Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1882-03-08
A Russian Favorite.

Potenkin had an inordinate affection for
honors and titles whenever he saw a decor
alton en- the breast of an Ambassador he had
to be informed whether or not it was an or
der" an association, or a badge, the history
of its institution, and the grounds on which
it was awarded. Many a one was bored
with his disquisitions on the orders of Rus
sia His opportunities to be created Prince
were wearisome. Catherine was not in the
habit of comforting this rank on any of her
subjects; she therefore besought Joseph of
Austria to ennoble her favorite who at the
time had performed no public service to ex-
cuse his elevation to such rank. The EN-
peror, with sense of shame and degrade
ton, signed the patent of nobility. Anxious
to copciliate one whom the Empress delight
ed to honor, Prussia decorated him with the
order of the Black Eagle; Denmark followed
with that of the Elephant, and Sweden with
that of the Seraphim. It was bitter drop
in the cup of life that all GATHERINGS en-
treaties could not secure flor him the orders
of the Garter, of the Holy Ghost, and of the
Golden Fleece. In spite of his vast wealth
and occasional prodigality, he was avaricious;
a just debt he paid by kicking the importu-
nate creditor out of doors. He summoned a
French veterinary surgeon from Vienna to
prescribe for valuable horse after months
of labor and of skillfuI treatment the doctor
waited on the Prince officially to. announce
refused admission, and, after few weeks of
weary waiting, returned to Vienna without
receiving SO much as his travelling expenses.
Yet his prodigalitE when the within seized
him, was boundless. No grander entertain
ment was ever given by subject in honor of
sovereign than that Potemkin gave in hon
or of Catherine year before his death. The
Prince received Her Majesty at the doors of
his palace dressed in a scarlet coat over his
Sh ali nf GOLD
lace ornamented with precious stones !;
there were as many diamonds In his dress
as dress could contain - his head-dress
was SO heavy with them that an aid de-
camp was detached to carry it. AS Potem-
kin conducted his guest though the hall of
his palace choir of 300 hired musicians
welcomed her with burst of song. Thence
he led the imperial lady. beaming with fat
and greasy smiles, for the symmetry of her
early years had long ago left her, into the
saloon; its pillars were of sculptursd palm
trees vases of Carrara marble stood at
either end of it countless mirrors flashed
back the light of its crystal lustres. The fin
est specimens of statuary abounded; shrubs in
flower and exotic plants made endless sum-
mer in this enchanted hall. In the centre of
the saloon Catherine was met by a statue of
herself carved from Parian marble. After
Her Majesty was seated, 4S dancers, all dress
| ed in white scarves and girdles sparkling
with diamonds worth ten millions of rubles,
entered the saloon to amuse the guests whom
| the Prince had assembled in the soYereign's
honor. The company was thereafter usher
ed into a second saloon hung with the richest
tapestry in the centre stood an artificial
elephant draped in robes interviewer with
emeralds and rubies After pause a signal
was given, and a curtain was drawn exposing
| to view magnificent theatre, to grace the
| stage of which the first actors of the day had
been engaged, the entertainment winding up
with procession in which the costumes OF
| the various tribes and principalities acknow-
| Lodging GATHERINGS sovereignty were repre-
sented. Afterward every room in the palace
was thrown open to the promenaders; then
| came the transformation scene; the whole
| building vas ablaze diamonds sparkled
\ amid the soil of the summer garden; prisms
| and crystals and mirrors mutually reflected
| each others glory; the trunks of shrubs and
I fruit trees glistened and shone; the per-
| fumes of Araby the blest filled the halls. Al
/ the supper-table 600 guests sat down; the
plate was of gold and silver; the visnds
/ were served in vases of alabaster I; the wines
| were poured from golden cups and the wait
ers were dressed in the richest robes. Behind
| GATHERINGS chair Potemkin stood that he
might wait on the Czarina, refusing to be
seated till he was thrice commanded At /
in the morning Her Majesty took her de
| parture an orchestra of vocal and instru.
\ mental music discoursing hymn in her
praise. At the doorstep she turned round
to express her gratitude to the Prince, who
| thereupon fell on his knees and, impulsively
kissing her hand, stammered out with brok
| en- voice and believed eyes his loyalty and
devotion.