The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-03-20 00:00:00

at least sixty feet high, with walks right through it,
leading to its summit, and little streaudeta of water
running and trickling at every nick and corner, and
lamps, with the same sort of globes as those
in the gardens, interspersed throughout, while here
and there was a mimic little wate rf all whose streams run
over stained glass lighted from behind, giving to the
water the colour of the glass on which it ran. From
this we were conducted to the Viceroy's hall of recep-
tion in the grounds. This is a large open terrace whose
roof is supported by marble pillars, with floor of the
same, and in the centre stood a large fountain, which,
however, was dry. While walking through the gardens
on our way back to the palace we heard voices laugh-
ing and talking, and soon found out that the ladies of
the harem were returning through the grounds to their
palace. Our guide said we must walk back out of
their way, but unfortunately we were too late for
compliance. Our only refuge was under one of the
lamps, where the ladies passed us. With them, runt
walking in front, were the Viceroy's daughters, at
least so our guide told us; and these ladies on seeing
us put up their eye-glasses, astonished at the presence
of such curious people.
We now returned to the palace. On entering the
pertico one could not fail to be struck with the magni-
ficence of the interior. Facing us and leading to the
upper part of the palace were the stairs, of the purest
white and inlaid with strips of black marble, highly
polished. Stationed at either corner and at the turns
of the stairs were Nubian soldiers clad in tunics of chain
armour and helmets whose visors extended in a bar of
steel below the nose. On reaching the top of the
stairs we entered one of the large state rooms, with
floor of polished wood, sofas and chairs of crimson
velvet surrounding it, and a gigantic ottoman in the
centre, of the same material, sufficiently large to
accommodate at least twenty-five people. In
front of this room was the verandah, where the
dancers after each dance resorted for fresh air. The
verandah was filled with rich and rare plants, whose
soft colours, in contrast with the gorgeous fittings
around, gave relief and pleasure to the eye. On the
left of this, and about the size of the first room,
but more richly furnished, was the reception room,
where the visitors on entering made their obeisance
to the Viceroy, who appeared to receive every one
; very cordially, shaking hands with many of the
' ladiea. On leaving this we walked across the first
room to the ball and refreshment rooms, where
the dancing was going on. Here were officers in
divers uniforms, civilians (many whose decors-
time appeared sufficiently heavy to make them almost
bow their heads), Turks in the Viceroy's uniform
and tarboosh cap, all dancing with ladies. Refresh-
ments, such as ices and every conceivable cooling drink,
were being constantly handed round on large chased
silver trays by English State servants in red coots,
powdered wigs, &c. Supper was laid down stairs in
three or four rooms. Fruits and vegetables, both in
' and out of season, were to be had, and wine in
abundance. On the other side, again, were the coffee
I and smoking rooms. I believe there was not one
vacant seat in the large card room.
We returned to the ball-room—now four a.m. The
dancing was evidently beginnin to flag, and many of
the people were already gone; and by five the last
carriages were being called up. During the whole of
the time the Viceroy was walking about the rooms,
making himself very agreeable amongst his guests—
amonzst whom were Sir John Lawrence, the Luke of
Sutherland, M. de Lessene, of the Suez Canal, and
many distinguished foreigners. The guests numbered
3,000, 4,000 invitations having gone out. All the
guests residing at Alexandria and Suez, were taken to
Cairo and back by special trains, provided by the
Viceroy's orders.