The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1865-09-19 00:00:00

VISIT TO II AMMON HOUSE.

In.eompliance with the gracious invitation of Sir
Edward Baker Baker, Bart., our French visitors, with
the Corporation of Poole, and the railway authorities,
assembled at the railway station on Thum:bay morning at
ten o'clock. The most gratifying oordiality and bathommie
WM manifested by the party, and it was quite evident
that our French friends were disposed to receive our
insular attempts at politeness in good part, while it must
also be said no efforts were wanting to impress them
with the heartiness and warmth of feeling entertained
by our nation for those they esteem. The fine weather
Of the previousday was succeeded by &brilliant morning,
vieing the cloudless skies and balmy air with which
the inhabitants of the southern countries of Europe are
familiar. The Somerset and Dorset railway company
considerately provided a special train for the party, said
on arriving at Blandford a long hue of carriages was in
readiness to convey them to their destination. An
entlndliastio crowd had assembled at the station, and
vociferous cheering rent the air es our French
guests appeared. Flags and streamers decked the
town, and in front of the Corn Exchange, the
Mayor and Corporstion of Blandford Foram, with
the Town Clerk, were grouped, surrounded by a large
body of people, while at every window whole households
appeared gazing with interest on the unwonted scene.
The following address was presented :
"TO THE MAYOR AND MUNIOIPALITY OF CHERBOURG.
We,the Mayor, Aldermen,and Burgesses of the Borough
of Blandford Forum, heartily embrace this opportunity
of assuring you that your vials to England, and espe-
cially to this our Borough of Blandford Forum, affords us
the highest gratification, and we do most cordially hope
that those feelings of goo and esteem which we
entertain towards you may in like manner ever continae
to exist, not only between tholes filling municipal office's,
hut also between all the people of France and England.
Given under the seal of our corporation of Blandford
Foram, this 14th day of September, 1585. A. S.
HODGEN, LS., Mayor."

The Mayor of Cherbourg briefly acknowledged the high
lourtpag manifoated by the inunicipel authorities of the
,410V11), and expressed • fervent hope that the friendly
relations now on auspiciously commenced between the in-
hebtientsof the coast on either side of the channel, would
be fostered for ever, and remit in the greater prosperity
of both countries, and peace and good-will throughout
the world. As the party proceeded on their way, the
cheering of the mulitude and the sanitationn from the
houses were renewed, which the party tired not of
acknowledging. The route was lined with persons all
,evincing ',desire to honour the French guests. Aocept•
tog the invitation of Lord Portman, the party prooeeded
to Bryanston hones, admiring the magnificent park
through which they passed to the mansion. At the hall
door they were graciously welcomed by his lordship and
conducted through • suite of grand salons furnished
with exquisite taste and costly magnificienee, and con-
taining a splendid collection of works of art which the
French visitors especially greatly admired. Before leav-
ing the hall, refreshments of • moat recherche description
were offered to the guests. The party took their leave
of the lord of Bryneston House with respectful ad-
- - 1,..1 vaanifeakeei

of both

I ing