Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-02-24
Another View Of Sergius.

There is a tradition that the DeN"
is not as black as he is painted.
there is a basis Of truth for this chilri-
table assumption, then it is also prop
ably true that the Grand Duke SerSiu9'
who met such horrible death in MOS
COW last week. WAS not so whoiiy
brutal and depraved as most wri'crS
have pictured him. He was uhdouo'-
edly bitterly detested by the R"ssi''''
masses and blamed for many c'ue'
laws which caused them hardships'
Perhaps. however, there are TWO Siie'
to the story, and another side 70 'iie
character of the Inflated nople i'oi'i
TINT OH which lie is seen AS Il cruei
monster. The Marquis De Fontenoy.
who writes interesting CHATS cohceri-
il.g European royalty and happenings
at foreign capitals for Il syndicate Oh
American newspapers. has something
good to say in defense Of Sersuls' ana
siuce that writer is man OF apsolute
Numerically and ono close to events
in European court circles his opinion
is of both interest and value. Here is
an extract from his article on the sub
ject:
Despte all the ill-natured gossip at
81. Petersburg. the Grand Duke ser
gins and his wife We're devoted
cour,lc. In fact, the Grand Duchess
alvays seemed anxious that her hus-
bands good qualities should be UNDER
stood and appreciated in their true
light. Much has been said concern
ing his bad points. and he has been
tainted in the blacklist cOlors as the
evil genius of the Car. Most OF the
stories originated in st. PETERSBURG
which he disliked as much it feared
and detested him. He abominated
what he considered its frivOlity and its
vorIdiiness. Unlike his brothers.
vladimir, Alexis, and Paul, all of whom
delight in society. he was disposed 10
austerity, was of a retiring disposition.
and very careful in the observance vi
the practices of his religion.
Moscow benefited by his rule as
Governor General. For the Grand
Duke and Grand Duchess maintained
cour, that was quite viceregal in its
srlendor. This had the effect of at
tracting all the older and more con-
servttiNe element of the Russian lopii-
itv from their country seats TO MOS
COW. where they began once more 10
entertain trade of course deriving
much benefit therefrom.
Then. too the Grand Duke used TO
,,lay the part of HarOun al RaSchid.
Disguised as a peasant or beggar. he
would 60 about the streets, get himself
locked UP by the police, and then have
them punished if they treated him UNI
instly or cruelty. He would also go
into the bakers shops in this disguise
and woe betide the tradesman VINO
gave him short measure or bad bread.
IIc WAS equally severe on chemists ana
doctors who refused to provide medl-
cine or to attend dying people when
r,,ng up at night. and during the
famine in the winter of 1S?1-1s92 he.
with the help Of his wife. saved many
thousands of lives by the measures
hich he organized for the relief Oh
distress.
To saw that he was dishonest, or that
he ever benefited in the slightest de-
gree by the corruption that undouDt-
cdly existed among the officials under
his orders ut Moscow is ridiculous. For
he WAS one of the wealthiest members
of the imperial family and certainly
did his utmost to check and PUNISH
the dishonesty and malfeasance OF the
o..iciaIdOm by " hich he was surround
ed.
OF course, he was intOlerant in mat
tcrg Of faith aud Of policy. He be
Iieyei. like all Russians ut tue oiu
erhoo, aud who are imbued with ran
s;l,y doctrines. that Russia rs unfltteo
for Western institutions. and that inc
.,It,,.racy of the Car is the best TORN
of government.
Sercius WAS devoted to the CZar-li
his OWN fashion-and probably enter
tanned for him more real and unsel1si
ATE, ton devoid of any question OF sell
interest than any other OF the Grah'
Dukes. Emperor Nicholas knew thl'
and lost no opportunity of showing hin
his confidence and regard. There
no doubt that SerGius will be pro
foun6ly mo,,rned by the Emperor am
E.mpress. who knew him so well. AM
nv his adopted children. who found IL
him a tender and indulgent father.
The chief celebration of Washington