The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-06

likewise Captain Dorst, military a~ttache;
Mrs. Dorst and Mr.. Townsend, secretary OF
the legation. In other loges were English,
Japanese and others of the diplomatic
corps, and in a prominent loge several pre-
lates in purple robes.
In front of this row of loges was a raised
platform on which was a table laid for
twelve guests, the seats for the twelve be-
ing only on one side of the table, as all the
paintings of THE Last Supper give the
scene.
AT 10 O'Clock the doors are closed to in
viteG guests. Then enter, one after an
other, groups of high functionaries, among
them the chaplain of the court, in splendid
vestments, whose duty it Is to read the APP
propriate passages from the Scriptures dur
lighted candles, stand on either side of
the reading desk arranged at one end of
the hall. Colonies and captains, high and
made TO stand back and in line on this,
for to-day only those of higher grade are
Then hobble in the twelve old men. Such
another group of the lean and slippered"
1t would be hard to find. They have been
chosen in part from among the almshouse
folk, according to their age as well as
worthiness. The oldest to-day was 10l years
of age, and all looked pathetically worthy.
Two attendants aided each old man to his
place at table, and had a personal care of
him throughout. The aged men were
dressed in the garb of Spanish pilgrims
sandals. soft felt fiat hats, the brim widest
In front and behind, these also black, and
broad white plated collars.
Next enter the twelve archdukes chosen
to assist in the
Lastly we see enter a quiet, gray-haired
man in the sixties. He wears the uniform
of general. He is simple apd modest in
his bearing and action. 1t Is Francis Jo-
seph, Emperor of Austria, King Of Bohe-
mia s1n and ,b ApSgs sSs kim King S Of iHtun MsTgea the
feet of the disciples the Popes have some
times initiated the Master. h is the
observed the custom He enters and takes
end Of the table. Directly enter twelve
scarlet and gold. each bearing a tray on
which are various dishes of food They
of the twelve, but remain at the foot Of the
raised .dais. The Emperor takes the dishes
from each tray and places them before the
guests at table. The guard retire with
archdukes advance. mount the plat
form and stand in line close to
They remain there but a moment before
up steps the bodyguard with empty trays,
removes the dishes from the table to the
tray. when off marches the guard in swift
military step to the ante-chamber. The
archdukes then step. back to- their places.
shortly in comes the guard with trays
bearing the second course Again the EN-
Peror with his own own hands places the food
dukes appear, standing for a moment as il
about to serve; again steps up the guard,
OH goes the secODu COURSE anu SO II goes
through four courses.
Meanwhile the twelve old people only look
at the incoming and swiftly vanishing good
les during the time the remon passes.
But it is comforting to know that as a re-
ward for what must from the nature Of
the case be a most tantalizing ordeal all
these appetiZing dishes that we see so
pompously brought in only to disappear are
really sent to the almshouse after the
ceremonial.
The next event is the appearance of a
tray IN which are a vase and bowl, all Of
gold. borne by a dienitary.. another fol-
lowing with a salver of napkins of finest
damask. The chaplain at this m be-
gins informing: Verify. 1 say unto you,
the master is not greater than the serv-
ant" etc. Others pour water over the feet
of the old men. the large golden bowl
placed underneath to receive the water,
and the Emperor, kneeling, wipes with a
napkin the feet of each OF the twelve In
turn.
The ceremony ended. the brother Of the
Emperor brings a tray containing twelve
purses OF white leather, suspended on gilt
chains. each containing thirty-two pieces OF
silver. The Emperor places one OF them
about the neck of each old man. and this
closes the remon Of the {"Fusswasch-
ing"