The Sun.
London, England, 1855-08-20 00:00:00

LON DON, INI ON DAY EVENING, AUGUST -20 1855.

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO

PARIS.

BOULOGNE, SATURDAY.

This event, fraught with so much interest to the
destinies of Europe, has this day set the seal to an
alliance consecrated and cementel by the blood
Already shed in defence of civilisation. The news of
the glorious successes of the French arms in the
Crimea, which only preceded her Majesty's arrival
ay a few hours, the recent destruction of Sweaborg
by the allied fleets, and the commencement of
another, and, it is hoped, final bombardmeet of
the Russian ines south of Sebastopol, were cir-
cumstances of such happy augury that the
Queen seemed to bring victory and good for-
tune with her ; while the glorious harvest weather,
with its associations of plenty and abundance, gave
superadded joyousness to the Royal progress. A
cloudless sky, a sea resembling a glassy inland lake,
reflecting in every slight ripple the rays of a bril-
liant August sun, a people feverish and excited
with a mingled feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity,
hut offering the respectful homage of its admira-
tion, and all the minor accessories and tokens of
welcome which the boundless taste and ingenuity
of an accompl, shed people could devise have greeted
Queen Victoria's entry into France.
The Victoria and Albert Royal yacht, with the
Queen and Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, the
Princess Royal, and the members of the Royal
suite, left Osborne at 4.30 this morning. She
passed Cowes at 6.10., Be ichy-head at 8.45, Dun-
'geness at 11.25, was sighted at Boulogne about
12.30; and arrived off Boulogne. about half-past 1.
A mist overspread the Channel early in the morn-
ing, butit clearedawayasthedayadvanced. When
the Royal yacht had steamed to within about four
miles from Boulogne, Capt. Smithett, who piloted
her, wai eal a few minutes either for the tide or for
the arrival of the steamers forming the Royal
escort, or for both, and then the Victoria and Al-
bert, conspicuous by her three masts, her great
size, and fine proportions, steamed majestically for
the harbour. She carried the Royal standard of
England at the main, the tricolor at,, the fore, the
union jack at the bows, and the royal ensign at the
stern. The English men-of-war forming the squad-
ron of honour were drawn up outside the harbour,
and formed an imposing spectacle. Each ship had
the British ensign and the tricolor floating at the
main, and each gave innumerable flags to the wind.
At 25 minutes past 1 the first note of welcome
was given by the sharp ring of a brass gun at the
.attery on the Capecure side, and one after
another the royal salute came distantly booming
upon the ears of the royal visitors, who could
now distinctly see from the deck the fine cathe-
dral-like dome of the church in the tipper
Town, and the clean stone houses of the Haute
Ville. The English men-of-wax now took up the
mimic thunder, and broadside after broadside pealed
from them. The ships were soon enveloped iu smoke,
and when it had cleared away and the Royal yacht
had neared the squadron every ship appeared with
manned yards. As the Victoria and Albert drew
still nearer to the shore a long dark streak was
seen stretching along the heights for miles to the
right and left of the town. Teen wreaths and puffs
of smoke, the gleam of bayonete, and by and by
the distant rattle of musketry converted the long
(lark streak into lines of French soldiery. They not
only crowned the heights, but wherever a lower
ridge upon the cliffs gave "coigne of vantage" to a
company of infantry there were drawn up.Clysseurs
ale Vincennes, or the light companies of a French
infantr. regiment, whose sharp volleys alternated
with the deep-mouthed welcome of the ordnance
of the port. When the Royal yacht crossed the
bar, at 15 minutes to two, loud hurrahs broke from
the crowds upon the left jetty. On the right
jetty, along the lower stage near the water, was one
unbroken line of French infantry, who presented
arms as the Royal yacht passed. Bands of music
were stationed at intervals on both sides of the
jetty, and the wonderfully spirited and vigorous
roll of the French drums was continuous. The
spectacle was now extremely striking. The quay
contained au immense multitude. Tricoloured flags
and British ensigns waved iu profusion from every
house, and the whole port was gay with streamers,
flags, and gaYlands. Every window had its-group
of fair spectators. Opposite the Depot de Bagages
wits seen a square pavilion or small temple-like
edifice, open at the sides and decorated in the style
of the logg'te of the Vatican, which, as it appeared
the most conspicuous object along the quay, was
correctly supposed to be the place where tle
Emperor awaited the arrival of his Royal visi-
tors. As soon as the Victoria and Albert drew
alongside the pavilion her Majesty appeared at
the ship's side, and gracefully acknowledged the
salutations of the Emperor. A stage was thrown
on hoard, the Emperor quickly ran up the plat-
form and, after respectfully kissing her Majesty's
hand, saluted her upon both cheeks, according to
Imperial and Royal etiquette and the theory which
presumes that crowned heads stand in sacred and
fraternal relations to each other. The Emperor
then cordially shook hands with Prince Albert, the
Princess Royal, and the Prince of Wales, and,.
giving his hand to the Queen, led her down the
stage to the pavilion, within which state chairs
were placed on a dais, and here her Majesty,
seated, received the congratulations of the civic
authorities and the English residents. After a
brief pause the Emperor led her 111 tjerty to one of
the Royal carriages. The Princess Royal took her
place beside the Queen, and Prince Albert and the
Prince of Wales took the opposite seats, while the
Emperor mounted his horse, and rode upon her
M ajesty's right hand.

At this spectacle of the Emperor himself form-
ing a part of her Majesty's escort and guard of
honour the acclamations of the multitude were re-
doubled, and cries of " Vive la tiei.ne!" and "Vive
t'Ernpereur!" were mingled with the hearty cheers
of the English spectators. The French Minister of
War rode at the opposite side of the Royal carriag.
and the Emperor's brilliant staff followed. Theo
came a carriage containing the two ladies in at
tendance upon the Queen, the Earl of Clarendon,
and the Marquis of Breadalhatie. The other mem-
bers of the Royal household followed, and the
Dragoons and Lancers brought up the rear. The
road was kept by French infantry, whose drum,
and bugles made military music as the Roya
cavalcade slowly proceeded through dense crowd,
to the railway station. Her Majesty, who ap
peared to he in excellent health and spirits,
acknowledged in the most gracious manner the
vivats of the people. The Queen wore a
white bonnet and blue satin visite, and Prince
Albert a Field-Marshal's uniform, with the blur
riband of the Garter. The Emperor wore the uni-
form of a general of division, with the Grand Cor-
don of the Legion of Honour.

The preparations made at the railway station al
Capecure to do honour to the Royal guests were
on a scale of surpassing magnificence. A sum 01
25,000 f, had been voted for these decorations, and
good taste as well as liberality had presided over
the distribution. Two lodges were constructed at
the entrance of, the station, and between the lodge,,
a triumphal arch, 75 feet high, upon a scale of im-
posing grandeur, was constructed. The lower part of
thisarc de triomphe was of open gilt lattice-work, 40
feet high, and adorned with flowers and evergreens,
tasteful ly disposed. At the spring of the arch was a.
green scroll, with the words " Welcome to France"
in large gold letters. The arms of England and
France rose above the scroll, and a colo3sal figure re-
presenting the Genius of Civilisation held aloft a
scroll with a suitable inscription. The flags of
England and France, Turkey, and Sardinia waved
side by side, and shields, banners, emblazonments,
streamers, and garlands of flowers were distributed
through the various compartments of the gigantic
structure. The two lodges on each side of the arch
were also adorned with flags, and high masts bore
aloft the Imperial and Royal standards of France
and England. Within the courtyard were three
carpeted lows of seats for a select company, the
hacks of the stages being covered with velvet. The
belfry tower over the grand entrance, the arches of
the windows, and the pilasters had their appro
priate standards, eagles, green leaves, and flowers,
and initial letters in gold upon velvet. How can
one describe the marquise, with its roof of velvet,
its fine curtains of red velvet, its six cande-
labra entwined and overflowing with flowers,
its exquisitely designed carpet—but a carpet
not worthy, as it should seem, of such visitors, for
it is covered with velvet where they are to walk ?
The reception room was a wonder of French uphol-
stery. Its walls hung with rich red velvet, streweo
with spangled bees and leopards, the openings
covered with muslin curtains and velvet hanging
with golden acorns—its tribunes covered with vii
vet and embroidered with coats of arms—its 12
huge vases of flowers suspended from the ceiling.
and its one magnificent flower vase in the centre.
its richly-designed carpet covering the whole spau
must in turn give place to the marvels of the
Queen's reception-room, with its door lined within
with white velvet, it walls of red and white sill.
hangings crimped ; its mirrors, toilet table,
couches, sofas, and chairs disposed with that

taste and eye to ensemble which made the spec-
tators w nder whether Parisian taste in deco-
ration could greatly transcend the splendouri of
the Boulogne railway-station. - Ia • the station -
itself, whore the Royal train was drawn up, were
sews filled with English and French fashionable 3.
. .

Upon the arrival of the Royal party at the sta-
tion the directors of the railroad were presented,
and, after a short -delay, the Royal "party' were
ushered to their carriages. In the first saloon, the
Emperor, the Queen of England, the Prince Con-
sort, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal
took their seats. At half-past 2 o'clockthe train,
containing 9 carriages, glided noiselessly from the
station amid a salvo of artillery. Motltreuil was the
first station decorated in honour of the visitors.
At Abbeville, the fine tittliedral of which is seen
front the station, considerable preparations were
made to do honour to the guests of the Emperor.
Two thousand cavalry and infantry were drawn up
in view of the railway station, at-the entrance of
which was a large inscription, " Welcome, to
France," surmounted by an eagle and surrounded
by flags. The Mayor and civic authorities Of
Abb.-villa awaited the arrival of the. train at the
platform, and proffered their congratulations,
which were received and acknowledged by ,her
Mljesty in a manner that won the hearts of all
.Abbeville. After clearing the railliay statioti the
tower of the cathedral again came. in sight, and
the graceful fringe of trees on both banks of the
river could hardly fail to be-admired. The country
here is richly wooded and picturesque, and groves
9f trees and wooded slopes-give phice to cornfields.
*Up to tiiis point the country had been smiling, not
to say laughing, with plenty. - riiskis-pf corn, dike
"golden shields cast down from the sun," had
waved in rich luxuriance. awaiting the tardy
reaper. France has no Ireland to send her sturdy
out-door labourers at the precise moment when
they are wanted, and the agricultural districts
seem in many places so thinly peopled that the
ripe corn stands and sheds its ripest grains before
the sickle can be brought into the field. Up to
Abbeville the train dashed through a district con-
taining excellent crops of grain. The scenery then
changed to cattle-bearing meadows and the region
of the willow and pollard, while villages of thatched
cottages embowered among trees with a low-spired
church in the middle were seen, and passed as soon
as seen ; and while looking at these changes of the
railway phantasmagoria the train arrived at
Amiens.

Here the magistracy of the district were as-
sembled, and the daughter of the Prefect, an inte-
resting young lady of 17, habited in white, ap-
proached the Royal carriage, and timidly but
gracefully presented to the Queen a splendid
bouquet, which her Majesty received with more
than Queenly courtesy. The progress of the train
was extremely rapid after leaving Amiens, and
the Royal party arrived safely at 10 minutes past
seven o'clock at Paris, the journey having been
performed in four hours and a half.

PARIS, ATURDAY NIGHT.
The reception which greeted Queen Victoria
from the inhabitants of Paris will long be remem-
bered by every Englishman who witnessed it. In
the honour there done to our constitutional Sove-
reign the whole nation will feel that it shares, and
on their part the people of the French metropolis
appeared equally animated by the conviction that
they gave expression, for the time being, to the
hospitable and generous sentiments of their great
country. Tee recent visit of the Emperor Napo-
leon to L•indon did not more unmistakeably repre-
sent the cordial interchange of friendship between
powerful neighbouring States than the scene which
the streets of Paris witnessed this evening ; and,
although the two occasions are broadly'marked out
from each other -by the different modes in which
the strong emotions of the hour found a voice,
both had alike stamped upon them those essential
characteristics which give 'to public events a high
historic interest. We do not possess in our metro-
polis any of those facilities for display which this
splendid city sdabundantly commands. Our smoky
atmosp:iere, our dingy, brick-built, stuccoed streets,
and the awkwardness of our people in getting up
rapidly decorative effects compel us to rely mainly
upon the moral influence of vast numbers in con-
veying to the minds of illustrious foreigners a notion
of what we are and what we thiales We have no
military array adequate to hold in splendid pomp
any long line of procession. We can scarcely hang
out a flag gracefully, and the thin blue line of po-
licemen which usually guards our streets on such
occasions, ho Never significant of'- t well-disposecl
populace and good civil government, is not very
captivating to the eye. Here, on the other hand,
you have a cloudless sky, spacious thoroughfares
set off on either hand by stately architecture, a
noble army always at hand for the purposes of
spectacle, and, above all, a people who, from the
highest to the lowest, have more or less strongly
developed artistic tendencies. The spectacle which
the route of the Queen's progress presented to-day
in all these respects rendered it a remarkable con-
trast to the Emperor's reception in London. By
far the most saiking scene then presented WAS the
aspect of the Borough and Lambeth, the deep
valleys of unwashed humanity through which the
Imperial cortege passed, and the ringing cheers with
which our working classes welcomed the ally of
their Queen. Here everything was different.
Instead of alighting at the station of the railway
ny which she travelled to Paris the Queen was
conveyed to the terminus of the Strasbourg' line,
is hest adapted by its architecture for adding to
lie ceremonial effects of a grand reception. Had it
teen necessary to make the circuit of Paris to gain
'bat object no doubt it would have been accom-
plished, and the same studious attention to what-
ever could give increased lustre to the occasion was
perceptible in all the arrangements. This will be
rendered obvious by the following details of the
preparations within the terminus and outside
thong the line of procession :—Ou the platform,
nagnitieently carpeted, and fitted up as a grand
saloon, were collected the rail Way officials, the
corps municipal, the councillors of state, and the
nrief civil and military authorities. From the balco-
nies overlooking this area numbers of gaily-dressed
i Lilies looked down upon the pomp of the recep-
tion. Overhead lines of pendent streamers along
re noble span of the semicircular roof swayed
gracefully, while the succession of arches on which
he side walls rest were cleverly hung with portieres,
which completed the furnished aspect of the in-
erior. The entrance hall to the station had been
ptepared as a special saloon for her Majesty, and
There were placed some fine orange trees in full
blossom. Without, on the principal façade of the
',adding, were displayed along the lines of the
architecture draperies of purple velvet brocaded
with gold, festooned with laurel wreaths, having
AS their supports gilded eagles, and the whole
splendidly Set off by terminal groups of standards,
nearing the flag of England, supported on either
side by these of France, Sardinia, and Turkey en
faisceaux. The area of the courtyard was also co-
v,,red with beds of flowers ; and on the flat roofs
of the lodges at either side extemporised gardens
had been established. At regular distances, all
down the boulevards, tall banner standards had
been erected, from which long graceful streamers,
suspended in the Venetian style, waved with every
breath of air ; and besides these street decorations
each house had its separate manifestations of we'.
come, sometimes in the form of the familiar tri-
colour, sometimes in a bit of tapestry hung out
from a balcony, sometimes iu the less pretending
shape of coloured lanterns strung across
from window to window, even to the lofty gar-
ret. It was curious to observe the intense desire
displayed by all classes to make this wonderful
city look its best and fairest before the eyes of our
island Queen, to inspire her Majesty and the
members of the Royal family who accompanied her
with a due appreciation of the claims which Paris
has to be considered the gayest and most brilliant
capital in the world. Certainly those claims were
uever more overpoweringly displayed. The great
breadth of the Bouvelards and the importance of
preserving the series of splendid perspectives which
hey present uninterrupted prevented a series of
triumphal arches ; but along the route of the
procession many trophies had been erected,
some of theta including sculpture of considerable
,rierit, and bearing inscriptions suitable to the
occasion. At one point the names of the depart-
inents inscribed in shields drew attention to the
sentiment that Paris on that occasion represented
(4-v which, rush-
ingindicated its
all France ; at another it was some institution
or private atthee
edgeco mp company t
y ,close e
importance by setting up a special sign of wel_
trottoir,
raott
tho
iarn,
' come. The one triumphal arch was really a fine
piece of construction, and looked exceedingly im-
posing. Raised by the artistes of the Qpera close to
he Rue le Pelletier, ithad the inside of its piers and
intrados covered with Imperial bees, the: terminal
igures over each pier being formed by pairs of co-
ssal eagles, with extended wings. At several other
chains of streamers, or cords to bear sonic
rendenbanner of inscription, crossed the thOrough
tre but otherwise the grand series of vistas which,
the line of the Boulevards commands was not dis,
turbed. It is worthy of remark that not only did the

decorations extend throughout.the route itself; but
also .along, the side streets which open up• from it,
and that these *ere hung with flags and trophies of
evergreens as far as the' tyre could penetrate down
them. This was particularly obiervable with that
noble street, the Rue de la Paix, which was so bril-
liantly ornamented as to make one almost
wonder that the cortege was not Irresistibly led to
enter the Place, de la Concorde and the Champs
Elysees in that direction. Whether by fortunate
accident orskilful premeditation, the decorations
appeared gradually to diminish as the more open
space was gained ; but even there enough was
retained to preserve the festive character of the
occasion and to heighten the ordinary effect of the
coup &veil.
Those who do not know Paris will have some
difficulty in realising the splendid aspect of the
line of Boulevards to-day, With the bright sue-,
light pourint?, -down from a sky without a cloud,
the pavements and carriage-way swarming, with
people, the lofty houses with their jalousied win-
dows thrown open and filled with spectators, :the'
extensive range of balconies all occupied, and in
every direction that indescribable air of excitement
manifest which marks the anticipation of a great
public event.' Nothing could be finer, and Len-
doners might well gaze with a sense of humilia.-
lion at a spectacle which the inferior architecture
of their own metropolis renders it impossible for
them to approach. The road of the processionlay
along the Boulevard de Strasbourg, the Port St.
Denis, the BOulevards Bonne Nouvelle, Poisson-
niere,, Montmartre, Italians, Des, Capucines, and
the Madeleine, down the Rue Royale, across the
Place de la Concorde and by the • Champs Elysees,
the new Avenue de l'linperatrice, and the Bois de
Boulogne to St. Cloud. About 4 o'clock the troops
to the number, it is said, of 100,000 .men, half
of the line and half of the National Guard, be-
gan to take up their positions on this immense
and splendid route. The former held the left side
of the thoroughfare, and the latter the right,
while, penned in behind them, the myriads of
spectators gradually settled into their places and
waited patiently f ,r the arrival of the illustrious
strangers. The Prefect of Police set down the
number of pole assembled at 800,000, and, con-
sidering the va-t accession made within the last few
days to the population of Paris, it did not probably
fall much short of that mighty aggregate. At par-
ticular pointS along the Boulevard a thin stream of
passengers might occasionally be observed in slow
movements fighting their way through the fixed and
immovable masses around them, but otherwise all
movement was completely at an end, and for hours
those who occupied the windows, balconies, and
housetops had nothing better to do than to watch,
now a band of young Polytechnic students, now the
officers of different regiments, now the municipal
authorities of the banlieues, now a party of sergens
de ville in their black cocked hats, blue coats,
and smart white pantaloons sauntering or moving
quickly to and fro in the wide central space between
the lines of the military. At one moment a Gene-
ral of Brigade or Division passed by, followed by
his staff ; at another, some of the mounted Gen-
' darmerie, and occasionally two •or three of the
Etat-Major, distinguishable by their plumes of red
and blue feathers. What afforded most amusement
to the crowds was when solitary dogs found their
way between the lines, and, astonished by the no-
velty of their situation and the roar of laughter
which pursued them,- set off at a speed worthy of
the camp hunts in the Crimea. A curious illustra-
tion of the respect paid here to Persons of humble
station was manifested in the presence within the
lines of a fine old sailor whose breast was decorated
with medals for acts of devotion in saving human
life. Such honourable testimonials, it was remarked
by our countrymen, would hardly have been so
recognised on any similar occasion in England.
Time wore on, the sun set in splendour be-
behind a bank of clouds, and then after the fervent
heat of the day the cool shades of evening began to
settle down upon the city ; the faces -in the balco-
nies and at the windows grew darker, and fears
spread abroad that the Queen's arrival would be
layed until darkness had snatched from the as-
sembled multitude that opportunity for gratifying
at once their hospitable feelings and their curio-
sity ; seven o'clock came and no word of the
Royal train, The ,bands of the different regi-
ments had played at. intervals to (mow attention, '
but this could not go on for ever, and even the"
anxiety to see the Royalty of -England has its
limits. The reputation of our Queen for punotu
ality was known, and the people wondered that she
should be bebinclhami. !It got about.that the arrival'
at Boulogne had not taken place till an hour and
a-half after the time appointed, and if 'some por-
tion of that delay was not made up on the journey
to Paris the procession through the city must be
made in the dark. At a quarter past 7 o'clock the
dull booming of the Royal salute began, and in-
stantly the hoarse roar of satisfaction swelled along
the line of the Boulevards. The salute of 21 guns
for the Queen had hardly died away when that of
101 guns for the Emperor commence 1, and this in
its turn had scarcely ceased when the cortege was
sweeping on its way through the city. First came
a troop of cavalry of the Municipal Guard at a sharp
trot, then a double line of Sergens de Ville ou foot,
then the Commander of the Municipal Guard with
his staff, then an advanced guard of the Guides, li
and behind these the Imperial outriders in their
liveries of green and gold. An open barouche fol-
lowed, drawn by four horses, and in' which were
seated the Queen and the Princess Royal on the one
side and the Emperor and . his Royal Highness
Prince Albert on the other. Her Majesty, who
looked exceedingly well, was greeted most enthusi-
astically, and graciously, bowed her acknowledg-
ments to the multitude. Nothing could exceed the
cordiality and earnestness of her reception ; and
from the blouses on the pavement the demonstra
tions of respect were quite as fervent as from the
wealthier classes at the windows and on the bal-
conies. It was so along the whole route of the
procession, though the declining light compelled the
travellers- to quicken their pace, and thus seriously
abridged the opportunity for a full display of the
public feeling. There can be no doubt that the
people of Paris share with the Emperor and with
France the gratification which this visit excites.
Behind the Royal carriage came a second containing
the Prince Napoleon, the Prince of Wales, Lord
Clarendon, and the Marquis of Breadalbane.
Others followed containing the suit of the two
Sovereigns ; and to these succeeded a rear guard
of the Guides, The Prefect of Police, the Prefect
of the Seine, and other high officers of State closed
the procession.
At several points along the route her Majesty's
attention appeared to be caught by the vociferous
cheers of her own subjects. This was particularly
marked opposite the house of Sallandrouze de La-
mornaix, who had kindly placed -his,large balcony
at the disposal of the foreign jurors and commis--
sionersnow assembled in Paris on the business of
the Exhibition. Lights had already ,begun to ap-
pear in the windows, and the commencement of an
illumination to counterbalance the gathering dark-
ness of night, before the. Emperor and his guests
had traversed the long line of the Boule-
vards. The trades unions, therefore, who early
in the day took up their position in the
Champs Elysees, and the fashionable world which
went out in large numbers to the Bois de
Boulogne, could have seen very little of the pro-
ceasion. But this disappointment there will be no
doubt be several opportunities afforded of redeem-
ing during her Majesty's stay, and, in the mean-
time, it is satisfactory to know that her Majesty
and the members of the royal family who accom-
pany her have arrived at St. Cloud with no more
serious drawback than a slight delay in the time
fixed for the completion of their long journey.
They are'expected to attend the chapel at the
embassy to-morrow, and to visit the Palace of the
Beaux Arts on Monday morning. The programme
during their stay includes, among other festivities,
a grand ball at the Hotel de Ville, which is ex-
pected to be a very grand affair. It is said that the
Emperor,,amid the pressing cares of government at
this present moment, has nevertheless given great
attention to the fetes with which he proposes to
celebrate the visit of his illustrious guests, and that
these have been organised on a scale of magnificence
unparalleled in the annals even of the French
Court. •

(From the Moniteur of yesterday.)

,
At twenty minutes past seven 21 cannon shots
saluted the arrival of the royal.train. Au immense
hurrah, uttered by the crowd, replied to the roar
of the artillery.
Her Majesty the (been' Victoria was greeted
with the loudest and warmest acclamations. Ge-
neral La Woestine, in the name of the 9th Batta-
lion of the National Guard, doing duty at the ter-
minus, offered her a magnificent bouquet, which
her Majesty graciously accepted.
The procession then commenced amid the cries,
a thousand times repeated of Vive la seine
l'A.ngleterre I Vive l'Empereur. ! Vive le Prince
Albert I The bands of the regiments
play d dur-
•ng the passage of their Majesties
" God save the
Q ueen.'
The Queen took her seat in a caleche
_a la Dau-
e