The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-08-13
tions Of Joy Over the Birth Of an
Heir to the Throne.
All the Ceremonial Customs Ordained by imperial Tradition and
Russian Law We're Observed Ali Over the Russian Empire
on the Arrival Of This Most Significant and Wei
come Occason-S Settles Heir Question.

assured. the emperor viii follow the
example OF the house Of Romanoff and
go to the front
The heirs name will be Alexis Mich
olaevItch. and II he reigns he probably
viii assume the title Of Alexis II. The
last Alexis was Emperor Of Moscovy
in 1645.
The announcement from Peterhof
was Immediately followed by salute
Of 101 guns from the imperiol yacht
lying at anchor of the palace. but it
was 2.45 p. m. when the guns of st.
Peter and 81. Pau fortress. opposite
the winter palace here. conveyed the
glad tldings to the people Of the Rus
sian capital The effect was electrical;
with the boom OF the first gun the peo-
pie In the streets, who had been mo-
mentarily expecting the event for "a
hours, stopped to listen and count the
guns. Only 81 are fired for girl.
When the 32d doomed, and the peo-
pie were aware that at last an heir to
the throne was born, there were scenes
of rejoicing everywhere, and before the
salute had finished the whole city had
blossomed out with flags and bunt-
ing, and the shipping in the harbor was
dressed. Then the bells in front Of
churches began to ring wildly. In the
meantime the announcement had been
telegraphed to the most remote cor
ners OF the empire. In all the towns
and cities the glad tidings were spread
with the changing of bells and the
booming of cannon. Thanksgiving
services followed in all the churches.
The emperor and empress OF Russia
formerly Princess Alix Of Hesse) who
were married November IA, 1894. had
previous to the birth Of the child born
today. four daughters-oIga, born No
vember 3, 1895; Tatiana. born May 2s. |
1897; Made, born June IA. 1893, and
born June 8. 1901.
The emperor and empress have for
some time past. in anticipation of the |
event of today. been residing at Alex
andra villa, at Peterhof, the summer
palace Of their majesties. The villa, So
'alled, is situated In one OF the most
parks in Russia, about one
md half hours ride from st. Peters
burg on the Baltic railroad. which runs
northeast from st. Petersburg TO the
ihores of the Baltic, extending as far
Is Riga.
In the park are several lakes, at the
nd of one of which is the Golden
staircase marble steps covered with
cal gold. The palace is not large
when compared with the win
er palace at St. Petersburg. In the
ark are several other palaces occu-
led by different grand dukes and their
uites, and in the neighborhood are
lany houses of nobility and gentility.
The Queen of Greece, a sister of the
mpress, and the members Of the inn
erial family assembled at Peterhof
st month and have been there ever
nee. Daily. large crowds Of people
ave gathered at Peterhof.
The people throughout Russia, not
bly, the clergy have been praying for :,
l heir to the throne, and the famous
reek priest, Father John of Cron-
adt, has recently been visiting the
Iexandra villa at intervals to Join in 2
e prayers for an heir to the throne of =
lssia. incidentally Father John, who "
worshlpped by the people and who
IS great influence over the emperor, =
said to have stated to his majesty y
fore his first daughter was born. that =
e emperor would have seven daugh- .
rs before he would have son. and -
at the eighth child of the empress !"
'uld be son. This prophecy was .
mly believed by the Russian people.
to