The National Register.
London, England, 1814-09-25 00:00:00

COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE,

On Friday night Mr. Rovedino, Jun. made his first appearance on
this stage in the chatackr ot. Artaxerxes. This 3'onng vocal ;idio t-.
rater is not unknown to tilt musical world, as he hbs tOr several :‘ears
exercised his talents as an orchestra ,inger. He unfortunately in•
berjts but a small portion of the vuice of his father. fie ;bassi s.fsi
sciemee, however, and execute what he attempts ith delicacy an.i
taste. The charm of the Opera was Miss Stephens, in Mandaht.
She is en incomparat)le Auger. and both in voice and science is sen-
sibly improved since the last season. Mr. Sinclair also has certainly
cultivated his talents assiduously.

The passage over the Chinese bridge in St. James's Park
Las not yet been thrown open to the public. The public
on Sunday made the passage for themselves. The pailings
which are set up, and now formi walks to it on the north and
south, are only preparatory, we understand, to the formation
ofa well gravelled promenade. The superstructure on the
bridge, as every body knows, was demolished by fire on the
night of ti,e fete down to the second story of the pagoda.
The towering idea which pierced the skies in imitation of
the Imperial gardens of Pekin is abandoned ; and instead of
that a low Chinese Temple, supported by mock haml,oos,
and overhung by sham bells and painted dragons, is substi-
tuted. It is said, and it has been said in grave places, that
this bi idge is to be permanent. If this bridge is to be so.
we are sorry fur it. A structure in the Park is a matter of
ptiblic concept : it affects the taste and splendour' of the
nation. If a bridge be necessary, which few seem convin-
ced of, it ought pot to be a thing tit only for the. fantastic
ornament of the pleasure-grounds of a villa. If intended
merely fe:r convenience, it should be as light and neat as
possible, so as not to 'lnn the Park by obstructing the view
eastwards and westwards, which is done by this whimsical mass
of woodwork. If ornament be the object, then indeed the
situation is a fine one in the hand of an artist, for a monument
in front of the Parade, to the glory of the British army, and
the deserts of the Duke of Wellington. When this Chinese
bridge was illuminated, it was certainly one of the most
beautiful and unique things of the kind ever exhibited, and
the destrUction of the pagnda was to be lamented : but it is
no bijou in day-light. TO keep ulna toy of that sort in the most
celebrated public and loyal area in this great metropolis, with
Whitehall and WeStminster Abbey in view, it is to suppose
a dereliction of judgment that one cannot credit.
The Temple of Concord, it seems, is to be disposed of.
Though it is right that materials, no longer wanted, should he
sold to the best advantage; yet a Sale fast' uctures, proles, edly
designed to celebrate national glory, has something in it
revolting. Their very remains should appear to possess
sort of sacredness. It is not quite befitting the decency of the
greatest-among the nations, that its implements of festivity
should undergo a fate similar to that orthe effects of profuse
atid bankrupt prodigals, of ephemetal Commercial success,
or of wasted hereditary wealth. However, it is to be sold,
and there is no knowing to what " base. uses" the greatest
things nay descend.

" Imperial Caesar, dead and turn'd to clay,
" May stop a bole to keep the wind away."

The property in Kensington Palace belonging to the Prin-
cess of Wales) is sendiogafter her abroad with all possible

speed.