A GLIMPSE AT THE CZAR.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 422, 17 May 1877, Page 3

A GLIMPSE AT THE CZAR.

A correspondent writes from St. Petersburgh :■ —" I entered one of the many shady walks which spread out in all directions, and a few turns brought me to a small marble building in Grecian style, half hidden by foliage, with a small knot of people lounging about the entrance. A short distance away a groom was leading a white charger up and down. Upon inquiry I found that the Emperor was in the building, which contains a bath, and that the people were waiting to present to him complaints or petitions. Several old women wanted to have their conscript sons returned, while others were suing for the pardon of some criminal, and, though I had nothing in particular to say to his Majesty, I concluded to stay and see him. We did not have to wait long. The folding doors opened, and with rapid strides a tail form passed by and had reached the groom with the horse before any of the petitioners could approach him.

"As he mounted I had a full view of his fair, open countenance, but his steed was a more beautiful object to look upon—the noblest horse I ever saw; of pure Arab blood, milk-white, with rosy nostrils, and gracefulness and strength in every move. When his imperial majesty seated himself, the gentle animal turned its head and affectionately attempted to nibble the Emperor's boots but a single word started hirn off on a canter, much to the dismay of the petitioners, who endeavoured to keep up with him, holding out their papers. The Czar shouted hack a few words telling them to come to the palace, and disappeared from view. For the sake of the beautiful horse I was glad to hear that there is a park at Tzarskoie, Selo, where all horses who have ever carried his majesty on their backs are kept in idleness and abundance when their time of active service has expired, and there "s no degradation in store for them to carriage or even cart horses when old age comes on."-—"Tablet."