The Express. — London, England, 1851-05-24 00:00:00

limeeistrated for any required time. Meson. Knight and Sans, of }ester-lane, have also a blowpipe to be worked be doable hellos s. with a treadle of the °Winery construe bee, very nicely arranged, with an appropriate leow The og y.hydrogen blowpipe pre...cote the means el dilleining much greater intensity of twat than wag at dm egeosissill of chemists previous to its invention. The esabeatildia .1111 Sid the supporter of sombustioo being broiled tagra east. ideation without the adulteration of other gem" wAlli diminish the heat, the jet of Name pasemses the grealled possible intensity, and will fuse all knows InthettSese. I. ifs employment of this powerful sinlyilsol teens sem danger has semen from the liability of LM Om es biz 11111 explode by the lame communicating with Wm before fbrei issue from the orifice of the Umpire. The toterpeoh lion of wire gause has been tried to provaat web amidst% but the inflammability of the two games la ebb pore states b so great, that the flame will sometimes per through doe geese, or perhaps_ through fractures in it. Kr. Collins has endeavoured effectually to prevent such an osenrrence by interposing a chamber filled with small gravel, through which the gas peeves before it reaches the dame. This blowpipe is also arranged to serve the Impose of pro ducing the lime light, which may thus be readily applied to the oxyshydrogen microscope. Portable furnaces for the laboratory are exhibited in several forms by Messrs. Knight and Sens; but we do not observe among them any that present features of novelty. A double air-pump, exhibited by the same firm, being the patented invention of Mr. Siemens, deserves notice. The principal difficulty of obtaining a vacuum by the air-pump coasiste in the pressure of the atmosphere on the valve of the piston. When the air in the receiver has attained a certain degree of rarefaction, the specific gravity of the whole content. of sir in the cylinder, when compressed into its smallest space by the descent of the piston, as not equal to that of the external atinsophere, and cannot theretore lift the valve. The further rarefaction of the air is consequently prevented, fur the ouly effect of continuing to work the pump is to continually expand and compress the samejair in the cylinder. 'f his difficulty . may be partially removed by M. Siemens's plan of employing two cylinder', one placed above the other. The upper cylinder Iv of less diameter than the lower one ; consequently the pressure or , the atmosphere on the piston, W. the air in the receiver becomes exhausted, offers much less resistance to the working of the pump than it it bore on the larger area of the piston be neath. By this contrivance a partial vacuum is continually maintained in the upper part of the larger cylinder, the pressure on the valve is thus diminished, and the pump will continue to exhaust the air from the receiver considerably longer than it would if the pressure of the whole atmosphere were acting directly against the valve. The additional complexity of the apparatus must, however, add materially to the ditheuity of manufacture. A variety of small chemical apparatue, including portable laboraturies very conipactly fitted up, arc contributed by Meters. Griffin and Cu., of Baker-street. Among the glues 'cods is a very convenient arrungement of a thermometer for ezaminiug the temperatures of corrosive liquors. The scale is enclosed in a glass tube united to the dice tttttt neter tube above the bulb, by which means the mercury is fully expses' to the actism of heat, whilst the indicating scale is protected. An ,pparatus for conducting the pro OM.* of evaporation and distillation in the laboratory on a large scale, and free from the inconveniences of the, usual modo, of conducting those Op, alien., is exhibited by Illeeses. Coffey awl Smith, of Providenee-row, Finsbury. Tie soot remarkable, however, of the chemical apparatus for the lahonstory UM sonic large electrotyped glees otorts. The outer surface of that part of the glavo exposed to heat La- of copper deposited upon it by the electrotype proems, 'lles metallic coatis% serves the two-fold purpose of mire rapidly conducting the heat to the substances acted ash! and of protecting the retorts from breaking on the first application of the spirit-lamp, fur the heat being dietsi , bested more equally, the irregular eximmion caused by the nou-conducting pniperty of glasss is prevented. The exhi bitor of thew vowels is Mr. J. li. Edward. of Liverpool. Th. electrical apparatus for experiment al purposes makes a scanty display The voltaic arrangements pnyent little that i• remarkable. The only thing deserving notice is a syphon trough for a galvanic lottery made of gulls penths and vulcanised India-rubber, invented by Mr. Wellway, of !friend. Coutta percha pooemes properties that reader it eminently useful in electrical experiments, and it is daily coining more into use fer that pur poses. TIW evils feu the voltaic batteries employed by the Electric Ti legraph Company have recently been made of that material, which can be readily moulded into the sequired water-tight compartments, and resists the storroesess of acids. The eypleni trough is intended tu main tain the action of the buttery by supplying fresh mid, and removing the sulphate of line, but it doss not seem to attain that object iu m simple a manner as previous contrivances. The apparatus for the excitement and reservation of fric tional electricity is principally ...Wilted to a few plate machioes and Leyden Jars. Our plate machine, siansfartereal by Messrs. Watkins and Hill, of Charing Crofts is of large sixes, and is highly . hnishesl with entgLio insulators. None of these machines, how reef, prosent any novelty in their construction ; mid it is Worth acting that nest cove of the original and very COl/‘, siest cylinder ~critical machines is to be men in the Exhi holism. The greatest novelty is a gutta perch.. electrical machine exhibited by ..Ir. J. WesetniorLuel of Derby. An tsdleo 11.416.1 M gotta percha is stretched upon two rollers covered with cloth, to which rotary motion i. given by a handle. The rubbers cousist of four brushes, two being applied on the surface of the gotta perehe at each roller, and the plectra-ay i. collected by news of insulated wilds in the usual mode. be the existence of the million and a half of filiabitants of , Ospen, as the air they breathe. ;Net a tark, nor s leaf. ffige• fibre of the giant tree, nor a portion of the Illrfet Nibs, of the fruit-husk or of the Aril. but has its otter pc-\ Maar and especial use. Front' .this national tree the CrU game tillage r derives his clothing, ;edging, ,food, lighh ' inditilft, music, in short, nearly all that he needs or cares The colt ttMe, yarn, and rope prepared from the outer husk of the cocoa-nut will be found amongst many other fibrous substance* MSS and prepared, some of which have a rich and silky texture combined with strength, giving fair promise of working ap well for a ' variety of useful purposes. The cotton and flax movement has not been disregarded in India, and a few individuals at Singapore. Madras, and Colombo have for some time been engaged in experiments with the indigenous fibrous plants with which most parts of tropical India abound. The specimens of fibres and cordage produced from the wild plantain, aloe, and pine apples are of a superior quality, both as regards colour and texture, and from the latter there have been some beautiful fabrics manufactured in the east. This plant, although requiring hot-house treatment in Europe, grows freely in the most sterile spots in India, so that the production of the raw material is a matter of no difficulty. The fibres of the It:bacon, the Sanseveira, Keylanica, and other plants, are perhaps better adapted fur 1 cordage and matting than for any fine purposes. Amongst the edible grains of Ceylon, race, of course, Agues prominently as the staple article of food of most eastern nations. There are innumerable varieties of this pain, sonic being only reared in rich, damp, low lands, whilst other and poorer qualities arc grown in dry and lofty situations. Cheapas is this food in India, we know that may thousands of the rural population of Ceylon are too poor to obtain more than en occagional meal of it, subsisting for months together upon wild jungle, roots, a few and herbs, and an uncertain supply of small fish boife r ir into a sort of stew, with a little of their " Corraksn," or " Kol loo," a description of fine grain, of which many specimens are exhibited. Paddy is simply rice in its natural state, be fore it is freed from the hum or akin. Cabinet-makers and (*snobs( tin of furniture will no doubt look with interest upon the many beautiful specimens of Ceylon 1611046. Their varied colour and texture arc admir ably displayed in the richly carved ebony tables to be found in this collection, at which the Cingalcse artificers have well exercised their craft of carving and inlaying. The more beautiful and durable of those woods are the ebony, satin-wood, sod calamander, and we cannot but regretthat growing as they do in the depths of the more distant forests, remote from water conve)yance, the cost of bringing them to a port of shipment enhances their value so much, and with the expense of a lung voyage places them beyond the reach of many in this country. The foresters of Ceylon tell us the ealamander tree does not arrive at maturity until:Mk' years old ; be this as it may, it is certainly a tree of remark ably slow growth, for we have seen one which had been planted thirty years previously, and still a mere sapling. The dried medicinal plants, roots, seeds, gums, and resins form a rather numerous collection, though scarcely possess ing interest for the general visitor. With the many medi cinal oils exhibited they will prove of more value to some of our naturalists and pharmaceutical chemists after the Exhi bition, when we presume they will be left for analyses anal experiment. As yet but little is known of the Indian pharmacmaria ; anal, although we are quite aware that the medical lore of the East is disfigured by the grossest super stitions and absurdities, we equally believe that much valu able information might be gathered by medical practi tioners serving in tropical India from a study of the art as practised by the natives of Ceylon and other countries. In addition to the essential oil of cinnamon, which is chiefly employed in confectionery and medicine, Ceylon produces other oils of great fragrance, and of value to the perfumer anal soupniaker, such as the ails of lemon gram, citronella, and mint. As gotta perelta is almost the worst known conductor of idertrietty, or, in other W.W.1., as it is t h e brat Chine, t h e MTh. Anntil of it for of electricity seems to • considerable advantages. It is stated that the amount of vitt-Unity r arit...l by this patent mwl • greatly attires-cf. th. entiument of an equal surface of glass. The arrange- Wrlll exhibited is very cons...skid for working, but it seems open It improvement in the form of the rubbers, which do out appear to hi coo:sect...4l with the earth. There is inentitmetl in the catalogue one of Mr Armstrong'. hydro-chs•trir marl -14, but it reaped our observa tion, if it he placed awing the philosophical instruments. Aswan portable arrangement of that apparatus, for show• nog the excitement of eksiricity by the issue of high pressure steam, is one of the wants of experimental philosophy which we wish to we supplied. If instrutnects of the kiwi were to ISt easily pits uncl, the researches into that mode of enritiing electricity would, we anticipate, throw much kat On the science. if nut add material to line 114111/Intis appliances of that mysterious agent. nutty ellnintors of electric telegraphs, and the number of plans each um has contrived fur transmitting lightning prose hOll actively the minds of inventors an working to aptly that power in the best manner; this, how• till. In at be hof the subject whi.l we must reserve fur future mutat:ration. The division of " Manufactures" in this department pre sents nothing worthy of comparison with any other part of the East. Ceylon has ever depended upon conti nental India and Europe fur its limited supply of tine fabric., and all that we find it producing are a few dull, coarse checked dialog, from the Jaffna looms, some heavy and rather durable towelling from the liatticaloa weavers, anal lighter flimsy go •ds from th.• Chilao district. We may, however, mention that some of the Cingalese dyers turn out many beautifully executed robes or couthoys, painted iu the richest colours and of curi ous devices by hand. These will sell fur as much as of. each to the native chiefs; the Manchester manufacturers have in vain attempted to imitate thaw cloths by the aid of mad •ry, fur their ateam•produeed goods will with die t culty realise Vrs. each a piece. few painted mats and royal Kaudian whips and tassels, for decorating temple elephants at festivals, bear sorry testimony to the taste and skill of the natives of Ceylon. Pottery in that island is still at the lowest possible ebb, and the specimen here ahowu of the tea-puts front which Rajah Singh, the Kandyan tyrant, was wont to refresh himself, gives us a poor idea of the value of the royal Mock of crockery. Equally primitive and uncouth are the models of agricultural implements used by the Cingolese cultivators. Light, indeed, must be the soil, and the ap the animal labour, where such ploughs and harrows can he employed. The tualela of ploughs struck us as being precisely similar to those we have seen carved on some ancient hgyptian obelisk., and doubtless those imple meats have received nu improvements since the dark, bye a • time wheu Kama poured into the cities and pLinis of Lanka his devastating hordes of warriors. The palonquius and bullock carts of Ceylon present no feature differing from those of other parts of ludia. To any •inacquainted with eastern countries, the Ilarrack Carrottie, or bullock-cart of Col lon, would appear the most rude au I ill-adapted vehicle fur carrying on the inland teat& of any place. This is, however, not the case, and looking to the dangerous precipices over which the loaded cart is not %infrequently hurled in its mountain journey to the interior, we must admit that, with some slight alterations, they would be the very best fur the purpose of hill transport. The whole of the cotton produced in the Tinnivelly and other district+. of Southern India is conveyed hundreds of miles to the port of shipment across a country through which n o roads whatever exist : it is clear, therefore, that for such journeys none but the roughest and strongest vehi cles can be of any service. The models of the fishing canoe anal the trading dhoney of Ceylon are interesting, from their peculiar build and fittings. The dloonies, even to the largest size of 200 ton., are held together but by threads of cuir twine, yet these frail barks serve to carry on the greater part of the coasting trade, and a portion of the carrying trade with the Malalmr • and Coromandel coasts. They are chiefly navigated by Tamils and Mailmen; the utmost nautical skill of these people consists in steering their vessels by well known land marks; they never lose sight of laud, our fail to cast anchor at sunset ur when it blows fresh. CIE.VTIMIL"fIONS CEYIA)N. Visitor+ to the Ceylon Exhibition will derive no inform item from the official catalogue nuariling this seetion ol the colonial department. On the einitrary, u perusal of it will but nerve to bewilder them. It is true, the spertator will n . l . the "gilt sprinkler under a file.. ease," from the ( ' aunts., Grey, and the cin namon and cinnamon oil, which appear in the two leading paragraphs of this section of the catalogue ; hut beyond thew• two instances, all is Otte inexplicable mass of confu sion. Innumerable articles figure in the catalogue, which are nowhere to he found, while some of the most interest ing object+ from Veylou are not mentioned in the offi cial list. In giving a short account, therefore, of the articles in this division, we must set the catalogue aside, and touch upon the several objects as we find them placed. Following the general arrangements, we will eornmenee with raw materials, under which we have animal and vegetable substance employ.l as food or in manufacture. We must cunt, ”s to a little v:isappointment at finding nu specimens of they gem. of the ocean for which Lanka has heiPn famed since the days of Cleopatra. when the " barbaric pearl " was brought westwani by the adventurous trailers of the Nee to astonish and delight the princes of the world. A collection of pearl. within their shells, in various stages of growth, accompanied by models of the boats, diving ap paratus, itc., employed in the fishery, would have heen highly interesting. Not finding any of these, we pass on to the article for which Ceylon has been equally long and desmvedly noted—cinnamon. The samples exhibited of this aromatic and valuable spire are of first-rate quality, an d merit the n o tic e of such as are curious in these matter.. Besides the e.gse containing these specimens of unrivalled spes may be seen the curiously simple instruments with which the Singalese l'halias," or cinnamon peelers, strip off and scrape ott' the delicate Lurk from the long green sticks. Specimens of these latter are also shown. In bottles are likewise exhibited the highly aromatic oil distilled from the dried bark, and some of the lowers of the shrub, which have been stated by traveller+ of o ld t o perfume the air +anciently to be distinguished many miles at sea. This property we may state to be en tirely fabulous, the blossom and leaves possessing no aroma whatever. Strangers visiting the cinnamon gardens near Colombo cannot Evil to be *truck with their singularly beau tiful appearance, well planted so thew are with the gra,- ful laurel, the rich green foliage of which contrasts strongly with the snow like sand in which it grows, and in which ! alone it flourishes. The culture of the spice was ever a strict monopoly in the hands of the Portuguese and Dutch ircienasent+, a. well as with the British authorities, until ISTI, since when the growth and export of the article have been free to all. From the contemplation of these many objects illustra tive of the history of bygone ages, let us turn to things hearing the impress of European intelligence and progres sion—from the types of Eastern intellect to the spirit of Western civilisation. We behold this latter in the four I models of buildings and machinery employed in the curing of Ceylon coffe. These we believe to he the first of the kind shown in this countrT, certainly they are the only models of coffee works in the Exhibition, and they hear ample testi mony to the uutirin t energy which Englishmen bring to bear upon all their undertakings, in whatever part of the world they may be placed. The cultivation of coffee as an article of export has not been carried on in Ceylon for more than about eighteen years. l'revious to that time the plant was permitted to grow wild about the native villages, and the berry was gathered when but half ripe, for fear of rubbery. This miniature fruit was exposed to the sun for a few days on the hare damp ground, when it was beaten in a " paddy pounder," or wooden pestle and mortar, to free it from its outer shell, and was then hung in bags amidst the smoke of the hut until bartered fur a little saltdish or a slip of grey cloth. To this day the Cingalase hollow no other mode in the preparation or their coffee. The European planter erects brick and stone works, and iron and brass machinery, and lays down acres of cemented drying ground., well polished, or piles of platform, with moveable tray., to spread his valuable and cared-for crop un. The first of the works here exhibited is the " pulping•house," in which the fresh•gatben.l fruit, " in the cherry," as it is termed, is passed through machines called " pulpers," which tearuff the outer husk or pulp, and allow the beans in the inner " parchment " skin to fall through to cisterns below, containing water. There they are allowed to remain fur 12 or 18 hours, at the end of which time the coffee is well washed to free it from the mucilage of the " cherry," and placed on cemented drying grounds, or rai se d platforms with trays, as exhibited in the second model. These move able tray. have been introduced upon estates at a great alti tude, where showers are frequent and sudden. By their means a few coolies will run in under cover several thou• sands of bushels of parchment coffee in a very few minutes. The peeling-house is the next building. here the coffee, when perfectly dry, is brought to have the parchment or second skin removed, which is done by means of large wooden wheel. revoking on their edges within a circular trough ; in this trough the coffee is placed, and in about Id miuuas the peeling is completed, the notice power being ; coolies, bullocks, water or steam. After this process nothing 1 . 1 . 111111111 to be done previous to bagving and shipping, save mousing the chaff and faulty beans. The fourth and last model to describe is that of a building and appa ratus patented by a Mr. Ulerihew for curing coffee by means of but air. This, we hear, is coming into use ou the hill plantations, where open air drying 14 for a long period quite impossible. Great delay and injury has hitherto occurred on many estates from a long prevalence of wet weather, during which the moist green coffee lying in heaps in the stores is certain to undergo fermentation and become what is called in the trade " country damaged." In Clerihew's process this is prevented by passing a constant stream of dry warm air through the heaps of coffee, which is thus not only kept from decomposition, hut actually kiln- dried ready for " peeling." A specification and plan ac company the model, and we learn that the apparatus for the supply of hot air may be applied to any ordinary stove. The cost of a complete set of coff e e works for a plantation of 300 acres was wont to be 3,0001. to 12,0001. in the days of lamented " protection:" at the present time the same amount would suffice to fell. plant, and bring into bearing an estate of that size • including the erection of the neces sary stoves and machinery. Coffee, which is next in it. individual value to cinnamon. is too well known to tall fcir any account of it from us. In Ccyhm, however, the culture of this berry has of late years assumed .o much importance, that we mod .ay a few words coarsening it in pawing. Looking at the three articles we have sinned in referenee to their prevent commercial posi tion in that island, we should have reversed their position, placing coffee drat on the list and pearls last, for. by a sin gular coincidence, the pearl fisheries of Ceylon ceased to be productive at precisely the period when coffee planting commented its rapid strides in that colony. The samples shown are six in number, comprising the gatherings of some of the moat elevated estates as well as of the native or uncultivated berry. Most of thew will bear favourable eumparimn with the specimens exhibited from Java, Borneo. and Madras, yielding the palm to Mocha alone. Ceylon, which in 1836 pomemed but half a dozen plantation. now THE BOOKSELI.ERS AND THE EIIIIIIMION.—SIT-- ex estat po es and rts full 'carious natisy 340,000 cwts. of co ff ee, the produce 0f 320 The booksellers of London liming unanimously agreed to e garden., yielding employment to give each of their issiistants a holiday and the necessary 800 Europeans and about in,ooo co o li e , expenses to enable them to view the Great Exhibition, A gigantic specimen of the great national food of the may I take the liberty of calling the attention of the Ceylonese—the rucou-nut—i. to to be seen, though perhave I shopket•pers of London (through the medium of your not admired, save when wrought into some fanta.tieal y valuable paper) to this generous act, and strongly adrift' cursed driukiug-eup. Nevertheless, this fruit, as well as them to follow so good an esawple.—A BUOISE:4.IM . As every part of the noble paha which bean it, is ea accvsnary lIITANT. TO THH VORPION COMMAS: air Richmaed was on TuiZ Timm of attusual excite twat and festivity, in consequence of Its bavhnt been fixed upon as the locale fur a grand entertainment te which the me tropolitan local commissioners had invited their continental coadjutors. The dinner took place at the Castle hotel, but the whole town claimed the honour of sharing In the s' Wellkommen " which formed the appropriate motto of Me dud of invitation. The flags of all nations flaunted anus the erten., while in the centre of the town a hand- Assume trophy was exhibited, in which branches of trees were tastefully interwoven with banners of various colours and devices. Crowds of well-dressed people oc ' cupied every available corner,by whom the strangers, as they arrived, by each succeeding train, were welcomed with all the heartiness of English hospitality. The dinner took place in the grand banquetting hall of the hotel, which was most tastefully fitted up for the occasion. The walls were hung with the flags of all nations, and the tables were decorated with several of those wondrous specimens of electro-metallurgy with which the Messrs. Elkington have almost superseded the use of solid plate. The festivities commenced with the reception on the lawn, which slopes pleasantly down to the river, and in the centre of which the band of the 2nd Life Guards, under the superintendence of Mr. Grattan Cooke, were stationed, and played several operatic selections in the course of the evening. A regatta formed a prominent feature in the amusements, upon which the strangers gazed more with wonder than edification ;and that nothing might be wanting to complete the fete, all the itinerant musicians for twenty miles around had collected under the terrace and opposed their nigger melodies and banjo /symphonies to the more refined strains of the military band. While on the lawn a deputation from the town pre sented themselves, and delivered the following addreva to Lord Ashburton, the chairman of the day, and his distin guished guests: To her Majesty's Commissioners and the Foreign Com missioners of the Great Exhibition of Ins/I.—The inhabi tants of Richmond, represented by us, to whom its local government is rounded. the clergy, magistrates, and vestry of the parish, beg to offer to you, her Majesty's Commis sioners, and these, your illustrious guests, their warmest congratulations on the completion of that grand idea which, by bringing the industrial representatives of the whole world together, is calculated to secure the blessings of ' Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.' We feel parti cularly gratified that, in the administration of the rites of hospitality, Richmond should hove been chosen as the first and fittest place in which this industrial congress of nations may sit at the same board and rejoice together. Possessing no municipal constitution, we are unable to address you in any corporate capacity. We would, however, remind our foreign eisinits that, by our ad mirable local organisation, there is no part of this country, however distant Irons the metropolis, or however distant ! to fame which inessessee not in its parochial authoriti. a the': means of local government and local administration—thus a place 'int no higher rank than that of a village is : able, by its constituted authorities, to hold out the hand of friendship, and proffer its welcome to you, the representa tives of the world. We trust that the labours in which you have all so worthily shared will not he without their reward in inducing the freest intercourse between all nation. that each may contribute to the welfare of others ; and tha t the interchange of productions may promote that greatest of worldly blessings, the interchange of social uffee ' dins. We would not arrogate to ourselves a superiority war other nation+. In seeking for unrestricted intercourse. es seek not to create a superiority. Our glory will be but the reflected glory of all nations who, in attending this peat gatherintt and heaping the riches of its industry upon ear shorts, base inaile us for the time the centre of that ftht whose beams are destined to illumine all mankind. Yet we cannot forget that, 1 ill years ago, upon the banks of that noble miser, whose peaceful beauties now lend a charm to this meeting, a poet-prophet breathed forth the Hawing lines, a vision now realised— The time shall come, when, free a' sea, or wind, Unbound st Thames Mill flow for ail mankind ; Wbide warms cater with its swelling tide, Awl ram but kiln the regions thee divots: Earth's di-tant I nil. our glory shah behold, And the new win id launch Meld t o meet the old. With every wish for your continued prosperity and happi ness, and that you may long live to witness the successful issue of your arduous toils, we remain your sincerest friends and fellow•citizeris of the world, Tilt INHABITANTS Or HICHNIUNU.•' BANQUET . : 'iromuts social and political relations of mankind we VIII .01 blind to. We were like full-Hedged birds sitting od the brink of the nest, conscious of fresh powers, hut *aortal of the , mighty range which their development had brought withi n . our tope. But it wait not so with Prince Albert; he felt that God has not given us the genius of discovery, had not en-. trusted us with dominion over the powers of nature, that it should all end in cheapness. Ile felt that nations might be brought together with their works and that through this Industrial Congress tome advance might be made towards that unity of mankind, that universal peace which has been the dream of philanthropic men from Sully to Elihu Iturritt ; but those good men mistook their means of ac tion, and brought ridicule upon their sacred mis-ion. They thought peace might be enforced by Amphytrionie torment, that they could quell the hot blood of controversy and fright it into propriety ; they thought that the lust for war might be controlled by the fear of war—that a majority would always be on the side of peace. But a sounder philosophy has taught us that prevention is better than punishment; and as we seek to keep peace among citizens by softening their hearts, by training and civilisation ' so also we might soften the hearts of nations, one towards eh., other, by such meetings as this. In this faith—in this steadfast faith—he got this ark reared—the ark of a new covenant among nations. In this faith he sent forth his missives into all lands; in this same faith the nations of the earth have responded to his appeal ; they have understood his meaning, and have sent you, gentlemen, to represent them in this first great giithenng. I was right, then, when I called l'rince Albert the author of this Exhi bition. I am right, then, when I summon you to rise in your places and fill your glasses to the brim, and drink health and happiness to Prince Albert, and to all who are near and dear to him. The toast was received with loud and general cheering. The next toast was, "The Foreign geutlemen who were their guests that evening." In proposing it the CHAIR MAN said—. My next toast is to you, gentlemen commis sioners of foreign countries, in whom: honour, and for whose welcome, the representatives of your several governments have consented to accept our invitation, and to associate themselves with us, your fellow-labourers in this metropolis. We rejoice in this your visit; we are proud of these marks of your confideuet , . When England sent to tell you that she would raise an edifice of 14140 to contain all that nature had given must precious—all that man had pro. dured most useful, most ingenious, most beautiful— when she offered to your productions equal favour with her own, you trusted her, you trusted both her power and her will, you hastened from the uttermost parts of the earth to contribute your choicest offerings to the shrine of industry, and gloriously have you done your part. That we had before confessed your excellence, your superiority in a thonsaud works, is attested by our factories dotted on your shores, by our merchautothips crowding your sets. We confess it now in the day of trial before the world. We apprehend from your 8.11.1.1.1.5 no national impoverishment, for we know, that to purchase from you we must have money, and to have money we must sell something of our own ; and as both those ope ration, are the spontaneous acts of individuals, for their private gain, the results of both must be a gain to the nations engaged in the exchange, for the gains of a nation are made up of the gains of its people. Nor in your SUMew do we see cause for shame, cause fork:4o%l,T, cause for repining; far from it: we we in it the hand of God, working flu. the goed of all. It has phased him to give to all nations the same genius or discovery, the same divine spirit, but at the Mule time to vary the conditions under which it is exercised. Diversity of soil., of climate; diversity of lenge:iv to vary the chanthis of thought, of usages to vary men's wants—all these concur to give to each nation its peculiar excellencies in the market of the world, and those varieties of excellence promote not only interchange of commodities, but of ideas, of experience, of inventions, of good eerviecs, without which the several states of Europe, with all their boasted knowledge, all their civilisation, would sink in a few short years into the condition of China or Japan. It is in this persuasion that we have laboured to promote this Exhibi tion, that we have hailed your arrival within our shores; but, now that we have met face to face, now that we have shaken hands, it iv not political economy, hut it is a kindly spirit--a spirit of affectionate regard, that bids us raise our glasses to our lips and wish you all a !!e arty welcome. The toast having been duly honoured, M. Von V lEBAUN returned thanks as follows: Gentle ! men,—May I take the liberty to express the most sincere thanks of the foreign col 1111 l issioners for the kind hos pitality with which they are honoured by the commissioners of the Metropolis. London is, at this time, the greet est I and most opulent city in the world, the British nation the moist wealthy, and perhaps the must mighty of all nations. It has not always been eu. There W. 04 a time in which the Herman nation prevailed, in which Ratishon and Cologne Irefr the chief centres of intercourse awl opulence among all the European nations. But the wealth and happiness of this country and her capital creates only feelings of satis faction and a joyful acknowledgment on account of the ap plication mule at present ut the immense influence of the English metropolis. The great Exhibition or Industry, gentlemen, is ma an undertaking such .1.4 was used in former times by powerful nations fin. promoting egotistical purposes against their weak neighbours. This comparative representation of the industrial works of all reactions, this acquaintance with the origin of the best, finest, and heapest product, in each branch for the human requests, and for the endallishment of human life, is an event who.: advantages will benefit the whole of mankind, from the most remote dwellings of the Alps to the Himalaya and the Alleglianya. For this re sult the invitatiou to this Great Exhibition has been re ceived with ardour by the civilised nations of the earth. In nay country nearly all the important branches of industry have transmitted their products, and the industrious works of more than 1,700 German exhibitors are presented. Gen tlemen, to your aspect and 4414.ml:dim' allow me to express the wish that feelings of concord in this must honoured society, that an harmonious eu-operation for a useful and noble purpose may penetrate all civilised nations of the globe, and may unite them in the common work of adapt ing the stores of nature to the happiness of human life, and the high destination of the human mind. May also the li.nevolent and judicious members of the metropolitan coin miseion enjoy themselves a full measure of the happy re sults of their indefatigable working for their gnat enter prise. Vichalin in conclusion "'The Health of the Metropolitan Commissioner- " Mr. CRACE made a brief ee' Lord .kSIIIIU ItTON returned the following reply : I On the part of our illustrious guests, I big to ac knowledge the complimentary terms in which you have hailed their visit to your beautiful Tillage. You have , shown them that, though in this room they might have considered tbemselves only as the guests of the metropoli tan and local commissioners, they are, in fact, the instant ' I they set their foot user the threshold, the guests of all , I Englishmen. lam sure I speak their sentiments when I I assure you, in their name, that they are most sensible of L your kindness. At half-past six o'clock the guests were all summoned to I table by sound of trumpet, and the Right ILm. Lord Asunrnruv took the chair, surrounded by the following distinguished company, of whom it wag well remarked that they contained amongst their number the representatives of r I every civilised state in the world. His Excellency the Turkish Minister, Lord Stanley, of Alderkv ; M. Li: Marquis d'Azeglio, the Sardinian Minis• i ter; Knit lion. Earl Cleinville, his Excellency the I 1 American Minister, M. Le Bonin Dupin, his Excellency II the Belgian Minister, his Excellency the Prussian Ambit's- + I 1.311. Pr, M. Maritschalchi, Chargi d'Affsirs de Franey; I I Viscount Canning, Chevalier de Colquhoun, ('barge I do Affoin de Saxony ; Chevalier du Itibeiro, Charge ! • do Affairs de Portugal; lion. Horace Greeley, Sir H.II Moutetiore, 11. T. Hope EN., M. Dumas, Chevalier Do I Burg, Gen. Poncelet, J ' K. Brunel, EN., J. l'axtun, Esq., 11 Scott Russell, Esq., Sir E. N. Buxton, Signor Carlo Trebhi, 1). J. Anstead, Esq., Alderman Salomon, M. '1 Barron, M. Jules Janin, J. G. Croce, Esq., J. Webb, Esq., Dr. Holley, It. Besley, Esq., J. Appold, De Beyne, M. Karnensky, Alderman Wire, G. Cotton', Esq., I I Don R. do la Sages, Don Manuel de 1(360.4i, J. D. Alleroft, Esq., J. Evans, EN., V. rigging. Esq IL. Bower.( bank, Esq., Captain Owen, I', De la Rue, Esq., E. Bond, E.q., Thomas Burberv, It. Benham, , EN., D. Evans, Esq., William Eel., Esq., J. Crocker, jun., Esq. ' lion. ' Sec. Odenheimur, M. Sallendrouze, M. IValwoski, Prof. Colladon, M. lieydt, Dr. Seyfforth, M. C. Buseheek, Dr. l'ereira, C It. Cocky- rell, Mahomed Elmcadden M. Santillana, Henry G. Bohn, Esq., P. Graham, Esq., S. Lewis, Esq., J. Jackson, Esq., W. Swaisland, Fay , Dr. Schuler, Dr. Steinbeis, M. Schreiber, J. l'earee Esq., Professor E. Taylor , b Ramon Echevsrria, D ' on J. Villiena, S. Morley, E., T. Christy, Esq. R. Westenholz, Stahlschmidt, I). Dewar, Esq., J. B. ievington, Esq., M. 'teener, A. 0. Wilde, Esq., F. Bosley, Esq., E. Stone, Esq., Cockerell, Esq., lbiv. J. Colley, A.M., Prnfessor Corridi, Dr. Sehafhoutl, M. Nolnick, Charles Wentworth Dike, Esq., M. J. Schiedmayer, C. Brand, Esq., Col. C. B. Challuner, P. ; Rath, E. Snell, Esq., M. Mairroganni, J. Wilke, Esq., Wil liam Barber, EN., 11. Brett, Esq., Chevalier de Leueisa, It. A. Rubinson, Esq., B. Dunkin, Esq., M.'l'. Boehm, M. Schubarth, Dr. Playfiiir, J. J. :Unlit, Esq., M . 0. Satan drowse, M. Ellissen, 11. Wilkinson, Esq., I). Biddle, Esq. C. F. Stansbury, Esq., J. Vyse, W. S. Answortli,, Esq., D. Davis, Esq., 'l'. J. Miller, Esq., F. J. Vanseller, Esq., J. Blyth, EN., G. Godwin, EN., . Lannehy, Esq., M. von Vielahn, M. Wedding, Professor Owen, Charles Fos, Esq., Dr. Varrentrapp, Cul. Lloyd, C. Barry, Esq., J. Field, Esq., M.Cuylits, M. Fremont, Esq., F. Fuller, Esq., William Bird, Esq., M. F. Odernheimer, Maudsley, Esq., J. B. Bunning, Esq., H. Cole, Esq., Owen Jones, Esq., Col. Morin, Dr. Spurgin, Jain! James, Esq., 8. M. Ilubert, Esq. Captain Abdul !lamed, J. Bell, EN., T. B. Simpson, Esq., 0. Obbard, Esq., E. Riddle, Esq., N. S. Dodge, Esq„ J. Fisher, Eq., G. F. Itoutledge, Itsq., Rev. J. B irlow, J. la worth, Esq., W. Freeman, Esq., J. Bag gaily, Eq., William Leaf, Esq., M. Ares Dufour, J. Wakefield, Esq., J. I'. Foster, Eq., M. Oros, A. Salomon., Esq., M. G. Roman, J. Hair, Eq., E. Richards, EN., P. S. Phillips, Esq., O. Taylor, Eq., 8. (farmed, Esq., J. Kean, Esq., llolyland, EN., J. Scott, E.q., J. Tysron, Esq., William Harding, Esc'., W. Palmer, Esq., T. Saun ders, Eq., William Since, Esq., John Hunt, Esq. It is almost needless to add that the dinner combined all the refinements of French cookery, with the more solid attractions of the English cuisine, and that the wines were of the finest quality, and in the greatest abundance. Not the least ohject of curiosity to the foreign guests were the evolutions of Mr Marker, the toast master. Indeed, the impression with many of them was that he was the prin cipal orator of the evening, as was evidenced by their en thusiastic cheering each time he addressed his usual brief but impressive observations to the company. On the removal of the cloth, The CHAIRMAN said he rose to propose a toast which he was sure would receive a hearty welcome from their ho noured guests ; he meant " Health and happiness to his illustrious mistress, who had received them with such a cordial greeting." (Cheers.) To the English guests he knew that no prefatory observations were necessary to isiluee them to pledge the health of their Queen. (Loud cheers.) The national anthem was then sung by the Misses Pyne, Messrs. Halton and Young, and all the company, foreign and English, joined in the chorus with great enthusiasm. Amongst other., we perceived that M. Jules Janin paid marked attention, and appeared much to enjoy this respect in which constitutional monarchy is held in this country. The CHAIRMA N next gave the health' of Prince Albert, Albert l'rince of Wales, and the rest of the royal family. This is a toast which ever finds a ready and loving response in the hearts of all Englishmen. With them it is the out burst of loyalty; but with you, gentlemen, our honoured guests, it has another significancy. You know that Prince Albert is the patron of this Exhibition, but you know little of the difficulties which he had to encounter in bringing it to its present successful issue. lie found the houses of , parliament indifferent, ready to listen to objections however frivolous. He found the leaders of parties, leaders of pub , lie opinion, shrink from the responsibility of defending it. He found the press hostile, the government paralysed by the thought that, if it failed, they would have thousands to pay, if it succeeded they would have millions to keep in order. He found the public bewildered : it knew not what to do, w hat • to wish, what to expect. Who then was for it ? No one s save the Prince, and the small knot of enterprising men whom ho had associated with himself and partially in , spired with his enthusiasm. The fact was, we were not prepared for it. We talked indeed of progress ;we en• • joyed like children to whisk to Exeter in four hours ; like children we delighted to see Nasmyth's hammers squeeze • au orange or crush an anvil ; we admired the physical results of progress, but the effect of our discoveries on the ~propoNctl in French. The next toast was " 'f he Foreign Ministers." M. VAN DE WE%'ER (Belgian minister), on rising to return thanks, exprewscd himself deeply grateful for the honour paid to himself and colleagues. Ile wished to add one word more upon that subject which had already been so much but not eufficieutly extolled, he meant the wonder ful Crystal Palace. (Hear, hear.) Poets, philosophers, I anal statesmen were everywhere writing and speaking uhout it, but he should say after all, in homely English phrase, " the Palace speaks for itself." (Loud cheers.) Murmurs of every kind had obstructed its progress, but now he hoped that every dissentient voice was silenced. Even so late as the 30th of April they had heard much loud declamation and many low grumblings against that magnificent under taking ; but since the Ist of May there haul been a complete silence in all these quarters. (Loud cheers.) It was only another proof of what was once said by a witty Frenchman, " Rion ne reussit si hien quo le niece's." (Hear, hear.) If there were still any who looked gloomily on the Great Exhi bition, he could only say that not only in heart but in head they must have a peculiar organisation. ([dear, hear.) There was a point upon us hieh, as a foreign minister, he wished to express his deep gratitude to the English people. When he saw the whole civilised world responaing to the appeal which had been made by Prince Albert, and sending to this country the richest proiluets of their industry and arts, he felt how deep must be the general confi dence in British institutions, and how nobly that confidence had been fulfilled by the people in whom it was placed. (Loud cheers.) But the strangers were nut then so well aware as now that every claw of persons in this country would vie with each other in giving the best re ception and the noblest hospitality to all who should visit their shores in this " industrial crusade." (Loud cheer,..) He had expected such a result, for he had long lived among the English people, and he knew that the best feelings of the human heart were developed in the conduct of that great nation. He begged in conclusion to acknowledge with gratitude the compliment which had been paid to his colleagues and himself. M. C. DCPIN then rose, and proposed the health of the Royal Commissioners as follows Messieurs, La Cons minion Francsise que j'ai l'houneur de presider ne pourait pas recevoir un temoignage plus dr:licit et plus agrealdc do votre hospit dite, qu'rn la chargeant par ma vole do Voile proposor un toast qui reunim, j'en suis certain, lc suf frage de tousles wears. Ce toast dolt plaire aux citoyens des treis royuumes, par un juste sentiment de fierte nation ale. Ce memo toast va plaice aux nations strangers, car it leur fouraira !'occasion, si desires., de reinercier en public votre Commission Royale qui preside avec un admirable susses au rapprochement, a l'union, des industries du monde enticr. Dee le premier jour od sa formation nous fat an none,,e, elle me parut mentor d'etre profondement etudice par les esprit refiechis de taus les pays appeles au cuncours qui nous miserable. Cote commission ports• le sceau, Ic cachet, des institutions liberates de votre terre fortunee. Superieure A la division des partial, elle en reunit les illus trations pour s'inspirer par l'harmonie des mettles esprit qui se livrent ailleurs cos combat de geants oa la victoire appartient d qui sect le mieux votre patrie. bans eette Commission je vois votre aristocratic representee, non pox seulement par des nom, illuxtree depuis des Weeks, mais par les services les plus toccata et les plus bi gamies ; representee par feloquence et les grands talents politiques ; reprisentie or meme temps, comma; aux jours fortunes des Nlecenc et des Medieis, par la protection magni fique des artistes et des arts. bans la mime commission jr voW vos Communes, qui soot le peuple organise, ropresentet s 'nisi par feloquence • cost la quo ji• reconnais cent intelli gence nee et profunde des inter...to nationaux qui suivis, semis, defendus, a travers les siecles, par la constance admi futile de were gouyerneraent representatif, a fait de votre pays, petit io sue Weed sur la carte du globe, Is Capitale, Ia Rome, la Ciritas imperiosa d'un sixieme du genrehu main, en meme temps que le foyer attractif et tout-puis sant de la richesse et du commerce des deux rnondes. A ciiti des hommes publics dont !'Europe suit tous lea nonts, d'autres norm celebres aussi se pressent qui repreientent la science, par la Societe Royale de Londree, dont Newton fonda la grandeur; ['architecture, la sculpture, et la peinture, par Ia Societe Royale des Beaux Arts, que Iteyeolds allustra ; l'art nourrieier des nations par la Societe Royale d'Agrieulture ; enfin eee admi rabiesrivages et votre sal, les docke, les ports et kw phares, les trayaut publics qui couvrent et f ccondent Tot pone, les Canaan et les routes, surtout en for, sea arteres pro digieuses de vot re vie collect i ve,i Is sont representm par la soei . etc fibre des iogenieurs civil", socicte doutje suis fier d'avoir THE EXPRESS, 'G, MAY 24, 1851. ..~~' Fa fait mernhre it y'a7ti am par mes arms Munro, et re- p determination of depriving the Londoners of the enjoy -mad Ciablea a *flak, les Te'fad, les Rennie, Its Maudiday, of their park. r i anel de cotta ephque, aujounl'hui si dignement rein- July 2. par lours eufante. pour reunir cn faiseeau! The commissioners and the government are still inolinea tama Pi rtle positions si ditferentes, taut de merites si divers, to inflict this great nuisante upon the poldie. The oh*. &refs a tour les Alegre+ emittents de votre eeltelle sociale, tions to Ilyde-park as a site for the propowil Eshillition longue j'ai vu to plus gracious, Ic plus affable, le plus am very numerous and very obvious, even up.,n t h e lactin' des princes, et it plus Kele, jeter en quelque borto min assumption that the intended structure is merely of a tem ntanteau royal sarlc lapis do La commission, cumnie un spit- porary nature. The number of visitors from Isineashire bole de la haute maser qui deseeadait truce, source d• Ste., will no doubt be enornsoua. Then again there will hi; grace et d'hunneur, la derniero conclusion du mutt jugs- . a swarm of fore4iteN from every country iu I*.tirope. It is mont s'est formec. Quelques fussent les dilhoultes que pre- ! too exasperating to reflect that our beautiful park is to be sentat l'entreprise d'unc reposition univereelle, et surtout given up to these hordes of invader' even fur a season. en Angleterm, it n'a pu rester dans mon esprit he to Ire July ti. doute our le succes definitif ;et to grandeur truu pruchain The effect of the decision of the (louse of Commons (lara triumphs m'est apparue • Mute entierc. Aujourd'hui, ! I night) is this—For nearly two years the inliaahitants and que Font aplanis Its obstacles la MUlrilllit:l et ai visitors of London are to be virtually driven fnan Ifyde divers qu'ont presentk les hummer et les chines, it Park. A considerable section of that &citrice spot for exer est facile et common de trouser &dies et naturcls les resul- cue and recreation is to be converted into the Site ut huge tats °kraus par la haute direction de la commission royale. workshop, and the remainder of the park is to be appro. Itellechisses, je sous pric, sir les diflicultes intinie* priated to the use of the almost innumerable multitudes qu'ello u surnsontece. On lui disputait le terrain memo who will flock from the continent of Europe and the pro wl desalt. **clever la (eerie de son La jeutiesee vines to visit the monster celtiltitiou. ct la beaute no voulaient pas ceder 1' replace occupi par la July VI. for d'un cheval dans cc pare icemen e reserve pour fours The proposed plan of Mr. Paxton announced as before elegantes promenades. Lesvieux amis des antiques ombrages the commissioners. se refusaient a pester lc aol abrite par quelques mitres secu laires auxquele it fallait conserver, sous Terre, la vegetation, et la fraicheur, et la lumiere, comic ade simples arbuatta, sous la verandah d'un boudoir. Von autro cane l'archi tecture do Fantiquite, du moven age et ties tempo modernes, etait impuissante a bestir avec Li condition &etre habitable des Ic premier pour de son achievement miraculcue, un palais plus vote que Windsor et !'Escurial, et lea Itetlechissex cur Motelligence et la magic dune construc tion dont l'activite prodigicuse etait neeetwaire pour sc. complir en huit mois sans tatunnements, sans retards, one eruvre qui n'avait aueun modele, one ceuvre modZ le, oti tout est espace, et lumiere, avec le cid et NM emir introduits, pour ain't dire, dam. It l'alais de Cristal. Lea male et uue nuits, n'ont pas radii pour le rover. Voila, Messieurs, cc qui paraissait impossible is heaucoup de juge•a en apparence cumpetents. Et bien, la Commission Royale audacicuse uTce calcul, et par la mettle avec sagest, apra avuir ups preen. lu ditferruce du possible et de chimerique, s'isat pro nonce pour Ic plus temerwire des linnets, qu'un recontialt aujourd'hui emote le plus rnisonnuble. Voila quel jut son triotnphe du Mite der ditticulter inaterielles. DI ne jut pas mulcts grand du cote qui ticut aux itlees des hounnes. Ikea prejuges puissant, inveteres, s'elesaient cuntre Videe Won cant:ours ouvert a Lumina au monde civilise. Satis faits d'avu,r duns le banquet du mere.' universe', la part et l'houneur du lion, tie disaient en elfet lee lions du commerce, quit beroin awns nous de concourir et quelle inedaille de bronze, rut elle ell grandeur le diametre de Is ville aux deux millions d'am,e, qucllc medaillc , puurrait etre Colllll4lable au milliard et demi de francs que claque tannic l'etranger paie au% manufactures des trots royautues llritanuiques e Ce West pas tout les grandee cites in dustrieures se prouottcaient contra: la penree do dirtinguer, d'honon:r privativement, quelques. uus tie lours enfants cloves au-de-semi des autres. Sato &Jute materielle no pent ajouter quelque chose a cettc oputence inrulaire qui lea ell d'egale duns les ages ecuuter. Mai, on quote a l'hunneur du genreliumaiu par le parallels °avert entre le merite et la gloire parini les Maumee aqui mats. La Itreee ne fount pas plus entrer dans belf calculs l'opulenee de Minis quo felegatwe d'Alethiatle, en courounaut Won laurier lea coon:ors des jeux Olympiques. Mani l'incroyable eimulatiou exeitee par revs fetes interim tionales, sous l'insocation du rouverain de l'Olympeananu mait chez les concitoyests de Nlilthiade CC. do 1 li6ni,duct• ce be!roin, yet amour do gluire et de liberte, qui fait du petit neuple de Marathon, de Saliuniue et de l'hree, Ic &du queur du lied des (tub, La Cummisaion Royale is peure quo la plus haute distinction accorthe en presence de tuutee les nations aux artisans, out satiates du gentle le plus eminent, strait un I 1111 l neer qui omen:admit bleu a mitre epoque Celairee. Elle a pea,. filet/11e Mlle recompense no reaterait pw sterile ; elle a IN•lise ainsi lee progres accomplis, Feu preparait tie nouveaux prugres thous tout Kw tuts cultists pour le biewetre et Form:nava dui sucietes hum:tine*. Bernier temoiginige qui me mete a porter est en faveur do La supreme impartialite numileatee par Li Cututuission Royale cutre l'Augleterre et lea pays etrangena. Elle a luyaleutent, genereusetueut, pmfere pour as plus gratude ma daille Louvre d'un artiste etranger, louvre d'un FraiKaie. Elle a plea fait : Ole nous a denvande do 4:Maisie nous mercer Ull do nos graveurs qui tut digne de reproduire our vette medaide l'augustu et gracieuse ettigic de la plus reverse des rouveraiues. L'hutitut National de France a pris ruin de designer am artiste dont lc tuerite repo:lda a la peuree, au reuti non!, de La Continissiou Ituyale. Loth. la CiallUtiasiUU a soulu quo les preeidents des jury s fu-scut etiolate sans itiegalite pa • ks .tuglais et lee etrangers; elle a youlu aim: dans cheque jury le vice-president fat itranger at le prerident etait Angling, Anglais si le president etait etrauger. Elle a multi ditto lee jugeinents ti romancer qu'on fit ab straction des nattiotialiter pour eviter les regrettables pre tereneell et no consulter quo Lt acute justice. Et voila les fair pour lerquelr, name time etrungers sinus ilea lliVeraea parties du monde, moo Julius reuttiarous a no; mi., a nos eolleguer de, truis royautnes, pour proposer avec cuthou anoint: la saute si !lieu meritee de la Conintireion Royale et de SOU royal president. Iluttneur ala Cutuunisamium Ituyale ! (Loud cheers.) Earl Gli.tS VILLE, in returning thanks, rejoiced that the royal eunnuieriouers had received the onniniumitt of A toot from so dirtinguirlied a guest as M. C. Ifuitin—one whu had all European reflUraii 111 l in euallelliall with in dustry and the arts. (Rear, hear.) Ile rejoiced doubly in its being rerpuuded to by the metropolitan local cuunuir element without w how exertions the loUCCO:1141 of the Crystal l'ulace most have been doubtful, and he was saved from apologising fur the it iiaditferent French by the excellent speerh of lits friend Mr. Crate. There were many rickets ill the national character, but Le hoped they would all be rtrlemed by the hearty weleunte which all fureiguers would receive at our hands. (Loud cheers.) 'lke Chevalier DE BL'ltti said—My Lord and Oa:nth:- men—A very Overton duty devolves un me to propose a toast ; but, before giving it. perhaps you will allow me to aildrees a few wurdson tie objector our lUeelilig. 1 will not detain you lung, and, as a foreimier, I claim your iudulg enee obit, I mad VrAllaltitiall ul n ua liar 1 would have spoken had my knowledge of the English language been sufficient. Deeply gratifying as it is to find all classes, front the pout est artisan to royalty itself, Tieing with catch other to further the object of the promoters of this Great Exhibition, .611 our special thank* must ever considered due to the metropolitan commission in general, and to Lord Ashburton, our noble chairman, in particular, fur th e very efficient aid they have a ff orded in bringing [ilia extraordi nary undertaking tat so lareeelaillil an issue. Our noble chairman has ever been foremost in the cause, anal, as foreigners, we shall ever remember with gratitude the urbanity with which his hand, even from the rani Illellee meat, has been stretched forth to welcunte such of us as I wished to participate in the festival dedicated to the in dustry of every nation, a festival intended so a soleinnixa tion of the racred cause of labour. lieutlenten, I will not • detain you longer, but proceed at once to name a toast, which I am sure will be welcomed with all the enthueittem it deserves. Front my heart I give you, "Our noble chair man, Lord Ashburton." July 24. Sir J. Roundly has refused to sign the application for an injunction to stay the erection of the ncordet build ing in Hyde Park. We trust that even the persons who advocate the erection of the building in Hyde Park will hesitate before they hand over the country to the beneficent dispositions of an attorney-general. SION lIOUSE. In a spirit worthy of commendation, the Duke of Northumberland has thrown open lua mansion at Charing cros•, and Sion House, near Brentford, to the public, fur three days in the week, during the pre,ent and two sue, ceeding months, to be admitted by ticket. No one can have passed up the Thames beyond Kew without having been struck with the oppcaranco of thin seat, standing boldly out limn a background of trt, , , aad looking over a wide expanse of meadow, extending down to the banks of the river. The principal entrance is about a quarter of a mile beyond Brentford, and consists of a light gate, railing, and pilasters, surmounted by the lion of the house of Northumberland. A winding carriage road sweeps to the right until your reach a bridge which crosses a piece of water that nearly encircles the whole domain, which if meadow laid out park wise. At this point you turn to the left, and a straight avenue of lofty elms leads to the house, which is a low, cas tellated quadrangular building, the west front of which overlooks a handsome lawn, terminating in a brick fence, on each side of which in an open-work iron gate, with lodge to correspond. Entering at the principal door you pass into a lofty and elaborately decorated hall, paved with marble, and which eoutains two statues, in good preservation, stated to have been brought from Hereulaneum, a copy of the Apollo, a bronze copy of the " Dying Gladiator" and other statues front the antique. Passing to the right you enter what is called a vestibule, a noble room, richly gilded, the floor being of the purest " Scagliola," and the pillars, which reach to the roof, of 0 Verde Antique." Open ing from this room is the state dining rooms, tom:. lofty, well proportioned, and light, having a very cheerful view of the river, as indeed have all the rooms on two sides of the quadrangle. To this sucemsls the state drawing room, which is furnished richly and in good taste. The Idling is painted by Angelica Kauffman, and the walls are covered with satin manufactured in Spitallields, and which bias fresh now as when it was put up twenty-three yearn ago. Among the noticeable articles of " bijoutetie " disposed on the tables is a handsomely mounted nautilus shell, presented to the late duke when lord-lieutenant of Ireland. It is composed en tirely of Irish materials, an black bog oak, Irish diatnonda, &e. In this room, as well a. in the d . g-room, are side tables of superb mosaic. The next room is the library and gallery, which oceupies the whole of the eastern sid e of th e quadrangle. It is handsouiely fitted up and decorated, the compartments being painted by Angelica Kauffman; and there are also heads of the eleven earlier Northumberland, copied front larger picture+ in the possession of the duke. The laud:, arc not numerous as compared with the size of the room, but the duke's library is nut deposited here. In this room is a couch of crimson velvet, with a canopy supported by silver spear., which belonged to Akbar Khan, and was presented to the law duke by Viscount Ilartlinec. Next follow two or three rooms looking into the court of the quadrangle (tastefully laid out us a tlower-gard,W, which are usually occupied by the family, and have a comfortable look us compared with the state rooms. In one of them is a portrait of Cathe r • of .trragon, wife of Henry VIII., by Zucchero, and an equestrian portrait of Vandyke by himself. The next room— one of the most emnfortable and snugly fitted up in the house—is called the " Passage room," being only used us a viaduct to :mother suite which occupies the fourth side of the quad rangle. Here are hung a number of family portraits, principally of the Stuart age. by 1.•ly and 'Smeller. The Winter Drawing-room is an admirable speci , mem of an English interim-, and contains portraits of Charles I. and several of his family, mostly copies after Vandyke, and a picture of the lath Earl of Northumber land, to whom Charles's children were entrusted utter his I imprisonment. This picture is by Vandyke. This cumplets the suite of rooms on the principal floor, which are all that arc open to the public. At the foot of the staircase leading to the sleeping-rooms, is a group o r statuary by Lough, ,• The Battle of the Standard," which is boldly executed; and on the wall of the first land ing is a full-length portrait of the late duke, by Lucas. As a whole the mansion, though nut re markable for splendour or any extraordinary collection either of paintings or works of art, is characterized by admirable taste, and is a very goal specimen o f one of the numerous mansions which are kept up by nearly all the wealthiest members of our nobility. The peculiar form of the building gives the suites of rooms as you pass through them quite a palatial aspect. The gardens are well worthy of notice. On leaving the house you pass through a sheltered walk, Racks,' bordered with rhododendra in the fullest beauty, and descend into a kind of Mural amphitheatre, surrounded ern three sides by au artificial mound, studded with rocks and shrubs. The fourth side is occupied by a magnificent conservatory, semi-circular in form, with wings on each side, and a large glass dome in the centre. In trout is a lawn, dotted with flower-beds and a large fountain. The visitor passes out by the left wing of the con servatory into a " pleasaunce," ornamented by sonic stately trees and luxuriant shrubbery, to the fruit-garden, where the graperies and forcing-houses are its perfect order, and the fruit and plants in excellent condition. In a compartment of this building will be found a superb specimen of time " Victoria Regis," with its huge broad leaves, five feet and more in diameter, floating in a large tank, and its flowers, which are constantly changing their tints from white to a soft pink, looking strangely out of proportion. This is a very• young plant, having been growing only since February last, and already there is scarcely room fur it in its watery bed. Thu tropical fruit house is an object of which the duke and his gardener are justly proud, there being in it MOW plants cultivated and which have borne fruit, never before brought to this country. Without entering at any greater length into minutire, it will suffice to say, that a more de lightful mode of spending a summers day than in the gar dens of Siou-house, it would be difficult to imagine. To the Duke of Northumbe•rlanul much praise is due for having set an example which it is to be hoped that other noblemen will fellow, and while be thus exhibits to the visitors to London from all pare, of the world, a readiness to contribute to their pleasure, it will be satisfactory to him to know that the courtesy and attention paid to his guests (for such they are by the persons is charge of Sion-house, leaves nothing to be desired—a state of things not always to be found in the great "show-how& of England. SOCIETY OF ARTS.—The third e,,nrersazione given to the foreign commissioners and exhibitors, and to the mem bers of the society and their ladies, was held on Wednesday evening, and was very largely attended. The evening was devoted to English glees, as the last evening to German in strumental music. The singers were, Messrs. Francis, Bubb' Land, Hatton, and Henry Phillips, who were much applauded. CONVERSAZIONE AT TIIE NIANSION Horse.—On Wednesday the 4th of June the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress are to receive the royal commissi ~,,, Ts, the foreige commissioners, the jurors of the Ore at Exhibition, and their ladies, the foreign minister., together with a largo number of literati of the different English and foreign scientific societies, as also the members of the corporation and their ladies, at a coaveroarione at the Mansion-house. ST. PANCRAS t c ,, MIDDLEsEu) PAYING CONSOLIDA TIOS.—Yesterday c committee of the House of Commons upon this bill proceeded with the consideration of its pro visions. The object of the bill was to consolidate the 17 existing paving and lighting boards in the parish of 81. Pancras, which now contained a populatiiiii of 160,000, with an assessable value of 660,0001., into one central board. The bill is opposed by the Bedford and Owen estates, and by other local interests. The only witness as yet examined ss the vestry clerk of St. Pancraa. lend ASHBURTON briefly returned thanks. After which WEDDING proposed, with a warm culogium, the health of Mr. Paxton, the contriver of the Crystal Palace and " one of the great captains of the world's industry." The toast was loudly cheered. Mr. PAXTON, in returning thanks, expressed him self highly gratified in having been instrumental in bringing the produce of the world's industry, and, what was better, the world's children, together. (Cheers.) Ile had, he confessed, put the country to eIOITIV unnecessary expense in inventing sweeping machinery of a hundred housemaid power, fint lie now found that the Crystal Pa lace was swept thoroughly clean every day by the silks and satins of the fair visitors. (Laughter.) lie had a main interest in the undertaking, and therefore he rejoiced in its present success. (Hear, hear.) The other toasts on the Chairman's list were then dis posed of, and the company separated. THE "TIMES" AND THE EXHIBITION. TO TUE EDITOR or Till EXPRESS. Sta,-11beg to send you a few extracts from the leading articles of the Times last year, and if you can find apace for their insertion they may tend to recall the memory of your contemporary• to the mischief which it then attempted and failed to accomplish. Of course the Exhibition being successful has now and will continue to hate the unquali Bed support of the Times lung as it is successful. Yours, &e., ANTI-lIUMBUO. May 22, 1&a. June 25, l&50. As far as we are concerned, It is really no light matter we can only say that from to abandon the use of the the first moment the project park—and to erect the booths was mentioned we gave it on the proposed site amounts our unqualified approbation. to nothing less—for a whole We had no objection to the year. It is mere trifling to thing or the place till we assert that the mere section were astonished one morning of the park on which the to hear that instead of the booths will be erected will be lighter sort of fahrie, &c., it the only locality affected by was intended to found an the proposed scheme. The eternal edifice "of brick and whole of Hyde-park and the mortar. When r.yaxton whole of Kensington-gardens had hit on the splendid idea will be turned into the bi of a colossal conservatory, vouac of all the vagabonds we withdrew our objections of London so long as the to the site. Exhibition shall continue. Who can , forget the spectacle Ilyde-park presented during and immediately after the fair at the coronation ? The grass was trodden down, the whole place was converted into a hear garden, reeking with pollu tions of all kinds, and offending every sense in turn. The difference now will be that this disreputable spectacle will endure for months instead of for days, and that the park will be disfigured in a manner that it may require years to remedy. June 27, 1850. The case against the appropriation of Hyde park as the site, &c., becomes stronger. We are not to have a " booth," nor a mere timber shed, but a solid substantial edifice of brick. The project looks so like insanity that even with the evidence before us we can scarcely bring ourselves to believe that the advisers of the Prince have dared to connect his name with such an outrage to the feelings and wishes of the inhabitants of the nictr?polie. July 1. The Prince and adri4ers mutt be prepared to confront a perfect storm of unpopular . i . ltshould . they Asersist in their ►AY