'A grand entertainment took place at the Russian Legation onthe evening of Tuesday, the 26th, A telegram of congratulation from the Minister and members of the Legation had been despatched during the day to St, Petersburg. The entire foreign Diplomatic Body of Peking, with the mem-bors of the Customs and College and.a few outside guests, were invited to pass the evening under the hospitable root of HE. Count Cassini. Great preparations had been made to make the celebration the very grandest spectacle that has ever been wit nessed here. No expense and trouble were spared; everything was done with truly oriental magnificence and altogether regardless of expense. The general. effect of the illuminations was striking in the extreme. The grounds and buildings of the Legation were covered with hanging lanterns, which produced a scene which almost balties description. The old Greek church and many of thobouies were lighted from top tobotton. During the day there bad been an imposing religious service in the church and after: wards the whole Legation dined together. 'The lanterns, which' exceeded 3,000 in number, were closely. hung on wires; they were painted red and each stamped with the Russian. arms in black. It must have been no easy task securing such a number and painting, arranging, and lighting them. They were simply the ordinary every: day cheap Chinese lanterns coloured. red. Tt'rvas the immense number which produced the grand effect. The entertainment was an outofdoor one, the guests being seated or standing in the. long verandah running along the south of the. Minister's quarters." His Excellency the Count stood on the landing in' front of the main entrance and received and shook hands with each of his cuests. Sir Robert Hart's Band was in attendance and at the conclusion of the fireworks played the Russian, National' Anthem. "The great.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.