I, p.

410, n.

1.] Nicholas I., who was originally intended for a military career, was placed on the Russian throne by a whim of fate.[1] Prior to his accession, Nicholas had shown no interest in the Jewish problem.

The Jewish masses had flitted across his vision but once--in 1816--when, still a young man, he traveled through Russia for his education.

The impression produced upon him by this strange people is recorded by the then grand duke in his diary in a manner fully coincident with the official views of the Government: [Footnote 1: After the death of Alexander I.the Russian crown fell to his eldest brother Constantine, military commander of Poland.
Accordingly, Constantine was proclaimed emperor, and was recognized as such by Nicholas.