CHAPTER XV
SOME ODD THINGS IN RUSSIA
IN his own country the Czar is almost worshipped by the people, and when his coronation takes place, crowds of loyal Russians flock to Moscow, the former in hopes of obtaining a glimpse of their beloved ruler, or at least of seeing portions of the grand procession, the beautiful decorations and the gay festivities which always form part of the jubilant occasion.
For centuries the great white Czars have been crowned in the
Cathedral of the Assumption,
which, though not large, is magnificent, and is the most important building in all Russia. The structure stands, surrounded by many other sacred edifices, in an enclosure known as the Kremlin, situated in the centre of the city of Moscow. Its white walls support a vaulted roof of soft, dull green crowned with golden cupolas, each cupola surmounted by a shining golden cross. The interior is resplendent almost beyond description with its rich coloring, its jewel-framed paintings, its sculptures, its gold, silver, and precious stones, its priceless robes and holy relics.
