The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-02-02

night, standing or kneeling all the while. There
wss full attendance, one half Russians, the rest
Creoles, with a few~Indian women and chlldren.
The men stand on one side, the women on the
other-prince and laborer, princess and haii.
breed, officers Of rank, soldiers and sailors, all
earnest and devout, making the sign Of the cross
on the breast and forehead, and often kneehng 70
kiss the floor.
The interior CT the church was richly furnished
with affairs, desks and chandeliers. The vessels
employed in the service were OF massive silver.
The curiously latticed folding doors which at
times shut the altar from the view Of the audi
ence. are embossed with silver. Silver bss-rellef
representations of the principal events 10 the life
Of the Savior adorn the walls under the dome.
On the other walls, and in the side chapels, are
copies of the celebrated paintings OF the old mas
tels. They are mostly OF the Byzantine school.
such as are rarely seen in America. In perfect
keeping are the richly embroidered yestments Of
the bishop and the officiating priests and dea-
cons.
The service. with the exception of brief dis
course is mostly antiphonal. Once or twice the
full chime of bells added consonance to the inn
pressve ritual and the responses OF the choristers
| will not attempt TO describe the gorgeous rich
ness Of this symbolic service. Though strangely
unfamiliar, and rendered in the SclavOnic tongue,
it's significance ard sincerity cannot be misunder-
stood. Ii is unnecessary for me point TO Incl
dental accreiiOps which this church has gathered
during the dark ages in her contact with ignorance
and hesthenism. Our honest respect is eXacted
antiquity and in many of its features as vigor-
ously Protestant as the Anglican claims to be.
The next day, October Is, was the American
Sunday. The Finlanders are nearly all Lutheraus,
end several years ago built a neat but plain
meeting house near the Greek church. lt Is not
a preientious edfce, but has pews after the
American fashion, and has air of taste and
comfort. As they have had no pastor of late,
permission given 10 the army chaplain. Rev.
Mr.. Rayner, TO hold services in the afternoon.
The occasion was worthy of note. Ii was the
first service ever held by an American clergyman in
Alaska. The audience was mixed one, typical
OF the mixed population Of the region. There were
dozen Americans, some twenty Firms, and far
moro numerous than both, the dusky natives of
the island. Though catching no idea from the
words uttered, they seemed to appreciate the
event as one Of moment-the commencement of
new era in the history of the country. The
stern old German Reformer, in the pamest hour
Of his success, never dreamed that in three cen.
luries the influence OF his doctrines, having crossed
both continents and encOmpassed the world,
would unite here on these remote islands.
TIE RUSSIAN POPULATION.
The number Of Russians in Alaska does not ex-
coed S00 OF these, $40 reside 40 Stka about
100 at ST. Paul, and the remainder are scattered
GmODg the different trading posts. The officials
with their families, will return to Russia at an
early day. Some Of the unmarried clerks left
three weeks since by the John L.. Stephens reach
ipg home by the eastern route. OF the labOring
class and soldiers it is probable that some aocus-
toned to a life Of routine, and unwilling perhaps
incapable. OF adapting themselves to American
ideas and habits, will 'leave the country. Those
who prefer 10 do so will be transported by the
Fur Company to the Asiatic settlements on the
banks Of the Amoor. Many OF them, however,
have either Creole or Indian wives with children.
such will remain.
But new era has dawned, and this remote viii
lage is swArming with Anglo .Saxons as wild with
speculation, as agitaiej, as excited, as deeply
earnest in the pursuit. Of gain, and eager for
the earliest news from abroad, as the men who
cODgregate to-day on State street.
The government Of the United States having "a
yet made no provisions for the establishment of
civil authority in the territory, it became the duty
Of General Jeh. G. Davis, the military commander
OF this district, 10 assume the civil well as mill
tary control of Alaska.