The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1853-04-21


martial step. Lacqueys in brilliant liver
les, follow their masters, carrying their
pelisses, while carriages and sleighs pass
Slowly along the sidewalk, or are station
ed at given points. i
The middle of the street is not less ami
mated. Sumptuous equippages, drawn
bv four horses, roll over the snow, and
rapidly pass each other. The coachmen'
with their long boards, cloth robes con-
fined at the waist with girdles of silk or
gold, and Tartar caps, bordered with zlb-
cline, guide these carriages with extreme
gravity and address. A young postllIon'
clad in similar manner, child OF from
ten to twelve years, rides one of the for
ward horses, his caftan falling around his
legs like Swedish pantalettes.
The Perspective of Newsky is an ex,
cellent place to observe the types, and
costumes of Russia; priests, peasants
from every province, Tartar merchants,
Jews, ETC., military uniforms, Clrcasslans
of the imperial guard, ETC.
Through all these, the narrow, snowy
and coquettish sleighs glide along, borne
bv steeds of marvellous swiftness. Some
have silken network in front; this is to
keep off the snow raised by the horses
feet, and sometimes rudely thrown in the
face.
Often, one observes among these equip
naoes a carriage with azure pannels,
drawn by four gray horses, and which
may be distinguished by two tall footmen
in the costume of Cossacks. This car
riage with the Russian arms, is that OF
the Empress. 1t is followed by a sleigh
of exquisite symmetry, which flies over
the snow, drawn by vigorous black
horse with flowing name. A military
man of tall stature, is seated in the mar
row vehicle. By his modest cloak OF gray
cloth, the cape lined with beaver; by his
attitude, the position Of his head and other
tokens, we recognize the Emperor. Like
the Empress, he has left the palace OF
Anitchkoff to repair to the Winter Palace
Sometimes he stops his sleigh and min
giles with the promenaders on the lower
Side of the street. At sight of him, the
officers of all ranks pause to give the
military salute, by uncovering the lett
shoulder; all who wear the citizens
costume, also salute him, and he res
ponds to each with grave and ben
evolent politeness.
The Emperor Nicholas loves thus to
walk alone, in the streets OF his capital
The Perspective of Newsky and the Eng
lish Quay are the places he prefers. But
the passengers are prohibited to accoS'
him, and to present petitions, or to ad-
dress him in any manner; the order is
general and indispensable. If it were
otherwise, the Emperor would not be able
to take step without being annoyed with
requests. Here is an occurrence when
, happened few years since; we had II
from the hero of the anecdote himself;
The Emperor often attends the Theatre
Francais, which he prefers, and it may DC Dc
said that the one at st. Petersburg Justl'
fes this preference. Among the actors,
there was one whom the czar particularly
admired. 1t was the celebrated Vernet.
One day the czar was walking IN the
Perspective of Newsky. The crowd ar
ranged themselves beside his path anc
saluted him as usual. His Majesty per
ceived Vernet, who was standing aside
with the rest, and approached him. L
was an honor of which many were leal
Gus, and which much embarrassed the
modest actor.
the Emperor
yes, sire, l shall have the honor tc
play before your majesty the Pera dc Ia
Debutante. :.
lam very glad. You are perfect IL IL
that role, and | shall applaud you Will
Q pleasure
, 'Your majesty is too indulgent.'
The Emperor addressed to him som'
other compliments, and went on hi
f way.
, But nadziratez (police officer, ha'
been an eyewitness of this conversation
and after the Emperor had left, approach
!. ed the artist.
you have accosted the Emperor, slr
q you must follow me-.
! But replied the latter, in perietc
!, Russian, which the officer did not clearl
e understand, 'on the contrary, it was HI
r majesty who did me the honor to approac
q me- .,
What does he say?' asked the office
of spectator whom he thought mlgh
: understand the Frenchman.
. He says that the emperor accoste
r him.
y Him? Come along then! Folio
n me sir!' ..
" But I repeat to you, if there is an
one to blame, it is the emperor. j al
Vernet, of the Theatre Francois; do yo
not understand that the emperor know
, me p
;. All that the police e-officer could unde
- stand was, that the actor resisted him.
y A crowd had collected. The nadzirat
of began to grow angry, and suddenly sci
70 70 inc vernet by the arm, declared that II
as os would not accompany him willingly,
would call assistance. -, -,
The artist was compelled to yield II
police-officer conducted him to the nea
ho est station, where be left him, postponlr
~ ~ his report to the close Of the day.
wv wv Evening arrived, and soon after q
y !" hour for the performance. Vernet hi
-, not appeared. He was sent for, and hi
. not been at his lodgings since morning,
= - The manager was obliged to change &