The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-05-07

half past 10 the clergy entered the room
followed by the twelve Oldest poor men
of Vienna flor whom tbs service is per-
formed). dressed in old German costume
black, with white cape collars and knee
breaches.
Many of the aged men were quite
feeble, and were assisted to their chairs
by their relatives, who stood behind
them during the service. Earlier In the
morning the Emperor, Francis Joseph l.,
accompanied by his suite, attended hlgh
mass in the royal chapel, and upon MS
return entered the hall, followed by
his cousin, nephews and large cortege.
The Emperor wore the uniform Of
General of Infantry, and took his place
the number thirteen, while in the rear
stood thirteen of his bodyguard. Then
appeared from an anteroom twelve of the
nobility, each carrying tray contain
ing the first course of a feast to be served
to tho kaiser's guests. The dishes were
all placed upon the table by the Emperor
himself, but no soonsr had he done this
than, with the assistance of his brother
and the Archdukes, he replaced them
upon trays held by the thirteen guards,
who removed them. 1t seemed a little
hard on the old men to see the tempting
yiands SO quickly taken away, but we
learned later that each one received at his
were made for this occasion. as it had
been found that the dinner was much
more enjoyed in this way than before
suoh grand EAmblage. The repast
was beautifully prepared and handsome
ly garnished, served in four courses, each
presented and removed in the manner de-
scribed, after which the tables were taken
away.
Footmen then removed the shoes and
stockings from the old men and spread
over their knees long white linen roll,
after which the chaplain began the gospel
for the day. At the words set caepit
lavare pedes discipuloru1n" the Emperor
knelt and began the ceremony Of the
foot washing" one prelate holding
The Emperor continued knseling until
he had performed this service of humili-
ty for each Of the twelve, after which he
took from salver silken bags, each con-
tanning thirty pieces Of silver, and hung
one about the neck of each OF the CID
men. This ended the service, but we
fingered long enough to see these honored
be sent nome in the care of members of
the Kaiser's bodyguard, carrying the
sizeable wooden chest of provisions and
a large flask of wine. When the EN-
press is at home she performs a similar
service for the twelve Oldest poor women
of Vienna, but in case she ia not, as hap
pened this year, they are not present at
the ceremonial, but receive at their home
an equal share Of the royal bounty. 1t is
not uncommon later to find these royal
gifts in an antiquarian's shop-tho origi-
nal recipients frequently desiring the
forms they will bring more than the dis
tinction Of possessing the gifts them
selves.
The men,'and women who can count
more than 100 years are annually includ :
ed in this royal invitation, but the ma
jority of them receive this honor but
once. This year the Oldest was Sc. and
the youngest 8S years of age. This cere-
mony, in remem brance of the Last Sup
per. was originally observed in monaste.
ries and cathedrals centuries ago, and
later was adopted by the nobility and the
Catholic courts.