August 1: Mikhail Katkov, a publicist who became the ideologist of counter-reforms, died
On August 1, 1887, 69-year-old Mikhail Katkov, a publicist, publisher, and supporter of Alexander III's counter-reforms, died at his estate near Moscow. He was a political opponent of Herzen.
A weak state, incapable of either defending itself or governing itself, is not pitied, but despised and finished off.
Nobility earned by father
Born in 1817 (according to other sources, in 1818). His father was a titular councilor, the first in his family to achieve nobility.
In 1838, he graduated from the philosophy department of Moscow University. After moving to St. Petersburg, he began publishing in the journal Otechestvennye Zapiski (Notes of the Fatherland). He traveled throughout Europe for a time and attended lectures at the University of Berlin. Upon returning to Russia, he became close to the Slavophiles.
The Department, the Ministry, and the Russian Herald
He taught at Moscow University until philosophy departments were abolished at Russian universities in 1850. He served as a special official at the Ministry of Public Education and edited the "Russian Herald."
In 1856, before he was even 40, he retired. In the 1860s, with the onset of Alexander II's reforms, he changed dramatically—so much so that his friends and acquaintances barely recognized him:
Thoughtful, accustomed to listening more than speaking, only occasionally taking an active part in a conversation, he was now seized with a fiery interest in the revolution taking place in Russia.
This is how journalist Evgeny Feoktistov recalled him.
Mikhail Katkov – a publicist against Herzen
In a short time he became an influential publicist and politician, one of the leaders of the “Russian party”.
He harshly criticized Alexander Herzen, undermining his reputation—along with the newspaper Kolokol. He first accused Herzen of being out of touch with reality, and then, after he supported the Polish uprising, of national treason.
Sits across the sea and sings about holy impatience
He can't be called honest under any circumstances. His only excuse for dishonor is insanity.
The Vowel of the Duma and "Classical" Education
He was elected as a member of the Moscow City Duma. He initiated reforms in education and advocated for a "classical" education—one that included the teaching of ancient languages and the humanities.
The true evil of Russia lies precisely in that rotten part of its intelligentsia that is ashamed of its country and alienates its people.
Will the sword of state ever grow stiff in its sheath? Is it not yet time to reveal the sacred power of authority in all the terror of its majesty?
The highest circulation private newspaper in Russia
From 1875 onwards, he single-handedly published Moskovskiye Vedomosti, criticizing the reforms of Alexander II. By the end of his reign, the newspaper had become the most widely circulated private media outlet in Russia.
The publication's popularity was immortalized by Saltykov-Shchedrin in his famous tale of two generals: even on a desert island, an "old issue of Moskovskiye Vedomosti" accidentally turned up under a bush.
He was one of the founders and director of the Lyceum in Memory of Tsarevich Nicholas (the "Katkov Lyceum"). By imperial decree, it was considered equal to classical government gymnasiums, and Katkov himself was recruited into government service.
Along with Pobedonostsev
In 1882, after the accession of Alexander III, he received the rank of privy councilor from the new tsar and several "advances" in the form of state orders. Along with Pobedonostsev, he became a leading ideologist of the counter-reforms. He was a supporter of autocracy and monarchy and opposed the adoption of a constitution.
God helped me with a few blows to crush the revolutionary ghost that was then hovering over Russia.
He sought the removal of influential "foreigners": the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Swede Nikolai Girs, and the Minister of Finance, the German Nikolai Bunge. Katkov was ultimately unsuccessful in dismissing Girs: the Emperor personally interceded on his behalf.
The Fake Letter and the Last Months
In 1887, shortly before his death, he was compromised. He was accused of writing a forged letter to the President of the Chamber of Deputies of France containing anti-government statements.
Without being in any solidarity with anyone, I sacredly guarded my independence
These are lines from a letter to the Chief Prosecutor of the Holy Synod, Konstantin Pobedonostsev.
He died of stomach cancer at his estate. The Emperor expressed sympathy over Katkov's death:
His powerful words, inspired by a passionate love for his fatherland, aroused Russian sentiment and strengthened common sense in troubled times. Russia will not forget his services.
His body was carried in people's arms from the village of Znamenskoye-Sadkov (now the territory of Bitsevsky Park) to Moscow, to the church of the lyceum he founded – the distance of the journey was about 30 km.
