Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 October 1883 — Crazy Paul. [ARTICLE]

Crazy Paul.

Paul I. of Russia vwas so eccentric as to justify his subjects in thinking him crazy. As he was a despot, his whims had to be carried out; and, when they became so numerous as to annoy the nobles, they put into execution that unwritten law which tempers Russian despotism—assassination. One of his whims is given in this anecdote: That crazy Emperor, Paul I. of Russia, during one of his drives, met a soldier whose countenance pleased him. “Com 0 into my carriage, Lieutenant,” Said Paul. “riiru, x am only a private.” “The Emperor is never mistaken, Captain.” “I obey your orders, sire.” “Very good, Commandant. Take your seat by my side. What lovely weather we have to-day!” “Sire, I dare not venture —” “What are you saying, Colonel?” Unluckily for the new-made Colonel, the Emperor had to be back at the palace early that morning. If the drive had continued a few minutes longer, his chance companion would have been made Field Marshal. As it was, he was obliged to content himself with the grade of Major General. But, a few days afterward, the same poor Avretch, picked up by the Emperor in exactly the same Avay, had to go through the same gradations of rank, only in the reverse direction, and in half an hour, from being a Major General, had to become a private soldier again. On another occasion, Paul, Avhile while viewing a regiment Avhiclx did not please him, gave theAvord of command, “Right about face! March to Siberia!” And the whole regiment, officers and men, were obliged to set off by forced marches for Siberia. It was only when they got lialf-Avay there that Count Rostopchine obtained their .recall.