Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1877 — The Russian and Turkish Ministers at Washington. [ARTICLE]

The Russian and Turkish Ministers at Washington.

The Russian Minister andi his legation*, are already on a war footing,, if there is anything in appearances. It is pretty generally known that Shiskin is very stylish and even “swell” in his habits. He drives about in the handsomest kind of an equipage, the harness of his horses being gold-mounted. His coachman is dressed up within an inch of his life with gold braid, shining brass buttons and other attractive fixings. Instead of a footman he has, sitting alongside of his coachman, a Russian soldier armed to his teeth, wearing a long sword, and a chapeau that from the front to the back is certainly three feet long. His military guard accompanies him everywhere, the theater, opera, etc., included. While the Minister is at his residence, this expensively and extravagantly-dressed guard, in foil uniform, does duty just inside the door, as eftrd-bearer, answering all calls. When the Minister goes to the theater, which is very frequent, the guard remains at the outer door of the theater and does an imaginary (to a great extent) duty there unul his Minister is ready to leave. He then escorts him to a carriage and takes his seat with the coachman. Shiskin, as well as being celebrated as a diplomat, has a very fine record as a military officer; hence, probably, his weakness for his military guard. On the other hand, the Turkish Minister Bey makes no attempt at style, and is more American-like in his habits. He is prominent, however, in social life, and figures extensively during the society season. Alt of his legation speak fluently ihe recognized language of diplomacy— French. Two old Turks, wearing the familiar dark red turban with yellow tashl, who are his only male servants, are seen frequently about his house. Tbe Minister himself, as well as his secretaries and assistants, now and then wear turbans, and alwayß when they call upon the President, and on other occasions where full court dress is necessary. —Washington Letter to Hartford(Conn.) Timet.