Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1904-02-04
RUSSIAN EMPERoR'S JOKE.
An Amusing Episode in the Wan.
behring's of Alexander Among
h People.

a young protege OF Coun NesSelrode,
! sailor, who did not know the Russian
emperor by sight, had been sent with
important dispatches TO Vienna, where
Alexander of Russia was staying. Alex
ander enjoyed wandering about the
streets there as well as in his own cap
ital, and one morning his majesty,
dressed in a simple military greatcoat,
noticed on leaving the palace a young
naval officer apparently trying to find
his way, and examining the entrance of
the imperial residence, totally at a loss
how to set his helm. The story is told
IN "Anecdotal Recollections of the Con-
gress of Vienna" by Comte de la Garde-
C~hambonas.
You seem to be looking for some
thing" said the emperor.
That's true" answered the sailor. 81
have a dispatch to remit personally to
the emperor of Russia. They told me
to go to the Burg, and here | am; but as
am a stranger in Vienna, l haven't a
soul either to guide or to introduce me-
Alexander was delighted with the
frank and open face of the young man,
and thought he would keep up his in
cognito a little longer.
You'll not find the emperor now" he
said. He's not at the palace, but attwo
o'clock he is sure to receive you"
The conversation went on in the same
amicable and familiar tone, the czar in
t~errogating the officer on his family, his
career and his prospects. The young
fellow told him that, having entered the
service when he was very young he
had never been to court, and had never
seen his sovereign.
Finally, after half an hours walk,
Alexander, turning to the young salt y
said in an affectionate tone: You can
give me your letter, sir. l am Alexan-
der"
That's a clever joke" replied the
other, laughingly, "but you don't expect
me to believe it."
"You may believe it or not, but | am
the emperor of Russia"
II dare say, just as I an the emperor
of China"
Alexander, getting thoroughly amused,
decided to continue it. In a short time
they reached the Notifications, and
Alexander espied the king of Prussia
coming toward him.
"Do you speak German?" he asked his
companion.
"Not a word" replied the other.
Immediately Alexander took a few
steps in front of him and spoke a few
words in German to Frederick William;
then he came back to the young sailor
and took him by the hand.
Here is an excellent opportunity of
presenting you to the king of Prussia"
he remarked.
Sire, an officer of my fleet, whom |
have the honor to present to your majes-
ty."
1--WE are getting on rapidly" said the
young fellow. "This gentleman is the
king of Prussia, you are the emperor of
Russia, and I am the emperor of China.
Three sovereigns."
Scarcely had they reached the ram
parts when the crowd began to surround
the two monarchs with their accustomed
marks of Difference. M. de Richelieu
advanced, hat in hand, and addressed
Alexander as "Your majesty" The
young officer recognized him at once,
and perceived instantly that he had
been the victim of a royal mystifcation.
He was, however, soon treasured by the
kindly look of Alexander, and he
promptly delivered his dispatches to
him. The emperor took them with a
gracious and significant smile, and after
inviting the young sailor to dine with
him that day, dismissed him with the
most kindly gestures.