The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-11-02
ost loving husband an,

most loving husband and careful
lathe, and is never 80 happy as
when among his own family. His wife,
the Danish princess Dagmar, sister Of the
king of Greece, and sister-in-law of the
prince of Wales, who was brought up on
the strictest principles, is a wise and ami
able woman, and there is ne doubt that,
even in the first years Of their marriage,
she exercised a favorable influence over the
en- eror, wko, true to the Russian national
Character, is somewhat inclined to melan-
choly. And this influence is still az strong
as ever. The princess, though bred in very
simple circumstances and suddenly raised
to the brilliant position of Il very power
full empress, has succeeded in banishing all
cou,t i%ntrigues from her palace, which have
alwa?s played such Il prominent part in
Russian history. She has refused all con-
~nection with politics, but, by the simple
magic OF her graceful person and winning
charm OF manners. she has gained the
sympathy OF tho whole Russian nation, of
young and old, rich and poor alike. She is
the mother of five children, three boys and
| two girls. The crown prince Nicolai Alex
andfovltoh is a perfect likeness to his
mother.
Very often the imperial family undertake
driving excursions to the neighboring castle
of pleasure OR to st. Petersburg, and by
wish of the car a large escort is avoided
on such occasions. The emperor dislikes
to be accompanied by the police in his
travels yet the authorities are very careful
to suppress any possible disturbance. In
winter, about New Year. the residence in
st. Petersburg is made use of. But the
emperor has no love for this large winter
palace, which seems quite natural when one
consldats tbs sad events that took place in
this colossal building.
For Il few weeks at the end of summer the
imperial family adjourns to Petershof. sur
rounded by pleasant forests and situated
on the beautiful bav OF Finland. At this
time of the year the large maneuvers of
troops at Krassnois Selo, whers about 49,
600 soldiers are reviewed yearly. and the
large naval maneuyers on the bay OF Fin
land take place, for which the emperor has
n great partiality. Alexander III. mas al
ways followed the naval development with
great interest, and even when crown prince
he filled a high position in tho feet. To
the present day he sometimes dons the uni
form of 4 Russian naval officer.
Once q year regularly the emperor and
empress. with ths crown prince, make T.
short trip to his castle Llvadia in the
Crimea. Sometimes he visits his shooting
box, ski.rniewiee. in Poland, and enjoys
excellent hunting there. taking with him
his famous rack OF hounds from tho dog
training establishment at Gatchina.
Every other year they visit the king of
Denmark, and make their headquarters at
the castle of Fr3densborg, where there is
SN'~H'N Wal ssShcA DAtSS VI a. ILh n Sbl
dren and grandchildren, making the old
castle, SO Economically situated on the lake
OF EScrom. resound with their youthful
voices.
The car feels especially comfortable at
this little summer residence. The great
ruler OF Russia, VINO has numerous sp!en-
did castles and every convenience at his
command, delights in tho simple country
life. lie has to DO contanted with two
rooms, so modeatly furnished that last year
be was obllgsd to use an old sable OF tho
Danish crown prince Az his writing desk,
and his sole attendants are an adiutant
and two chamberlailg. But then he can
cast OFT all the letters that bind him at
home, which are caused partly by tho
court ceremonies and stiff etiquette and
partly by his constant fear for the safety of
his life. lie can breathe the air of freedom
for Il short time and feel himself q man
among theia. Their ~sojourn in Denmark 10
restricted to four weeks, but as il is always
prolonged, 1t shows how agreeable the cZar
finds his stay at Fredensbore.
Alexander LII. is Il passionate hunter, md
ulgo a great admirer OF natural beauties. in
which the idyllic Fredensborg 10 80 rich,
surrounded by lovely meadow land, power
full old forests of beech trees and beautiful
vlews. From early morning till late ut
night the car roams about alone or ACCOM-
IanIed by his brother-in-law in the Crib
forest, not to catch a hare or q snipe, but to
enjoy the loneliness of nature. He rows
about on the lake of Escrom, not in quest
OF sport, but to abandon himself TO an
agreeable repoge which hs canrot hnye in
his own castles. And If, in the course Of
his extensive walks, he is suddenly over
come with hunger or thirst. he turns into
> Inc little cottage of some peasant or wood