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Leader (1850-1860), 20th September 1856, Edition 1 of 2, Page 891, Untitled Article

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      ¦ . w Asother instance of Mr . William Russell ' s asto ^ - lushing powers of description is presented in the account , published in the Times of Wednesday , of the act of crowning the Czar at Moscow ; for the former Crimean correspondent is the present " Coronation " chronicler . In the one day succeeding the Sunday on . which the ceremonial took place ( September 7 th ) , Mjr . Russell produced an account of that

      'bewilderingly splendid scene which amounts to eight columns and a lialf of the journal for which it was written , and which is so singularly vivid and brilliant that the Times of the same day devotes its first leading article to an elaborate and eloquent eulogy of the achievement . For ourselves , we must be content with a selection , but we have given the larger part . The writer enters the Hall of St . Andrew in the Kremlin , and finds a crowd of persons at the upper end at one side of a small table : —

      " They are feastingtheir eyes on the crown , the sceptre , and the globe , wliich . will , be used presently in the great ceremony of the day . The only praise that can be given to diamonds belongs to those in the crown —they are very big and very bright . The crown is a cluster of Koli-i-noors , and there is a wreath of diamonds in the form of oak leaves around it which is dazzling as the sun himself . Many of these brilliants are of the size of pistol-balls of the good old duelling diameter . As to the sceptre , there is a tip to it formed of a famous diamond , which one is almost afraid to talk about . I really would not venture to state how large it seems to be , and shall content myself by saying that this is the precious stone for which Catherine II . gave nearly

      80 , 000 ? . and a large pension for life to a runaway slave . ( Vide every storybook . ) In two long lines , from door to door of the Hall of St . Andrew and of the Hall of St . George , are drawn up tbe Grenadiers of the Palace , the veterans of the great war . To me those fine old soldiers were more interesting aud attractive than all tne display of riches and the blaze of gold and silver around and above us . Their dress recalled tie days of those Titanic struggles which shook all Europe . The huge bearskin cap , with -white tassels and gilt cords , the ample broad-chested coatee and cross-belt , and . the white pantaloons with many buttons at .: the outer side from the knee to the foot , reminded one of the time when Kutasoff , and Blucher , and Murat , and Wellington were

      the heroes of fast-recurring battles . These men are picked from various regiments , Tvith some regard perhaps to size , but certainly with undoubted claims on the score of service , for there is not one of them ¦ who does not bear five or six ribands and crosses , or medals , on his breast . As you walk along that -wall of soldiers , it is difficult to believe that they have lived under three emperors , and have foug-kt against the great Napoleon . They are all in perfect preservation . The only thing to betray old age is a certain stiffness about the knee , and those implacable , and iuvincible , and inevitable wrinkles which will come upon us as records of so many lustres . The hair is jet black , the moustache is lustrous and dark as the boot which was wont to affright theJeJtnce of our boyhood , and the whiskers—for old Russia wore

      whiskers—are of the same line polish . The surprise into ¦ which you may be thrown at such evidences of juvenility on the part of men who have seen the horrors of the Beresina , aui who beheld Murat turn his back at Yarosl&vitz , is removed , however , when you see that the veteran Who touches his moustache blackens tlie fingers of his glove ; he has had his hair dyed , just as his boots have been polished—for effect . Some of ^ tese veterans are historical monuments— : somc have served under Suvaroff . ' Ismail and in Italy—others have marched triumphantly into Paris—others iiitvo crossed the Balkan with Diebitselu' Of all their numerous decorations these veterans seem to prize the Paris medal and riband the most , and tliey point to it with great pride , though it liangs amid memorials of tremendous battle-fields .

      of St . Paul's at the funeral of our great Duke . Since then years—and a few months which brought with them such cares as years seldom know—have bowed down bis figure , and have wrinkled that broad , high brow . The Prince is covered with orders , crosses , and ribands ; stars of diamonds glitter on Jus breast ; but there is an air of gravity' and care about him which shows that these honours hare not been lightly bought . " Prince Mcnschikoff ^ the n aval officer Biruleff , Todtleben , iitiders , and others , were standing close l > y , and " Amid these warriors and statesmen ladies in full

      court dress are pressing towards the inner apartments of the palace , radiant with diamonds , for the display of which tbe Muscovite head-dress now in vogue is peculiarly adapted . This consists of a high circlet or coronet of satin velvet or cloth , which encompasses the top of the bead , and is studded , with precious stones . Persians , iu high black sheepskin caps , and rich loose dresses of ± he finest silk , and . gossamer shawls—flat-faced Tartar deputies , wild delegates from the further snores of the Caspian , Georgians , Circassians , Abasses , Teherkesses , Mingrelians , Uralians , Mongols , Gourians , I > agbestanees , KooTds , Lapps , Kalmucks , Cossacks—mingling with Russians , French , English , Spaniards , RomanB , Greeks , Austriaas , Prussians , Saxons , Danes—here was an epitome of the Asiatic and European races , all in

      their finest bravery , mingling together in . the narrow compass of two grand halls . Prom the Hall of St . Andrew the doors on one side lead to the fine promenade which is formed on the top of the first story of the facade of the Imperial Palace . As we stepped out on this . esplanade a sight such as can neither be described nor forgotten met the eye . It was yet early—about half-past six o ' clock ; the sun shining-from the left lighted up the gilt domes and vanes of the Kremlin and those of the churches on the right of the picture with , a rich orange flame , that seemed to die aw&y or gather fresh vividness as the vapours of the morning rolled up more densely from the river , or thinned away before tlie fickle breeze . The view is bounded by the Kremlin « n the left , and on the right by the buildings of the palace ,

      at the end of the facade . Below the spectator there is the carriage-way , outside the palacej already thronged with spectators of the lower classes ; and masses of Boldiery . This way is on the verge of the plateau on which the Kremlin stands , over the course of tie Moskowa . Nearer to the river there is another broad path , close to the outer wall which surrounds the ancient fortress and . overlooks the stream , and already the artillerymen are standing by the guns mounted on one of the old Gothic forts Which break the lines of the crenelated wall . The people are here also- —their faces turned ' to the white walls of the palace . At the other side of

      the river , "which is about two hundred yards across , there is another walk lined with houses—a veritable quay , on which men and 'women and children are standing in groups , looting towards the Kremlin . Behind this line of houses opens out the city like some great sea ; , the houses are almost hidden by the thick haze of Russian autumn , but above it for many miles , in every possible shape , cupola , turret , dome , spire , cross , minaret , rise to greet tlie sun , and reflect liis rays from their gilded surfaces . The fog , half-smoke , half-vapour , is tinged with many colours as it rolls amid this forest of glittering spires and domes , and the vast mosaic of variegated cloud , roofe , and housetops .

      are fuU of people , and the coort is thronged also . There are two streams of people , in uniforms and court dresses pouring up and down from the palace to the court . By the dais there is foT the present only an escort of the Grenadiers & Cheval , under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Fanshawe , a nephew of our stout Admiral who commanded the sailing squadron at the great naval je view at Spithead some years ago . At ' present , the silver batons are upheld by private soldiers only , aad they evidently regard it as a most solemn and- " sacred affair . Every one who passes to and fro uncovers Iris head . Passing through the crowd along the upper landing , over a rich scarlet cloth , we come again to the door by which we first entered the palace . The old Grenadiers ate still standing as rigid and steady as before .

      Let us go in again , and turn to the right , passing between a wall of soldiers . Let us enter the banquetiog-hall . Surely here are the riches of the world ! Such a glare of gold plate , such a wild profusion of goblets , vases , cups , salvers , heaped on tables , massed on sideboards or carved stands along the walls of this glittering room ! This is the Granovitaya Palata , the Hall of- the Ancient Tsars ( for so the Russians spell the word in French ) . Can it be described ? Assuredly not by the pen , nor by the pencil of any artist "but one who can dip his brush in the hues of tae rainbow . The low many-arched Toof of tbe hall is sustained , by a huge square pillar in the centre , round which is placed a platform with , receding ledges to the height of nine or ten feet , each ledge groaning with aacient and

      -vases dishes in gold and silver . Some of these are of the quaintest form and most curious , workmanship—models of old castles and palaces , strange animals , battle-pieces , "birds—craftily worked , in past centuries by forgotten descendants of Tubal Cain , and each a museum in itself . On the right hand of the hall , on entering , there is a "buffet which seems crushed beneath the masses of gold vessels upon it , each a study , but enriched , above all , by the grand cup from Benvenuto ' s own land , for which Russia paid the sum of 10 , 0 O 0 f . sterling . On the left , there is an estrade forthe orchestra and the singers , among whom are Lablache , Dumeric , Bosio , Calzolari , and Tagliafico . It is covered with cramoisied purple velvet , with gold fringes and borders The Imperial throne is placed at the end of the room the buffet the

      opposite on right-hand side . Three steps , covered with gold-embroidered purple velvet , lead to the platform on which the throne is placed . Above there ie a canopy , with an imptriale of cloth of gold covered with Imperial eagles , with a crown in the centre on a cushion of velvet and cloth of gold , with fringes and acorns of gold , shot with yellow , black , and white . The edge of the t « p of the canopy is carved and gilt , and in the centre is a shield with the Imperial cipher , with the Imperial crown above , encompassed by the collar of « k order of St . Andrew . At each side are smaller shields , with the collar of St . Andrew around them , richly emblazoned , and all three are draped -with Imperial standards . At the ends of the top of the canopy there are aigrettes of ostrich plumes , dyed yellow , white , and black . Beneath , at the back of the throne , is displayed the Imperial mantle of ermine , with the Arms of the empire in a golden lorder in the centre , and the

      Imperial cipher profusely emblazoned on it . The edges of the steps of the platform are ornament od with large salvers and goblets of gold ; on pedestals of malacliite and gold ; the three ancient thrones of the Czars a « placed beneath the canopy , and on the left there is a table for the crown , sceptre , and globe , covered with crimsan velvet embroidered with gold , and a clotb of gold "beneath it . There is a table at the steps to th « platform , which is to be borne up to the thrones when the banquet commences by three of tlie High Chamberlains of the Empire . On the left of tbe pillar are placed two tables extending tbe whole length of tbe room , for the guests . These are weighed down likewise with gold and silver plates , goblets , plateaux , « pergnea , and salvers . The chairs , of white and gold , with crimson velvet seats , are placed at tlie left sides of the tables only , so that all the guests will liave their faces turned , towards their Majesties . Snch are the glories of the Croquet-room of the Czar .

      " But Iiark ! There once again is the old familiar voice of tlie Russian cannon !—a fiasb . of fire spurts from an embrasure "below , and tbe thick white smoke rushes into the air . Thank Heaven , the dull roar of the iron messenger of deatli is not heard again , but , instead of that angry voice , the bells of the Church of the Assumption ring out merrily , and at the signal -the thousand bells of Moscow take up tho chorus . It ia seven o'clock . The echoes of the cannon shake the old Kremlin twenty-one times in rapid succession . This' is the signal for tbe various persons engaged in the ceremonial to repair to the places indicated in tho programme and ordre dzijour . TIicto is a perceptible movement among the uniforms , and , turning to the left , wo come out upon tho end of the perron rouye , or Kraenoi Kriltzo , at which there is placed the canopy beneath

      which the Emperor and Empress will march to the Church cf tho Assumption . It is of orange-coloured cloth of gold , embroidered with Imperial eagles , and is held up by sixteen wands of silver gilt , ornamented with yellow , black , and white ribands . On the hangings arc embroidered the Emperor ' s cipher , surmounted by a crown , surrounded with the order of St . Andrew . It ia surmounted with sixteen aigrettes of tricolored ostrich feathers , and is embroidered with the arms of the empire , as well as those of Kazan , Astrakhan , Poland , Siberia , Tauris , Rieff , Vladimir , Novgorod , Finland , and other devices . All theso aud many more details do I quote on the authority of tho great work by the Master of the Ceremonies ; for indeed to mo all is gold tbat glitters , and in tlio general impression produced by the sight of such things one ransacks the memory in vain for tho component parts which pleased him .

      'I Just a minuto or two before nine o ' clock there is a great commotion among ike people , who are closely packed in this outer court , and the gendarmes riding gently through them make a lane for the first carriage of the . French Embassy . It comes up right gorgeously —running footmen , bewigged coachman , grand chaseour , —a regular glass coacb , all gold hangings . Tho horses and liarness arc unexceptionable ; but it is rather atartling to hear in the Kremlin a vigorous interpellation addressed from the dignitary on the box to the leading palefrcnier , ' Now , then , Bill I why the don't yoa lcavfi the oases' ' halonc ? ' The reply ia lost in Ituesian cries of ' attention' along the line aa Count de Moray descends from his carriage and efceps on the estrade , where he is received by a High Chamberlain in waiting . His Excellency is . dressod de rigmw , and is really a well-appointed , ' fine-looking gentleman , ' as our great Pondennis would say . "

      *• What a scene tliero is in that court below!—an assemblage of parasols , bonnets , helmets , coata , shawls , all of tho gayest hues . At the foot of the staircase there is one large raised stand full of people—there is also a gallery on tho right-hand aide from the palace to the church , full of people—before tia all the church belfries

      The carriages of the ladies and gentlemen attached to the En glish Embassy follow . « ' And now , amid a little battalion of bareheaded running footmen , a very fine old coach , with a poor team of horses , drives up , and from it descends—wliat is

      " In the iilleys formed between these soldiers and in the intervals between the rear of the lino and the sides « f the hall , moved the most gorgeous crowd that it is possible to fancy—an ever shifting play of colour , changing like some rich web shot with various mien , in which green , gold , and silver predominate . The Casques of the officers , surmouuted with long tricolored plumbs—yellow , "black , and white—of codes' feathers , are well suited for effect , whatever way they are worn , and insido tho halls , as they were borne on tho owners' arras , those plumes fluttered or drooped graceful ^ over tho polished s teel or silver of the headpiece ; the IIoralds-at-Arms strutted about in lemon-coloured long boots with gilt spurs ,

      Mashed doublets of cloth of gold , and tabards emblazoned with tho arms of the empire , and Spanish hose , so d elightfully cluvalraquo and crusader-like , that I was quite angry with one of them who suddenly came forth to destroy my delusions by means of a pair of mild-looking spectacles , through which ho surveyed the gay crowd with a thorough Pickwickian expression of countenance . But there , arc roalitios aero that cannot bo destroyed bo easily . In a quiot group , beside a golden pillar , there stands Cortachakofly whoso name will bo over associate * With that masterly retreat which deprived Prance nn < l England of half their triumph . When last the writer saw that great gaunt figure , it was stalking up the aisle

      Untitled Article

      September 20 , 1856 . ] THE LE 1 DE 1 . 891

      Untitled Article

      —— THE GOROKATION OF THE CZAR .

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 20, 1856, page 891, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2159/page/3/