The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-09-21
THE GEAR IN FRANCE
HE PROVED THAT HE T
 THOROUGH AUTocRAT.
Emperor Nicholas Attended .. Gala Performances at Theatre With
 President Loubst - Every a. Precaution Was Taken.

Compieene, Sept. 20.-Emperor Nicholas exercised the prerogative Cf an autocrat today and kept President Loubet and all the French occupants of the Chateau Cdmpiegne marking tire the whole morn irg until he had signified his desires It vas fully exps,ted that he would drive to Fierrefcnds and visit the castle and that afterwards he would go shooting in the great park attached to the Chateau Compiegne. All the arrangements had bcen made and 800 pheasants were last evening let loose in the covers. But he did nothing of the kind.
 His Majesty remained in his apart ments after breakfast squietlv until 1( o'clock when he took short promenade in the gardens with the Czarfna.
 M. Waldeck- Rousseau. the French Pre- mier It lasted at least. two hours. Count Lamsdorn Russian Foreign Min ister: also conferred with M. Delcasse the French Minister Of Foreign Affairs It is whispered that the principal sub iect of the two interviews was the com mercial relations between France ana Russia.
 After giving 1t to be understood that he would arrive at Pierrefonds, the Czar left the Chateau with the Czarina in a victoria at o'clock. with no escort ex- cept a. few detectives on bicycles, who kept discreetly in the background. thus giving him the illusion of private drive and the life of an ordinary mortal. The entire outer circle of the park was pa troled by Cuirrassiers, while every few yards along the palisade enclosing the park were stationed foot-soldiers with fixed bayonets. Numerous detectives M ere hidden in the woods. In order iU test the measures taken t" safeguard His Maiesty's person during the drive five detectives were instructed to attempt to enter the park last evening under cover of darkness. In every case they were captured before getting inside the cha teau gardens.
 The Emperor changed his route quite unexpectedly. and, instead of proceeding to Pierefonds took a short drive to the village of Beauxmonts, returning to the cheauteau Compiegne at 5 o'clock.
 In the meantime crowds assembled in the streets of Pierrefonds awaiting his expected arrival. The streets were gaily decorated by the local authorities. Ex- pe&tation, however. was destined to be disappointed. The route was kept free of traffic by gendarmes. but all to no purpose.
 Compiegne did not see the czar but town hall from M. Loubet. The manner in which the visit was conducted was one of those charming touches that en- dear M. Loubet to the French people. 2 All ceremony was excluded and tht whole proceedings were carried out in the most informal fashion. M. Loubet chatted cordially with the Mayor ant Councillors. making joking remarks and asking questions regarding the antiqui. lection Finally he said kind word to the daughter of the janitor as he left the building.
 The crowning feature of the days events was the gala performance in tho chateau theatre which followed a grand banquet in the famous Hall of Columns at which the member of the French cab inet. the officers of the Senate anC Chamber of Deputies and leading mem bers of the suite. of the Czar and M Loubet were present.
 M. Loubet entered the theatre at s:1 Nicholas followed with Mime. Loubet. Tn, orchestra intoned the ''Marseillaise" ana the Russian hymn. The audience stooC as the heads of the two powers advanced to the front and took their seats in tn, Presidential box.
 homage to the Czar, written by M. Ros tand and recited by Mime. Martet of tn Comedie Francaise the leading member of which participated in two acts of Al fred De Musset's witty comedy I'll N Faut Jurer de Rien." Dances, saraband; and mfnuets executed by the corps d.
 ballet of the Grand Opera concluded tn performance.
 Emperor Nicholas laughed heartily a the brilliant sallies of the comedy ant led the applause, clappinE his hand slowly. He appeare dto enjoy the enter tainment thoroughly.
 The upper gallery of the theatre wal occupied solely by secret police whC were masked behind a rampant of palm. and flowers.
 The Czar and Czarina took their leav, of President and Mime. Loubet and re tired to their apartments immediately after the conclusion of the performance to leave by the 8 o'clock train for thu review at Bethany