THE IMPERIAL MARRIAGES AT BERLIN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 64, 15 March 1878, Page 4

THE IMPERIAL MARRIAGES AT BERLIN.

The Cologns Gazette ia informed from Berlin that the marriage of thin two Prussian Princesses, which stand fixed for the 18th February, will be made the occasion of very brilliant and imposing festivities. The Imperial Court appears all the more desirous of enveloping the ceremony in the halo of princely splendor, because the marriages about to be solemnised are the first which occur in the Royal Family since its elevation to Imperial rank. No less than fifty personages of Eoyal blood are expected to be present, including, probably, besides the Prince of Wales, the King aud Queen of the Belgians. Tradition prescribes a variety of remarkable ceremonies, some singular to the degree of quaintnese. One very prominent feature in (he traditional ceremonial is a " torchlight dance," to be performed by twelve Ministers of State. This part of the programme will be strictly observed. But it ought (0 be remarked that the designation "dance" which has been given to the movements und gestures of the eminent State officials who are responsible for the common weal is misleading. There is nothing Terpßichorean in the pas and bows which constitute the courtly performance. Another ancient custom will be omitted on this occasion. It is übubl for royal brides and bridegrooms in Prussia to play a rubber of whist with the other royal personages attending the wedding, immediately after leaving the chapel, as an illustration of the " game of life" upon which they were sbout lo euter as "partners," playing aguinst all the rest of the company in turns. To play ttgainet twenty-five sets of partners would obviously take up too much time, and therefore the cards will not on the present occasion be. called into use. On the. oilier bund, the historic bride's polonaise, will be duly perfoimed, with double honors, iu '.ha evenin<-. The polonaiae in Germany opens the- ball, aud it is ÜBuul for the bride to dunce it in succession, or rather to vvnlk it, with all (he princely cuvnliers present, ibe bridegroom paying the eauie attention in turn to all tbo ladiee. Ju Uie present instance brides end bridegrooms will dance a trois, the two brides danciug in Bucc-efcgion with every princely cavalier, one right and one left, and the iwo bridegrooms escorting in the same manner and at the same time every princely lady round 4he room.!

Lord Beaconefield has lighted another colored fire to illumine India. The Gazette of Friday week contains a decree creating another Order, this time of women only. It is cullad the "Imperial Order of the Crown of India," — by the wny, is that crown made yet? — and confers certain insignia or decorations on certain English and native ladies. These insignia are undeacribed, but it is denied that they will consist of diamonds nose-rings made in the highest Indian taste, and specially distinctive of the country. All the Princesses receive the Order; the Maharanee Dbuleep Singh, a Copt, we believe, by birth; seven great native ladies, chosen we do not know how, for Scindiah'a wife and the wife of Holk&r »re both omitted, while the mother of the Guicowar is included; aDd eighteen English ladies, wives of past and existing Viceroys, Governors, Secretaries, and Under-Secretaries for India. The omissionß even in this list are unintelligible, Lady Lawrence not being included ; end the wives of all the Lieutenant-Governore, who are twice as powerful nnd independent as the Governors, are pointedly left out. No soldier'B wife receives the distinction, and only one lady who could claim it on account of direct service to the peoplej the Maharanee Hai Nomoyee, who is, we believe, the lady Burdett Coutig of Calcutta. She deserves it, but she is head of a family of Telia (oil-dealers by caste), and her name will not sweeten the gift to Indian Princesses.