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 eventfnl
life has been banished into exile-thongh usually il
was called a politer name-and only few years
ago was living in France. supported from the royal
revenues bun unable 10 return 10 the gay life of Pc
fr0grad where he the favOrite in certain circles
The court antiques 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 2
woman known as the Sheremetewska. About this
marriage much has been written, both Of romance
and Of politics His wife of lowy birth, said &c
be considerably his senior but beautiful, accom-.
pIished and ambitious. The romance writer's told
how the grand duke had virtually renowned posi-
bility of succession TO the throne to remain with
his commemorative The commentators on Romano6
intrigues pointed out that the woman an inhu.
entail member of the Grand Duchess vladimirs cir
Gle. The grand duchess is an aunt by marriage Of
the ear. Her son. Grand Duke Cyril was a posi-
hility TO succeed the ear in ease Grand Duke
Michael were out Of the way.
Between the Grand Duchess Vladimir and the
cars mother there has been for years rivalry sc
keen that il embraced not only the court. but the
army the whole political structure and even the reli
giolS structure of the empire. One of them sehemed
70 turn the line of succession toward Cyril the 9th
er toward Michael,
II was in the midst of tlle dowager czarina's in,
trigues in behalf Of Michael that she and the court
we're shocked TO- learn that he had contracted the
morganatc marriage and since he refused TO leave
Internationally heput himself virtually beyond hope
OF succeeding the ear To eomplicate matters fnr.
fher, his wife was member of the Grand Duchess
vladimirs political group, so 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 her nephew,
However the revolution has smashed many an
intriguefounded structure in Russia, and with il
goes the abandonment of cyrils hopes for the throne
Of the car. Strangely enough, it is Michael who
emerges as the ruler, even though he rules by the
favor Of the conlmoners.
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 nicknamed sthe
pebeiah.p His determination not TO desert his NOR
Ranatic wife proved powerful factor in his favor
with the commoners while it angered his moth
and fhe bitterly He was friend of the great
t'ount IWitte and induced the car to give social
recognition to Whites wife, though there was a
cloud over her earlier life Michael is now SS 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 Michael's accession to the throne
may BE- but a 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
misunderstanding of all the armies He is so bad
II needed in the field that he can hardly accept the
responsibilities of the czardom. But when the war
is over If Russia energies VIGOROUSLY and the grand
duke has had as large share in victory as he has
hitherto, he will be more popular than ever Then he
may become the car.
That Russia is ready for truly republican form
of government is doubtful Her millions of ignorant
people for many generations have looked upon the
the head not only of their government but as
a leader Of their religions faith In country where
religions faith plays such tremendous part in life
and where millions Of peasants are accustomed to
venerating the head of dynasty, it will be difficult
to upreot the very foundations of their faith Free
doom to them does not mean the right to name their
own ruler, but freedom of speech and of the press
freedom from the CALLING rule of spies and secret 20
lice, freedom from ironhanded provincial explota
ton.
Whether the Slay character will stand the new
lest remains to be seen. Their revolution was &C
complished with amazing celebrity and steadiness OF
conducf Will the onrushng flood of new ideals and
new dim aspirations sweep them from their feet and
result in a century or of clash until they shall
have fought their way to the light and established
flots. IF half