The Express.
London, England, 1855-04-23 00:00:00

THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION

(THOM THE COMMISSIONER OE THE DAILY NEWS.)

PARIS, APALL 20.
THE FINE ARTS. _

A widespread discontent reigns in the artistic
world of Faris. Artists are moodily fetching away
their rejected works, warned that if they do not at
once seek for them they will be unable to obtain them
before October next. I predicted this discontent when
I heard of the principle upon which the Fine Art
Jules had determined to act. Whether the beet re-
sults of an universal exhibition are attained by ad-
mitting only men of acknowledged talent to the con-
test, is a matter open to discussion. I think that this
course is, in every respect, a mistaken one. A nation
has more interest in the promises than in the accom-
plishments of her rivals. To know how France will
probably stand, in art, twenty years hence, is surely
more interesting to her neighbours than to learn how
she stands—or rather has stood. I have heard,
for instance, that the works of one of her
moat remarkably original artists—Gustave Dore—
have been nearly all, it not all, rejected.
Horace Vernet, Ingres, and Co., reign supreme
masters of the galleries, and deploy their
canvas by acres to be filled with the breath of Fame.
A little more modesty—a little sense of the struggles
of their younger brethren—a smile here and there for
rising men, would have pleased everybody better.
As it is, the English visitors will recognise in the
French Fine Art department much that they have
long since seen at Versailles, nearly all they have
seen at the Luxembourg. Indeed, the Luxembourg
Gallery has been so seriously drawn upon, that, ac-
cording to general rumour, it will be closed through.
out the ensuing summer. I have seen Gerome's
figures, representing the maritime nations, destined to
ornament the phare, recently turned out of the
Central Hall of the Palais de 'lndustrie by Prince
Napoleon. Some of these figures are exquisitely
drawn ; and the artist has succeeded, by a wonderful
variety of attitudes, in relieving the monotony which
sixteen figures, all holding oars aloft and standing in
a row, would present under ordinary treatment. It is
to be hoped that the phare destined to be ornamented
with these graceful designs will be placed in some
conspicuous position.
Speaking of the Exhibition generally, I may
assure your readers that extraordinary activity has
prevailed here during the last two or three days.
I went over the Palace and the great machinery
gallery yesterday very carefully, and at points was
surprised at the progress made since the beginning
of the week. Spain is now very busy in the north-
western gallery ; Austria shows decided signs of
progress in the southern galleries ; and crowds of
people begin to swarm the French space. In the
British section Minton and other exhibitors are very
forward ; and some of the English decorative furniture
is already displayed. Mr. Digby Wyatt's distribution
of the Indian collection in the south-eastern corner of
the building is also progressing rapidl. The cen-
tral hall, however, is still almost deserted. The flags
of different nations begin to peep over the galleries—
still further reminding us of our London Rshibition.
The English flag is of those already floating in the
building. It is said to be the union jack of the mer-
cantile navy—not of the royal navy, and that it
should therefore be hauled down; but I am not cer-
tain that the mercantile finis not peculiarly adapted
to a Palace of Industry. Certainly our merchant-
men have more to do with this Universal Exhibition
, than our men of war.

Yesterday workmen were laying down bitumen
pavement before the principal entrance to the Palace,
and on both sides I remarked the gardeners had
made great progress with their planting.
Today is the last on which goods wilt be received.
They are arriving in immense quantities, I believe.
Yesterday the arrivals while I was in the building
appeared to be very heavy. I am informed that
three or four hundred packages have arrived for the
British section alone this week.

THE LIBRARY OP THE HOTEL DE VILLE has
just bad olossifbal the political and historical manuscripts
which were bequeathed to.it by 11. Thou et, member of the
last Constituent Assembly. A number of manuscripts re-
lative to dramatic art, and particularly to the French Opera
and the Thiltre Francais, bequeathed some time back *b
M. Scoffers, commissary of polio', have also been
and may now be consulted by the public. About 6,000
volumes on the policy, Winery, geography, AL, of the
United States, have bees plead is two spe6alrooms. which
are to be thrown opus to the public at the ocantenessnent
of the exhibition. The total number of volumes in the City
Library Lat present about 70,060 and amengst them
are many relative to the history of Facie and of Assiut
lases.