strange group which Is called the
smoking-room club OF the palace, being
led by Father Wostorgoff, chaplain OF
the palace.
Although the appointment of every
high Russian Official formally
made by the car with all due soiem-
nifty and ceremony, the fact remains
that the real appointment OF most or
the governors. directors OF various de-
rartments and even ministers is Sc
Cretly arranged by the smoking-room
club OF the palace and its leader. This
Is a regular hotbed OF Russian career
makers and reactionary intrigues. IL
has practically planned out all the
masacres OF the past years and sur
passess in its methods the friends OF
the Round Table OF the kaiser's do
main. To succeed politically in Rus.
STA means 10 know the smoking club
OF the palace and TO be Endorsed by
Father Wostorgoff. IL Is simple
process for those who know the way
and who are In touch with the club,
but for the masses II Is a sealed book.
Cars Secretary Arrested.
Even the Liberal members OF the
duma did not know of the existence
OF this club when the correspondent OF
The World was seeking some needed
details. Only recently was published
In the Berliner Tageblatt dispatch
from st. Petersburg by its special cor
respondent. Baron Ungern Sternberg.
which stirred the society here. The
arrest OF the cars private secretary,
Count Davydoff, and Baron Ungeru
increased the general ex-
element. Our correspondent called on
Count Davydoff, who had invited the
OF the foreign press
10 his apartment, In order 10 get an
authentic statement about Father
and his organization. The
count received the correspondent po-
litely and said:
II occupied the position OF vice-gov-
ernor In Southern Russia and was
promised by the oZar a position OF
governor in the Baltic provinces. Ar
irving in ST. Petersburg learned from
Premier Stolypin that In order to get
the promised position had first TO see
Father Wostorgoff. Who Is Father
Wostorgoff?' asked. Struggling his
shoulders Mr.. Stolypin replied, He isl
a bigger man than l. That was sufil-
Client knew at once that had to do
with q secret dictator OF the empire
and called on him the next morning.
THE father lives In luxurious
apartment at the palace and he made
a strange impression on me In his
sombre cloak OF a monk. What do
you wish?' he asked me after I had
taken seat. ] told the purpose OF my
cail and noticed that he tried to hide
his face or at least was embarrassed
in my presence Suddenly | recognized
him. Father Wostorgoff, | think !
know you and you know me-
Described az an imposter.
Yes, Count Davydoff. I think We
know each other he said, and then |
into silence. He had visited |
me some ten years ago with letter |
Of introduction from Father John OF
Kronstadt and told me then that he
was a monk from Jerusalem. He was
trying to collect funds for building a
in Siberia. of which he
wished to become abbot. sent a DIS
patch TO the father in Kronstadt and
asked him II his letter of Introduction
was genuine, for | was suspicious OF
It's bearer. | got a reply that he never
met a Father Wostorgoff and never
gave him any letter of introduction.
This angered me and l wanted TO ar
rest Father wostorgon, but he had
guessed my intention and escaped.
Later I learned that although a
monk, he was living with sweetheart
In st. Petersburg, and ordered the dis
trict attorney TO make an investigation
Of his dotngs. Nevertheless, Father
managed to become init
mate with the police, and all the legal
efforts TO punish him for his action
futile.
For several years I lost him from
my sight Then at once i heard that
he had Joined the Black Hundred
League and was working with DuDro-
vim, Krushevan and Purishkevitch on
Through that league he
came into touch with the czar. Now
be dominates the car and Is practi-
cally his right hand. The car never
signs an important document without
consulting Father Wostorgoff and new
pr appoints anybody for an Official po-
sition without the fathers advice.
Taking a Chance on Siberia.
AS soon as Father Wostorgon real
Ized that | might become dangerous
10 his career he so Influenced the car
that was not only barred from audi
ences with the car. but was removed
from my office. insisted that l should
be allowed to see his majesty, but all
my efforts have been in vain. / have
been shut from the palace and M Of