The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-02

tinged with the deep rich color of the South,
THE VIEW FROM THE DOME.
From the high-galleried dome. its three
tiers rising one above the other, the first at
the height of seventy-fve feet, the second fif-
teen feet higher and the third twenty-one feet
higher still, adventurous spirits looked upon
the multitude in the rotunda below, thirty or
forty thousand in number, moving to and fro
like the ebb and flow of the sea. This sight
was grand beyond description, and well re-
paid the courage and nerve which were its
price.
THE RoTuNDA.
The diameter of the rotunda, from pillar to
pillar, is 1915 metres; the height up to the
imperial crown is 270 feet, height surpassed
only by few church towers. The imperial
Austrian crown which surmounts the dome
is intended to be faithful copy Of the origi-
nal. and studded with colossal s'precious
stones -amethysts and opals, rubiesand sap
phires, mountain crystals and carneols The
Austrians call it 'the browning Of the ediice."
and they cry out in ecstasy, "Austria's crown
protects mighty work, which was erected t9
the honor of the Empire and to the renown Of
the fatherland."
THE MULTITUDE IN THE RoruEDA.
The view from dome so magnificent was
even more magnificent because of the living
spectacle it revealed. Looking down upon the
multitude waiting long and weary hours, it
was seen to be . CHEEKY, pleasant grave,
sedate crowd It INDUCED in no "chaff."
vivacity seemed out of place with these
patient people quietly waiting for the coming
pageantry, but to the observant it was an as
semblage full Of awe and inspiration. Espe-
cially inspiring was the ever-present marvellous
murmur of many voices gathered together in
friendship, but sounding like the roar of far
distant seas. In this respect it was electric,
magnetic, almost religious, like those strange
voices Of nature which men sometimes hear
as the voice of God.
BREAK IN THE MARVELLOUS MunMuR.
A few minutes before. twelve this strange
electric murmur, no longer monotonous,
broke into louder roar, sounding like break
ers dashing upon the shore. Officials hurry
their steps. and the always late dowager runs
painting to her place. The Chamberlain waves
his handkerchief, and the crowd rocks itself
into position. For the moment the dome and
oil its wonders are forgotten. The view from
the outside, though it reveals almost pam
oramic revelation Of the Austrian Empire, is
mere dross now in comparison with the ex-
pected pageant. Even the marvellous murmur
which broke so recently into sounding roar
has lost itself in silence, and in its place the
Austrian national air, merging into the Prus-
sian and English anthems, takes its place.
THE SUPREME MOMENT.
broken lusty cheer comes, like tempest,
rocking the multitude with its uneasy force.
Slowly pacing round the parterre, under
green hanging branches and cunningly placed
shubbery, the Imperial party is seen exactly
as the hour strikes noon.
ENTRANCE OF THE EMPEROR.
The Emperor walks with hesitation, leading
the German Princess Victoria, family bowling.
Behind is the Imperial German Prince
Frederick William, in white Austrian uniform,
striding along with a stalking gait, and es-
corting the Empress Elizabeth. Then comes
the Prince Of Wales, who smiles and bows
especially as his ears catch the lusty home
cheer from the British group. Following his
royal brother are Prince Arthur, his fine
blue eyes beaming with pleasure the men,
bers of the Imperial family, and the great
Officers of State and of the Household, in
gorgeous array, with fringed funkeys trail
ing after them.
ON THE DAIS.
They move on to the dais, where, in
pleased, smiling group they form marvel
lous combination of light, jewels, laces and
superb costumes. All rise as the Imperial
party ascends the steps, cheer follows cheer
and then the whole multitude is still. The
quiet continues while the Emperor turns from
side to side making grave, serious bow, and
the music changes into Handers grand an
them, exquisitely rendered. Then there is
another rock and surge of the crowd right into
the Imperial quarter. It is with the utmost
difficulty that order is preserved, even within