The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-02-01
The Cars Palaces.

The Winter Palace has probably the
most va liable furnishings, jewels and
works Of art of any building in the world
1t is two full blocks or squares in length
and is almost as wide, therefore covering
from four TO six acres 1t is OF brick,
stone and marble, three stories and =
basement, and is altogether worth in its
completeness more money than all the
government buildings at Washington,
including the United States Capitol. II
contains tons upon tons of gold and sill
yer. barrels Of diamonds, rubies and 9TH
er precious stones; carloads of valuable
pottery and china ware; miles-twenty
miles-of the most extravagant paintings
and statuary, and royal carriages and
harness, decked with diamonds and
costing untold millions. / walked five
hours in it the other day and did not go
through two-thirds of the corridors and
rooms. 1t would be impossible for an oc-
cupant to so know half the treasures as to
be able to recognize them. And yet Al
exandcr III. will not live here because
his father did.
II has been customary to erect a new
palace for every ruler, so as TO have a
monument for each one. The palaces
and furnishings cost hundreds of millions
of dollars. and meanwhile Russia is al
most bankrupt and has not free or o
public school in her empire, where her
roubles, intended to represent 81 in
American money are worth but forty five
cents. In churches and palaces Russia
has more gold and silver than the Unit
ed States mints could work into money
within six months, and yet she has not
rouble nor a kopeck except on paper and
copper. The taxes are twice as high as
In America. and three-fourths Of them 20
to the royal family, the church and the
army and navy.
Peterhof, where the Gar lives, and
from whence he fears TO emerge, is
beautiful city of probably sixty thousand
inhabitants. and the seat of art. The
private grounds of the Gar, comprising
thousands of acres, are the finest in the
world, and his personal expenses aggre-
gate over 100000 roubles, or more than
s. 900 900, a year. His stables contain
5000 blooded stations. lie has body
guard of 5000 Cossack soldiers and expe-
rienced secret detectives. Some Of the
latter are at his side even in his private
rooms at the palace. His food is analyz-
ed that he may escape poison. He is in
danger if he goes walking, while he new
er ventures beyond his doorway without
the occasion is extremely urgent, and his
presence covered by soldiers and detec-
tives. His chapel for worship is in his
own house. He never goes out for exer-
else or amusement. The country swarms
with Nihilists, and he fears them. Alex
ander Ill when in his own country is a
miserable prisoner in his own palace.
The palace at Peterhof, is surrounded by
the most magnificent fountains that mon
ey and genius can command. There is
nothing to be compared with them in
the world. And the broad expanse of
park is dotted with other palaces and
buildings filled with dazzlingly beautiful
Jewels and works Of art, none Of which
he can see. because he cannot afford to
risk bis life to satisfy his curiosity.
About three times year the Car ven
lures away from his home in his private
yacht or on special train. Then he is
surrounded by thousands of soldiers and
detectives, and the water or railroad is
patrolled like policeman's beat.