The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-30
From the Ne,o York Ledger.

There was a sleigh-ride in Russia, more
than a century ago, of such magnitude and
splendor as to have been deemed worthy of
historic commemoration. Russias i'm
mortal historian. Karamtin, has devoted to
its record several pages.
1t was the month OF December, 1869. The
celebrated Empress Catharine IL. was upon
the throne. Frederic of Prussia and Cath
arine were conspiring together for an at
tack upon Poland. that they might divide
that kingdom between them. Frederic sent
his brother Henry to st. Petersburg, Osten-
sibly for friendly visit, but in reality to
mature plans for the treacherous invasion.
During Prince Henry's stay Catharine gave
In his honor a moonlight sleigh ride.
The sleigh which conveyed Catharine and
the Prussian prince was beautiful parlor,
capacious and furnished with every luxury
of the time. 1t was covered and inclosed
by double glasses in large plates, so that
every object without could be distinctly
seen. Mirrors were also ingeniously ar
ranged so as to multiply and reflect all the
scenes through which they passed. This
imperial sledge, with its gorgeous decora-
tions, was drawn by sixteen horses. A re-
tinue of 1000 sledges Of the nobility fol-
lowed. These were also constructed for the
occasion at a vast expense, and embellished
in the highest style of art The great dig
nitaries Of the empire, ladies and gentlemen,
in snowy costumes, crowded these vehicles,
which were drawn by four, six and eight
horses. Expense seemed to have been ut-
terly disregarded in the preparation OF the
pageant. Every person except the empress
and her guest was dressed In fancy costume
and was masked.
The night was calm and clear; not
breath of air was stirring, and the full
moon rode brilliantly through the star
sprent skies The road, upon which thou
sands OF laborers had been employed to
remove every obstruction, wound along
through valleys, and forests, and noun
tain gorges. Early in the evening, and with
military pecision, the great pag sant swept
from the palace through the streets OF 81.
Petersburg. When two miles from the city
the train passed through triumphaI arch
blazing with variegated light.
EvrTv mile of the drive was thus marked
bv some grand structure which, with its
blaze of light, outshone the splendor OK the
moon, and in the ingenuity OF lts devices,
with flames of every hue, extorted incessant
EXPLANATIONS of wonder and delight. There
were shafts, temples, pyramids. colonnades
Illuminating the wintry scene. opposite
each of these structures Dali rooms we're
reared. the sides composed of double glass,
so that everything within could be dis
tinctlv seen. Here the peasantry were
assembled in each one group or
a few hundred, from some particular prov:
ince of the empire. dressed in the gayest ef
their provincial garb and engaged IN thelT
rustic games and dances. The variety OF
Costumes and of sports was infinite, and
often grotesque and amusing in the highest
decree The sledges wont slowly by, that
ali might witness the entertaining spectacle,
and then passei on 70 the next theatric
show. All the games and national dances
were thus witnessed The national airs
were sung or performed by the best-tralned
bauds. aud all sorts of gymnasuc feats' such
tba figbt and slack rope, were exhibited.
Through such scenes, necessarily re-
naated. the imperial pleasure party rode,
Until a high mountain arose before them,
which was opened to their view through
broad avenue cut in the forest. The noun