Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-03-23
Alexander III. Of Russia.
B.oenAr,src.I SKETCH os rn. NEW CT

Bf0GRAFIsicAL SKETcH % THE NEW CZaR.
Alexander Alexandrovisch, in the midst of
his grief for the sudden and tragic death Of
his father, is called upon to assume the grave
and trying duties incumbent upon the ruler
Of great nation. As Alexander Ill, Gar
Of All the Russias. he takes his place among
the sovereigns Of Europe, the latest upon the
list and one Of the youngest. The only mon
archs who are younger are Hing Louis Of
Bavaria, who Is about five months bis junior.
King HumDert Of Italy, VINO is just twenty
seven years old, and King Alfonso o. Spain,
who il not yet twenty-four years old. Alex
ander AIexandrovitcb was born March 10.
1915, and is the second son Of the late En-
peror. His older brother Nicholas. who was
very promising young man. died in 1865.
and thus Alexander became hereditary Grand
Duke. He not only succeeded 10 his brothers
place in the realm, but became the husband
Of that brothers intended bride. the Princess
Dagmar, Oldest daughter Of King Christian
Of Denmark. and sister Of the Princess
Of Wales. The marriage took place Novem-
her Q. 1866. the Princess, according to Rus
sian custom, changing her name and taking
that Of Marie Feodorovna. Four children
were born Of the union, namely. the Grand
Duke Nicholas, who now becomes CZarevitch
or Crown Prince, born May Is, 1868; the
Grand Duke George, born May o. 1871; the
Grand Duchess Xeine. born April 6, 1875 !;
and the Grand Duke Michel. born December
8, 1873. The new Emperor held high po-
sition In the army under his fathe-, and is a
practical soldier. His service in the army is
atiested IN by the marks Of frost bites on the
third and fourth fingers Of his left hand. and
q slight scar on his temple, left by n bullc
which grazed his head in one of the battles in
the Turkish war. In regard to politics his
views differed widely from those Of his father.
He is said to hate Germany, although his
own m other was a German Princess, and his
father was warm friend Of Germany and of
his uncle, the German Emperor. Whether
this will result in any breach Of the relations
existing between Russia and Germany re-
mains to be seen. There have been anticipa-
tions on the part of students of current history
that in the event of his coming to the throne
. Russ0-German war would become a Ger.
tainty. As a man the new Emperor has an
excellent character, and his name is free
from any faint Of scandal, fact worthy of
record in connection with any Of the royal
houses Of Europe. He is a man Of strong
domestic inclination. and il is told Of him
that in his visits with bis family to the court
of his father-in-law. he needed no better
entertainment than to be allowed TO
enjoy in quiet the company Of his
wife and children. In Copenhagen he is very
popular, and when there he and his life have
been accustomed to walk about the town in
the most unceremonious manner. The new
Emperor il reader. and his study in the An
itchkov Palace is that OF man who reads for
a purpose. When on a railway journey
he purchased papers wherever they
were to be obtained, and peruses them while
travelling. Some years ago he wrote to the
heirs Of lie lIarpe who was tutor to the En-
pcror Alexander L., to ask for the loan Of any
letters from his great-uncle to lie Harpe
which might still be in the latters hands. In
person Alexander III. is not as his father was
in his best days, but he is nearly if not quite
six feet tall, with deep chest broad shout
ders and a general appearance of great
strength. Ills face is not so intellectual rs
that of Alexander II, but tells of greater
force of character. His eyes are light gray,
while those of his father were dark blue.
The shape of his head betokens great energy
and strength of will with a talent for math-
ematcs. His forehead is high, and the organs
of firmness, veneration and self-cstecm are
largely developed. a small mouth with ex-
tremely good teeth. which only show when
he laughs, il his best feature. His hair is
auburn, and his complexion is very fair. In
st. Petersburg he has usually appeared cor
rectly attired in uniform, but when enjoy ing
holiday among his wifc's relatives he was
most often seen in II very loose washed suit
Of shepherds plaid, black tie, a white hat,
with neither gloves, ring nor watch.