The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-25
CORONATION SPLENDOR.
GOrgeOus surroundings Amidst
which the Car VIII BE Crowned.

London Letter in New York Sun.
Europe is already turning its eyes toward
Moscow in anticipation OF the all-surpassing
splendors amid which the Gar of-a.l the
Russias will assume the emblem of his auto
cratic power a month hence. Several poten-
tates from distant parts of the earth have
already begun their journeys to the ancient
capital, where for three weeks civilization
and barbarism will vie with each other in
prodigal display Of their spectacular re-
sources. The late Car had scarcely been
buried, eighteen months ago, when prepare
ions were begun for making the coronation
of his successor the most imposing ceremony
which the modern world has seen. The work
has gone on quietly. almost secretly, ever
since. Only within the past month have the
] plans for the transformation of the old city
everywhere become manifest. Now 1t Is APP
parent that nothing in the history OF the
Christian era can compare in grandeur and
magnihcence with the coming coronation OF
Nicolas ii.
The Official programme of the festivities
has Just been made known. A train. which
will be the finest that ever rode the rails.
will convey the Car and Czarina from st.
Petersburg to Moscow on May Is 1t viii
run between a double guard of soldiers. sta
toned along the four hundred miles OF rails
between the two cities. The railroad, Tor
that matter, will be reserved for government
purposes for an entire month, from April ~
until May q. No attempt will be made 10
do general business in that time, and the
travelling public must take Its chances. In
that it has not a fraction OF the rolling
stock which would be necessary TO convey
the passengers who would go TO Moscow IL
they could, and It is, therefore, calmly. de-
cided not to try to carry ordinary travellers,
except incidentally, when the government
requirements permit. It is Just as well for
body who has not already engaged quar-
tiers will be able to find a bed in MOSCOW
for love or money during the coronation
period.
The solemn entry of their imperial Males
ties to Moscow will take place on the 5ist:
This wonderful pageant will be the cher
feature of the festivities for the general pub
lie. The Russian government alone has spent
more than a million dollars in preparing Tor
it. while the magnificent e~qulpages OF emDas-
sailors. foreign rulers and tributary princes
will add much to the pomp and splendor.
The chariots, jewels, costumes, ETC.. which
will pass IS T down : the from Iye sha Petr S,ns T pan
ace to the Kremlin, will, II Is estimated, rep
resent a value of twenty-million dollars. Ia
Hung Chang. TOT instance Win wear Inc
never before have been taken out OF China,
Several Ural, Circassian and Asiatic princes.
of whom the western world seldom hears,
will be there with splendid r%etinues, all bear
ing evidences of the lavish and barbaric
wealth of their resources. The only thing
this procession are the prices charged for a
vantage spot from which to view 1t. The
figures are sickenins. and l refrain from
quoting them.
The coronation itself takes place on the
18th, in the Cathedral of the Assumption. 1t
is a pity that the ceremony cannot AXE pace
in Moscow's superb Cathedral OF the Savior.
a magnificent temple which accommodates
fourteen thousand persons and which cost
$500, 900. The Cathedral of the Assumption
Kremlin-a sort Of citadel. including palaces.
churches, armories ard fortress. 1t Is dif1-
cult TO understand how five hundred persons
but ii Is planned to crowd into its limited
space no less than a thousand representa-
tives of the worlds rulers. The imperial
dais has been erected In the center OF the
cathedral, and the throne will be placed
about seven feet above the floor. reached by
a dozen short steps The members OF the
The Gar Is always self-crowned. He re-
ceives the magnificent bauble from the bishop
and places 1t upon his own head.
The Russian crown scarcely needs descrip-
ton. as 1t Is among the most famous OF
jewels. 1t consists of two parts, symbolic
ing the Eastern and Western empires. The
which are attached five diamonds in the
form Of a cross. The value Of the emblem
Is 81, 000.0 600. Besides the crown the most re-
markable. If not the most valuable. Russian
imperial jewel is the sceptre. executed in ac-
cordance with the orders OF the Car Paul
for his coronation In April. 1871. Its chief
This celebrated gem. about the size OF a
pigeons egg. has its tale of romance, in
trigue and crime, which place 1t alongside
of the Kohinoor for Una interest. while
for size and beauty IL holds a first rank
among European diamonds. 1t once con-
stituted one of the eyes of a famous idol.
from which it was piundered by a French
deserter and sold to an English sea captain.
from him II passed TO a London Jew, who
t< -. - n 80 ~ nnrnG ~ me
The Empress, however. considered the price
asked for IL too high. 1t was afterward
bought by Prince Orion for 100000 francs.
Later on the Prince presented the gem as
a gift to Catherine.
Following the coronation ceremony Will be
the illumination Of Moscow for three success
sive evenings. This spectacle Is expected to
be only less brilliant than the burning of
Rome for Nero's amusement This feature
alone OF the celebration will cost the imperial
treasury more than a million dollars, with
out counting the vast expenditure by the city
of Moscow and the citizens. For the first
time nr1nc,e elec,riclty IN will tb,s Play feature a part az And ihe
coronation celebration. No less than half a
million lights will blaze In the Kremlin alone.
glare, will represent monster open-petalled
fuchsias. depending alone and in punches
from ornate poles and other supports. while
many of the other designs for turning night
Into day are unique and artistic.
The remaining public feature Is the inn
perial bali. Nominally the newly-crowned
as his guests at this function. and mingles
with them as an equal. As a matter of fact,
the most elaborate precautions will be taken
to prevent the admission of anyone whose
antecedents. are not well known and salts
factory. Nih.lism Is not yet dead in Russia.
The other festival items are the ball given
by the French ambassador on the 30th, the
Austrian ambassadors ball on the 31st. the
ball OF the Governor-general of Moscow on
on the Sd and a musical soiree at the Ger
mar embassy on the 5th. the departure OF
the Car and Czarina for St. Petersburg
after the banquet 10 the town authorities OF
Moscow on Tune z. bringing the festivities to
a close. and the bill for all this, that portion
of IL. l mean. which the imperial treasury
viii pay. Is estimated at not less than $780,
600 roubles, or about $1 10000.