The Express.
London, England, 1867-07-19 00:00:00

[sTAMPW, It, ADDATIOLL.]

These avenues or floral walks—for they were so
thickly bordered with flowers along their whole
length as fully to deserve that title—formed de-
lightful promenades on either aide of the central
space which was appropriated to dancing. The
ceilings hail been coloured pale blue, with panels
of pink styling, and the bays were festooned
with flowers interspersed with coloured lamps.
Deeper within the recesses, beneath the galleries,
the walls were draped in white, with a fluted ena-
melled cloth, while, facing each bay, were placed
enormous mirrors, which reflected every feature of
the scene, and the polished surfaces of which were
enclosed in frames of flowers and lace ; while the
intermediate spaces were occupied by shields and
trophies of arms and armour. The galleries were
very splendidly and appropriately adorned. The
prevailing colours of the groundwork were crimson,
white, and gold, which had been skilfully
and tastefully applied to the generally
rather ugly-looking scantling which formed
the front of these balconies. The trelliswork
on each side had been transformed into a profuse
floral decoration, and, as though the wreaths
attached to the structure were not enough, baskets
filled with artificial fruits and flowers were sus-
pended at frequent intervals by ropes of blossoms.
Along the entrance to each bay was fixed an illu-
minated shield, bearing the arms and device of
some Eropean, Asiatic, or American nationality,
and at the foot of each pillar, hard, grim, and
warlike in appearance, strangely contrasting with
the light, gay, and peaceful aspect of all around,
stood a figure clad in real ancient armour, lent for
the occasion (as were the arms employed in the con-
struction of the various stars, trophies, &A.) by the
commandant of the Tower. The base of each
pillar, below the pedestals upon which stood these
threatening representations of the volunteers of the
middle ages, was surrounded by embankments of
flowers extending right and left to some distance.
At each end of the side avenues were placed
enormous mirrors, giving a perspective of I,soofeet ;
and thus on every side the beauties of the scene
were repeated and exaggerated by countless reflec-
tions. Flowers, transparencies, and arms, waving
banners and glittering scutcheons, palms and ferns
gently swinging in the breeze occasioned by the
movements of the dancers, and sturdy men-at arms
rigid and erect in their coats of complete mail,
these were the materials of an almost infinitely
varied decoration, and all these were blended and com-
bined into &graceful harmony which has rarely before
been witnessed in an English ball-room. The means
employed for lighting the room were as perfect as
any other part of the arrangements, and the jets of
innumerable chandeliers shed a brilliant bat tem-
pered light over the dazzling scene.
About half-past 11 o'clock the dancing was tem-
porarily interrupted by the preparations which were
made for the reception of several members of the
royal fam;ly who were expected. The spectators had
not long to wait before the Duke of Cambridge and
Prince Teck entered the hall by the northern
entrance in Barford-street, and walked round the
dancing floor, upon which a narrow lane had been
marked out, to the places which had been reserved
for them upon the dais. Their royal highnesses,
who were in full uniform, were very warmly re-
ceived by the companies, and graciously acknow-
ledged the acclamations which greeted their arrival
and. the interest which was shown in their progress
through the room. Shortly afterwards a cheer
outside, and the striking up of the National
Anthem, announced the arrival of the Prince of
Wales, and his royal highness who was in the uni-
form of a general, entered the hall, accompanied by
hissister, the PrinoessLonis of liesseand the Prince. I
The reception accorded to their royal highnesses
was still more cordial than that which had been
accorded to their predecessors. They were received
by a deputation from the committee, of which Sir
T. F. Buxton and Colonel Lindsay were prominent
members, and were by them escorted to the dais.
As soon as they ascended the stairs, the spectators
burst into a loud cheer, which their royal highnesses
graciously acknowledged. The Princess Louis of
Hesse remained but foe a brief period, and after
sitting a short time upon the dais, left the hall,
accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge. The
Prince of Wales and Prince Teck retained their
positions until about 20 minutes past 12 o'clock,
when they retired to the supper-room. Among those
who had the honour of joining the royal party at
supper were Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe
Weimar, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, the
Duke and Duchess of Manchester, the Marquis of
Clanricarde, the Countess of Spencer, Maria
Marchioness of Ailesbury, Lord Elcho, Sir B.
Phillips and Lady Phillips, M. and Madame Van
de Weyer, &c. Almost immediately afterwards
the general supper rooms were opened, and there
was an immediate rush to the galleries.
After supper dancing was resumed, and was kept
up with great spirit until a late hour in the morning.

THE BELGIANS AND THE WINDSOR. ENTERTAIN-
morn—A communication hu been forwarded to us for
publication of which the following is a translation r---" In
the name of the Gerdes Civique and of the Volunteers of
Belgium, the Colonel Cammander•in•Chief dress the

most respectful homage to her Majesty the Queen of
Great Britain, and takes the liberty of expressing to her
Majesty the deep gratitude of all the Ofikers, Guards,
and Volunteers placed under his orders, for the splendid
hospitality they received at Windsor Castle. Tuesday
lost will for ever remain graven upon the heart of the
Belgium, who are deeply penetrated with admiration for
her Majesty.—Head.Quarters of the Staff, Grosvenor
Hotel, July 17."
THIS BALL TO THE SULTAN AT THE INDIA-OPTIC&
—The general company are requested to arrive at the
India-Wee this evening between 9.30 and 10.30 p.m., so
as to be ready to receive the Sultan. If the ballroom and
the adjoining rooms and corridors are crowded, them will
be found a similar range of eoredors ups:aire, giving a full
view of the ball-room. The Sultan will arrive at 1J.30,
and will be received and oordeeted, with his Royal High.
ness the Prince of Wales and other royal personages, by
the See-etary of State and conacil to the dais at the bpd
of the ball-room. At each end of the dais seats will be re-
served for the diplomatic body and (MO officers of state
with ladies. A *wee will bo kept along the centre o:
the ball room for the passage of those for whom seats are
reserved, until the Sultan and Royal Family shall have
taken their sada. Dancing will then commence. Supper ,
will be served at 11.30 for the Sultan and the members of
the Royal Family, and for their suites, in 100[0s set apart
for that purpose, and for the general company at 12.30 is
other rooms upstairs. The refreshment rooms are on the ,
ground floor, and in the east corrdor upstairs. Carriages
of persons to whom blue or red tickets have bees seat I
will set down at the Par% and Charles-street lWestroinatc-)
entrances respectively. All other cm :bats will approach
by Whitehall, turn into Downing-street, and set down in ;
the court.
A MILITARY FRACAS. —A military scandal of the
most piquant character cropped up at the Ferinoy Petty
Sesaioos on Monday. Major Wombwell, of the 12th Lancers,
had a difference with Captain Richard Morgan a few days I
ago about a sum of 30a. We have two versions for this
quarrel, which, we may remark, affords a most instruet've
insight into the manners and habits of military men. The
major had promised to subscribe 30e. to the Kilworth
races, in which Captain Morgan was interested, but had for-
gotten to pay. On the let July, Captain Morgan, meeting
MajorWorob well in Sheriff's Hotel, Fermoy, reminded hire of
is promise,hintingdelicately that it had not been performed.
The major at once borrowed Mae money to discharge the
debt of honour, but accompanied the proffer of liquidation
hymens remarks at which the choleric captain took fire, and
made use of some very forcible language. The major acted
with great calmness and prndeuce. He refused to see the
insult until it was made perfectly unequivocal, end then
be threatened to send for his regiment. The captain
treated the threat with contempt, and offered to fight the
whole of the Fernley garrison, but his friend and relative,
Lord Kilworth, thought of opposing the military by calling
on the police. The captain me& several Dilutions to a
voyage to France, which, fortunately, were not understood
by Major Wombwell. After hearing the evidence for the
prosecution, the magistrates committed Ceptain Morgan
for a breach of the peace, accepting bail. —Cork Exami,ser.
THE ASTLCIE TOR IDIOTS. —We observe with
pleasure that the oommiseioners of the Paris Exposition
have awarded a bronze medal to this institution, for the
ankles made by the inmates of Rockwood, and exhibited
in ekes 91.
CRYSTAL PALace. ONa SHILLING BAY.—
TM/EWA; JULY 18.—Admieeiese OD payment, 3,877 ;
ditto by mesa disks* 1,801; total visitors, 5,078.