Thursday, January 29, 2009

Grand Duke Serge pulls the strings

January 29, 1905

"Evidence is accumulating," according to the New York Times reporter in Moscow, that Emperor Nicholas II "throughout the present crisis has acted largely upon the advice" of his uncle, Grand Duke Serge, who is described as "the most reactionary member of the imperial family." The Grand Duke is also the head of what is called the War Party, and "whom the Liberals stigmatize as Russia's evi; genius." The Associated Press has learned from a high source that Grand Duke Serge "more than Mr. Witte was responsible for the elimination from the imperial manifesto" for an elected delegation to the Council of the Empire. Ministers are powerless against Serge's influence. He remains in his palace behind the strong walls of the Kremlin's fortress.

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