The Topeka state journal., 1897-04-28
Ruler of Austria Visits the
Gar of Russia.
Drink TOasts to Each Other and
Exchange Compliments.
THEY TALK OF PEACE.
The Real Object of Their Visit
VIII Appear Later.
Both Speeches Are Delivered
in French.

st. Petersburg, April 2s.-Emperor
Francis Joseph of Austro- Hungary has
conferred high decorations upon several
of the Russian grand dukes and minis
ters of state. He has appointed the
Grand Duke Nicholas honorary COM
mander of a Hungarian regiment.
Last evening the czar received Count
Goluchowski, the Austro- Hungarian
foreign minister. who had previously
conferred with Count Muravieff, the
Russian foreign minister, and NJ. De
Witte. the Russian minister of finance.
Later his majesty entertained En-
perOr Francis Joseph, Count GOluchow-
ski, Count Muravieff and M. De Witte,
together with the foreign ambassadors,
at q banquet in the winter palace. Two
hundred and tWenty-three guests were
present.
The two emperOrs occupied the CEN
trail position at the table, which was ar
ranged in the form OF 4 horseshoe, ana
toasted each other amid great enthus-
iasm. The floral display was very
elaborate and the magnificent plate of
the Russian imperial house was used.
The ear in tOaSting Emperor Francis
Joseph said: we are greatly rejOiced
at the presence of your majesty among
US 1 feel impe1led to thank you for
this fresh proof of the sincere friend
ship which unIteS US our friendship
is strengthened by the community of
our views and principles, which aim
TO assure to our people all the benefits
of peace. Your majesty is aware of
the warm sentiments 1 entertain 1OT
you and of the very special value l
place upon the complete solidarity be-
tween US In pursuit of this great{ aim
I 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;
Il am deeply touched by this hearty
and warm greeting, and to 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. 1 readily see in this
kind reception fresh proof of the close
friendship that entWines US, a friend
ship grounded on sentiments of recip-
rOcal regard, which constitutes for our
peoples a powerful and sure guarantee
of peace and prosperity. shall always
deem myself happy in being able TO
count upon your support, ana, with a
firm conviction that the success Of our
joint effort 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 conferred orders,
wore the decorations, Count GOluchOw-
ski wearing the decoration of the Order
of st. Andrew, which Emperor Nicholas
personally gave him during the ban
quet
The two emperOrs cOnversed with
animation while the function was in
progress. a reception followed, at
which the czar cOnversed at length
with the Austrian ambassador ana
Count Goluchowski with Baron Beck
Emperor Francis Joseph confined his
conversation almost exclusively to
Count Muravieff and the other Rus-
sian ministers. The palace was beauti-
fully decorated.