Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-04-12

millions Of people in many places in the United
| States and Europe and 1884 was presented
! to the government and placed in the Ma
| tional Museum in Washington; a memento
| of wonderful service to humanity; a monu-
men. to the inventive genius and humane
character of its builder. 1t seems fitting that,
| with the year which marked the mid-century,
the merit of Mr.. Francis should have been so
| powerfully attested as it was by the memoir
able incident of the remarkable rescue Just
narrated. Many men would have been con-
tent to rest for season and enjoy the fruits of
their successful tolls and experiments Not
| MIR. Francis. He Immediately established large
| manufactures in several large cities being COM
| PEELED by the immense demand for his many
! useful inventions to provide the most extensive
works for their production. The government
was a very large purchaser Of corrugated boats,
life cars and other structures for army use.
| HoNoRs ABROAD.
His name and fame became widely known
abroad. His life was thenceforth to be sue
cession of triumphs and honors more brilliant
| than ever before. Medals, diplomas and royal
| praises showered upon him from the highest
| sources in Europe. His benefactions to hui
| manlty were recognized universally wherever
civilization existed, and it may be truly said
that no American except Gen. Grant was ever
| more kindly and Familiarity received by crowned
| monarchs and mobiles or more sincerely aided
toward the thorough contamination of his de-
signs than was Mr.. Francis during his long res
idence In Europe subsequent to 1855. during
which he established immense factories for the
manufacture of his corrugated iron boats ves-
sells and life cars, floating docks, pontoon
bridges and wagons and other inventions for
| the army in five of the great countries of Eu-
rope under the immediate sanction and patron
age of the ruling powers of those nations
Mr.. Francis visit to the European continent
| IN 1855 was primarily for rest and recuperation
| OF health after many years of exhaustive
| toll and severe trials and losses in bust
| ness. He still poor and trusted
to make some sales of his valuable rights; to
| make his life boats and other appliances in
| foreign countries. After three years Of unvary-
| ing success in England, France, Austria and
Germany he proceeded to Russia. where he ar
rived May l, 1858. He knew no word of the
/ Russian language nor any person in st. Peters
| burg who could speak English. He sought the
residence of the American minister, Mr.. Pick
ems OF South Carolina, who graciously received
him as an American citizen. Then ensued an
interesting test of Mr.. Francis ready resource
of wit to cope with apparent difficulties and
shows the simple directness of purpose which
characterized him in all emergencies
After presenting to the minister his letters of
introduction from Hon. James Guthrie. Secre-
tary of the Treasury, Gen. John A. Dix and
others, he was asked
What is the nature Of your visit to Russia?'
1T Is of business nature. as / wish to intro
duee my inventions" replied Mr.. Francis
And you want me to aid you, suppose?"
bluffiy suggested the minister
Mr.. Francis replied that, having arrived only
that morning. he was undecided what course
to pursue, but would be pleased to have his
assistance if needed. His first desire was to see
the emperor.
You see The emperor, I cannot help you to
what is almost impossible"
Il do not ask you to attempt an impossibility.
but if you cannot advise me, suppose must
seek advice elsewhere, /" was the reply.
WELL" said Mr.. Pickens, 1.-THE only possible
way to see the emperor viii be to make the re-
quest to the minister of foreign affairs; [ sun
pose l might make the application for you"
How long will it take?' inquired Mr. Francis
AT least month, for a stranger like YOU"
But" said Mr.. Francis impatiently, II want
to see the emperor tomorrow
See his majesty tomorrow exclaimed Mr.
Pickens.
That is my DESIRE" calmly insisted Mr..
Francis.
Then cannot help you replied the minis
ter quite stiffiv.
Good morning." said Mr.. Francis as he re-
tired from the presence of the representative
CT diplomatic red-tapeism. At his boarding
house he met an intelligent and friendly
English gentleman, who informed him that
the Grand Duke Constantine. grand admiral of
the navy, IN high favor with the emperor, a
favorite OF the people. intelligent enterprising
and distinguished for his humanity as we'll az
his urbanlty to strangers, at his summer
palace at Streina, twenty miles from ST. Peters
burg. and that he could get imme diate audience
OF him and through him. of the emperor. He
was soon at the palace of the grand duke
Neither soldiers nor gems d'armes intercepted
his approach to the door. us the grand duke
at home!' he asked of a messenger
Yes"
Take my card to him.
The messenger quickly returned and ushered
our Yankee mechanic into the reception room.
From the center of the spacious room the
grand duke came forward and cordially greeted
him and welcomed him to Russia saving:
Il nope you have brought some specimens
OF your inventions, especially the famous life
saving car. have heard about its saving
people from wreck and wish to know ali
about it."
Mr.. Francis replied that he had brought n
beautiful corrugated copper row boat, polished
ana highiy hnlshed, and corrugated galvan-
lied iron ships life boat.
Can you let me see it? Where is it," impa-
t1ently asked the grand duke
1T IL in building on VASTLY Ostroff," re-
piled Mr.. Francis, and requested his highness
would name time when he would like to
see il.
Would tomorrow at II o'clock be conven-
ient?'
Certainly, and I will be ready" answered
Mr.. Francis.
At $50 the next morning a tall. dignified
gentleman, In full naval dress, appeared at the
hotel and inquired for Mr.. Francis On adj
vancing to meet him the gentleman announce
himself as 1.-The Admiral Matueskin," that the
lord nigh admiral OF the navy would be at the
hotel in an hour and a half, and he begged to
be shown what his highness was coming to see.
At the appointed time the grand duke arrived
accompanied by his son, lad of twelve wears.
and alighting amid a large concourse of police
and gems d armes proceeded TO examine all the
| beautiful specimens Of work, expressing much
astonishment and admiration and a strong de-
sire to purchase it, On leaving the house
where the boats were kept the grand duke and
Mr.. Francis walked together about six blocks
TO the River Neva. conversing Familiarity on the
subject of the new life-saving appliances
The next day Mr.. Francis called on the
American minister, who asked him. well how
do you g. slong about seeing the EMPEROR
Il nave not vet seen the emperor" quietly
| answered Mr.. Francis
''Of course not" said the minister with en-
phasIs.
But" said Mr.. Francis" have seen the
Grand Duke Constantine"
And pray how did you manage to see the
grand duke! patronizingly inquir ed Mr..
| Pickens.
20, that was easy enough. / went to his
| palace at Strelna sent in my card and he re-
celved me at once and treated me as a gentle
| man would. spent an hour with him and he
afterward came to see me at my house to look
at my boats and models.
AT your house,
Yes"
This was the climax of surprise for the min
ister. who. expressing himself totally unpre-
pared for snch businesslike method of at
tending to business, was not thereafter solicited
by Mr.. Francis for any Intervention between