West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1893-04-13
THE RULER OF RUSSIA.
Character and Habits of Gear
Alexander III.
A Monarch whose Life Is Wrapped
I'm Mystery-IIis Influence Upon
tho War Issue I'm
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-informed writer's on
tho present situation In Europe.
These writer's, while believing a gen.
eral European war 10 be probable ut no
distant date, differ as TO which OF the
European rulers Is the most likely 70
begin IL. A well-known correspondent
Of the London Times declares that the
Issue of war hangs upon the life of
Emperor Francis Joseph. Should tho
emperor die, he would be succeeded by
his nephew, who Is represented as q
Vicious and incompetent prince His
accession, the correspondent thinks,
would be likely to result In the disrup-
ton of the Austrian empire, and a con-
sequent scramble by Germany and
Russia for various portions OF It. from
which war would result
An eminent London editor believes
that n European war depends upon tho
caprices Of the young German emperor
At present that restless potentate is
strongly inclined to peace, but he "a sub
lect to frequent changes of mind, Ia fond
Of tho science of war, and any day may
alter his policy TO a wnrlilxe one.
Still another writer, not less well
known, Is strongly of the opinion that
the maintenance of peace or the initin-
ton of war depends upon tho will Of
the Russian czar.
He asserts that as long ns the car
keeps check on his ambitious soldiers
and statesmen no collision will talSc
place between the powers. When IN
event so momentous as n general war
depends upon the life or will of any
man, or of two or three men, the per-
sonal qualities of those men become q
subject not only of deep interest, but of
much public Importance.
The car OF Russia hns long been
more or less of q mystery to tho world
In general. Ills life is SO secluded and
apart that even his own subjects can
know but little of him. lie is only seen
In public when he drives hurriedly
through the streets to his palaces or tho
railway stations.
a recent description of the car by
one entitled TO belief in his accuracy
presents In a somewhat new light the
character of this mighty ruler, who
holds sway over 80 many millions of his
fellow-beings, and 10y n word could
plunge Europe into war.
The contrast between the car and
his remote cousin, tho young German
emperor, is a worry strong one The
kaiser shows an almost morbid activity
of mind and body. He seems never to
be at rest. lie Is constantly travelling.
speaking, reviewing, issuing proclama-
tions, devisinR policies and working ct
important state problems. He clearly
desires to appear as broad statesman,
an effective orator, and ns a skillful
warrior.
The car, on tho other hand, Ia dis
cribed as being very "slow minded. -
His mind works with difficulty upon
the state questions which come up be-
fore him. He finds It hard 10 make his
way through the mass OF business
which his ministers submit to him from
day to day; no 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 to
heirs to the Russian crown. His older
NAOe.aNA A'iShDieiFt WHO WIS ttlC nGlr.
did not die until Alexander had reached
young manhood. Probably, II Alex
ander had been especially trained TO fiji
tho throne, he would have found his
work less difficult.
One aspect of the czaT's character
which viii 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, arc by no means
always happy ones, and it is gratifying
TO sec SO powerful ruler as the Russian
car presenting to his people an example
OF domestic happiness and fidelity.