New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-26
4 GLIMPSE or IyDIAN SP1ENDOR.
A CERrMnNY AT KOLHAPUR.

| A CEREMONY AT kOLHAPUR.
A CORNERSTONE OF a NEW PALACE FOR THE
RAJAH LAID WITH INTERESTING PoMP-sR
RICHARD TEMPLE VISITS TIE ANCIENT CAPITAL
OF TIE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF GENERAL
GRANT.
[FRoM Az OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT or THE TRBUSEI
| KoIHAPUR, India, June 0.-On Wednesday last
Sir Richard Temple the Governor of the Presidency
of Bombay reached this ancient city, after having
been looked for, for over two weeks. Sir Richard
is a wonderful man in some respects. lie has been
on the 90 now constantly for the last two months,
averaging twenty-five miles day, aud most of it
on horseback. He is going about now, looking
after all the interests Of the Presidency, but par
ticularly TO see about the conservation Of the
forests of the Deccan, the building of new high
WAYS and the subject Of education. He Is a very
observant man, and sees everything that is going
on. Sir Richard has a good figure and a we'll
shaped head. His forehead is high his eyes are
prominent and very restless, and altogether, though
not a handsome man. he is one who would attract
attention to himself as IA person of great force Of
character His nose, which is long, is thought by
some to spoil his looks. In Bombay. $50 miles
north of here, Lady Temple and he are called
Beauty and the Beast" 1t is told Of Sir Richard
that upon hearing this he said: "Well, | don't see
how that can be, for Lady Temple is not at all a
bad-oolling woman"
About four weeks ago. Sir Richard sent word here
that he would be at Kolhapur on the 10Th of May,
to lay the cornerstone of new and splendid pal
ace for the Rajah of this Independent native state.
Preparation was made for him Immediately. Instead
of coming. however, he kept the Political Agent and
all the officers here at the station in suspense for
over two weeks; and then he came announced
only by the firing of salute Of seventeen guns the
number which belongs to him rs Governor of Bonn
bay. Had he come TO hold an Imperial Dhurbar,
the number OF guns would have been thirty-three.
Upon his arrival, notice was sent around the station
that the laying of the cornerstone would take place
at $3.50 p. III. on that very day.
The new palace is to be built on a slightly piece
Of ground outside Of the city, a spot now occupied
by the bungalow of the Assistant Political Agent of
Kolhapur. About p. III. we drove over to the site
selected for the palace. Near the spot had been
raised large pavilion 10 give shelter from the rain
aud SUM- The throne of tho Rajah and Governor
had been placed in the pavilion. also seats for
the many guests. At the entrance to the beautiful
grounds was a large arch on which were the words
Welcome on the entering side. and Farewell
on the other On each side Of the broad path lead
ing from the arch to the pavilion were rows of
native guards, dressed in red. Back of the guards
on the left hand side were elephants and camels
gayly ca parisoned with gold and rich coors. the
tnsks and trunks of the Gle ph.nts being painted
fancifully. Then, just back from the pavilion was
a long row of SepoyS, and q fine lot of men they
were too tall. erect and staunoh-Ooking soldiers
In the pavilion were seated probably $50 high caste
Brahmins, Maraths and Mu-sulmans, dressed In
their best 1t was a beautiful sight to see them In
their rlchly-cOlOred costumes. On the first row of
seats sat most of the chiefs Of the cities of the native
state OF Kolhapur They were dressed in silk and
gold. with heavy strings of pearls around their
necks and with diamond and pearl earrings In their
ears. In front of all a raised PLATFORM covered
with gold cloth, upon which were placed the throne
and the seats for the European guests.
After we had all been there for a few minutes the
Ralah arrived and was escorted 10 the throne while
as alute of nineteen guns was being fired from the
artillery near by. Then in n few minutes the Gov
ernor arrived, bringing with him his private secre-
tary, his aide-de-camp and physician. Colonel
Schneider the Political Agent here. who had ar
rived some time before, escorted the Governor TO
the throne, where after being greeted by the Ralah
he was seated by his side. Then the rest Of us took
seats on the platform the Rajah. Ii would be
hard to describe the wonderful dress of the person
age last named. Suffice il to say, he wore a dress
of gold cloth, and rich turban from which was
suspended large cluster OF pearls. Around his
neck he wore many strings of pearls and other val
liable gems. In his ear, rather his ear he had
a ring set with beautiful brilliants; and around his
wrists and ankles he had heavy gold rings set with
diamonds The grounds now presented splendid