The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-02 00:00:00

p

have been enabled to produce such an extra,ordi;,'`l-„,...
nary piece of skill in wood-carving. (Cheers.)
There were also many wonderful inktancea.f,
ingenuity, He saw on the wall, where
son had endeavoured to produce by a thousand‘"
strokes of the pen what is generally done by a single
stroke of the printing press. The catalogue also
showed a number of instances of young people who
possessed remarkable precocity, and the work of
several young girls was very creditable to them.
Even the profession of arms was not forgotten in
that peaceful contest, for there was a rug stated to
be the work of a private soldier in her Majesty's
Grenadier Guards, which displayed the scenes and
objects he had seen in. Canada. It was an instance
of the old fable where Hercules laid aside his weapons
of war and took up the distaff of Omphale. He felt
sure that when the soldier in question laid aside his
knitting needles and took to his bayonet, he would
prove to be a good man and brave guardsman.
(Laughter and cheers.) Near to the last object
mentioned were some interesting productions of
children in ragged schools. These children proved
that they made good use of the rags committed to
their care. (Laughter.) He would not take ad-
vantage of any little knowledge he might possess to
describe what they could see for themselves, but ho
must say that the present exhibition was-a remark-
able sign of the times, and a strong. 'proof of the
moral and intellectual improvement of the people.
It was one of the good things that emanated from
workmen's clubs. The real work in this exhibition
had been done by hard-working men, although they
had been assisted by others. The character of the
amusement of the people was the best proof that
could he had of their condition, for people would
not pursue an amusement unless it was suited to
their condition. In the last century the common
amusements of the people were bull-baiting, dog-
fighting, and cock-fighting. (Cheers and laugh-
ter.) They had seen the end of most of these,
and he hoped soon to see the end of cock-
fighting. (Cheers.) Right-thinking men could not
find amusement in sports which caused shedding of
blood and cruelty to be practised. There was also
the amusement of the public-house. He did not
object to public-houses in a moderate way ; but
when the amusement sought in them was carried to
excess, it really became quite as cruel as those
amusements he had spoken of, for the victims were
the poor wife and children, who were deprived of
necessary food and clothing when the husband spent
in selfish indulgences that which should be devoted
to the wants of his partner and family. In the pre-
sent day people frequented the parks and gardens,
and showed how they could enjoy the simple beau-
ties of nature which were produced for their plea-
sure. They were now also advancing in a new
style of enjoyment, and he was happy to see that art
and art enjoyment were taking such root among the
people. For some years past there had been pUblic
galleries and museums which had contributed greatly
to the enlightenment of the people. It was only
about five years since the South Kensington Mu-
seum had been opened. That establishment, he was
confident, had done much to improve the taste of
the people, and by it they were educated to a proper
knowledge of art and art productions. He knew
that some people begrudged the money that was
voted every year by Parliament for the support and
maintenance of this museum, but he was quite sure
that the money was well spent. After a few further
observations respecting the manifold advantages
that must arise from such exhibitions as the pre-
sent, the right hon. gentleman proceeded to offer
the thanks of all the visitors present to those exhi-
bitors who by their great patience and industry had
produced so many works of art for general admira-
tion. He hoped that that day might be the com-
mencement of a mutual feeling of friendship among
many hitherto unacquainted with one another, and
concluded by declaring the exhibition to be opened.
(Cheers.)
Sir JOHN V. SHELLEY proposed a vote of thanks
to Mr. Cowper, which was seconded by:Mr. HARVEY
LEWIS, and when put to the meeting by Mr. J. A.
NICHOLAY, was carried with acclamation.
Mr. COWPER having briefly acknowledged the
compliment,
Sir JAMES HAMILTON proposed a vote of thanks
to Mr. Nicholay and his fellow-members of the
committee, which was seconded by the Hon. F.
B YNG, and responded to by3tir. MonnELL, the secre-
tary.

The proceedings afterwards concluded with a
performance of Handel's grand coronation anthem,
Zadok the Priest," and by an inaugural march com-
posed for the occasion by Mr. C. F. Hargitt, the
conductor of the orchestra. It was deservedly
applauded.

The visitors then dispersed throughout the hall
to inspect at their leisure the countless objects of
interest displayed, and to test the capabilities of the
refreshment department, which is under the direc-
tion of Messrs. Spiers and Pond, who have under-
taken to supply the wants of all comers either with
copious draughts of Allsopp's sparkling ale, or with
any other kind of refreshment that may be required.
The hall will be illuminated at night, and will be
open for some weeks to come.
Mr. Adams was the organist, and the whole of
the musical arrangements were kindly undertaken
by the committee of the London Choral Union.

Streets of London.

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