The Mena weekly star., 1898-02-16
KlNDLINEss vS. ETIQUETTE.
How the Former Triumphed Over the
 Latter at St. Petersburg.

How the Former Triumphed Over the
 Latter at st. Petersburg.
 There is an excellent story of tri. umph for simple American kIudIness and common sense over diplomatic eti. quette, and stiff court procedure. The story concerns q former minister of the United States in St. Petersburg, al one of those elaborate and very formal re- captions or levees which the emperor and empress give on New Years day, and several times later during the win ter. All the diplomats stand in line in their order of precedence, and their maJesties walk down the line to ex- change greetings with each in turn On this occasion the empress now the dowager empress, was not present. hav- ing just given birth to one of the young CT princesses. It seems that the good wife of the American minister was in this country. occupied with similar do- nestle duty.
 The emperor came down the line and asked after the health of each of the gentlemen present, at the same time exchanging the usual seasonable greet ings. Then, as was also his custom, he asked of each what was the news from home. This always meant in the diplomatic world: How is my good brother, the emperor of Germany?" or, What is the news from my dear sis ter, the queen of Great Britain and Ire land? ?" It is supposed that all of the questions were answered with pleas ant information about his fellow rulers OF tho .rI., ka C. Io 4I, American minister he did ask the usual question; "I hope you have good news from home" Of course he did and our full-hearted representative could not keep it a secret. "Yes, thank your ma jesty. excellent news; it is a boy, and weighs 12 pounds"
 It is needless to say how the perfect ly natural answer smote the assembled corps hip and thigh It is said that a widespread litter was scarcely decor ously suppressed. But the good-na- tured man and father, even if he was czar, pretended not to notice it, and said that he was truly glad to hear it. and he hoped the minister would con vey his heartiest congratulations to Mime. Minister. He then passed on to the next man in the line extending his greetings. It seems that the ill-con- cealed disorder among his col leagues made no impression upon the good-hearted and happy Amer jean. He had forgotten something. Coming out of his place, he followed the emperor, and tapping him on the shoulder, said: T beg your majesty's pardon. l failed to inquire after the health of the empress and tine little princess" The emperor thanked him again with great kindness. and assured him that both were doing as we'll as could be expected And from all ac- counts this last exchange of domestic compliments provoked the line into actual laughter.
 This was the one good story of the great winter capital for days and weeks. It was whispered about at parties and titterd over teacups. until it at last reached the ears of the recovering em- press. and with the kindness which has always characterized her as we'll as her late husband she resolved to teach the small-minded court circle lesson. So at the next assemblage she made occa- sion to seek out the American minis ter as an object of her especial favor, and, later, at the banquet in particu- larly audible voice, thanked him for his kind inquiries after her health dur ing her recent illness.-Washingto Post