The Sun. — London, England, 1844-10-29 00:00:00

...,.....•-•••''''''' i To ROYAL )AY ) i n do o le w iesseu spec" •oteet 0011 in all case s tapestr ie ! ) icturegl u t ; arprised iet, a l5 l t for irations ,f the rout. ried betao rnour--de: id the 17t h a the .se tired SOO lice t° po lice , wore 0 0 looked t° a dasbid 3 earn the head `` of m the pa, tachtneo" nt. the it ° -mall. 11 7eet band ither struck de 11! dent her 14$ ,ic che erl ' charac es.. l ie : a lmost It ' na we 1111 that there er app— 1-colourej yal 1 - Jig h t ; B uccleu e of Jell ei 3ix of the Th e r i lousebo k ate 0 0/1 3, Foreig ° he procc t. Juln es Fe Guards' ass of th e , o) pa rativ e , the WI 131 e, 11011 var iow the re the OW' lilt ; wind,_„, ~~--~--~ of the gates. The royal carriage was, however, delayed for some time under the gate. We should observe, as due to the police, that their Conduct, as far as it came under our notice, was most orderly, and even obliging, when it did not interfere with their duty. The only accident we observed occurred to one of the Lancers, whose horse fell over one of the heaps of sand collected in the morning to throw over the wood pavement. The rider, a young fl an, was thrown off, and as they were proceeding at the time at a somewhat quick pace, it is surprising that he was not trampled on by the succeeding horse men• lie did not, however, seem to regard his fall, for he immediately mounted again. TEMPLE-BAR. Certainly the most interesting and important part of the procession commenced here. The loyal citizens of London, ever awake to the honour '•of a visit from their beloved Queen, have been on the qui rive for many days past to receive her in the Manner that her exalted• rank demands. Along Fleet -street, Ludgate-hill, St. Paul's, Cheapside, and the Poultry, nothing has been wanting, and no expense spared to receive the Queen of England in a manner worthy of the first city in the world. Fl ags were flying from the turret of almost ev ery house ; citizen beauty appeared at every window, the gayest of the gay filled every balcony along the line of the procession, and the humbl e and plodding artisan seemed to feel no fatigue, and to consider it no discomfiture to wait in a dense crowd for five or six hours, in order that he might catch a glimpse of his Sovereign. In almost ever y i shop- w i n d ow, f rom Fl eet - street to t h e Mansion house, seats w ere erec t e d, an d l e t a t p r i ces v arying 'rem two guineas to five shillings. Many were most tastefully decorated, and showed great skill on the part of those who erected them. As early as seven o'clock numbers began to as semble in the neighbourhood of Temple-bar, and at the windows was to be seen many a fair face— " Scanning the motley scene that varied round." The platform that had been erected on each side of S t. Dunstan's Church was filled with ladies ele gantly dressed ; i n s h or t, th e w h o l e t ou t ensemble, fr om Templ e -b ar t o t h e E xc h ange, put us in mind of t hose spl en di d lines by Milton : "Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue, Ar,Ppeared withgay enamelled colours mixed, Thanwhich t h e sun more glad impressed his beams, -Lhan in fair evening cloud or humid bow." Although it was g enerally understood that there Wa s of not to be any illumination in the City, many the loyal inhabitants have made preparations "" do honour to their Sovereign by lighted stars, ele gant mottoes, illuminated by gas and varigated A t a i i re P s • Amon g th ese we mus t no ti ce th e office of e.Anti-Corn-law League, 'who have got an illumi ready for the evening, consisting of the words Fr ee Tr a d e, " " V. A., " and a star. There are also pre parations for illuminating at Lynns', the fish-mon ger in F leet -street, at Mr. Williams', the umbrella taker i n Ludgate -hill ; Mr. Mason's, the chemist, at the corner of Shoe-lane ; the office of the m °?la ing Advertiser ; and though last, not least, West's, the optician, will produce his e 7 4 .74 Spectacle, which it is intended shall not re quire spectacles of a great magnifying power to see t At an ear l y h our in the morning the bells of St. rid e's> St. Dunstan's, and St. Mary. le-Bow, rang a merry peal. Th e Ald ermen , C ommon C ounc il men, a nd all the City authorities were stirring by sunrise. i j r , he , r tlY before eleven o'clock the L o rd M ayor , B iS state coach, preceded by several of the a Alder men of the City, set out f o r T em pl e -b ar. " Majesty and Prince Albert arrived at Temple ," at twenty minutes before twelve o'clock. Shortly uefere her arrival the gates were closed, and upon her comi ng to Temple-bar one of the Heralds dem anded admittance for the Queen of England into be a r loy a l C i ty of London. The Lord Mayor, who d c b een in waiti ng i n t h e b an ki ng -h ouse o f Messrs.o m id and at Temple-bar, together with the then who a tt en d e d him, proceeded to the gate i n their robes, and commanded admission officers in attendance to give immediate ttt to her Majesty. On her Majesty 1 4 l e ,. ri ng the gate, the Lord Mayor, dressed pre gaels robes of state, approached the carriage, and ke ys et ed to her Majesty the sword of state, and the whi ch et the city o f L on d on on a velvet cushion, to h i h er Majesty was graciously pleased to return h ad 41, obse rv i ng t h at t h ey were muc h b e tt er i n hi s the th an hers. The procession then proceeded to asLeYal Exchange in the following order Detachment of Life Guards. Two-culroadirciss The Carriages, Crrimafgiress,t Carriage,eae hdrawn by six horses. Two Grooms drawn by six bays, walking. Conveys Gentl eman Usher of the Sword of State, Gentlem an U s h er o f t h e P r i v y Chamber, Exon of the Yeoman of the Guard, T r ace of H onour i n W a i t i ng . wo Gr ooms walkin g. The second Carriage, Two Grooms rooms drawn by six bays, Lora in „, . Conveys G roo i . Iv atting to Prince Albert (Lord Geo. Lennox), G ro "I !irt \Vatting (the Hon. Captain Duncombe), s ii ( o in Waiting. to Prince Albert (Capt. F. Seymour), I,wv(er Stick. w ) ali i i i rms The third Carriage, Two Grooms g• drawn by six bays, walking. Lord in Waing (Conveys Lord Byron), Treasu rer of Ho the use old (Earl Jermyn), Co 'Vice- Chamerlain (Lord Ernest Bruce), _ _ e oVtroller of the Household (the Right Honourable Colonel Dawson Darner). The fourth Carriage, C Gro om onveys, T w vs o 'al G k i r n o g o . ms drawn by si x b a y s , of the S to l e to Prince Albert (the Marquis of e Ex eter) a • Ptat n of the Yeomen of the Guard (the Earl of Be _ verley), V.ap ta in of th e Gentlemen-at-Arms (Lord Forester), ;aster of walking the B uc k Hounds (the Earl of Rosslyn). wo Grooms The fif t h C arr i age T wo G rooms drawn by six bays, walking. Conveys, Maid of Honour (the Honourable Lucy Kerr), Iled..thamber Woman, Earl Marshal (the D u k e o f N or f o lk), I , _ Gold S t i ck. wo Groom s sixth Carriage, Two Grooms w alkin g . L l d drawn by six blacks, walking. Conveys, M aid Y oft he Bedchamber (Lady Portman), of honour in Waiting (the Honourable Miss A. I, array ord Ste;va'rd (the Earl of Liverpool), Lord Chamberlain (Earl Delawarr). Police -officers on horseback. The State Carriages of the Sheriffs. The Lord Mayor's State Coach. A tr t iazarine The City Marshals, on h orse b ac k. embers of the C ourt o f C ommon Council, in their s, on horseback, each with an attendant. 14 thei r scarlet Sheriffs, gowns and chains, on h orse b ac k, eac h attended by a sergeant and a groom. In their Aldermen, sca r l et gowns (those past the Ch a i r i n th e i r , r ! hair 's) m. on hor se b ac k, eac h attended by a beadle and hhgroooersecboanx:oenarrCyring theier,on The Sword-bearer, on horseback, with the City Mace. Cap of Maintenance. THE LORD MAYOR, Thre e in a Po° tmen V e l vet Robe and Crimson Three a Collar of SS. Footmen in Stat e on Hor se b ac k, i n bearing the Cit y S word of State State Liveries immediately before Liveries HER MAJESTY. Yeomen of the Guard. Twelve Footmen, four and four. Pour Grooms THE STATE COACH, Four Grooms walking. Drawn by eight cream- walking. colou re d h orses, Atte nded by a Yeoma n of the Guard at each wheel, and two footmen at each door, conveying THE QUEEN, His Royal Highness rince Alber, T he Mistress of the Robes (theP Duchess o f t Buccleuch . The Master of the Horse (the Earl of Jersey). Escort of Life Guards. On th - Tw n roo m . walking. gincn's arri va l at Templ e -bar th e L or d Pir n Alayor p r esented the City S word to her Majesty and ee Albert; and then formed themselves into pro cession in the following order:— trumpeters. Clerk of the Gresham Committee, Architect. Twelve Membersof the Gresham Committee, Two and two. Remembrancer. Sheriffs. M embers of the Court of Aldermen and Recorder, two and two. The LORD M AYOR, lift. Majesty the QUEEN, and Prince ALBERT. Followed by her Majesty's Officers of State. Rer Majesty cal c and the P r i nce was most enthusiasti bar lycheered through the wh o l e li ne from Temple trldto the Exchange. She looked exceeedingly well, app eared pleased with the preparations that had , e n made f or her reception. On arri v i ng at t h e eh eered Jr4tel, • —ange her Majesty was mo s t ent h us i astically Ile State carriage, as usual, was drawn by 464 creams -coloured horses, and rrince Albeit, the Duchess of Buccleuch, and the Earl of Jersey, were in tl:e carriage with her Majesty. The Queen left the Exchange at half-past two o'clock, and immediately proceeded to Buckingham Palace. In this notice of the Queen's going to the City we must not forget to mention the courtesy we received from the Commissioner of Police, and from Superintendents Walker and M'Lean. It is impossible to say too much of the effect of the whole line—it was one scene of grandeur and beauty. INTERIOR OF THE ROYAL EXCHANGE. The arrangements for the reception of the guests at :he Royal Exchange were excellent. With each ticket of admission, there was sent to the guest an other ticket, designating the door at which the ad mission ticket was to be presented ; and also the fol lowing orders and regulations for the admission of visitors into the Royal Exchange :- 1. That the card of admission be produced at the en trance of the Royal Exchange, referred to in the card ac companying the admission ticket. 2. That no admission card be transferable, under any circumstances. • _ _ . 3. That the Royal Exchange be open for the admis sion of visitors between ten and eleven of the clock in the forenoon. N.B. The Barriers at which only Carriages will be admitted—viz. King William street, Moorgate street by London Wall, Queen-street, Cheapside, Newgate•street. and Temple-bar, will be closed at eleven of the clock precisely. 4. That no visitor be admitted into the Royal Ex change, under any pretence whatever, after half-past eleven o'clock. _ _ 5. That upon the visitors arriving at the Royal Ex change, they immediately proceed to the seats allotted to them, and take their stations accordingly. to be in readiness to witness the arrival of her Majesty the Queen. 6. That all the visitors are expected to keep their seats during the whole period of her Majesty remaining in the Roya Exchange. 7. That the drivers of all carriages, after setting down the company, conform to the instructions they will re ceive from the police. These were accompanied by a plan of the tables, on which the place of each guest was distinctly marked, so that there could not by possibility arise even the chance of confusion. On our admission, at the south door, we proceeded through apassage covered with an awning of pink and white drapery, leading to the magnificent stair. case of Lloyd's. On arriving at the top of the grand staircase we found ourselves in the vestibule which leads to all the principal apartments. This vestibule, which is of the Doric order, is ornamented with full length figures, clad in complete suits of armour. The walls are taste fully hung with banners and flags, and the whole has a very imposing appearance. On the right of the vestibule is the Subscription room, in which the banquet was served to her Majesty and Prince Albert and suite. At the further end of the room was erected the dais, on which was the royal table. At the back of the table was a magni ficent mirror, surrounded by crimson hangings. On the royal table and at the back was displayed a magnificent service of gold plate. The room was ornamented with trophies of armour, and at the south end were displayed, on either side the table, the royal standard and the union-jack. The band of the Life Guards Was in attendance in the vestibule. At right angles to the Subscription-room is the Lloyd's Merchants'-room, which was fitted up for the accommodation of 400 guests. The general character of the fittings up of this room corresponded with that of the Subscription-room. There was, however, a greater display of flags, every trophy being surmounted by flags, tastefully arranged. At the end of the room, in a recess, was the far-famed figure of Queen Elizabeth on horseback, brought from the Tower for this special occasion. The banner of the royal arms of Elizabeth was suspended over the figure, and on either side of it were the royal stan dards. The company began to arrive shortly after ten o'clock, and by eleven o'clock the greater portion of them had felt it necessary to take their places. At eleven o'clock the Duke of Wellington arrived, and the band immediately struck up " See the con quering hero comes." His Grace, who was con ducted over the building, and through the different banquetting-rooms by Mr. Tite and Mr. Lambert Jones, was loudly cheered during tl whole of his progress. Shortly afterwards the band struck up the National Anthem. There was immediately a buz of expecta ti on and- surprise, and a hurrying to secure places ; many present imagining that her Majesty herself was on the point of arriving. It proved, however, a false alarm. It was one of the royal pages, who, arriving in a royal carriage, had been thus saluted. Again the National Anthem was heard. This time it announced the arrival of his Royal highness the Duke of Cambridge, who proceeded to the retiring room to await the arrival of her Majesty. Among the early arrivals we noticed Sir C. Napier, the Earl of Westmoreland, the Marquis of Salisbury, Sir F. Pollock, the Lord Chief Baron, W. Holmes, Esq., Lord Granville Somerset, and the Earl of Lincoln. At about half-past eleven Sir Robert Peel and Sir James Graham arrived. The Right Hon. Baronets were received by Mr. Lambert Jones, and conducted through the rooms and over the building. Sir Robert Peel was cheered occasionally during the course of his progress. No demonstration of feeling, however, was manifested towards Sir James Graham. The Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived shortly afterwards. All the Cabinet Ministers were dressed in the Windsor uniform. At a quarter after twelve o'clock it was announced that her Majesty had arrived. Simultaneously with her Majesty's arrival, the sun, which, during the earlier part of the morning had been obscured with clouds, suddenly burst forth with the greatest brilliancy. Upon the arrival of her Majesty and Prince Albert at the Exchange, they were received at the western en trance by the Lord Mayor, the Aldermen, Recorder, and the members of the Joint Gresham Committee, the Sheriffs, and the Remenabraticer, who formed them selves into a procession, and preceded her Majesty, in the following order : Trumpeters. James Barnes, Esq., Clerk of the Gresham Committee. William Tite, Esq., F.R.S., Architect. George Palmer, Esq., M.P. Jonathan Charles Prior,Esq. William Lawrence, Esq. Robert Sutton, Esq. Jacob George Cope, Esq. James Sutton, Esq. JohnHumphery, Esq.,M.P. George Palmer, jun., Esq. James Watney, Esq. Sir Chapman Marshall. George Aston, Esq., Richd. Lambert Jones, Esq., Master Chairman of the Mercers Company. of the Gresham Committee. Edward Tyrrell, Esq., Remembrancer. Sheriffs. Thomas Sidney, Esq. William Hunter, Esq. The Members of the Court of Aldermen below the Chair. Hon. Chas. Ewan Law, Q.C., Recorder, The Members of the Court of Aldermen above the Chair. The Right Hon. William Ma ay, Lord Mayor. Her Majesty the QUEEN and Prince ALBERT, followed by her Majesty's Officers of State. Having gone over the building, her Majesty pro ceeded in procession up the staircase leading to Lloyd's-rooms. The Lord Maydr, bearing the sword of state, led the way; he was followed immediately by her Majesty, leaning on the arm of Prince Albert, followed by her Maids of Honour and suite. Her Majesty was attired in a magnificent dress of white satin, and wore on her head a splendid tiara of diamonds. Prince Albert wore a Field Marshal's uniform, with the riband of the Order of the Garter. Her Majesty looked remarkably well, but seemed a little flushed, as if wearied with the exertions of the day. Nothing could exceed the enthusiasm with which her Majesty was greeted during the who!e of her pro gress. As she slowly proceeded up the Lloyd's mer chants'-room she frequently bowed in acknowledg ment of hearty greeting of her loyal subjects. On arriving at the top of the room her Majesty paused for a moment to contemplate the effigies of her illus trious predecessors. At this period the coup-cr mil was superb. The various costumes, civil and military, of the different officers of State, and of the Foreign Am bassadors; the elegant and, in many cases, magnificent attire of the ladies, the paraphernalia of the various City authorities, with .a brilliant sun shining full into the room, produced an effect which can never be for gotten by those who witnessed it. Her Majesty, on leaving the Merchants'-room, pro ceeded up the Subscription-room, where the Royal banquet was prepared, and entered the Throne-room, where her Majesty received the address, to which she returned a most gracious answer. THE SUIN, LONDON, TUESDA Y MORNING-, OCTOBER 5.9, 1844, After the presentation of the address, her Majesty, accompanied by his Royal Highness Prince Albert and suite, proceeded to the banqueting-room. The following is the bill of fare of the dejeuner, which was provided by Messrs. Staples of the Albion Tavern : Roast chickens 1 Filets de soles a la Proven- Patti of game I Cale Westphalia hams Crevettes Beef ala George IV.. ' Grouse sallads Roast partridges Gateaux a la Francaise d d Lare capons . X o3gats d'Abricots House lanib Roast pheasants Tongues Barons of beef Jellies Meringues a la Chantilly Compotes de fruits Conserves de pommes Galantines de poulardes Rhubarbe a lallegence Cotelettes aux concombres Gelbs mix fruits Magnonnaises de Hornard Patisserie aux amandes Salades de Volaille Pine apples Petit petei a la Rein° Hothouse grapes. Ris de veau a la Romano Pears Balotines d'Agncau Dried fruits Ice creams. After the dejeuner the members of the Gresham Committee went round the room and gave to each guest a ecmmemorative medal. On one side was a representation of her Majesty with the inscription, Royal Exchange, opened by her Majesty Queen Victoria, 28th Oct., 1844, and on the reverse the arms of the City, the Mercers' Company, and of Sir T. Gresham, with the inscription, First Stone laid by his Royal Highness Prince Albert, January 17, 1842. During the course of the dejeuner the band sta stioned in the vestibule performed several popular airs. The following gentlemen were present at the ban quet, as the representatives of the subscribers to Lloyd's :—Chairman, E. A. Robinson. Committee— John Robinson, John Pryor, Wm. Wilson Saunders John Simpson, John Poole, W. C. Harnett, T. 0: Powles, C. R. Henford. Thomas Chapman, A. Jansen, and N. Lea. The attendants were all attired in the royal house hold livery.. The arrangements for the drjeuner reflect the highest credit on the Messrs. Staples, of the Albion, by whom it was provided. There was an abundance of every delicacy of the season, .and the wines were excellent. The whole of the Aldermen did not join the civic procession which went to Temple-bar to meet her Majesty. Among the Aldermen who remained at the Exchange was Mr. Alderman Humphery, to whose judicious care the visitors to the royal banquetting room were much indebted. The worthy Alderman was attired in a court suit of velvet, and wore his chain of office. He looked remarkably well. Shortly after half-past one o'clock the company in Lloyd's Commercial-room began to take their departure, and long before the banquet in the Royal banquetting-room was over the greater portion of (he company in the other rooms had left. At two o'clock, a flourish of trumpets announced the conclusion of the banquet at the royal table, and that the first toast " The Queen," was about to be proposed. The toast was proposed, as we under stood, by the Lord Mayor, and drank with every demonstration of the most devoted loyalty, the band in the vestibule performing the National Anthem. The toasts of "Prince Albert and the Royal Family," and " Prosperity to the City of London," followed. We understand that this last toast was proposed by his Royal Highness Prince Albert, but the room and the approaches to it were so crowded that we were unable to ascertain exactly by whom the several toasts were proposed. Shortly after half-past two o'clock her Majesty rose from the table, and leaning on the arm of Prince Albert, left the banquetting-room with her suite, pre ceded by the Lord Mayor, and followed by the Cabinet Ministers. The procession proceeded down the grand staircase, and towards the merchants' area. On arriving there the heralds advanced to the centre and made proclamation. Sir James Graham then handed her Majesty a docu ment, when here Majesty declared it to be her royal will and pleasure that the building should henceforth bear the name of the Royal Exchange. This gracious announcement was received with loud cheers, and her Majesty having taken leave of the Lord. Mayor, immediately proceeded to her carriage. In addition to the Lloyd's Commercial-room and Subscribers'-room, a banquet was likewise spread in the ambulatory, around the merchants' area, and in most of the ante-rooms. The interior of the Ex change was guarded by the Honourable Artillery Company. The following are copies of the Address and her Majesty's Answer:— " TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. ‘‘ The humble Address . of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London, in Com mon ' Council assembled. " Most Gracious Sovereign, " We, your Majesty's faithful subjects, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons of the city of Lon don in Common Council assembled, together with the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Mystery of the Mercers, joint trustees of Sir Thomas Gresham, hail your Majesty's auspicious presence in the heart of the metropolis on this renowned anti favoured spot with the liveliest sentiments of _devoted loyalty and attachment. " The privilege we this day enjoy of approaching your royal person under the roof of the new Exchange revives the memory of the olden time, when your Majesty's illustrious predecessor, Queen Elizabeth, vouchsafed to adorn by her presence the simple edifice raised by a citizen, and dedicated to the commerce of the world. " Your Majesty in this respect emulates the ex ample of that great Monarch who deemed it no dispa ragement of her imperial state to proclaim by the herald, and to distinguish the work of a subject, by the title of the Royal Exchange.' _ . " It is recorded in the graceful narrative of events inscribed on the foundation stone of this building that the relief of indigence and the advancement of literature and science,' entered into the capacious scheme of the original founder of this noble insti tution, and were made subsidiary to the stability and grandeur of a commerce co-extensive with the habit able globe. " Yielding to that eminent citizen and benefactor of his kind, Sir Thomas Gresham, the signal merit to plan and execute at his own charge this glo rious work, we still rejoice to trace the assisting hand of the City, and the ancient Company of Mercers, from the earliest prosecution of the design, and our grati tude is kindled in reflecting that each memorable epoch of the Royal Exchange is marked by the solici tude of the reigning Monarch to raise and to rebuild the structure from the ashes to which it has been twice reduced by the calamitous eftects of fire. " King Charless 11. commenced the former build ing on the 23d of October, 1667, and the illustrious Prince, the Royal Consort of your Majesty, under your Majesty's auspices, laid the first stone of the present edifice on the 17th January, 1842. " Deign, therefore, most gracious Lady, to regard with your royal approbation this work of our hands, the noble and well-constructed pile again raised by the citizens of London, and erected on a site rendered worthy of the object of so vast an undertaking, to en dure, we fervently pray, for ages, a memorial and im. perishable monument of the commercial grandeur and prosperity, and of the peaceful triumphs of your Majesty's happy reign. " Signed by order of Court, " HENRY ALWORTH MEREWETLIER." to promote the prosprity and happiness of all classes of my subjects:' The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress had between 400 and 500 visitors at the Mansion-house in the early part of the day to witness the magnifi cent spectacle, and entertained them in the most hos pitable and elegant manner; and in the evening his Lordship and the Lady Mayoress gave a grand ball and supper to about 500 more. Nothing could be more satisfactory to the Chief Magistrate, his family, and friends, in every respect than the proceedings of the day. In the diawing-room a bust of his Lord ship had been placed in the morning. It was executed by Mr. Jones, a young artist of very high talent, and attracted great admiration. The banquet at the Mansion-house was supplied by Messrs. Birch, of Cornhill, who also splendidly supplied the tables of the Merchant Tailors' Com pany, the Mercers' Company, the Fishmongers' Company, the. ChOworkers' Company, and some other Companies, to the number in the whole ofnearly 4,000 individuals. creased amount of accommodation required in the new Exchange, together with the necessity for keeping that accommodation within an easily accessible eleva tion from the great thoroughfares, rendered it impe rative that all the available ground on the north and south boundary lines should be occupied with build ing, in spite of the irregularity and want of paral lelism to which we have just referred. We pass on, then, to examine what is the nature of that accommodation which principally governs the extent and distribtrtion of the building under our no tice. In the structure first raised by Sir Thomas Gresham only two objects seemed to have been pro vided for—the daily meeting of the merchants, and the reception of the shopkeepers ; the upper part of the building having been, as it seems, arranged very much after the manner of a bazaar. Its successor, the late Royal Exchange, rebuilt after the great fire, ultimately received some new and important bodies of occupants, in lieu of the upstairs shopkeepers of the former establishment. First in order of time, came the association that originated in Lloyd's Coffee-house; their introduction was followed by that of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation, and this again by the provision for the Gresham College, on the pur chase of its establishment by Government for the use of the Excise. In rebuilding the :Exchange once more, the Gresham Committee have made provision, not only for an increase in the extent of accommoda tion to the shops, but for the reception of an additional company, that of the London Assurance ; while they have assigned the Gresham College to a separate edi fice, and prodded a suite'of rooms, hitherto unallotted, in the situation at first devoted to that body. The principal departments of the present building consist, therefore, of the following portions, as to number and order : The Merchants' Quadrangle. Lloyd's. The Royal Exchange Assurance. The London Assurance. The unappropriated offices. The offices and shops of private parties. But, before we can make the situation and extent of these portions clear to the reader, we must endeavour to give him an outline of the general plan of the struc ture. Setting the portico out of notice for the mo ment, the remaining mass of building produces a figure about 272 feet in length from east to west, with a frontage of 118 feet at the west end, and of 176 feet at the opposite extremity, the north and south sides being equaljand connected with the eastern face, by large quadrant corners. The portico gives a further extension to the west of about 28 feet in depth, by a length or frontage of 90 feet. Nearly in the centre of this entire mass is the Merchants' Quad rangle, occupying a space of 167 feet fr om eas t t o west by 111 feet across, these dimensions being in clusive of the covered arcade or ambulatory all round, which is about 26 feet wide, leaving an open centre in the proportion of a double square. In the interval remaining to the east of the Merchants' Quadrangle occurs another little court, some 60 feet in length from north to south, and 19 feet in width. It is only necessary to add to this general description of what is technically " the plan," that there is an entrance to the quadrangle from the centre of each of the four fronts of the building; that the centre of the portico is recessed to a depth equal to its projection ; . and that the entrance from the east front occupies the base of the tower. We may, however, mention further, by anticipation, that the height of the building embraces a basement story, ground floor, mezzanine, one pair or principal floor, and, in many cases, a two-pair story. Returning, then, to the distribution of the ground floor, we have all its western portion, between the quadrangle and the p or ti co , occup i e d by the Royal Exchange Assurance, with an entrance within the portico on each side. The London Assurance en gages a small portion or space on the south or Corn hill side for an entrance; while the establishment of Lloyd's has its approach by the small eastern court, before referred to, between the quadrangle and the tower. Almost the whole remaining space on the ground story, both in the three street frontages and in the eastern court, is devoted to the shops and pri vate offices, some thirty-seven in number, which, accordingly, form the char ac t er i s ti c ex t erna l features of the lower portion of the building. It is on the one-pair or principal floor, that the three great public establishments have their chief accommodation. Two thirds of the space to the north and east of the qua drangle are occupied by Lloyd's rooms. Thence, from the south-east corner, past the centre of the Cornhill front westward, extend the rooms of the London Assurance. The Royal Exchange Assur ance continues the range to the south-west extremity, and then northward past the centre of the west front, where the unappropriated offices complete the circuit by the occupation of the north-west corner. It would be tedious and unnecessary to particularise the rooms in each department ; a sufficient notion of their ex tent may be gathered from the following comparison of surface. We believe that we shall not be found far from the truth, if we estimate the whole covered superficies upon this story at 31,000 feet. Out of this total a rough allotment will give to Lloyd's London Assurance Royal Exchange Asssurance 5,700 Unappropriated offices 3,900 32,000 The only rooms that appear to demand a more de tailed notice are the important suite devoted to the business of Lloyd's, which, however, will more pro perly engage the attention in the course of the exa mination which we proceed to institute into the architectural composition and decoration of the structure. To consider the Royal Exchange, then, as a work of art, we presume that the west front, the principal, though smallest of the four—furnishes the governing lines to the rest of the external design from the pro portions of its portico. The order employed is Corinthian, fifty feet in height, that is, forty-one feet for the column, and the remainder for its superin cumbent entablature. (This order is continuous round the entire building, being elevated upon a granite stylobate or pedestal, varying in height from four to eight feet, according to the fall of the ground ; and it is also surrounded generally by an attic and balus trade about ten feet in height. To this mention of the order and its proportions we will just add, that in all matters of detail preference appears to have been given to the Italian school of design, that reigned universally in this country at the beginning of the last century. But, to return to the west facade, we have a portico of eight columns in width, and two in projection, leaving a narrow blank wing in the back ground on each side. The front rank of eight columns is backed by a line of four, so placed as to give an internal space to the centre and sides in the proportion of three to two ; the centre, as we have before intimated, is also deeply recessed. To avoid a multiplicity of small windows for lighting the various apartments behind the portico, that object is attained by means of two large and boldly arched Venetian windows of lonic detail; and between them, in the central division, is an archway of corresponding outline, which gives ac cess to an inner vestibule communicating at once with the quadrangle. These three arches are finished with well-executed keystone shields and foliage, exhibiting in the centre the merchant's mark of Sir Thomas Gresham, and, over the windows, the bearings of the old Merchant Adventurers, and the Merchants of the Staple of Calais. The distribution of space in the portico affords an opportunity for carrying over it a vaulted ceiling in three compartments, enriched with panelling and flowers. Of the pediment, which con tains a display of sculpture by Mr. Westmacott, we shall speak hereafter, in noticing the accessories to the general design : and shall only add to this des cription of the portico that, as it occupies the lowest position in the declivity of the site, it is approached with effect by a flight of nine steps, well flanked by the advancing stylobate at each end. The abuse of such an architectural appliance as that of the Greco-Roman portico is so much more common than its felicitous use, that we do not wonder that professional men of high genius forego its application altogether, rather than have recourse to it in an un favourable position and aspect, or under circumstances where it would be unsuited to internal arrangements. ` Wren's porticoes of this descriptions are extremely rare, and so are those of the late Sir John Soane. We have already in London porticoes usque ad nauseam, crammed with little openings at the back, telling all the same story of a house built within the shell of a temple. On the other hand, those architects whose taste has led them to avoid this incongruity and trifling have produced by the reverse an effect that may be classical, if that be any recommendation, but which is too frequently sombre and destitute of animation, manifestly unsuited to the dull atmosphere of Britain, and especially so to the genius of commer cial London. It is a great relief, therefore, to meet with a specimen that does not excite our indignation at the repetition of the " everlasting portico ;" and that relief we certainly enjoy in the inspection of the west front of the Royal Exchange. The situation it occupies is one so temptingly commanding that though we might have recommended the trial of some more novel combination, we can excuse the architect's pre ference for a portico, since his choice has been con ducted to so happy a result. The composition under notice has the merit of character; it is manifestly the portico to an important secular building, and not to a church, much less to a pagan temple. It , h h as re , ad i _n th ft ❑ eminent degree, the advantage of artistical_ ro ' of shadow and possesses a play of outline l an f unequalled in any other exampedinothee metropolis, The arrange the west front of St. Paul's excepted. ment of its plan bears some re semblance to that of the Roman Pantheon; while the niches or recesses in the latter offer, to the sticklers for precedent, some lines o f authority for t he introduction of the Venetian windows of the Exchange. As to these windows, we may just observe, that while their outlines eminently help the effect of liveliness in this portico, they are so designed as distinctly to express their multiforw duty, though combined in such a way as to preserve per fect unity. The management of the portico ceilings, which in the Pantheon are of bald timber, is here so conducted, by the vaulting we have described, as to complete the expression of the internal design, to en hance the effect of loftiness and general magnitude, and to meet the eye of the passer-by with a succes sion of pleasing forms that would have been lost under any of the older modes of arrangement. It is not superfluous to add, that the slope of the pediment, or roof-line of the portico, approaches more nearly to the outline of beauty for such subjects than in most cases to which we can refer. This may be felt by any one who looks at the two extreme instances in Trafalgar-square; the one pediment gaping for more than its allowance of the royal arms—the other in capable, from its flatness, of receiving any sculptured device worthy of attention. Resuming our description, it only remains to be stated, respecting the west front, that the narrow compartments beyond the portico on the north and south are occupied by solid rustication in the lower part, above which, in each case, is a parcel containing a flowered wreath and mantle, charged with the royal cypher; this again is surmounted by a festoon, and the crowning attic exhibits a device formed with the prmtorial insignia. But it is time that we look at the other fronts of the building. Throughout the south façade the main order is continued by pilastres, divided the whole length into thirteen equal portions, the pilastres being doubled at the extremities of the front. In each of these thirteen divisions is a rusticated arch of due proportions, the rustic arrangement, with its sur mounting mouldings, occupying about two-thirds of the available height beneath the general entablature. The arch we speak of contains ordinarily a shop, with its mezzanine story above; in addition to which, each shop has a room in the basement, furnished with all appropriate accommodation. Above the rusticated shop arches appear the windows of the principal story, deeply sunk, and surrounded by enriched architraves, with boldly-carved keystones and panelings. Of the thirteen compartments into which this front is divi ded, the central one, as the entrance, and that on each side of it, are deeply recessed within the main order; in each is a screen arch carried upon corbels, and decorated wilh a bold shield having rich fes toons of flowers attached. These shields are charged respectively with the arms of Sir Thomas Gresham in the centre, those of the city of London on the dexter, and of the Mercer's Company on the sinister. In the spaces above are three windows, boldly composed with scrolled piers, carrying en riched segmental pediments, and decorated with lion masks and massive drops of flowers. The attic, which crowns the five middle divisions of this front, is elevated above the wing portions, its extremities being charged with devices of mantles and regalia, with the cyphers of Queens Elizabeth and Victoria, and the dates at which their respective Exchanges were completed ; while the three middle compart ments are recessed like those below, and occupied by deeply-enriched panels. The quadrant corners which connect this façade with the eastern, and that again with the north front, are without pilasters, but contain three rusticated arches below, and as many windows above. The central window is finished semicircularly, with some what massive accompaniments; and above it, to give variety to the line of attic, is a pedimented tablet composition, exhibiting the grasshopper, as Sir Thomas Gresham's crest, surrounded by branches of the oak and palm. The east front, at which we now arrive, sustains in general the character of the south, and is divided into seven compartments, three of them being formed into a centre, and the remaining two on each side being treated precisely in the same manner as the ten wing-divisions in the Cornhill front. The three cen tral compartments are somewhat recessed, and are di vided by four columns instead of pilasters, two of the columns being isolated, and two partly attached. The arches in these are of a more ornate character than their neighbours, each being surrounded by a band of oak-leaves, and finished with a massive keystone, that branches out with scrolls to form a corbelling for the support of the window-dressings above, which are of large proportions and elaborate finish. The attic above this portion of the design is elevated, and forti fied with massive inverted consoles, one rising from each portion of the entablature which breaks over the columns below. In each of the three divisions of this attic is a large shield, with foliage, displaying, respectively the arms of the City, Gresham, and the Mercers. Each extremity of the attic is crowned with a fanciful terminal, bearing the caduceus of commerce, and apparently designed to produce a proper combination with the outline of the tower, which rises from the centre. This important feature, whose practical object is to contain the clock, with an improved chime-apparatus of fifteen bells, is carried to a height of 170 feet from the ground by four suc cessive stages of design, above the general order of the building. In the first or lowest of these its plan is a square, fortified with double buttress-like piers at the angles, of which the two on the eastern face aro made to carry up the perpendiculars of the columns below, so as to produce continuity of line from the ground. This stage of the design is occupied in the east front by a niche, and, in the others by correspond ing openings, with architraves and bold keystones, the whole being bounded by a massive cornice. The niche is intended for the reception of a colossal statue of Sir Thomas Gresham, from the chisel of Mr. Behnes. The next story of the design exhibits in four aspects the clock-dials, which are nearly nine feet in diameter; it is flanked at each angle by two vases , and is somewhat more broken than the former stage. The next consists of an octagonal lantern pierced with a long ornamental outlet on each alternate face, and fortified anglewise on the remaining four by two columns of a composed order, with their appropriate accompaniments. The fourth and last stage consists of a circular tambour, surrounded by eight consoles, and pierced with outlets in the intervals ; the whole carrying the dome, from which is elevated the grass hopper vane rescued from the former building. We pass on to the north front, which differs in its subdivision from the south, having, instead of thirteen, fifteen arches of narrower proportion, five of them forming an advanced centre, and the remaining five on each side being carried by rusticated piers without any pilasters. The centre of five arches consists again of three, with recessed divisions in the upper story, flanked by two of a more solid character. In the former, between the arches and the richly decorated windows which surmount them, is a tablet-course bearing three inscriptions ; over the entrance the motto of Gresham , in old French, Fortun a my ; to the east, or dexter, Duce dirige nos; and on the west the Honor Deo of the Mercers' Company. The advanced compartment on each side of these central three con tains, on a level with the windows, an enriched niche; that on the east is intended to receive a statue of Sir Richard Whittington, by Mr. Carew, and that on the west a figure of Sir Hugh Myddelton, by Mr. Joseph. As the upward termination to these portions of the design, the attic is raised to form ornamental groups of chimneys, faced with carved festoons of fruit and flowers. The three intermediate divisions of this attic follow the recessed lines of the architecture below, and have the piers surmounted by altar-like terminals, carved with the Mercurial caduceus. The wing portions of this front have, above the shop-story of arches, a tier of elaborately composed windows, whose dressings reach the entablature above, an arrange ment which is evidently intended to obviate the feeble ness of effect that would otherwise result from the absence of pilasters. These wings are terminated by the general balustrade. Having thus carried our survey round the exterior of the building, we will briefly offer our opinion that the merit of expression, which we conceded to the west front, may be justly claimed by the other three; the whole effect is distinctly commercial ; the structure solid, as the representative of British trade, yet ornate, as the centre of our mercantile wealth. This fitness we conceive to constitute the first requi site to good design ; and we find it in this building not unaccompanied with unity and breadth,:nor yet destitute of the variety attainable from light and shade. The detail is of a clear and decided character, evidently studied with a view to future effect under the discolouring hand of time. It is generally original in design, and free from the charge of uninventive repetition. Among other points we may notice the windows in the prin cipal story, of which we have counted seven carefully-studied varieties, yet so applied as to avoid any frivolous disturbance of continuity and breadth. We could have wished that some of the shops had been dispensed with, so as to have allowed of more spacious entrances to the quadrangle from the north and south sides ; but this we presume was a conside ration of rental too powerful for the architect to en counter. A threefold, instead of single external . ves tibule in these aspects, would have for med TabaelaiP impor tant accession to the effect of the d esi g n. treat ment of the tower, considered asa portion of the bip and building, is felicitous, wsuhbe-tshttr va crter as utilorcues, omaonrglViewedesofwith growing out from the sight. reference to its outl ine a The obstruction of its fron.t vieweftrielamn t t h h e at eas wi t l e ic r h n approaches is a much less nisfortun discordance of outlines, would have arisen from the had the tower been placed either in the north or sou th front; and t o have raised it in the west, behind the portico, would have been in point of character the m ost fatal of architectural errors. Situated as it is, the tower produ ces one of its happiest effects as a termination to the vista obtained on approaching the quadrangle bythe great western entrance. To this portion of the building it is necessary that we should now direct our attention. The Merchants' Quadrangle, Of which we have already stated the dimensions, presents to our view an open court, whose length from east to west is twice its width. Its height presents us with a composition of two orders—Doric below, and lonic above, the co lumns being engaged to the solids behind; and elevated upon pedestals. Each of these ord >rs comprehends a line of well-proportioned arches, with appropriate imposts and dressings. The arches of the lower tier being open, communicate with the ambulatory or arcade that surrounds the court; and at the back of this ambulatory are corresponding divisions of piers with arches deeply recessed. The arches of the upper tier, compthed within: the lonic order, are treated as large curved recesses, enriched with panelling both articulated and plain, and con taining each a window, whose dressings are advanced in a very prominent relief, standing wiihin a carved stone balcony, and finished above with an elaborate and pedimented top, that occupies the head of the great recessed arch. Above this window, in the crown of each arch, is a keystone, forming a handsome cartouche-shield, charged with the arms of one of the states with which we have commercial intercourse. This is surmounted by the entablature of the order, the cornice of which is of unusually bold projection and detail ; and from this rises the attic, which, with its broken outline of piers and open panelling of play ful design, terminates the composition. This descrip tion embraces one vertical compartment of the general design ; to complete the circuit, it must be understood that on each side of the length of the court there are seven of these compartments with two small ones, and at each end of the court three such compartments with two small ones. These smaller compartments, being two at each corner of the quadrangle, have each a rusticated double arch below, and, variously, a window or niche above, surmounted, successively, with a carved festoon and a panel containing a wreath of oak and laurel. An ornamented group of chimneys ter minates the attic over each of these corners. We consider the composition of this court emi nently successful. It is more imaginative than any of the external design ; the combination of forms is grateful even to the uninitiated eye, while the subdi vision and character of detail are calculated to en hance its apparent magnitude. We are only uncer tain whether we should not have proposed a greater width'of proportion—whether that of three to five, for instance, would not have been preferable to the present of one or two. But, we must complete our description of the sur rounding ambulatory, by observing that its ceiling is formed on a principle somewhat analogous to that developed in the wooden ceilings to some of our churches of the later Gothic period. Every pier of the arcade has a band or beam crossing over to its neighbour against the opposite wall, which beam is curved down to its springing at each end, and carried by a corbel or console. In the opposite, or longitu dinal direction, these beams are intersected by two others, so as to form in each division of the ambula tory one large panel between two narrow ones. Pen dants of varied are foliage applied at all points where these beams or bands intersect each other. A similar arrangement is recognised in the pavement, which re peats in party-coloured stone the architectural lines of the ceiling. It is on the ceiling and walls of this ambulatory that the extent of the so-called encaustic painting, of which we have heard, has been executed by, and under the direction of, M. Sang, the artist of Munich. Some notices of the day have proved a verbal description to be of so little use in elucidating mere matters of colour and pictorial device, that we shall abstain from anything more than a very general notice of M. Sang's performance. His object has been to obtain colour by, the Raffaellesque style of decorative design, and in this he has admirably succeeded, displaying a most inventive fancy, great elegance of outline, large re sources for the enrichment of purely architectural. members, a perfect knowledge of the harmony and balance of colours, and extreme beauty of execution. Under the advice of the architect, he has maintained the expression of the edifice by the various national heraldic subjects introduced into the leading com partments of the ceiling, while the somewhat minute character of his detail increases the expansiveness or the general architectural effect. Notwithstanding its frequently-questioned appropriateness, we are glad to see this class of decoration finding its way into the mart of merchandise ; even there the loiterer may now become impregnated with some of that zeal for art, which shall ultimately vindicate us from the alleged tastelessness of the mere nation boutiqui6v. Not that we speak of this mode of embellishment, fur a moment, in the same tone that we should adopt towards the highest school of pictorial composition ; but it is still a department well calculated not only to please but to improve the common taste, and quicken the perception of beauty in general. It is, moreover, a department to which English skill has been very little directed : while on the Continent, and especially under the auspices of the King of Bavaria, it has for years been cultivated with great assiduity and success. Hence the difficulty in the present in stance, where expedition seems to have been a pri mary object, of decorating such a large extent of surface without some assistance from those accus tomed to the same work abroad. Had the Gresham Committee been prepared to authorise the execution of a series of paintings of a far higher order, in the historical and descriptive departments, so far as these might have been applicable, it is matter of evidence that English talent would have been more than ade quate to every exigency ; it is from the novelty and peculiarity of the work alone that any necessity arises for extraneous assistance We have hitherto omitted to state, that the north and south approaches to the quadrangle, as well as thtt entrance under the tower, have also had their cielingl painted by M. Sang, in fresco; the eastern entrance is particularly successful. We must also mention; before leaving the ambulatory and its decorations, that its north-east and south-east extremities contain] niches, which are tenanted respectively by the statu/ of Queen Elizabeth, by Mr. Watson, and of Charlo 11., by Gibbons; the latter being the identical occupant of the central place in the former Exchange, These statues, of course, refer to the buildings for the same purpose erected in the reigns of the Sovereign they represent. In closing our account of the quadrangle, we havi; only to observe that its open area is floored with tessellated pavement, under the care of Mr. Singer] Its design consists, generally, of a large fret and ac, companiments, forming a broad external border, afte; which the elongated form within is subdivided b:l other bands of ornament into a square between twl , oblongs ; each of these figures has then a lozengit inscribed within it, entwined with a circle at each the angles. The space left in the centre of the )arge figure is intended to afford the site for Mr. Lough'.', statue of her Majesty; the centres of the smallei: lozenge are occupied by a semi-arabesque flower; The general design is by no means characterises; by the exuberant fancy of some of the Roman remains ; but its effect of colour is rich and good; harmonising well with the tout ensemble of M. Sang'l adjacent performance. We have only to hope that the dust of traffic may not totally obscure, nor expo! , sure to the elements quickly destroy, Mr. Singer production ; as the experiment which he has her:: made is one which we would willingly see repeated and with success, wherever a favourable opportunitk may present itself. We are sorry that, after going the round of tl - t , building, we find that we must be very brief in tht. consideration of the remaining accessory, that tt sculpture. Mr. Westmacott's production, whicl: occupies the tympanum of the pediment, seems to a display of individual figures, civic, commercial, an, foreign, rather than a composition, those figures beini well executed, but minute withal. The whole ;;Y• meagre as to descriptive interest ; and the isolated t well as emblematical character of the presiding figure of Commerce, amidst sixteen occupied realities, leavv , it open to the charge of that want of significant,V urged by the author of a jeu d'esinit which appearei; in the Times about a month since. The generi , effect, however, is rich, the relief powerful, and tl principal lines in harmony with and subordinate ti those of the architecture. We object to the motit . from Scripture, as being a mere sculpturi subterfuge, and especially out of keeping with tl7. Latin inscription beneath. The department of architectural sculpture, such s' that of devices, draperies, flower-carving, and the lilc t has, we are given to understand, been committed' tt Mr. Westmacott. The golden days of Grinliq Gibbons are gone, without leaving to us his worth,. representative. Greatly is it to be lamented that out present architects are not more solicitous r tore p v e iN ry -e a t n i l ancient school of carving, and reject the turn m aff e o r r e d t s ri t c o io e u v s er fi y ne p r r y et o en f dpelrasatemr eaanndsc,coofumtdip.biosnps.ilaiyoTnasi,lewezhicsii: vocal in taste as it is cheap p t e h t i e t i m o n e c ooafn is idual geniu • if chief dore a t the e f r alltl the imaginative,h r i e s n i e th d a t t hc re i e t pa et s ir u ope ! ssttuioetafxui execution. v wishingrn und thatthe it ou w t 2ik side or outside of St. au architecturalprofession could 1 t A he s mace to feel this fact as deeply as IN e o. n membersordinary spectatorrs wersniclN,iethr of the ti I;:change, however, there appear many steps taken i the right direction; and we ,hype to see the sans: truck followed with increasing success by all fatty practitioners who value their art for anything mot than its commission. Before closing our remarks, we must notic ,. Lloyd's rooms, which are the only apartments of an' public interest. They occupy, as before stated, tl north-eastern portion of the prin:ipal story of ti building, and are approached by a staircase of mil: tude and solidity, arranged in easy stages, but extt biting little effort at display. From this we ent , the archway leading to what is, specifically, the lobb i a lofty apartment, equal to a square of about 35 fec , but of irregular form on the north side. From tl• I irregular portion, however, a symmetrical space cut off by the intervention of a columned arcade three openings. This lobby communicates to tl , west with the ' Commercial-room, to the south wit the subscribers' or underwriters'-room and its suit , . and to the east with the captains'-room. The con mercial-room is affected in plan by the genera obliquity of the site, but is treated in such a way s almost entirely to disguise that fact. Its extreu:. COURT CIRCULAR. The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Royal House hold appointed to form the royal procession to the new Royal Exchange began to arrive at Buckingham Palace soon after ten o'clock yesterday morning, and were ushered into the Library. The Yeomen of the Guard were on duty in the Grand Hall, under the command of Mr. Leo, the Lieutenant, and Mr. Ellerthorp, the Adjutant. At five minutes past eleven the state procession was formed, the Queen and Prince Albert being con ducted by the Great Officers of the Household to the state coach, the Master of the Horse handing her Majesty and his Royal Highness to their seats in the carriage. The Hon. Colonel Cavendish, commanding the Life Guards on duty, was on horseback at the door of the state coach, having in attendance a trumpeter in state uniform, who gave , the signal with his trumpet, on her Majesty's entering the carriage. The state procession (which will be found in another column) left. the Palace at ten minutes past eleven o'clock. Her Majesty's dress was of white satin silver tissue, of the richest and most elegant design, portions of the pattern representing leaves and foliage, being of dif ferent textures, and some having the effect of bur nished silver. It was open in front from the girdle, increasing in width as it approached the bottom, and displaying a petticoat of the most valuable old point lace. The sleeves were short, and at the top of each was a very brilliant diamond ornament. The dress had a most chaste and magnificent ap pearance, the silver brocaded satin of which it was composed being ornamented with valuable diamonds down each side of -the frcint, placed at intervals on white satin bows. It was of Spitalfields' manufacture. Her Majesty had a most splendid diamond stomacher, some ofthe brilliants in it being of extra ordinary size and, lustre, and on the left side the Queen wore the Star of the Order of the Garter, having the cross in the centre formed of rubies, and the rest of the star composed of diamonds. Her Majesty wore at the back of her head a minia ture crown entirely formed of brilliants, and a diamond tiara surmounting the forehead. The necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets, were of brilliants. Over the left shoulder was the Riband of the Gar. tar, looped with diamonds, and having a most magni ficent " George" suspended, composed of large and valuable brilliants ; and on the left arm was the " Garter" of purple velvet, edged with diamonds, and having the motto " Hoai soit qui mai y pense" set in diamonds. _ His Royal Highness Prince Albert wore the uni form of Captain . General and Colonel of the Honour able Artillery Company, with the insignia of the most noble Order of the Garter and the Golden Fleece. The Lord Steward, the Lord Chamberlain, and the Officers of the Royal Household, wore the full dress household costume, and the Earl of Jersey his uniform as Master of the Horse, with the insignia of the Royal llanoverian Guelphic Order. The Duke of Norfolk carried his gold baton, as Earl Marshal of England. The Captain of 'the Gentleman at Arms, and the Captain of the Yeoman Guard, wore the uni forms of their respective corps. The Marquis of Anglesey appeared in the uniform of his regiment, the Royal Horse Guards, with the insignia of the Garter 4nd of two foreign orders. The Earl of Rosslyn wore his uniform as Master of the Buck Hounds. The procession quitted the Palace by the marble arch. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent left her residence, Clarence House, St. James's, with her suite, in two carriages, escorted by a party of Life Guards, at a quarter before eleven o'clock yesterday morning, for the new Royal Exchange. Her Royal Highness was attended by Lady Charlotte Dundas, Lady in Waiting ; the Countess Wratislaw, and Colonel Sir George, Couper, Bart., First Equerry and Comptroller of her Royal Highness's household. The dress of the Royal Duchess was of white satin and silver, of Spitalfields' manufacture. The head dress of feathers and diamonds. The Duke of Cambridge arrived in town from Tottenham-park, Wilts, the seat of the Marquis of Ailesbury, to attend the opening of the Exchange. His Royal Highness left Cambridge House, attended by Baron Knesebeck, Equerry in Waiting, and es corted by a party of Life Guards. The Royal Duke was habited in the uniform of a Field Marshal, and wore a star set in diamonds of the Order of the Garter, and the Riband and Badge. His Royal. Highness also wore the Stars of the Most Hon. Military Order of the Bath, and of the most distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George. The Queen and Prince Albert, attended by the Royal Suite, returned to Buckingham Palace at three o'clock. Her Majesty and Prince Albert left Buckingham Palace at half-past four, attended by Lady Portman, Lady in Waiting, for the Paddington terminus of the Great Western Railway. Her Majesty and his Royal Highness were conducted to their carriage by the Lord Chamberlain and Lord George Lennox, Lord in Waiting to Prince Albert. The Maids of Honour in Waiting, the Honourable Misses Liddell and Paget, and the Equerries in Wait ing, Major General. Wemyss and Colonel Bouverie, followed in a carriage and four. Lord Byron, Lord in Waiting and the Honourable Captain Duncombe, Groom in Waiting, were in another carriage and four. A party of Lancers formed the escort from the Palace to the Paddington terminus. The royal party left by a special train for Windsor Castle. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Charlotte Dundas, the Countess Wratislaw, and Sir George Couper, left Clarence House, St. James's, at half -past three o'clock, yesterday after noon, for Frogmore Lodge, Windsor. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladitone, President of the Board of Trade, ar r i ve d i n town yesterday from Fasque, Kincardineshire and attended the opening of the new Royal Exchange. THE NEW . ROYAL EXCHANGE. (Prom the Times.) The visit of her. Majesty, to open the New Royal Exchange, renders it incumbent upon us to take the present opportunity of offering a few descriptive and critical remarks upon that building; more especially as the subject has never been anticipated by us in any previous examination of the structure from its com mencement. A notice of the progress of such a work, from time to time, is all that can be expected from the press until its completion ;-,,it is then only that the in telligent observer can, in most instances, form a just opinion of the merits of a public building, either on the ground of its adaptation to its avowed purposes, or of its vigour and coherency as a production of de corative art. Exceptions there are to this remark, it is true; and we should find no difficulty in naming some living architect, eminent, it may be, for the extent of his practice, whose mode of procedure is so:unvarying that a critical opinion may as safely be pronounced upon the first day of one of his under takings as upon the last. But this facility of decision on the part of the spectator must necessarily be in the inverse ratio to the possession of genius on the side of the architect, who, if animated by any feeling higher than the talent of the mechanic, will be soli citous that his design shall, if possible, e undergoing improvement up to the very day of completion. On the opposite principle of judgment, we should have been led to entertain a very erroneous notion of the character of Mr. Tite's Exchange, had we de rived our impressions solely from the first hints of the design which found circulation, and from which we con tinue a to find engravings everywhere offered for sale to discerning public, .as exhibiting the vera i mago o f a structure essentially differing from and superior to such a representation. We proceed, therefore, to the proper authority for information—the building as it stands ; and shall best illustrate its peculiarities by noticing, in succession, its site, its accommodation, and its decoration. The site is remarkable for its commanding im portance in one aspect, the western, and for its irregu larity on the other three sides, having, as is well known; a wedge-like form, produced by the con vergence of Cornhill and Threadneedle-street towards the Mansion-house The munificence of Parliament having facilitated .the purchase of the isolated pro perty to the west of the late Exchange, an oppor tunity was obtained for turning the most important facade of the new structure in that direction, instead of placing it to the south, as formerly. By this means the space unintercepted by buildings in ad vance from the centre of the present portico becomes extended to the unusual length of betwee n 500 an 600 feet. On the. other hand, the larg e and still in- HER MAJESTY'S ANSWER. " I receive with peculiar satisfaction this dutiful Address. It is a pledge of the affectionate loyalty of my people, presented on an auspicious occasion in a place long renowned as the centre of the commerce of these realms. " I t delights me to behold the restoration of this noble edifice, which my royal ancestors regarded with favour, and which I esteem worthy of my care. " Within the last three years, when fire had de stroyed the ancient building, my beloved Consort laid the new foundation, "and this day I gladly celebrate the completion of the work, quickly executed, but grand and perfect in all its parts. " The relief of the indigent, the advancement of scince, the extension of commerce, were the objects contemplated by the founder of the Exchange. "These objects are near to my heart. Their at tainments will, I trust, be recorded among the peace ful triumphs of my reign ; and I shall rejoice if I am thus enabled, by the blessing of Divine Providence,