Ways of War and Peace
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There were a number of important diplomatic meetings between King George and M. Poincare, the French President. The papers reported that King George had made it clear to the French people he wished to continue the friendship that has existed for nearly a century between the countries, and to strengthen the alliance which King Edward had created. By the time the royal pair were ready to make their departure King George had won the reputation of being a great statesman and good diplomat. This he showed in his friendly attitude towards Russia. It was probably in good faith made by France that England accepted a friendly attitude towards Russia, for they had been suspicious of the Czar and his government, fearing that they had designs upon India. Another diplomatic stroke was the treaty that had been made by King Edward with Japan to protect British interests in the Pacific.
These royal visits and treaties show that England had brought herself into closer diplomatic relations with the continent than she had ever done. Until the last fifty years England tried to keep herself as isolated from the European continent as she could. It was only after the Franco-Prussian war, when Bismarck suggested a treaty with Austria, that England commenced to look around for some allies to offset this power. This feeling grew stronger when Germany began to increase and strengthen her navy. For England covets the title of being mistress of the seas, just as Spain did during the time of the Spanish Armada.
King George has shown himself an equally able diplomat and statesman at home. This was especially noticeable when on February 11, 1914, he opened one of the most momentous Parliaments in British history. The Irish crisis was the principal problem during the session, and in his speech his majesty spoke of the question in such momentous words as these: "This question, unless handled now with foresight, judgment and in the spirit of mutual concession, threatens grave future difficulties."
The king was supported in his opinion by Walter Asquith, who has been the firm champion of home rule. He predicted civil war in case the demands of Ireland were not satisfied, and taunted the government with pusillanimity in the face of the recent events in South Africa. He then moved an amendment to the reply to the speech from the throne "that it would be disastrous for the House to proceed further with the government for Ireland until the measure had been submitted to the judgment of the country." He showed his calm judgment and steady hand when the threatened Ulster uprising took place by proposing home rule for all of Ireland that wished it.
These radical moves were the more surprising, for King George was spoken of as a strong conservative when brought to the throne. This was seen by the patience the Queen and he showed during the coronation in England and India. They were spoken of as mere figures by the Liberalists because they went through the endless festivities from the great procession to the numerous banquets with a smile, with words of patience and good cheer. It was the first time in many centuries that an English King and Queen had made a long trip to India to partake in their coronation festivities at Delhi and Calcutta. They wished to renew the pledge made by the late Queen Victoria when she assumed the title of Empress of India, emphasizing the incorporation of the great peninsula into the British Empire that all her Indian subjects were the children of the Great White Queen. They showed that this was more than a promise when they reached Bombay on the 4th of December, 1911. At half-past nine they and their royal suite drove out to the fête grounds, adjoining the Bombay Gymkhana building. Here in an open space some 26,000 children had been drawn up in a large semicircle, over against the centre of which was a dais for the King and Queen. As their majesties drove up at a quarter to ten, four selected groups of children belonging to the European, Urdu, Gujarati and Marathe schools sang each two verses of the National Anthem in their own tongue. Though they sang in their own tongue and danced their native dances, they shouted "Long live the King and Queen" as enthusiastically as would have done the same size body of English children.
The coronation at Delhi took place on the 12th of December. The royal pavilion was used as a centre of a semicircle, with a radius of about 240 yards erected round the circumference for spectators. All around the base of the mound ran a processional road, so that their majesties could drive under the eye of the onlookers. From the southern margin of this road was erected a huge stand with seating accommodations for ten thousand spectators. The stand was protected by a steep, sloping roof, ornamented with Oriental cupolas. The royal pavilion rose from a broad base in three tiers and ascended by broad stairways to a central platform surmounted by a huge gilt dome. The royal dais was protected by a canopy of crimson velvet, trimmed with crimson and gold fringe. At the royal approach the principal officials and the ruling chiefs took their places at the base of the stand. They were dressed in their rich Oriental silks of orange shot with gold or silver ornamented with armlets of gold, jeweled swords, priceless brooches, orders set with rubies and emeralds and diamond ornaments fastened in their caps. The arena was crowded with British and Indian cavalry, handsomely trapped in gold and red velvet. There was a long procession of English cavalry and marines, enlarged by a great number of native cavalry. It was shortly before noon that their majesties appeared at the entrance. The approach was made known by a salute of 101 guns. They were welcomed by the great throng present, every one rising to his feet, and they drove round the grand stand showing themselves to all present. They were welcomed by great shouts of joy with singing and music, British and Indian airs intermingling. After their majesties were seated on the throne surrounded by their suite and attendants, the King rose and announced the ceremony of his coronation in person to his subjects in India. He ended his promise of good faith by these words: "To all present, feudatories and subjects, I tender my loving greetings." Then the Viceroy came forward and expressed his homage, bowing low thrice as he approached the throne. He was followed by the ruling chiefs of Hyderabad, Baroda, Mysore, Kashmer, Rajputana, Central India, etc. These were led by the Nizam, who were dressed entirely in black, except for the yellow, mitre-like headdress. After them came the chief justices and judges of the High Court, the Viceroy's legislative council, the governors and lieutenant-governors. The ceremony lasted for more than an hour, and was extremely picturesque. The British officials dressed in staid blue uniforms made a suitable background for the rich Oriental costumes and priceless jewels worn by the Indian princes. Their salutations were no less interesting than their costumes, as they one by one approached the dais in turn expressing their promise of homage. Some used the gesture of throwing earth on the head once or oftener; others simply bowed. The Rajput chiefs almost without exception laid their swords first at the feet of the King-Emperor and then at the Queen-Empress with deep obeisance. Most interesting of all were the chiefs of Bhutan and of Sikkim, who after bowing reverently, brought out two white shawls, such as they use to drape the images of their most sacred gods, and spread them before their King and Queen. There were other festivities included in the Durbar, one of which consisted of a great banquet to 173 of the most distinguished British and native guests. There was the same display of rich Oriental dress and elaborate, shimmering jewels. The next day the King reviewed his native and British troops, awarding the most valiant of his officers the Albert medal. The King held a levee of his officers while the Queen-Empress received 120 ladies of the families of the ruling chiefs.
Another splendid royal entertainment was a large garden party in the fort of Delhi. There were groups of entertainers and jugglers. These interspersed freely with great lords and ladies and splendid cavalry and infantry. Their majesties soon appeared and took their place on the ramparts, where they received the immense throng. The same ceremony was repeated at Calcutta. While there the King divided his time between the polo grounds and the public hospital. At Nepal the King and his party hunted and they were successful in laying low a good bag of tigers.
Shortly after their coronation the King and Queen showed that they are fond of many of the mediæval traditions. They restored the Order of the Bath and laid much stress on the Knight of the Garter. The Knights of the Garter have a beautiful chapel at Windsor, where each has a stall.
Though King George inherits the diplomatic qualities of his father, he has little sporting blood in him. He keeps a racing stable and has many fine horses. He also attends to all the large races, but he does little betting, because the Queen is opposed to gambling. He is fond of all outdoor sports, such as tennis, golf and polo, and he encourages his sons in these pastimes by joining with them at these sports.
Queen Mary is an ideal companion for King George. For she believes that to be a good Queen means first a devoted wife and mother. She is interested in all the King's affairs, whether it is a coronation in England and India or caring for the wounded soldiers in the hospitals in London. She is fond of good living and dressing, but she is opposed to everything that suggests foolish extravagance. After the coronation she was greatly opposed to the refurnishing of Buckingham Palace. Though she is supposed to wear her state gowns once, she has them remodeled time and again. She objects to modern dancing, especially the hobble skirts. She likewise frowns upon the light-hearted American social leaders, who before her day were so popular at court. When King George ascended the throne the Queen asked him not to smoke anything beyond an occasional cigarette, nor to drink, to bet, nor to have ladies at his club.
The royal family has an ideal home life in London and in the country. Much of their time is given over to sports in fine weather and reading aloud in bad weather. At Sandringham they have great droves of pigeons, which the entire family love and care for.
Little was known of the Prince of Wales until he became of age and inherited his title. He went through this difficult ordeal with ease and grace. He was educated by Mr. Hansell, an English tutor. Later he studied at Osborne and Dartmouth. He did his year's service as a petty officer and went through the discipline and hardships of the common marine. When the war broke out he offered himself for active military service, and was greatly disappointed because he was not accepted. His brothers are being educated in the same simple and unspoiled fashion. His oldest brother, Prince Albert, was born in 1895. He entered the Naval College at Osborne, remained there for two years and then spent two years at Dartmouth. The younger brothers are George, Henry and John. Princess Mary has had her teachers at home; she is a well-educated girl, who has given more time and thought to her study of languages and music than to clothes. She was given her first evening gown for the coronation and her first jewelry when she was sixteen. She will not be allowed to make a formal début until she is of age. The Queen insists that her daughter shall be trained to become an intelligent mother and capable housekeeper before she marries. When she does, it must be a love match. For Queen Mary was engaged to the Duke of Clarence, and after six weeks of courtship he died. Shortly after she was engaged to his brother, Prince George.
Though England and Germany are fighting each other with a death's grip they are closely related. The Emperor is a cousin of King George, and it is said that both King George and Emperor William wanted to bring the two families together. It looked as though the promise would become a reality, for the King and Queen were present at the marriage of the Emperor's daughter – Victoria Luise – to Prince Ernest of Brunswick. The Germans say that the label, "Made in Germany" instead of "Made in England," along with Germany's sympathizing with the Boers, are the causes of their animosity, while the English say that German imperialism and militarism are to be crushed once and for all time.
TWO RUSSIAN CITIES
Though Moscow is an old city, great effort and large sums of money have been spent making the place modern and attractive. Everywhere are the houses surrounded with trees and gardens brilliant in color and laid out with exquisite care.
That the city is old is shown because it is irregular and without plans, but there are new sights at every turn. The city is inclosed by a number of old gates. Passing under an ancient gate one reaches a narrow street suggesting an Eastern town. Then crossing the Red Place, one passes through the Holy Gate to the platform of the Kremlin. This part of the town is as old as it is interesting. It is more picturesque because of the large square and round towers surmounted by spires. The walls on one side are skirted by the river. A splendid effect in color is had by the gold and silver domes shimmering against the brilliant green, blue and red of the sky. A magnificent view is had from Sparrow Hill; the ascent is made by a steep and tortuous road. From this point the river looks like a silver belt girding the city. On the opposite side the wooded hills run steeply down to the water.
The general view of Moscow is brilliant and grand. The many-colored roofs give richness to the picture. From the middle rises the fortress of the Kremlin, the many churches send up a forest of dome-capped towers. The Kremlin speaks of many centuries, as it was founded 800 years ago. The principal place is the Kittye Gorod in front of the Spasskie Gorod. It is entered by a vaulted road, where is seen a handsome and a world-famous bell, supposed to have been cast in 1800. A great quantity of gold and silver was used in the making; the height from the summit to the base is 16½ feet, while the greatest thickness is 22 inches.
Another interesting feature is the Museum of the Imperial Treasures. The interior is wonderfully light and graceful. In the first hall are resplendent banners and suits of ancient armor; the other halls are filled with many costly treasures. There are gold, silver, agate and crystal vases, silver tables and gold plate of every description.
The city proper is as unusual looking as the fortress. It is a lozenge shape, lying northeast and southwest. In the center of this is an octagonal area inclosed by a second line of ramparts or walls. This part is really the city; beyond is a suburb laid out in gardens densely inhabited. Within the octagon is a third area called the "Chinese City." Its southern wall is washed by the small river Moskya. This is a southern barrier of the Kremlin and is a fortress of nearly triangular shape. The two outer walls are modern in style. The city is laid out in a succession of concentric zones which start from the Kremlin. The streets are hilly, therefore the tram cars are drawn by four and six horses.
Then there are the droskys – vehicles set on either side with no support to the sides or to the back. But the peasants consider the tiligae their national vehicle. It is a rough sort of basket fixed on four or six poles. Primitive though these carts are, they are well adapted to the hilly and uneven roads. In the street one sees a motley crowd of venders, myriads of women with bright-colored kerchiefs over their heads, street-hawkers, beggars and priests in long, black, flowing robes. The streets are lined with cobble stones and bowlders and low, white houses, mostly one-story high.
Moscow has a number of pretty parks; the Petropki Park is the most noted. A part is ornamented with flower-gardens and statues, and the remainder is woodland. At the entrance are some pretty summer villas built of wood and ornamented with fretwork.
Moscow, like all others in the empire, is rich in churches and shrines. The most sacred of all these minor chapels is the Iversky Virgin, situated at the gate. The exterior walls are made of imitation malachite; the roof is a sky-blue cupola spangled with gilt stars. The facade is panelled with paintings of saints, framed in embossed brass; in front is a platform raised three steps from the ground. The number of worshipers and visitors to this shrine are so many it was found necessary to make the steps of iron. When the Czar arrives at Moscow, the first thing he does is to worship at the shrine. Another interesting church is that of Vasseli Blagemor, which occupies one end of the place with its bouquet of fantastic cupolas and spires built by order of Ivan the Terrible. This church is considered unusual because there are two chapels in the basement. Above are nine chapels. The interior glitters with hundreds of brass tapers that are always lighted. The image, which is the usual Byzantine type, is a dark brown color. It has a big jewel on the brow, another in each shoulder and a net of real pearls on the brow. Because of the many styles of architecture and the many chapels, this is considered the most original church in the world. The belfry building is a curious mixture of styles. The tower is Arabian and Byzantine, with a suggestion of Indian on the fourth story.
The palace is in the form of a square. The state apartments are particularly rich and are in good taste. The hall of St. George is 200 feet by 65 wide and 58 high. The handsomest of the state apartments is the banqueting hall. The ceiling is splendidly decorated and the windows richly draped. The hall is large enough to accommodate 200 guests. The service is wonderfully beautiful; most of the food is served in gold vessels.
Not far off is the Tower of Ivan Veliki, which serves as a campanile for three cathedrals and has thirty-four bells. The largest is 65 feet in circumference.
The city is ornamented profusely with statues and triumphal arches; the most splendid is the Arch of Triumph. This is made of marble and is surmounted by a beautifully carved statue of Liberty, while the arch is ornamented with handsome bas reliefs.
Moscow has a number of attractive suburbs. One of these is Ostaukea; it is well laid out and has many handsome buildings. This place is especially well known for the splendid churches made of stone and marble.
Moscow, beside having a great deal that is beautiful, is interesting because the old and new meet in an unusual, almost grotesque, fashion. They are not apart, as in Paris, London and many other European capitals. They jog hand in hand as unevenly as the streets on which they stand.
The traveler to whom St. Petersburg is unknown, imagines the city as ancient, picturesque and irregular. But it is laid out as regularly as many American cities. It is an ancient city, dressed in a new guise. It is situated along the Neva, with many modern buildings and parks on the one side, churches and old buildings on the other.
The location of the city is not attractive; it is built on several islands in the delta. The ground is so low in many places that the buildings have to be raised on piles. This morass was changed into a splendid city by Peter the Great, who was insistent that he was going to train himself and his people to a fondness for the sea. As a child he had been frightened by the sudden rushing of a cascade, and for years he could not see water without trembling and fear. When he was grown, he said, "I shall build St. Petersburg here without bridges, that our people may be constantly on the waters of the Neva, crossing and recrossing." Since this time the city has grown and expanded greatly, and bridges are a necessity. The St. Nicholas is a large, massive, stone structure built on huge, granite piers. Three other bridges are large floating structures which span the river in the summer, but are removed as soon as the river is frozen.
On one side of the river are many pleasant summer homes and cottages surrounded by beautiful flowering gardens. On the other side are the barracks and the poorer part of the city.
Most of the public buildings are placed in a public square, so they are seen with little difficulty. At one end is the large senate and synod; before it stands the colossal equestrian statue of Peter the Great. To the south of the Admiralty, the most important part of the city is seen, the Bolshar Storma or Greater Side. Towards the west lies the Basilius Island with the large splendid exchange, the important Academy of Sciences and the university.
The city is divided into four large divisions, separated by the Great and Little Neva and by the Great Nefka. The great side includes the court, the nobility and nearly half the population. Here many of the best streets and some of the handsomest residences are seen. The streets are broad and well paved. Here are spacious and well-built houses, while beyond are a succession of magnificent palaces. This need not sound strange, as there are no European cities having so many princes and palaces. Even the dwellings of the poor have a showy magnificence about them. Everything is built on a gigantic scale. It is not unusual to find a house occupied by two hundred families, but they are not built high, two stories being the average height. Building a home in this city is usually an expensive affair. The driving of the stakes alone often costs hundreds of dollars.
But the palaces of the princes and nobility are usually as beautiful as the other homes are plain and unattractive. Here are found richly hand-carved furniture, splendid jade and malachite vases. There is so much of everything that it is really overpowering. The royal palaces are large and furnished at great cost. The Annitschoff palace is inhabited more by the present imperial family than the Tauride palace. The former stands on the great Pr'pektin, the neighborhood of the Fontanka, and closes the brilliant range of palaces in the street. It was originally built by Elizabeth. Some years ago it was bought as one of the Emperor's abodes. It is handsomely built, though it has no historic significance.
A part of the court are usually here in residence, and it is here that the Emperor holds many of his most important councils. Those who saw the Winter Palace before the fire recall the mass of wealth devoured by the conflagration. In six hours priceless furniture, ornaments and rare pictures were destroyed.
The Hermitage is the San Souci of St. Petersburg. This was built by Catherine and used for her retreat after her work and that of her courtiers was done for the day. This palace is surrounded by beautiful shade forests, refreshed by fountains and pleasant grottoes. On cool days concerts and theatricals were given within the palace, while in the warm weather these were held out of doors; beautiful music and rare voices resounded through the forest then.
The people in Russia do not object to the cold, uninviting houses. Pleasant days bring thousands into the streets below. The Nevsky Prospect is a splendid street that intersects all the rings of the city. It winds its way between the handsome residences, pierces the Chamber of Commerce and touches the poorest parts of the city. Here all types of Russian life are seen, from the proudest nobility, driving in their auto-cars and handsome carriages, to the poorest peasants living in one of those immense, densely crowded apartment buildings. The scene in this portion of the street at about midday may challenge comparison with any street in the world, and the spectacle is enhanced by the magnificence of the decorations. Besides the handsome residences, there are many large shops and cafés offering recreation to the crowds promenading up and down.
St. Petersburg has a number of large summer gardens, which are an adornment to the city and offer a pleasant rest to thousands in warm weather. The Summer Garden is the largest and most attractive of these. Everywhere are the large, well-shaded benches, thronged with matrons, while the children play in the sand and catch their balls. On one side of the Summer Garden is the Tzariziuski Lug, or Field of Mars. Now these resorts are well nigh destitute of men.
There are a number of buildings in St. Petersburg that are worth noticing. Of these the Exchange is certainly the most prominent. It stands on the farthest point of Vassili Ostroff, with a large open space before it, and it is reared on an elevated foundation. The granite quays on either side give solidity, while a long flight of granite steps leads down to the river. The space before the building is decorated with two immense columns, supporting the prows of ships cast in metal and erected to the memory of Mercury. The building is of immense proportions and took twelve years to build. The great hall is lighted from above, while at either end and on both sides are spaces in the forms of arcades. There is an altar at one end, and a light is always kept burning for the pious merchants, who offer up a prayer before they commence the undertakings of the day.