CHAPTER V.
MSTISLAF AND ANDRE From 1167 to 1212.
Centralization of Power at Kief .-- Death of Rostislaf .-- His Religious Character .-- Mstislaf Ysiaslavitch Ascends the Throne .-- Proclamation of the King .-- Its Effect .-- Plans of Andre .-- Scenes at Kief .-- Return and Death of Mstislaf .-- War in Novgorod .-- Peace Concluded Throughout Russia .-- Insult of Andre and its Consequences .-- Greatness of Soul Displayed by Andre .-- Assassination of Andre .-- Renewal of Anarchy .-- Emigration from Novgorod .-- Reign of Michel .-- Vsevolod III .-- Evangelization of Bulgaria .-- Death of Vsevolod III .-- His Queen Maria.
The prince of Souzdal watched the progress of events in occidental Russia with great interest.

He saw clearly that war was impoverishing and ruining the country, and this led him to adopt the most wise and vigorous measures to secure peace within his own flourishing territories.

He adopted the system of centralized power, keeping the reins of government firmly in his own hands, and appointing governors over remote provinces, who were merely the executors of his will, and who were responsible to him for all their acts.

At Kief the system of independent apanages prevailed.

The lord placed at the head of a principality was an unlimited despot, accountable to no one but God for his administration.