It is difficult for Englishmen to estimate the extent of
the Czar's danger during the forty-eight hours that his coronation practically lasts, but it is probably quite real. No care will guard a life which another man would give his life to take, and the Nihilists, besides being excited by the fear they inspire, are aware that if the Emperor, after all their threats, escapes, their wand of power will be broken. At all events, the Russian Court believes that the struggle is most deadly. The Czar, it is stated, has requested the eight royal personages who will attend the ceremony to enter Moscow alone, as it is during his entry, and not during the actual ceremonial, which takes place in a small church, that the danger will be greatest. The ancient capital is being occupied by picked troops like an enemy's city, entire detachments of police have been forwarded from St. Petersburg, and although the Ambassadors are beginning to arrive, the day for the crowning ceremony is not yet officially announced. All that human skill can do will be done, but still the Czar must be visible to thou- sands, must pass through streets, and must be surrounded by guards, priests, and officials, among whom may be his destined enemy. The grand chance in his favour is that expected crimes never occur, the expectation trying the nerves of the criminals more than those of the victim, whose position is, however, hor- rible. To be crowned with the consent of 80;000,000, and expect death at that very hour !
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