Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-09-16

The. program was To close with
gala performance of the opera, ana
ballet "Tsar Soltan' by Rimsky-
Korsakoff, the late composer and
professor of st. Petersburg eonserVa-
fory Admission to the municipai
theatre was by card and these per
Inits had been issued with great dis
eriniination to leading citizens OF the
city.
At . o'clock the curtain rose before
brilliant gathering of royalty, hiSi'
government officials, important per
sonages from civil life with their
ladies' beautifully gowned The impe-
rial hex was occupied by Emperor
Nicholas. the heir apparent, Gfand
Duke Alexis. a youth of seven years
and the Emperor's daughters, the
Grand Duchesses Olga, Tdtiana, Ma
RE and Anastasia In the front row
of the pit directly at the rear of the
orchestra We're seated Premier Stoly-
Fin and his associates in the ministry.
In the intermission the spectators
ehatted gaily in suppressed tones as
benefited the occasion disnified by
the presence of his majesty. Premier
Stolypin leaning his left arm upon
the orchestra fence. had turned his
face to tho right toward the center
aisle and was conversing with the
minister of war, General Soukhomin-
off and Count Potocky.
The clock in the auditorium pointed
10 i1.30 when a young man in eve
ming dress moved down the center
aisle, quietly and attracting attention
he ~, In ~
of ministers and appeared to accost
N. Stoiyp!n. There was momentary
hush in the immediate vicinity as GU
ricus eyes We're turned toward the
intruder. 1t was but seconds later
when like fash he drew revolver
from his coat and emptied it. SEEM
ingly point blank at NJ. Stelypin As
the reports of the shots crashed
the house there was n wild
cry from the spectators who rose 10
their feet simultaneously. Many Of
the women Immediately sank into
their seats fainting. The house was
panic stricken. Emperor Nicholas at
The sound of the first explosion. sprang
from his chair, and stepping to the
front u the imperial box, started in
the direction To the wounded premier
With quick realization of what had
His Majesty with difficulty
controlled his emotions. Turning te
he orchestra the Emperor demanded
that the national anthem be played.
The coolest figure in the tragedy was
hat of the wounded Stolypin. He had
'eceived two of the fusillade of bull
cts. One had entered the right breast
md the other right wrist. probably as
lie had raised his arm in natural de-
ence. With great courage he sum-
noned his waning strength. and ris-
ng. faced the imperiol box and gazing
steadily upon his Emperor. lifted his
Wounded arm and made the sign of
he cross toward His Majesty, invok- |
ag the Divine protection. Then he
ropped into his seat, and before Gen. |
could assist him. the |
remier removed his uniform coat and |
tempted TO examine his injuries.
Meantime there was the widest con
usion. The cries of hysterical women |
He'd the place and men. hardly less
pushed and tumbled here
md there, struggling to reach the |
ront of the pit, their minds occupied |
With the double purpose of succoring
be victim and wrecking vengeance
pom his assaiiant.
Bogroft sought TO benefit by the |
nnult and slipped toward an exit butt
ne enraged men were too quick for /
i'm and he was seized. thrown 10 the |
DOR and trampled under foot. For a |
me it looked as though he would be
fnehed on the spot despite the Emil
eror's presence. but the police sue
eeded III controlling the situation and |
ave Begron the protection of a pris-
ner.
The premier's strength was o5bing |
asst and Prof Rein, who was in the |
udience, gave first aid to him. Then |
he senses of his friends returning thel
remier was tenderly lifted from his
nair and borne from the theatre Asl
e was carried down the aisle he wit
essed remarkable demonstration of /
'yalty Responding to the command |
f His Majesty, the orchestra pre-
iously played the national anthem. |
he curtain rose and the artists still
I the costumes of the opera, fell on
heir knees and sang the anthem, re-
eating it five times. This did much
D restore order. and presently the au-
fence. which had not been permitted
D leave the place, Joined in chorus |
I God save thy people"
Still standing in the front of the i'm
erial box, the Emperor acknowledged |
ne outburst of loyalty by repeated
ows. Then, with his children. he left
ne theatre and proceeded to the PAL |
ce.
The performance was not resumed
nd with the departure of the royal |
amily the police took possession of
he palace and closed all exits. The
udience was allowed to leave only
ne by one after Identification. Even
he cabinet ministers who wished to
company Stolypin, We're stopped at
he doors and compelled to wait until
he lengthy procedure of their per-
onal identification was concluded. It'll
Ias discovered that the bullet that
assed through the wrist of the
remier glanced off and struck the
eet of one of the violinists in the or
hestra. The wounded musician is NJ
3ergler.
M. Stoiypin was removed to thc-I
1akovsky surgical sanitarirm, tol
Ia n