The record-union., 1896-06-23
THE CHARACTER OF THE GAR
OF RUSSIA.

Albert Shaw in the June Review Of
Reviews gives the newly-crowned Gar
of all the Russias a far better character
than popular belief has been disposed to
accord him. According to Mr.. Shaw,
and he appears TO have made laborious
research upon the subject, the Car as
g. lad had as good an English education
as any boy could have to the age of say
10 He was, and he still is, favorite
with Queen Victoria, who exercises
powerful influence over him and whom
he reverently respects.
He was boy lover of his mother and
into his manhood has carried devout af-
lection for her. He was taught by his
father to abhor war and the military
desire, to love peace and do all that in
him lay to conserve it When he was
making his tour around the world in
1891, and was wounded in Japan by
fanatic. and his life placed In imminent
danger, he manifested a GOODNESS, col
lectedness and courage that promised
greatly for him. since there is nothing
that so much tests manhood as collect
edness IN the face Of sudden threat of
death.
He was sent to Siberia and saw it in
ali its parts and made an intimate ac-
quaintance with all its prisons, officials
and systems. He is credited with hav-
ing then expressed the profoundest in
fereSf in Siberian a fairs apd n das5ro 20
soften the rigors Of punishment so far
as was consistent with duty and the
safety Of the Empire. At the time of
the outbreak of the famine he was
placed at the head of the commission
for its alienation, and was thus brought
into close contact with misery, starva-
ton and the woes Of those who are now
dis subjects, such as to the Gear would
never be possible. It Is said that he
especially distinguished himself in his
efforts 10 mitigate the horrors of the
famine and 20 alleviate human suffer-
ing.
He s. admitted to be exceedingly kind
hearted, and stories are told Of devotion
~ R~AoNAG~4 A. tSkAG9t dI40 VI hlU0 dLIen-
lions to those comparatively strangers
90 him that can be accounted for on
no other basis than that of mate ten
derness and large measure Of gentle
ness and human sympathy.
From Mr.. Shaw's article and other
sources we conclude that as a young
man he was nght-hearted, loved enter
taanrnent of a proper kind, eschewed ex-
cess In anything, was respectful to
his elders and altogether a model youth.
though not strong one physically. In
tellectuslly he was neither notable nor
weak, but with good average Of rea-
soning powers and a thoughtful habit
1t Is conceded that on the death Of his
father he greatly changed, the weight
Of authority appearing to make him re-
served, even to melancholy at times, and
TO Cypress him as though he felt tbe
burden too heavy for his shoulders. OF
late, however, it is said that he has
much frightened and has borne his du,
ties more easily and bravely. AS Gar
It Is related that he listens patiently to
his advisers, but gives them to under
stand that the decision of all weirbtv
matters In the end resides with him
alone. He works IN his office hard and
almost painfully. and yet with a degree
Of collectedness and calm for which he
was not given credit.
1t Is testified that he trusts the Rms
eian people, but the recent precautions
taken ait the coronation would scarcely
seem to bear out that assertion. But
certainly more than any Car for MANY
years he has gone in and out among
the people without the old-time extra
ordinary precautions as to personal
guards. 1t Is said that 'fhe goes upon
the streets of ST. Petersburg as freely
as any merchant" but this we take It
must be accepted with some allowance.
for the secret police are never, in any
hour Of his waking life, out of touch