Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-03-19
Russia's. New Ruler


has long been out of favor with the emperor.
In fact, Michael at various times in his eventful
life has been banished into exilethough usually it
was called poiter name--and only few years
ago was living in France, supported from the royal
revenues but unable 10 return to the gay life OF Pc
trograd where he the fayorite in certain circles
The court intrigues in which Nicholas and Michael
were central figures furnish good example of the
decadence OF the Romanofs, and good clue to some
OF the reasons for the successful revolution
Michael made morganatic marriage, with al
woman known as the Sheremetewska. About this
marriage much has been written, both of romance
and of politics His wife Of lowy birth, said TO
be considerably his senior but beautiful, accom-
pIished and ambitions The romance.writers told
how the grand duke had virtually renowned posi-
bility OF succession TO the throne to remain with
his commemorative. The commentators on Romanof
intrigues pointed out that the woman was an infu-
entail member OF the Grand Duchess Nladimr's cir
Gle. The grand duchess is aunt by marriage of
the car. Her son, Grand Duke Cyril, was posi-
bility TO succeed the in case Grand Duke
Michael were out of the way.
Between the Grand Duchess Vladimir and the
czar's mother there has been for years rivalry so
keen that it embraced not only the court, but the
army, the whole political structure and even the reli
gous structure of the empire. One of them schemed
10 turn the line Of succession toward Cyril the 9th
er toward Michael.
ii was in thesniidsts0f the dowager czarinas in
trgues in behalf Of Michael that she and the court
we're shocked TO learn that he had contracted the
morganatic marriage and since he refused to leave
sheremetewska leput himself virtually beyond hope
Of succeeding the car To coml,icate matters fur
Their, his wife was member of the Grand Duchess
yladimir's political group, that Michael was
practically aiding the advancement of Grand Duke
CYRIL. Grand Duchess Vladimir, one of the most
fascinating women of Europe is supposed never TO
have lost her influence over her nephew.
However, the revolution has smashed many an
intrguefounded structure in Russia, and with III
goes the abandonment OF Crils hopes for the throne
Of the car Strangely enough, it is Michael who
enlerges the ruler, even though he rules by the
favor Of the comrnoners.
Those who have not closely followed recent Rus
sian history may be at a loss to know why Michael.
one of the true Romanof dynasty was set on the
throne The reason lies in his personality. He is
naturally democratic of character, in fact, ever
since he was little boy he has been ncknamed "the
plebeian" His determination not TO desert his NOR
ganatie wife proved powerful factor in his favor
with the commoners, even while it angered his moth
er and the ear bitterly He was friend of the great
Count White and induced the car to give social
recognition to Whites wife. though there was a
cloud over her earlicr life Michael is now 3S years
of age. He is great lover of outdoor sports is
popular in the army and generally regarded as hav
ing some decision of character.
Not Supposedly Miehael's accession to the throne
may be but stopgap for the period of the war
The real hero Of the Russians is Grand Duke
Nicholas Nicholaievitch, the giant military leader
Reports are probably correct that he is to be the
.commander.inchief of all the armies. lie is so bad
~ needed in the field that he hardly accept the
responsibilities of the czardom But when the war
is over il Russia energies vetoriously and the grand
duke has had as large share in victory he has
hitherto, he will be more popular than ever. Then he
may become the ear
That Russia is ready for truly republican form
Of government is doubtful Her millions of ignorant
people for many generations have looked upon the
car the head not only of their but
leader of their religious faith. In country where
religious faith plays such tremendous part in life
and where millions of peasants are accustomed to
senerting the head of dynasty twill be difficult
to uproot the very foundations of their faith Free
doom to them does not the right to name their
own ruler, but freedom of speech and of the press
freedom from the calling rule of spies and secret po
lice, freedom from iron,handed provincial exploita
ton.
Whether the Slay character will stand the new
test remains to be seen. Their revolution was &C.
conlplished with amazing celebrity and steadness of
conduct will the onrushing flood of new ideals and
new. dim aspirations sweep them from their feet and
result in century so of clash until they shall
have fought their way to the light and established
rppublican institutions out of the weller of half
understood forest? Or will they progress steadily
and without serious internal strife along the road
...,,, ,rooon f alive government?