Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-01-26
THE ROYAL WEDDING.
Account of lhe Marriage Ceremonics.

Nsw Yoxk, Jan. q. A despatch from st.
Petersburg says that the marriage ceremony
Of the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess
Marie commenced at noon in the preseAee of
a vast assemblage of guests in the palace.
The various galleries were filed with ladies
SPONTANEOUSLY attired. The prevailing COS
tsames were peculiarly Russian, the ladies
being mainly in velvet and diamonds. and the
me, in uniform, With the exception OF the
American diplomatists.
After assembling, . proccSni0h VA loftied,
with the grand Sequerries and The ehahber:
lains, 4oodcers Of the court, leading. Then
came the Emperor, Empress, Imperial Frinee
Denmark and Prince Arthur followed BY the
bride and bridegroom, who wore the Russian
naval uniform. Tie bride was splendidly
apparelled in ioag crimson velvet mantle,
trimmed with ermine. and wore diamond
coronet. Her train was bssne by four pages.
Then followed an immense procession, the
Imperial Family, princes, princesses and
court officials.
The procession on reaching the Russisn
church, was received by the metropoliton
head of the Russian church, the holy synod
bearing the crosses and sacred vessels Of holy
water. The Emperor conducted the bride
and bridegroom to the middle of the chureh.
assuming his station with the Empress imae-
diately behind. Around the bridegroom stood
Prince Arthur and the Grand Dukes. The
wedding rings, borne on golden ealvsrs, were
deposited on the affairs temporarily, N the
Imperial confessor until placed on ia 1beers
Of the bride and bridegroom.
The magnificent chapel was HluH1nated
With wax candles. The floor was cGt1red
With velvet crimson and gold Carpet, and
the altar with gold.
The Greek marriage ceremony was UNDUE.
In the absence Of music, chants and inloned
prayers we're giving during the service,
Crowns were held suspended over the heads
of the bridal pair, Prince Arthur holding the
crown over the Duke of Edinburgh and Grand
Duke Sergius that over the bride. Thu i'm
perial confessor then said. "Thou sersa1t Of
God, Alfred Ernest Edward, art cro~nof for
this handmaiden of God, Maria Alexandt0vns.
in tho name Of the Father, Son and Holy
Ghost" Prince Arthur becoming tired hold-
ing the heavy crown, was relieved. Thenthe
epistls to the Ephesians, v, 20-28 vas read
After the reading vas concluded the marriage
at Cana Of Galilee was read. Then the
crowns were removed and the marriage cou-
pie walked thrice around the raised dais,
holding to the tip of the confessors robe with
one hand and q candle in the other Atthc
cup was brought forward, blest and partaken
of by the bridal pair, the confessor presenting
the cross which both kissed. The deacon
gave an eloquent admonition on the marriage
duties. Afterwards the chant was anng by
the choir, 'Glory to thee, O God" conclpd-
ing with the benedction. This ended the
Greek service. 10 s4 s%A go -
The procession then slowly formed, pro.
ceeding to the Hall Alexander for the Angli-
can service.
Dean Stanley of Westminster Abbey ofIlci.
ated. He appeared at the altar wearing his
Episcopal surplice, with jewelled collar of
the order of Bath around his neck, and was
assisted by two resident English clergymen.
The members of the English colony, in
Guiding bankers and merchants, gathered at
the left Of the altar. Conspicuous among
them were Governor Jewell, the American
Minister, lord Loftus, the English Minister,
and the corps diplomatic. Many of the Brit
ish wore scarlet uniforms. specially notice.
able was Prince Gortschakof for his venera-
BILE appearance, surrounded by the leading
members Of the Russian nobility gathered on
the right of the altar. RE Al ~ ~ ~
The Episcopal chants we're sung 81 the
Russian chorister lads, in long crimson dress-
es. When the marriage procession entered,
the bride was between her father and the
service being concluded Dean Stanley warm
ly congratulated the couple. sae
When the crowd dispersed their was .
frightful rush on the stairways. Old General
Kaufman, the Khiya hero, was entangled in
the mass, but being recognized by the Crown
Prince was instantly rescued. = " ~ W q
Much attention was paid by the Russian
dignitarians to Governor jewell and family.
who are extremely popular. 8 Smma
Criticism was made on the appearance Of
the bridegroom. His reserved and solsma
manner created an unfavorable impressioa.
The Prince and Princess of Wales afiahility
was cheered on their coming on the street.
The police w,re engaged in driving back
the crowd and the Cossack horsemen chsrg-
ed to and fro, clearing the way for the dis
tnguished personages. The magnificent st.
Petersburg church bell was pealed during the
day, and salvos Of artillery o. l0l guns were
fred on the conclusion Of the Greek service,
all forming an extraordinary combination OF
ceremony, wealth, pomp and splendor.
After the marriage ceremony, q banquet
was given at the palace, Madame Pafti sing
ing. Subsequently ball vas given At St.
Georges Han, the Empero: being present.
During the day the weaker "a. sunny and
popular enthusiasm .. the illumination in the
public squares Tae city in general lpeessnt-
ed scene Of sr'sndid festivity. {&F.S
The Day In England.
LoSpoS. Jan. "a. The English festivities
we're <snerally postponed until the arrival of
tho bridal couple. Excepting BY special
services, salutes and Psals Of bells, London
took little notice The Provinces manifested
a greater joy. In most Of the provincial
towr. mere were banquets, professions, peals
u bells, bontires and gatherings. Edinburgh
was brilliantly illuminated in many places.