New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-03-27

Jerusalem toward evening so as to travel by
night for the heat is great at this early date
and the Jordan Valley is warmer than any other
part Of Palestine. Carrying their bundles and
leaning on their rude slaves. the pilgrims enter
upon this journey with joyful hearts Some Of
the aged in the party ride on donkeys or horses
being supported on them by strong youths
walking on either side Of them
AS the pilgrims march down this winding
road leading to the Jordan they chant beauti-
full Russian anthems. which resound for miles
across the country. Even at the present day
Jericho is known 10 be a favOrite hiding place
Of robbers. On this account Bedouin guides are
sent with the pilgrims. notwithstanding the fact
that they are already &C ompanied by Russian
guards provided by their consul in jerusalem
Many an instance has occurred in recent years
similar TO the waylaying and wounding OF the
man in the story of the Good Samaritan.
The spectacle Of these pilgrims marching to
the Jordan for this baptismal ceremony is GER
tainly remarkable One-these thousands Of PHI
grims Of all ages and of every description travel
ling in a mighty band walking slowly and
sOiemnly over the hills and across the dreary
plains. Illuminating the wild scenery with the
glare of their countless torches and now and
again breaking the intense stiffness Of tho
desert air with their penitential chants and
melodious anthems. Though natives Of Europa
they yet present a semi barbaric appearance.
this motley assembly of beings. at times talking
and shouting, at others mutterng prayers or
quietly weeping as they march
They reach the Jordan before early day.
break AS the sun rises over the tops Of Noah
the river bank Of the Jordan presents one
Of the most remarkable scenes in the world. ThS
people and the surroundings bring wildly ts
ones mind the Gospel narrative: Then went oud
unto John all the land Of Judea and they a
Jerusalem and were baptized Of him in th
River Jordan. cOnfessing their sins"
The river itself. OF such deep Biblical interest.
presents a rather Insignificant appearance to-
day. IL is narrow heTe-SJOut 2OO feet wida
and its banks covered with jungles its
waters dark and muddy The only beautiful
part in this locality is that chosen by the Rus
slams as being the legendary site Of Christ's
baptism. Beyond Il the river grows narrower
still and loses its charm as il carries away its
muddy waters TO the Dead Sea. The marble
stairs down which. according to their tradition.
Christ descended into the water to be baptized
are now nowhere to be seen.
A wooden cross marks the spot declared BY
the Greeks 10 be that where Christ stood at tho
hour Of His conservation TO a life Of servico
The thickets all around are dense and pict-
uresque. and the tail reeds, wild vines and
climbing plants. mingling with Oleanders. tama-
risks. willows and balsams. give the spot .
tropical appearance. But il is most unsuitable
place for bathing. for the banks are slippery
and steep, and shelve abruptly into the water.
which is extremely muddy. while the current L.
very rapid and the water is at least ter feet
deep.
Immediately upon arriving the pilgrims has.
| tily prepare to enter the cool water Their bap-
| tismal robes are the white shrouds which they
have brought from Russia to be cOnsecrated by
this ceremony in the sacred waters Of tho