New-York tribune., 1891-12-27
PRINCE OBOLENSKI.
DEATH DERIVES THE CZAR OF HIS MOST
USEFUL COURTIER.
ST, Petersburg. Nov. 30.

ST. petersburg, NOV. 81.
Tie sudden death of Prince Obolenski, Imperial
Court Marshal has robbed the Emperor and En-
press Of Russia of trusted ofIccr and long
tried friend In the long list Of men who are at
tached in one way or another to their MajcsticS
none could he more grievously missed than the
dead soldier For decade he has lecn-in GER
tain sense. if not ofcially-the Cars factotum
and maiordomo. In country where consprators
have been found at various tiI.cs on the very
stcrs of the throne, few men enjoy the confidence
and friendship OF tie ruling Powers. ObocEski
however. enjoyed both anil treasured both. Unless
il be General Won Richter, Director OF the Com
mission OF Petitions. no man exercised such oil
influence over the Gar. lie was seen more IN his
company even than Prince Trubetzkoi. Court
Marshall in Chief, and was the destined successor
of that functionary in Office had he lived to take
his place lie accompanied the Gar on all his
Journeys attended TO personal requests, and repre-
sented His Majesty at all times and upon all oc-
casions.
But ObolenslSi deserved the confidence given to
him. lie first became intimate with the Gar
intimate as the term is understood in speaking of
the relations between monarch and his sub
ject-when a young officer of the Guard in
ST. Petersburg. Alexander iii was at thar
time Crown Prince. As chief of the
regiment in which the young Prince
served the Grand Duke had an opportunity to
Judge of his character. Obolenslli made rapid
progress in the army and reached the rank of
colonel, after serving only eleven years. When
Alexander III ascended the throne he made him
at once a Court Marshal and conferred upon him
the rank Of a general in the army to which he
had belonged.
But ObolenslS's rapid advancement was due as
N fho nd
friendship of the future Gar. Among the ladies
OF the court famous at the time for their beauty,
wealth and talents was the Countess Apraxn, a
lady-in-waitng Of the Czarna, then the wife Of
the heir to the White Throne. She belonged to
a family OF clever people, and was considered at
the time the cleverest and most brilliant woman
at court She was cousin Of that unfortunate
Count Dimitri Apraxin, who convicted OF
forgery in Pressburg, twenty years ago. and served
in consequence sentence of three years in prison.
She holds, also the same relationship TO the
| Countess Julie ApraXin, the writer, who now
| lives i'm Hungary. No one in ST. Ptersburg had
more suitOrs for her hand than the lovely
Countess, who the faverite, too, of the future
Empress. Indeed, it is said that the present
Gar fell victim TO her charms, and that she is
| the only woman whom he ever really loved.
The gossips, however. never even connected their
| names, the Gar, although lie married the
bride Of his dead brother has ever been faith
| full and devoted husband. When the Countess
| gave her hand to the handsome Prince Oboenski
| his career was assured Her influence was great
| That influence she has retained to the prese mt
day. and the Czarina consults her as often as
| did the Gar the man who is now dead
Prince ObolenslSi belonged to one of the most
ancient families of the Empire, and claimed rela-
| tionship with RuriS himself. So many members
of the race however, have met tragic fate, that
supersttious people believed it accursed Under
Ivan IV four prime Of the family occupying higl
| official offices, condemned To death. During
| the reign of Emperor Nicholas, disgrace was
| brought 10 the name by the part which Prince
| Eugene Obonski-a lieutenant Of the. Finnish
| Guards-took in a revolt against his monarch He
| ended his days in Siberia. Another OboensS
| Prince Michael left the army and the attractions
| Of court life to devote himself to scientific pur
suits. lie lived in Moscow and became one OF
the most eccentric citizens Of the former Russian
| capital.
| The death Of the present Prince, at a time wher
| fortune smiled upon him, and when more brilliant
career was opening before him, eXcites the SYM
| pathy Of thousands OF friends and admirers, both
| In Russia and in foreign countries. Emperor
| William Of Germany admired him greatly lie
| wore upon his broad breast the decorations OF
| many monarchs lie was a man who seldom made
| mistakes. and His Majesty the Gar will hardly
find eourter who can ill his place
L