The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-05-17 00:00:00

A TRIP TO DUBLIN. THE STRANGER ROSE. A young Moss-rose in a hedgerow grew— 'Twas planted there by a merry child — And fairies fed it with limpid dew, Till Flora's self on its beauty smiled. The merchant Berry, and soldier Thorn (The hedge was a little world, you know,) Uncurled their leaves with a look of scorn, Like lips that our world can sometimes shew, The Dog-rose said : lam thrice as gay ;, Despised by all was the stranger thing; And they twined their straggling boughs away, As if to touch it some harm wouhl bring ! But the Dog-rose soon with envy drooped, The butterfly left her quite alone; And lioney-bees all in rapture stooped To gather wealth at the mossy cone. The Berry and Thorn looked now askance, Despising such creatures' tastes, said they : But next observed that each maiden's glance To the mossy flower would fondly stray. So a conclave met in briery sheen, To find who the Stranger-guest might be But She was dead ere they owned her Queen, (Sr Envy's soul could her merit see. THE GREAT EXHIBITION AND ITS OPENING. [FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.] THE VOYAGE FROM LIVERPOOL TO KINGSTOWN. THE morning's snowfall has been succeeded by a most un-Maylike Monday of sleet and wind, chilling market gardeners in the suburbs and the blue-tinted cheeks of city pedestrians—making the " flags" as treacherous as certain smart detectives whom Liverpool supports, and causing every street-rivulet to play a noisy tune as har monious as the discontented talk spoken by everybody to his neighbour, but especially rife, towards 7 p.m., at the Prince's pierhead, where a well-drenched crowd are wending their way on board the Iron Duke, bound for the Irish metropolis. We are of the party who have daringly determined to cross the troubled Channel even for such a sight as this is, and, like our neighbours, think proper to be decidedly glum until our stock of ill-humour is sent to flight by the advent of a band of musical Liverpudlians, with Mr. Sudlow at their head, each carrying a face as sadly sombre as the big bass fiddle which brings up the rear of the Philharmonic army. For a few minutes all is excitement and bustle on board. No small difficulty has occurred in getting the couple of monster fiddles safely housed. A polite old lady in the cabin has in a state of extraordinary excitement refused the acceptance of a crownpiece proffered in change by the Company's clerk ; she pronounces it a new coin of which she is determined to know nothing, and is not happy till two half-crowns have supplanted the larger disc, while some smiling coun tenances around seem to say— " How happy could I be with either 1" That favoured specimen of Young Liverpool—the envied of all on board—has taken an affecting farewell of a graceful and fair triumvirate, who are really the only parties that seem oblivious of the weather : how much he of the gold-girded fingers has to do with the said oblivion is, we confess, the subject of our profound speculation as we move away from the pier into the river, and are suddenly awakened from our reverie by a gentle rolling which is rife with dismal bodings of the future — suggesting visions of midnight addresses to the great deep, and the delivery of solid ejaculations to the fishes, as the witty Sir Francis Head phrases it. The sky is dark and cloudy, and is relieved only by a slight rim of light on the northern horizon, sweeping like a streak of silver round the Fort, and gradually extending along the Cheshire shore. About eight o'clock those who have a mind to do so go down for tea—always so excellently supplied on board the vessels belonging to the City of Dublin Steam packet Company. When we ascend to the deck in an hour or two, we find the night has undergone a reforma tion—the sky is now radiant with stars, and the lead coloured clouds have passed away. Albeit, now that we are fairly in the Channel, the swell is apparently aggra vated, and it is as much as one can do to keep his per pendicular. It is a feature of the English character to be very familiar with strangers—in the dark. You share a cabin sofa with a gruff specimen of John Bull, and, as the small hours wag wearily along, you grow wondrously commu nicative and friendly : in the morning there is a nod of recognition, perhaps not even that, and you are, in the light of day, silent as mummies. But, on board the Iron Duke, we were a sociable, friendly company ; and the evening talk of course related chiefly to the coming event. The idea seemed to be that there is perhaps no tow❑ in England than Liverpool whose duty it more decidedly is to extend a ready and cheerful support to the great enter prise originated by the noble-minded William Dargan— he of whom the genial Slingsby has sung as " The man with his hand in his pocket," and who, in the erection of the Industrial Palace, which now graces Merrion-square, has proved that he can put his hand in his pocket to most excellent purpose, and that, although the architect of his own fortune, he is guided by a higher principle than that of self, and has at heart the prosperity of his native land. The talk in our cabin was, further, to the effect that there are a variety of reasons why Liverpool should make a pilgrimage to Dublin in the summer of 1553. In the first place, there was the pecuniary benefit derived by the Queen of the Mersey from the trade with Ireland, so well illustrated by the significant fact that it is now nearly a score of years since the value of the Irish cattle and sheep brought into our port amounted annually to three millions sterling. Then, secondly, a large number of the population are from the sister country, and among their ranks are some of our most useful citizens. Lastly, there is our proximity to the Emerald Isle, and our position as the chief link in the chain of communication between the two countries. By midnight our talk was over, and all but one fast young student, who was deep in the mysteries of Soapey Sponge, were seeking, ineffectually, to snatch a little re pose. Sunrise and the beautiful Irish mountains came with tidings of a glorious morning, and at seven o'clock our party disembarked at Kingstown, and were conveyed in a trice to Dublin by the nicely-appointed little railway, running amidst the most delightful scenery, already fra grant with hawthown-blooms, and which provides second class carriages, almost equal to our English first, at the rate of about a penny a mile. We have seen a more troublesome crowd of loafters at an English port than those by whom we were assailed at Kingstown ; and altogether, both that town and the railway must impress the stranger with the idea that the most of what composes his first view of the Green Isle might with great advan tage be transferred to England— the railway, where no accidents occur, and where elegant accommodation is cheaply supplied, the attractive villas which skirt the sea shore, and the sweet hills in the back-ground, rising gently against the sky. DUBLIN BEFORE THE OPENING. On entering the metropolis, signs of the approaching event were everywhere visible. Under the direction of the authorities the bronze statue of William 111., in front of the Bank of Ireland, was being newly painted. Small tavern-keepers were having new faces put upon their premises, and the number of " Exhibition hotels" gave presage of a supply of accommodation which will have the effect, probably, of preventing the system of fleecing which prevailed in so many London establishments during the Exhibition of 1851. Crowds of the citizens were flocking to Merrion-square ; and in the groups wandering on foot through the streets, or jauntily scampering along in the cars for which Dublin is famous, one might per ceive that a large proportion were strangers—not a few. indeed, being from 'the Continental countries. Thousands of visitors arrived during Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, by the steamers from Liverpool and Holyhead, from the Clyde, and also from Belfast and other Irish ports. Men of note made their appearance hourly. For some time back Hogan, the sculptor, Grieve, the famous scene -painter, Jones, the popular litterateur, and Hall, the editor of the Art Journal, have been busy in the fine art department — each of them fired with an enthusiasm which has accomplished a vast amount of labour in a wonderfully brief space of time. On Tuesday the proprie tor and conductor of the Athenceurn, Mr. Charles Went worth Dilke, one of the royal commissioners of the Ex hibition of 1851, arrived in Dublin, preparatory to the issuing of a royal commission, similar to that deput e d b y - Her Majesty to the World's Fair at New York, under the direction of the Earl of Ellesmere, to examine the Irish Exhibition and report upon it. From the public papers it appears that a considerable amount of dissatisfaction exists in the city with regard to the decision—that the in augurative proceedings shall not be opened with prayer. Several Protestant clergymen have suggested that the Archbishop of Dublin, or some clergyman of the Esta blished Church, should open the proceedings by invoking God's blessing; the Roman Catholic Archbishop, or one of his clergy, to close the proceedings by pronouncing the apostolical benediction. " A Dublin Curate," writing in Wednesday's Saunders, brings to bear upon the question a passage extracted from the recent pastoral of a Popish Archbishop in France, who says finely that "religion should regulate and sanctify industry." The spectacle of this noble palace being opened without a solemn prayer to God for his blessing to rest upon the undertaking, if it should take place, will, indeed, be a melancholy ex ample of the disadvantage under which Ireland exists as the seat of strong religious dissension. Among the miscellaneous attractions for the visitor already come to hand we have Mr. Sims Reeves and other eminent vocalists nightly at the Rotunda. The antient concerts are being prosecuted with great vigour, and the two principal theatres hare made an effort to be attractive. Guide-book s are plentiful as blackberries, only they are very ill arranged. Cars are to be had in abundance ; and to those who have a little time to spare after visiting the Exhibition and the city " lions," we recommend a ride to Blaynooth by the sylvan banks of the Liffey, a drive THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1853. through the Phoenix Park (though a leisurely ramble would be more delightful still, if time permitted), a ride to Glen Dargle and the Vale of Avocatwo of the love liest scenes in this land of surpassing loveliness. that there is not so much in it as we had the opportunity of seeing in the Hyde Park Palace, in 1851. But it ought to be borne in mind, that, on this very account, it should attract thousands of strangers who, possessing only a very limited period for their examination of the Exhibition, will go away with move substantial benefit than they pos sibly could from the bewildering and monstrous collection of '5l. The Dublin Exhibition is not so large as the London one; but to nicety-nine out of every hundred it will be more pleasing, more gratifying, and more satisfac tory, It is not so extensive as to be tiresome, and yet it is sufficiently ample to afford variety, elegance, and beauty enough, animate and inanimate, to satisfy the most fas tidious. _ _ During our visits to the Exhibition on Tuesday, and I the three following days, we found that a large number of the Liverpool goods were in boxes, and in one instance, at least, we met a Lancashire gentleman, on the very eve of the opening day, unable to get a single labourer, either for love or money, to aid him in the arrangement of his stall. If, in the bewildering chaos which prevailed during our visit, we missed many local contributions of value and interest, we should not be surprised. With no list or catalogue, either of one kind or another, to serve as a guide through the vast building—with an extraordinary quantity of contributions untouched even so late as Wed nesday evening—and, in many instances, with no card or name where the articles were displayed, it is at present a matter of impossibility either to do justice to the whole, or even a part of the contents. So far as we could learn on leaving Dublin, the catalogue will not be ready for a week or ten days. In the meantime, great injustice has been done both to exhibitors and visitors. Visitors have come hither to be instructed as well a amused ; they are obliged to leave in a day or two, and they probably never will have the opportunity of re-visiting an exhibition of which, from the want of proper facilities, they have car ried away but a very imperfect and unsatisfactory idea. While, as to exhibitors, we know cases in which they have come from a great distance, and found things so far behind and met with so many obstructions in doing their best to make up individually for the delay of the officials, that they have been exceedingly chagrined. We must state our conviction that it would have been much more judi cious to have fixed the inauguration on a later day, when the whole of the contributions might have been duly ar ranged. In no proper order, and just as noted in our tablets, we shall allude to a few other local contributions. Milner's fireproof safes form a feature of interest. On Saturday last these admirable safes were tested in Wilton square, under the auspices of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, and in presence of a large party of influential mercantile and scientific men. One cc the ordinary fireproof safes and one of Milners's were simultaneously put in a fire, and permitted to remain there for two hours and a half. At the end of that time it was found that some paper in serted in the ordinary safe was completely reduced to ashes, while a £lOO bank of England note, incPrtPd in the other, was ascertained to be unharmed. The model of the safe in the Exhibition is a most admirable one, and one good feature in it is that the top and sides are formed of glass instead of iron, in order to show the principle of the invention. The Messrs. Milner, we may state, exhibited their group of specimens at the Exhi bition of '5l. Mr. Bennett, ironfounder, Whitechapel, is also a Liverpool contributor, and so is Mr. Furniss, of Kilpin New-mills, who exhibits specimens of wood, sawn and plain. Mr. Grinnell shows some exquisitely executed and very attractive models of American pilot-boats. In the machinery department Manchester occupies a respec table position. The Messrs. de Bergne and Co., of the Strange'vays-mill, exhibit models of railway waggons, carriages, buffers, and kindred articles. Mr. Houlds worth, of Manchester, is also an extensive exhibitor, and Mr. P. Little, of the same city, has sent some beautiful specimens of marble. Mr. J. Grantham, C.E., Liver pool, sends that beautiful model of the steam-packet which has already excited so much attention and admira tion. Mr. Styan, of Birkenhead, is represented worthily by a complete set of drawing-room furniture, of most exquisite workmanship, executed, we believe, for the Sydenham Crystal Palace. The typographical profession is creditably represented by specimens from the press of Mr. D. Marples, showing to great advantage various beautiful founts of type from the foundry of Messrs. Stephenson, Blake, and Co., of Sheffield. We observed that Mr. Thomas G. Codde, of Lord-street, the repre sentative in Liverpool of the celebrated lock-maker Chubb, has brought across the Channel a fine variety of locks and safes, including one remarkable key contained in a gold ring, which can be made to open eleven separate locks of various sizes, from a street door to a safe. Mr. Fairclough, of Renshaw-street, is the exhibitor of an ex quisite specimen of furniture ; and in the entire depart ment of clothing there is not a more elegant little case than that of Jackson Brothers, tailors, Castle-street, whose vests, made of Honiton lace, have already been notic2d in the Liverpool Standard. Messrs. Pooley, Liverpool, also send a somewhat extensive exhibition of their productions. In the machinery court, which was pretty well advanced at our last visit, there is shown, among other articles, a very ingenious machine invented for knitting a seamless elastic petticoat, from the establishment of Messrs. Murfin and Selby, Leicester. The very first display of textile fabrics both in point of the time they were ar ranged and the many excellencies which it exhibits, was from the establishment of Mr. Grundy, of Manchester. In the northern hall, large wooden frames are covered with carpets, damasks, silks, and poplins ; and the effect of the whole is both varied and rich. Perhaps the most conspicuous object among the Belgian contributions is a superb marble chimney-piece, belonging to his Majesty the King of the Belgians. It is composed of the purest white marble, without speck or flaw, and the carving is very elaborate, and executed in the highest style of art. Certain additional halls run round the court-yard of the Royal Dublin Society House, in Kildare-street, but they are not yet completed. The outer side of the hall to the south is being fitted up with a series of paintings on glass, by Mr. E. Baillie, enameller and glass-stainer, of London. These include an original historical picture of " Shakspere reading his plays to Queen Elizabeth and the Court," which was exhibited in the Crystal Palace in 1851, and was universally acknowledged to have surpassed in beauty of colouring and excellence of execution all other contri butions of a similar description in that great emporium of the world's industry, with the solitary exception of " Dante's Window," from Milan. Mr. Baillie's contri butions also include a picture of Our Saviour, after Carlo Dolci ; of St. Catherine, after Guercino ; " Christ blessing little children," after West; " Trial of St. Stephen," and other paintings, executed expressly for this exhibi tion, as well as specimens of ornaments in the old Normandy style, Order of the Garter, &c. The Fine Arts' hall is decidedly the feature of the exhi bition. With most perfect truth might Mr. S. C. Hall, of the Art-Journal, say that it would well repay any person's time, trouble, and expense, to come over from the sister country to see this gallery alone, the like of which was never witnessed in the world before. Mr. Deane, to whose energy and indefatigable exertions this department of the Exhibition owes much of its attractive ness and success, has succeeded in obtaining a number of interesting memorabilia of the Kean family.—These in clude Cardinal Wolsey's hat and a dagger of Henry the Eighth, set in jewels, which were bought by Charles Kean at the sale of Horace Walpolc's collection at Strawberry-hill; a beautiful mosaic snuff-box, and a Turkish yataghan, presented by Lord Byron to Edmund Kean—the latter generally worn by the great tra gedian in Othello ; a sword, presented by Sir T. Sinclair and several friends in Edinburgh to Edmund Kean, and worn by him in Macbeth, and a series of portraits, by A. Chalon, of Charles Kean in Macbeth, Hamlet, and other leading characters. During the past week the Fine Arts' Court has been an exciting and pleasant scene—the carefully covered pictures, with the labels upside-down, alike tantalizing and defying curiosity—the crowds of cases with the colours shining up through the half-opened lids—the fitting of the frames for the large works which have been sent packed on rollers, some of these displaying an eccentric independence by coming before their frames, and again the frames arriving tenantless- Piles of pictures lying together, a perfect lottery of fortune. Under the hands of the busy work men, sacred and historical groups become glorious Claudes, soft Cuyps, green and refreshing Ruysdales. Dark, mysterious Rembrandts, vanish into a saintly Domenichino, or a hard stiff Ilolbein. There a lady is destined for ever to hold a light to a lantern which only burns to surround her with a halo, and she disappears suddenly to be replaced by a group of cattle by Paul Potter—the whole right royally ennobled by full length portraits of our Queen and Prince Albert, by Winter halter, who appears to be painter laureate. This depart ment was resigned to Mr. Grieve, for the conflicting opinions of a committee must inevitably have produced the most vexatious hindrance and delay. Sufficient space has also been left to isolate each, and the symmetrical arrangement is so excellent, that even the size of the works adds a charm. Much more than the mere pleasure of sight and gratifi cation of taste may be learned in the Fine Arts' ball. In the sculpture, MacDowell sends his " Eve ;" and we expected from the names of Marshall, Baily, Hogan, Foley, and Moore, and Lawder, to have found powerful rivals to the pictorial department. Barter has introduced a new aim for sculpture, in the " Lesson Interrupted," which is the best of the plastic examples ; and Mr. Jones appears to exhibit abundantly. There are but few examples of the Dutch school of the sixteenth century— unrivalled as a guide in colour and form. The deficiency is the more remarkable, as England possesses superfluence of wealth in Flemish art. The Italian is likewise limited in specimens of the best period. The modern German fills the highest ranks. British art takes the second place. The productions of the English school in the historical style have been vindicated by the frescoes in the new palace of Westminster, and in genre it is natural and refined. In pastoral subjects, too, and landscapes, the English is second to no other school and no earlier period. Modern art is amply represented. The Berlin contribu tions include Begas, Acenbach, Bierman, Meyer, Levin. There is a portrait now of Prussian celebrities, and some magnificent studies of colour in sacred and historical works. The Belgian contributions are principally of sacred and legendary subjects. One picture we noticed where landscape, flowers, and fruit, are all treated, and in which the colours sparkle like gems; and in another an effect of sunlight, which is perfect. In the British school we have some Hogarth's caricatures, Vandyck's, and Lely's portraits. In Lord Portarlington's noble collection are two Honderocters. Of Irish celebrities, Danby sends his " Deluge," and Maclise has an interest ing sketch of Mrs. S. C. Hall, ris a ris to Berlin, and occupying the centre of England. Naturally many of the works of the old masters are postice productions ; never theless, some are so nearly equal to the originals, as to be generally accepted by connoisseurs, and are found in the choicest collections. Amongst the most interesting contributions is a thirteenth century panel picture, Head of Christ, of the Byzantine type, on a gilt ground, extremely curious and valuable. It will be a rare treat to the dilettanti of Ireland, for until now such has never been publicly exhibited there. Not least among the benefits to be derived for Ireland, from this Exhibition, at so prosperous a period of art, is that hitherto her name has not only b een exc l u d e d f rom t h e li st o f na ti on s dis tinguished by indigenous art, but her rich possessions have been totally overlooked. Some works untraced by the laborious genealogists of art, and considered as lost, are undoubtedly t o b e found here. Witness the " Child borne by a D o lphi n " of Raffaelle, who, in the only two productions of . • his chisel, is considered to have equalled the autique and yet so overs h a d owe d was h e by the glorious achievements of 31i c k ae, 1A .nge l o, that Lanni is the only chronicler of art who has bestowed a passing illusion on Raffaelle's sculpture. THE PALACE AND ITS INTERIOR ASPECT. The sound taste and perception of high art exhibited in the decoration of the building itself, which has become the depository of invaluable treasures, is well deserving of praise. If we might be tempted to find fault with the exterior, as suggestive of an encampment on a huge scale, to cavil at the interior would be ungenerous and, in fact, unjust. The central hall is bold in design and well pro portioned. The vaulted roof, of 100 feet span, supported on arches and groins of open intersected tracery, is ex tremely beautiful. The columns, by their disposition, add a fiction of size as well as security. The shafts are painted ultramarine blue, terminating in a Corinthian capital of acanthus leaves (composed, as we have been in formed, of gutta percha), coloured a creamy white, the concave spaces of the foliations being tinged with the ultramarine blue. From these the arches spring, the spandrils being herald-painted with the arms of Irish towns. Even so late as on Wednesday the scenic effect was heightened by confusion and preparation. Gay banners flowing down the gallery-barriers mingled in the perspective into a harmonious tableau, despite the rude foreground of scaffolds, paint-pails, packing-cases, and workmen. Visitors were disposed to less admiration of Mr. Benson's design, until colouring added its formative power, and brought out the design complete. While re membering fondly the hyaline and the aerial vastness of the Crystal Palace, the Irish may boast that their struc ture is most fitting for its purpose, and beautiful so far as the materials are obedient to the design. The object in decorating the building is not merely ornament, it is to increase the apparent height and breadth, and by the use of colour to give additional loftiness by the effect of light and shade. Following these necessities, blue, which retires, is placed on the concave surfaces ; yellow, which advances, on the convex ; and red, the colour of middle distance, on the horizontal planes and undersides of the girders, which renders them positive. This imparts the honeycombed appearance to the roof, which is, however, the reverse of displeasing. sau-street,Westmorlan d - street ,Aston's - quay, Parliam ent street, to Dame-street,where their carriages were drawn up with the horses' heads to the east, to await the arrival of his Excellency, and to have the honour of accompanying him to the Exhibition Building. At half-past eleven o'clock a buzz gave note of his Excellency's approach; and in the course of a few seconds the Viceregal equipage drove into the Upper Castle-yard. The procession was then formed without loss of time, and proceeded from the Lower Castle Yard, through Dame-street, (where it was joined by the Corporation,) College-green, Grafton -street, Nas sau-street, Leinster-street, and Clare-street, to the Grand Entrance of the Exhibition in Merrion-square, in the following order : The City Marshal, Mr. Thomas Reynolds, on horseback, en militaire. A Troop of the 11th Hussars and Band. The Civic Officers in carriages. Carriages containing the Aldermen and Councillors of the Corporation. The state Carriage containing the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress. The Officers of the Illustrious Order of the Knights of Saint Patrick in carriages. The carriages containing the Knights of St. Patrick. Carriages containing his Excellency's Household. A Squadron of the 16th Lancers. The Lord Lieu: enant's State Carriage, containing His EXCELLENCY and the COUNTESS Of ST. GERMANS. A Squadron of the Ist Dragoon Guards. Cheering continued along the whole of the densely crowded line. From the beginning to the end of the route the scene was of the most exciting description. Every balcony and every window—nay, every roof—where it was possible to obtain a view, was full of eager occu pants, and the streets on each side presented a dense and unbroken mass of human beings. The space in front of the College was crowded to excess, and the cheering which greeted the procession at this point was enthusiastic in the extreme. The scene was altogether imposing and magnificent. At ten minutes to twelve o'clock the pro cession entered the west side of Merrion-square, amidst the enthusiastic applause of the assembled multitude, toe largest concourse ever witnessed, perhaps, in Dublin. Each window had its fair tenants, and each lamp-post and railing its proportionate number of spectators, while on terra firma the crowd was such as to require all the efforts of the police to keep them within bounds. The entire side of the square nearest to the building was filled with spectators, and the fountain especially, was covered with sight-seers, who clung with all the tenacity of leeches to each projecting stone, which could offer a more elevated position, and consequently afford a clearer view of the ap proaching train. The utmost patience and good feeling was evinced in every quarter, and we have not heard of one single instance occurring to disturb the serenity of the day's proceedings. Upwards of 400 police constables were stationed in - and about the building, under the im mediate command of Colonel Browne and the chief super intendents. Detachments were likewise in attendance from the 17th, 46th, 52d, 63d, 90th, and 91st Regiments, which were drawn up in line in front of the building, and on the arrival of the procession, the guards of honour, consisting of companies of the 2d Queen's Bays and the 11th Hussars, filed off to either end of the line, thus producing at once a grand and pleasing appearance. In order to prevent the confusion necessarily attendant upon the crowding of carriages, on the suggestion of Col. Browne, two barriers were erected,—one at the end of Lower Merrion-street, and a similarly situated one at the extremity of Upper Merrion-street—thus preventing any carriages approaching by either of those routes, except those which were proceeding to the building with visitors. The wooden palisading in front of the building was en tirely removed, and in its place lay a curved footway lead ing to the building, which afforded an elegant promenade for those who were so disposed, and had besides a very good effect. Iron railing, of elegant design, has likewise been appended to either end of the building, which is like wise an advantage to its appearance. The exterior of the structure itself presented an appearance both lively and animated, hundreds of gaily dressed visitors, having as sembled in the gallery or balcony, fronting the exterior of the great hall, and eeveral other persons having likewise succeeded in reaching the gallery surrounding the dome. from which point the view was extensive and interesting in the highest degree. Flags were also hoisted on staffs erected for that purpose in front of the building. Public expectation had been wound up to the highest pitch by the time the procession made its appearance, and his Excellency, on alighting from his carriage, was warmly applauded. From an early hour in the morning the workmen were busily employed in the building. The active secretaries, Mr. Roney and Mr. Deane, while at their onerous posts, superintending the arrangements, and Mr. Dargan was also present, lending his valuable assistance in the decoration of his giant child, and the preparation of it to meet the public gaze. At nine o'clock a vast concourse of persons were admitted into the build ing, the object being to prevent a rush and enable the public to obtain accommodation. The galleries seemed to be preferred to the body of the ball, and in making this selection, a vast number showed forethought and judg ment ; for the galleries commanded a very fine view of the building and the proceedings. The Great Central Hall is a capacious, airy, picturesque, and beautiful part of the building. The building extehds from East to West. The dome is lofty, the galleries capable of containing a numerous array of persons. At the head of the hall is Telford's organ, a splendid specimen of art, and beneath it is the orchestra, the most commodious ever seen in Dublin, at least. in recent times. At the extreme end of the hall is another organ. From the great organ were suspended the flags of the Orders of the Garter and the Bath, and at either side of the Great Hall were ranged national and civic banners, conspicuous among which we noticed those of Liverpool and Manchester. Below the orchestra a dais was erected for the Viceregal party. Behind the seats, appropriated to the Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of St. Germans, was the statue of Eve, by \lacDowell, a chaste and exquisite work of art ; at the right of the orchestra is a statue of Dargan, by Jones. At each side of the dais were seats allotted to the nobility, the judges, the corporate officers, the collegiate and other dignitaries, the families of the nobility, executive com mittee, and members of the Royal Dublin Society. The feature in the Exhibition which deserves a prominent notice was the august assemblage of the judges, the vene rable bulwarks of the constitution. The judges present were the Lord Chancellor, the Master of the Rolls, the Lord Chief Justice, Chief Justice Monahan, the Lord Chief Baron, Baron Richards, Mr. Justice Torrens, Mr. Justice Crampton, Mr. Justice Perrin, Baron Greene, Mr. Justice Jackson, and Mr. Justice Moore. Amongst the other distinguished personages present were the Mar quis of Kildare, the Marquis of Drogheda, the Earl of Meath, Wm. Dargan, Esq., Mrs., and the Misses Dargan; Lord Cloncurry, the Bishop of Meath, the Peruvian Minister, Mr. S. C. Hall, the Provost, Fellows, and Scholars of Trinity College ; Dr. Cullen, R. C. Archbi shop of Dublin, in costume, as Pope's Legate ' • the Right Rev. Dr. M`Gettigan, Bishop of Raphoe ; Right Rev. Dr. Spalding., Right Rev. Dr. MqsTally, Bishop of Clogher ; Sir Philip Crampton, Bart. ' • Sir Robert Kane, President of Queen's College, Cork ; Sir Edward Blake ney, Commander of the Forces in Ireland, accompanied by a brilliant staff ; the Right Hon. J. Napier, M.P. ; Lord Rossmore, the American Consul, Sir Wm. Somer ville, Earl of Meath, Earl of Dunraven, Lord Clanmorris, Lord Clarins, &c. The following Knights of the Most Hon. Order of St. Patrick were present :—Marquis of Conyngham, Marquis of Headford, the Earl of Cherie mont, Lord and Lady Massareene, Lord Carew. There were also present Lady Clonmel, Lord and Lady Castle reagh, Earl and Countess of Carnwath, Earl and Countess of Dunraven, Countess Dowager of Dunraven ; Countess Dowager of Donoghmore, and the Lady Hutchinson ; Lord Fitzgerald and Vesey, Countess Dowager of Desart, Earl and Countess of Mountcashel, Lady Louth, Right Hon. More O'Ferrall, Earl and Countess of Portarlington, the Mayors of Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, and Shef field ; Sir William Hamilton, Astronomer Royal; Lord Naas, Mr. Napier, Q.C., Mr. Whiteside, Q.C., Sir Jos. Paxton, and Dr. Playfair. Amongst the array of English Mayors and Scottish Provosts, the peopla of Liverpool who were present could see no one whom they would have preferred as their representative to Mr. Holme, who appeared in his robes of office, and who appeared to be immensely popular with the entire assemblage. The insignificant• looking legate of the Pope sat with some of his Romish confreres like a fish out of water; and not the smallest token of recognition or respect did we notice paid Dr. Cullen or his companions, by any person of in fluence or position. One of the most noteworthy people present was the distinguished poet, Mr. Waller, who, under the nom de plume of Jonathan Freke Slingsby, has written many excellent things in the Dublin University Magazine, which are universally popular in England and America. The Lord Lieutenant and suite arrived shortly after twelve o'clock, and the company rose to receive His Excellency. The ceremonials and the programme were then gone through. It was a sight worthy of such an occasion, to behold the vast orchestra at the western extremity of the great hall, filled with an array of musical talent brought together from different parts of the country. It is estimated that one half of the orchestra was composed of ladies and gentle men from England —a large number being from London ; fifty or sixty, under the direction of Mr. Barlow, from Manchester ; and an equal number under Mr. Sudlow, from Liverpool. The Lancashire Witches were most tastefully addressed ; and among the most beautiful sights in that great temple of beauty was the corner of the orchestra graced by the presence of the fair vocalists from the other side of the channel. When the Viceroy and the Countess of St. Germans, with the long array of officials, passed up the middle avenue towards the dais, the heart beat with emotion and the breath became almost suspended, as from the many seats of the orchestra their occupaats arose, and after a pause of suspense the National Anthem burst upon the ear. The effect was most impressive. There was no longer room to question the capacity of the building to convey sound, but it was not until the conductor again gave the signal, and the full choir were heard in Martin Luther's solemn and dignified psalm, the Hundredth, that those present could suffi ciently appreciate the resources brought to bear by the presence of such a mass of associated singers. The accompaniment to the Gloria Petri was remarkable for the beauty and clearness with which it brought out the subject, and in the hands of Dr. Stewart the organ was played with the refined judgment and breadth of style re quisite for such an important instrument._ Handel' s Coronation Anthem, " Zadock the Priest," followed the psalm, and after the opening bars of the symphony, the chorus was heard, "Queen of the Isles, Victoria reigneth;" and in theallegro movement, "And all the people rejoiced," the exulting strain shewed how appropriately the sound and the sense went together. The Adagio at the close, prefaced with great beauty the " God Save the Queen and Allelujah." It was in reference to this and three other Anthems that Handel had word sent to him by the bishops, at which he took offence, as he thought it implied his supposed ignorance of the Scriptures. " I have read my Bible very well," was his observation, " and shall chose for myself ;" and the result was , th e production of some of the finest passages to be found in his works. The Chairman, accompanied by the members of the General Committee, and the principal officers of the Ex hibition, then came forward, and presented an address to his Excellency, to which a response was read by his Ex cellency to the following effect :—" I congratulate you on the completion of this great work, of which you have so ably and successfully directed the execution. I congra tulate you also on the beauty of the building, on its per fect adaption to its purpose, and on the value, as well as the variety of its contents. The liberal and patriotic conduct of Mr. Dargan, by whom alone you have been enabled to raise this noble structure, entitles him to the gratitude of his countrymen and the admiration of QM: nations. The skill and science displayed by Mr. Bensel are indeed remarkable, and place him high amongst the architects of modern times. As the repres en tative of ou r most gracious Sovereign, I receive with satisfaction your s dutiful and grateful acknowledgments of her Maj est y goodness and that of her Royal Consort, in becoming contributors to this Exhibition. I learn with pleasure , though without surprise, that all classes of the column; nity have evinced a generous and hearty desire to aid you in the performance of your arduous task ; that in sev er al departments of art, Irish productions are already e xcel' lent, and that Ireland possesses several sources of w eal th which are well worthy of further development. That. it may please Almighty God so to prosper this undertaking as to make it the means of diffusing throughout the land the love of peaceful and industrious pursuits is a prayer la which I earnestly and fervently join." Alderman Roe thee introduced Mr. Dargan to his Excellency, who, addressing that gentleman, congratulated him on the triumphant sue' cess of his exertions, as well as upon the skill and industry displayed by him throughout the entire undertaking. His Excellency expressed his regret that the only honour he had it in his power to offer was one which Mr. Dargaa would not accept, but stated that he would have get pleasure in recommending him to her most gracious Majesty as a fit and proper person upon whom to cel?f e c f the dignity of a baronetcy. After his Excellency ha concluded his address he shook hands in a most cordia l manner with Mr. Dargan. Amidst the hearty apnise se which ensued, Mr. Dargan, after expressing his thanks in suitable terms, retired. Alderman Roe then brough t forward Mr. Benson, and presented him to his ExcellencYr to whom a plan of the building was handed by that gen,' tleman. Mr. Benson then, at the request of his EXee_ t '' lency, knelt down, and the Lord Lieutenant having passe d high encomiums upon his talents and exertions, to whic h were in a great measure due the successful issue of tha t vast undertaking, conferred upon him the honor of knigh t' hood. The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of Dublin, ie b robes of office, accompanied by the members of the corpora' tion in their civic dresses, then presented an address to his Excellency. Mozart's motett, No. 1, "Oh God, when thou appearest," Beethoven's " Hallelujah Chorus," wer e severally performed. The conductor, Mr. Joseph Robinson, who, like the organist, Dr. Stewart, is an Irishman, wa s most successful. A procession was then formed, and the chairman, wit h the members of the committee and the principal officers , conducted his Excellency, with the Countess of St' Germans, round the building. Their Excellencies hayloft returned to their seats on the dais, the Hymn of Praise was sung. His Excellency then in a loud voice exclaime d —" In the name of Her Majesty, I declare this Exbibi• tion to be open, and, in so doing, I pray to Almighty God to bless and prosper this undertaking." No sooner had this proclamation been made, than the vast assembler as if acting under one impulse, burst forth into cordial and prolonged cheering ; and as fast as the echoes died away, they were again awakened by some new emotion. The two concluding choruses were Haydn's, " The heavens are telling," from "The Creation," and the glorious " Hallelujah Chorus" of Handel. The N a tional, Anthem was then performed, after which the 'Viceregal party left the building, shortly before three o'clock; Everything passed off harmoniously, peaceably, and quietly. The Exhibition was crowded during the re' mainder of the day, especially the Fine Arts department' Her Majesty, having ordered Mr. Haghe to paint a scene from " Macbeth," as revived under Mr. Charles Kean 's management at the Princess's Theatre, has graciously given instructions that it shall be forwarded to Dublin for exhibition in the Fine Arts section. Mr. Deane re' ceived a communication from Buckingham Palace to the above effect on Thursday. Mrs. Dargan's dress was a ricl; pearl grey broche poplin ' with tso japes , designed and manufactured expressly for her. This is the first 60 in which this style of dress, now so fashionable in French silks, has been produced in poplin. Number of season tickets issued up to Wednesday evening : Ladies' .. • . .. 6,208 Gentlemen's .. • • .. 3,810 Boys' .. • • .. 120 .. 10,138 Money lodged in Bank, £14,645 Bs. THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL AND THE EXHIBITION• " At the banquet given in the King's-room by the Lord Mayor of Dublin on Thursday, and which was graced by the presence of the Lord Lieutenant and other distin guished persons, Liverpool, through her worthy represen' tative the Mayor, was highly honoured. In the course of the evening, the Lord Mayor said he had now to propose the health of the representatives of the various corpora: tions who had done them the honour of being present that day. (Hear, hear.) In rising to propose that toast, be must say, with reference to the Irish corporations, that he expected nothing else but that they should be here, end should give them their assistance—(hear)—but when be looked at the English corporations, he thought thbt they were bound to thank them in the warmest manner for the great attention they had given them. (Cheers.) Hefelt par ticularly bound to allude to the attention the corporation of Dublin and the Industrial Exhibition had received from the corporation of Liverpool. (Cheers.) If it were not for the movement made by the Mayor of Liverpool, he . doubted—he said it with deference—that they would bill had the support from the other side which he was WIPP' to say they had. (Cheers.) Therefore, it would be Wl' grateful of him if he did not, on the present occasion,` stand forward and say that to the Hind of Liverpool an? its Chief Magistrate they were deeply ebted, indee u r for the impulse which had been given to English visiting this country. (Cheers.) He would also neglecting his duty if he did not say that the M a yo! of 31anchester followed out the views of the Mayor of Liver pool, and assisted him in the greatest degree to carry out his wishes. (Cheers.) And without wishing to reflect 10 the slightest degree on any other corporation, he would particularly introduce to their notice " The health of the Mayor of Liverpool." (Loud cheers.) He begged to propose " The healths of the Representatives of the various Corporations who h a d h onoure d them with their presence." The toast was drunk amid applause. The Mayor of Liverpool tendered his most grateful acknowledgments for the way in which they had received' the toast which had been so handsomely proposed by the f Lord Mayor. Representing, as he had the hononr : f h doing on that occasion, a seaport, the commerce of Nil"' surpassed that of any other seaport which history wen" tioned, and which possessed intercourse of the most 0- tended commercial nature, with every seaport in Ireland , he had thought it not only a privilege, but a duty, when he saw the noble work which had been set on foot by Mr• Dargan, and so warmly taken up by other gentlemen of that great city, to endeavour to set an humble example by holding out the warm grasp of friendship to men s° nobly engaged, and to cheer them onward in their meg' nificent labour—(applause). They would bear with hitn when he told them that political agitation and religious animosities would never give them prosperity—(hear. hear). He had witnessed to-day a magnificent spectacle, but be would tell them frankly that they must follow it up if they wished it to be serviceable to their country—(hear , hear, and cheers). After an eloquent speech, the Mayor of Liverpool concluded by saying that in no part of Eng land would greater sympathy be shown towards the right ly-directed efforts of Irishmen than in the town he repre sented, and that it was only by the aggregate result of persevering industry on the part of individuals that they would accomplish the true justice to Ireland. EXPRESSING EXTRAORDINARY.-THE WAGHORN OF THE WEST. The most extraordinary express ever carried between London and Dublin was accomplished on Wednesday, by Mr. C. P. Roney, " Railway Bonaparte" and the " L< ag horn of the West," when a special train was put in re quisition for the conveyance of those of the nobility and' gentry who were to be present at the opening of the Exhibition. The following was the time keut :—Left Euston station at 8 35 a.m. ; Rugby (85 miles) at 10.37 a.m. ; Chester (178 miles). at 1.6 p.m., and arrived at Holyhead (263 miles), at 3.11 p.m. Left Holyhead at 3.36 p.m, and arrived at Kingstown (Dublin time) at 7.3 p.m. Deducting, therefore, the stoppage of thirteen minutes at Chester for refreshments, the distance between London and Holyhead was accomplished in six hours and thirty-six minutes ; and between London and Kingstown in ten hours and fifty-four minutes mean time. The spe cial train and boat were, with great liberality on the part of the London and North• Western and Chester and Holyhead Companies, placed at the service of the com mittee of the Exhibition, free of all cost. Along the line numbers were congregated at each of the stations , end gave a loud huzza as the train whirled past them- Amonst other passengers who came by this extraordinary express there were the Earl and Countess of Granville , Lord Naas, M.P., the Lord Mayor of York, Mr. Sheriff Cron, of London; Mr. Under-Sheriff James, of London, and Mrs. James; Sir Richard Mayne, Chief Com missioner of the London Metropolitan Police; the Hon. John Ross, Solicitor-General for Canada ; Sir Joseph Paxton, Dr. Lyon Playfair, Mr. George Godwin, F.ILS. , Mr. Grove, Secretary of the Crystal Palace Company. Mr. Roney had left Dublin the previous day , by the 1 p.m. mail, and thus performed the double journey between the English and Irish metropolitan cities in little more than twenty-eight hours. Lord and La d y Granville are the guests of their Excellencies the Lord Lieutenant and Lady St. Germans. Lord Naas and Mr. Vance, both members of the committee lately formed at the instance of Mr. Herbert, for the purpose of improving the com munication between England and Ireland, took the opportunity of expressing to 2.%1r. Roney their best thanks for proving to them what might be done in the communi cation between London mad Dublin, under a proper management. The weather was charmingly fine during the whole trip. HISTORY OF THE EXHIBITION. Now that the Dublin Industrial Exhibition is " a great fact," it becomes interesting and absolutely necessary to furnish a brief sketch of its rise and progress. If, two years ago, any one had proposed to get up a great ex hibition in Britain in 1853, those who saw with wonder the magnificent crystal palace in Hyde Park would have booked him as a maniac ; and yet here we see - the pro position accomplished, and that in Ireland, of all places, the most unhopeful ! With a drawback, and a weighty one it has proved, in the Exhibition of 'sl—and not de riving any aid certainly from the prospect of the world's show at New York in 's4—the odds against the Dublin undertaking were indeed great ; yet, fortunately for poor Ireland, the scheme has been crowned with success—a success which its most sanguine friends probably never anticipated. We have already seen enough within its walls to satisfy us that it will be productive of great good to this country ; for it has not only elicited a vast amount of native skill and ingenuity, but it is likely to add many new branches to the industrial occupations of the people, and to impart an impulse to trade and agriculture, the blessings of which Ireland may reap in that future brightened by hopeful prospects. At a meeting of the Royal Dublin Society, on Thurs day, the 24th June, 1852, Mr. William Dargan offered to place £20,000, or more, if it should be required, in the hands of a committee of twentv-five gentlemen, for the purpose of constructing a building in which an Irish In dustrial Exhibition should be held, in 1853. This princely offer was made solely with the desire to benefit Ireland, by stimulating the genius, and enterprise, and industry of her sons. A glow of generous enthusiasm was diffused by the proposal, and it was at once accepted. Mr. Dargan chose as secretary Mr. C. P. Roney, the well-known and everywhere respected originator of the tourist system in Treland—a man of whom it has been said, that he has " effected more good for the real, substantial interests of Ireland, during the last three years, than did the whole legislative powers of Great Britain for the last half-cen tury." Mr. Roney at once, and without accepting emo lument, entered on the duties of his responsible office ; Mr. Deane, eldest son of Sir Thomas Deane, of Dumda nion Castle, being chosen assistant-secretary. The com mittee held their first meeting, in the Board Room of the Royal Dublin Society, on the sth July, 1852, George Roe, Esq., chairman, and Major Fairfield, deputy-chairman. The ordinary members were the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Lord Talbot de Malahide, the Hon. George Handcock, the Hon. John P. Vereker, Sir John Kingston James, Bart., Sir Edward M`Donnell, Sir Robert Kane, Thomas Ball, Dr. William Barker, John Barlow, John Barton, William Dargan, Lundy E. Foot, Professor Har rison, M.D., Nathaniel Hone, Alderman Kinahan, Wm. Digges La Touche, John Lentaigne, J. W. Murland, John Pennefather, Wm. Henry Porter, James Ster;ing, and 'Walter Sweetman. On the 10th of July, the popular litterateur, Mr. T. D. Jones, was appointed to assist in the discharge of all official duties. All was now life and vigour. The Right Hon. Sidney Herbert placed the house, No. 3, Upper Merrion-street, at the disposal of the committee, for the board-room and office, and Leinster Lawn, closely adjoining, was fixed upon as the site of the structure. Prizes of £5O, £3O, and £2O, respectively, were offered for the best designs. Before August 1 twenty nine plans were lodged at the offices ; and Mr. John Benson, a native of the county of Sligo, was unanimously awarded the palm of victory. The second prize was awarded to Mr. Thomas Deane, of Cork ; and the third to Mr. Richard Turner, of the Hammersmith Works, Dublin—a result highly creditable to the architectural skill of Ireland. It was agreed to forego the assistance of a contractor, and to commence the works under the super intendence of Mr. Dargan himself, than whom no man was more likely to accomplish the great undertaking conceived by his own large heart. It was soon found necessary, on the part of Mr. Dargan, to supply increased funds, and up till the moment at which we ssrite he has invested not less than £BO,OOO in the work. The labour undertaken and accomplished by Messrs. Roney and Deane, during the last six months, seems almost overwhelming. Not only did the former conduct an immense correspondence with all his numerous friends in England, and with exhi bitors, but he likewise was employed, in August, seeking to enlist the cooperation of Continental powers—an object in which he succeeded admirably. Sub-committees were formed, and a code of laws adopted, by which all the arti cles shown are exhibited into four great classes—raw ma terials, machinery, manufactures, and fine arts, under which heads the various products are systematically de posited. Mr. Robert Heron, late secretary of the Dublin Corporation, and Mr. R. A. Thompson, were added to the staff of officers, the latter as general superintendent. London offices were opened by Mr. Duncan and Mr. Harman, and Mr. Deane and Mr. E. C. Adlev visited the various manufacturing towns of England and Scotland, to give the requisite information to intending exhibitors. Under the immediate superintendence of Mr. Benson, the building rose rapidly ; the engineering department being under the management of Mr. Faux. Some damage done by the storm on Christmas Day was speedily remedied, and on the Ist of March the stores were declared by the General Superintendent ready for the reception of goods, and six superintendents were appointed to receive the same. During our visits on the Tuesday and Wednesday preceding the inauguration there was still much to do, although the work was progressing at a pace perfectly surprising. Unfortunately the catalogue will not, it is anticipated, be ready for some days after the opening—a circumstance which, of course, has caused much disap pointment to the numerous visitors who have arrived this week, and who will be obliged to return home without even a copy of the catalogue as a memento of the Merrion square Palace. The Exhibition building presents a front to Merrion square of 350 feet, and is situated on the west side of the square on the lawn of the Royal Dublin Society. The centre feature of the elevation consists of a semicircular projection, which forms the eastern termination of the great hall. This is a spacious apartment, 425 feet in length, and 100 feet in height, covered by a semi cylindrical roof, upon trellis ribs, in one span 100 feet in width. In this noble hall are placed the specimens of statuary, fountains, two organs, &c., &c. On each side adjoining this hall, and running parallel to it, for the same length, is a noble compartment, 25 feet wide, wherein is placed a choice selection of musical, surgical, philosophical, naval, architectural, and civil engineering instruments, over which is a spacious gallery. The Northern Hall contains the magnificent embroidery and lace manufacture common to the South, and Industrial Schools of Ireland, a choice selection of glass and terra cotta ware, and articles of clothing for common and personal use. Beside each of these compartments is a fine hall, 50 feet wide, and 05 high, with a domed roof, parallel to which are another compartment and gallery precisely similar to that adjoining the great hall. Here are placed the splendid specimens of foreign ingenuity— the precious gems of continental taste and elegance. Running parallel to this compartment is the Fine Arts Hall, in the southern extremity of the building, wherein is placed a selection of paintings so magnificent that the unqualified opinion is, " such a collection was never before brought together under one roof "—and the value of which is at the very lowest estimate £1,000,000. This department owes its unique merits to the unremitting exertions of Mr. Deane, to whose care it was assigned, and who may well rejoice in the success of his peculiar province ; while adjoining the Fine Arts Hall is another apartment, in which are placed the rarest specimens of archreological taste,—the whole affording an area of 210,000 square feet, exclusive of the noble refreshment saloons. REVIEW OF THB THINGS SHOWN. If we are placed in such a remarkable collection of ob jects as that congregated in the Irish Industrial Exhibition, it is not to be wondered at if, without a catalogue of any description, and in the bustle of the opening week and the pressure of preparation, we are able to supply but a very imperfect outline of the leading features in the Merrion square palace. The difficulties in accomplishing our task efficiently consequent on the absence of an official cata logue, has not unfortunately been remedied to any extent by the Dublin press, whose anticipatory notes about the Exhibition and its contents, have been exceedingly brief. We shall endeavour, in the course of our review, to notice at greater length the goods from Lancashire, and those objects which are of especial interest to Liverpool. On ascending the South Gallery, the first object that meets the view is the beautiful model steamer by Mr. Clarke, jun., of the City of Dublin Steam-packet Company, a lengthened notice of which has already been published in the Liverpool Standard. By its side we observe a work ing model of the Fareham Life-boat. The increasing necessity of providing sea-going steamers, passenger ves sels, and ships in general, with more adequate means of escape from the awful catastrophes of fire and shipwreck, is become so palpable and urgent, that we hail with delight the appearance in the Exhibition of this Life-boat, in vented and patented by the Rev. E. L. Beethom, of Fare ham, Hampshire. The great difficulty has hitherto been —How to stow enough of good and serviceable boats, always ready in an instant, to carry all the passengers and crew of the ocean steamer, or densely crowded emigrant vessel or troop-ship, without hampering decks or quarters. Now the Fareham Life-boat, possessing as it does all the first-rate qualities of a sea-boat, in sailing and rowing in ferior to none, removes the above difficulty entirely; ready for sea more quickly than any other, it combines buoyancy, 1 capacity, strength, and insubmergibility in the highest perfection. We present the following outline of its con struction, earnestly recommending it to careful inspection, particularly of shipowners and steampacket companies. The frame is composed of keelson, stern, and stern-posts, in one, and eight other longitudinal timbers, which are all jointed together by a kind of chain-hinge at the ends. These timbers are deep and thin, and have attached to their edges two complete skins of a very strong water proofed double canvass, so that when open, these timbers stand out in radiating planes, and extend the outer and inner skins in the most perfect form of an elegant boat ; and when closed, the timbers drop down vertically into the position of parallel planes. the skins folding in between them. The expansion is effected thus : conceive the boat frapped to against the ship's bulwarks outside, in a little recess made foi it, and a strong flap of double canvass enveloping it (in this position it is almost hidden), as soon as the flap is cast off, th e we i g ht o f t h e boat falling on to the slings attached to the davit-falls, causes it to open in one second: she flies out open ready for lowering, with thwarts or seats, bottom boards, oars, masts, and sails all ready. In the mo men t o f expans i on, a large volume of i air s drawn in through two apertures into its eight sepa rate compartment?, which are comprised between the timbers and the skins a boat, 30 ft. by 10, ( o f w hi ch the one in the Exhibition is a model,) takes in not less than 320 cubic feet of air in one sudden and violent inspiration. For a small, and far less perfect, model, exhibited in the Crystal Palace, in 1831, a prize medal was awarded to the inventor; and since then, a large boat on this construc tion, which carries forty persons, has been put to the severest tests, in all weathers, both in the open sea anti in coast-work, with the most perfect success. The price of these boats will he sm all, a s compared with others. Partimcuolsatr efiieattentionfontosolnioturilldanboeepafoldrw a lo lso o t r o m thevery and simple boats, appli cable to all kinds, which is shown in a working state, upon the section of a ship's side, to which the model is suspended. state tor of t o h on One e o n s f t t e h t e L m a o w s t n priominent exhibitob j e t c h t e s o present t various departments of industry, and the comp arative degree of perfection that has been attained in di li e dem sta o fferent countries. And one of the most prominent advantages connected with it Eize. It may be said with truth DESCRIPTION OF THE PALACE. Presenting a front to Merrion.square of 300 feet, the main or centre feature of the elevation consists of a semicircular projection, which forms the Eastern termi nation of the Central-hall. This is a noble apartment of 425 feet in length, and 100 feet in height, covered by a semicircular roof upon trellis ribs, in one span of 100 feet. On each side of the Centre-hall, and running parallel to it for the same length, are two halls 50 feet wide, with domed roofs, similar to that which covers the main nave or hall of the building. The height from the floor to the roof of each of these halls will be 65 feet. They are approached through passages from the Centre-hall. In addition to these three halls are four compartments of 25 feet wide, running the whole len g th of the building ; two are placed between the Centre-hall and the lido balls, and two on each side of the latter ; divided into sections of 25 feet square, forming convenient divisions for the purposes of classification. Over these compartments are spacious galleries, also running the length of the building, which not only afford increased space for exhibition, but form an agreeable promenade from whence the effect of the three halls may be seen to great advantage. To the south of the Central-hall, left of the spectator is a hall devoted to foreign contributors ; adjacent to which is the Fine Arts Court, corresponding in position to the Ma chinery Court. Branching off from the Fine Arts Court, are the Antiquarian Court, refreshment rooms, and a court abutting upon the yard of the Dublin Society, usually occupied by farming implements. At the western end of the northern court are extensive refreshment rooms, with a fountain playing in the centre ; from these a covered passage leads to the court-yard or Kildare street entrance to the Society-house. The northern and southern courts have galleries running round them, from which the spectator also looks into the Central Court. The ceiling of the halls being divided into panels formed by the trellis ribs, and the other constructive parts of the building, has allowed ample opportunity for effective decoration. Light is admitted from above in one un broken and equally distributed body. The construction of the building is strongly marked on the elevation, and forms in fact the ornamental character of the design. There are also external galleries which are attractive features in the exterior, forming a delightful promenade, and which will be useful in providing access to the roof for repairs, &c. The termination of each of the principal roofs to the east and west is semispherical, giving strength as well as effect to the building. There are three entrances in the front facing Merrion-square, under a range of verandahs, through which access is provided for the holders of season tickets and the general public. The materials of the building are iron, timber, and glass. The latter are only used for light, as before described. The parts of the roof at each side of the lights are of timber, covered with Irish-manufactured waterproof cloth. The trellis girders which support the galleries are made of wrought iron, supported on cast iron pillars. Ample accommodation in the way of re freshment, retiring rooms, offices, is provided in the plan. Access to the building can also be had by the spacious court-yard of the Royal Dublin Society, whose suite of apartments, including the Museum, are open to the public during the Exhibition. It has been calculated that the available area of ground floor, galleries, &c., amounts to about 210,000 square feet, or little short of seven acres, which will afford ample space, not only for the goods sent in, but also for the free circulation of the great tide of visitors. Altogether, the design, both in point of its conception and its accomplishment, is in every way worthy of the highest praise that can be bestowed upon it. Mr. Benson, to whose genius we are indebted for an architectural feat, of which even a Paxton might justly be proud, appears to have forgotten the Crystal Palace, and had the courage to think for himself ; and it may be said that he produced a work not merely well adapted to the purpose contemplated, but highly cre ditable to his artistic and practical character as an archi tect. It is a source of regret to us, however, that the building does not stand on a more spacious site, where it would not have been bounded by streets which com pletely block it from the view on all sides, except Mer rion-square, from the opposite side of which a fine view of the edifice is obtained,—the splendid domes rising in beautiful harmony with the quaint and stately mansions around, and the whole effect being heightened by the summer-like verdure in the centre of the square, where there are numerous shrubs and trees. It is to be re gretted that the building was not erected in Phoenix Park, which would have been a site truly worthy of the splendid edifice designed by the now justly-famous Sir John Benson. THE OPENING OF THE PALACE. There was no similarity between the weather which was enjoyed in Dublin on Thursday and that which the people of Liverpool experienced at the dawn of the week. One who got up on Monday morning to find the banks of the Mersey wreathed in snow, could hardly imagine that in the same week, and within a twelve hours' journey, one might bask in the beams of a sunny sky, dispensing warmth and gladness over the earth, and imparting to the verdant lawn and the effulgent flowers a sweet summer beauty. Thursday, the 12th of May, was, from earliest dawn till its close, a day of promise. In the early morn ing, as we passed the streets of the fine old capital, the blue sky was clear and unclouded, and flags already hoisted on the house-tops were gently floating on the breeze, which merely attempered the warmth of the sun, amid the bustle and roar which soon awoke the city. There was an air of gladness in every street, and dwelling, and countenance. The citizens and the pilgrims from afar mingled smilingly in the crowded thoroughfares. Every one seemed to say, with the genial Slingsby, this is truly a glorious day for us, this 12th of May —as glorious as any that the pen of history has recorded—as bard or annalist has sung or fabled. This is a day of jubilation and of pride—for Ireland invites in peaceful convocation to her metropolis a nobler assemblage tha❑ ever met in her ancient halls of kings, and she has raised a structure for their reception more august than that Teagh Mor, which, in the days gone by, stood on the Hill of Taragh. Already our streets and thoroughfares are thronged with strangers, denizens of lands with whom our intercommunication is ordinarily limited and fortuitous—already the procession moves forward which conducts the representative of our Queen to inaugurate our Great Industrial Hall, as two years since that Queen did herself, in person, open the first Great World-Mart in her city of London. And now, while with trumpet and banner, and the acclaims of con gregated thousands, the pageantry of martial attire and the gorgeousness of civic robes, the gleam of the warrior's cuirass and the flash of his now idle falchion, mingling amongst the banners of the sons of peaceful toil, and science and learning—now while with all these the tide of human life surges, and swells, and pours along towards the halls which have risen as it were at the touch of the enchanter's wand, a profound emotion agitates the heart —an emotion jubilant, yet solemnizing; an emotion in which humble thankfulness should mingle with justifiable pride. Considered as a spectacle alone, the ceremonial of the inauguration was one which for grandeur and magnifi cence, and for its effect upon the imagination, might almost bear comparison with the opening ceremonial of the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was not alone the presence of the representative of our beloved Queen, and that of his amiable and excellent Countess, lending the aid of their influential position to that solemn consecration of industry ; it was not alone the concourse of visitors from all parts of the empire, nor the magnificent display of every conceivable article of utility or luxury invented by the ingenuity of man, or the gay and brilliant appear ance of the exterior of the Exhibition Building itself, glittering in the rays of a lovely May morning, nor the still more brilliant interior, realising to the hard matter of-fact men of the present day the gorgeous descriptions of fairy palaces, born in the luxuriant imaginations of the eastern storytellers —nor the reflection that forced itself upon all minds, how truly great and full of good augury for all humanity such exhibitions might become hereafter —it was not any one of these facts, but a combination of them all, and of a thousand other circumstances, equally significant and pleasing, that made the scene within and without the Exhibition on Thursday morning, the most affecting and cheering, as well as the most memorable event in the history of Ireland. The metropolis was crowded with English, Scottish, and Continential visitors, from an early hour in the morn ing; and on the night previous, it was with difficulty that parties arriving in Dublin could be accommodated with sleeping apartments at the various hotels, the owners of which have reaped a rich harvest on the occasion. By ten o'clock, the hour fixed for opening the doors of the Exhibition, streams of carriages and cars, filled with gaily-attired occupants—came pouring in from all parts of the city and suburbs, while large masses of pedestrians moved in countless numbers towards the scene of attrac tion. For more than an hour before the opening of the doors, an immense crowd assembled in front of the Exhi bition Building, anxiously awaiting the time for their ad mission. The police experienced but little difficulty in preserving order, whilst they interfered as little as possible with the pleasurable enjoyment and free movements of the multitude—so fully did all appear animated with one desire to signalise this truly popular ceremonial with generous and kindly feeling, and a respect for the rights and duties of one another. At half-past 11 o'clock, the carriages of the Knights and Officers of the Most Illustrious Order of St. Patrick had assembled in the Upper Castle-yard, to await the arrival of his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, from the Viceregal Lodge. At ten o'clock the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, together with the Alderman and Town Councillors of eke Corporation, assembled in their robes, and with their equipages, at the Mansion House, Dawson-street, and thence proceeled, stwitly before 11 o'clock, through N- NATIVE MANUFACTURE NOT EXHIBITED. The Dublin Evening Mail asks why it is that among' the samples of native manufacture exhibited, Doctor Mac Hale has not a table for showing the stuff that pledges are made of. A promise -loom after the genuine model, displaying the various threads in their complications and entanglements, which produce the perfect pattern of an. Irish senator, would be a most indigenous production. The weft of cupidity traversing the warp of sophistry, and" both so skilfully glazed by the plastic hand of a reverend artisan as to present a similitude called honour, would afford altogether a finished illustration of Spenser's famous definition of an Irish mantle. Such a cloak, with such 0 showman as Doctor Mac Hale to bring out its beauties in prominent perfection, would send all the paletots and zephyrs in creation into the shade. Dr. Newman, too, might help the collection—only that he, unfortunately, is not Irish—by exhibiting Truth in crotchet work ; and, we are sure, that Mr. Sadleir, or either of the ScullYs , would have no objection to add their private collection of Irish brass to the repository. Mr. John O'Connell 11 09 already sent a bar of the iron that many and many a time entered into his respected parent's soul, and which, strange to say, is nothing the worse of the wear, proving how remarkably well tempered that iron must have been. Mr' Keogh has still a little bit of the oath he took at Cor' much at the service of the committee; and as it has been recently polished up, under the immediate supervision Of the dove-eyed Bishop of Athlone, it looks quite as g ood as new. Mr. Norton, the Hon. Solicitor's late opponent, will show the hand he shook with that gentleman after the contest; aye, and defy the whole world to say t hat it is not every whit as clean as the other hand. The Hen' Member for Kerry's head and Mr. Duffy's pluck are both Irish, and curiosities, too, in their several departments while Dr. Cahill's fustian is most undoubted and unique' Other productions, various and valueble, must stand over for another day ; but we canno t om it t o me ntion, wan admiration, Mr. Cecil Lawless's Tipperary Shammy. It is almost quid to the reel thing. The Editor himself r torrespor To the SI it, --Avi Mittees of the Clergy s elections, a received fro favour bein believe, a st cotta, to Nth P a rtY Who a m ay be wort counts rece "rrice.—/ Liverpool "I have a Melbourne about basin( arr anging f( n ca noon civi Cot tage, rent Your private 'small table, worth above state of soc many as it t Ing mad. thing in the dear, and ti aorta of Aril called,) whic knows what CHAR GE