January 3, 1899
After a late evening last night, Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia awoke early this morning in his suite at the Waldorf-Astoria. He had breakfast with his aides, read the morning papers, and "held a consultation with Russian's Consul General in New York.
After excusing himself last night "pleading fatigue," the Grand Duke agreed to be interviewed today. He "appeared suddenly in the audience room and began conversations with the reporters almost before he was recognized." He provided "courteous replies to all questions." The Grand Duke was dressed in a "frock coat that was buttoned up and wore a broad moire silk necktie in which was pinned a small gold bear's head with ruby rings." He wore "several rings on his finger and a gold chain bracelet on his left wrist."
Kirill, the eldest son of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovitch and Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, was asked about his impressions of America. He said that his sojourn has been "so brief," and most of what he saw was "from a parlor car window."
"There was snow all around, and I did not have the pleasure of seeing the plains and valleys of this great country in their glorious midsummer dress. And when we got to Niagara Falls it was already dark, and I was unable to make out that magnificent waterfall and had to content myself with listening to the road of its waters. We stayed several hours in Chicago, and there I took a look at all of the tall buildings that you call sky-scrapers."
He also discussed international politics. Concerning Britain's attitude toward "Russian possessions in China," Grand Duke Kirill smiled as he remarked: "England, as is well known, is opposed to our possessions in China, but I do not see why she should be. Russia needs seaports in the Pacific for an outlet to her commerce, and she has got them now, and if England does not like it we are sorry that it displeases her, but we have to look after the interests of our people."
Kirill was also asked if he thought China would be able to establish a stable government. "From what we have seen and know of those people, they will not. It does not seem to be in them to do so, from present appearances at least."
In response to a question about the Japanese view of Russian expansion in the Pacific," Kirill noted: "Oh, all feeling of opposition as now passed. Japan now sees that her interests and those of Russia are identical, and agreeable harmony now prevails. The Japanese like the Russians and are glad to have them for their friends."
The Grand Duke was also asked about the possibility of a Peace Conference, which was suggested by his cousin, Nicholas II.
"We have been eleven months in the Chinese seas, and news travels very slowly there. In fact, we have become somewhat of savages there. We are very glad to have come away. The climate there is very trying on the nerves, and I should not care to go back unless I am ordered, and then, of course, I shall obey orders like a good soldier."
He spoke enthusiastically over the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, which is nearly completed. Kirill added that he thought the "United States would have trouble with the Philippines," but was sure that this country "would overcome every obstacle." He added that Russia is not concerned with "the presence of the United States in the Far East," but that several European nationals "have manifested jealousy of the United States." He was convinced that the United States "would do all in its power to promote peace in that part of the world."
After the interview was over, the Grand Duke and his party were driven to the Russian Church on Second Avenue between 18th and 19th streets for a special service in his honor. Then it was onto the Russian Club at 45 Grove Street, and in the evening, the Grand Ducal party "went to the Casino and took dinner on the roof garden." The Grand Duke will sail tomorrow for Genoa, Italy, on the Fürst Bismarck.
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