The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1893-04-14
THE RULER OF RUSSIA.
Character and Habits of Gear
Alexander III.
Monarch Whose Life Is Wrapped
In Nystery-His Influence Upon
the War Issue la
Europe.

A good illustration of the different
points of view from which men observe
the same question or condition of
things is afforded by some some recent
utterances by well-inforIned writers on
the present situation in Europe
These writers. while believing a gen
eral European war To be probable at no
distant date, differ as TO which Of the
European rulers is the most likely TO
begin it. A well-Inown correspondent
of the London Times declares that the
issue of war hangs upon the life of
Emperor Francis Joseph. Should the
emperor die he would be succeeded 10y
his nephew. who il represented as a
vicious and incompetent prince. His
accession, the correspondent thinks,
would be likely to result in the disrup-
ton of the Austrian empire, and con
sequent scramble by Germany and
Russia for various portions of IL, from
which war would result.
An eminent London editor believes
that European war depends upon the
caprices of the young German emperor.
At present that restless potentate is
strongly inclined to peace. but he is sub
ject to frequent changes OF mind, Is fond
of the science of war, and any day may
alter his policy TO a warlilSe one.
Still another writer. not less well
known. is strongly of the opinion that
the maintenance of peace or the initia-
tion of war depends upon the win of
the Russian car.
lie asserts that as long as the ear
keeps check on his ambitious soldiers
and statesmen no collision Will take
place between the powers. When an
event 50 momentous as a general war
depends upon the life or VIII of any
man, or OF two or three men, the per
sonal qualities of those men become
subject not only of deep interest, but of
much public Importance.
The ear of Russia has long been
more or less of a mystery To the world
in general. His life is so secluded and
apart that even his own subjects can
know but little Of him. He is only seen
in public when he drives hurriedly
through the streets to his palaces or the
railway stations.
A recent description of the ear by
one entitled to belief in his accuracy
presents in a somewhat new light the
character of this mighty ruler. who
holds sway over so many millions of his
fellow-beings. and by a word could
plunge Europe into war.
The contrast between the ear and
his remote cousin, the young German
emperor, is a very strong. one. The
kaiser shows an almost morbid activity
of mind and body. He seems never to
be at rest He il constantly travelling.
speaking, reviewing. issuing proclama-
tions. devising policies and working at
important state problems. He clearly
desires to appear broad statesman.
an effective orator, and as a sllillful
warrior.
The ear. on the other hand. is dis
c.ribed a being very ''slow minded"
His mind works with difficulty upon
the state questions which come mp be-
fore him. He finds il hard To make his
way throug,i tbs mass of business
which his ministers submit to him from
day To day; he is said to work at his
papers often until two or three o'clock
in the morning. without having finished
his task.
Alexander III. did not receive the
special education usually given Ia
heirs 10 the Russian crown. His elder
brother Nicholas, who was the heir.
did not die until Alexander had reached
young manhood. Probably. if Alex
ander had been especially trained to fill
the throne he would have found his
work less difficult.
One aspect of the cars character
which will inspire the respect and lik
ing of Americans Is his undoubtedly
deep and devoted affection for his
family. His happiest hours are those
which he spends with his wife and chill
dren. and he Is always relieved when
his royal tasks are done. and he can re
turn To his domestic circle
The marriages of princes, which are
usually dictated by reasons of state and
not by mutual affection.are by no means
always happy ones, and ii is gratifying
To sec 50 powerful a ruler as the Russian
ear presenting To his people an example
of domestic happiness and fidelity.