RUSSIA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 2, 1 February 1855, Page 18

RUSSIA.

[Continued from our last.] Immediately after high mass has been cele brated in the Imperial Chapel, the doors leading from the latter, into the hall of the throne are opened, and tho advanced guard of the Imperial cortege passes through. First comes a crowd of Military Officers, often a thousand in number, in every kind of uniform - } next the gentlemen of the horse ; nest the gentlemen of the chamber, four hundred strong; and next the masters of the ceremonies, all in gala dress. These pass on through the hall of presentation into the apartments beyond. Then comes the grand master of ceremony in a gold coat, swinging his staff of office, and immediately after him the Emperor and Empress enter band in hand, and salute with the most graceful civility the representatives of other Courts. The younger members of the Imperial family, the Corps of Pages, and the great Ministers of State follow their Majesties, and remain in the apartment during the audience. The Emperor is dressed in a plain loose dark uniform ; the Empress in white satin, and a long train of velvet lined with ermine. Her neck and arms are covered with jewelry, and her head' with a coronet of diamonds. Pages drop her heavy train, and their Majesties advance with the grand-master, and address the members of the corps diplomatique. The Emperor has very little to say, and has finished his part of the performance in a few minutes. The Empress prolongs the interview. She passes from one to the other trembling with excitement. She converses with each one about their respective countries. She removes the glove from her fair thin hand, and presents it to the person honored with the presentation. _ The latter takes it with his own, kisses it with respectful fervour, and her

Majesty passes to the next in order, till the interview is finished. Their Majesties then join hands and march on into the other rooms beyond, followed by the Grand Dukes and Dutchesses, Pages, Ministers of State, and finally by the ladies of the Court, several hundred in number, dressed in the national Court costume. A white satin gown is worn beneath a robe of red velvet, which opens in front, and falls loosely from the shoulders and back in a loDg train. Bracelets and necklaces of great value cover the naked arms and bosom, and a tiara of red velvet set with pre«ious stones, placed over the forehead, contrast most forcibly with the pallid countenance of the wearer, unaccustomed to this early rising and morning exercise. [To be continued.]