"TOLSTOY'S TWILIGHT."

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 71, 26 March 1910, Page 10

"TOLSTOY'S TWILIGHT."

WORKING TO THE VERY END. An interesting article in the World's Work gives the impression? of Mr. Henry George, junior, of a pilgrimage recently made to Count Tolstoy in his Russian home at Yasnaya Polyana. Mr. George states that age evidently has placed its hand heavily on the great master, yet" he appeared not so feeble as delicate. The eyes revealed the keen, buoyant spirit within. As one of the ornaments of Tolstoy's study, Mr. George noticed his father's portrait holding a place of honour on the wall. "He was my friend," said the great writer. lolstoy talked of death. He did not expect to live much |onger. "To-mor-row I die," he said with a sweet smile. "Meanwhile I have another book to write." Asked what the book was about, he said it treated of moral questions, and not of political economy. This led him to talk of Henry George's teachings, and he handed Mr. George a manuscript giving his ideas on the social, governmental, and the revolutionary conditions in Russia to-day, as well as showing tho vigour and hope lighting up this wonderful old man's mind. In the manuscript was this remark : "The land question is, indeed, the question of the deliverance of mankind from slavery produced by the private ownership of land." Among the numerous questions touched by Mr. George was England's concern about national defence. "Navies," said the Sage, "are not necessary to people who desire to be at peace, but only to people who wish to rob and murder. All this building of warships is a sign that some people who have the power are preparing to go off on new expeditions to rob and murder." Another side of this wonderful old man was exhibited when Air. George asked what he thought of his own novels. "I believe l have forgotten what they were about," was the answer. "Then," said" Mr. George, "I can promise you a great treat if you will read them." The day was closed with melody, Tolstoy listening to the subdued notes of the Russian guitar. His comments revealed in the old man of 81 the active spirit of the pcetry and romance that had created his great novels. When Mr. George was leaving Tolstoy 6aid : "This is the lost time I shall meet you. I shall see your father soon. Is there any commission j-ou would have me take him?" "Tell him the work is going on," said Mr. George. Tolstoy nodded, and Mr. George departed, feeling, as he says, that he had been privileged to talk with the greatest man on earth.