The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-01-11

attended to him. and was rewarded for his serv-
ice by being permanently attached to the impe-
rial household.
Shortly after dining his Majesty takes PRONE
made in the park, and about o'clock his Majesty
returns to the palace, where he receives the com
mands of the Empress for the evening.
The personal relations existing between this
august couple, though for time little troub-
led on political questions are charming in their
simplicity, save on great ceremonial occasions.
The Imperial pair always thou and thee one
another, like the average run of husbands and
wives.
The Emperor was always distinguished for his
exquisite courtesy and gallantry. And now,
though almost ninety years of age. he bestows
on the Empress the most delicate attentions
he loves to go and spend an hour at the opera,
which is quite near but ne never dispcses of his
time during the evenings without first consult
ing the Empress. Every evening they take tea
together, and the Emperor is never absent with
out having first acquainted the Empress of his in
tentiOn and receiving her permission.
1t is during dinner. which takes place at 6
o'clock. that his Majesty decides as to how he
shall spend the evening. These dinners are OF
the simplest kind, never more than three courses,
and the repast rarely lasts more than half an
hour Even in presence of domestics the i'm
perial couple thou" and "thee" one another
when dining together, and from this habit it
sometimes happens that they forget this little
rule Of etiquette before strangers on grand occa-
sions. This happened, for instance, when the
Empress, then very ILL., was first permitted by
nsr physicians to visit his Majesty after Noblngs
attempt on his lfe Although the chamber was
full of distinguished notabilities, the Imperial
couple cast all etiquette to the winds. and kissed
and chatted in the ordinary, old-fashioned way.
Apart from military questions, in which he Is
lnhexible. his distinguishing characteristic is
kindness. to which old age has added tinge of
austerity. But in military matters he is rigor
person1hed One remembers the incident that
occurred about a year ago; some soldiers OF the
Landwehr, and belonging to the we'll to do class,
were called out for their yearly drill. and owing
to the lack of accommodation were compelled to
travel In baggage and cattle cars. To this they
objected and submitted their case to the En-
peror by telegram His laconic answer was,
obey" The recacitrants were condemned to
five years Imprisonment, and all appeals to the
Emperor for mitigation OF sentence were fruit
less All supplications and petitions are per-
sonally examined by the Emperor. And when
travelling he receives none to avoid unnecessary
fatigue. The humblest of his Majestys subjects
may rest assured that his letter will reach his
sovereign.
The Empress is q Princess of Weimar, and re-
members the glorious epoch when the genius of
Goethe illuminated that little capital She
passed much of her time in the presence of the
great poet. and from this early education aud
association the Empress Augusta has preserved
refined literary taste. When the Emperor re-
celves permission to pass the evening in his way,
he may be seen at the OPERA not in the grand re-
ception box, which occupies all the center of the
hail. but in an avant scene of the first story.
where. near the actors, he can see better and
can catch every word The official box is filed
with cham berlains in grand tenue, officers in
brilliant uniforms, and ladies of the palace in
gorgeous toilet. while the Emperor himself, in
his plain uniform, bows and smiles to the aris-
tocratic ladies and distinguished danes in the
body of the house. When the play is over
which is generally little after o'clock, his
Majesty returns to the palaces he takes cup of
tea, and at 10 o'clock. if more important recep
tions do not retain him in the apartments of the
Empress, he retires to rest like a simple work
man. satisfied with his days toll, and ready to
resume it again on the following morning.