Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1904-02-13
A ROYAL JOKE.

~ SSSSS %S$S S
\ young protegc of Count Ncsselro1c.
n sailor. who did not fnow the Russian
emperor by sight. had been sent with
important dispatches to Vienna. where
Alexander of Russia was staying.
Alexander enjoyed wandering about
the streets there as well rs In own his
capital. ana one morning his majesty.
dressed in n simple military greatcont.
noticed on leaving the palace Il young
naval officer apparently trying to find
his way. and examining the entrance of
the imperial residence. totally ut II loss
how to set his helm. The story IL told
I'm "Anecdotal ReccOllcctiOns Of the
Congress of Vienna" by Comte dc Ia
Gar,le. Chambonas.
You, seem to be looking for some.
thing" said the emperor.
That's true" answered the sailor
Il have u despatch to remit personally
to the Emperor of Russia. They told
me TO 90 To the Burg. ana here am;
but as am u stranger In Vienna.
haven't Il soul either to guide or to III
troduce me-
WIS 'i'liSh''u "i'h WV
frank ana open face Of the young man.
and thought he would keep up his
incognito little longer.
You'll not find the emperor now.
he said. Hes not mt the palace, but
ut two o'clock he Is sure to receive
you"
The conversation went on In the
Familiar fha
Tsar interrogating the officer Of 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"
said in an affectionate tone, You can
give me your letter, sir. am AleXan-
der"
That's n clever joke" replied the
other laughingly, but you don't en-
poet me TO believe it,"
You may believe 1t or not, but am
the Emperor of Russia
Il dare say, just as | am the Emper-
or of China
Alexander, getting thoroughly anus
ed. decided 10 continue II. In II short
time they reached the fOrtllicatlons.
and Alexander espied the King Of
Prussia coming toward him.
DO you speak German he asked
his companion.
Not word" replied the other.
kl.xnnl.p
steps in front of him and spoke few
words In German TO Frederick william;
then he came back TO the young sailor
ana took him by the hand.
Here Is an excellent opportunity
Of presenting YOU 10 the King of Prus-
sia,' he remarked.
sire, an officer of my feet whom
majesty"
We are getting on rapidly" said the
Young fellow. This gentleman Is the
King Of Prussia, you are the Emperor
Of Russia and ! am the Emperor OF
China. Three soycreigns,"
Scarcely had they reached the ram
parts when the crowd began to sur
TDuIIh tH' '"o Hiohhi'hH "'h Wv"
accustomed marks Of Difference. Mon
sieur de Rlchelieu advanced, hat in
hand, and addressed Alexander as
Your Majesty" The young officer
recognized him at once, and perceived
instantly that he had been victim Of
a royal mystification. He was, how
ever, soon treasured by the kindly look
Of Alexander, and he promptly deliver
ed his dispatches to him. The En-
perOr took them with gracious and
significant smile, and after inviting the
young sailor to dine with him that day,
dismissed him with the most kindly
gestures.
Word comes from Arizona that Salt
River IL TO be damned