The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-04

1.-TWO long rows, separated by an oper
lspace of about twenty-five feet, which o.
course became smaller in passing
through narrow streets.
Behind the horses came sixteen pairs
of parti-colored flags, carried by pig
tailed retainers in red and yellow uni
forms. Then followed nine pairs OF cano
pies made of the heaviest silk, each car
ried high in the air at the end of staff
after the fashion of O parasol-one pail
white, one pair blue, one pair black, one
pair yellow, and three pairs red. On
each was embroidered in fitting cOlors q
gorgeous representation OF the imperial
dragon. Then came, in the centre of the
procession, a single light yellow canopy
on which was gold embroidered Lh9.
nix, the coat OF arms, or emblem of the
BRIDES family. About ten steps behind
came Prince Kung, the chief master OF
ceremonies, arrayed in his robes OF
state, and mounted on magnificently
caparisoned horse.
Then came ninety-six pairs OF gaily-
colored lanterns, each one held alOf: by
long pole covered with yellow silk; ar
ter which followed the palanquin OF the
imperial bride resting on the shoulders
OF sixteen stout porters; only the out
side was visible to the vulgar gaze, the
curtains being closely drawn. This sa-
cred chariot of the god OF Love was
somewhat smaller than the sedan chairs
IN general use there, and mad little Sec
ond story sort of an ornamental root
made to represent crown. 1t was our
| tanned with costly bright yellow satin
stutfs embroidered in gold on all sides
with the BRIDES coat of arms, u phGnix.
Behind this palanquin came the princes
of the blood, and the high dignitaries OF
state on horse lack. The rear guard was
composed of two hundred nlandarins on
foot, in brilliant, new uniforms, long
silken garments with gold embroidery on
the breast and back.
Thus ended this famous procession.
The return march of the Wedding pro-
cession was carried out in accordance
with the above mentioned programme.
AT ten OF the evening the august bride
seated herselfin her palanquin, and the
cOtege moved toward the palace in the
same order it had left 1t in the afternoon
with this difference, however, that the
moon was shining clear and bright. and
the whole route seemed ablaze with Ian
terms. The palanquin was set down
close to the door Of the EnperOr's pri-
vate residences; the BRIDE alIghted, her
head and lace covered with u red silk
veil, and entered the hall, where the
bridegroom, the two d0wager EN-
presses, and the immediate members of
the imperial family awaited her. Groom
and BRIDE then kneeled opposite to each
other, bowed down till their fOreheads
toucned the floor. On getting up the
bride removed the veil, ana the marriage
WAS complete. A collation. was then
served i'll an adjoining room at which
only the ladies of honor were present.
On the same day the PekinS Gazette"
contained number OF DEGREES bestOw-
ing rank, honurs and titles on those
princes, ministers, and other great Dig
nitaries wno had been more especially
prominent in solemnizing the august fes-
twain the fuliness Of his bdss the
Holy Son of Heaven scattered his favOrs
in every direction.
The ehereditary title of"Imperial High
ness" was given to the Prince OF kung.
He had hitherto enjoyed this designation
as a personal honor only. 1t now became
hereditary in the family, descending to
the eldest born male Kung in all Iuture
generations. Without this high mark of
Imperial favor, the Prince OF kung's de-
scendants, with the exception OF mis- eld-
est son, would have re.apsed into the
melancholy condition OF ordinary Chi
nese subjects, while the eldest son HIM
sell would have been but simple noble
man.
A particular act of grace of the EN-
peror was the reprieye Of all criminals
condemned to death during the course
of the year, who would under ordinary
circumstances have been executed i'll
December.
All employees who took any part either
in the preparations for Or the ceiebra-
tion Of the marriage received present
of satin and silk sufficient wherewith to
make themselves a suit Of new garments.
Those who carried lanterns, flags, &C.,
received largesse of two dollars each.
The chuirmen on whose shoulders rested
the sacred palanquin which bore the
lovely Alute on her celestial journey to
the home of the Holy Son of Heaven re-
ceived TOUR dollars apiece-but small
pttance for their two weeks drilling,
and the great trouble and great honor
which had fallen to their share.
1t is said that the marriage, taken all
together, cost about twenty millions of
dollars,
A month or more ago the Emperor died,
and Alute, in accordance with ideas of
supreme devotion in the far Eastern
countries, has since taken her own life.
Il