New-York tribune., 1905-01-08

injudicious confidence in their integrity and
by his violent opposition to all interference with
his administration OF the navy he has con-
tributed to the loss of immense sums destined
for the construction and equipment of the navy
cannot be denied. Alexis is essentially a man of
pleasure who. while he has been the hero of
two sensational romances, remains heart Free
and is never so happy or so thoroughly at home
as when at Paris. where he keeps up a per-
manent establishment being among the best
known and most popular patrons Of the'petits
theatres and Of the great Boulevard res
taurants.
Grand Duke Alexander Michaelovitch is his
antithesis in every respect, and the two cousins
are bitterly opposed 10 each other. not only
in professional but also in political matters
II Alexis, who made stay in the United States
during the presidency Of General Hayes is an
admiral Of the old school. then Alexander
Michaelovtch, who visited America at the time
of the Columbian celebration, is naval officer
OF the most modern type. Married to the eldest
sister Of Emperor Nicholas. with whom he is
on terms Of the utmost intimacy, he is a man
OF the most domestic tastes who prefers the joys
OF family life TO the more frivolous pleasures
and who. devoted body and soul TO his pro-
fessiOn, is a student of everything pertaining
to naval science and history. AS an illustration
thereof 1 may mention that he has translated
L. s. N. and has published and circulated them
at his cost among the younger generation
OF officers VINO look upon him as their leader and
destined to reform the entire maritime forces
Of Russia, bringing them abreast in point of
efficiency and modernity with those of the other
great naval powers of the world. These are the
men, such the much discussed Captain Klado,
who do not hesitate to condemn the present
methods of naval administration. organization
and equipment; and the Grand Duke Alexis. in
placing the captain under arrest for his out
spoken criticisms the other day. merely
once again giving expression to his disapprovaI
Of the attitude of his cousin Alexander Michael
ovitch, whom he charges with completely de-
stroying the discipline of the navy. Finding his
activity with regard to the imperial navy
stricted by the opposition of Alexis. young Grand
Duke Alexander devoted his attention until the
beginning of the present to the develop
ment Of the merca ntile marine with much
success that the Car, with the approval of
Count Witte, then Minister of Finance. created
q special government department to take charge
of the maritime trade of Russia and intrusted
the Grand Duke with its organization and direc-
tion Alexander. 1 may add. is whose
life has been entirely free from any kind of
scandal. and whose integrity has never been
questioned. even by his most bitter opponents
Moreover. the United States has no more en-
thuslastic admirer or her institutions and OF its
people than this particular scion Of the house
OF Romanoff.
Another grand duke who likewise enjoys in
special degree the friendship and confidence
of the Emperor is Constantine Constantinovitch
a poet and OF the most enlightened and
progressive ideas. who is thoroughly qualified for
the position which he holds as active president
of the Imperial Academy of Sciences and who
has achieved fame the translator into Rus
sian OF most Of Shakespeares works Indeed
illustrious bard of the English speak king world
that he has actually produced Hamlet" in
Russian on the stage of the Court Theatre at
St Petersburg, with himself in the role of the
i'll fated Prince OF Denmark His poems, sew
eral volumes OF which have been published
under the initials Of tx. K" standing for Kon-
stantine Konstantinovitch), have achieved a
widespread popularity and are characterized
by the most ardent patriotism and love of free
dom. This prince, like Alexander MichaeIovitch
is singularly happy in his home life and devoted
10 his family
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholaiovitch is Justly
famed, not merely in Russia, but also among the
military experts in Germany as one of the most
superb horsemen and skilful cavalry leaders in
Europe He is entirely engrossed in his pro-
1esslon. very popular in the army, gave evidence
OF the possession of much shrewdness in political
StoIEtNG- CLOTHING.