Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-09
TO THE CARS MEMORY
An Impressive Service Held in the Russian
Legation Parlors

Profoundly impressive ceremonies were
held at the Russian legation here today in
memory Of Gar Alexander III, whose re-
aims now lie in state at Moscow, soon to
be buried in the imperial tomb Of czars.
President Cleveland and the entire cabi-
net, except Postmaster General Bissell, at
tented. accompanied by Mrs. Cleveland and
the cabinet ladies. The foreign ambassa-
doris and ministers, with their extensive
suites, wearing their rich official and court
dress, were present in a body, lending bril-
liant colors to the solemn occasion. AM
bassador Bayard and ex-Secretary Of State
Foster were also there.
AS no Greek Church exists in Washing
ton the parlors of the legation were for
the time being transformed into a place of
worship, with an altar for the celebra-
ton OF the mass and ritual of the Greek
faith. About the altar were banked great
clusters of white flowers, palms and potted
plants out Of which rose a Greek cross
of crimson velvet bearing on it's arms
mosaics Of the Christ and Madonna The
altar cloths were of rich yellow satin en-
brcidereo in gold, while the censors can
delabra and vessels for the sacrifice were
In the unique oriental workmanship of the
east.
The services began at o'clock this morn
ing with mass. celebrated by Bishop Nico-
las OF the Russian Greek Church, assisted
ny IL Hlcth HlOllh anu Two attendants.
These services, lasting until 10 O'Clock
We're In private, being attended only by
Prince Cantacusene. the Russian minister,
his daughter, and the officials of the Rus
sian legation. AT 10 o'clock the chants and
prayers for the repose of the cars soul
began In the presence Of the President
members Of the cabinet and diplomatic
corps. As each participant in the ceremony
arrived he was given a wax candle to bear
throughout the service. Prince Cantacuzene
met President and Mrs. Cleveland at the
doorway and escorted them to places i'm
mediately alongside the altar The Presi-
dent and his wife each carried candle, as
did Secretary Gresham and all others pres
ent. Next to the President and hi, wife
stood Prince and Princess Cantacuzene.
Then came Secretaries Gresham Carlisle
Lamont Herbert, Morton, Smith and At
tCrney General Olney, each bearing a candle
Back Of them stood Ambassador Patenotre
OF France. In full diplomatic uniform. with
crimson sash from shoulder to hip, and
medals of honor on his breast. Ambassa-
doris Saurma-Jeltsch of Germany, and Fava
of Italy, were also in full uniform, showing
their medals and decorations. The Chinese
minister and suite were in their rich silken
robes. Near them stood Minister Kurino
of Japan and suite, in the black and gold
uniforms Of Japan.
The Corean officials wore their quaint
broad-brimmed hats and silk gowns. These
and the other ministers and officials present
gave representation to every foreign coun-
try having representative in Washington.
AS the chanting began the candles were
lighted, lending weird and picturesque as
pect to the scene. The bishop was robed in
the elaborate vestments of his office, his
tiara being set with mosaics, rubies and
emeralds, woven into jeweled embroideries,
and his red velvSt surplice being wound with
a white satin stole, embroidered with gold
and small jewels. The Greek monk was
robed in lengthy flowing black gown. fall
ing from the top of high headdress, from
which appeared the long and shaggy bearded
face of a typical Cossack Of romance The
bishop and his attendants chanted the ser
vice alternately, the acolytes swinging the
censor until the air was misty with incense.
The service lasted half an hour the candles
being extinguished the chants closed.
after which Prince Cantacuzene escorted
President and Mrs. Cleveland to the door
and the other guests withdrew.