THE CZAREVITCH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 144, 5 November 1912, Page 6

THE CZAREVITCH.

• The Grand Duke Alexia (heir-apparent to the Kussian Throne, and only son of the Czar Nicholas II.), who has been before the newspaper readers for some weeks, was born in 1904. The longdelayed arrival of a son had been the one shadow on the wedded life of the Czar and Czarina, Who were married in 1894. Up till 1004 four daughters had been born to them, but still there was no heir to the throne. The birth of Alexis (or Alvosha, the Czarevich's pet; name) was generally attributed to the intercession of the wonder-working Saint Seraphim. Kneeling side by .side on the stone at Saroff, worn thin by the knees of the saint, the Czar and Czarina besought the spirit of the monk to grant them a son. Her Majesty bathed in the spring at which Seraphim had quenched his thirst, the hones of the saint were removed to a marble tomb in the cathedral at Saroff, votive candles weighing fifteen tons were consumed, and within a year Alexic was born. It was gravely stated in the Xovoe Vremya that St. Seraphim appeared in the forest at Saroff at the time of the prince's birth. The little Grand Duke has not enjoyed the best of health, despite the fact that he has been the object of the most tender solicitude on the part of his parents.