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

oyerthrown. is the Younger brother of Nicholas and
has long been ont of favor with the emperor
In fact, Michael at various times in his eventful
life has been banished into exiIe-though usually il
was called poiter nane-and only few years
ago was living in France. supported from the royal
revenues but unable to return To the gay life Of Pc,
trograd where he the favorite in certain circles
The court intrigues in which Nicholas and Michael
Z 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 the SheTemetewska. About this
marriage much has been written, both of romance
and of politics His wife of lowiy birth, said to
I he considerably his senior. but beautiful accom-
pIished and ambitions The 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 Romanof
intrigues pointed out that the woman was an infu
entail member of the Grand Duchess Nladimir's cir
Gle. The grand duchess is an aunt by marriage of
the ear. Her son. Grand Duke Cyril, was posi-.
hility TO succeed the ear in case Grand Duke
Michael were out of the way.
Between the Grand Duchess Vladimir and the
ears motherAthere has been for years rivalry SO
keen that II embraced not only the court. but the
army Whole political structure and even the rel
gious structure of the empire One of them schemed
to turn the ne of succession toward Cyril the 9th
er toward Michaels
1t was in the midst of the dowager czarina's in
trigues in behalf Of Michael that she and the court
were shocked to- learn that he had contracted the
morganatfc marfiage,and since he refused to leave
sheremetewska, he put himself virtually beyond hope
of succeeding the car. To complicate matters fur
Their, his wife was member of the Grand Duchess
yladinhr's political group, so that Michael was
nnEa
CYRIL Grand Duchess Vladimir, one of the most
Fascinating women of Europe, is supposed never FOL
have lost her influence over her nephew.
However, the revolution has smashed many an
intrigue. founded structure in Russia and with it
goes the Abandonment of Cyrils hopes for the throne
Of the car. Strangely enough, it is Michael who
energies the ruler, even though he rules by the
favor of the conimoners.
Those who have not closely followed recent Rus
tian history may be at loss t. know why Michael
one of the true Romanoff 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 1.-THE
pIebeian." His determination not TO desert his NOR
eanatic wife proved powerful factor in his favor
with the commoners even while it angered his moth
er and the bitterly. He friend of the great
Count Witte and induced the car to give social
recognition to Whites wife, though there was a
cloudeever her earlier life. Michael is now 80 years
Of age. He is a great lover of outdoor sports is
popular in the army and generally regarded as hay
ing some decision of character
Not supposedly -Micbael's accession to che throne
may be but stopgap, for the period of the war.
The real hero of the Russians is Grand Duke
Nicholas Nicholaieyitch the giant military leader
Reports are probably correct that ne is TO be the
commander-in-chief of all the armies He is so bad
" needed in the field that he can hardly accept the
responsibilities of the czardom. But when the war
Is over il Russia energies yictoriousy and the grand
duke has had Urge share in victory as he has
hitherto he will be popular than ever Then he
may become the ear.
That Russia is ready for a truly republican form
Of government is doubtful Her millions of ignorant
people. for many generations have looked upon the
as the head not only of their government 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
yenerating the head of dynasty, it will be difficult
to uproot 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 po
lice freedom from ironhanded provincial exploita-
ton.
Whether the Slav character will stand the new
test remains to- be seen. Their revolution ac-
complished with amazing celebrity and steadiness of
conduct Will the onrushing flood of new ideals and
new dim aspirations sweep them from their feet and
result in century or so of clash until they shall
have fought their way to the light and established
republican institutions out of the weller of half
understood forest? Or will they progress steadily
and without serious internal strife along the road