The San Antonio light. (San Antonio, Tex.) 1883-1886, 1883-05-29
THE CzAR's CORONATION.

We have repeatedly said that there is moth
ing like the stomach as a foundation for
grand occasions. II we are going to make
celebration let us give it the quality Of festiv-
ity, the skill and elements OF gastronomy, the
art and science of good eating. What are
grand ceremonies in parks, what street par
AIDES, the burly fahdango, the crowded pro-
cessions, military plume, and official regalia,
when there is no stomach at the bottom of III
1t is never to be neglected nor forgotten that
hunger is perpetual and remittent, that men
are always prepared TO eat and drink. 1t is
mistake TO suppose that mind is not
in harmony with these principles.
The mind lays itself out mostly on appetite.
We may assign the mental factor to a partic-
ular hemisphere, but he operates at will, and
usually manifests at the base of the brain.
The great success of the Car on Sunday in
achieving the coronation, therefore, and
starting life as an Emperor, is strictly accord
ing to natural principles. Appetite in which
slumber the horrible rite and fearful orgie OF
disorder, has been placated. 1t gave itself
submissively into the keeping Of royalty. and
never was wolf more docile or the elements
Of dscord more quoted into rest. These are
reflections that will climb into permanence in
the royal mind, and we believe his Majesty
Alexander Ill will be a wiser and better
monarch for the good will he has propitated
4 H. he oc apravaI Aca trt,,
phal civic demonstration il was as successful
as could be desired, and nothing is necessary
at the hands of the Emperor but to open
his new set of books on the system which,
as Gar, he has so much cause to approve.
When we look with our sober senses all in
their places at the vision of thee rown, we
read in it an admontion which the Emperor
may not safely disregard. He simply bowed
to his subjects with the respectful homage of
a sovereign. But in doing this he
recognized the popular existence of
a power he fears and dares not defy.
This is not Nihilism. 1t was not Nihilism
that gave the potentate imperial sway in
Moscow Sunday. Nihilism would have broken
from its secret places and destroyed him if ii
could. 1t was that mighty gathering of the
conservative forces of a people that were
mustered by means OF the agencies he used
and bore him triumphantly out Of the reach Of
the Nihiists and wrapt him safely in the con-
summation he sought. The Emperor crowned
and throned will recognize this power. 1t
does not exist in Moscow only, but through
out the Empire.
No radical society can maintain itself
against a conservative element of SO much
strength if the two antagonize. 1.-THE Emperor
can awaken, as he may, the sympathies
of the people by continuing to
propitiate the natural stomach on
more secure base he will bring him
self into alliance with the conservatives who
eat anu drink. If he does not they will
eventually ally themselves with the socialistic
element and destroy the imperial government
and the dynasty of its sovereigns. 1t would
be curious matter of research TO forecast the
Nihiistc future. 1t has lost nothing, none
of its life and vigor, its energies and its pur-
poses remain, it is not disconnected by any
arts or discouraged by any reverses. If the
attitude of the imperial majesty displays no
new significance it will resume its Office.
What Russia wants is constitutional govern
ment, government of law and order, an end
OF despotism, of imperialism, of the one man
power. Beyond lie representative govern
ment, republic; she will have one or the
other.