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

THE PASSAGE.

It was not actually decided until Friday evening
what vessel would have the honour of conveying the
Emperor and Empress on their return to France ;
,ett the new, swift, and eleg tntly-fit cod French and
English mail steam-packet Empress, the vessel that
piloted the,Pelican across the Channel on M ,ploy
last, had been prepared by orders of the French
Admiral (Viscount do Chabannes) for the reception
the Imperial visitors ; and at the recommenda-
tion of the admiral the Ennprais was selected, and
,he very small additions to her furniture and de-
corations
the course of a few hours.
At which
were deemedotuorbz necessary were
ade
At eight o'clock on Saturday morningthe French
nen of war D'Assas, Le Corse, Pelican, Petrel, and
Bayonaisse, dressed with flags, and the Orion,
•,aluted the flag of Real Admiral Berkeley. At nine
the English men of war "dressed ship," and then
.egart the business of the day, and the usual hurry-
!ngs to and fro and the interchange of orders fol-
lowed in rapid succession, until the booming of the
heavy guns of the batteries ashore and the hoisting
of the Royal and and Imperial standards announced
the arrival of the Royal train.
To Captain Smithett was again assigned the
honourable and responsible post of piloting our Im-
perlal visitors, and as it was blowing strong from
E.N.E.,, that gentleman took the steamer Empress
out at an early hour in the mornin; to the west
side of the Admiralty pier ; there everyth.mv, was
perfectly ready for the embarkation,when his Royal
Highness Prince Albert handed the • Empress on
board, and his Royal Highness Vie Duke of Cam-
bridge attended the Emperor to the little vessel.
The " farewell " having been spoken, and the last
adieus to the shore having been waved, the steamer
cast off, with the Imperial standard at the main,
and the British ensign at the fore. Amidst the
thunder of the cannon on the heights, the deep-
sounding guns of the French squadron afloat, and
the immense cheering from the whole amphitheatre
of the thousands ashore, the little craft steamed
slowly round the bay, and then stood out to sea,
dipping gracefully in the yielding waters, as if re-
peating grateful acknowledgments to the shores of
England on behalf of her Imperial freight. The
wind freshened, and the'sea became rougher ; but
still, by order of the Emperor, the steamer lingered
—the Emperor and Empress watching with thank-
ful eyes the demonstrations in their honour, ashore
and afloat. Admiral Berkeley, with Captain
Richards, in the Black Eagle, had steamed round
to the west side to meet the Imperial yacht, as did
also the Vivid, Admiralty tender, and several
other vessels ; and to meet the wishes cf all par-
ties, we believe it was arranged that the steamer
should run to the emtwardi and steam down
through the two admirably-moored lines of
the men-of-war, and recei▪
ve, at parting, their
good wishes. The, Empress steamer, under
the orders of Admiral Chabannes, was
making slowly for the first man-of-war ; but, un-
happily, at that moment some white-funnelled
steamer vulgarly obtruded so near the Empress,
and so smothered the Imperial party on board
with her thick black smoke, that the Empress, to
escape the nuisance, was ordered to steam to the
Orion. Here, by command, the steamer was or-
dered to go slowly, whilst as she passed the Em-
peror and his consort receiv•
ed from the manned
yards of the noble two-deckers the last burst of
cheers from English throats,
. which, coming from
British sailors, were certainly not the least hearty.
Away then sped the Imperial ship, dropping at
every mile all those that attempted to accompany
her, with the exception of her sister vessel the
Queen, which vessel followed her across to Bou-
logne at about a cable's length distance astern.
We understand that the passage, though rather
rough, was not a disagreeable one to their Ma-
jesties. Indeed, we bear that both the Empero
and Empress enjoyed the fresh breeze and the
rapidr
motion, and engaged in conversation with
Lord
Alfred Paget, Lord Cowley, and their respective
attendants all the way across.

As the French coast was approached, by desire
of the Emperor, the vessel was steered towards
Ambleteuse, where from the deck of the vessel
fine view was obtained of the great camp of the
French army on the heights ; and, including this
digression from the straight line and the slow-
steaming at starting, their Imperial Majesties were
lauded on their own shores within one hour and
fifty minutes from the time they left the Admiralty
Pier, Dover.

The Emperor and Empress left the vessel, ex-
pressitia and bowing their thanks to all on board,
and, amidst the cheers of his own subjects, were
escorted to the Imperial Pavilion Hotel, where they
slept for the night.
The grand reception, however, of the Emperor
took place yesterday, when no less than 32,000
French infantry filed before him and his brilliant
staff, under the command of Marshal Baraguay
d'Hilliers, on the plinds cf Thulogne, and hailed his
return with the loudest acc'amations, and it was
impossible not to admire the gladness and enthu-.
biaqi which prevailforsi amongst tlo troop,. TO'

An entertainment of unusual splendour was given by
the Lord Mayor, on Saturday evening, in the Egyptian-
hall, Mansion-house, to the Prefect of the Seine and the
president and deputation of the municipality of Paris,
who were met at the civic table by nearly 300 English
guests, including the mayors of several of the largest
towns in the kingdom. The interest of the occasion
was greatly enhanced by the circumstance that the
banquet was, as it were, the closing ceremonial con-
nected with the imperial visit, the municipal deputation
being on the eve of setting out for Paris. The gentlemen
were for the most part arrayed in military or official
costume, and the scene, with its associations, was one
not easily to be forgotten by any who were present.
Among the company were Baron Clansman, Prefect of
the Seine ; M. Delangle, President of the Municipal
Council of Paris ; M. Thayer, M. Germain Thibault,
M. Pelouze, M. Mille M. Ferrier des Tourelies ; the
Earl of Cardigan, the Earl and C mptess of Lanesborough,
Lord Chief Justice Campbell and Lady. Stratheden, the
Bishop of London and Mrs. Bloomfield, Lieut -General
Sir John Burgoyi,e, Major-General Sir Frederick Smith,
General Llewellyn, M. le Baron de Veaunce, the Go-
vernor and Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England,
the Chairman and Deputy-Chairman of the Hon. the
East India Company, Sir Chas. Ferbes' Bart., Sir Wm.
Newton, Sir John Potter, Sir Richard Mayne and Lady
Mayne, Sir George Lee and Lady Lee, Sir Geo. Smart ;
Messrs. Aasterman, M.P., T. Baring. M.P., S. Laing,
M.P., T. Hankey, M.P., D. Waddington, M.P., Sam.
Gregson, M.P.. Alex. Matheson, M P., Win. Williams,
M.P., Apsley Pellatt, M.P., James Macgregor, M.P.;
the Lord Provost of Glasgow, the Worshipful tie Ma) ors..
of Southampton, Dover, Bath, Cambridge, Leeds, Shef-
field, Plymouth, Newcastle, Windsor, St3ckton, Ports-
mouth, Bristol, Exeter, and Nottingham; Aldermen Sir
P. Laurie, Farebrnther, 'Humphery, Sir Goo. Carroll,
Sir James Duke, M.P., Sir John Musgrove, Hunt-T,
Sidney, Salmons, Finnis, Wire, Carter, Cubbitt,
Kennedy, Bose, and Muggeri!rge (alderman and sheriff);
Sheriff Crosley. the Recorder of London, Mr Henry
Pounell, and a large nuniber'nf ladies, members of the
families of the gentlemen of the corporation.
The loving cop having pa,,sed round. the first toast af-
ter that of "The Queen " was " The Emperor and Em-
press."
In proposing it, the LORD MAYOR observed that the-
past week was replete with events which would ever b,
remembered in the history of this period. The Irmorial
visit had sealed the most important alliance ever forried
--the alliance with France, our ancient foe, our dearest
friend. (Loud cheers.) Ilencef .rth it would be felt,
in regard to the two countries, that mouareh could meet
monarch, and only rival each other in good will—(loud
cheers)—that nation could meet nation, •and only rival
each other in .deeds of glory ; that city could meet
city, and only rival each other in improvement and hos-
pitality.' (Cheers.) Their Majesties the Emperor and
Empress had been welcomed with universal enthu-
siasm. And why ? Because in them the empire recog-
nised not only the sovereigns of France, but France her-
self. (Much cheering.) The Empress—that beautiful
personage—(cheers)—had won the affections of every
heart, and there was no one present, he believed, who
did not feel that that week would never be forgotten.
He now' gave "The Emperor and Empress of France."
The toast wa4 drunk with the most lively enthusiasm,
t-stifled by several salvos of huzzas, the band playing
" natant pour Is Syria," as, indeed, it did frequently in
the course of the evening.

The PREFECT of the SEINE on rising to reply (speaking
in English). said —My Lord Mayor, this toast should
rather have • been acknowledged by his Excellency
the Ambassador of France, than by a simple mem-
ber] of the Paris dephtati .n. I regret very much .that
the official organ of our nation has been kept elsewhere
by the duties of his office, having been in attendance
on.the Emperor himself previous to his departure for
France. (Hear, hear.) After what took place in the
ceremony at Guildhall I will not have the preeumption to
attempt to express the feelings of our sovereign towards
England, and particularly towards this City. Any such
attempt could not fail to diminish the impression of that
memorable event. But I can declare, for myself and my
fellow citizens, that the reciprocal feelings which have
been excited between their Imperial Majeqiee and their
royal hosts in this country will be to our minds a conse-
cration of the alliance of England and France. (Cheers.)
Henceforth, most certainly the two nations will unite for
the promotion of science, industry, and fro, le ; and when-
ever their armies meet in the field of battle, it will be, as
it is now, to fight on the same side, for the security of
nations and the peace of the world. (Cheers.) In con-
clusion, my Lord Mayor, I beg to propose a toast, and
hi doing so, I place my hand in your lordship's as a mark
of my sincerity. [Here the Prefect graced the hand, of
his lordship ; and the action, combined with the words
which preceded it, elicited rapturous cheering]. The
toast which I propose is, "My the friendship of Eng-
land and France last for ever !" (Renewed cheers, the
toast being drunk with great cordiality.)
The next toast was " Prince Albert, Albert Prince of
Wales, and the rest of the royal family."
The LORD MAYOR then gave, "The Army," coupled
with the name of Lieutenant-General Sir John Bur-
goyne, whom he warmly eulogised.
Sir J. BURGOYNE, who looked well and hearty in spite
of his advanced age, on rising to reply, was received
with loud end reiterated cheers. He said--My Lord
Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, the British army never
ceases to feel deeply grateful for such tokens of appre-
ciation of its services as are conveyed in this toast. At
the present moment especially that army is most anxi-
ous to make its warm acknowledgments, not on'y for
such compliments as this, but for the much more sub-
stantial favour4 which have been conferred upon that
large portion of the army which is now serving in the
East. I have been a witness of the many comforts
which have been diffused among the army by the magni-
ficent contributions sent out by the people of this
country. (Cheers.) I have also witnessed the gratitude
which the army have felt for the warm sympathy which
their countrymen have manifested in their hardships and
sufferings. The ardour of the British troops before the
enemy, their patience under- the hardships which they
have endured, and the energetic efforts which have been
made by their countrymen to alleviate their sufferings.
make me feel proud of my country. But, while we give
vent to the feeling of national enthusiasm, we must not
omit to express, in the presence of the gentlemen from
Paris whom I see before me, our admiration of the
noble and gallant conduct of our Allies. (Great cheering.)
My Lord Mayor and gentlemen, while you have been
exchanging courtesies with our Allies, as you have done
this evening at this board, I can assure you that the
their
own of the two countries in the Crimea have, initmui.
own rough way, exhibited similar feelings of
cordial
tual respect, and have exerted themselves even to
mu.,
ex-
tent, many of them, of sacrificing their lives
us tlft:
support against a semi-barbarous ene.my. Tb
they united in feelings of respect, and,
a sentimental term, of affection towardsl;
expressions
use such
to death. In acknowledging the ef I
ach may
Yther even
whieli have been used by his lordship
and the delay
pwe'rsToinallyt.?dwahrillss
myself, I of course feel some reserve.
which have been suffered by
which there has- been in our r
rise operationsto
raiarmy,
linbgefoorfediSs:abtaigsl
topol, have naturally g
thhaast
faction. An idea hdaspirv.evilthileerde
bgeraenvegererarotrnseghlaeveet
been commt", that
ior officers. We have been
on the parr of man?' suPeT
ted
4ubjeo in short, to a .-great deal of obloquy; and
although We are supported by the consciousness of
having endeavoured to do our duty, yet -I feel that
%a tie ikon., would 120 lows pre7
n. - -

The PRESIDENT of the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL proceeded
to acknowledge it in French. Words, he said, failed
him to say how deeply the deputation were impressed
with the kindness with which they had been received.
He was born at a time when the English name excited
in France nothing but a feeling of animosity. But
even in the midst of animosity an honourable man
might esteem . his enemy : one, could admire an
enemy, though it was diffieu't to love him. But, thank
God, Frenchmen and Englishmen had at length learnt
to love one another. (Cheers.) Their hatred had
been extinguished. C3mmerce, industry, arts, and civi-
lisation, had drawn together those two great nations,
who, when united, were masters of the entire world.
Their ranks were every day becoming more and more
closely united, as they fought in aid of the feeble and for
the independence of nations. France and England,
standing on the same battle field, were now mingling at
once their blood 'and their glory. (Cheers.) Among
the most gratifying events connected with the union of
the two countries was undoubtedly the magnificent re-
ception given to the Emperor and Empress of France.
On behalf of the Municipality of Paris he thanked the
Lord Mayor and the corporation for the hospitality
which had been extended to his friends and himself; and
be hoped that the opening of the Paris Exhibition would
afford them an opportunity of further testifyinz their
gratitude. He concluded by proposing " the health of
the Lady-Mayoress."
The LORD MAYOR, after a brief ackno vledgment of
the toast, gave " The Earl of Cardigan and the House
of Lords."

The Earl of CARDIGAN, in replying, expressed the
pleasure which he felt at meeting so many gentlemen
•who held offices under that great man who had just left
the Shores of England. As regarded the House of Lords,
he felt that the great duty of its members at the present
time was, irrespective of par:y feeling, to give that just
and fair support to her Majesty's Government which
would enable them to carry on the war with that vigour
and energy which alone could enable them to bring it to
a conclusion consistent with the honour of this country.
(Cheers.) As for himse'f, he was deeply sensible of the
kind reception which be had met with in that root►i on a
previous occasion ; and be could not doubt.that Sir J.
Burgoyne, who bad performed such eminent services in
the Crimea, fe't how gratifying it was for persons thus
situated to meet with such manifestdiens of the 'good
will of their fellow-cNintrym(n.- (Cheers.)
,The LORD MAYOR then proposed "The Judges," com-
bined with the name of Lnrd Campbe.
Lord CaurnELL, iu r.sponding, observed that previ-
ously to the union of England and Scotland, Scotland
an•i France were always on friendly terms ; bat Englane
and France hal, until recently, indulged., in mischievous
rivalries, which be was hippy to see terminated, and he
trusted that the c tteate cordiale would continue to ani-
mate them. -

The LORD Al4yon then gave " The Bishop of London,"
to which the right rev. prelate briefly- responded.
His - Louostirr next prop ,std " M. Thayer and the
deputation from the municipality of 'Paris."
M. THAYER replied in I ngli.h, reit:rating at some
length Um sentiments of his colleagues, the Prefect and
the President, with retard to the tali:lwo of England
and France. Referring to Sr J. Burgoyne, and to the.
services recently performed by him before Sebastopol, be
observed that the experience of that gallant officer hav-
ing been gained chiefly in fighting against the French,
had lately been turned to account in fighting with them.
Among the remaining toasts wera "The Lord Provost
of Glasgow," "John Masterman, Esq., M.P. for the
City of London, and "The Sheriffs of London and Mid-
dlesex."
The company broke up about 11 o'clock.