TOLSTOI’S TITLE

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 June 1930, Page 4

TOLSTOI’S TITLE

STORY OF ORIGIN A Russian newspaper tells the- following histoneal anecdote of the origin of the Tolstoi title. A sentinel had been posted in front of <; door before the Tsar’s private quarters. Some prince came sauntering along, and wanted to pass. “Sorry,” said the guard, “the Little Father has given me personal instructions not to let anyone pass!” The Prince furious, beat .him pnd started to curse and threaten, when the door opened and Peter the Great appeared. “What’s all this noise?” he asked. Tho soldier saluted, and the Prince bowed

deeply and gave an explanation. “This chevalier has given you a. beating because you carried out my orders,” said tho Tsar. “Here take my stick, and take your revenge.” “Impossible, Majesty! Tho man is a"vulgar soldier,” objected the Prince. “All sight, ’ said Peter', “I make him a general.” “Your Majesty cannot bo serious. I am a nobleman and this man is a peasant.” “I make him a Count,” said Peter, and turning to the sentinel lie added: “Beat him till ho can’t, walk. You uro beating your equal.” Tho soldier c.xecuted the Tsar’s com-< mand. The next day he received notification of an Imperial ukase ap- > pointing him general in the army and

Count. Ono of his descendants, the great Leon Tolstoi, did all in his power to get rid of the Count’s title.