THE TSAR AT HOME.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1750, 15 May 1913, Page 2

THE TSAR AT HOME.

FAM ILY SIDE 01' TIIB KUSSIAN COURT. The majority of the rulers of Russia of the Koimmotf' dynasty, trom ,the days of that Biant, Peter the Great, have been men of enormous energy ami many-sided activity. Tlio present Tsar, though physically not sc/ powerful as his ancestors, is without a question a man of great .energy. Professor A. Zellehaniniolt has just issued a book: "Tlio Kulc of His Majesty the Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovitch," in connection with the Romanoff jubilee, which gives son)e interesting details concerning his llajestv's daily life. The Emperor is an early riser, his working day beginning at eight, and frequently at seven. At nine there is a light breakfast, after which ho spends an hour ir. his cabinet with his secretaries, making notes on extracts from Statu papers. I'rom ten to 10.30 iho moro important Court officials arc received. The Tsar then takes a short walk, during which lie is generally accompanied by his favourito dog, -a -i-collie. About * eleven o'clock he returns to the Palace for the reception of Ministers, in -which he is engaged till one o'clock. Lunch with the Imperial Family follows, and then mora audicnccs for some threo or four hours. On their completion tho Tsar takes his second walk. Between five and six tea is served with tho Imperial Family, and then comes moro work. • His Majesty usually dines at eight o'clock. From 9.30 to twelve and 12.30, and frequently even later, the Tsar is again busy at work. Consequently, this ruler's working tiny lasts ton to twelve hours. Five to six hours are spent by his Majesty at. his meals or in Iho society ol' his family, which leaves only seven hours for rest, liefore retiring for the night lie writes down in his diary tho most important: events of the day. In the audiences the Tsar shows a remar liable knowledge of affairs. Ho characterises the chief points of a subject in n few telling words, and concentrates tho conversation, on tho main topic only. 1 truly charming alYability overcomes the shvness of his interlocutor, and the ease with which he asks questions and conducts discussion make for rapid progress. The Tsar's speeches in coui.ll are remarkable for their brevity and lucidity. He has said: "1 never prepare myself for what I am going to *;a. tho presence of others, but speak, after have praved to God, tho words as they form themselves in my mind/' Ho never 10--es the thread of a conversation, aiul ho is able to find a solution for thoj most difficult and complicated situations.. •Vnother characteristic trait of the Tsar is'the intelligent sympathy and consideration he shows for the work of his subjects; for although ho resides at Tsarskoa Solo (an environ of St. Petersburg) lie frequently holds receptions in tho Winter Palaco simply because ho does not wish to causo'any "loss of time. Tho moments not employed in affairs ot State of his time are spent with his family. Especially touching are the relations between the Tsar and his young son. The Tsar watches over him with tender care and the voung Tsarovitch, in return, simply worships his father, whom ho accompanies in his walks, excursions, and reviews of troops. The Tsar loves to spend his' leisure moments in tho open „ir with his son. He chops wood with him, helps him to build snow and earth huts', and digs ditches. . The Imperial children are early risers like their father. They spend the first hours of the day in the upper stories ot the palace, and see their lather tor tho lir-t time at breakfast. After dinner the; Tsar roads to his Imperial Consort. Generally on these occasions the works of Russian writer.-, especially the humorous ,one s , arc the favourites. . The pleasures o) the Imperial I'anuly are remarkable for thoir simplicity. Great balls and receptions are only allowed bccauso they aro required by the etiquette of the Court. Only persons who ire very intimate with their Imperial Majesties aro invited to the more private evenings, which are mainly spent m conversation, cards, etc.. As a rule, tlio Lsar does not take part in tho card playing, but devotes himself to carrying out ins duties as host.