The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1914-11-19
lOW-BORN monk SAID
ITO Be RUSSIA'S MASTER
Rasputin, Peasant Bred, Mys-
ferrous Figure In Public Life
of Cars Country.

L~ondon.-The peasant-born Russian
monk. Gregory Rasputin, on whom a
murderous attack was made by q wom-
an while he was visiting his home in
a Siberian village before the war
broke out, Is described by the st. Pc
tersburg correspondent OF the Daily
Chronicle as the absolute master of
the Russians"
1t is certain that no great European
court Is under such a mystic sway as
that which Rasputin has been reputed
to have over Emperor Nicholas OF Rus
STA and the Whole imperial household.
This has been the concern of Russia
3or three years.
The rise af Rasputin has been an
enigma to all the mobiles of the court
who have not fallen under his influ-
ence, His absence from ST. Peters,
burg. during which came the attack
on him., was hoped to mean that he
had fallen into disfavor. but he was re-
called to the emperor's palace.
Called Modern Richelieu.
This modern Richelieu is the son of
e fairly wealthy peasant of Tobolsk.
he had little schooling and led an I'M
eventful life until about 80 years old.
When he developed religious fervor, be-
came a lay monk and went on a pill
grimage.
At the monasteries he visited he
SilhC0 uP 5OiEe ledFHilS ana managed
70 receive a letter OF introduction to
Bishop Theofan at ST. Petersburg. This
was in 1900.
Through the Influence of the bishop
the peasant began to meet the influ-
entail people of the city and court. His
mystic philosophy created interest. Be-
sides, he had the gift OF repartee and
polite conversation.
AT first R%asputin stuck to his peasant
garb, IN which he made a picturesque
ngure. But soon he took up an elegant
style OF dressing and living, which ex-
cited the envy of Bishop Theofan.
The bishop obtained an order to exile
Rasputin to Siberia. But not only did
Rasputin appeal to the car to save him
but caused the bishop to be dismissed
dying father.
Other powerful officials tried to check
the advance Of Rasputin. only to find
themselves in d~isfavor.
Rasputin became the intimate of the
royal family, gave orders to the minis
tiers and conducted himself as the SUI
preme power in the empire.
The only successful attempt to induce
the court to send Rasputin away re-
suited disastronsly for tho plotters.
before departing R%asputin warned the
empress that misfortune was sure to
follow. When the heir to the throne
fefl i'll the frightened empress recalled
the favorite monk in haste.
Power With Gear Grows.
Since his return Rasputin's power
has continued to grow. His counsel Is
called for in deciding every questioneof
Importance. 1t is said on high authority
that he brought about the ministerial
change last year that saved Russia
from a war with Austria. He lived as
a prince, with a magnificent villa at
Yafta, In Crfrnea.
One OF his daughters by his peasant
wife is being educated in an aristo-
cratic girls college, in st. Petersburg
and Is chief companion of the emperor's
daughters.
Rasputin is even reported to address
the car as thou and thee" a free
dom denied even the grand dukes.
A month ago Rasputin was ordained
n priest by a minor bishop Of his native
district. This act aroused the antagon-
Ism OF the powerful heads OF the church.