The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1856-11-07
The Grand Duke Constantine.

Vne SranQ LUKE constantine.
The Daily News coronation correspondent
thus describes the appearance of the Grand
Duke Constantine, whom lie encountered
Mt one of the stations of the Moscow rail-
way. lie says:
81 got an excellent view Of his imperial
highness, who came down, upon the plat
form and nodded to and cbatted with every
body about him. 1t was pleasing to see the
confidence with which humblest people
came up quite close to him, and the off:hand,
friendly way in which he received their
compliments. There were no soldiers, no
butt-cnds of muskets to keep off the COM
mon herd; but everything was trusting,
kindly, and without any affectation Of con
desccnsion. Hc is tall, slight, and we'll
made young man, with good features and
a pleasant expression, and seems to be OH
the best terms with himself and every one
about him. He is, in short, the last man
in the world who, from his appearance, 1
should reckon dangerous or disagrccable.
Besides this he has some considerable repu-
tation for wit and sarcastic humor, and
many of bis sayings are in general circula-
ton. I shall give you one Or two specimens.
To enable you to understand the first, /
must premise that the Americans, whose
wonderful sympathy with Russia during the
war it was difficult to understand, have made
several excellent speculations in this country,
amongst others, the contract for keeping
the Moscow railway in repair, by which it
is said they net clear profit of some 200,-
0OOf. year. The grand duke, who is dis
satisfied with the job, as we'll he may be,
had lately some distinguished friends on a
visit, whom he handed over to his chamber
lain to show them the sights of the capital
One day he asked that officer whether his
friends had seen all the sights, and being in
the affirmative, he said, laughing, "Then
90 and show them the American contract
which is decidedly the greatest curiosity
that could be exhibited in any community
The second story applies to bis imperial
highness's early days. lie was, as is well
known, appointed to the nominal command
of the fleet when child, but even at that
early age was anxious to make it reality.
One day, when on board man-of-war, he
promoted an officer who pleased him, but
the appointment was not confirmed, while
the young admiral was reproved. The next
morning he appeared before the Emperor
in full uniform and rendered his resignation
adding that he was no admiral if he could
! not promote whom he liked. 1t is need
le.a to add that this youthful burst caused
cons;derap,,e amusement in the highest quar-
ter, and the resiis iisnation was not accepted
An Emerald had been sick long time
and while in that state would occasionally
cease breathing, and life be apparently ex
tinct, when he would come to. On ole o
these occasions when he had just awakened
from his sleep, his comrade, Patrick, asked
him:,
"An' how'll we know, Jenny, wher
ye're deads ye'er afther waking up every
time" :
aJist bring me glass Of grog, and sa,
to me, 'here's till ye Jenny an if ! don
rice an drink, then by the-piper Of Moses
ye may put me under the sod"
A Coop JoKE.EWa heard agood jok
perpetrated yesterday, by friend Of our
{ Saidshe to an acquaintance:
> sThings are really coming to a.prett
: pass in our town. AL the ladies stoppin
: at the Exchange left the winner table ye'
Q terdaya" " 49, s" '',
B aPossibler said the. person to whom IL
remark was addressed, greatly surprises
8 hsWhst caused them to do soq -. i
J. aWhS," responded our friend, convin
J. ing himself. that the coast was clear, "the
; had finished eating" ~: ~