The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-10-07
OINED WITH THE GAR.
Uonors Showercd Upon Joseph Franoa<
Inventor of the Lifeboat-

Uonors Showered Upon Joseph Francl<
Inventor of the Lifeboat.
In 1898 Mr. Francis went 20 Europe,
He introduced his inventions at many
ro7rts. BE remained abroad about II
wears and made many warm friends III
many lands by his modest, unassumlng
frankness and his habitual courtesy
And he received great honors at the
rourts Of kings.
l shall not soon forget the stories he
told Of the events witnessed IN these
Europeaa capitals, they were al so IN
teresting, and be was so wholly frank
and natural IN their narration. He was
long at the court f the car, q sovereign
who was deeply interested III the work
of the inventor. When Mr. Francis
went to Europe, he had letters OF intro
duction from many prominent Amerl-
cans. In St Petersburg h,S'allod upon
the American minister. rs, rs he told
me laughingly, he forgot al about hls
letters Of introduction, one OF winch
was from the president Of the United
States and another from the secretary OF
state. and merely told some of the ottl-
cials connected with the American lega-
ton that he wished TO meet the ear.
WHAT the official calculated IN
amazement. Meet the car? lmpossl-
ble. man! Do you realize what you are
asking-an introduction to the car OF
Russia? Why, it would take you month
70 get 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 to wait. The attendant
ushered him into a magnificent salon in
the ducal palace. From the farther
side Of the splendid room, " said the old
gentleman 10 me as he related the story,
his eyes glowing with the recollection
Of the triumph Of the hour, appeared
the Grand Duke Constantine, one Of
Americas truost friends, and, both OF
his hands outstretched, he took both of
minc in his IS he reached me. -
The grand duke asked what he could
do for Alr. Francis, the man Of whom
they had heard so much, whose life say
ing service was even then Of sach value
to Russia's saacoast, and whose lnyen-
tiors 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 TO
Alexander II, ruler who never forgot
this gentle, modest American, and who
through long years owned HIM as a
cherished friend.
A day or two afterwaTd Mr.. Francis
strolled into the Office of the American
legation. Idoubt not there was a merry
twinkle in his eve, for no man loved !
quiet Joke better than he did.
The official to whom LIZ Francis had
expressed his desire TO meet the czar
spoke up jokingly:
''Well, how are you coming on Ill
your efforts TO meet the czar:"
4 have seen him.
What, with doubt in face and
voice, you have seen the car: How
did you see him, pray tcIl:"
4 dined with him yesterday, - was
the simple answer.
And it was not the last time he was
entertained At the imperial palace. -
". ). HaTwOOd IN ST Nicholas.