CHAPTER XXXI.. Nicholas.

NICHOLAS.

From 1825 to 1855.

Abdication of Constantine.--Accession of Nicholas.--Insurrection Quelled.--Nicholas and the Conspirator.--Anecdote.--The Palace of Peterhof.--The Winter Palace.--Presentation at Court.--Magnitude of Russia.--Description of the Hellespont and Dardanelles.--The Turkish Invasion.--Aims of Russia.--Views of England and France.--Wars of Nicholas.--The Polish Insurrection.--War of the Crimea.--Jealousies of the Leading Nations.--Encroachments.--Death of Nicholas.--Accession of Alexander II.