THE TSAR'S TAILOR.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1722, 12 April 1913, Page 8

THE TSAR'S TAILOR.

(, — . HOW A UNIFORM WAS MADE IN A \ HURRY. By special permission of the Court the "Argus," a St. Petersburg magazine, publishes an account of the ordering of a military uniform by tho Tsar from a Jewish tailor in the Crimea, named Khaim Kurichkess. About a year ago tho tailor made a fill dress uniform for the Colonel of' the Crimean Dragoons. When the Imperial Family went to their summer residenco at Livadia, in the Crimea, tho Tsar informed the Colonel that tho Tsarina had consented to become the chief of the regiment, and said: "I shall bo thero when you are presented to tho Empress. I haven't the uniform Of the regiment, but there is time to have one made. Your uniform its beautifully, Who made it?" On being told the Tsar said that Kurichkess should make a uniform for, himself, adding: "Tell him to turm it out as well as yours." A military officer in a motor-car went to tho tailor. The officer gave no explanation of his visit, and said, "You must come with me! Don't be frightened! You'll be away for several days!" After tearful farewells from his wife and children, the terrified Kurichkess was taken away in the motor-cari Four days later he returned nnd recounted his adventures. At Livadia'he was taken in to "such a big general that ho must certainly have been the General of Generals." This general said: "Great good fortune has fallen upon you! The Emperor wishes you to make for him a uniform of tho Crimean Dragoons. But it must be as good as that of the colonel of tho regiment. I hope you won't make a mess of it. I will tako you at once to the palace, where you.will be admitted to the Tsar's study to see his Majesty's figure." "But," said tho tailor, "how can I fit his Majesty? . I haven't got my tapemeasure. I left it on tho counter at home." Ho was assured that there was no need to take the Tsar's measurements, which would bo given to him exactly. All he had to dp was to obtain a general impression. When the "General of Generals?' took Kurichkess to the Tsar's study, his Majesty was standing, reading a document, with his back to the door._ The Tsar afterwards faced him and said, "Oh, you are here already. You are Khaim Kurichkess. the tailor. I want you to make mo a uniform of the Crimean Dragoons. Do your best and see that it is a good fit. Get to work at once!" The Tsar was satisfied with the uniform, and thanked the tailor for it. Kurichkess refused to accept any payment, but was prevailed upon to take ,£5 for expenses. The Minister of the Court .was aware that Kurichkess was in debt, and gave him £30. Kurichkess was driven back in a motor-car to his home, and somo davs later an Imperial messenger brought 'him a gold ■watch and chain. The doublo eagle was engraved on the watch, which also bore tho inscription, "To Khaim Kurichkess for zeal."—Rcuter.