The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-24
THIRTEEN MILES OF TABLES.
The Feast Provided at the Coronation
of Alexander III.

of Alexander III.
London Telegraph.
At the coronation of Alexander III there
were no less than thirteen miles of tables
Khodynsky Field. just outside of the city;
and on the eve OF the historic day they were
covered with various kinds of eatables for
the multitude Thus, on each table were
placed five roasted sheep. the horns gilt or
silvered. and on either aide of the improvised
tables stood frs or>pines, like the traditional
Christmas trees Of the Germans, from which
hung, not merely the usual apples. pears.
sweetmeats and fancy breads, but likewise
roasted ducks. chickens and hens galore
There were not plates. it is true, but In lieu
thereof the favorite Moscow fancy breads,
known as kalatshee and votrooshky, were
found in abundance. In like manner the
venerable old saying was acted upon that
fingers were made before forks, and hands
before knives" The Russians are not an
and they prefer any kind of beverage TO in
sipid water. But no government with the
wholesome fear of bankruptcy before it's
eyes would dream of undertaking to supply
the people with alcoholic liquor in sufficient
quantities. To make up for all deficiencies
in this respect, therefore, barrels and tubs
OF water were placed within easy reach of
the thirsty mooshiks who might be unlucky
enough TO miss their share of the creature
comforts, par excellence, which were also
supplied In vast quantities free of charge.
Between the tables and at intervals along
the thirteen miles for which they extended,
lofty arabesque-covered fountains were
erected, whose capacfOuS. reservoirs were
filled to overlooking with Crmean wine and
the curious drink called myod. The national
vodka. however, was conspicuous by its alb
sence.
Foreigners who beheld this Pantagruellan
banquet wondered whether all these viands
would be really eaten at the appointed time,
and asked themselves how long IL would
take and whether there would be ..shindy''
on the occasion. Two well-kncwn diplomat
lists, who are still living and thriving, came
ton day. just to watch the unwonted sight
of the feasting OF the million. The meal was
advertised to begin at noon sharp, but the
hour of the raw damp morning and stood
patiently for hour after hour with watering
last came " down in torrents), waiting for the
signal TO fan TO. But IL was never given.
The two diplomatists, who still tell the
noon, and took their places on the stands
which were made to accommodate about
%. 900 spectators. One of these. who is DOW
whether he did not think that the rain would
spoil the favor of the fancy bread and pas
try. To which the other. a far-sighted Dip
black with thousands of people standing on
them and craning their necks. There is no
to ss II ali
even IL o'clock there had been a
r nam .seep. ducks o0nc Chickens and
hens, trees and water tubs disappeared as in
the transformation scene of the Cinderella
pantomime. They were taken in and done
for It was all the work of few seconds.
eye-vitnesses aver. Nobody ever knew why
or how ii came to pass. Some said that the
Tag which was to have made known to the
people the arrival of the Car was hoisted
tentatively. just to see whether it was in
working order, at 3 o'clock, and that the
mooshiks, who kept 20 more correct ac-
count of the time than was furnished by the
state OF their stomachs. hailed 1t as the APP
| pointed signal and attacked the eatables.
| The fountains Of wine, however. were not
| allowed to play until past l o'clock. When
the authorities ordered the wine cannon"
| as It was called, TO be fired of. there was a
| wild rush Of the thirsty people. a few shrill
| cries the wipipg OF thousands of lips on
| man, -colored coat sleeves, and all was over.
| Fifteen seconds saw the fountains dry up.
| Some of the peasants whom / questioned
| later on were unable TO tell me whether
what they had drunk was myod, wine or
| ouaSs But after this the feast OF folly and
| the flow Of soul commenced IN real earnest,
| the public plays. the popular games. the
| climbing up smooth poles. the Wild dances
and rough horseplay. An tho world and his
| wife were there with olive branches IN
Vulnerable and the miracle a. that 20 few
: we're killed. MANNED or hurt