New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-01-23
CATHERINE DOLGeROUKL, WIFE Oh THE
GEAR.
From The PARIS FiGdro.

From The Par1s Figaro.
"LOve is conceived suddenly without reflection.
by temperament or by weakness flash of beauty
"a trait feature transfxes you. seals your fate.
Friendship on the contrary grows little by little.
And how much Of spirit, goodness heart attach
ment and services is required to produce after mauy
years less than beautiful face or beautiful hand
will do in moment"
Labruyere has described In these few words the
sentiments of the Emperor Alexander for the EN-
press bis first wife, and for the Princess Dolgorouk
his second spouse. Love was conceived; be submit
ted to it, perhaps, without trying to combat It, The
Princess Dolgorouki employed neither artAce nor
coquetry nor the power of intelligence nor profound
insight She was loved and if she ascends the throne
OF Russia she will have love alone to thank for it.
There il IN ST. Petersburg an institution modelled
after tho Saint-Cyr OF Madame de Maintenon. IL
receives only the young orphaned daughters OF no
bemen. The Car is at the head OF this institution
The CZarina Marie gave IL her benevolent care She
was as the Russians say the first orthodox Empress,
and they venerated her as the equal of o SAINT.
Catherine DogOrouki, who came OF an ancient
house that traces its origin back to Saint Vladimir.
was placed in this institution at five years Of age.
1t Is difficult for us with our democratic ways to
comprehend the sentiments Russian feels Tor the
one he calls Father" and who is at the same time
his Sovereign and his Pope. When the Emperor
visits this institution he is the object Of manifesto
lions and of an enthusiasm that are almost idola-
trous They tear his handkerchief into little pieces
aud divide It among thomse Ives as II IL were the
relic of saint and cut hair from his favorite dog
One day the Emperor was boating on the
pond in the park with several of the
young pensioners, ana one OF tnc young
girls threw herself into the water hoping thai the
pretended accident would touch the heart of her
sovereign and draw his attention to her. 1t Is need
less say that her eccentrcity did not produce the
desired effect.
Catherine Dolgorouki shared the folles Of her
companions. She was of nervous temperament
and easily moved. She was about thirteen when
she tainted away one day on the Emperors speak
ing to her. The Car was greatly touched, helped
TO revive and reassure her. and the following day
sent to inquire after her. From that day the little
princess held place 10 his thoughts. Aud on her
part she spoke of the Emperor to her companions as
Mile de Ia Valliere used to speak of Louis XIV. In
her seventeenth year she was appointed maid
of honor to the Empress and appeared at Court.
The Princess Catherine is thirty years of age. She
is very pretty. There is more Of grace aud sweet
ness in her beauty than brllancy She is OF medium
height and spare, and her hair is of that beautiful
auburn, golden chestnut that the English SO much
admire She talks little. and her conversation does
not sparkle as is so often the case with the great
Russian ladies. She does not possess the spirit OF
domination, and conforms with tact to the wishes
of the Emperor. Wcl-informed people assert that
the Princess has two advisers, woman ana man.
who supply the decision lacking IN her own
character.