The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-19
SERG|US WAS WELL KNOWN IN PARIS Known as Persistent Advocate
 of Autocracy VISITED PARIS EACH YEAR f ---- Always Attracted Attention By His Massive Appearance, Being the Largest of Alexander lPs
 Big Sons.
VISITED PARIS EACH YEAR

Paris February 1S.-The assassination of Grand Duke Sergus absorbs public and official attention. as personally the Grand Duke was known here owing to his frequent visits, while politically he was regarded in government circles as the real power behind the throne.
 Accordingly the authorities are associat- ing themselves with Russias official period of mourning Foreign Minister Del casse's gala reception which was to take place tonight has been postponed. The conclusions of the International commits sion inquiry into the North Sea incident may also be interrupted owing to the de- sire of Vice Admiral Doubassoff, the Rus sian representative. not to participate pending the obsequies. Solemn memorial services were celebrated this morning at the Russian Orthodox church. Ambas- sador Nelidoff and many Russian of ficials attended the services. Rear Ad- miral Davis the American representative on the North sea commission, was among the c.<lers at the Russian embassy to ex- press condolence.
 Visited Paris Each Year.
 Grand Duke Sergius visited Paris each year with the Grand Duchess Elizabeth. They appeared quite democratic, stop ping at the Hotel DeLiverpool. prome- nading the boulevards, driving in the Boise de Bolougne and visiting shopping and art centers. The Grand Duke at tracted marked attention from his mas sive appearance. He was the largest of Alexander IFS big sons, and was over six feet tall. a heavy blonde beard sur rounding a ruddy and rather benevolent face, with strong features. The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess observed strict ineognito, so as to permit of larger lib- erty of action.
 Semi-official letters just received here from St. Petersburg give prophetic side lights upon the events leading up to the assassination.
 Grand Duke Sergius, it Is said, was an uncompromising opponent of any reform which he declared was organized warfare against autocracy handed down to em- perors. He exercised strong influence in this direction upon his brother, Alexan- der III. One day Alexander exasperated with the popular unrest. declared the agi- lhlorS ought 10 pc sent 10 the forests of the Caucasus to feed upon acorns. Ser gius replied:
 That would be more digestive and less dangerous than letting them nurse idle dreams of bomb throwing, for every pre- tended liberal is at heart bomb thrower."
 Advocate of Autocracy.
 Serglus exercised the same influence on Nicholas II. against the realization of reform. He frequently spoke of the as- 'sassination of his (Sergius) father, Alex ander H. representing to Nicholas that the crime was a chastsement of heaven for relaxing the autocratic power to the liberal demands. When the recent liberal movement developed, Sergius exclaimed
 Better far that we perish by bombs than by reform. There is some bravery in the first There is only cowardice in the last"
 It was the result of this persistent at- titude of Grand Duke Sergius against re- form that largely inspired the late min ister of the interior, von Plehye's iron administration. More recently 1t was the Grand Duke who sent General Trepoff to subdue the uprising at St. Petersburg with an iron hand. The check to former Minister of Interior Sviatopolk- -Mirslxy's liberal plans and the subsequent retire. ment of sviatopolk-MirsAy are attributed to Sergius