The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-11-09
D NED WITH THE CAR.
o'""" showered Upon Joseph Francis.
Inventor OF the Itfehoa,


"'h"'' showered Upon Joseph Franeis
Inventor OF the Lifeboat.
In 1890 Mr.. Francis went IN Fnrona
ne introduced his inventions NJ MANY
"ui's he remained abroad about a
years ana made many warm friends in
many lands by his modest, unassuminx
trankness and his habitual courtesy
Ahd he received great honors Al tho
courts Of kings
L shall not soon forget the stories no
.oiu Oh the events witnessed in these
european capitals, they were all 80 in.
'eresting, and he was 80 wholly frank
and natural IN their narration. He was
long at tho court Of the czar, sovereign
VINO was deeply interested in the work
OF the inventor. When Mr.. Fra lcis
went 10 Europe, he had letters of intro
JUNCTION from many prominent Ameri.
oahs' In st. Petersburg he called upon
sho American minister. Here, as he told
me laughingly, he forgot ell about his
letters OF introduction, one Of which
was from the president Of the United
States and another from the secretary of
state, and merely told some Of the Off.
Gals connected with the American lepa.
uon that he wished to meet the car.
"What!" the official CALCULATED In
amaSement. Meet the car? Impossi-
BILE, mani Do you realize what you are
asking-an introduction to the car Of
Russia? Why, it would take you month
toget an introduction TO the grand duke,
TO say nothing about getting into the
presence Of the car
Mr.. Francis went away, and, with
true American Independence, called at
the palace Of the grand duke He sent
In his plain visiting or business card.
he had not long 10 wait. The attendant
ushered him into magnificent salon in
the ducal palace. Prom the farther
side Of the splendid room," said the old
gentleman to me as he related the story,
his eyes glowing with the recollection
OF the triumph of the hour. appeared
the Grand Duke Constantine, ono OF
Americas truest friends, and, both OF
his hands outstretohed, he took both OF
mine in his as he reached me-"
The grand duke asked what he could
do for Mr.. Francis, the man of whom
they had heard so much, whose life saw
ing service was even then Of such value
to Russia's seacoast, and whose inven-
tons promised so much for Russia
what could he do? Mr.. Francis said
that he would like to meet the car.
Certainly. The grand duke would
make an appointment with him to dine
in day or two with the car at the
palace.
And this was his introduction tC
Alexander ii. ruler who never forgo,
this gentle, modest American. and who
through long years owned him as q
cherished friend.
A day or two afterward Mr.. Francis
strolled into the Office Of the American
legation. Idoubt not there was merry
twinkle in his eye. for no man loved 6
quiet joke better than he did.
The official to whom Mr.. Francis had
expressed his desire to meet the czal
spoke up jokingly:
well. how are you coming on il
your efforts TO meet the czar?"
II have seen him.
What" with doubt in face ant
voice, lyon have seen the car? How
did you see him, pray tell?"
II dined with him yesterday" wa
the simple answer.
And it was not the last time he wa
entertained at the imperial palace. =
w. 8. Harwood in st. Nicholas.