The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-03-15

as much NJ his grandfather Nicholas did
Alexander AIexandrovitch IS the second
son of the Emperor. The eldest boy. Mich
oIas AIexaudroviteb, died ut Nice, In 1863
The dead Prince IL said TO have been q mira.
Gle OF goodness and cIcverness. General
sorrow followed bis death. The Russian
people erected temple IN their hearts 10
bis memory and greeted the ukase which
declared Alexander Aiexandroyiich bi. sue
cessor to the title OF Czareyitch with clear
tokens OF dissatisfaction.
ALExANDER's AWKWARD INHERITANCE.
"The new heir to the throne, then
twenty years old, had all the odds against
him. The nation disiiked him. Like all
the Grand Dukes OF Russia not destined 10
sit Oh the throne, his education was ex-
clusiyely military. 1t was serious Obsta-
Gle 10 his becoming a good sovereign. BE
| had no scientific instruction, and no know
| ledge Of foreign languages except French.
or politics and sociology he knew next to
nothing. He was inclined to a life OF
pleasure rather than one OF labor. TO
acquire the necessary qualifications for his
new calling was serious task. He had
hardly time for it. He was obliged at
once TO enter upon the duties OF a Crown
|
ell OF State. .Tfe was forced TO take an
interest In executive affairs and in ques-
tions OF public policy, and to show by deeds
and words that he was endowed with rs
much Judgment as his limented brother.
Though not always equal TO the occasion.
his wisdom surpassed all expectations, and
he C n to-day boast OF being the only prince
OF his house who commands the respect OF
| all parties aud the love OF the people. His
tory occasionally repeats itself. As Alex
ander II. when simple CZareyitch protested
more liberal opinions than bis iather, so
does Alexander AleXandrovitcb entertain
views far more in keeping with the progress
OF our ace than those Of the reigniDg Empe-
ror. AS the latter fought for more liberal
poljcy ayanst Nicholas, so has the present
| Czareyitch always advocated the adoption
of measures that would further the liberties
OF his fellow. citizens. He has occasionally
sided so openly with the revoutionists rs to
he snspected OF an affilialiOn with their Sc
cret societies.
RUSSIAN PROSPECTS UNDER THE NEW GAR.
"The CZlrevitch has always been a zeal
OILS partisan OF the National cause and a de-
cjaed admirer OF Katkoff ana other patriots.
I'm the winter OF lS67-'6S he was chairman
OF the committee OF relief for the northern
provinces OF Russia, then sorely tried by
famine. The committee was politically an
taeoni>tic TO WalOnietf. As chairman, the
hereditary Grand Duke was responsible for
the fail OF the Governor. This action led
10 the first quarrel between the Emperor
and the CZircytcb. Since that time
there has been no close harmony between
them. All the CZneyitcbes have been lib
eral Alexander III. was by far more liberal
than hi, father, bur failed to keep his prom
Uses. Alexander AleXandrOyilch is certain
" more liberal minded than Alexander II.
His reign will probably begin by great re-
forms, but the Ger will be The Gar. As
such he will be the representative OF sys-
TEN, the heir Of policy aS well is OF prn-
ciplc, the custodian Of nations pref udiceS,
ambitions, and hopes, a part OF a grand ma
chine, which he must work or be crushed
beneath lis wheels. lie evidently cherishes
the idea OF giving the country a Con-
stiluti0n and OF sharing the cares OF
Government with a national body Of
representatives. He may carry out his pro-
ject, but it j. doubtful whether he will per-
severe in his liberalism and whether he will
give a. much as the reYolutiOnists will de-
mand. II he does, he may be carried away
by the current, destroying his own person
atty; il be does not, revolution will follow,
and his government may become as reac-
tionary as that OF Alexander II. His posi-
ton IS unenyiabIe. His task * doubtless
heavier Than tina, OF any predecessor. Al
exander III. cannot, il he would, be mere
nOnentiiy. He must leave some mark on
the history OF his country and OF Europe.
He may reconcile the largest empire in tie
world with civilization and freedom"