The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-06-02 00:00:00

THE GRAND COURT BALL.

In continuation of the festivities, on Monday night
a grand Court Ball was given in the Kremlin, the
guests numbering some 4,ooo.—The following is an ex-
tract from the description given by the Special Cot,
respondent of the Daily News:—
There probably never was in the annals of national
festivities throughout the world any Court ball like
that of Monday night. The magnificent saloons, the
halls of St. George, St. Alexander, and St. Andrew,
filled with Imperial, Royal, and diplomatic celebrities,
and ladies of every rank, all in Russian Court cos-
tume, and lit up with thousands of waxlights, and
sparkling with mines of wealth, were enough of them-
selves to make a marvellous sight.
The toilettes of many of the ladies which I had time
to examine after the Polonaise de rigueur, which opens
a Court ball, were in many cases absolutely gorgeous.
All the invited guests assembled by nine o'clock,
and at half-past nine the double hedge formed of
ladies on the left, and gentlemen on the right, showed
that the leading actors in the Imperial drama were
expected.

Preceded by heralds and masters of ceremonies, the
Emperor advanced in the uniform of a general of the
army, leading the Empress in a kakoschinik of
diapered pearls, surmounted with fourteen enormous
pearls, increasing in size towards the eentre. Her
Majesty wore the national Court robes, decorated
low on the shoulders in coral velvet and silver em-
broidery, with the blue ribbon of St. Andrew, worn
for the first time by a lady.

The Duchess of Edinburgh was in pale gold tissue
and dark fur. The Grand Dukes and Princesses,
Princes and Grand Duchesses, followed in profusion,
all the ladies- wearing silver or gold tissue, Russian
late, and jewelled diadems. Each time the Polonaise
made its round partners were changed, the Emperor
conducting the Queen of the Hellenes on his next
appearance,

The Countess de Bumharnais, sister of the late
General Skobeleff, was dressed in a Russian dress, the
cut of which dates from early in the sixteenth century.
It was low off the shoulders, with long hanging sleeves,
pleated to the elbow, with a pointed stomacher, and
skirt opening beneath over the under petticoat. The
fabric, heavily brocaded and embroidered, looked like
chased metal, as its long train fell round her feet in
singular folds. Her kakoschnik was festooned with
pearls, diamonds, and huge round emeralds; while
round the entire corsage pearls and emerald medallions
set off her pretty shoulders to perfection. A simple
veil of tulle was fasted with gold plaques behind the
tiara. Other costumes were equally attractive, with-
out being so perfect in ensemble. White satin and
deep black furs, marron brocade over cloth of silver,
embroidered in Byzantine patterns of every line, pale
grey moire trimmed with rare lace, furs of every
rarity, but above all parures of jewels eclipsing every
Court in Europe or Asia. I never imagined there were
so many enormous emeralds above ground, while
diamonds in tiaras, rivieres, collars and monograms at
last seemed numberless.

The whole of the offerings in dishes, plates, and salt
cellars were displayed on tables, while near the thrones
raised on their golden steps, cushions bore on a side-
board the crowns and regalia used the day before.

On Tuesday the Emperor and Empress received the
congratulations of the civil and military officials of the
first four degrees of rank, the mayors of many pro-
vincial towns, and deputations from the nobility, Lord
Wolseley, General Werder, and other foreign officers
also attendei the reception.

The Khan of Khiva has presented to the Emperor
four splendid Turcoman thoroughbred horses, with
gold trappings; nine carpets, and various inlaid and
jewelled weapons. The Emir of Bokhara has pre•
sented £12,000 in money, a number of jewelled head-
dresses, ten silver swords, ten Turcoman carpets, and
several waggon-loads of magni6cent robes and brocades.