TOLSTOI NOT DEAD

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 274, 18 November 1910, Page 5

TOLSTOI NOT DEAD

REPORT PROVES UNTRUE. ISSUED BY A RELATION. (By Cable.—Press Association Copyright.) (Received 10.15 a.m.) ST. PETERSBURG, November 17. The announcement of Count Leo Tolstoi's death proves to be incorrect. The announcement led to a remarkable demonstration in Russia. When the statement was made Tolstoi was almost in extremis, but his condition is now more favourable. News oi his death emanated from a member of the family, and caused the cancellation of many lectures, while lengthy obituary notices appeared in the Press of Europe, Britain and America. The Countess Tolstoi refrains from seeing her husband lest lie should become excited. It is stated that Tolstoi's action in leaving home was partly due to his wife and children upbraiding him for his refusal to accept the Nobel prize of £8000 for literature and for his rejection of the offer of £100,000 for the copyright of his works. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the "Times" reports that during his journey in a crowded train Tolstoi, through lack of room, was compelled to stand on the platform of a carriage during &, bitter cold and wet night. He suffered catarrhal inflammation of the lungs and heart weaknesses.