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| | Nicholas I of Russia - LoveToKnow 1911 |
 | | In January 1822 it was decided in a family council, with the knowledge though not in the presence of Nicholas, that Constantine's petition to be relieved of the burden of the crown, for which he felt himself unfitted, should be granted. |
 | | It was not, however, until August 1823 that the emperor drew up the necessary papers, in the presence of the metropolitan Philaret and other witnesses, and deposited them in sealed packets, to be opened at his death, with the council of state, the senate and the holy synod. |
 | | No steps were taken to open the sealed packets, and he himself took the oath to Constantine, and, with characteristic contempt for constitutional forms, usurped the functions of the senate and council of state by himself ordering its imposition on the regiments stationed in St Petersburg. |
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