Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1882-05-25
George Sumner In st. Petersburg.

Mr.. Dallas was sitting in his once at
the Legation in st. Petersburg on GER
tain morning, when q young man, or
rather a boy, presented himself, with
the arms of his Jacket out ut the elbows,
and remarked that he ''would like to
see the Emperor
"You would like to see the En-
peror !" inquiringly, rejoined Mr.. Dallas,
adding the further interrogation.
"What do you want to see the Emperor
for ?r
ooh | have little business with him."
replied the youth.
i'Well," said the ambassador, "you
can't see the Emperor"
"Why not can't you introduce me n
earnestly inquired the boy.
"Nol could not introduce you, said
the minister smilingly.
"Aren't you the American minister p
said the boy.
"Yes; am the American minister,
but should not dare to introduce you,
if am
"But am an American replied the
boy, "and have come all the way from
Mount Vernon, the tomb OF Washing.
ton, on business with the Emperor, for
whom | have present, and | must see
him; and | call on you as the Embassa.
dor of my country to introduce me to
his Imperial majesty
"The most | can do, my lad, is TO in.
troduce you to one of his ministers" :"
said Mr.. Dallas, land if he pleases, he
may introduce you to the Emperor" :"
Every WE'LL" said the boy, that will be
one step gained just introduce me to
the minister of His Majesty, if you
please"
At this point of the dialogue the
American minister took the boy to one
OF the Imperial Cabinet, ,remarking to the
dignitary as he approached him, Here's
boy who says he has come all the way
from Mount Vernon, in America, and
that he has some message for the En-
peror and demands an introduction !;
can you crafty him ?"
al cannot introduce him without first
consulting His Majesty" replied the
autocrat's minister. "lf he ia willing
/ will introduce him."
After a brief lapse Of time the minis
ter returned from an interview with the
Emperor, TO whom he had related in
substance what had been previously
said of the boy. The curiosity of Nicho
las being excited as to the boys errand,
he was induced to command the minis.
terial functionary to "bring him along"
"He says ne will see you" said the
minister, addressing himself to the
Yankee lad. And Immediately they
set off for the palace, where the follow
ing interlooutory discourse took place
between Nicholas and the ragged boy :
"Well, my little fellow, understand
you wish to see me what is your busi-
ness2"
IL came all the way from the tomb of
Washington, at Mount Vernon, in
America, and understanding that you
had liked the character of Washington
al have great veneration for the char
acter and memory Of that illustrious
personage," interrupted the Emperor.
WELL" continued the youth, as he
thrust his hand into his jacket pocket,
al brought this acorn from the tomb of
Washington, thinking you might like
to plant il in your grounds and raise an
oak TO his memory. VIII you accept
il t?n
Certainly replied the Emperor.
"and we will 60 out at once and plant
it,"
No sooner said than done. They pro.
ceeded to the palace grounds and,
having raised the soil with spade, the
Emperor committed the acorn to the
earth with his own hand. Thanking
the youth for the simple but agreeable
present, the Emperor inquired, "Is
there anything more that you wish of
me, my ladf'
The boy replied al should like to see
Moscow amazingly"
"What do you want to see Moscow
for p interrupted his Majesty.
ooh, have had long desire TO see
that city, and as you were pleased to in.
quire into my future wishes, and a. /
know you could crafty my desire,
thought / would honestly tell you"
"Well, you shall see Moscow. said
Nicholas, and at once barouche with six
horses was ordered, and the boy was
toted off to the ancient capital by His
Majesty's imperial command.
"The last | saw of the youth" said
hr. Dallas, che passed my office in st.
Petersburg in a coach with six horses,
and. as he deigned to look at me, he
ioyfully waved white handkerchief, of
which he had become the possessor. and
triumphantly cried out to me: 'Hurrah'
am going to Moscow | am going to
Moscow 7
aueiau4 ualfea