Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-11-22
News from New York
RECEPTION OF THE GRAND DUKE ALI

New York, 2l. The honors of the metrop-
oils of America were to-day showered on the
Grand Duke. The weather was beautiful:
everything was carried out with system and
success and the reception of the handsome
young Prince was of the most genuine and
enthusiastic nature. The guests began to as
semhle on the Mary Powell on Pier 80, at 10
o'clock. On either side of the gangway were
American and Russian flags, and handsome
carpet was laid on which the guests walked
to the saloon. The steamer was decked with
bunting from stem to stern, prominent among
which was the Imperial flag of Bussia.
\ large company, including representatives
Of the best families Of the city, were on board,
besides members of the reception committee
Maj. Gen. Mcdowell and staff Gen. Dix,
Minister Catacazy and staff Consul General
Bordisco and ViceConsul Schultz. Music
was furnished by the band of the list regi-
ment.
At quarter past l O clock. the Mary Powell
cast off her lines and headed down stream.
1t then became evident how generally the re-
quest TO decorate was complied with. Every
vessel displayed colors, and the air was
pierced with screams of steam whistles off the
man OF war anchorage. The Mary Powell
came to and headed around at half past
eleven. Admiral Roman of the flagship
Congress, Capt. Davenport of the same YES
sell Capt. Hatfield of the Kansas and Lieut.
Col. Robeson, aide to Admiral Roman came
in gig to the Mary Powell. A few minutes
later six cared barge from the Sevetland
put out to convey Minister Catacazy and staff
to the flagship. Several boats filled with
officers of the American feet came on board
all in uniform. A few minutes later a rush
to the side of the vessel indicated the Grand
n no
Russian minister and staff attred in a bril-
liant uniform were the first to appear at the
gang way and enter the royal barge. Next
came Alexis. As he stepped upon the gang
way the band of the Sevetland struck up the
national anthem of Russia, and the yards
were manned. AS soon as the staff of the
Duke were seated, the order was given at
quarter of twelve o'clock to push off As the
barge neared the Mary Powell, her crowded
decks were filled with excited ladies and
gentlemen anxious to catch the first glance
of the Duke. He was attired in full dress
uniform of rank, and across his shoulders
was a sash of blue MORE antique, and his
head a chapeau. His manly form and hand
some but modest face were the subject of
general remark, and the ladies were at once
enthusiastic.
When the barge reached the Mary Powell
the Duke evinced no moroseness under the
shouts and cheers and waving of handker-
chiefs amid the strains of the Russian nation
al, but quickly rising, tripped up the steps
nimbly. As soon however, as his feet
| touched the heavy Brussels carpet laid across
the deck, the Duke removed his chapeau and
bowed graciously. He was then taken by
the arm by William II. Aspinwall, chairman
of the reception committee, and followed BY
his staff and members of the committee who
had stood with open ranks, made his way to
the upper saloon of the steamer. Here the
royal guest stood for a moment uncovered
while his companions came up stairs. Glanc-
ing around him and finding himself the sub
ject of so much interest at the hands of the
| fair daughters of New York, he modestly
blushed and for an instant lost his self pos
session which he had retained in remark.
| able degree. Around him wre Admiral
Poissot, his personal suite, brilliant with dec
orations, Mr.. Aspinwall, Minister Catasazy
| and staff, Gen. Mcdowell and naval officers,
the background being formed by hundreds
of the most beautiful women and representa-
tive men of the city. 1t was vivid picture
| and brilliant in the extreme with the sunlight
cleaning through the stained glass windows,
and to he retained on the memory inefface-
| ably. The bow of the steamer was headed
down the stream to afford time to welcome
the Prince and drink glass of champagne
| with him. Order having been restored Mai
Gen. Dix stepped within the circle and made
an appropriate speech, which was responded
to by the Grand Duke.
When the formal ceremonies of welcome
were over, nearly every lady and gentlemen
on board were presented to the Prince and
cordially shaken by the hand. This cere-
mony having gone through to the painful end,
Alexis placed his hat on and went upon the
promenade deck. He expressed his admira-
ton OF the harbor and its beautiful surround
ings in this conversation with General Nc
| D0well.
| When the Mary Powell was off Robin
Reef light-ship, her head was turned up
stream and meantime the reception commit
tee and the Grand Duke with his naval
companions went below and sampled boned
turkey, picked oysters and imperial cham.
payne, which abounded.
just as the Grand Dukes luggage came on
board in launch the Mary Powell landed at
the Pier; which was decorated with flags OF
America and Russia intertwined. At one
o'clock precisely the Grand Duke stepped
ashore and was received with enthusiastic
cheers from the thousands of threats, who
took up the shouts from the pier and carried
along it Broadway. proclaiming to hundreds
| of thousands that Alexis was among us.