ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM FOREIGN COURTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 480

ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM FOREIGN COURTS.

Apropos of the children of the Czar; a well-informed St. Petersburg correspondent tells us that anyone coming in contact with them declares them to be dobrie liudi, i.e.., nice persons. The Czarewitch is growing very manly, and the voyage he is now performing has done wonders in improving his physique—hitherto rather delicate—and his appearance. He is liked by everybody about him, and is kindness and frankness itself. Great expectations are reposed in the Imperial children. Our correspondent relates the following two anecdotes :— The Czar, being a great lover of art, has caused his children to study painting assiduously. However, the artist chosen for their tuition was at first a little diffident as to how to treat his august pupils. He was quite at ease with the Czarewitch and his two brothers, not so with the Grand Duchess Xenia, who assumed a condescending and reserved air. But the future ruler of All the Russias cut these proceedings very short by remarking, smilingly, ‘ Never mind. Monsieur, she means nothing; she is only playing the Princess !’ On another occasion a model from the Imperial Academy was on duty during the drawing lessons, when the Czar and his consort entered, and the former offered, during a conversation, the man his cigarette case. The latter returned suitable thanks for the great honour, but remarked, ‘ Barichnia ’ (the young lady) might get a headache iff smoke here, but if your Majesty would let me smoke it at home I should feel delighted.’ The Czar laughed, and remarked that his daughter was accustomed to his smoking, but, nevertheless, complied with the man’s tactful desire, and emptied the case in his hand. It may be pointed out that to offer a cigarette to a person of inferior status in Russia is synonymous with wishing to put him at his ease. Recently Prince Oscar Bernadotte made the Duke of Edinburgh a present of some fine Swedish caviare, to which delicacy the latter took a great liking when paying ‘ Commodore ’ Bernadotte a visit recently on board his corvette Freja at Plymouth ; and it seems that this is not the first time the Swedish Prince has figured in a caviare transaction. Some ten years ago the then Royal Highness received at Christmas as a present from his august father a keg of caviare, attached to which were the following lines byH is Majesty : — To the Admiral in spe. Hut not at all in spe; A keg, fine and rare, Of real Wolga caviare. But the caviare was a ‘ take in.’ The keg was one for caviare, and at the top there was a layer, too, of the delicacy. However, well concealed inside was a cheque for a large sum of money, intended to be placed by the Prince to the so-called ‘silver fund’—a fund founded by King Oscar for his sons, and annually increased for the purchase of silver plate on their marriage. The historical pocket-book which the Great Napoleon lost in 1812 when crossing the Beresina has passed into the possession of a Russian lady, who has inherited it from the original owner, Count Felice Ledochowsky. Several members of the Bonaparte family have tried to become possessors of this cherished relic, but in vain. The late Napoleon 111. even ofi'ered a thousand pounds for it. The coachmstn to the present German Emperor is a muchtried individual. When the two former Emperors drove out, the coachman or outrider knew beforehand the route to be taken, but William 11. only decides upon it during the drive, giving his orders with a motion of his hand to the attendant Jager on the box, who in return instructs the coachman. His time is, therefore, very trying, and the work cut out for him is suddenly turning acute street corners and gallopingthrough crowded thoroughfares, where his Imperial master is not expected. Japanese ceremonial in honour of the Empress is, no doubt, very severe, as when Her Majesty recently visited Osaka the police authorities issued the following order :— * When Her Majesty drives by, no one is permitted to look at her from the platform for drying clothes at the top of houses, nor through chinks in door-, or from any upper part of the house. Anyone wishing to see Her Majesty must sit down at the side of the street through which Her Majesty passes. No one must look at the Empress without dolling hat, cap, or turban, nor anyone smoke, nor race the Imperial carriage. Only women wearing European dress may retain their headgear. Nor is anyone permitted, even if it rain, to put up an umbrella when Her Majesty drives by. Neither must anybody speak when the Empress passes, nor follow the carriage. No noise of any kind is permitted. On arriving at the station of I'meda fifty pieces of fireworks are to be let off.’— The Gentlewoman.