The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1881-03-26
A Graphic Description of the Funeral
of Russia's Dead Emperor.

NEW YORK, March 21.-George Augustus Sala
telegraphs from ST, Petersburg regarding the
funeral of the Gar: 81 have just been spectator
of one of the most magnificent, most impressive,
most pathetic pageants on which the course of a
heightened career, accustomed to pomps and
vanites of regality from royal bridals and feasts
to royal funerals. / have ever been privileged to
set eyes on.
Three cannons which were fired from the
take their places. A similar salute about
when the sable standard, bearing
in white, the initials OF the murdered monarch
was unfurled on the Fortress. The artillery began
TO fire minute guns, and all bells in the city
began to toll The whole route was lined by
the public were permitted to stand. No galleries
or platforms were erected, as hOuseholders were
only allowed personal risk and peril to let their
windows or balconies to strangers. The police
had taken exceptional measures TO preserve order
In the maintenance OF which the public by
hand bills, were invited to cooperate. All
houses, and public buildings too, showed the
same amount of sable flags and drapery as when
the Enspress, not year ago. was similarly con-
route taken was from the great plain. in front
OF the Winter Pslace, by the Admiralty
Quay and English Quay to Nicholaivasky bridge,
crossing which the procession took the street ON
the line of the Island of Vassdostroff, across
Nootchkof bridge and by Alexander Park 10 the
Fortress. entering the gate called Ivansckaia.
summer the route taken was by. Trinity bridge.
wooden structure of barges, which is removed
AT the approach of ice, although the roadways
across the frozen Neya arc much used The Fort
ress is almost Immediately opposite the Palace.
There is superstition among Russians against
transporting dead ever frozen rivers, and the
route by which the c0rtege passed was some four
mile. in length The procession consisted in all
OF thirteen sections comprising l72 groups, to de-
scribe which would occupy many columns
Among the noticeable features of the procession
was the figure, which attracted much attention.
the Knight of Golden ArmOr mounted on a gor-
geous harnessed steed, carrying a drawn sword
character of the departed sovereign. Alter him
walked man at tarms in sable armOr with drawn
sword. Perhaps the most picturesque features in
the ceremonial were the deputatiODs which fig
ured for the first time in Russian history, repre-
senting institutions created by the late Emperor.
the Zemstais, the Justices of the Peace and mot
ley group OF peasants, with one, at
least. of venerable and patriarchial ap-
pearance, all attend in their winter garb. Some
with coored scarfs used to girdle their sheepskln
aud rough cloth overcoats. Following the priests
came the gorgeous caisfalque, on which rested the
coffin under a rich canopy OF cloth OF gold sur
mounted by white ostrich plumes. Sala says
we are asking, 'What next and neXt?'' when the
hearse came suddenly into view and the prodigi
Gus mass of humanity rapidly, so 10 speak as a
wonderful sight to behold that black sea of mats
and caps transformed into immense eXpanse
OF pale. upturned faces. The funeral Car
bier of ebony and silver on wheels, with heavily
carved silver spokes and superstructure of black
and silver. The whole was canopied by superb
material encircling the columns of the bier.
The coffin of the illustrious deceased was
almost hidden by the golden pail. lined
with white satin, and the vast car itself was
drawn by eight black horses, completely shrouded
in sable draperies. Four general aidsdecamp
stood, one at each corner of the catafalque the
polished metal wheels of which glistened in the
sunlight. Sixteen general officers held silken
cords of canopy. Behind the bier of his muir
dered Sire, walked Alexander I'LL, in his imperial
solitude, bearing alone his filal sorrow. and his
state cares, and symbolizing in this last respect
his unique position.
The Emf error was dressed in Generals uni
form, wearing the ribboh Il the Order of st. An
drew. Following the Emperor. at a respectful
distance, came the Minister of the Household,
Minister of War, and three officers on duty
Next in order followed the Grand Dukes and
Princes, according to the precedence with foreign
Princes.
These included the Grand Dukes Valdemir,
Alexis, Sergius, Paul and Constantine, Sergius
Mechailovlch, Aimihre, three Nicholases. Peter,
two Michaels. George and Aexander-all on
foot, like His Majesty = with innumerable
Princes-Romaneooffsy. Leuctenberg, Nicholas
and George, Peter Alexander and Constantine.
of Oldenburg, and Dukes George and Michael, of
Mecklinburg.