Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-05-17
FTOW Ne THISDHTg U't'
The SOtereIgns OF Europe.

old, SIX feet one lnCn HiSn, eTeCt dn" 7o'
dier-like in form, naughty in demeanor,
proud of his person, and when young, was
decidedly handsome. He is intelligent.
shire wd, stern, resoute, and By no mean.
wanting in personal courage. He is good
disciplinarian, but not skIllful commander
in war, as was proved in his younger days
His information in regard to the condition
and policy of all nations IS minute and ex-
tensive; his plans vast and his ambition
boundless. In the last respect, he truly
the Russian character and SEN
timent. The same disposition exists N
Russia now, to pour down on the more ialr
and wealthy and sunny realms OF he South
and the West Of Europe, as in the days
when the Roman Empire was overwhelm-
ed.
Frederick William, King Of Prussia, is
the brothef-n-aw Of the Gar, but very
different kind of man. He is about 80
years of age, despotic in feeling, but some,
what liberal by compulsion. He would
gladly Jon the Emperor Of Russia in hls
plans If he dare; but his people are other
wise inclined. He is fat good looking,
lolerably good natured and somewhat
stupid sort of man. Should the present
war continue for some years, he will pro-
badly be found on the side of Russia. His
present declaration of neutrality is merely
designed to gain time to watch the course
of events for one campaign, and then to
shape his course according to results.
Francis Joseph, the Emperor OF Austria
is 90 years of age, and has succeeded IN
raising small mustachos for his handsome
face, and small loan for his exhausted
treasury. He has high, broad forehead,
a good form. about five feet ten inches 10
height, and is an expert and excellent horse
man. He exhibits no signs Of extraordl-
nary administrative capacity, and will pro-
badly add little to the reputation OF the
House Of Hapsburgh. He fell in love with
lady last fall, "at first sight," and, it is
reported, will marry her during the present
season His Government is almost bank
rupt in pecunlary recources his people are
discontened and his Empire is exposed TO
desperate peril between the contending
Interests and nations now at war on the
continent Of Europe. He is greatly lndebt-
ed to the Emperor Of Russia, and would
Join hlm in the partition of Turkey, but for
the dread Of the vengeance of the Western
powers, and The opposition Of his own Peo-
pie. His position is perIlous, turn which
way he Will and neutrality is almost I'M
possible.
Abdul Medjid Sultan Of Turkey, is but
thirty-three years Of age, though he has one
daughter married, and two more betrothed.
He is rather small in statue, with a salow,
sad and mild expression of countenance.-
He is in favor OF reforms in his empire; is
lust and mercifui in his rule, and delights
more in experimenting his schools and
public Improvements than marshalling his
armies and navies for battle; but, forced
into war for the existence of his empire. as
he is, will doubtless maintain the ancient
renown Of his gallant and warike race
Thus far in his difficulties with the Gar,
he has shown moral courage, frmness
and moderation and an energy in prepar-
Ing for war, that have enlisted on his side
the sympathies of nearly all civilized ma
tons. He has no wife. Sultans do not
marry. He is evidently sincere and zeal
GUS Mahommedan, though he has stipulated
with the Western powers that he will place
the Greek and Christian population of his
empire on the same footing, as to clyi!
rights, as the Turks.
Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France, is
rather below the middle stature has dali
and drowsy eye, and counteanance that
ordinarily expresses but little. He is about
forty-four years Of age, and has had an
adventurous life. From an artillery officer
in Switzerland, rowdy in N. York, spe-
cial police officer i'm London, and prisoner
al Ham, he is now firmly seated on the
most dazzling throne ofEurope, and wields
a power second only to that OF the Emperor
of Russia Public opinion has undergone
a great change in regard to his mental ca
pacitY since he ascended the throne of
France. He has manifested an ability of
high order as a ruler and statesman and,
at this moment, exercises a greater inhu-
ence over the affairs of Europe than any
other sovereign, not even excepting the
Emperor of Russia. And this influence he
has welded wisely for his own interests,
and thus far, for the honor and interests, of
France. He enters on'the conflict with his
great antagonist of Russia with dauntless
'pirit, and an energy of preparation, that
shows much of the true metal Of his uncle
'of glorious memory"
Queen Victoria of England, rules over
he most populous, wealthy and powerful
empire on the globe. On her dominions
he sun never SETS and under her govern
nent the people of England and Scotland,
It least, enjoy more freedom than under
my other monarchy. Queen Victoria is
low thirty-four years of age of a mild and
unable disposition, and is an exemplary
wife and mother But as a ruler, she exer-
Uses little real authority. Her Cabinet
Councillors and Parliament are the actual
uIers of the British Empire. The naval
ower of England is nearly as great as that
f all other nations combined; and her
ommerce and manufactures greater than
hose of any other nation.
Oscar, King of Sweden, is now in the
rime of life, and, personally, is strongly
nclined to side with the Gar in the present
var. But his people, almost unanimously,
re hostile towards Russia. An armed
eutrality is his declared position, and to
his position and its rights the Gear accedes.
The King of Denmark is under personal
bligations to the Emperor of Russia, but
compelled, by his position and the voice
his people, to adopt the policy ofneutral-
y.
The King Of Belgium is controlled in his
olicy by dread OF his powerful nelghbor of
rance.
Christina, Queen of Spain, is fully oc-
upied just now with the insurrectionary