New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-02-07

travels TO their own people their vie intime is idy
iic Nc other word will describe it, and even that is
hardly expressive enough. Those who were fam-
far with the austere forms of Court life. as II was
understood under the late Car AFFIRM that new
since Nikoai Aexandrovitch settled down TO his
duT,n me and Solemn silence for the re-
mander of the year. Now It embraces everything
that possesses human interest; science iettSrs;
and one other arts d'agrement. pastimes and judi
all their places under the fructifyinG light which Is
reflected from the throne.
The Czarna. of course Is the soul Of everything
that is cheerful. gOOd-Or. AZ least she was until
her delicate state of health compelled her tempo
rariy to withdraw from the buzz of pleasure. One
OF the perennial sources of amusement and delight
for the very few who we're both called and chosen
was her drawing pencil for she is a born carr;
Caturis If there one. Fun, wit and
humor continually bubblinG up through her
black-lead. Gavarni would have gladly signed macy
OF the Empress's sketches if he living to-day.
but for long time her highly developed talent was,
Scripturally speaking, hidden away in the earth
that is to say II was not applied 10 actual persons
and events. Her Majesty possessed certain albums
which she had brought with her from Darmstadt
were cmbalmed in stingess ridicule These
sketches were known and appreciated in the inner
ference, and here the matter rested.
Some time ago the Car. DESTROYS OF an enjoyable
little gallery of his courtiers. the eccentrCities
of some of whom would inspire the leas; gifted
draughtsman induced his consort TO shoot folly
Thereupon a series of caricaturos was begun which,
OF Homeric laughter from all those who are -
quainted with the originals. one OF tho furne5I of
them all is said to be germ In it, way. ana 10
delineate a wise but vain parsonage whose per
petual boast II and is that, fortunately for
hin self his features do not lend thcmselvcS -
carcaturc." Lend themselves" said Of the
dgnitares who saw the sketch; why, they entreat
the paSscrby 10 caricature them. from the tip Of
The nose TO the turn of the ankle"
The sketch which is best known makes fun o.:
the car himself-very mild fun. II IS true. but Il
is mirh- provoking. II was done a; the express and
reneated request of His Majesty. The Little
Father Is llmned as very little indcedma mere
and il not worshipped 10y kings from afar. at least
surrounded by Graand-dukes and Duchesses from
the neghborhood who smilingy seek 10 gain his
goodwill by Offering him sweetmeats and other
presents But unlike a child. he Will none OF them.
That is the sketch which everybody knows-every-
body that Is 10 say. who is anybody AT Court. But
what few are acquainted with Is the key 10 the
caricaturc for thereby hangs tale. the knowledge
Of which delightfully."- naVOrS the artistic little
sketch. There have been various sensational ru-
mors current here in st. Petersburg of late-and II
may be also in Engand-about the health OF the
reienlng CZarna According 10 one OF these reports
Her Majesty fell from her carriage AZ Czarskoye
Salo: according to another. while In the company
OF the Grand duchess Elizabeth she fell and hurt
herself severely. ] am happy TO be able 10 say on
the best authority that each and every one or these
rImors Is devoid Of the slightest kern OF fact.