The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-27

A STORY OF THE RUSSIAN ENPREss-A letter from
Berlin relates the following interesting anecdote:
"a few days ago hale old man, in peasants
costume, but decorated with several orders and
crosses was seen ascend the ght of steps lead
ing,to the terrace of the palace OF Sans-Souci A
sentinel posted there stopped him, informing him
that he could not be allowed to 90 further as the
palace was inhabited by the Empress of Russia.
why, that's the very reason why | must go on
reulied the veteran sturdily. An alteration
sued which was interrupted by the arrival of
Count Won Alvensleben, first equery of the En-
press, who asked what was the matter. The old
man replied that he had walked nine German miles
to see the Empress before his DEATH he having saved
her in her youth from watery grave.
"On learning this, the Count babe him wait and
on informing the Empress OF the occurrence, was
ordered to introduce him. The veteran approach
ed the Empress with firm step, and said. i re-
cognize her well, though she is much changed
He then reminded her Majesty of an occurrence
which took place in 1906, iii the park of Chariot
tenburg, where the late King used to pass the sum-
mer, living there in the style of private gentle
man. The Empress of Russia, then Princess
Charlotte, and only seven years of age, one
day PLAYING near the ornamental piece of water
called the Carp basin. with her little sister. Prin-
cess Alexaudrna and her brother, Prince Charles,
whom she was drawing along in Bath chair, in
which exercise she happened to go rather too
| the waters edge.
"a young guardsman on doty not far off called
! to her, warning her of her danger, but in vain;
the little princess laughed at her adviser and CON
tinued to draw the Bath cbair close 10 the brink.
The soldier, on seeing this, stepped forward held
his sword be fore her. and cried ''hal!' The prin-
cess in fright stepped back slipped and fell into
the water. The sentinel instantly plunged in after
her, got her safely out and dragged the go-cart
along with him-Princess Alexandria running BY
his side. and CRYING all the while carried her,
dripping wet as she was, to Queen Louisa who was
sitting before her palace, reading. The Queen, on
learning what had happened bent over the child,
took from her neck small medallion containing
L. e ~ h.ir md - -,
guardsman.
'.The same medallion the veteran showed to the
Empress, who Immediately recolected the occur
! renee, and with deep emotion requested him to re-
store to her the medallion with er mothers hair;
and turning to Princess Gagarlne, her lady of hon
or, detached her own portrait set in diamonds IAN
ornament which the ladies of the Russian court
generally mark of special aflecton) from
the bosom of that lady, and gave it to the old
| guardsman, who went away delighted, and in pass
ing by the sentinel who had stopped him, showed
him the trinket saving, 'dO you that, you stu
pid fellow ?'-London Lancet.
LOUISIANA PREpARING TO PRorEcr THE M1ssIssrp-
PG.-The New Orleans Delta, of the 18th, suggests
that the river Mississippi above shall be protected
by flying artillery or Dahgren boat-howitzers. 1t
says:
sin the absence of boats floating batteries or
stages be readily constructed, on which these
boat guns can be mounted, and any number of
them be taken in tow of the steam tugs and car
| red from point to point, the emergency NAV
indicate. Their crews mount and dismount
them. They can in one minute be used afoat and
on the banks of the river, and thus serve as hvinp
| artillery. Should the enemy attempt, as they
| threaten, to invade us, from the Northern States
and employ steamboats,, tiat-boats, any ordinary
conveyance down the river, the effect of these guns
would be the same as that of the flying artillery
during our operations in Mexico. Every one is
familiar with it.
1t is not pretended that they would serve against
the men of-war that might come up the river The
| Government has provided against that contingent
| cy by closing the Southwest Pass entirely and
protecting Pass POutre in manner which will
be known hereafter. But these guns are indispen-
sable for the purposes indicated, and above ALL to
prevent the occupation of the delta of the Missis-
sippi. One effect to be apprehended would be to
delay the recognition of our Confederacv by for
eign powers, custom-hOuse could be erected at
the Baize, and the duties collected there without
obstructing commerce. and sufficient military
force be maintained and protected by the guns of
the formidable squadron which could be sent not
to blockade for that would be unnecessary, but to
reinforce the soldiers doubtless on their way
for this very purpose.
The boats or batteries spoken of could effecually
prevent the landing of troops and would present
no marks, comparatively, for the great guns of the
enemy, and in tow of the small screw-tugs in our
river, could anticipate every movement of theirs.
A number of these batteries could be easily man.
ned by that class of our population that would not
be employed soldiers