The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-07-21
IIEE In CIT pETER IIRG

To the Editors OF che Erening Post:
In reading an article in your paper few days
SINCE entitled "Tea- Drinking in Russia" was re
minded of the letters of caballero attached to the
Spanish mission in st. Petersburg, which were
published in La Espana, of Madrid, year or two
since, and interested me much. ] translated por-
tions of them, and send you few extracts
81 have spoken to you in former letters of the
profuse extravaganza of the Russian grandees. l
am daily more and more astonished at this magni-
fcence; suffice it to say, they live and die amidst
heaps Of gold like those which, according to the
ancient Greek istorians the grions concealed and
defended from the Arimaspians in the mountains of
Scythia.
awe dine daily, and daily we behold new and
magnificent palace.
yesterday we dined with the Princess Y.
The marble halls of her palace regal and were
brilliantly illuminated. Tropical trees and plants
adorn all the apartments One of these apartments
resembled beautiful rustic garden, in which were
seen caverns and huge rocks, and crystal streamles
gushing forth with a soft and soothing murmur.
Servants in splendid livery were in waiting in the
halls and te-chambers, in great numbers; and in
the gilded saloon, where the princess received us
were thousand costly and curious objects.
"The dining-room is a master-wOrk of drchitec-
lecture. The beautiful dome which surmounts it is
supported by great number of elegant Corinthian
columns of remarkable size. In apartment i'm
mediately adjoining this dining-room were thirty
musicians, all servants in the house, who played
they do daily, during dinner, with great taste and
skill. Whenever the orchestra ceased for moment,
distinctly heard the murmur of the waters over
the artificial rocks, and the singing of birds mpris
oned in the garden; and all so true to nature, it
was indeed delightful. In the lattice work We're
wrought pastoral scenes-shepherds and shepherd.
eses eclined beneath the trees and the divinities
of Mount Olympus covered the table.
''The dinner-what shall say of it more than
have said to YOU of others? Yet, perhaps. it was
BETTER at any rate it the quintessence of every
thing pleasing and delightful to the palate. After
dinner we went to the cafe, saloon more elegant
i A. Id -,
which the princess is seen daily. | have never be-
held an apartment more commodlous, or better
arranged and furnished for the chat ia causerte)
The walls of this grand saloon are in part covered
with the richest of woods deliberately carved, and in
part with ancient and costly Goben tapestry
upon which are represented various chivaric ad-
ventures. and every one of which is work OF
art.
''ln retreat apart from the saloon, in a chapel
or, more properly speaking, a tabernacle and
resting upon an elegant tripod, is sandal-wood
box, which sends forth grateful odor. The box
appeared to be flagrane deliberately wrought; and
among the fantastic designs are sen several texts
of Scripture in the Scaavonic tongue. An impe-
rial crown, sceptre and a sword, beautifully
wrought, upon cushion, serve cover to this
precious box. paused to inspect it, and know
not why, but imagined that some mystery of sor-
rowsome relic of holy and pure love was enshrined
within. Perhaps the princess read this thought in
| my eyes; for she came forward, and opening the
box, showed me the treasure it contained. 1t was
| the masque and hands OF beloved ard honored
friend, cast in plaster of Paris. 1t was the beau-
full face, full at once of majesty and gentieness, of
the late Emperor Nicholas. | was won by the ten
der and affectionate manner with which she showed
me this precious treasure.
| HFor two days we have done nothing but dine
This may be ridiculous; but it is true. What cares
| the public? 1t is from dinner to dinner, and from
supper to supper; and we have no time to attend
to anything else. What shall l say to you of the
dinners, except that they exquisite? The only
| hav q taS ad of xvhi 10
| is the oysters. The ce-creams carried to an
extreme of delicacy which is not found the cafes
of the continent. Fruits, and especially the grape,
are delicious; and the wines among the best in
the world, though the grandees hardly think them
worthy of their elegant tables. The best wine,
they say, is in the Crimea, in Caucasa and Bessa-