The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1914-07-28
MONK IS MASTER
OF The RUSSIAS
Gregory Rasputin, Peasant Born,
Holds Mystic Sway Over Car

London. July 2s.-The mystic peas
ant-bo Russian monk Gregory Ras-
putin. on whom "A murderOus attack
was made by woman while he was
visiting his home in n Siberian village
recently, is described by the ST. Peters
burgh correspondent OF the London
Chronicle as the absolute master of
the Russias." 1t is certain that no
great European court today is under
such a mystic sway as that which Ras-
putin has been reputed to have over
Emperor Nicholas of Russia and the
whole imperial household. 1t has been
the concern Of Russia for three years
back.
The rise OF Rasputln has been an
enigma To all the mobiles of the court
who have not fallen under his infiu-
snce. His absence from St Peters
burgh. during which the attack upon
him came, was hoped to mean that he
had fallen into disgrace, but just pre-
vious to the news of his being stabbed
the announcement was made that he
had been recalled TO the emperor's
palace.
This modern Richelieu Is the son Of a
fairly wealthy peasant of TObolsk. He
had but little schooling and led an un-
eventful life until about thirty years
old, when he developed religious fer
vor became n lay monk and went on a
pilgrimage. AT the monasterles he
visited, he picked up some learning and
also managed To 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, and
he had the gift of repartee and polite
conversation.
Sends Benefactor to Exile.
At first Rasputin stuck to his peas
ant garb, in which he made a pictur-
esque figure. But soon he took up an
elegant style OF dressing and living,
which excited the envy of Bishop
Theofan. The bishop obtained an or
der to exile Rasputin to Siberia. But
not only did Rasputin's appeal to the
tsar save him, but caused the bishop to
be dismissed to Poltowa without even
time to see his dying father.
other powerful officials tried to
check the advance Of Rasputin. only to
find themselves in disfavor. Rasputin
became the intimate of the royal M
lily, gave orders to the ministers and
conducted himself as the supreme
power.
The only successful attempt to in
duce the court to send Rasputin away
resulted disastrously for the plotters
Before leaving. Rasputin warned the
empress that misfortune was sure to
follow. When the heir to the throne
fell i'll, the frightened empress recalled
tie favorite in haste.
Since his return, Rasputins power
has continued to grow. His counsel is
called for in deciding every question of
importance. 1t is said on high author
ity that he brought about the minister
ial change last year that saved Russia
from a war with austria. He lived as
prince, with magnificent villa at
Yalta, in Crimea. one OF his daugh-
ters by his peasant wife is beig educat-
ed in an aristocratic girls college in
st. Petersburgh and is the chief COM
panion of the emperor's daughters
Rasputin is even reported to address
the tsar as thou" and thee, free
dom denied even the grand dukes.