The Imperial family is to go on the 17th to Moscow where the Czar will observe the traditional custom and ask the blessing of God on himself and his people in the tragic hours through which the country is passing. _Monday, August 17th._--The arrival of Their Majesties at Moscow has been one of the most impressive and moving sights I have ever seen in my life. After the customary reception at the station we went in a long file of carriages towards the Kremlin. An enormous crowd had collected in the squares and in the streets, climbed on the roofs of the shops, into the branches of trees. They swarmed in the shop windows and filled the balconies and windows of the houses. While all the bells of the churches were ringing as if they would never stop, from those thousands of throats poured that wonderful Russian National Anthem, so overwhelming with its religious grandeur and pent emotion, in which the faith of a whole race is embodied: “God save the Czar! Mighty and powerful, let him reign for our glory, For the confusion of our enemies, the orthodox Czar. God save the Czar!” On the steps of the churches, through the great doorways of which one could see the light of the candles burning before the reliquaries, the priests in vestments, and holding their great crucifixes in both hands, blessed the Czar as he passed. The hymn stopped, and then began again, rising like a prayer with a mighty and majestic rhythm: “God save the Czar!” The procession arrived at the Iberian Gate.[34] The Czar got out of his carriage and, in accordance with custom, entered the chapel to kiss the miraculous image of the Virgin of Iberia. He came out, walked a little way, and then stopped, high above the immense multitude. His face was grave and composed. He stood motionless to hear the voice of his people. He seemed to be in silent communion with them. Once again he could hear the great heart of Russia beating.... He then turned again towards the chapel, crossed himself, put on his cap, and slowly walked to his carriage, which disappeared under the old gate and went towards the Kremlin. * * * * * Alexis Nicolaïevitch is complaining a good deal of his leg again to-night. Will he be able to walk to-morrow or will he have to be carried when Their Majesties go to the Cathedral? The Czar and Czarina are in despair. The boy was not able to be present at the ceremony in the Winter Palace. It is always the same when he is supposed to appear in public. You can be practically certain that some complication will prevent it. Fate seems to pursue him.