Not only did he think so, but his mother shared the same view. Within the walls of the Livagia Palace, filled with the smell of disinfectant, the Dowager Empress Maria announced to all members of the Romanov family, "My son is incapable of governing the Duchy! He is weak both intellectually and spiritually. All he does is listen to the nonsense spouted by that demonic monk, and such an Emperor will lead us all to ruin!" What followed was a dispute over the throne. Some supported the Tsar's younger brother, Prince Alexander, but more supported the Tsar's uncle—Grand Duke Nikolai, who was commanding the troops at the Riga Fortress and was far superior to his nephew in height, appearance, and intelligence.
Ultimately, Count Witt summoned a battalion from the Preobrazhensky Guards Cavalry Regiment stationed near the palace, and under the encirclement of bayonets, everyone was forced to shut their mouths.
