The Express.
London, England, 1851-08-02 00:00:00

FOR TIIE WEEK ENDING

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2.

which was and would be a largo surplus, to any such
purpose as providing a winter garden for theinha-
bitants of the metropolis, was difficult to answer. Ile
conceived it to be very doubtful, in the first place,
'Whether they had the power under the specific memo-
random which had been laid upon the table of the
goose to do so. Then, whether if they had the
powers, that would be their determination, it was
not for him to say. If they neither had the power
nor the inclination to make a present of the building
to the public, of course the public could then only
become the possessors of it upon the payment of a
considerable sum of money in order to place them-
selves in the same position as the commissioners—
and that sum might, as he had said, under the exist-
ing
arrangement, probable amount to 70,000/. That
was the first payment. Then he apprehended, that
in order to put the building into a condition to stand
permanently, a considerable outlay beyond that must
be incurred. There then would be the annual out-
lay
of maintaining the building in a complete state
' of repair, and of course there then must be a certain
outlay for the purpose of constructing a winter gar-
den ; and a certain annual sum to maintain that
also in repair. Those five items of charge
clearly, in one shape or another, must fall
upon the public. Mr. Waklcv said he understood
the right hon. gentleman, on a former occasion, to say
that no claim would be made on the consolidated
fund in case the building were kept up. The Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer replied he had not said so.
The contractors were willing to keep up the palace
to the Ist of May, if they got compensation.
So the affair still rests with the people. They have
till the Ist of May next to declare their will, hut it
must be declared imperatively, or we may still see
the Crystal Palace removed.
Next in importance in Exhibition events of the
week to the parliainentary vote, has been the com-
mencement this day of the fraternization of France
and England at a Parisian fide. The preparations
in the capital of In In•Ce France have been worthy of
her ancient character for spirit, taste, and polite
hospitality.
A swarm of workmen of all sorts have been em-
ployed during the last week at the vast palace of
the Hotel de Ville, to make preparations for the
great industrial fete. These works are under the
direction of M. Dalian], architect of the Hotel de
Ville. The court of Louis XIV. is converting into
a garden, and the statue of the " Grand /lei," which
was in the centre, has been taken down from its
psleetal to make way for a handsome. fountain.
Full-grown trees are to be planted at the corners of
the court, and the great gallery will be decorated for
the banquet of 500 covers, which is to be served
by (levet, of gastronomic celebrity. Expeditions
have been undertaken into the provinces to eater
luxuries for the distinguished visitors. The meadows
of Normandy have been ransacked for the finest
oxen. A prize ox . be served whole, in order to
psilfy the Bt. lish for roast beef. The
garde nimble e has qsqpil its stores to the
prefect of the to furnish most sumptuous
gold and silver plate. Immense'numbers of lustre'
of rock crystal are to be suspended from the ceilings.,
Tho military spectacle on the fith August is ma,
tended to be much more than a simple review of
the army of Paris. A series of brilliant manreuvres
are to be performed in the Champs de Mars and on
the heights of Troeadero. The artillery arc to throw
a bridge over the Seine above the Pont de Jena.
Arrangements are making to enable as large a moon-
her of people as possible to have a good view of the
operations.
'I Le price of season tickets is reduced from 3'.
and 21. to 30s. and 1/., and the commission have
some to a resolution by which the sale of these
tickets ceases on the 31st of August. As we
recommended a few days ago, the ss. entrance
fee on Saturdays is to be reduced, inuneiliately
after the prorogation of parliament, to 2s. rid. ; but
the immense crowds that still flock to the Exhibi-
tion on the shilling days render it in the meantime
impracticable, in the view of the commission, to adopt
measures for admitting a larger proportion of the
humbler classes than now find their way to the
Crystal Palace.

The Exhibition events of the week have been
sufficiently remarkable, the chief result being that a
vote of the House of Commons has respited the Crys-
tal Palace till the let of May next. It is now sure
to live its first year out • and fur how many more it
is to grace the chief parkl of the chief city of the
world the public voice must determine.
The vote of the Commons on this question was
obtained by the exertions of Mr. Heywood, who
moved that " An humble address be presented to her
Majesty. praying that her Majesty will he graciously
pleased to direct, in such manner as to her may
seem fit, that the Crystal Palace be preserved until
the Ist May next, with a view to determine if that
novel structure, or any portion of it, can be
adapted to purposes of public utility and recrea-
tion. In supporting this motion, he mod that the
ordinary attractions of Hyde-park as a Wine of public
resort had this year been immensely increased by the
presence of the successful Exhibition of the W orks
of Industry of all Nations. Originally the project
for the building had been to erect an CIIJCM9II4 brick
edifice with a huge dome. Of course there had been
great alarm in the neighbourhood when that propo-
sition was first heard of. While the prolonged and
difficult discussion, as to the character of the required
edifice was proceeding, a beautiful design appeared of
a glass palace, which was proffered as a substitute
fur the brick building. This design was subsequently
somewhat modified; but it was virtually adopted; and
it was that design which they now saw carried
out in the Crystal Palace in Ilyde-park—
the building that had excited so much admiration.
The proposal which he made to the house was to
sanction the building remaining as it is for a certain
time, in cashr that inquiry might be made as to tho
Kier-001c pimp:tees to which, the Exhibition over, it
might be converted. Objections had been urged to
the suggestion that the building should be retained
on the ground that it was not of a material calcu-
lated to endure. Ile believed, however, that tho
iron work was exceedingly good, and that, though
the timber was Canadian, it would last for several
years. There would, of course, he considerable
expense incurred in keeping such an edifice
in a proper state of repair ; but, at all events,
be thought it was well worthy of consideration.
whether the Crystal Palace might not be advan-
tageously retained as a winter garden for the re-
creation of the metropolitan public. Those gen-
tlemen who were fond of riding and took exer-
cise in Hyde-park found the Row often wet and
sloppy ; and he thought a covered ride would be to
such persons a great luxury. The conservatory in
the Botanical Gardens, Regent's-park, was exactly
the model, on a smaller scale, of what he wished to
see in Hyde-park. There were many other purposes
which they might accomplish by the retention of the
Crystal Palace. The British Museum was too
crowded. It had but just space enough for the books
and the antiquities ; and he thought the third de-
portment, the collection of objects in natural history,
might be properly nod usefully transferred and exhi-
bited under glass in Hyde-park. Su far everything
connected with the Great Exhibition had been most
satisbietory. 'the commissioners had dune them-
selves the highest honour, and too much could not ho
said in praise of the illustrious Prince with whom the
idea of the Exhibition had its origin. The duties of
the Prince and his coadjutors were now coming to an
end; and their present intention was to close the
Crystal Palace on the Ist of September. They
were further bound by their contract to remove
the building altogether by the Ist of June, 18;i2.
What he (Mr. Heywood) asked the house was that
the commissioners should be granted a delay up to
the Ist Mae, with a view to steps being taken
whereby the legislature could authorise the commis-
sioners to retain possession of the building altoge-
ther. Ile was authorised to state on the part of
Messrs. Fox and Henderson, the contractors, that they
would hold themselves in readiness to treat with the
commissioners as regarded the Ist Mayon the
same terms as had been agreed to as ed tho
Ist September. It would be a great loss if ro beau-
tiful a building as the Crystal Palace were unneces-
sarily pulled down. It constituted a new order of
architecture, and he thought that when the won-
ders of this century came to be recorded, the
railways, the penny post, and the Crystal Pa-
lace would be regarded as the prominent groat facts.
Colonel Sibthorp of course started on his legs almost
before Mr. Heywood could sit down, and in his
wannest manner (and that is saving a great deal)
demanded the demolition of the (heat Glass Build-
ing. Mr. Labouchere spoke, it is presumed, the
feelings of the government when, in following Col.
Sibthorp, he stated his belief that the consequences
of the Exhibition had been and would be most bow-
fwial to trade, science, and morality. He dwelt em-
phatically upon tire gratifying spectacle presented by
the crowds of all eludes and ranks that were daily
gathered together in thu Crystal Palace, and whose
behaviour was so admirably clueructerised by deco-
rum and good order. Nor were the symptoms kat
posieunt that were visible in the pacific demeanour at
the foreigners who had for some time past thronged
the streets of the metropolis by thousands. Notwith-
standing,.however, this personal impression in favour
of retaining the structure (and here came the rub),
the Commiseiuners, of whom he was one, could not

The Daily Netts thus comments on the vote of the
House of Commons tbr preserving the Exhibition
until the Ist of May next :
The resolution respecting the Crystal Palace,
adopted by the House of Commons, appears, ad
things considered, to be the most judicious that could
be taken. Let the building remain where it is till
the first of May next. By that time we shall know
how it can stand the storms of winter, and what
kind of a place of resort it affords is the inclement
season. More important still, Wine plan for utilis-
ing the building may be matured.
We feel, is common with an immense majority of
those who have seen this beautiful and unparalleled
structure, most reluctant that it should be swept
away and numbered with the things that have been.
Its effect, regarded as a work of art, is not only deli-
cately. beautiful, but entirely novel. There is no-
thing in past time to be compared to it; it hos a
character all its own. Still it can scarcely be kept
up if it is merely to be something to be looked at ;
what purposes can it be made to subserve ?
On this head the advocates of the preservation of
the building appear one and all to entertain very crude
and indefinite notions. They are speaking and acting
under a vague desire to prevent the demolition of the
edifice which has impressed them so profoundly ;
they are beating about in search of uses to which it
can be turned; but hitherto they cannot—with per-
haps the single exception of Mr. PAXTON—be com-
plimented on their success.
Take, for example, Mr. lievwoou himself, who
moved the resolution to address her MAJEsfY to
give directions that the Crystal Palace be preserved
till the lit of May next. Mr. Hrvwoou saw no
objection to converting pert of the Crystal Palace
into a riding house. Ile also spoke of intersecting
it with streets." The exact meaning of the latter
proposal we frankly admit our inability to discover.
Iti it however, we protest against any plan for
frittering away the effect of the building by sub-
division, and still more against any project for
making it smell of the stable.
It is our anxiety to have the building preserved
that makes us anxious to see some measure adopted
for devising a practical definite plan of turning the
building to account. It will never do to make a
mere overgrown bazaar or a London Palais Royal of it.
Even those who suggest its conversion into a winter
wden, certainly the most feasible project that has
been started, are crude and vague in their proposals.
It is requisite that they explain distinctly what kind
of winter garden they would have, and how it is to
be arranged and laid out.
The commissioners, with their illustrious head,
may naturally be expected to cherish a desire fur
the perpetuation of the structure. Let them, as soon
as their other duties will permit, resolve themselves
into a committee to prepare plans for the permanent
up-fitting of the building. Let them associate with
them iu this task any persons in whose judgment
and taste they have confidence. For, unless some
step of this kind is taken the, Ist of May will come
and puss, and find us, as now, without plans,sections,
and estimates; and until ail three are prepared, and
ready to be submitted to parliament or the public,
the preservation of the Crystal Palace is merely a
vague though pleasing dream.
For the purposes of a winter garden, the nave and
transept, including the innermost galleries, are
amply sufficient. It is in them that the ov/het/col
power and charm of the structure is felt. When the
rich and rare articles which now occupy them are re-
moved
something will be respired to supply their
place. And what so appropriate to the site and
character of the building for this purpose as graceful
and varied specimens of the beauty of vegetation—
such plants, in short, as can bear the permanently
higher and more equable temperature of a glass-
house, yet do not require the moist and sultry tem-
perature of the greenhouse ?
The lees elevated parts of the building on either
side of the central nave and transept would thus be

think themselves justified in delaying the perform-
ance of their undertaking to pull it down, unless
there should be a very general expression of public
opinion to that effect. Sir It. highs contended that
the pledge given to the country for the speedy demo-
lition of the edifice was of too solemn a character to
be violated. Mr. Ewart understood the pledge in
the light of a contract between two parties—namely,
the commissioners and the public, which might,
therefore, be rescinded at the will of the grantee.
Mr. Macgregor and Col. Thompson next supported
the motion for an address ; whilst, on the other
hand, Mr. ooulburn insisted on the duty of keeping
unbroken faith with the public. lie apprehended
great danger from any precedent to encroachment on
those most valuable public properties, the metropo-
litan parks. The ntion was opposed, for similar
reasons, by Mr. Ilankes and 1 ord Seymour. Mr.
Waklev, Mr. Villiers, and Mr. Coach supported it.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, recommending
the house to proceed cautiously, stated the extent
of the liabilities which the maintenance of the
Crystal Palace might involve. On the part of the
government he professed to offer no opinion on the
subject, leaving the determination of the question
entirely with the public. On a division the motion
was carried by a majority of 78 to 47.
On Thursday night the subject was again brought
before the house. In answer to a question from Mr.
B. Osborne with respect to the retention of the
Crystal Palace, and whether the Chancellor of the
Exchequer had stated that in ease of such retention
the House must be prepared to vote a sum of money
from the public purse, Sir C. Wood said that by an
engagement between the Commissioners and the con-
tructoni, the Commissioners were bound to pay an
additional sum to the contractors if they did not give
notice before the Ist of September that the palace
was to be taken down. fhe Commissioners had
a considerable surplus in hand, but if the public
were to have it kept up the public would be subject
to the responsibility of retaining, as well as main-
taining, the building. The sum for which they were
entitled to become the owners in perpetuity of the
building was 70,000/. Whether the commissioners
were at liberty to apply any portion of their earplug,

left free to be applied to edict purposes. We know
that it is the opinion ad artists quelified to judge,
that a part of this space—say that which is now
a110tt,..4 to the exhibition of machinery in motion—
is well adapted to the purposes of an exhibition of
works of art. Botanical and horticultural societies
would probably find the remainder suited to the
I prosecution of experiments in their pursuits. Other
I branches of natural science might find it eligible to
occupy a portion of the building. If these conjec- '
tures are well-founded, the lower and exterior
parts of the structure might he occupied by artisti-
cal and scientific re-unions, while the lofty central
parts were converted into an ornamental place of
public resort, harmonising in appearance and effect
with the objects of apartments thus employed. Tho
central temple of the genius of gardening would have
its encircling chapels occupied by the devotees of
science, as the central nave and transept of a Gothic
cathedral have their appendant cells and chapels.
If our academies of art and scientific societies are,
as some recommend, to be left dependent on their
lown resources, a reut might be taken from such of
them as occupied part of the building. If the state
I is to contribute towards the support of the more im-
portant of these institutions, accommodation might
be provided for them at the public expense.
These suggestions arc thrown out rather to raise
discussion, than with a view to urge their adoption.
It is high time, however, that some definite plan were
presented to the public ; and it is to be hoped that
I the ultimate destination of the Crystal Palace, if it
listo be preserved, will be worthy of it. It would
! be desecration to convert it into a tawdry bazaar or
an enormous covered tea-garden. As a resort of
' artists and the cultivators of natural science, as a
magnificent specimen of what a winter garden might
be made, it would help to refine and elevate the tone
of society. The a.stlictical education of the people
requires to be cared for quite as much as their mural
and intellectual education. In this respect we are
fir behind most nations. The influence of Italian
art may be traced even amongst the poorest classes,
because it is an indigenous art. Our English art—
especially what of it is connected with public edifices
—is borrowed front other countries; it is dead and
incapable of forming the public taste. 'rite Crystal
Palace is essentially English and original; it may
be made to Five a fresh impetus and a greater
vitality to art in this country.

TIIE FETES AT PARIS.

HOSPITALITIES OF THE CITY OF PARIS

TO 'TIE CITY OF LONDON.
Yesterday (Friday) morning the hundreds of
persons distinguished for mak, social position,
or eminence to science and art, who had re
ceived the hospitub'e invitation of the Prefect
of the Seine to take part in the magnificent
festivities imparts' in Paris to celebrate the Great
and Exhibition year, in Ours for the hospitalities
of the Lord Mayor started from London
It will be remembe Ake 22th of July last
invitations were issued . . parindi ooze de la Mor-
naix, Commissary-General on the Issirt of France at the
Great Exhibition to the royal commissioners, and
other prominent personages connected with the Crystal
Palace, and including the entire list of jurors, to par •
take of a series of ;tea to be prepared for them by
the Paris municipality, iu return for the welcome
which our Lord Mayor had so handsomely provideil
to our French visitors, and in furtherance of the
great principle of international amity and peace. Up-
wards of 1,000 invitations were issued, which it was I
subsequently found were divided into classes, the
most distinguished visitors receiving passes in addi-
tion, which secured to the recipient free transit from
London to Paris and back, an accommoda-
tion which we need hardly add was only
to be obtained by considerable liberality on
the part of the City of Paris. M. Sallandroure
to whom was entrusted the delicate task of selecting
the most favoured classes, would scent to have per-
formed it in a most judicious and unexceptionable
manner, judging by the list of the company so invited.
The second class, more numerous, had little tocomplain
of, as, with the exception of transit, all the other
accommodations were thrown open to them—the
ball, the concert, the waterworks at Versailles, with
other amusements were not particularly indicated, but
perhaps reserved for an agreeable surprise. The
following is the programme :
On Saturday, August 2, a grand dinner to 500
visitors at the Hotel de Ville, to be followed by a
concert, to which all the visitors will be invited, and
at which the celebrated orchestra of the Conserva-
toire will exhibit its remarkable talent.

On Sunday, August 3, the National Museum and
Palace of Versailles will be opened to the visitors,
and the celebrated waterworks and fountains will be
in full activity.
On Monday, August 4, the President of the Re-
public will give a grand free at the Palace of St,
Cloud.
On Tuesday, August 5, there will be a grand ball
at the Rotel de Ville, for which it is said b,OOO invi-
tations will be issued.

On Wednesday, August 6, there will be a review
and sham light in the Champ-de-Mars, and in the
evening a grand representation at the Opera.
The crowd began to gather on the platform as
early as eight o'clock. Our foreign friends, determined
to be in time, might then be seen dropping in in
small groups, many of them fitted with a small light
knapsack, which formed a curious contrast to the
heavy mails of their English fellow-travellers. At
half-past eight the stage was almost impassable, and
presented a strange medley of costume and physiog-
nomy. An old friend, ldcy Sing, arrived about that
time in full costume' and bore the driving, pushing,
and struggling with true eastern nonchalance. The
expectant passengers began to look up their creden-
tials with results pleasant to some, and exceedingly
disagreeable to others. Some had passes and no
tickets, others tickets and no passes, and a general
rush to the grating was the consequence, with a
confusion of tongues to which Babel itself was uni-
formity. About this time the civic uotabili-
, ties, with the Lord Mayor at their head,
arrived, and his lordship was conducted to his
carriage by Mr. Macgregor, the chairman
of the company.

130L-LOGNE, FRIDAY ArTERNooX.

At 8 o'clock this morning the London-bridge sta-
tion was occupied by a :am: number of the guests,
and the crowd increased every minute. By half-
past 8 o'clock the platform was crowded by aldermen,
sheriffs, deputies. and corporation dignitaries, mixed
up with M.P.'s, mavens, royal commissioners, Arne-
means, and other foreigners. For a time all went
smoothly pleasant,—chatty groups were formed, and
friends discussed the prospects of the day. It soon,
however, became evident that something more
than usual was engaging the attention of the
porters and railway officials. The crowd thickened,
and as visitors looked around and recognised ac-
quaintance after acquaintance, suspicion arose that
1 London was on the move, and that the Saturday's
fashionable swarm at the Crystal Palace was en
route for Paris. A rush was made at the barriers,
and a close column of porters' trucks formed before it,
like ► train of artillery, while on either side a for-
lorn hope made desperate efforts to get through the
gaps, which were sternly guarded by picked members
of the railway staff and police. Some dignitaries
had left their blue-bordered tickets behind; others
found that their tickets of invitation to ball and con-
cert did not pass wives and daughters through
the railway barriers. Anxious consultations were
held. detachments were sent to the pay places
to secure wlwtever tickets could be got, and
the company reaped a rich harvest from the
assembled multitude. Ladies got through the bar-
riers as they best could, and occupied seats. Slowly
aad gradually the majority of the attendant crowd
oozed through the narrow strait; but now new diffi-
culties were to be encountered. Parties of two
or three wished to go together, and anxiously
looked about for convenient places. From car-

FOLKsTONE,

where we found a large pa rip assembled to
witness the proceedings. In the harbour great ex-
citement prevailed, and the shipping were dressed
with all their colours, presenting a very gay appeal.-
lime. In about ten minutes the train got to the har-
bour, and the sea was seen as smooth as a mill-
pond.

Air to carriage they peered about, daintily re- then gave the health of the sousyrefft, who eongra-
jeeting tho odd seats, and hoping for better luck • tatted all upon the happy occasion tor which they
further on. Soon it became apparent that even odd had met, and assured them it was to him a most
seats were seance; husbands vainly searched for happy moment when he had the honour of receiving
wives and daughters—ladies wandered about, look-. such distinguished guests. Mr. pash], in a few
ing for their partners. Groups were formed round , words " The union t„ two nstlons
carriage-doors, discussing claims which were put in --(three times three)—which was followed by Mr.
for seats that had been retained, or for corn- Macgregor, chairman of the South Eastern Com-
wtments taken; and plaintive voices urged )xtny giving the health of their chairman, Mr. St.
how hard it was to separate husband and Paul, and " May we often pay hint such agreeable
wife. American ladies asserted their claims us only ; visits." (Three times three, and one cheer more.) The
American ladies can to the "cars," of which they !Lord Mayor then proposed the health of M. Fon-
had assumed the temporary ownership, and, tare, Mayor of Boulogne, who spoke very impres-
strenuously assailed ns cowardly and ungentkmanty 'Lively in rely, assuring them of the pleasure he and
any attempt to occupy the vacant seats. The foreign all around him felt at receiving them in Boulogne,
visitors wandered about, hopelessly resigned to their I and particularly on this occasion, when France,
fate, almost in despair of ever getting through. through her authorities in Paris, was expressing her
What became of the luggage is not known ; but feelings at the manner her manutketurers and agents
strong
.hopes are entertained that it will all be found had been received in London.
at Pans. The hut bell rang, the guards became It was now time for starting for Paris. One con-
importunate to close the doors, and the storm of the' voy of twenty carriages was prepared, and soon tilled.
barriers was renewed. Mr. Paxton made his way i They had scarcely departed, when another steamer
through with beaming face, and, it is to be pre- arrived from Followone, which poured its freight into
Bunted, as the hero of the day, obtained a seat; but the terminus, who soon occupied the places left %n-
-it was reported that a strong detachment of the cur- cant by their predecessors, and were regaled far be-
poration of the city of London was left behind. yond their expectations. Between six and seven
Several stout gentlemen were seen standing guard ' hundred were thus received on three steamers, and
over bags swollen with scarlet robes and uniforms, forwarded, all seeming highly delighted with their
and eases with cocked hats and deputy-lieutenants reception. The day was most auspicious.
swords. The Lord Mayor's fat footmen were in the
rear, whether in charge of the state coach is not
known. The superintendent with great difficulty
got the doors of the carriages closed, though ladies
made stern efforts to signal their absent lords
and set their protest against divorce and separate
maintenance. By the kindness of the authorities we
got packed in a carriage after some fruitless efforts,
but the great mass were not sofintunate, and we saw
as we left a large assemblage awaiting the next train.
The railway authorities did the best they could under
the circumstances, and provided a monster train for
the Royal Commissioners and their friends, but so
profuse has been the hospitality of the French go•
remittent and City of Paris municipality, that no
single train could convey the assembled multitude.
By great exertions, at enormous number was carried
off by the first train, and we pasiwil on the line nu-
merous strings of empty carriages, drafted by tele-
graph from all parts to the scene of action, so that
all will be got off this morning, and it is intimated
a Reet of steamers has been assembled at Folk-
stone. The weather was brilliant in the morning,
and gave good augury of a happy commencement to
the festivities. The train started punctually at nine,
and in forty minutes got to the Reigate junction,
and made a halt for water. here some hapless vi-
sitors were assembled, in hopes to catch the train
to rotate, but such good fortune as a vacant seat in
the closely packed train was hopeless. By a very
good urningement, with the view to save trouble,
the "blue bordered" or privileged passes, and the
purchased tickets were all made through to Paris.
Besides Reigate, a stoppage was only. made at
Tunbridge, and at 20 minutes past 11 the train
got in to

TILE WEEK AT TILE GLASS PALACE.

MONDAY,

The eclipse, which on Monday east a shadow over
PO large a portion of the world, had no influence in dimming
the glories of the Crystal Palace. The applications for
admission between 10 awl 12 o'clock were more numerous •
than on any day since the opening, and would no doubt
have continued so, but for the showers that then set in,
and continued during the remainder of the day. The
principal influx was, as on former great days, from the
agricultural districts, with the exception of a numerous
body of workmen from the Reading Iron-works, who came
up in capital style, with band playing and colours flying.
This body marched in procession all the wr.y down the side
of the building, and entered at the Nod end, their band
playing a merry tune all the way, and with much better
effect than is usual on such occasions. There was alms a good
muster ofsehoole, and, as well as we could judge, a tolerable
sprinkling of London operatives rind their families. The
foreigners were not quite so numerous as usual. The pre-
cious metals department has been enriched by some very
beautiful contributions from Edinburgh, the work of
Messrs. Wighton and Son, goldsmiths in that ancient
city. They consist of a Hight-end dirk, with a richly carved
ivory handle, a large cairngorm at top, and a silver scab-
bard, pierced and engraved in the most approved
fashion, and with accommodation for the more peaceful
knife and fork. The deer and national thistle on the
handle are well executed, and have a very good effect.
The other contributions are a silver " Waverley" anntf-
box, with a view of Abbotsford on the lid, and a letter-
presser in the form of a stag, of excellent design and work-
manship. These articles are placed iu company with a large
collection of Scotch contributions, amongst which the large
" mull," composed of rams' heads, silver-mounted, and
studded with cairngorms, attract a very considerable
amount of public curiosity.
In the Its court the beautiful vase, a genuine Cellini,
the arrival of which we have already mentioned, attracts
a constant circle of admirers. It is placed in a large
salver by the same master, and both are chased all
over with small figures, but so beautifully executed that
each is in itself a study. Both articles are gilt, and are ex-
hibited by an amateur promoter of the Exhibition. The
heat was very great throughout the day and was much com-
plained of. We are glad to perceive that the sub-
ject started by ourselves some time since, that of a
redaction of price in the early part of the week, is now be-
ginning to be ventilated in influential quarters. More than
one of our contemporaries has taken it up as a new dis-
covery, and urge an immediate reduction on the executive
committee. They say that the gross receipts will at the present
rate soon reach halt' a million, and that half that sum will
be amply sufficient to discharge all obligations, even to the
retention of the building as a winter garden. has it ever
struck these gentlemen, while pureling themselves as to
what is to be done with the surplus, that the value
of the goods deposited by the various exhibitors in
the Crystal Palace is estimated at the enormous total of
fifty millions sterling, and that the interest on that sum for
six months, at 5 per cent., would be 2,500,000/. ? Now, if
there should be any considerable surplus to divide, might
it not Ise appropriated in providing some sort of recompense
for the individuals who have so lencrouely consented to
shut up fur so long a period a very large amount of their
trade capital ? They have brought all the money, and are
certainly entitled to something more than a bronze medal
for the it pains. It may be urged that many have largely
extended their trade, by the publicity which the Exhibition
has given to their several specialties. So they have ; but
there are hundreds of isolated exhibitors who have exer-
cised their taste and isgenuity, and spent their mon. y, in
constructing curiosities solely for the Exhibition, and as
these do not come within say of the trailing categories
they receive no benefit from the publicity. They have,
however, contributed much to the attractiveness of the
Exhibition, and it would be a graceful disposition of some
portion of the surplus to purchase their articles, or other-
wise give their constructor some substantial reward. The
police numbers were 67,170.
Cash account, July 28.
Season tickets
At the doors 3,194 13 0

Total receipts
TVE,,DAY.

The undeviating good fortune which has hitherto
attended everything connected with the Crystal Palace
was Tuesday interrupted by two rather serious accidents
that happened in different parts of the building. On enter-
ing the British nave in the morning, Thomas's large fowl.
tain was seen to bo in ruin., the group of Acis and Galatea,
at the top, having tumbled down, and crushed in their fall
two or three of the syrens who had been so faithfully supply-
ing them with water. No explanation of the downfall of
the lovers could be given, except the conjecture that their
old enemy Polyphemus had come during the night, and
cast them from their high estate. The other accident
happened in the media:vat court, in which the habitue:
might have observed a row of five or six silver candelabra
suspended from a gilt cornice, and filled with candles, after
I the manner of Roman catholic and Puseyite churches. On
Tuesday morning, the rope which supported the cur-
, nice suddenly gave way, the silver lamps tumbled
down, and were much damaged by the fall, and
the candles were strewed all over the court. The
• damage has been estimated at some hundreds of pounds,
and tha court is temporarily closed during repairs. The
company waxed more numerous than on the preceding day,
and cumprisad excursionists, and organised parties from
almost every part of the I:nited Kingdom. Among others
were a party from Wantage, beaded by their clergyman;
159 men from the extensive paper-hanging establishment of
! Messrs. Woollams, Marylebone ; a party of 25 from Pres-
ton ; one of 25 labourers sent up from Cherries by
Lord William Russell; the boys of she ltichmand Sunday
school; the children (1.50) of St. Rotolph's 'school, and a
party of 110 from the Refuge for the Destitute, these poor
outcasts having found friends to enable them to perticipate
in the great jubilee of progress. Although the thermo-
meter stood at 00 degrees, the heat was by no means
oppressive. The sappers were busy in several parts of the
building opening air passages, and the fruits of their
! labours were perceptible in the many gentle currents that
refreshed the crowd as they passed slowly along
from one section to another. The various Freuch
courts are now daily becoming the most crowded 1,. time
'of the building. The attendants at the different stalls are
rapidly learning English, and their national pole, area in-
due .s them to take all possible pains in enlightening the
visitors on the subject of their beautiful and costly goods.
The designs of the various cups, vases, &c., being mostly
mythological makes the task sometimes rather difficult, as
the provincial mind is not, as a general rule, over saturated
with Lempriere, and even if it were, the French pronunci-
ation of the names would still be a difficulty. But the
effort being cheerfully made is gratefully accepted, and
daily increase. th. popularity of tho department. The

latest addition to this department made its appearance on
Tuesday morning, and is in our opinion one of the most beau..
tiful specimens of high Parisian art that has vet been sent
over. It is an exquisite •• •• ata r• • • - ^^a th+
rrt: and the Swan, Leda !Aug eighteen inches high carved
u' seta:,, The subject is the well-kuown one of
s.,
in solid ivory, and the Swan in oxydiscd silver. The sculp-
°
tore of the female figure is perfect, the beautiful head,
with its coronal of water lilies, and the fine proportions of
the figure being rendered with all the truth and de-
licacy of full size marble. The drapery is of
hammered gold, and the snake armlets and
I necklace are of fine turquois. The groat, is the
work of the celebrated Prather, who presented it to the
Paris Association for the Relief of Distressed Artists, to
form a lottery prize. The fortunate winner has sent it
over to the Exhibition, in the hope that some wealthy Eng-
lish connoisseur may think it worth the price fixed on it,
namely, 2.1,000 francs. Until that fortunate event shall
happen, we advise all visitor+ to the Exhibition to make
their way to the stand of M. Froment Meurice, in which
this very beautiful group now holds a prominent position.
The same firm exhibited on Tuesday, also for the first time,
some splendid seller plate in the Lamb Quince style, which
has been made to the order of Baron Rothschild. Those
who admire this very florid style of art, will see much to
please them in the candelabra, wine-coolers, t&c., of this
service, and they will have an opportunity of contrasting
them with sonic line Renaissance plate, which stands close
at hand. The latter is always worth examining, when it
comes from a first-rate atelier, because the Renaissance is
the favourite style of the artistic goldsmith, and his work is
a labour of love, while its mon:" ornate succes-
sor is only toed in compliance with the demands of
fashion and had taste. In following the catty transi-
tion front French to English goldsmiths work,
we are reminded of a very simple brooch, which is exhibited
in the smallest of caws in the precious metals gallery. It
lays no claim to elaborate workmauship, but it has the
English feature of utility in high perfeetiou. The peculiar-
ity of the. little article, which is the registered iuvention of
Mr. 'Thacker. of Exeter, lies in a spring at the back of the
tongue which t•tfeetually secures the brooch, and renders it
invulnerable at once to the carelessness s.f the wearer or the
designs of the light-lingered gentry. The immense num-
ber of brooches that lie scattered among the waifs and strays
of the police station would seem to indicate that something
id the kind Ives become an indispensable companion to the
Exhibition, and the simplicity and perfect efficieuey of the
article in question recommend it strongly to the situation.
The ladies had better look to their finery, as the light-fin-
gered gentry are beginning to lay very complicated and in-
genions plans for their spoliation. A lady was very recently
relieved of U. ins. iu the Austrian court in the follow-
ing clever manner: She wets followed for some time
by a reverend looking gentleman in green spectacles
with a lady hanging on each arm. As soon as the
victim al proachtal tut object of more than common in-
terest, the " ladies " behind rushed up iu sympathetic
curiosity, and pressed her closely un each side, while their
reverond friend rifled her pockets. The lady, through dread
of marital censure, did not mention the loss fur a slay or
two, but now the police are in possension of the facts, and
are on the look cut for the spectacled gentleman and his
female accomplices. The only person of distinction whom wo
noticed on Timsday among the visitors was the Queen of the
Clipteics, who came attired in full rommany costume, and
having paid her shilling in a very off-hand manner, walked
through the palae, with an easy noncludanee which must
have been the fruits of long training in the " grated man-
ner." The total number of admission+ was-68,49n.

Cash account, July 29,
Season tickets £6 6 0
At the doors

Total receipts.. £3,287 16 0

WEDNESDAY.

The attendance at the Crystal Palace on Wednes-
day fell considerably short of that of the previous day, the
fluctuations of the weather having deterred some, and the
attractions of Goodwood races, led away others. There was
still, however, a very goad muster, some fifty or sixty
thousand, au enormous assemblage anywhere else, although
only a low average day's work at the Great Exhibition.
the schools were in great force, anti there were some very
large parties from the agricultural districts, among which
we may class at company of upwards of 1,000 from Chelms-
ford, where, it will he remembered that, NOM: years since,
the great protectionist festival was held in honour of tho
simultaneous return of eight pro corn law members for
the county. Any one who recollects the melancholy
predictions of ruin then uttered in case the corn law
should be repealed, must have rejoiced on Wednesday to
see their utter falsification in the happy, well-fed look of
this large detachment from one of the most exclusively agri-
cultural districts in England. They were marshalled in
companies, the leaders bearing long wands with red
streamers at the top, which might be seen fluttering above
the heads of the crowd in every corner of the building.
Among the schools were the boys of that excellent institu_
Con the Commercial Travellers' School, 112 in number ;
St. Martin's-in the-Fields, 285 ; Newmarket, 5i ; Walton-
on-Thames, 20 ; and several others the names of which we
could not learn, entering as they did at various doors and
at different periods of the day. A group of visitors that
excited much notice were the well-known bathing women
of Brighton, in their characteristic marine costume, at-
tended by some faithful squires in the shape of fishermen
front the same briny locality. The enumeration of them
repres,ntatives of various classes who in turn visit the Ex-
hibition will, when all is over anti the lists are classified,
prove a very interesting record, us showing the uuiver-
sality of the interest created. There were none of the stands
which had more visitors than those in the Swiss section,
which, since they have been enriched with the horologic:al
wonders of Geneva, have become one of the lions of the
palace. The little watch in the pearl case was wonder-
fully admired, and a new article recently placed there
was an object of surpassing attraction. It consists of a little
stand of goldsmith's work beautifully enamelled, from the
centre of which rises a tiny golden pillar. In the capital is
a lid, which opens on a spring being touched, and up jutnpe
a bird no bigger than a pea, which flutters its wings and
chirps audibly for a couple of minutes. The gentleman who
superintendi the department had his politeness severely
tested by the importunities of the ladies to have exhibited
to them the wonderful powers of this smallest of choristers.
The police returns give as the total of admissions, 58,382.
Cash account, July 30.
Season tickets
At the doom 2,835 6 0

Total rectipts

THURSDAY,

The attendance at the Crystal Palace rant this day
was rather below the average, if we refer only to the police
returns; but any one, to look at the interior at about two
o'clock, would fancy it one of the fullest day's attendance
of the season. Ihe falling ulna mainly among the country
visitors, and indicates the near approach of reaping time.
The heavy trains from the north will soon begin to move,
and then it is supposed that the numbers will be higher
than ever. The schools, also, arc beginning to fall off,
there having been but two or three 'llurstbay. This decrease
is referable to another reason, the exhaustion of the Malsuns-
me.r holidays, which occur very generally somewhere about
this time. The daily addition of new goods may now be con-
sidered as almost at an end. Time has gradually worked
up all the most distant consignments, and every stand is
as full as spare or the means of the contributors will per-
mit. The great exception is the French department, where
the exhibitors secured plenty of room in the first instance,
and now avail themselves of the contiguity of their etwitiq
to mend over for some choice specimens for every niche they
may see vacant. Some of them have received numerous
orders, but Close who deal in the most precious articles
complain that their exquisite workmanship is not appreci
They say that the must admirable ehasiugs and modelling'
are passed by unnotiecd, while everything that has the
recommendation of containing a good deal of gold or silver
is eagerly gazed at and talked about. The Be:giun cloths
are the subject of much observation and discussion. Their
price, which is of course indirectly ascertainable, is asto-
nishingly low, and there seems to be an opinion gaining
ground that they will soon formidably compete with our
Yorkshire manufactures. Already an immense quantity
of them is imported here for reshipment, and. it is feared
by the timid, that the Exhibition will be the means of