THE TSAR'S HEIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12653, 6 September 1904, Page 6

THE TSAR'S HEIR.

THE CHRISTENING CEREMONY. St. Petersburg, August 23. 'The news of the * death of Rear-Admiral Withoeffc and the failure of the majority of the larger warships of the Port Arthur squadron to break through the Japanese fleet was not known this morning when the brilliant array of officers and diplomatists assembled in the magnificent Kazan Cathedral to attend the Te Deum in honour of the birth of the heir-apparent, Alexis. Ihe stately edifice, adorned with military and naval trophies, colours, eagles and km bL^ tUrod , eSSe3 J was filfed with ambassadors, generals, admirals, and Court and Government functionaries. The Grand Duke Alexis, wearing the resplendent uniform of high admiral/occupied the chief place as the godfather selected by the Emperor for his first-born son, as a special compliment to the much-tried navy. Ihe Metropolitan read to the congregation the manifesto announcing the birth, and then the whole assemblage bended knee as the prelate invoked God ? s blessing on the future Emperor. Veteran warriors were fnsken with emotion and many norsons wept and prayed, " May the Almighty send him many hours of happiness." The congregation dispersed amid the sound of bells ringing from all churches. Similar services were held throughout the Empire, the priest in each case reading out the manifesto announcing the birth of the heir-apparent. The Emperor and Empress have been flooded with congratulatory messages, including telegrams from all the crowned heads. Before be was 24 hours old the heir-ap-parent received his first military honour, peing made honorary colonel of the Finland Guards. The colonel of the regiment later went to the Alexandra villa to salute his baby chief. The heir-apparent is de- I scribed as a strong, healthy babv. The Empress and the baby Tsar at last ; reports were in the best of condition. The [ heir to the throne at his • birth weighed 10 7-101b English weight, tnd has dark hair, like that of his paternal grandmother. The christening probably will occur on August 20, but it may possibly be further delayed in order to give greater time for preparation. Superstitious person are busily engaged in working oat the auguries of events connected with the birth of the baby. He i 3 the first Tsarevitch born to bear the name of Alexis since 1690, when Peter the Great's son Alexis, of tragic memory, saw the light. The latter's father at that time, however, had not assumed the title of Emperor. The Tsarevitch was born on the day the» buttleship Tsarevitch entered Tsingchou with the dead Admiiral Withoeft on board. The bim was shining at the time of the ohild's birth, but the weather afterward became cold, rainy and inclement, and has continued so ever since, which fact has tended to dampen public enthusiasm. The city is decorated with flags and illuminated at night, and the churches arc filled all day long with praying throngs. The Emperor's brother, Grand Duke Michael, joyfully surrendered his rights and prestige as heir-apparent to the Throne to his infant nephew, and the Grand Duke will now be likely to issue from the retirement he had voluntarily adopted owing to the uncertain duration of hi 3 heirship. Ho had been exceedingly anxious to go to the front, but has hitherto been prevented by the responsibilities of his position. It is not considered probable that the Royal family will even now allow him to go to the Far East.