An Unfo tunate Czarina.

Thames Star, Volume XXXX, Issue 10502, 25 November 1902, Page 4

An Unfo tunate Czarina.

I With reference to the cable stating that this Czarina is suffering from melancholia, it is apparent that the life of the -wife of the Russian autocrat is not a happy life. It would seem that the Czarina's position is growing extremely precarious ■-. at Court, for although divorce is forbid- , den by the orthodox Greek Church, there is a strong feeling, s'foai'ed by peasants and aristocrats- alike, that some means should be found by the Holy Synod toi set her aside for a wife who is likely to. bear the Czar an heir to the throne. Pobiedonostzeff, who recently resigned,the position of Procurator of the Holy Synod, and who, through .the agency of -his popes, has already undermined the Czarina's posi tion with the masses because he believes her adoption of the orthodox faith insincere, is suspected of for--menting this agitation for a divorce. The ostensible ground suggested is that the Czarina has never conscientiously conformed to tihc orthodox religion, and therefore she has never been legally the Czar's wifx v The Czarina's misfortune, instead of winning her sympathy, have intensified the distrust and dislike with wlnich as a German, she ha< always been regarded. Her children, who are extremely winninir and attractive girls, are not on'y greeted, but are actually scowled and cursed as they drive through tl>e streets. The effect of the terrible strain en the Czarina's mind, inclined as it a'ready is to hysteria, may be serious. It is said that but for the comfort and syra-

pathy extended by the Grand Duchess Serge she would ' already have broken down. The Czar is attached lo Tier stilli but his chagrin at his recent disappointment is- unconcealed, and his anxiety to have an. heir is over mastering. ; Pobiedonostzeff's intrigue . may prove successful. ! ' ■