Daily independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 188?-1915, 1898-03-10
KIN0LTNESS VS. ETIQUETTE.
How the Former TrIumpheI over the
Latter at st. Petersburr,

There is anEexcellent story of a tri-
umph for simple American klndliness
and common sense over diplomatic eti-
quette, and stiff court procedure. The
story concerns former minister of the
Un.,--: States in st. Petersburg, at one
OF those elaborate and very formal re.
ceIl.ons or levees which the emperor
aid 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 en-
change greetings with each in turn.
On this occasion the empress, aow the
dowar"r empress, was not present, hav.
ing ::ust given birth to one of the young
er rrincesses. T. reems that the good
W.T.. 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 seasonab;e 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: GLOW 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.
!and?" 1t is supposed that al of the
questions were answered with pleas.
ant Information about his fellow rulers
Of the globe. So when he came to IT,,
American minister he did ask the usua
question: 81 hope you have good rev,
from home" Of course he did and on"
. iull-hearted representative could not
keep it secret. eyes. thank your M.
iesty, excellent news; 1t is a boy. and
weighs IL pounds"
II is needless to say how the perfect
~ natural answer smote the assembl, G
corps hip ard thigh. IT is said that :.
widespread litter was scarcely decor.
ousiy suppressed. But the good-ra
tured man and father. even if he was :;
car. pretended not TO notice il. and
sand that he WAS truly glad to hear it
and he hoped the minister would CO.,
Hcy his heartiest congratulations a.
Nine. Minister. He then passed on t,'
the next man in the line extending his
greetings. 1t seems that the ill-com-
cealed disorder cmong his col
leagues made no impression upur
the good-hearted and happy Amer
lean. He had forgotten something
Coming out Of his place, he followed
the emperor, and tapping hin, on the
shoulder, said: II beg your 1najesty's
pardon. I failed to inquire after the
health of the empress and the little
princess" The emperor thanked him
again with great kindness, and assured
him that both were doing as well as
could be expected. And from all &C.
counts this last exchange of domestic
compliments provoked the ]ine into
actual laughter.
This was the one good story of the
great winter capital for days and weeks.
1t was whispered about at parties and
titterd over teacups. until it at last
reached the ears Of the recovering EN-.
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 q 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