The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1910-12-03
PRINCE MONTENUOVE
TOWED ARCHDUCHESS

Archdukc Frederick and Archduchess
isapelia are on very unfriendiy terms
duchess being particularly hostile to
the heir presnmptive's morganatic
wife. the Duchess of Hohenberg. who.
as Countess Sophie Chotek, was for
merly one of her ladies in waiting.
Archdnchess Isabella. who is OF Bel
gan birth and member of the me-
diat'zed ducal and princely house of
Groy had always hoped that Francis
daughters. and relied upon Countess
Sophie Chotek to foster an under
standing between the two. Francis
Ferdinand, however preferred the lady
In waiting and chaperon 70 the. young
archduchess. and Archduchess Isabella
made no attempt to conceal her dis
appointment and her anger against
the countess.
ity of Archduke Francis Ferdinand.
and notwithstanding the favor of the
old Emperor, the position of Countess
Shotek, now Duchess of Hohenberg,
has been exceedingly difficult at the
court and in society at Vienna. Arch
duchess Isabella. whose husband is
immensely wealthy having contributed
in no small measure to the difficulties.
When Francis Ferdinand succeeds TO
the crown the war between the two
women is bound TO become still more
acute, since his natural disposition
will be TO increase the rank, the pre-
CcuEUSc ana the power OF MS. mOrgd-g
natic consort. even If he does not
raise her TO the throne. The oppo-
sition of the great houses of the arts
tocracy who constitute the Austrian
Vienna, will be an important factor
in the contest, and Prince Alfred
Montenuovo. as the dignitary of the
court who determines the right of
lodged as the leader of the Vienna
great world-he was for many years
president of the Austrian Jockey Club
and of the Mobiles Club-will prove a
very useful ally OF the archduchcss.
Sassonoff. the new Russian Minister OF
Foreign Affairs. must necessarily be
of interest Thus, In addition to what
may add that he is a man of mu3h more
outspoken and decided views than his
predecessor, 81. Izwolski. who was so
much trimmer that in the end no
one believed him. and he forfeited the
confidence of all. In religious mat
tiers Sassonoff is ultra orthodox, and
despite his long residence in England
much more Of . reactionary. than d
through and through. who has but
little sympathy with Poles or Firms or Z
Jews. Any foreign appeals in their
scantiest attention. Nor is he partic-
ukrly we'll disposed towards the,
Roman Catholic Church. and when he
was transferred to another post from
that Of envoy accredited to the e, &C court IT
relief in papal circles. may add that.
hs is too open and inds s|sGs hs to E,
accustomed to speak out his mind and
to give his opinion. irrespective OF
any consideration as to whether he
may give offense or atnjure his posi-.
L ton.
He is very rich indeed, halls from
the province of Rjasan, and belongs
to an old family of the Russian un-
titled aristocracy. His wife. a very
charming woman, was Anna Won Neid-
hardt, whose sister is married to
Prime Minister Stolypin. AS mem
toned previously in these letters.
people at st. Petersburg g, and also In Dip
iomatic circles in London, have always
been disposed to. give him far ar more more
credit than to Izwolslsi, for the sue
cessful negotiation of the entente
cordiale, If not alliance. between Eng
Hand and Russia.
(Gopyright 1910, by the Brentwood
+. Company)