The Russellville Democrat., 1888-01-26
THE WINTER PALACE.
The Grandest of All the Grand Structures
 Owned by Russia's Czar.


 Turning with reluctance from these, short walk brings one to the winter palace, or 'Zimmy Doorets." It is an immense pile. and has frontage of over seven hundred feet An idea of it's size may be had by stating that when the Emperor occupies it, over seven thousand persons are kept busy within its walls. The statement that the building is square is erroneous, it be- ing in reality huge oblong, of dark reddish color, which seems to prevail in Peters burg buildings. We can but glance at few of it's rooms. Enter ing from the front and main entrance, which consists of three large arches. over which are suspended the Russian arms, ascending double staircase, comparatively plain. tho broad landing is attained. On the walls are hung number of pictures. and sculptures occupy prom inent places at the side. From the window an excellent view of the Neva is had. First come the marshall room, occupied by portraits and battle scenes. referring to Russo-Poli sh strife. Pass ing on we reach the gallery where an Emperor or CZar receives the Ambas- sadors The only portable article is huge throne chair, upon the back of which the Russian arms are most beautifully worked in gold This is followed by the gilded salon or gov crnmental room, the ceilings, walls and pillars of which are of gilded workmanship. From the top are suspended half dozen grand bronze chandeliers. Parallel with this room is the portrait gallery, contain ing some 250 pictures of celebrated Russians. Entering the next room. St. Georges hall or white room, all is of white marble; small, narrow gallery runs around il, supported by iifty-four marble pillars. And thus we pass, be- wildered by the quantity and variety. In the large St. Nicholas hall are twenty large crys al candelabra, and on the other side of the hall is a pleas ing conservatory. On the walls of the Nicholas room. reaching from floor to ceiling. are rows of handsome and valuable gold plate, and numerous salt boxes of all shapes, these being pres ents to the Czars from various towns, for il is custom in Russia that when new Czar is proclaimed each town he passes through offers him bread and salt as he enters This is done also sometimes when the Czar merely makes visit 10 town. The collection is most interesting, some being mounted in large and brilliant diamonds. Now follows suite upon suite of rooms, almost all of which are filled with poru aits, the majority being old. There are, how ever quite number of modern ones. and the artists seem to have dealt principally with the late Turko-Rus- sian wm. On the Neva side of the palace are inc pleasant apartments of the present Czar's eldest son. tho dec- orau0ns in each being different; first is blue. followed by red. yellow. olive green pink and so on. The furniture is that of Catherine LIS time, but handsomely recovered. Now we emerge at the grand staircase again, the guardian receives his fee. and the palace has been, 10 use the tourists expression. alone. Yes, for three hours one may walk through room ait or room. lhe sceno constantly chang ing, and then you can not help but realize how faint an idea of this i'm mense place you have --Cor. Albany {N Y) JoRraaL