The San Francisco call., 1904-04-30
NAVAL HEROES HONoRED.
Russians Idolize Survivors of Korietz
and Variag on Return.

and Variag on Return.
ST. PETERSBURG, April 30.-Such
all outburst of popular enthusiasm as
was witnessed to-day upon the arrival
here of the survivors of the Variag and
Korietz has not been experienced in
many years. Undeterred by the raw,
rainy weather as many as hundred
thousand persons crowded the three
mile Nevsky, from the railroad depot
to the Palace square. The roofs and
windows were black with people wav-
ing naval flags. The whole route was
lined by soldiers, sailors and cadets OF
the military school. Every regiment
was represented, as if the Emperor
wished all his fighting men to see how
the brave are honored. Grand Duke
Alexis, as high admiral, received the
heroes. The crowd, however, had the
first word. A deafening storm of cheers
burst out as the weather. beaten sea-
men appeared in sight The crews of
the Variag and Korietz were quickly
mustered on the platform, each man
wearing the st. George Cross
The Grand Duke Alexis, attended by
brilliant staff of admirals, ap
preached the survivors of the Chemul-
po engagement, and Captain Rouden-
eff, the commander of the Variag, sa-
luted and presented the Grand Duke
with a formal report of the battle and
the number and state of health of the
survivors. The Grand Duke, followed
by Captain Roudeneff and the admi-
rails, then passed along the ranks and
saluted the sailors, Russian fashion,
saying. We'll done, my children"
To which the sailors replied, as one
man: I'VE are glad to do our best, I'm
perial Highness.''
The formalities over, the high admi-
raj, overcome with emotion, embraced
Captain Roudeneff and the other Off
GERS.
1t was now the turn of the deputa-
tions from the nobility and municipal
ity to present addresses of welcome
and the traditional bread and salt.
Then began the triumphal march
down the Nevsky of the officers and
men OF the Variag and Korietz, mar
shaled in two columns and preceded
by two bands of music. The people
went fairly wild over the heroes and
showered them with flowers amid a
mighty roar, cheering from roofs, win
dows, balconies and lamp posts and the
surging masses below.
Near the Palace square stood the
cadets of the military school. Those
Of the younger class, the little fellows,
aged Z, forgot to salute and instead
tore off their caps and cheered Justify
AS the column of heroes approached
the portals of the Winter Palace the
Emperor and Empress came out on
haI n1
tired to receive the visitors in the mag
nificent Nicholas Hall, which had been
converted into a church. A special TIE
Deum was sung. The service was
attended by a special assemblage, rem
dering all the more conspicuous the
tarnished uniforms of the jackies who
fought at Chemulpo.
After the service all the sailors re-
nained and were banqueted as the
Emperor's guests. going later to en-
tertainments at the City Hall and the
Peoples Palace.
The bluejackets, who were seated at
the imperial table and were served by
the imperial servants, were overcome
by the splendor of the feast 1t was
day OF wonders and surprises. the
little father himself coming to talk to
them. The Emperor, wearing the full
uniform of an admiral, approached the
sailors, escorting both the Expresses
and followed by other members of the
imperial family. He said in a voice
ringing with emotion:
Il am happy, brothers, to see you all
here, safely returned. Many of you
have inscribed with your blood a
record of heroic deeds in our annals.
You gave the names of Variag and
Korietz immortality. l am sure you
will remain worthy, to the last, of the
crosses which have been bestowed
upon you. All Russia and have been
moved by the recital of your exploits
at Chemulpo.
| II thank you, brothers, for vindicat-
ing the honor of the flag of st. Andrew
and the renown of Holy Russia.
II drink to the further victories Of
our glorious fleet and to your health,
| brothers"
and drained it and all the people
followed his example with thunder
Gus shout of ''hurrah!"
The Emperor then went round the
table exchanging greetings with his
| lowly guests.
Before leaving his Majesty again
said: "Once more. thanks to you, brave
fellows, for your noble fight. / regard
you as my kinsmen. May God keep
| you"
The Dowager Empress and other
members of the imperial family attend
| ed the reception and entertainment
| given in honor of the survivors at the
Peoples Palace, and conducted them
to the theater to see performance of
| Peter the Great" The piece concluded
! with a tableau of the exaltation of the
heroes. and was followed by supper,
at which richly chased silver enameled
cups were presented by the municipal
I ity to the officers and silver watches