New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-20

ALEXANDER III. CZAR OF RUSSIA.
do but to put themselves upon exhibition and en-
dure the exactions Of the cold. damp and alto
gether disagreeable weather until the funeral was
over.
The morning opened cold and foggy. There
was no rain, but a thick mist Overhung the
streets. and the embems Of mourning every
where displayed were dripping with the moisture.
The popuace were astir before daylight and all
the morning lines of people kept conversng upon
the Fortress Cathedral OF St. Peter and 81. Paul,
where the booming Of cannon announced the be-
ginning Of the funeral services. The troops
which had been told off for duty at daybreak
took their positions promptly. and the thorough
fares were soon lined with infantry. cavalry and
artillery. From o'clock until the hour Of the
funeral there was a continuous flow of State car
riages conveying the high officials who were max
Ing haste to take possession Of the places in the
Cathedral which had been allotted 10 them.
Ats o'clock this morning when the newspaper
corresponlents were allowed 10 enter the Cathe-
dral il was scarcely light a few massive candles
near the bier gave forth hickerng rays; but even
these together with the lights hanging before
the sacred icons made the whole interior OF the
edifce a scene Of glitterng magnfcence. The
pillars throughout the church were covered with
silver and gold wreaths, and thefe were nearly
thousand other wreaths hung about the walls
These with the rich draperies and the graceiu
canopy over the bier and dais. formed a beautifu
centre all blending with the simple and solid
decoration Of the Cathedral The wreaths sent
hv the varioue rulers throughout Europe were
placed about the dais. The most artistic wreath
however was that Of the Russian Army. which
occupied prominent place upon the dais' II
was massive silver wreath, with silver ana
In, ha
golden palm which crossed the whole piece
GATHERING IN THE CATHEDRAL
The grave five feet deep. was uncovered at
$50 O'clock and entirely lined with flowers. Al
this hour the assembly began gradually to con
gregate and brilliant uniforms and court cos
tunes could be seen on all sides. Nearly all
those present. even civilians. wore ght'efihe
orders. and white. gray blue and green uni
forms mingled with the ladies' Court costumes OF
black, with trains. Each Of the Court iao'eS
wore a silver medal upon her breast. AT S:4o
O'clock the candles upon the altar and around
the bier were lighted and the guard Of Generals
assumed ,bcir places upon the dais near the foot
Of the cofir. At this hour the Cathedral was
half-flled and by 10 O'Clock, within nan an houi
Of the time fixed for the beginning oi the lunei"i
services the ediice was densely cr"""eo' Al
that moment the large choir suddenly puTS' i"'o
an anthem Such glorious music, no ihs'ru-
mental music accompanying II, mas never oee"
heard in a Greek Church. chant followed 'he
anthem. and for some time the chanting was the
only sound heard, when prayers ana respoiSe'
again aternated until 1890 O'clock
At this hour the time announced ior the DE-
ginning OF the solemn mass for the uedu' 'iie
guns announced the arrival Of car Nlchoi"' -
and the Imperial family. The MeTopoH'd" VI
st. Petersburg and the Archimandriles OF he
Holy Synod received the Car ana the o'he' p'''
opal mourners at the west door. Pllor u '''
cepion OF the Emperor the Metropol'"" ''''
the other members OF the Greek hleia'c"S' ~
IN white chasubles an" wearing mtres "V'
!ewelled domes walked. with hghten o""'''
'aree times around the bier. Having peilo' ''''
uls ceremony they marched 10 the doof' "u
ey the Grand Master of Ceremonies COUNT '"
4 ohzof-DachkoN The Emperor ana the i"p'
iamiiy then walked into the church' anu -
eeded by the Metropolitan and the me'loe'' -
"e Holy Synod. all OF them magnihceh''y '''
"a Vestments Of black and silver passed 'i'oue
.ne body OF the ediice toward the oais'
4 %euopolitan carried the great crucihN DR. "@
N"ei OF the Holy Synod. and az the proce'''D'
passed toward the catafalque he sprinKiea no''
wafer upon those about him. at the same "''''
l 1uoy repeating a prayer
At noon the guards around the bier were
ansed. and the priests were groupeu aio""'
' mead OF the coffin as the thousands Oh 'ape''
'e hghted. each mourner and VISITOR ho"'"e
one. The scene was one Of solemn magnificence'
- 'aoin or never witnessed in Christian c""'.
me first taper was lighted by the Gear All
Nesent were standing. the Gear with the I'M
e''ai family and the visiting royalties on 'he