The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-26
A ROYAL FOOT WASHER.
An Imposing Ceremony at Which
Austria's Emperor Oficiates.
New York Press.

screen Thursdak" the day before Good
Friday, is observed by the Emperor Francis
Joseph of Austria in a peculiar way. The
Emperor in the presence of a brilliantly at
tired retinue, washes the feet of twelve
old men, representing the twelve apostles,
after which he hangs a silken bag hlled
with money about their neckS. An eye
witness of this ceremony held a year ago
in Vienna thus described it to Press re-
porter:
about two hundred persons were as
sembled in the hall where the ceremony
was to take place, when at IL o'clock sharp
and mosaic floor announced the coming of
his Majesty and suite. At the same time
twelve venerable old men filed into the
apartment taking their seats on a dais,
on which arm chair had been placed for
each one. They looked somber and thought
full with their flowing white hair and
boards. They wore white WOODEN robes
reaching to their feet and cape of the
same material. Their naked feet were en-
cased in white slippers without heels In
addition they sported white kid gloves,
which appeared to me strangely out of
place.
Again the peculiar knocking was heard.
and turning toward the entrance l beheld
the master of ceremonies. He was dressed
in eighteenth century fashion, very gor-
geous and unbecoming and carried gided
staff, such as we observe occasionally in
fairy ballets on the stage as the attribute
of a good evil genius. The count, for
such he was, had his back toward the on
lockers, and he came into the room, crab
fashion. he struck the floor with his staff
The Emperor and a host of archdukes fol-
lowed and walked TO the throne where his
Majesty took his seat, while some of the
NAMED standing. They were all in their
regimentals, spurred and dragging long
swords behind them. One of the princes
even had a cartridge box at his side.
When all had taken their respective posi-
tons the bishops and priests began TO say
mass at the high altar. temporarily erected
opposite the throne. After the mass the
master of ceremonies led the high priest
before the throne with many courtesies.
Emperor and the prince bishop, and pres
emily Francis Joseph walked down and
across the room TO where the old men were
when he stood almost before them the
Emperor handed his hat to a functionary
who received it and then looked around for
somebody TO take charge of it. Three
highly decorated persons aspired to this
office. but the master OF ceremonies, with
a magnificent sweep of his stick, motioned
them back, and a fourth party, all smiles,
hove into sight and to him the precious
chapeau was finally delivered. Meanwhile
one Of the priests had turned over a silver
pitcher said TO contain water from the river
Jordan TO the master of ceremonies who
thereupon gave up his STAFF and assumed
the duties of a common lackey A gentle
man in prieStly robes Joined him. holding in
both hands q golden vessel. Finally a func-
tionary called the general intendant came
up with a dozen or more towels bearing
the Emperor's initials and crown worked
in yellow silk.
FRANCIS Joseph commenced the foot
washing the senior Of the twelve men.
The following ceremonial was observed:
The master of ceremonies handed the
pitcher 10 his Majesty. and while the priest
held the golden vessel under the foot of one
of the men the Emperor poured a small
quantity of water over the toes Of the
victim. Then the man with the towel APP
peared. bowed low three times ratified his
sword and gave the Emperor the linen,
which Francis Joseph applied to the wet
FOOT in rather perfunctory style. Then
ne passed to the next old man. while an
ancient prelate. the "stifts-propSt," kissed
the foot thus cleanSed.
when his Majesty got through with No.
u a host of functionaries appeared with
golden vessels and bowls TO give him a
chance 10 wash his hands. This over the
Emperor again took his seat the throne,
while the unhappy official having charge
Of his hat emerged from the background
TO hand him that piece of wearing apparel
on his Blended knee. The priests after that
conducted another series of musical ser
| vices at the high altar and finally tn
| archbishop pronounced the blessing with
great pomp and ceremony.
The twelve old men kept their seats al
the time. No sooner had the blessing been