New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-08-13
JOSEPH FRANCIS AND THE GRAND DUKE
m The Washington Evening Star.

From The Washington Evening Star.
After presenting to the Minister his letters Of intr
ducten from the Hon. James Guthrie Secretary OF the
Treasury, General John \. Dix and others. he was
asked
What is the nature Of your visit to Russial'
1T is OF a business nature. as wish 10 Introduce
ny Inventions replied Mr.. Francis.
And you want ne to aid you. 1 supposed bunny
Mr.. Francis replied that, having arrived ONLY that
morning he was undecided what course to pursue. but
would be pleased to have his assistance If needed.
His first desire to the Emperor.
You see the Emperor! cannot help YOU to what
Il do not ask YOU to attempt an mpossiblntv. hut
II you cannot advise me. suppose must seek ad'
Well said NJ. Pckens. "the only possible way
70 See the EMPEROR will be TO make the request 70
How long win i take = INQUIRED Mr., Mr.. Francis
But said Mr.. Francis iupatieniIy. 81 want 70
the Emperor tomorrow"
See His Majesty Tomorrow exclaimed Mr..
P1ckens.
That IS mr. desire calmly insisted Mr.. Francis
Then / cannot help you,r replied the Minister
Good morning" sid Mr.. Francis. as he retired
from the presence OF the representative OF diplomatic
red tapesm. Al his boarding house he met an inte
gent and friendly English gentleman, who Informed
him that the Grand Duke Constantine. Grand Ad-
nirai Of the Navy. in high favor with the Emperor
fayorte Of the people inelllsent enterprsns ana
to strangers was at his simmer place at streina.
twenty miles from ST. Petersburg, and that he could
get immediate audience of him through him Of tho
Duke Neither soldiers nor aendarmcs intercepted
homcl he asked OF a messenger.
Take INV card to him.
The messenger quickly returned and usherei our
Yankee mechanic into the recepiion-room.
DUKE @ % Of i cSTs ga 'ns him an
welcomed him to Russia. saving
II hope you have brought specimens Of your
invention. especially the famous nie-savlng cor. ]
have heard about It's saving people from wreck and
Francis replied that hp had brought beautiful
corrugated copper rowboa, polished and hicny m m
"Can You let me see ~ Where IS it!" imps.
uenty asked the Grand Duke.
Mr.. Francis. and requested His shness Wcuh name
a time when he would like to see it,,
~cc %H and viii be ready ready answered Mr
At . 80 the next morning tall diguifcd gentle.
man. in full naval dress appeared AT tho hotel and
inquired for Mr. Francis. on advancing TO meet him
i9e Senemah s1honncrd nm, h@s' AZ tie ~ A wsy,
would be at the hotel IN hour and half. and no
begged to be shown wn.t His Hlshness was n coming n.
rived accompanied by his lad OF twelve wears:
s%S S%d aFs ssS%ne ali the b
specimens OF work, expressing much aSton,hment
ond e aSmraHn ana rong s 70 kent the
Grand Duke and Mr. Francis walked together about
S H d os tS o h Ry new Nfy %
The next day Mr.. Francis called on thc American
Minister ro who asked him "we how do you get along
II have not seen the Emperor quietly answered
Mr.. Francis.
or course not" said the Minister with emn,as.ss
n l'nt" said " Francis. 81 have seen the GRAM
g And pray bow did Won manage TO SOC the Crane
Duke'" patror"lnGly inquired Mr.. Pckcns. ,...
"Oh. that was easy enough. went 10 ms palace
at strelna, sent In my card and 10 received me a,
and treated me as a gentleman would 4
spent hour with him and H. afterwari came 70
me ut my house to look at my boats and moiei$-
" Vt your house ~
dyes"
This the climax Of surprise for tho Minister,
who expressing himself totally unprepared for tucs
business Ike method OF attending 10 business, va
not thereafter solicited by Mr. Francis for any Inter
vention between himself and royalty