The herald., 1896-05-24
Are Formally Explained by the
State Department
HE LOOKED LIKE FRANKLIN
And the Car Of Russia Was Not
Offended
The Date Of the Coronation Officially An.
nounced to the Russian Peopis-lm-
perial Receptions Continue
Associated Press Special Wire.

WASHINGTON, May 23.-Mr. Breck-
inridge's appearance in uniform during
the coronation yesterday in MOSCOW,
while not perhaps voluntary, 1t is
learned, was at least brought about by
a proper sense of Difference to the strict
requirements of the Russian court cere-
monials. 1t is required that persons
appearing in court on such occasions
shall wear the uniform of their diplo-
matte corps, and il there is no such dis
tinctive uniform that they shall wear a
black evening coat, with metal buttons,
white vest, knee breeches and silk
stockings. Mr.. Breckinridge was early
advised of this requirement and con-
suited the state department as to his
course in the matter. 1t was evident If
the minister was to attend the cere-
monies at all he must comply with this
requirement or else make an issue that
1t would not be in good taste to raise at
SUCH a time, so he was permitted to
wear this style of garments, which, after
all, is as near the garb in which Franklin
made his appearance in the brilliant
courts of Europe as modern practices
will permit.
FORMAL NOTICE
MOSCOW, May 23-The date of the
coronation Of the czar. May rs, was for
mally proclaimed by heralds at o'clock
this morning. and the ceremony will be
= n
strong detachment Of cavalry surround
ed the approaches to the Kremlin. The
general commanding stood in the mid
die, facing the troops around him. wear
ing a rich costume, as did also the secre-
tar1es OF the senate, several masters Of
the coronation ceremonies and heralds.
AT given signal the heralds blew loud
blast on their trumpets, the people
bowed their heads and the secretary Of
state read the following proclamation:
our most august, most high and most
mighty sovereign, having assembled the
hereditary throne of the empire of all
the Russias. and of the kingdom of Po-
land and the Grand Duchy of Finland,
which Is inseparable from it, has been
pleased to ordain, in imitation of all his
predecessors and glorious ancestors.
tnat the sacred solemnity Of the corona
ton and conservation of his imperial
majesty. which his majesty wills his
august consort shall share, shall, by the
grace of the Almighty, take place on the
26th Of May. Moreover, his majesty or
da1ns that his august consort, the EN-
press Alexandra Feodorovna. be asso-
ciated with this sacred act.
BY the present proclamation, there
fore, this solemn act is announced to all
tne 1altnfui subjects of his majesty, to
tne end that on this auspicious day they
may send to the king of the Russias
most fervent prayers and implore the
Almighty One to extend his blessing
TO the reigning majesty. to the main
tenance of peace and tranquility, to the
very great glory of his holy name and
10 tne unchanging veal Of the empire -
COPIES OF the proclamation printed on
folio vellum. beautifully Illuminated
ana adorned with arms, monogram ana
insignia of the emperor, were scattere5 4
through the crowd. There was a wild
scramble to obtain them. On May 25th
the ceremony of transferring the legal
lin will take place and the same dow
their majesties will remove from the
Aiexandrinsky palace to the grant
kremlin palace. Special mass viii he
celebrated during the evening in ali the
churches. The coronation will take
place In the Cathedral of the Ass,mn-
sian empire S ANuS-
Prince Lebanon Rostovsky. the Rms.
sian minister for foreign affairs gave a
rout party yesterday at which all the
imperial and foreign princes. the sne-
c1al ENJOYS and members of the diplo-
lnatlc corps: etc, were present The
scene was brilliant one and the festiv.
tiles lasted until very late.
AN interesting event occurred today
when the infantry guard composed of
Two OF the Oldest and most famous reg
lments of Preobajousky and Semen
ousky, formed by Peter the Great with
colors flying and commanded by Grand
Duke Constantine, visited the villa ages
whose names they bear. The inhabi-
tents of the villages where these regi
ments had their origin met the various
military companies outside the respect
i've towns and prayers were offered in
behalf of the troops by the entire popu-
iation. Afterward the soldiers were
feted by the natives of the different
villages.
The imperial receptions continue to-
day. Many of the ambassadors and 9TH
er dignitaries who will attend the coro-
nation were present.