Alexander was most concerned in the domestic policy of Russia. He set about to inaugurate moral reforms, striving to forget old animosities at home and abroad and to adopt a pacific policy toward all. He soon won the enviable title of the "Prince of Peace." His early reformations were many and great, and that which has given the chief luster to his name was the abolition of the public sale of serfs. He thus paved the way for the final emancipation, which was a measure very near his heart, but which he could not accomplish, Russia in his day not being ready for this momentous event. He took the initial steps, however, toward universal freedom. He gave to the serfs the right to purchase their own emancipation and with it land to be held in their own names, thus elevating them to citizenship and bringing them into the fold of humanity, which in Russia had been closed to them heretofore. He abolished punishment by torture. He removed many civil and social restraints which had pressed heavily upon the masses, thus, by a spirit of liberality unknown in any Czar before his time, he characterized his reign by many beneficent and praiseworthy acts.
History will no doubt ascribe much of the good in his character to his benevolent and pure-minded mother, who had superintended his education, and who passed her life not only in the zealous rearing of her children, but in mitigating the sufferings of those around her, who were less fortunate, and in founding institutions of charity and universities of learning. It was natural, therefore, that Alexander should be moved by the woes and sufferings of humanity, and be prompted to do all in his power for the oppressed millions of down-trodden, war-ridden Europe.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
