The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-04-12
THE RULER OF RUSSIA.
Character and Habits of Gear
Alexander III.
A Monarch Whose Life IL Wrapped
In Mystery-Nis Influence Upon
tho War Issue in
Europe.

] ~ gOtDu eItJLt Ct tlic GllltIcnl
| points Of view from which men observe
the same question or condition OF
things is afforded by some some recent
utterances by wen-informed writer's on
the present situation in Europe.
These writer's, 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-known 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 by
his nephew, who is 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 it. 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 warlike one.
Still another writer, not less well
known, is strongly OF the opinion that
the maintenance of peace or the initia-
ton of war depends upon the win Of
the Russian car.
He asserts that as long as the car
keeps check on his ambitious soldiers
and statesmen no collision will take
place between the powers. When an
event so momentous as 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 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 car by
one entitled to belief in his accuracy
presents in somewhat new light the
character of this mighty ruler, who
holds sway over SO many millions of his
fellow beings, and by word could
plunge Europe into war.
The contrast between the car 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 is constantly travelling,
speaking, reviewing, issuing proclama-
tions, devising policies and working at
important state problems. He clearly
desires to appear as broad statesman,
an effective orator, and as a sk1lful
warrior.
The car, on the other hand, is 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 to make his
way through the 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 to
heirs to 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 undou btedly
deep and devoted affection for his
family. His happiest hours are those
which he spends with mis- 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 it is gratifying
to see so powerful a ruler as the Russian
car presenting TO his people an example
of domestic happiness and fidelity.