6 OCTOBER 1894, Page 2

The illness of the Czar is now acknowledged in the

official Gazette, and his Majesty has started for Livadia, whence he will proceed to Corfu, where the Empress of Austria has lent him her palace for the winter. It appears certain that he is suffering from Bright's disease in a dangerous form, brought on by protracted anxiety and aggravated of late by repeated chills. The Czar is terribly emaciated, and hints are given that since he became aware of his condition and of the mortal illness of his favourite son, the Grand Duke George, a species of melancholia has settled on him. Melancholy is the hereditary curse of his race, and it is clear to those who read between the lines that the physicians entertain little hope even from the exhilarating climate of Corfu. It was affirmed at the beginning of the week that the Cesarewitch had been appointed Regent, and his uncle, the Grand Duke Vladimir, a very able man, invited to assist him ; and though this is denied, it is evident that the Czar, if he hopes to recover, must have shifted off some of his responsibilities. It is, probable that all serious business will be delayed for a time, and that even foreign Courts will make efforts to protect the Emperor, with whom there is a deep and general sympathy. A more luckless or more con- scientious man there does not exist in Europe. The one bad thing recorded of him is the way he condoned the kidnapping of Prince Alexander of Bulgaria.