On the launching of the steamers, the Emperor congratulated Mr. Francis on the success of the invention by which the first obstacle that barred the way to the conquest of a vast territory was removed, opening an avenue to increased Empire. After the survey of the Aral, only rendered possible by the construction of these vessels, fortifications were constructed on the shores of that sea, and the long-deferred conquest of that section of Asia was, to all intents and purposes, accomplished. In order to still further emphasize his gratitude, the Emperor caused Mr. Francis to be created a Knight of the Royal Order of Saint Stanislaus, one of the richest decorations in the gift of royalty. Following is a copy of the parchment: “We, by the grace of God, Alexander the Second, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russians, Czar of Poland, Grand Duke of Finland, etc., etc., etc. “_To Joseph Francis, Citizen of the United States of North America_: “The Ministry of Marine having testified to your particular services, we have graciously been pleased to nominate you a Knight of our Imperial and Royal Order of Saint Stanislaus by an Ukaz of 7th November, 1860, given to our Chapter of Orders, to the end that they do sign and seal this Diploma in witness thereof, and forward to you the insignia of the Order. “ST. PETERSBURG, this 10th day of November, 1860. _The Vice-President_, COUNT BORCH [SEAL.] _Lieut.-General_, L'ECESUJSECETZ. _Grand Master of Ceremonies_, RHITROVO. _Member_, KU, UYEY5EYUIVEL., No. 5,756.” Shortly after the securing of his patents in Russia Mr. Francis disposed of a portion of his corrugated system patent to Baron Rumin, Chamberlain to the Emperor, covering Moscow and the Rivers Volga and Don. After the contract was drawn, a request was made on the part of the Baron to include the Caspian Sea, and to which no objection was made, as little value was placed on the Caspian at that time, on account of its shallow water and isolated position, no one supposing that a RAILWAY WOULD EVER CROSS THE JAXARTES and join both the great rivers that flow into the Aral Sea, connecting commerce with the Aral and Caspian, as well as China, and so onward to the Pacific Coast. A factory was eventually established by Baron Rumin, on the Banks of the Volga, for the construction of steamers, and practical workmen were sent to this factory from the establishment of Mr. Francis, at Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York. * * * * * This brief account of Russia’s struggle for supremacy among the family of nations, so intimately interwoven with the history of one of America’s foremost inventors in the life-saving field, is another instance of the Providence that rules the destinies of the world, through the lives of unassuming and patient workers.