The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-11-02
The Russian Dynasty.

Car Alexander III. ascended the
throne of Russia three days after the
death Of his father, Alexander H., who
was murdered on the banks of the
Nevsky canal by bombs thrown by Nj
hilists, March 13, 1881. The new Little
Father of the Russians was born
March 10, 1S45, the second son of Alex
ander ii. by his first wife. For reasons
not well known he was slightedIby both
father and mother, and his infancy
and youth were saddened by this un-
parental conduct. His education pro-
ceeded on the lines customary for the
younger sons of the reigning dynasty
He had abundance of military instruc-
tlon and duty, but of letters or the hui
manites his ignorance would have
shamed an American schoolboy. In
those days, when there We're at least
two vigorous lives between him and the
throne, he often expressed his satisfac-
tion that he was not the heir
His apparent destiny was to he an
officer of the imperial guards, prepara-
tions for which, as far as the imperial
scions We're concerned, consisted of mil
itary exercises, perfunctory study of
text books of strategy and little else.
Even acquaintance with modern Ian
guages was not considered essential for
such career which in the main con-
sists Of enjoying life and doing duty
by proxy.
| He was in the height of this giddy
butterfly existence, when at 20 years of
age he suddenly became heir presump-
tive to the imperial crown by the death
of his elder brother, Nicholas. The
manner in which he became the heir
added terribly to the new burden so
Unexpectedly cast upon him.
Death of Nicholas.
The Russian imperial family We're So
journing at Nice when, early in 1865, the
crown prince was struck painful but
unintentional blow by his brother, Alex
ander. Nicholas was a handsome, re-
fined looking man and gained the al
most fanatical worship of the Russian
people by reason of his talents and per.
sonal charms. On April "a, 1865, by q
fatal blow dealt by his brothers hand
he died.
The czarewitch had already been be-
trothed with all due form and observ-
ance to Princess Dagmar, the brightest
and prettiest of the three Princesses OF
Denmark. She, too, was at Nyce, and
was present at the bedside of her dying
fiance. Alexander too, was present
devoured by remorse at his agency IN
the death of the brother whom he loved
reverenced and admired.
Nicholas, turning suddenly TO his
brother, said: II leave to you, Alex.
ander Alexandrovitch, the heavy but
glorious succession to the Russian
throne but / should like to add to it q
legacy more precious still which will
help you to bear it's burden He took
the hand of Princess Dagmar and plac'
ing 1t in that OF Alexander said
Marry her; it is my dying request ant
wish, and you, my dear bride, youl
i destiny will be at the same time ac
compllshed, for you will be Empress ol
Russia"
The event, however, VISA delayed
eighteen months by the express wisi
of the princess, who loved Nicholas de
votedly and could not detach his mag,
from her heart
The death of Nicholas changed tn,
entire course and current of the life o.
the hew czarewitch. His neglected edu
cation was to be brought up to the higl
standard of his new prospective duties
and with all speed, too. From the gay
giddy, self-indulgent existence Of tn,
grand duke he became one Of the mos