Tensas gazette. [volume] (St. Joseph, La.) 1886-current, 1917-06-08
went straight to the Hotel de PEu
rope, where we. were stOpping."

went straight to the Hotel de PEu
rope, where We were stopping"
Upon alighting from their droshky
the Pierces were astOnished to be met
at the curb by the porter of the hotel
with the remarks: did you enjoy the
picture gallery, and did you see your
friends, and was the United States
minister at homer Mr.. Pierce said he
marveled that his movements were SO
promptly known, almost before he
made them; and took pains to ques-
ton his hotel functionary as to how
he knew and why in the name of rea-
son himself and his daughter were be-
ing watched.
With the well-known continental
shrug of the shoulder, raising of the
hands and head to one side, the only
answer he could get was "N'importe." !"
The secret service of Russia had a
line upon every driver of a droshky
and every porter of public building
and private one, too, and knew ex-
actly what Mr.. Pierce and his daugh-
tcI were
Picture Dangers in Russia.
Again, in Moscow, the old capital of
Russia. is located the Kremlin. lit
is nominally a fortress; in reality, only
a walled inclosure containing the three
great churches where the eniperors are
crowned, ope where they are married,
and third in which they are buried.
Judge Pierce's daughter especially
desired to take some photographs.
Very strict in Russia anyhow, photo
graphs were absolutely interdicted in
the Kremlin for the reason that "it
was a fortress"
Being told that she must surrender
her camera at the door of the famous
tower Ivan Velike, by the "KOlokol,"
''king of BELLS" the little daughter was
broken hearted. She had wanted to
take pictures from the summit of this
famous tower.
For the city of Moscow is the most
unique and brilliant city in the world,
on account Of its picturesque archi-
lecture and diversified colorfng.
Walls of white, green, yellow and
blue, with turrets and towers and
spires of green and blue. with the bril-
lance of white stars and churches and
with domes sparkling with
silver and gold, present q kaleidoscope
wealth of color from an elevated point,
enough to battle the Imagination.
No other city In the world is like it.
But to return to the camera: Mr..
Pierce was wearing a French cloak
md when he took the camera out
rom its black leather case and shoul-
Ter straps, he handed the case to the
Russian official. They were accompa-
lied by guide, and while Mr.. Pierce
lsked questions at the summit of the
over, the daughter took pictures Of
he city. But, alas for the best-laid
'lans. When they reached their hotel
hey were asked for the camera. They
lad been watched with a spyglass from
building of guards The officer was
'olite but firm, and insisted upon the
destruction of the films. Mr.. Pierce
eclined, asserting that his folks were
american citizens and not German
pies, and had not been taking any
ictures of military armament, and
hat the Kremlin was not fortress In
he proper sense after all
Troubles Over Passports.
But the end was not here. 1t is
robably well known that in Russia
on give up your passport on entering
city and it is held in the police de-
until you are ready to 90.
Within a few hours before taking
le train your passports, vised with
emission to go to the next city of |
our tour, are delivered to you, if you
ave incurred no debts and have other |
Use behaved to the satisfaction of |
he Russian empire.
You cannot buy ticket or board the |
iilroad train without showing your i
lssport, properly vised to leave the
ty.
Much to our surprise and disccm-
ture," said Mr.. Pierce, 1--WE found that
lie Russian authorities had withheld |
II passports! No amount of argu-
ent or entreaty could bring them.
uch delay ensued. After several days
4 appeal had to be made to the Amer
an minister at st. Petersburg, with
me Interruptions at the imperial de-
lrtments, when finally permission
as obtained b leave the city Of Mos
W."