The morning call., 1894-10-22
A CONSCIENTIOUS RULER.
Ex- Minister Smith Praises the Poll
| nF

ICY OF the &ZaFs
PHILADELPHIA. Oct. 21.-Ex-M Minister
Charles Emory Smith, who during the
time he represented the United States at
st. Petersburg had ample opportunity to
observe the personal characteristics of the
Gar, talked interestingly to-day when
asked by an Associated Press reporter for
his impression as TO the effect the death Of
the Gar will have in the Russian empire
Mr.. Smith said:
The impending death of the Car
would. IN mY OpiD+Cn. be serious misfor-
tune for Russia and for Europe. It is not
probable that there will be any marked
change in the conser gative part of the i'm
perial Government. The policy of the
present reign has been wise. prudent and
firm. It is likely to be followed But in
the nature of the case. with new and un-
tried sovereign there must be solicitude
until the lines are settled AS TO Russia
internally the present Emperor has given
her tranquility and stability There is
little discOntent. no agitation and general
devotion to the crown on the part of all
classes. Unexpected change necessarily
breeds anxiety, but it finds a loyal public
temper, and with wise counsels it will be
easy to move forward without disturb
ances.
alexander III has been an upright and
earnest ruler. Less commanding than
Nicholas. less liberal than Alexander II,
he has been we'll balanced. His personali-
ties nave inspired confidence both at home
and abroad. He has been steadfast, con-
scientious and straightforward. He has
shared the reactionary tendency which
followed the assassination OF his father
and which has been unfortunate in some
of its developments, but with his firm pol
icy he has united strong sense of Justice.
During the famine OF 1891 and 1892 some
extreme socialistic articles imputed to
Count Tolstoi found their way into print.
TOlstoi was engaged in relief work and
some of the Ministers OF the empire
thought it unwise to let him go among the
peasants preaching his revolutionary ideas
and they advised that he be placed under
house arrest. This action was greatly de-
nounced.
San English friend of mine just at that
time visited for some days at TolstoTs
home. Whenever the clatter of hoofs was
heard on the road it was supposed to be
the squadron of soldiers to make the ar
! rest. AS matter of fact the Emperor re-
fused to accept the advice to place re-
strictons upon Tolstoi, saying that while
his doctrines were wrong he was doing
great good and humane work and was not
to be interrupted in il.
mo one could see anything of the pure
and beautiful domestic life of the En-
peror or of his laborious devotion to the
responsibilities of the crown or of his
manifest desire TO promote the welfare of
his people without great respect for him.
He has been Russian of Russians in his
feeling and has aimed to develop the ma
tional spirit of his people. But he has
joined with this national sentiment deep
personal sense of right and duty"
In an article which appears in to-day's
Press MIR. Smith writes of the Gar as fol-
lows: "The sudden and swift collapse of
the Gar in the very prime of life seems
strange and almost incredible. He is only
49 years old. He had the stalwart figure
and physical prowess of the Romanoff
| officers Standing six feet two, we'll pro-
| portioned, the very picture Of robust
health, about the strongest man in Russia,
living well-ordered life, be seemed the
! last of the living soverelgns on whom
dread disease would lay fatal hand. His
moral rectitude and his upright purpose
have matched his rugged manhood. His
character and impulses have inspired 10y
atty and devotion at home and respect and
confidence abroad. For years he has been
the sheet-anchor of peace in Europe. As
Crown Prince he won soldierly laurels 10
the Turkish war. but as Emperor
| he has been supremely devoted to CONT
mental peace and has been the surest and
most potent force in maintaining il. In one
| hand he moderated the impulsive ardor Of