The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-09-20
MEMORIES OF THE CORONATION.
MOscOw-The Prominence of Lii
Hung Chang.


MOscOw-The Prominence of Lii
Hung Chang.
From the New York Tribune.
A Tribune reporter yesterday met
Creighton Webb, who has recently re-
turned from Russia, where he assisted
officially at the coronation ceremonies at
Moscow. The reporter, taking up the topic
of the hour asked Mr.. Webb: Ibid you
see Ii Hung Chang while you were in
Moscow
''Of course" was the answer. although
the city was full of royal personages from
all parts of Europe, heirs apparent and
others whose names are known all over
the civilized world as synonymous with
rank, power or brains, there was no one
there so conspicuous or who excited such
universal interest as the great viceroy.
The Marquis Yamagata, with his laures
fresh upon him, the reorganizer of an
army, almost the regenerator of a race
the successful hero who brought a winter
campaign, an invasion by sea of an enc
mys country, to a successful termination
even he in comparison with the splendid
old statesman of the yellow Jacket, was
relegated to a second place in the popular
interest.
THE viceroy arrived from the frontier
in the private car of the Empress of Rus
STA, with all the state, pomp
and circumstances befitting his
high rank and distinction. You
have doubtless heard how the great
Chinese tea merchant of Moscow altered
the entire facade of his house, changing
1t into a beautiful Chinese palace, cover
ing the lintels and cornices with dragons,
lions and all sorts of fantastic Chinese
decorations. This he placed at the dis
posal Of the viceroy and his suite. There
| II was that he gave audience to- all the
| Oriental magnates who had come to at
| tend the coronation. 1t was not my good
| fortune to be present on this occasion, but
1t was described TO me by one who was
there, distinguished New York lawyer
and ex-soldier who, by the simple cour-
tesy and ease of his manners, and by the
quiet dignity with which he bore his splen-
did presence added greatly to the pres
tige of the American mission.
The viceroy, 1t seems, received regal hon
ors from his guests being seated on q
throne at the end of the great room. Much
as he means to us and to Europe he
meant infinitely more to the Orientals in
Moscow as the representative of the
mightiest nation In Asia. That same in
tense interest in all serious subjects of
the day which the vceroy is said to have
shown in Germany, France and England
and which i hear he has already shown in
this country, he manifested in Moscow.
He went to the great Russian exposition
at Mini Novgorod. and there he is said to
have proved himself a fitting rival OF Dom
Pedro of Brazil in the keen intelligence
with which he propounded questions
which went TO the very root of every sub
ject in which he became interested"
How did he rank with the other ambas-
sadors?" was asked.
"He ranked above them all. owing to his
being vicerogal. He was, of course, the
recipient Of many special marks Of i'm
perial favor"
what were the most notable features
of the coronation ceremonies?" was in
quired
"Wen for one thing, the Orientals. to
whom 1 have referred. The Orient was
far more completely represented than was
Europe. Persians, Turcomans, Afghans.
the Khan of Khiva. the Emir of Bokhara.
Coreans, Siamese. Burmese Indian
princes, wild men from the Hills, Thibe-
tan chiefs, Thibetan lamas the heads of
wild nomad tribes from Siberia I'm fact.
representatives Of every race owning a
foot OF land in Asia were brought togeth-
| er to witness the might, majesty and end
less resources of Russia.
J VERY many Of these delegates had