The Express.
London, England, 1868-06-18 00:00:00

lIDOOND DAY.

Again yesterday the most genial summer
weril shed its brightness over the festival pro-
=adiated • . A• at Friday's public rehearsal, sad at
r performance, first performan the second day was
also • by that brilliant sunshine which
can even to the greatest of attractions in other
rilvis programme of yesterday consisted of a
misciellansons selection from sacred and secular
work, by Handel, in aocordanoe with the custom
at the pest festivals held at the Crystal Palace,
origimating with that of 1859. While the first and
last days are appropriately devoted, each to a
compete oratorio—his two greatest works of that
due the Messiah and farad its Egypt}—it is a
willniadged scheme to construct the intermediate
Is programme from many and various sources,
w shall show Handel 's universality to an
t not generally known.
. rtly before the appointed hour of own-
menDernent, Mr. Costa took his place at the con-
duce:Ws desk, with that punctuality which is one
of his many distinguishmg merits, and at 2 pre-
#ikt yesterday's performance began with a so
tnoqi.-hons Beal, the fourth in the grand series
Of Wanders oratorios, composed in 1738, and first
peribrmed in 1739, the work immediately preceding
/wan is Egtjpt. The pieces given yesterday from
thistoratorio consisted of the opening scene, in
whikh the Israelites celebrate the defeat of Goliah
ad the Philistines ; the noble choral apmtrophe
t4iervy, and the sublime " Dead March," which
recedes the lamentation of David and the Israel-
ites at the deaths of Saul and Jonathan.

-
After this Mr. Bentley sang the fine bass
song, " 0 voi dell' Erebo," from La Resurre-
sione, an oratorio composed by Handel during
his residence at Rome in 1708, before his
viatt to this country. This piece was fol-
lpwed by another extract from Judas, the grace-
f4 but not very powerful air, " Wise men
flattering," in which Mdlle. Nilsson again drew
down loud demonstrations of approval by the sym-
prtic quality of her voice and her refined style.
Mr. Sims Beeves then gave the recitative, " Deeper
aid deeper still," and the following air, " Waft
kir, angels," from Jephtha, Handel's last oratorio,
and the one which occupied him longest in com-
position, for he was then (1761) suffering from
that complaint in the eyes which soon resulted in
toltal blindness. Again yesterday, as on many
former occasions, we had to recognise, in the
recitative, that elevation of style ; earnest and
ithpressive, while subdued pathos, with the
grand climax of frenzy without exaggeration
at the passage ''Tie this that racks my brain,"
and the tender grief tempered by resignation
Bwhich the air was given. Never has this
and piece of musical expression been more finely
given, even by Mr. Beeves himself, or been re-
ceived with more general applause than on this
occasion. The first portion of yesterday's selec-
tion terminated with the chorus (from the little
known oratorio Theodora, composed in 1749) "He
saw the lovely youth," which, it is recorded, was
a special favourite with the composer himself.
The second part of the selection opened with the
overture to the Occasional Oratorio, a work com-
posed in 1743, with the purpose, we are told,
of celebrating the " northern victories " of
the royal troops—an assertion, however, which
there seems to be some reason for doubting.
The chorus from Solomon, " May no rash in-
truder" (the " Nightingale chorus"), with its
calm and soothing expression of repose, was
' &tether instance of admirable choral performance,.
The air, " Lascia ch' io pianga," offered a speci-
men from the work which first established Handers
English fame—the opera of Rinaldo, produced here
in 1711 ; with then extraordinary scenic effects, in-
cluding the live sparrows for Armida's bower,
which called forth the gentle satire of Addison in
the Spectator. This beautiful air, so simple yet
so full of expression of an almost religious cha-
racter, was sung by Mdlle. 'Miens with that good
taste which abstains from all ornament or interpo-
lation where evidently inappropriate, and the effect
producedwas precisely what the composer intended.
Perhaps no one work of Handel's offers in itself
such evidence of the variety and universality of
his powers as his setting of Gay's serenata, Ada
and Galatea (produced in 1721), which comprises
specimens of the most learned and abstruse musical
art, the most graceful and poetical imagmstion,
and intense dramatic feeling. Mr. Santley'a
splendid singing of the recitative and air of
Polyphemus, • I rage," and "0, ruddier than the
cherry," is well known from his frequent concert
performance of the same, and we therefore need
only say that he gave it yesterday with his usual
admirable declamatory power, was greeted with
the usual enthusiastic applause, and the almost
invariable encore. The air, " Where'er you
walk," and chorus, " Now Love, that everlasting
boy," from &mele, were interesting extracts from
a work but little known to the public. This piece,
entitled a serenata, " after the manner of an ora-
torio," was composed in 1743, and produced at
Covent-garden Theatre in Lent, 1744. The air is
a love song addressed by Jupiter to Semele, and
the chorus is supposed to be sung by attendant
Loves and Zephyrs. Mr. Cummings gave the solo
with much power and emphasis, and gained con-
siderable applause at the end. The chorus exhi-
bits that close alternation of tonic and subdomi-
nant harmonies so often found in the music of
Beethoven, and so powerful in effect when wielded
by such masters. The duet from Judas, " 0 lovely
peace," a strain of pure and holy calm, charm-
ingly sung by Mdlle. Nilsson and Madame
Samton-Dolby, was followed by one of those
ad eaptandum pieces with which Handel occasion-
ally tickled the ears of a contemporary public
that could scarcely have been capable of appre-
ciating his highest merits. The song " Sweet
bird," from L'Allegro (a setting of passages from
Milton's poem (produced in 1740), is one of those
meretricious pieces addressed, like many of the
quibbles of Shakespeare, to the " ears of the
groundlings." The trilling,* of voioe and accom-
panying obbligato flute, offer a series of imitative
realisms altogether unworthy of the composer.
These feats, vocal and instrumental, were per-
formed with much refinement of execution by
Madame Lemmens-Sherrington and Mr. Radcliffe.
_ _

From Handel's settingof lirryden's ode, A lesorukr's
Feast, the chorus, " The many rend the skies" was
selected—a piece, the first movement of which,
like the apostrophe to Envy already alluded to,
is constructed on a " ground bass," offering another
example of the oomposer's mastery over musical
science, and his power to combine it with the free-
dom and fancy of imaginative thought. The alle-
gro movement, with the responsive phrases, " Bo
Love was crowned," "But Music won the cause,"
for the different divisions of the choir, offered one
of the many proofs that were given of the readi-
ness and precision of the chorus, and the power
and energy of the conductor. With this the second
portion of the selection terminated about ten
minutes after four. The performance was resumed
shortly before five by the fine double chorus,
" Immortal Lord," from Deborah, the second in
the list of Handel's oratorios, and the first produced
by him specially for public performance in
England (Esther having been written for the
princely Duke of Chandos forperformanee at his resi-
dence at Cannons). After this chorus Sine.
Titiens gave " Pious Orgies," One-of the ettracte
from Judas which were dispersed in yesterday's
programme.
The trio (solo singers Mdllee. Titiens and Carols,
and Madame Sainton-Dolby) and chorus (from
Joshua), " See the conquering hero," formed a
worthy and impressive climax to the second day's

co, which did not terminate until a
feewriorn minutes past six. The bold, simple, yet
touchingly beautiful melody of this final piece,
first heard in the pure tones of three solo voioee,
bright yet sympathetic, and harmonising well
together ; and then,with the utmostpower of con-
trast, in a grand outburst of the united forces of
chorus, orchestra, and organ, offered one of those
special soul-thrilling effects which can only be
heard at a Crystal Palace Festival, and, once
heard, can never be forgotten.
The royal boxes were occupied by the Duke of
Sutherland and ppaarr , Berl Granville, Barone.'
Meyer de Rothschild, &c.
The third and final performance, to-morrow,
will offer spooled opportunities for the display of
the splendid chorus singing peculiar to these
meetings, the oratorio selected (Israel in Egypt)
consistang chiefly of those grand choral effects in
which Randers great powers are best manifested.

HER Ild/EBTY '8 MINISTERS AT MERCHANT
T.AYLOES' HALL.

Yesterday evening &banquet wee given to her Ma-
jesty'ellinisters by the Merchant Taylors' Companyintheir
great hall in Threadneedle-street, the invitations including
a considerable number of representatives of the supporters
of the government in bolielessimmant. parliament. Amongst
those present were Mr. Disraeli, the Duke of Marl-
borough, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Duke of
Buckingham, Sir S. Northcote, Lord John Manners, the
Marquis of Aberoorn, Lord Cairns, the Earl of Waimea-
buiy; Mr. Gathorne Hardy, Sir J. Pakington, the Duke of
Richmond, Earl Mayo, Mr. Adderley, M.P., &c., &c.
Mr. Dimuzir, who was received with loud and pro-
tracted cheers, spoke as follows :—Nothing can be
more gratifying to her Majesty's ministers than that their
names should be received with cordial kindness among any
body of their fellow countrymen. But under this roof
that gratification /greatly increemsd, and is indeed peculiar,
because they cannot forget that at various intervals in this
hall the constitutional party have assembled, some times
at moments of adversity, sometimes in the hour of
triumph, but always in vindication of those principles on
which they believe are founded the greatness of this
country and the happiness of its people. (Cheers.) It is
a year ago since I bad in this hall the happiness of re-
turning thanks for the House of Commons. That house
was then engaged in one of the most ardnoue tasks
undertaken in our generation—the task of reconstructing
on a large scale and on a broad basis the representative
system of the Unit;Kagiislom. Another year has elapsed,
and we are still in that labour, but lam glad to
say that the task whi has for two years occupied the atten-
tion of the parliament of England is now about to be com-
pleted to the general satisfaction of men of rational and
temperate opinions, and I cannot but believe that when the
heat of party contests has passed away it will be felt
that in the great settlement which has been effected we
have been successful in our efforts to reconcile the tradi-
tions of an ancient country with the requirements of
modern times. (Cheers.) But what is most strange and
singular in this eventful history is that at the moment
when there is about to be established a conservative body
which will represent all classes, all interests, and all
opinions in the United Kingdom, even more fully and
more completely than was ever anticipated by those who
were most favourable to this change, the constituent body
founded upon these enlarged sympathies and interests will
be called upon as their first duty to decide whether they
will sustain or whether they will subvert the constitution
of their country. (Hear.) I confess that I cannot help
recognising the hand of Providence in this awful dispen-
sation ' • and when I remember the circumstances under
which this change in our political system was first con-
ceived, and remember the state of the political world
when this conclusion was about to be arrived at, I cannot
believe that it is a mere matter of chance that the nation
is now about to be called upon to decide whether it will
destroy or uphold the venerable constitution of the country.
(Cheers.) My lords and gentlemen, the constitution of
England is not a paper constitution. (Hear, hear, and
cheers.) It is an aggregate of institutions, many
of them founded mainly upon prescription, some of
them fortified by muniments; but all of them fruits
of the experience of an ancient and illustrious people ;
and the consequence of this peculiar constitu-
tion has been, that society has . always been more
powerful than the state, and in moments of diffi-
culty and danger has rallied round the two great
blessings of order and liberty. Among these institu-
tions not the least conspicuous is the church. (Cheers.)
It would be impertinent in me to enter at this moment
into • description of the manifest and manifold advantages
of the connection between church and state. But there
are two general consequences of that union, which ought
to be kept before the mind and conscience of the people
of this country, The first is, that to that union we are
indebted for this great result—that the credence of au-
thority in England has been connected with the principle
of religion— theers)—a union which even in rude times
has prevented many evils in society, and which in happier
times has purified and elevated our social system. That
union has, however, in connection with the supremacy of
the soverei been a great source of happiness to this
country. Notgn, only do we owe to the supremacy of the sove-
reign the blessing of religious liberty, but that supremacy
has also been one of the greatest guarantees of our civil
rights. It does certainly appear a most singular thing
that the constitution in church and state should be ma-
punned and assailed, when it has produced the two great
results which I have indicated. (" Hear, hear," and
cheers.) The chairman has alluded to the suddenness of the
attack. That fact is certainly no reason why we should be
indolent, or should deem it impossible to rally the country
to a conviction of its duty. Moreover, it would be an
error to that the continuecF,existaice of the church
of England s a matter which concerns only those mho
belong to her communion. The principles of the Re-
formation would never have been carried out had they
not been connected with a body so distinguished for its
learning and piety and so fortified by its traditions as the
Church of England ; and I will venture to say that if that
church were to fall the protestant cause in England would
receive a wound from which it would probably never
recover. (Hear hear.) But at this moment of
difficulty and danger the people of this country should re-
member, for their consolation, that although this is not the
first time their rights and liberties have been assailed and
threatened, it is the first occasion on which they have
been called upon to take part in their vindication and de-
fence with their present advantages. A large number of
persons have recently been admitted to the full enjoyment
of civil rights, and these rights may be exercised in per-
fect consistency with the principle of the maintenance of
church and state. (Cheers.) The chairman has re-
ferred
to the general administration of the go-
vernment, and to the fact that that administra-
tion has been carried on without war during
the two years that the affairs of the country were chiefly
under the guidance of my illustrious friend- Lord Derby.
(Loud cheers.) I will presume to say that during that
period the affairs of this country have been administered
in a manner of which we need not be ashamed. (Hear,
hear.) When we acceded to office the name of England
was viewed with suspicion and distrust in every foreign
cabinet. There was no possibility of that cordial agree-
ment with any of the great Powers which was the only
security for peace, and in consequence of that want of
cordiality wars were oonstanea occurring. Bat gamins°.
ceded to office all this has been and never was there
Ms=be foreign pewees, ors
eseinal than thereisatpreeent.
Wile we have Mama from bkabarlag and from arrogant
intermeddling and tram selfish belittles, there never was a
government is this erraolay Whisk was more frequently
ensiled to fortis friesdlp oliceethas thetwhich now mists;
and I have no hesdatiese in saybw that it is owing to the
cordial coallames Sat we hitrialfthed that the peace
of Earepe less lien anistitined. (Mem) It r, I
believe, owing to the mane we law pseud that in the
countries of the Rhine and the Denial* pesos has alike
been undisturbed. (Clona) Moreover, we have had to
encounter a fell conspiracy, organised in a foreign country
for the pose of producing civil war in this kingdom,
and I would appeal even to oar own opponents whether it
is set owing to the mercies of firmness and discretion on
our part that these machinations have been quelled, and
the storm which threatened Ireland and has been
averted. (Cheers.) I cannot help my convic-
tion that great credit is due to the of
State for the Home Department for the course
he has pursued relative to this matter. (Cheers.)
With regard to the two great poises on which I have
thus treated, namely, the administration of foreign and
of domestic affairs, I think I may say without exaggera-
tion that her Maj's ministers are entitled to • favour-
able verdict, thoug estyh it has sometimes been represented as
a matter of charity that • want of confidence has
not been expressed. ((hem) With regard to
finance, speaking in this hall, in the centre
of the great metropolis • of the country, and
very near the Bank of England, I may remind you
that when we aeoeded to oafs about two years ago, Bleak
Friday was y,in you; recollection; but notwithstand-
I lag , the &seders which occurr.ed, and the
cessequeiii: injury to the reveres, we have sot
called for any additional taxation, except that which was
required to vindicate the majesty of England, and at the
came time to fulfil one of the highest and holiest duties,
I claim for her Majesty's ministers, and especially for the
of State for India, the credit of having selected
the right individual for the °mound of the expedition to

which I allude. In returning the thanks of . her
Majesty's government for the gratifying o=
which you have paid them, let me say that I
trust that when the impending hour of trial arrives,
what we have done will not be entirely for-
gotten by a generous and grateful people, and'
perhaps they will say that under difficult cir-
cumstances we performed the task entrusted to us in •
manner that was consistent with the upholding of the eon.
stitution, and the maintaining of the liberties of tie
nation. (Loud cheers.)
The next toast was "The House of Lords," amociated
with the name of the Lord Chancellor.

The Loan Goa s, m returning thanks, teak
on behalf of the Home of Peers for dealing with tae:2
measures of great public importance in the present sessies.
He also his conviction that the severanos of the
connexion between church and state would lead ultimately
to &Macke en private property.
Mr. HANDY, respOnding-to the toast of "The House
of Commons," defended the policy of the severe:melt,
and expressed a live that in the approaching elections the
oonstituencies would not be led away by the snaring arts
of demagogues.
The rick. of Ifszcsoocosm proposed "The Lord
• Mayor," and his lordship returned thanks.
The toast of "The Bar of Enuland " was responded M
by the Souerren-Gmrana.t. (Sir W. ,Brett) who said that
the conservative party were determined, if possible
maintain the established church of Ireland, and
forward with the greatest hope to the remit of the ap-
proaching elections.
Some other toasts followed, and the company did not
separate till some time after 11.

INTELLIGENCE FROM ABROAD.

(rnmovon *2. saurzsee iciamor.)

ASSASSINATION SOCIETIES IN ITALY.

FLORENCE, it:lm 17, Evionite.
To-day, in the Chamber of Deputies, the Income
Tax Bill was approved by 160 votes against st
The Minister of the Interior, replying to a ques-
tion of Signor Iluze relative to the assassination
of the public prosecutor at Ravenna, stated that
nine secret of Mistedsocieties for purposes of as-
sassination and robbery exist in the province of
the Romagna. The authorities have made 320
arrests, and are displaying the utmost energy in
extirpating the malefactors. They do not at pre-
sent require extraordinary powers.

SERVIA.
BELGRADE, Jews 17.
The Emperor of Russia has addressed a de-
spatch to the provisional government expressing'
regret at the death of Prince Michael ; commending
the Servian people for their maintenance of
order ; and wishing prosperity to the ng, Tee.'
and that he may fulfil the expectations o the
nation. The government has issued a fresh pro-
clamation, declaring that it will understand, of its
own accord, how to cause the wishes of the
Servian nation to be respected. In consarence
of the admissions made by some of the prisoners
accused of complicity in the murder of Prince
Michael, several fresh arrests have been made.
Among the recently arrested are five students and
the sister of the Pnnoess Rarageorgewies.
It is officially announced that all the guarantee-
ing Powers leave Berns at perfect liberty to select
the successor to the vacant throne. The Austrian
Consul-General has informed the Provisional
Government that Austria is of opinion the
Servian people should be allowed entire freedom
in choosing their sovereign. Arrests of persons
u to have been connected with Prince
gMliglers assassination continue. Domiciliary
visits have been made in Semlin at the instance of
the government.
Some amount of dissatisfaction appears to be
felt at the government's proceedings. Agitation'
and intrigues are reported to be gaining ground.

FRANCE.
PAD.IB, Jima 17, tvzsnro.
The report of the Commission on the Budget
was distributed to-day among the members of
the Legislative Body. It contains pacc
assurances, says that the armaments which'
have •taken place do not conceal any warlike
arriire pensee, and adds, " France neither threatens
nor fears anyone. She wishes for
and her government resolutely desires it. -
thing leads to the hope that peace will not
disturbed." In to-day's sitting of the Legis-
lative Body, the bill p posing to give
development to the service in the rdlianter,
Chinese, and Japanese seas, was adopted by 191
votes against 2. The Emperor came to the
Tuileries this morning to attend a Cabinet Council.
He returns to Fontainebleau this evening.

NORTH GERMANY.
BERLIN, Joss 17, Eviatuto.
At to-day's sitting the Parliament passed the
bill settling the amount of the revenue and ex-
penditure budget of the North German Confedera-
tion for the year at 77,701,135 thalers.
The King will probably leave on the 21st or
22nd for Hanover, where he will remain two days,
and arrive at Worms on the 24th. His Majesty
will be tat the unveiling of the Luther
memorial on the 25th.