The Express. — London, England, 1851-08-02 00:00:00

, • • 1 e ° Z 4 , )/ 24. 4-C1 Ttt ". gxiart( 51 No. 1,541.] [No. 32, EXHIBITION EXPRESS.] LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING S AUGUST 2, 1851. [PRICE (DOUBLE SHEET) FOURPENCE. EXHIBITION EXPRESS, FOR TIIE WEEK ENDING SATURDAY, AUGUST 2. which was and would be a largo surplus, to any such purpose as providing a winter garden for theinha bitants of the metropolis, was difficult to answer. Ile conceived it to be very doubtful, in the first place, 'Whether they had the power under the specific memo- random which had been laid upon the table of the goose to do so. Then, whether if they had the powers, that would be their determination, it was not for him to say. If they neither had the power nor the inclination to make a present of the building to the public, of course the public could then only become the possessors of it upon the payment of a considerable sum of money in order to place them selves in the same position as the commissioners— and that sum might, as he had said, under the exist ing arrangement, probable amount to 70,000/. That was the first payment. Then he apprehended, that in order to put the building into a condition to stand permanently, a considerable outlay beyond that must be incurred. There then would be the annual out lay of maintaining the building in a complete state ' of repair, and of course there then must be a certain outlay for the purpose of constructing a winter gar- den ; and a certain annual sum to maintain that also in repair. Those five items of charge clearly, in one shape or another, must fall upon the public. Mr. Waklcv said he understood the right hon. gentleman, on a former occasion, to say that no claim would be made on the consolidated fund in case the building were kept up. The Chan cellor of the Exchequer replied he had not said so. The contractors were willing to keep up the palace to the Ist of May, if they got compensation. So the affair still rests with the people. They have till the Ist of May next to declare their will, hut it must be declared imperatively, or we may still see the Crystal Palace removed. Next in importance in Exhibition events of the week to the parliainentary vote, has been the com mencement this day of the fraternization of France and England at a Parisian fide. The preparations in the capital of In In•Ce France have been worthy of her ancient character for spirit, taste, and polite hospitality. A swarm of workmen of all sorts have been em ployed during the last week at the vast palace of the Hotel de Ville, to make preparations for the great industrial fete. These works are under the direction of M. Dalian], architect of the Hotel de Ville. The court of Louis XIV. is converting into a garden, and the statue of the " Grand /lei," which was in the centre, has been taken down from its psleetal to make way for a handsome. fountain. Full-grown trees are to be planted at the corners of the court, and the great gallery will be decorated for the banquet of 500 covers, which is to be served by (levet, of gastronomic celebrity. Expeditions have been undertaken into the provinces to eater luxuries for the distinguished visitors. The meadows of Normandy have been ransacked for the finest oxen. A prize ox . be served whole, in order to psilfy the Bt . lish for roast beef. The garde nimble e has qsqpil its stores to the prefect of the to furnish most sumptuous gold and silver plate. Immense'numbers of lustre' of rock crystal are to be suspended from the ceilings., Tho military spectacle on the fith August is ma, tended to be much more than a simple review of the army of Paris. A series of brilliant manreuvres are to be performed in the Champs de Mars and on the heights of Troeadero. The artillery arc to throw a bridge over the Seine above the Pont de Jena. Arrangements are making to enable as large a moon her of people as possible to have a good view of the operations. 'I Le price of season tickets is reduced from 3'. and 21. to 30s. and 1/., and the commission have some to a resolution by which the sale of these tickets ceases on the 31st of August. As we recommended a few days ago, the ss. entrance fee on Saturdays is to be reduced, inuneiliately after the prorogation of parliament, to 2s. rid. ; but the immense crowds that still flock to the Exhibi tion on the shilling days render it in the meantime impracticable, in the view of the commission, to adopt measures for admitting a larger proportion of the humbler classes than now find their way to the Crystal Palace. The Exhibition events of the week have been sufficiently remarkable, the chief result being that a vote of the House of Commons has respited the Crys tal Palace till the let of May next. It is now sure to live its first year out • and fur how many more it is to grace the chief par kl of the chief city of the world the public voice must determine. The vote of the Commons on this question was obtained by the exertions of Mr. Heywood, who moved that " An humble address be presented to her Majesty. praying that her Majesty will he graciously pleased to direct, in such manner as to her may seem fit, that the Crystal Palace be preserved until the Ist May next, with a view to determine if that novel structure, or any portion of it, can be adapted to purposes of public utility and recrea tion. In supporting this motion, he mod that the ordinary attractions of Hyde-park as a Wine of public resort had this year been immensely increased by the presence of the successful Exhibition of the W orks of Industry of all Nations. Originally the project for the building had been to erect an CIIJCM9II4 brick edifice with a huge dome. Of course there had been great alarm in the neighbourhood when that propo sition was first heard of. While the prolonged and difficult discussion, as to the character of the required edifice was proceeding, a beautiful design appeared of a glass palace, which was proffered as a substitute fur the brick building. This design was subsequently somewhat modified; but it was virtually adopted; and it was that design which they now saw carried out in the Crystal Palace in Ilyde-park— the building that had excited so much admiration. The proposal which he made to the house was to sanction the building remaining as it is for a certain time, in cashr that inquiry might be made as to tho Kier - 001c pimp:tees to which, the Exhibition over, it might be converted. Objections had been urged to the suggestion that the building should be retained on the ground that it was not of a material calcu lated to endure. Ile believed, however, that tho iron work was exceedingly good, and that, though the timber was Canadian, it would last for several years. There would, of course, he considerable expense incurred in keeping such an edifice in a proper state of repair ; but, at all events, be thought it was well worthy of consideration . whether the Crystal Palace might not be advan tageously retained as a winter garden for the re creation of the metropolitan public. Those gen tlemen who were fond of riding and took exer cise in Hyde-park found the Row often wet and sloppy ; and he thought a covered ride would be to such persons a great luxury. The conservatory in the Botanical Gardens, Regent's-park, was exactly the model, on a smaller scale, of what he wished to see in Hyde-park. There were many other purposes which they might accomplish by the retention of the Crystal Palace. The British Museum was too crowded. It had but just space enough for the books and the antiquities ; and he thought the third de portment, the collection of objects in natural history, might be properly nod usefully transferred and exhi bited under glass in Hyde-park. Su far everything connected with the Great Exhibition had been most satisbietory. 'the commissioners had dune them selves the highest honour, and too much could not ho said in praise of the illustrious Prince with whom the idea of the Exhibition had its origin. The duties of the Prince and his coadjutors were now coming to an end; and their present intention was to close the Crystal Palace on the Ist of September. They were further bound by their contract to remove the building altogether by the Ist of June, 18;i2. What he (Mr. Heywood) asked the house was that the commissioners should be granted a delay up to the Ist Mae, with a view to steps being taken whereby the legislature could authorise the commis sioners to retain possession of the building altoge ther. Ile was authorised to state on the part of Messrs. Fox and Henderson, the contractors, that they would hold themselves in readiness to treat with the commissioners as regarded the Ist Ma y on the same terms as had been agreed to as ed tho Ist September. It would be a great loss if ro beau tiful a building as the Crystal Palace were unneces sarily pulled down. It constituted a new order of architecture, and he thought that when the won ders of this century came to be recorded, the railways, the penny post, and the Crystal Pa lace would be regarded as the prominent groat facts. Colonel Sibthorp of course started on his legs almost before Mr. Heywood could sit down, and in his wannest manner (and that is saving a great deal) demanded the demolition of the (heat Glass Build ing. Mr. Labouchere spoke, it is presumed, the feelings of the government when, in following Col. Sibthorp, he stated his belief that the consequences of the Exhibition had been and would be most bow fwial to trade, science, and morality. He dwelt em phatically upon tire gratifying spectacle presented by the crowds of all eludes and ranks that were daily gathered together in thu Crystal Palace, and whose behaviour was so admirably clueructerised by deco rum and good order. Nor were the symptoms kat posieunt that were visible in the pacific demeanour at the foreigners who had for some time past thronged the streets of the metropolis by thousands. Notwith standing,.however, this personal impression in favour of retaining the structure (and here came the rub), the Commiseiuners, of whom he was one, could not The Daily Netts thus comments on the vote of the House of Commons tbr preserving the Exhibition until the Ist of May next : The resolution respecting the Crystal Palace, adopted by the House of Commons, appears, ad things considered, to be the most judicious that could be taken. Let the building remain where it is till the first of May next. By that time we shall know how it can stand the storms of winter, and what kind of a place of resort it affords is the inclement season. More important still, Wine plan for utilis ing the building may be matured. We feel, is common with an immense majority of those who have seen this beautiful and unparalleled structure, most reluctant that it should be swept away and numbered with the things that have been. Its effect, regarded as a work of art, is not only deli cately. beautiful, but entirely novel. There is no thing in past time to be compared to it; it hos a character all its own. Still it can scarcely be kept up if it is merely to be something to be looked at ; what purposes can it be made to subserve ? On this head the advocates of the preservation of the building appear one and all to entertain very crude and indefinite notions. They are speaking and acting under a vague desire to prevent the demolition of the edifice which has impressed them so profoundly ; they are beating about in search of uses to which it can be turned; but hitherto they cannot—with per haps the single exception of Mr. PAXTON—be com plimented on their success. Take, for example, Mr. lievwoou himself, who moved the resolution to address her MAJEsfY to give directions that the Crystal Palace be preserved till the lit of May next. Mr. Hrvwoou saw no objection to converting pert of the Crystal Palace into a riding house. Ile also spoke of intersecting it with streets." The exact meaning of the latter proposal we frankly admit our inability to discover. Iti it however, we protest against any plan for frittering away the effect of the building by sub division, and still more against any project for making it smell of the stable. It is our anxiety to have the building preserved that makes us anxious to see some measure adopted for devising a practical definite plan of turning the building to account. It will never do to make a mere overgrown bazaar or a London Palais Royal of it. Even those who suggest its conversion into a winter wden, certainly the most feasible project that has been started, are crude and vague in their proposals. It is requisite that they explain distinctly what kind of winter garden they would have, and how it is to be arranged and laid out. The commissioners, with their illustrious head, may naturally be expected to cherish a desire fur the perpetuation of the structure. Let them, as soon as their other duties will permit, resolve themselves into a committee to prepare plans for the permanent up-fitting of the building. Let them associate with them iu this task any persons in whose judgment and taste they have confidence. For, unless some step of this kind is taken the, Ist of May will come and puss, and find us, as now, without plans,sections, and estimates; and until ail three are prepared, and ready to be submitted to parliament or the public, the preservation of the Crystal Palace is merely a vague though pleasing dream. For the purposes of a winter garden, the nave and transept, including the innermost galleries, are amply sufficient. It is in them that the ov/het/col power and charm of the structure is felt. When the rich and rare articles which now occupy them are re moved something will be respired to supply their place. And what so appropriate to the site and character of the building for this purpose as graceful and varied specimens of the beauty of vegetation— such plants, in short, as can bear the permanently higher and more equable temperature of a glass house, yet do not require the moist and sultry tem perature of the gree nh ouse ? The lees elevated parts of the building on either side of the central nave and transept would thus be think themselves justified in delaying the perform ance of their undertaking to pull it down, unless there should be a very general expression of public opinion to that effect. Sir It. highs contended that the pledge given to the country for the speedy demo lition of the edifice was of too solemn a character to be violated. Mr. Ewart understood the pledge in the light of a contract between two parties—namely, the commissioners and the public, which might, therefore, be rescinded at the will of the grantee. Mr. Macgregor and Col. Thompson next supported the motion for an address ; whilst, on the other hand, Mr. ooulburn insisted on the duty of keeping unbroken faith with the public. lie apprehended great danger from any precedent to encroachment on those most valuable public properties, the metropo litan parks. The ntion was opposed, for similar reasons, by Mr. Ilankes and 1 ord Seymour. Mr. Waklev, Mr. Villiers, and Mr. Coach supported it. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, recommending the house to proceed cautiously, stated the extent of the liabilities which the maintenance of the Crystal Palace might involve. On the part of the government he professed to offer no opinion on the subject, leaving the determination of the question entirely with the public. On a division the motion was carried by a majority of 78 to 47. On Thursday night the subject was again brought before the house. In answer to a question from Mr. B. Osborne with respect to the retention of the Crystal Palace, and whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer had stated that in ease of such retention the House must be prepared to vote a sum of money from the public purse, Sir C. Wood said that by an engagement between the Commissioners and the con tructoni, the Commissioners were bound to pay an additional sum to the contractors if they did not give notice before the Ist of September that the palace was to be taken down. fhe Commissioners had a considerable surplus in hand, but if the public were to have it kept up the public would be subject to the responsibility of retaining, as well as main taining, the building. The sum for which they were entitled to become the owners in perpetuity of the building was 70,000/. Whether the commissioners were at liberty to apply any portion of their earplug, left free to be applied to edict purposes. We know that it is the opinion ad artists quelified to judge, that a part of this space—say that which is now a110tt , ..4 to the exhibition of machinery in motion — is well adapted to the purposes of an exhibition of works of art. Botanical and horticultural societies would probably find the remainder suited to the I prosecution of experiments in their pursuits. Other I branches of natural science might find it eligible to occupy a portion of the building. If these conjec- ' tures are well-founded, the lower and exterior parts of the structure might he occupied by artisti cal and scientific re-unions, while the lofty central parts were converted into an ornamental place of public resort, harmonising in appearance and effect with the objects of apartments thus employed. Tho central temple of the genius of gardening would have its encircling chapels occupied by the devotees of science, as the central nave and transept of a Gothic cathedral have their appendant cells and chapels. If our academies of art and scientific societies are, as some recommend, to be left dependent on their lown resources, a reut might be taken from such of them as occupied part of the building. If the state I is to contribute towards the support of the more im portant of these institutions, accommodation might be provided for them at the public expense. These suggestions arc thrown out rather to raise discussion, than with a view to urge their adoption. It is high time, however, that some definite plan were presented to the public ; and it is to be hoped that I the ultimate destination of the Crystal Palace, if it l isto be preserved, will be worthy of it. It would ! be desecration to convert it into a tawdry bazaar or an enormous covered tea-garden. As a resort of ' artists and the cultivators of natural science, as a magnificent specimen of what a winter garden might be made, it would help to refine and elevate the tone of society. The a.stlictical education of the people requires to be cared for quite as much as their mural and intellectual education. In this respect we are fir behind most nations. The influence of Italian art may be traced even amongst the poorest classes, because it is an indigenous art. Our English art — especially what of it is connected with public edifices —is borrowed front other countries; it is dead and incapable of forming the public taste. 'rite Crystal Palace is essentially English and original; it may be made to Five a fresh impetus and a greater vitality to art in this country. TIIE FETES AT PARIS. HOSPITALITIES OF THE CITY OF PARIS TO 'TIE CITY OF LONDON. Yesterday (Friday) morning the hundreds of persons distinguished for mak, social position, or eminence to science and art, who had re ceived the hospitub'e invitation of the Prefect of the Seine to take part in the magnificent festivities imparts' in Paris to celebrate the Great and Exhibition year, in Ours for the hospitalities of the Lord Mayor started from London It will be remembe Ake 22th of July last invitations were issued . . parindi ooze de la Mor naix, Commissary-General on the Issirt of France at the Great Exhibition to the royal commissioners, and other prominent personages connected with the Crystal Palace, and including the entire list of jurors, to par • take of a series of ;tea to be prepared for them by the Paris municipality, iu return for the welcome which our Lord Mayor had so handsomely provideil to our French visitors, and in furtherance of the great principle of international amity and peace. Up wards of 1,000 invitations were issued, which it was I subsequently found were divided into classes, the most distinguished visitors receiving passes in addi tion, which secured to the recipient free transit from London to Paris and back, an accommoda tion which we need hardly add was only to be obtained by considerable liberality on the part of the City of Paris. M. Sallandroure to whom was entrusted the delicate task of selecting the most favoured classes, would scent to have per formed it in a most judicious and unexceptionable manner, judging by the list of the company so invited. The second class, more numerous, had little tocomplain of, as, with the exception of transit, all the other accommodations were thrown open to them—the ball, the concert, the waterworks at Versailles, with other amusements were not particularly indicated, but perhaps reserved for an agreeable surprise. The following is the programme : On Saturday, August 2, a grand dinner to 500 visitors at the Hotel de Ville, to be followed by a concert, to which all the visitors will be invited, and at which the celebrated orchestra of the Conserva toire will exhibit its remarkable talent. On Sunday, August 3, the National Museum and Palace of Versailles will be opened to the visitors, and the celebrated waterworks and fountains will be in full activity. On Monday, August 4, the President of the Re public will give a grand free at the Palace of St, Cloud. On Tuesday, August 5, there will be a grand ball at the Rotel de Ville, for which it is said b,OOO invi tations will be issued. On Wednesday, August 6, there will be a review and sham light in the Champ-de-Mars, and in the evening a grand representation at the Opera. The crowd began to gather on the platform as early as eight o'clock. Our foreign friends, determined to be in time, might then be seen dropping in in small groups, many of them fitted with a small light knapsack, which formed a curious contrast to the heavy mails of their English fellow-travellers. At half-past eight the stage was almost impassable, and presented a strange medley of costume and physiog nomy. An old friend, ldcy Sing, arrived about that time in full costume ' and bore the driving, pushing, and struggling with true eastern nonchalance. The expectant passengers began to look up their creden tials with results pleasant to some, and exceedingly disagreeable to others. Some had passes and no tickets, others tickets and no passes, and a general rush to the grating was the consequence, with a confusion of tongues to which Babel itself was uni formity. About this time the civic uotabili , ties, with the Lord Mayor at their head, arrived, and his lordship was conducted to his carriage by Mr. Macgregor, the chairman of the company. 130L - LOGNE, FRIDAY ArTERNooX. At 8 o'clock this morning the London-bridge sta tion was occupied by a :am: number of the guests, and the crowd increased every minute. By half past 8 o'clock the platform was crowded by aldermen, sheriffs, deputies. and corporation dignitaries, mixed up with M.P.'s, mavens, royal commissioners, Arne means, and other foreigners. For a time all went smoothly pleasant,—chatty groups were formed, and friends discussed the prospects of the day. It soon, however, became evident that something more than usual was engaging the attention of the porters and railway officials. The crowd thickened, and as visitors looked around and recognised ac quaintance after acquaintance, suspicion arose that 1 London was on the move, and that the Saturday's fashionable swarm at the Crystal Palace was en route for Paris. A rush was made at the barriers, and a close column of porters' trucks formed before it, like ► train of artillery, while on either side a for lorn hope made desperate efforts to get through the gaps, which were sternly guarded by picked members of the railway staff and police. Some dignitaries had left their blue-bordered tickets behind; others found that their tickets of invitation to ball and con cert did not pass wives and daughters through the railway barriers. Anxious consultations were held. detachments were sent to the pay places to secure wlwtever tickets could be got, and the company reaped a rich harvest from the assembled multitude. Ladies got through the bar riers as they best could, and occupied seats. Slowly aad gradually the majority of the attendant crowd oozed through the narrow strait; but now new diffi culties were to be encountered. Parties of two or three wished to go together, and anxiously looked about for convenient places. From car- FOLKsTONE, where we found a large pa rip assembled to witness the proceedings. In the harbour great ex citement prevailed, and the shipping were dressed with all their colours, presenting a very gay appeal.- lime. In about ten minutes the train got to the har bour, and the sea was seen as smooth as a mill pond. Air to carriage they peered about, daintily re- then gave the health of the sousyrefft, who eongra jeeting tho odd seats, and hoping for better luck • tatted all upon the happy occasion tor which they further on. Soon it became apparent that even odd had met, and assured them it was to him a most seats were seance; husbands vainly searched for happy moment when he had the honour of receiving wives and daughters—ladies wandered about, look- . such distinguished guests. Mr. pash], in a few ing for their partners. Groups were formed round , words " The union t „ two ns tlons carriage -doors, discussing claims which were put in --(three times three)—which was followed by Mr. for seats that had been retained, or for corn- Macgregor, chairman of the South Eastern Com wtments taken; and plaintive voices urged )xtny giving the health of their chairman, Mr. St. how hard it was to separate husband and Paul, and " May we often pay hint such agreeabl e wife. American ladies asserted their claims us only ; visits." (Three times three, and one cheer more.) The American ladies can to the "cars," of which they !Lord Mayor then proposed the health of M. Fon had assumed the temporary ownership, and, tare, Mayor of Boulogne, who spoke very impres strenuously assailed ns cowardly and ungentkmanty 'Lively in rely, assuring them of the plea s ur e h e an d any attempt to occupy the vac a nt seats. The foreign all around him felt at receiving them in Boulogne, visitors wandered about, hopelessly resigned to their I and particularly on this occasion, when France, fate, almost in despair of ever getting through. through her authorities in Paris, was expressing her What became of the luggage is not known ; but feelings at the manner her manutketurers and agents strong . hopes are entertained that it will all be found had been received in Lond o n. at Pans. The hut bell rang, the guards became It was now time for starting for Paris. One con importunate to close the doors, and the storm of the ' voy of twenty carriages was prepared, and soon tilled. barriers was renewed. Mr. Paxton made his way i They had scarcely departed, when another steamer through with beaming face, and, it is to be pre- arrived from Followone, which poured its freight into Bunted, as the hero of the day, obtained a seat; but the terminus, who soon occupied the places left %n -it was reported that a strong detachment of the cur- cant by their predecessors, and were regaled far be poration of the city of London was left behind. yond their expectations. B e tw een s i x an d seven Several stout gentlemen were seen standing guard ' hundred were thus received on three steamers, and over bags swollen with scarlet robes and uniforms, forwarded, all seeming highly delighted with their and eases with cocked hats and deputy-lieutenants reception. The day was most auspicious. swords. The Lord Mayor's fat footmen were in the rear, whether in charge of the state coach is not known. The superintendent with great difficulty got the doors of the carriages closed, though ladies made stern efforts to signal their absent lords and set their protest against divorce and separate maintenance. By the kindness of the authorities we got packed in a carriage after some fruitless efforts, but the great mass were not sofintunate, and we saw as we left a large assemblage awaiting the next train. The railway authorities did the best they could under the circumstances, and provided a monster train for the Royal Commissioners and their friends, but so profuse has been the hospitality of the French go• remittent and City of Paris municipality, that no single train could convey the assembled multitude. By great exertions, at enormous number was carried off by the first train, and we pasiwil on the line nu merous strings of empty carriages, drafted by tele graph from all parts to the scene of action, so that all will be got off this morning, and it is intimated a Reet of steamers has been assembled at Folk stone. The weather was brilliant in the morning, and gave good augury of a happy commencement to the festivities. The train started punctually at nine, and in forty minutes got to the Reigate junction, and made a halt for water. here some hapless vi sitors were assembled, in hopes to catch the train to rotate, but such good fortune as a vacant seat in the closely packed train was hopeless. By a very good urningement, with the view to save trouble, the "blue bordered" or privileged passes, and the purchased tickets were all made through to Paris. Besides Reigate, a stoppage was only. made at Tunbridge, and at 20 minutes past 11 the train got in to TILE WEEK AT TILE GLASS PALACE. MONDAY, The eclipse, which on Monday east a shadow over PO large a portion of the world, had no influence in dimming the glories of the Crystal Palace. The applications for admission between 10 awl 12 o'clock were more numerous • than on any day since the opening, and would no doubt have continued so, but for the showers that then set in, and continued during the remainder of the day. The principal influx was, as on former great days, from the agricultural districts, with the exception of a numerous body of workmen from the Reading Iron-works, who came up in capital style, with band playing and colours flying. This body marched in procession all the wr.y down the side of the building, and entered at the Nod end, their band playing a merry tune all the way, and with much better effect than is usual on such occasions. There was alms a good muster ofsehoole, and, as well as we could judge, a tolerable sprinkling of London operatives rind their families. The foreigners were not quite so numerous as usual. The pre cious metals department has been enriched by some very beautiful contributions from Edinburgh, the work of Messrs. Wighton and Son, goldsmiths in that ancient city. They consist of a Hight-end dirk, with a richly carved ivory handle, a large cairngorm at top, and a silver scab bard, pierced and engraved in the most approved fashion, and with accommodation for the more peaceful knife and fork. The deer and national thistle on the handle are well executed, and have a very good effect. The other contributions are a silver " Waverley" anntf box, with a view of Abbotsford on the lid, and a letter presser in the form of a stag, of excellent design and work manship. These articles are placed iu company with a large collection of Scotch contributions, amongst which the large " mull," composed of rams' heads, silver-mounted, and studded with cairngorms, attract a very considerable amount of public curiosity. In the Its court the beautiful vase, a genuine Cellini, the arrival of which we have already mentioned, attracts a constant circle of admirers. It is placed in a large salver by the same master, and both are chased all over with small figures, but so beautifully executed that each is in itself a study. Both articles are gilt, and are ex hibited by an amateur promoter of the Exhibition. The heat was very great throughout the day and was much com plained of. We are glad to perceive that the sub ject started by ourselves some time since, that of a redaction of price in the early part of the week, is now be ginning to be ventilated in influential quarters. More than one of our contemporaries has taken it up as a new dis covery, and urge an immediate reduction on the executive committee. They say that the gross receipts will at the present rate soon reach halt' a million, and that half that sum will be amply sufficient to discharge all obligations, even to the retention of the building as a winter garden. has it ever struck these gentlemen, while pureling themselves as to what is to be done with the surplus, that the value of the goods deposited by the various exhibitors in the Crystal Palace is estimated at the enormous total of fifty millions sterling, and that the interest on that sum for six months, at 5 per cent., would be 2,500,000/. ? Now, if there should be any considerable surplus to divide, might it not Ise appropriated in providing some sort of recompense for the individuals who have so lencrouely consented to shut up fur so long a period a very large amount of their trade capital ? They have brought all the money, and are certainly entitled to something more than a bronze medal for the it pains. It may be urged that many have largely extended their trade, by the publicity which the Exhibition has given to their several specialties. So they have ; but there are hundreds of isolated exhibitors who have exer cised their taste and isgenuity, and spent their mon. y, in constructing curiosities solely for the Exhibition, and as these do not come within say of the trailing categories they receive no benefit from the publicity. They have, however, contributed much to the attractiveness of the Exhibition, and it would be a graceful disposition of some portion of the surplus to purchase their articles, or other wise give their constructor some substantial reward. The police numbers were 67,170. Cash account, July 28. Season tickets At the doors 3,194 13 0 Total receipts TVE,,DAY. The undeviating good fortune which has hitherto attended everything connected with the Crystal Palace was Tuesday interrupted by two rather serious accidents that happened in different parts of the building. On enter ing the British nave in the morning, Thomas's large fowl. tain was seen to bo in ruin., the group of Acis and Galatea, at the top, having tumbled down, and crushed in their fall two or three of the syrens who had been so faithfully supply ing them with water. No explanation of the downfall of the lovers could be given, except the conjecture that their old enemy Polyphemus had come during the night, and cast them from their high estate. The other accident happened in the media:vat court, in which the habitue: might have observed a row of five or six silver candelabra suspended from a gilt cornice, and filled with candles, after I the manner of Roman catholic and Puseyite churches. On Tuesday morning, the rope which supported the cur , nice suddenly gave way, the silver lamps tumbled down, and were much damaged by the fall, and the candles were strewed all over the court. The • damage has been estimated at some hundreds of pounds, and tha court is temporarily closed during repairs. The company waxed more numerous than on the preceding day, and cumprisad excursionists, and organised parties from almost every part of the I:nited Kingdom. Among others were a party from Wantage, beaded by their clergyman; 159 men from the extensive paper-hanging establishment of ! Messrs. Woollams, Marylebone ; a party of 25 from Pres ton ; one of 25 labourers sent up from Cherries by Lord William Russell; the boys of she ltichmand Sunday school; the children (1.50) of St. Rotolph's 'school, and a party of 110 from the Refuge for the Destitute, these poor outcasts having found friends to enable them to perticipate in the great jubilee of progress. Although the thermo meter stood at 00 degrees, the heat was by no means oppressive. The sappers were busy in several parts of the building opening air passages, and the fruits of their ! labours were perceptible in the many gentle currents that refreshed the crowd as they passed slowly along from one section to another. The various Freuch courts are now daily becoming the most crowded 1,. time 'of the building. The attendants at the different stalls are rapidly learning English, and their national pole , area in due .s them to take all possible pains in enlightening the visitors on the subject of their beautiful and costly goods. The designs of the various cups, vases, &c., being mostly mythological makes the task sometimes rather difficult, as the provincial mind is not, as a general rule, over saturated with Lempriere, and even if it were, the French pronunci ation of the names would still be a difficulty. But the effort being cheerfully made is gratefully accepted, and daily increase. th. popularity of tho department. The latest addition to this department made its appearance on Tuesday morning, and is in our opinion one of the most beau.. tiful specimens of high Parisian art that has vet been sent over. It is an exquisite •• •• at a r• • • - ^^a th+ rrt: and the Swan, Leda !Aug eighteen inches high carved u' seta:,, The subject is the w e ll-k uown one o f s., in solid ivory, and the Swan in oxydiscd silver. The sculp ° tore of the female figure is perfect, the beautiful head, with its coronal of water lilies, and the fine proportions of the figure being rendered with all the truth and de licacy of full size marble. The drapery is of hammered gold, and the snake armlets and I necklace are of fine turquois. The groat, is the work of the celebrated Prather, who presented it to the Paris Association for the Relief of Distressed Artists, to form a lottery prize. The fortunate winner has sent it over to the Exhibition, in the hope that some wealthy Eng lish connoisseur may think it worth the price fixed on it, namely, 2.1,000 francs. Until that fortunate event shall happen, we advise all visitor+ to the Exhibition to make their way to the stand of M. Froment Meurice, in which this very beautiful group now holds a prominent position. The same firm exhibited on Tuesday, also for the first time, some splendid seller plate in the Lamb Quince style, which has been made to the order of Baron Rothschild. Those who admire this very florid style of art, will see much to please them in the candelabra, wine -coolers, t&c., of this service, and they will have an opportunity of contrasting them with sonic line Renaissance plate, which stands close at hand. The latter is always worth examining, when it comes from a first-rate atelier, because the Renaissance is the favourite style of the artistic goldsmith, and his work is a labour of love, while its mon:" ornate succes sor is only toed in compliance with the demands of fashion and had taste. In following the catty transi tion front French to English goldsmiths work, we are reminded of a very simple brooch, which is exhibited in the smallest of caws in the precious metals gallery. It lays no claim to elaborate workmauship, but it has the English feature of utility in high perfeetiou. The peculiar ity of the. little article, which is the registered iuvention of Mr. 'Thacker. of Exeter, lies in a spring at the back of the tongue which t•tfeetually secures the brooch, and renders it invulnerable at once to the carelessness s.f the wearer or the designs of the light-lingered gentry. The immense num ber of brooches that lie scattered among the waifs and strays of the police station would seem to indicate that something id the kind Ives become an indispensable companion to the Exhibition, and the simplicity and perfect efficieuey of the article in question recommend it strongly to the situation. The ladies had better look to their finery, as the light-fin gered gentry are beginning to lay very complicated and in genions plans for their spoliation. A lady was very recently relieved of U. ins. iu the Austrian court in the follow ing clever manner: She wets followed for some time by a reverend looking gentleman in green spectacles with a lady hanging on each arm. As soon as the victim al proachtal tut object of more than common in terest, the " ladies " behind rushed up iu sympathetic curiosity, and pressed her closely un each side, while their reverond friend rifled her pockets. The lady, through dread of marital censure, did not mention the loss fur a slay or two, but now the police are in possension of the facts, and are on the look cut for the spectacled gentleman and his female accomplices. The only person of distinction whom wo noticed on Timsday among the visitors was the Queen of the Clipteics, who came attired in full rommany costume, and having paid her shilling in a very off-hand manner, walked through the palae, with an easy noncludanee which must have been the fruits of long training in the " grated man ner." The total number of admission+ was-68,49n. Cash account, July 29, Season tickets £6 6 0 At the doors Total receipts.. £3,287 16 0 WEDNESDAY. The attendance at the Crystal Palace on Wednes day fell considerably short of that of the previous day, the fluctuations of the weather having deterred some, and the attractions of Goodwood races, led away others. There was still, however, a very goad muster, some fifty or sixty thousand, au enormous assemblage anywhere else, although only a low average day's work at the Great Exhibition. the schools were in great force, anti there were some very large parties from the agricultural districts, among which we may class at company of upwards of 1,000 from Chelms ford, where, it will he remembered that, NOM: years since, the great protectionist festival was held in honour of tho simultaneous return of eight pro corn law members for the county. Any one who recollects the melancholy predictions of ruin then uttered in case the corn law should be repealed, must have rejoiced on Wednesday to see their utter falsification in the happy, well-fed look of this large detachment from one of the most exclusively agri cultural districts in England. They were marshalled in companies, the leaders bearing long wands with red streamers at the top, which might be seen fluttering above the heads of the crowd in every corner of the building. Among the schools were the boys of that excellent institu_ Con the Commercial Travellers' School, 112 in number ; St. Martin's-in the-Fields, 285 ; Newmarket, 5i ; Walton on-Thames, 20 ; and several others the names of which we could not learn, entering as they did at various doors and at different periods of the day. A group of visitors that excited much notice were the well-known bathing women of Brighton, in their characteristic marine costume, at tended by some faithful squires in the shape of fishermen front the same briny locality. The enumeration of them repres,ntatives of various classes who in turn visit the Ex hibition will, when all is over anti the lists are classified, prove a very interesting record, us showing the uuiver sality of the interest created. There were none of the stands which had more visitors than those in the Swiss section, which, since they have been enriched with the horologic:al wonders of Geneva, have become one of the lions of the palace. The little watch in the pearl case was wonder fully admired, and a new article recently placed there was an object of surpassing attraction. It consists of a little stand of goldsmith's work beautifully enamelled, from the centre of which rises a tiny golden pillar. In the capital is a lid, which opens on a spring being touched, and up jutnpe a bird no bigger than a pea, which flutters its wings and chirps audibly for a couple of minutes. The gentleman who superintendi the department had his politeness severely tested by the importunities of the ladies to have exhibited to them the wonderful powers of this smallest of choristers. The police returns give as the total of admissions, 58,382. Cash account, July 30. Season tickets At the doom 2,835 6 0 Total rectipts THURSDAY, The attendance at the Crystal Palace rant this day was rather below the average, if we refer only to the police returns; but any one, to look at the interior at about two o'clock, would fancy it one of the fullest day's attendance of the season. Ihe falling ulna mainly among the country visitors, and indicates the near approach of reaping time. The heavy trains from the north will soon begin to move, and then it is supposed that the numbers will be higher than ever. The schools, also, arc beginning to fall off, there having been but two or three 'llurstbay. This decrease is referable to another reason, the exhaustion of the Malsuns me.r holidays, which occur very generally somewhere about this time. The daily addition of new goods may now be con sidered as almost at an end. Time has gradually worked up all the most distant consignments, and every stand is as full as spare or the means of the contributors will per mit. The great exception is the French department, where the exhibitors secured plenty of room in the first instance, and now avail themselves of the contiguity of their etwitiq to mend over for some choice specimens for every niche they may see vacant. Some of them have received numerous orders, but Close who deal in the most precious articles complain that their exquisite workmanship is not appreci They say that the must admirable ehasiugs and modelling' are passed by unnotiecd, while everything that has the recommendation of containing a good deal of gold or silver is eagerly gazed at and talked about. The Be:giun cloths are the subject of much observation and discussion. Their price, which is of course indirectly ascertainable, is asto nishingly low, and there seems to be an opinion gaining ground that they will soon formidably compete with our Yorkshire manufactures. Already an immense quantity of them is imported here for reshipment, and. it is feared by the timid, that the Exhibition will be the means of BOULOGNE. There was no public reception in Boulogne, the general wish being to get to Paris as early as pos sible, and the state of the weather during the voyage across had rendered many of the company I I rather intlispo to encounter a ceremonial imme-! diately on their escape front the sea. The vessel that brought forward the first party was the Princess Helena, and she lett in the harbour two others, the Lord Warden and the Princess Clementine, steam up, and gaily decorated with gam, ready to carry over the remainder of the invited guests. The vessels drew alongside the quay at two o'clock amidst the cheering of the crowd. the quay was gaily decorated with flags, and a guard of honour was m waiting. • An ornamental gangway was run on deck, and the guests, with the Lord Mayor at their head, received the congratulations of the municipality. Among the company by the chief train and first heat were Lords Albcnnarle, Wharucliffe, and Ebriogton ; Hon. Messrs. Fitzroy and Scarlett, Mr. Paxton, the Recorder, SirJ. Rennie, Sir J.Musgrove,Mr. Smith All Moon, Messrs. Wentworth Dilke,Colc, and Scott Russell; Aid. Humphrey; Messrs. Sallandrouze and M.Gregor, M.P., Aldennan Sydney, Alderman Wire, Alderman Hooper, Alderman Carter, Sheriff Carden, Sir G. Hopkinson, Messrs. Swift, Bright, and Du Pont, Capt. Owen, H. Creasman, 11. Du Cane, Mr. Barber and Lady, Deputy Harrison, Messrs. Cubitt, M.P., Sams, Locke, Dennock, Barnes, Wilkes, Prof. Ansted, Professor Owen, Mr. Itoutledge, Dr. Itoyle, Deputy Obbard, Messrs. Bennoch, Ferrer, Nicholay, Garrard, Spicer, Wal lace, and the representatives of the London press. Our Boulogne correspondent writes us follows: BOULOGNE, Atuk. 1, 2.40 At half-past two o'clock to-day the Lord Mayor of London, with several cummisaioners of the Grand Exhibition, and the various gentlemen whom the municipality of Paris had invited to partake of their hospitality, arrived in this town in the Princess Clementine, from Folkestone. Mr. Barnard, the agent, in Boulogne, of the Folkestone Railroad had, at Ins own expense,dee rated the landing-place with a tri umphal arch of various coloured flags, which looked very gay. The sous-prefets, British consul, Mayor of Boulogne, M. Fontaine, with some of the chief gentlemen of the town, M. de St. Paul, chairman of the Boulogne and Amiens Railroad, with some of his colleagues, received the gentlemen on their land ing, where a lieutenant's guard, of troops of the line, headed by the Commissary of Police, and a guard of douaniers, in full costume, with the heads of the custom's department, did honour to the occa sion. After the usual welcomes, compliments, and introductions, the invited stepped into the railway car riages and conveyances provided for them, and drove to the terminus of the railroad, which deserves a particular description. The directors of the Amiens and Boulogne rail road had determined, at their own expense, to prove to the invited guests that all France felt disposed to meet them with true cordiality. Accordingly, they commanded M. Jallot Thaboureux, of Paris, to decorate the large saloon of theterminus in a manner fit for the reception of guests whom they honoured, and whom they invited to a thjettiter after the fatigues of their journey; and M.Polet, the restaurant of the Rue Vivienne, was ordered to provide in his r,elderchj style a hot brealifienthat should not be con demned even by a London alderman. Both did justice to the orders given. The large saloon was covered with white drapery, tastefully inlaid with crimson, with crimson curtains to the various win dows. A large mirror behind the chairman, deco rated with flowers, reflected the whole room • across table was raised two feet from the floor, at which the principal guests were seated ; three tables, running down the sides and middle, received those who were particularly connected with the Exhibition, to the amount of 100. An outer saloon, COMM."' - q! by wide folding-doom with the principal one, recelvell all the other guests, to the amount of about 200. M. de St. Paul presided, supported on his right by the Lord Mayor of London,next to wli:tm sat:Mr. l'axtoo; on his left was Miss :Musgrove, and opposite to him the sous-prefet, with Mr. Macgregor on his lea, and Mr. Sallandroure on his right. The passage had been a pleasant one, appetites had been sharpened, and full justice was done to the good things that had been prepared. Tie irjenner occupied an hour and a halt; when the chairman proposed the health of the Lord Mayor of London, who replied in a frank and manly speech, particu larly remarking on the hospitality with which they had been received and the honours done them. Me concluded by • g the prosperity of the city of Boulogne. ( times three.) The Lord )&yor