New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-04-28
THE GUEST OF THE GAR.
FRANCIS JOSEPH ENTERTAINED IN ST.
PETERSBURG.

THE FOREIGN MINISTER'S OF AUSTRIA AND
RUSSIA IN coNrERENcE-A GRAND STATE
BANQUET LAST NIGHT.
ST. Petersburg April 27-The imperial train
having on board Emperor Francis Joseph OF
Austria. Archduke Otto, Count Gouchowski' the
Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs. and theit
suites arrived here to-day. The Car, the
Grand dukes and the principal state officials
met the imperial party at the railroad station.
where guard Of honor Of the Kexholm Grena-
diers. OF which regiment Emperor Francis
Joseph is honorary colonel. was drawn up on
the platform. After cordial greetings had been
exchanged. the two Emperors, the Grand-dukes
and the suites drove to the Anitchkoff Palace,
escorted by two squadrons Of cavalry and visit
ed the Dowager Empress Of Russia. Then they
went to the Winter Palace heartily cheered by
the crowds assembled. On reaching the Winter
Palace, where Emperor Francis Joseph will be
quartered during his stay here, a salute of
thirty-one guns was fired The weather was
magnificent.
Emperor Francis Joseph has conferred high
decorations upon several of the Russian Grand
dukes and Ministers of State. He has APP
pointed the Grand duke Nicholas honorary com
mander of a Hungarian regiment.
This evening the Car received Count Golu-
chowsk the Austro- Hungarian Foreign Minis
ter who had previously conferred with Count
Muravief the Russian Foreign Minister. and VI.
de Witte the Russian Minister Of Finance.
Later His Majesty entertained the Emperor
Francis Joseph, Count Goluchowski. Count Mu-
ravieff and NJ. de White, together with the For
eign Ambassadors at a banquet in the Winter
Palace. Two hundred and twenty-three guests
were present The two Emperors occupied CEN
trail places at the table. which was arranged in
the form Of horseshoe. and toasted each other
amid great enthusiasm. The floral display was
elaborate and the magnificent plate Of the
Russian Imperial House used for the serv
ice.
The Car. in toasting Emperor Francis Joseph,
said: I'VE are greatly rejoiced at the presence
Of Your Majesty among us. | feel impelled 10
thank you for this fresh proof Of the sincere
friendship which untes us. our friendship Is
strengthened by the community of our views
and principles, which aim to assure to our peo-
pies all the benefits Of peace. Your Majesty is
aware of the warm sentiments ! entertain for
you and of the very special value place upon
the complete solidarity between us in pursuit Of
this great aim. drink to the health of Your
Majesty. the health of the Empress and Of the
whole imperial family"
Emperor Francis Joseph. replying to the
Car, said: 81 am deeply touched by this
hearty and warm greeting and by the many
attentions we have received since we crossed
the border Of your State The thought nearest
my heart is TO express to Your Majesty my
warmest and most sincere thanks. | readily
see in this kind reception a fresh proof Of the
close friendship that entwines us, friendship
grounded in sentiments of reciprocal regard
and loyalty, which constitute for peoples
powerful and sure guarantee of peace and
prosperity shall always consider myself happy
in being able to count upon your support: and
with firm conviction that the success of our
joint efforts Is assured. drink to the health of
Your Majesty and the Imperial family"
Both speeches were delivered in French. All
the guests who were the recipients of newly con-
ferred orders wore the decorations. Count Golu-
chowsh wearing the decoration Of the Order of
St. Andrew, which the Emperor Nicholas per-
sonally gave him at an audience Immediately
preceding the banquet.
The two Emperors conversed with animation
while the function was in progress. A reception
followed. at which the Car conversed at length
with the Austrian Ambassador and Count Golu-
chowski with Baron Beck. The Emperor Fran
els Joseph confined his conversation almost ex-
clusivey to Count Muravieff and the other Rus
sian Ministers. The palace beautifully il
Illuminated