The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1922-02-05

program, which is attached one gathers
that the young Grand Duchesses were in
the cast.
Besides M. Gillard several other faith
full retainers find constant mention in the
diary: Prince Dolgoruki, DR.. Botkin, the
family medical adviser, are the most promi-
nent among them, but the personal SER
wants come in for frequent appreciation
of their thoughtfulness, kindness and
devotion.
certain amount Of simple etiquette
was observed in this miniature court, and
as Nicholas observes in an unusual lapse
into French: "Il est encore possible de
roster civilise." At the New Year humble
presents were exchanged. One of these at
least is still extant the little notebook
that was to contain the ex-Czarina's diary.
AS already stated, it is bound in plain
black oilcloth, but is provided with book
cover of pale lilac cloth on which some
flowers are embroidered This was the
work of Grand Duchess Tatiana and the
fyleaf of the notebook bears the follow
ing English inscription in firm, round
handwriting:
ITO my sweet Mama dear, with my best
wishes for happy New Year. May Gods
blessing be upon you and guard you for
ever. From your loving girl, TATIANA."
This was to be the repository of the
daily jottings of the unfortunate woman
who was to expiate with her life the mis-
taken through well meant advice which
fear and pride had led her to force upon
her malleable husband. The last entry in
this tragic little book Is timed 10 P. NJ on
the 18th Of July, 1913 the second last
evening of her earthly existence. Most of
tho entries relate either to trivial occur
rences of every day life or to matters of
intimate personal interest, and it would be
dificult to publish any arresting extracts
from them that would not violate the ret
icence due to the memory of one who,
however misguided, was above all things
a most affectionate mother and wife, Yet
1t is of considerable value to the historian
of this tragic dynastic episode both for
the numerous details with which it ampli-
fies the Cars diary and for its rendering
of the atmosphere of poignant pathos that
was settling like a deathly white mist
upon the last phase of the doomed family.
Toward the middle of April an order
came for the immediate removal of the
party from Tobolsk. Both diaries for the
next few days are written in the ink of
tears. The young Czarevitch was i'll and
could not be moved. The ex-Empress was
torn between devotion to her child and
duty to her husband. Finally she decided
for the latter. Grand Duchess Maria,
Drin nr
servants also accompanied the ex-Czar on
his further lap toward death. The other
Princesses and the rest of the little band
remained with the Czarevitch.
An entry in Nicholas's diary reveals
some of the physical discomforts of the
journey:
by road to Tjimen. The peasants cart
was most uncomfortable-no springs and
a furious pace as far as the village of
Pokrowskoje. The road was frightful the
vehicle upset several times"
These upsets and the continuous jolting
had very nerve shaking effect on the
Czarina. The night was spent in Pokrow
skoje under the following conditions:
Slept, or tried to sleep, on wooden
benches in filthy peasant hut. No food
was provided. Fortunately we had taken
some sandwiches from Tobolsk."
BY queer turn of the irony of fate this
wretched village of Pokrowskoje was the
birthplace of the notorious Rasputin. 1t is
significant Of the strength of this mans
malignant influence even after his death
that the Czarina comments on this in her
diary and derives consolation from the
fact that she caught glance in passing
of Rasputin's house and of his family
gathered on the doorstep.
They arrived at Ekaterinburg on the
30th of April and were conveyed on a
motor lorry to the house Of merchant
named Ipatien, which was to be their
prison. The ex-Czar notes with grim
amusement that their new abode is desig-
mated in official documents the Dom oso-
bago naypachepia," the house of no speci-
fed ALLEGATION" The Czarina's diary is
full of anxiety about her children; she
seems to have worried day and night about
them. especially about the boy. The alb
sence of news was torture At the end
Of May. however. they duly rejoined their
parents. There an extract from the EN-
press's diary may be given.
"Baby" looks thin and miserable
their luggage has not arrived and there
were no beds for the children. SO Maria
"The family pet name for the Care
witch.