Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1883-05-31
Coronation Of Alexander III.

The imposing ceremonies Of the corona
ton Of Alexander Ill as Emperor Of all
the Russas took place IN Moscow on sun
day. The ceremony is one of III. most i'm
posing known among civilized nations and
in this instance was attended with more
than its customary masnihcence. The fear
Of attempts BY NihliSts To mar the cere-
monies BY acts of violence were ground
less, or the repressive measures adopted and
the provision 10 guard against any attempt
on the life Of the Emperor were so com
plete as to render such danger well nigh
impossible. The following outline of the
ceremonies are given by the press dispatch
es:
Al seven O'Clock Sunday morning the in
auguration of tbs magnificent ceremonies
attendant upon the coronation of the I'm
peror and Empress of the Ru.sias was an
nounced by the ringing Of bells and by the
thunder Of artillery. Even at that early
hour the streets were animate with throngs
of people, both residents and visitors from
abroad and other parts Of the Empire, who
were striving to secure eligible places from
which to view the procession and such por-
tons Of the ceremony itself a. those not
particularly favored might be able 10 Wit
ness. Even at a far earlier hour and IN
fact during the entire night there was unusua.
activity II the streets, for not only the peO-
pie were there whose anxiety and excite
ment in respect TO the event kept them
awake, but a strong guard OF soldiers pa
irolled the city and gave the scene a semi
martial appearance. Great bodies Of mill
tar, began shortly before Is o'clock TO de
pIoy along the route Of the procession, four
miles in length and to occupy the streets
on either side. keeping the people back on
the walks. All unused spaces in the streets
were speedily filed by sightseers. while win
dows, doorwa,s and house tops were LEI OUT
at fabulous prices to visitors. Those dig
nitaries of the realm who were to take par,
in the ceremony Of coronation assembled
according 10 prearranged plans q, the Ca
thedral Of HOLY Assumption within the wall,
of the kremlin. These functonaries entered
the building at 80. Al eight O'Clock there
followed in order the Princes Of foreign
Governments. nobility Of Russia and other
States OF Europe and the special and regu-
lar ambassadors of foreign countries resid-
ing in Russia The utmost care was exercised
10 prevent the admission of any unauthorized
or improper person. each one as he appeared
at the entrance being required 10 exhibit a
carefully prepared ticket Of admission
which was subjected 10 the closest scrutiny.
This form wrs observed both at the gate OF
the kremlin and the doors Of the Cathedral.
At the request Of Gen. Won Schwenitz. am
bassador from Germany. the eighty members
comprising the diplomatic corps there assem-
bled al his mansion and were conveyed
thence TO the kremlin in superbly equipped
coaches. The remainder of the diplomatic
body, consisting of attaches Of various lega-
tons were assigned 10 positions just outside
the Cathedral proper but inside the enclos-
ure of the kremlin. When the white walls OF
that wondrous place enclosed all the crowd
that could be admitted choir Of bows chant
ed the Tie Deum and amidst profound silence
outside the ,nuiIlI as well IN II, the cler-
" accompanied BY a calytes bearing a cross
and an ever Of Holy water, proceeded 10 re-
eeiye the Czareviieh. When the Imperial
procession started was made known TO those
inside the Cathedral by renewed ringing Of
bells. by sonorous music from scores OF bands
and by the shouts of those outside. As tn.
royal pair appeared q. the doors of the pal
ace the multitude uncovered their heads and
burst into loud acclamations. Even the
women removed their bonnets and the en-
thusiasm was as unaffected as it was spon.
taneous and hearty At the head of the roy
al procession. which now entered the kremlin
was the Master Of Ceremonies, hanked by
heralds richly clad and mounted upon white
horses. The procession was Of immense
length and comprised deputies from th'
Asias, States of the Empire, students of the
University. Clergy, Judges, nobility, and E
Project from every section Of the Empire
When its front rank reached the door Of tn
palace il was met by the Emperor vssrin:
the white uniform Of Colonel of tn
Guards and the Empress dressed in IN
National costume Of black velvet riehl,
embroidered with diamonds.
The pair placed themselves beneath a can
opy richly wrought in silk and gold an'
borne BY - generals. They then took thei
places near the head of the procession, bein;
directly after the regslia. At this momen
the entire body of clergy emerged from tn
cathedral in order to meet the r-galia. which
they publicly sprnkled with holy water aPC
perfumed With incense. Upon entering the
portals Of the cathedral the Emperor anC
Empires. we're received by the Metropolitan
of Moscow, the Metropolitan OF Novogorod
and the Kief presented to them the cross to
be kissed and sprinkled with Holy water
First the Emperor and then the Empress
before the sacred images which hanked tn.
doors of the cathedral, kneeled and bowed
after which they were conducted TO the an
eient throne of ivory and silver. Alexandel
occupied the historical throne Of Gar
Vladimir Nonomague while the Empress
was seated ia an arm chair gilded and en-
eru.ted with jewels. The thrones were
oiaced upon dais and Sssf the dals was
canopy Of scarlet velvet, suspended from thu
srched roof. embroidered with gold and 81
ser braid. which xss worked with tine ARM
of Rus.is and all her dependencies IN mosl
Ingenious manner. In front OF the throne
we're two tables covered with gold c!eth up
on which we're placed tine crowns, the ort
and the seeptre. After their Majesties hac
been seated the Metropolitan Of Novogoroc
asked the Emperor in a loud, distinct voice
AAre YOU true believer" The Emperor
falling On his knees, read in reply in cleaI
voice the Lords Prayer and the Apostles
Creed of the Greek churehi the hetropoll
tan responded, ''May the Grace OF the Hoi,
Ghost remain with thee" Descending from
ne dais the following customary summons