Maïtre Philippe
and the Tsar of Russia
On his initial visit to Russia Papus
referred in glowing terms to his own “spiritual master” but without saying who
it was. However, somewhat to mutual embarrassment, it was revealed by a local
Martinist and not long before a couple of aristocratic ladies of the Court made
it their business to call on Maïtre Philippe down in Lyons. They in turn were
considerably impressed by his powers, which led to him receiving, at the end of
1900, an invitation from Grand-Duke Vladimir to visit Russia.
He stayed on for two months and
gained such a reputation that on his departure the Tsar, who must have felt a
bit upstaged, let it be known that he and the Tsarina wished to meet M. Philippe
themselves on their forthcoming state visit to France.
This was all highly irregular, but
the Tsar could not be gainsaid, and on the official visit, in September 1901, a
private meeting was arranged between the three of them in the grounds of the
ancient palace of Compiègne, north of Paris, under the tightest security, in
the far off presence, at a very respectful distance, of a small number of
security guards.
Such was the impression Philippe
made on the royal couple that they invited him to visit Russia again, this time
as their personal guest. In view of his extraordinary powers, it is not
surprising that within a very short time, his influence over the ruling family
was becoming such that that no important decision could be taken without
consulting him.
His ability to effect some amazing
cures led the Tsar to ask why he was not recognised as a qualified doctor of
medicine in France, and insisting that he should become one. This caused
considerable embarrassment in French official circles, where he was considered
to be some kind of dangerous political adventurer. From the 1880’s his powers had brought him in touch with other foreign
courts and their aristocracy, including the Bey of Tunis; the Sultan of Turkey;
Kaiser Wilhelm, King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany; Franz-Josef, Emperor of
Austria; Leopold, King of the Belgians; Edward, Prince of Wales; the royal
families of Italy and Montenegro, and even Pope Leo XIII whom Philippe urged to
sell some of the Church’s treasures in aid of the poor, and melt down the gold
statues hoarded in the Vatican cellars.
In the end the Tsar insisted he be recognised
as a doctor of medicine in Russia, with a practical examination to show that
his elevation was not merely a result of the Tsar’s whim. Part of the
examination involved diagnosing half a dozen difficult hospital cases, which he
not only did with accuracy but brought about cures for them as well! As a
result he was given an important position in public health, with the rank of
general – all official positions in Tsarist Russia carrying a military rank in
those days. And no doubt the uniform rivalled that of Head of the Fire Brigade
at Arbresle even if the latter did include a ceremonial sword!
He was loaded with gifts by the Tsar,
including a couple of new fangled horseless carriages, one of which he drove
occasionally, of which there exists a charming photograph – an open three
wheeler, like a cross between a motorcycle and an invalid carriage, with the
driver at the rear and two passengers, side by side, at the front.
Although the other vehicle was so
grand that it was quite useless, being on the scale of a six seater
presidential limousine, suitable only for great occasions of state. It was last
heard of as unsalable in an auctioneer’s warehouse. His favourite gift from
Russia however looks to have been an enormous sheep dog – standing on its hind
legs it is fully his own height. {This along with about 80 other pictures of
the time appear in a souvenir album Monsieur Philippe de Lyon 1905-2005 compiled
by Philippe Collin for Editions Le Mercure Dauphinois, Grenoble. And well worth
the price, currently 17 Euros, even if you don’t read French.}