CHAPTER XXXI.
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..