Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1882-03-21
The GEARS HOME.


THE GEARS HOME.
The general ARRANGEMENT OF the
buildiags, besides offering the adven-
tages OF accommodation to be found
in 9 large mansion, affords special
security for the personal safety OF the
emperor, whose apartments are COM
pletely isolated and unapproachahle
except by narrow passages that are
strictly guarded. The galleries at Cat
china have long been famed as contain.
ing magnificent artistic collections.
One which leads to The emperor's
private rooms is called the japanese
gallery, and here are assembled O num-
Der of curicsities Of the highest value,
which have from time TO time been
presented 10 the Rrea. white car by
rulers OF China and Japan. The japanese
minister, who was lately present d
at Gatchina, and who is great collector
Of both European and Asiatic bric.a-
brac, stated that there was nothing in
the East 10 compare with this Russian
collection, and that it would be impos-
sible to replace many OF the ancient and
extremely valuable artistic objects that
adorn the imperial gallery.
The ordinary sit;irg.ruom OF the car
is a comfortably but simply furnished
apartment. Little elegance or orra
ment is noticeable, but large writing
table and other unmislakab'e signs de-
note that many Of the empcror's hours
are here passed in close application TO
the endless business that deyolves on
the autocratic head of a system OF bu
reaucratic Capitalization. The car Is
an early riser, and the labors OF his day
commence at nine IN tue morning. Till
one o'clock he is occupied in his study
receiving the ministers who present
their daily or weekly reports, and con-
sulting with them over affairs OF state.
II is especially significant OF the policy
OF the present CT that, while high
officials have often difficulty IN OBJ.
tanning an interview, his majesty is
always accessible TO provincial depu;a
tons, which are sometimes composed
OF wild khirgiz, sometimes Of swsrthy
Kalmucks or skin-clad SanOyedes, and
sometimes Of illite:a.e Russian peasants
who desire to present holy picture to
their great father, aud to express their
LOYALTY and devotion TO his person. The
emperor receives Cre and all with
stern dignity, which, though accom-
panied in most cases by II certain kind
ness OF manner, always leaves the con-
viction that Alexander III. feels himself
an autccrst, and is determined 10 yield
none OF his prerogatives, but 10 impress
on all that approach him tina. they are
in the presence Of au absolute, kindly
master. This species OF selt-asser.lon
was trait in the character OF the EN-.
peror il lis vcYy ealliest days. lie Is
devoted 10 music. and when bog il
was suggested that he might derive
pleasure from tsNicg part in the
musical performances Of The palace
orchestra, the then heit-aprarent WAS de.
lighted a. the idea. and y remained to
be settled on what instrument he should
learn 70 perform. Casracteris'icaily
this imperious prince selected the from
bone a. being the instrument with which
he could produce the greatest effect,
and, lover IL music though lie vas, his
performance appeared chiefly to consist
in q well sustained and fairly successful
effort 70 drown the remainder OF the
orchestra.
Although stern AMI even overbearing
TO the msIoci,y OF those who surround
him, Alexander III, has always been q
sympathizing and stiectionate husband
and father. 4. one o'clock daily he
lunches with his wife and children, and
70 this meal none but the closest init.
mates of his family are ever admitted.
After the luncheon, il there are &c
further Populations 10 receive, or i'm
por;ant business to attend.,o, the car
goes out walking or driving, in com.
Deny with the empress or his sons. In
The evening there is often s little music,
Of which the empress is as fond as the
empercr, and her majesty Ia good
pianist. The car ret-ye3 10 DEC early,
and by eleven o'clock oil is silence in
the imperial apartment.
Daring tie daytime the empress
occupies room on the ground hoor, ex'
sctlg below the cars study, with which
it communicates directly by small
private staircase. The c2arina's boudoii
is elegantly furnished, bat in simple
style, and with no appearance OF luxury,
except such as is given by the presence
of certain handsome pieces Of furniture
and objects d'cTi, which remaiu to testify
10 the more eItravsgeDt tastes Of forme,
The empress is An admira-
Die manager, b. tn of her time and OF
that pertains 10 the house
hold dnties. Her great intelligence
and sweetness of manner have given her
an extraordinary influence over her
L husband and all other persons who are
brought into contact with her The
Palsce, which she occupied
as czarens, was model of household |
management, and to her initiative is
due the commencement of sweeping re-
forms in the administration OF the other |
overgrown palaces. She is patroness.
and takes "a far as possible an active |
share in the management OF half the |
charitable institutions in Russia, and |
those that are connected
with the protection OF women and
children. Every morning, while the |
empeyor is busy upstairs with his