The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 1, July, 1863: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
Charles, the prince royal, is twenty-six years of age; he is the king's
third son, and is beloved by all who approach him. His figure is said to
be noble, and his face most pleasing in expression; his manners are
mild, and he is very accessible; he wins all hearts to love him. He has
lived in Poland since his infancy, and hence loves the people, and
speaks their language wonderfully well. Educated at the court of our
republic, he is neither proud nor humble, but maintains a happy medium
with every one. The king, recognizing all these qualities in his son,
sent him to many foreign courts, beginning with that of St. Petersburg.
Relying upon the aid of Muscovy, he desired that his son should make his
first essay in arms under that power; besides which, he had other ends
in view. He hoped that Charles would be made duke of Courland, a duchy
tributary to Poland. In 1737 the czarina Anna appointed the count de
Biren governor of Courland, but some years later he fell into disgrace,
and was sent to Siberia with his family. The dukedom was consequently
vacant during several years.
Our king, who had the right so to do, conferred the dignity upon his
son, but the sanction of the court of St. Petersburg was required, and
no one could have been more likely to obtain what he desired than the
prince royal himself, for the fascination of his manners had become
proverbial. He accordingly went to St. Petersburg, remaining on his way
some time at Mittau, the capital of Courland, where he succeeded in
winning the esteem and affection of the inhabitants of the duchy. The
czarina soon after confirmed the nomination of the prince royal. Her
consent was formally announced to the king of Poland during the past
year, at the time of the session of the diet. But according to the fatal
custom which so often rends our councils, that assemblage was dissolved
by a nuncio from Wolhynia named Podhorski, and the affair in which
Courland was so deeply interested was not discussed.
It then became necessary to refer it to the senate, where it occasioned
many fierce debates. The prince Czartoryski especially endeavored to
embroil the question by maintaining that the king had no right to
dispose of the duchy without the consent of the diet; that Biren could
not be degraded from the dignity conferred upon him without having been
properly tried, judged, and condemned; and finally, that the nomination
of the prince royal could only be provisional, or valid during the
lifetime of the czarina. These foolish clamors were rendered powerless
by an imposing majority; one hundred and twenty-eight white balls,
against five black ones, decided in favor of Prince Charles. The diploma
has already been presented to him by the grand chancellor of the crown,
and the ceremony of investiture takes place to-day. The rejoicings in
Warsaw must be truly magnificent, and I am quite sure that all are
delighted.
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