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which the entire country entertained.
It was a personal feeling, too, for the Autocrat directs the policy of his empire absolutely; and the obligation was to the Emperor himself.
So Catacazy was allowed to remain.
The Grand Duke arrived, and Catacazy presented him to the President.
But the Secretary of State first informed the Minister explicitly that his words and actions must be limited to the most formal ceremony.
He was not to offer his hand to the President, for it would be refused; he must merely say: ‘Mr. President, I have the honor to present, etc., etc.’
If he attempted any further conversation, Mr. Fish assured the Russian he would himself interrupt and expose the situation to the company.
Thus warned, the envoy submitted; he did not deviate from his instructions, but performed his ignoble role to the letter.
It was also signified to the suite of the Grand Duke that although rather than offend the majesty of friendly Russia, the President had tolerated the presence of Catacazy on this occasion, it would be impossible to invite the envoy to dinner.
The President would be very glad to entertain the Prince in this way, and to offer him every courtesy, but he could not include the offensive Minister.
The invitation was declined, doubtless through the influence of Catacazy.
In this way the son of the greatest Imperial friend that America ever had was precluded from receiving the hospitalities which the Government was most anxious to extend; and while the whole country was preparing him banquets Alexis quitted Washington without dining with either the President or the Secretary of State.
Immediately after the Grand Duke's departure Catacazy was recalled.
He had produced a diplomatic embarrassment and was therefore in disgrace with his own Government.
The Emperor exiled him for a time; he was ordered to remain in Paris, and not to write to the newspapers; but he disobeyed and published an open letter in this country on the subject of his difficulties with the State
S. S. Scranton and Co., Hartford, 1887.
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