On the occasion just mentioned, General Mouravieff gave the toast, “Russia and America,” Major Collins rose to reply and after speaking six or eight minutes came to a pause. Captain Martinoff, who understood English, was seated near the Major. As the latter stopped, General Mouravieff turned to the Captain and asked:
“Will you be kind enough to translate what has been said?”
“Blagodariete,” (he thanks you) said the captain. The Major proceeded six or eight minutes more and paused again.
“Translate,” was the renewed command of the Governor General.
“He thanks you very much.”
Again another period of speech and the address was finished.
“Translate if you please,” the general suggested once more to his aid.
“He thanks you very much indeed.”
The Major was puzzled, and turning to Captain Martinoff remarked that the Russian language must be very comprehensive when a speech of twenty minutes could be translated in three or four words.
On days when I was disengaged I dined at the Amoorski Gastinitza or Amoor Hotel. The hotel comprised two buildings, one containing the rooms of lodgers, and the other devoted to restaurant, dining and billiard rooms. In the dining department there were several rooms, a large one for a restaurant and table d’hote, and the rest for private parties. Considering the general character of Russian hotels the one at Irkutsk was quite creditable. In its management, cookery, and service it would compare favorably with the establishments on Courtlandt Street or Park Row.