The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle. — 1884-06-14 (Stourbridge, West Midlands, England)

CURIOUS TRIAL IN RUSSIA. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the Morning Post writes:  A curious and interesting trial has been engaging public attention in Moscow during the last few days. A Madame Boulach has been accused of inducing a young lady, Madlle. Mazourine, immensely rich, but weak minded, to Make a gift to her of all her fortune. The last witness in this trial was Privy Councillor Philippow, who stated that the arrival of Madlle. Mazourine at Rjew and the foundation of the school in that city took place during his absence, but that the Mayor, M. Bersenew, kept him constantly informed of what occurred. Thus he was made aware of the influence exercised over Madlle. Mazourine by the accused and the gift of her fortune. But what puzzled him was the sincerity of Madlle. Mazourine's propensities for monastic life. In 1876, previous to witness's stay at Rjew, he heard in all directions that Madlle. Mazourine was detained against her will; disgusted at the idea that such a thing could occur the witness resolved to inquire into the inaction of the Public Prosecutor. The tribunal of Rjew, to whom he addressed himself, replied that it doubted the criminality of the case, and considered it impossible to take proceedings as long as Madlle. Mazourine remained in the hands of the accused, whose moral influence over the young lady was all-powerful. The witness then resolvell to discover the mystery which enveloped Madlle. Mazourine. He was seconded by M. Samou, Governor of Tver, and by Monsignor Savva, Archbishop of the diocese. Communications were addressed to the procureur of the holy Synod, to the Secretary of State, Kakhanau, and to Count Loris Melikoff. The witness had seen Madlle. Mazourine for the first time in 1881, when the trial commenced. She told him that Madame Boulach had succeeded in convincing her that death was only a passage to a better life, and that it was permitted to resort to suicide to hasten this passage. The witness reminded the jury and the court that the present trial had a certain connection with the mental alienation of the late Metropolitan of Kiew, who died in 1882. This prelate had commenced by forbidding Madlle. Mazourine to proceed to Altai as a missionary, but after a visit from Madame Boulach he changed his mind and bestowed his blessing on Madle. Mazourine. It was then reported that this result had been brought about owing to a present of 30,000 roubles which Madame Boulach had made to the Metropolitan. The witness remarked that he would never have alluded to these reports if they had not been strengthened by certain facts. The madness of the prelate commenced after two vis!-- received by the ffubstitute, Ligario. The prelate first lost his sleep and then his mind. When ill his fixed idea was that he was going to be removed from the convent to be sent into exile. Ile constantly asked whether the Boulach trial was continuing its course, and showed great anxiety when answered in the affirmative. On the death of the prelate, and when seals were being fixed to his furniture, the sum of 30,000 roubles was found in the drawer of a prie-dieu. The result of the trial is expected with considerable curiosity and interest.  Itsrimk PITS IN WIND SixingS.-----A Georgia i COTTCpoudent writes us that storm pits are made n his section about 8 feet by 10 feet and 6 feet deep, with a roof on a level with or just above the surface of the ground, being usually ventilated by means of pieces of stove pipeinserted in the toof. Our correspondent says it has been suggested that, there being sometimes ten or twelve persons in these pits, the moist, warm air rising through the pipes makes a good conductor of electricity, and so would render such locations dangerous during an electrical storm, although his own inference is that they cannot certainly be more dangeroias than crowded churches or railway cars, which are seldom struck by Wentifio