The Washington herald., 1908-06-07

Special Correspondence The Washington Herald
Vienna. May 24.-The most picturesque
Of all the Austrian Emperor's diamond
jubilee celebrations took place this morn
ing, when a vast army OF 5000 children.
drilled and disciplined, marched 10 the
Schoenbrunn Palace to pay homage to
their reverend sovereign.
The ceremony was splendidly organized
and most impressive. The Emperor ap-
peared on the palace balcony before which
the army Of his young admirers was
drawn up, and was cheered with an en-
thusiasm which deeply touched him. Fin
ally the Emperor descended and walked
among the children. and the ceremony
closed with the singing OF Haydn's stir
ring national anthem by 5000 clear young
voices, tears standing in his majesty's
eyes as he listened to the familiar words.
For many weeks preparations had been
/ IN progress for he great day. Most care
ful arrangements were made for the con-
veyance Of the countless cohorts of small
people TO the grounds Of the palace, where
all were assembled at 10 o'clock. Children
living withiB mile came on foot; the re-
mainder were carried by tramway, train.
or omnibus.
All Traffic Suspended.
Three thousand teachers and officials
employed at the Vienna schools were in
charge of the various detachments OF
children, and marshaled them through the
streets. All traffic in the neighborhood OF
the palace was suspended in order 10
avoid any kind Of risk. A number Of
doctors were attached to each party OF
/ scholars. and an ambulance service was
| established within the grounds OF the
/ palace.
Each child was provided with a card
bearing the name and address Of its par
ents. and was given a light breakfast be-
/ fore starting. Provision was made for
supplying with refreshments those who
were hungry or faint with the exertion Of
standing for such a long time.
/ After the grouping Of the children IN the
grounds and on the terraces that stretch
in front OF the palace windows. Frau Rit-
Finger. Of the Vienna Burgtheater. re-
cited the poem composed for the occasion.
A group Of little girls. none more than
/ feet inches in height, performed a spe-
]
| costume.
On the palace terrace the whole I'm
perial family assembled with the diplo-
matte corps and other notabilities. The
/ old Emperor was moved 10 tears, and
| constantly pressed his handkerchief 10
his eyes. When he descended 10 the
garden personally to thank the children.
he said to the burgomaster, DR.. Lueger:
For me, children are the most beauu-
full, the dearest things. The older grow
the more I love children" The enthu-
siastic cheers from the thousands Of
young threats which greeted the En-
peror were delightful sound 10 his ears.
Chorus of 1000 Children.
With a flourish OF trumpets the festival
play began. II opened with q chorus
sung by 1000 children, accompanied by
the Philharmonic Orchestra Then the
curtain before the temporary stage was
withdrawn. ana a female figure repre-
senting Austria approached the terrace
in a triumphal car After her came a
little girl. who recited verses commemo-
rative Of an incident in the monarch's
life. which represented him as a child Of
three putting money into the cartridge
box Of a poor sentinel.
Then choir OF girls in the quaint and
charming costume OF the '3Os OF the
last century danced and strewed flowers
al his majesty's feet, while singing OF his
goodness Of heart They were succeeded
by another little maid. who in a song,
: told Of his courage during his baptism OF
fire at the battle Of Santa Lucia. Imme-
J diately afterward, 20 the strains OF the
'Radetzky March," a little army OF boys.
wearing a military Uniform from the
early years OF the last century, came for
ward and sang, and danced as they sang.
A fair lassie recited verses, In which the
Emperor was celebrated as the patron OF
peace, science, art, and commerce.
An adult female figure was next seen
, symbolizing Vienna. She did homage 10
his majesty on behalf Of Vienna and its
children. The festival play concluded
with more dancing and singing. but the
/ apOtheosis was reached when the chill
? dren. with the help Of flowers. laid out in
gigantic letters the initials n. J. l. and
= go the number OF years Of his reign.
The proceedings were brought 10 a close
J by the singing OF Haydns hymn. All
passed of without a hitch, though some
200 children suffered from the effects OF
excitement and heat. They were mostly
; slight cases, and were attended 10 by the
First Aid Society.