The Sun.
London, England, 1856-05-30 00:00:00

VICTORIA-PARK

The preparations UT illumination in the neighbour-
hood of the park were not very general ; but when night
came on there was a sufficient number of }wines lighte.:
up to give the localltiv around a very pretty appearance..
Ode house on the Park-road was ihutnipated by Chine,e
lanterns—a nude of lighting that the Parisatis rnake_ve;.v._
effective .I;ak Ateonesesintr'—A -gin 'palace on the Hack-
iiey-rnad haft e name of "Florence Nightingale," in
letters of gas, all across its large front. This simple
and pretty tribute to our illustrious countrywoman
elicited repeated cheers from those who passed the-
house on their way to the park. On the same road was
a transearency, representit.g the Queen and her Royal
Consort b ueding over the sea in a particular:y cool and
collected manner, the marine deity who did duty in the
box of the chariot in which Queen Victoria was seated
apparently soliciting her Britalinic Majesty's directions
as to the course his steedc were to take. The artist did
not tell his story very clearly ; but obscurity is a privi-
lege of artists and poets, and in this case the work,
which was not at all I a fly executed, was received with
great enthat by the crowds who viewed it on their
way past.

By nine o'clock all eyes ware directed to the enclosure
within which the fireworks were to be discharged,
and every movement in that direction was watched
with 'intense anxiety. Everywhere were there people
—even thronging scaffoldings erected on housetops.
The "signal rocket" was awaited with an excitement
that only reached its climax when, after that essen-
tially pyro'echnic screech which farcibly-ejected fire-
w .rks cause iii or ,gres.s upwarls to the atinaepaere, the
brilliant stream had nearly reached the clouds, and bad
comnieuced it descent as a -hewer of some thousands
of many-coloured stars—then came that peaceful salvo
which fern times I g passed has always in the minds
of the E glish people bees. a-soc ated with thoughts of
loyalty awl re,p-ct for their Sovereign the Royal
salu N nf 21 guns; again, an ascent of rockets, each
going hi4h• r, anti diffusing its brilliant shovers over a
wi ler circle than the former. Next the well-known and
~:ver-,.ttractive Bengal fire, f Unwed by eccentric—very
eccentric indeed wheels. Tne changes
from angry ca-cafes to limpid fountains, and
thee to trees with eel ?stial foliage, were rapid
and iilea-,ing ; but they only in seme measure
prepared On tspectatora 4e Kbat was coming in
the fee d'artt:fice, a died the "Chronn.trope,'` whose ve-
rieties see.ned as endle,s as those of the kaleilosc..,pe.
rhis rises of pyroteemy was sure unded by a dazzlina
belt of flame. asplaye of crimson fires tint .611,, of
Its ian etreauders were ev-,rywhere exhibiting their gran-
.iaur at the 'ante time. Alter these f ,Ilowed a (finnan,'
piece, which, in one of its many transformation heca,a-
a royal star, the straw-fire, aaant which wt,re really a
beautiful ,:ight. The land reports of a succ atsion of sky
reckets again arensed the people, from their more silent
a iintraqon of the brilliancy beret.» the ; and again.
Elyria') ima4itiatiens wera conjereff rip oy aerial hen-
(wets, that seemed 'oil!, fl: Parsalpe. A 't•tuetting "
flight of reckets teeipsed the gentler radiance of the
fiaater • ; no less than 100 of the former having rushed
:In higi..l in one coup, amid the enthintiastio plaudits of
the thou-ands who wiaaessed their fiery flaht, and the
hues, various as the rakbnws, of their starry showers.
A very ingeninv, curieus, and kaleidoscopic contrivance
attraoed au immense *meant of attention. It cam,
merle d with three serpents ; which pursued each other
through the air with blazing animosity. These reptiles
were, we pr-sume, supposed to have devoured each
other, or to have undergone a process of metamorphosis;
for, in their place, appeared three suns, any one of which
would have been sufficient to have lighted the world of
Victoria-park. More changes of all kinds, mere flowers,
fixed stars, every-coloured fires, and then " Jack-in-the-
box " discharging a quarter of a hundred of rocket• at
each of several explosions. Some minor, but beautiful,
pieces followed ; and the next grand display was a ho-
rizontal rocket-wheel, which, amongst other petfor-
maexes, sent up one continuous column of fire direct
from the base to the height of a sky-rocket. Again,
stars, wheels, and rockets—we were almost going to
say ad nauseant, for really there were too many of
them, brilliant and beautiful though !they un-
doubtedly were. The people appeared to feel that
there was too much of one thing, and a general wish was
expressed that the "attack on Sebastopol," which wa?
to wind up the pr ,ceedings, should commence. In due
order the finale did arrive, and certainly it was an ex-
ceedingiy grand affsir of its kind. It consisted of a
fountain of 12Ib gerbes, a fountain of Roman candles,
a Guilloche, a Saxon cutting-piece, batteries of pearl-
streamers, tourbillens discharges of bale, yellow, green,
and red rockets, 50 Of each ; and then commenced a
galaxy of fixed fires of magnificent devices, and a grand
flight of no less than ten thousand rockets. The effect
of all this blazing cannonade, which lasted for some
minutes, was exceedingly fine, and called forth loud and
repeated cheers from the assembled multitude.

Within the encl,sure darkness at once " reigned su-
preme ;" but till the small hours of the morning the
masses were wending their way home from the East-
end scene of the peace rejoicings,'

- - •
GREENWICH AND WOOLWICH.

The illuminations were not all confined to the metro-
polis. Most of the little towns round London had
their own displays, which the inhabitants seemed to pre-
fer to all the glories of the metropolis. For brilliancy
and variety of decorations Greenwich and Woolwich
were conspicuous. The former town may now be said
to form a portion of London ; and, indeed, along the
whole length of the otherwise dark and dreary Old
Kent-road the spectator was never out of sight of
some device, either of gas or coloured lamps. Along the
High-street of Greenwich there was a rea'ly fine display
of stars, mottoes, and transparencies, while above all, in
the bright night air, floated the Cgs and banners of
every conceivable nation, and of many that were not
concilvable at all,
At Woolwich there was even a brighter show. The
large gates of the Arsenal were arched over with gas
mottoes and devices; and the hole of Wellington-street.
and the High-street were radiant with innumerable rays.
A. c:msiderable number of Londoners appeared to have
been drawn to Woolwich under the vane impression
that the pyrotechnio display at that pace was to be
superior to all the exhibitions in London. It is needless
to say that nothing of the kind took place ; though, for
the consolation of those so disappointed, we 'nay tell
them that there is to he one for the private edification
of Lord Pantuure, we believe. on the 4111 of next June.
Stan:ling upon Blackheath-hiF, the pedestriati usu-
al!) sees a hazy, faint-lighted streak in the horizon,
which indicates the where:about:, of the huge metropolis;
but last night the aspect of the scene was changed, and
indeed even those who can wed remember the peace
r joicings of 1814 were astounded at the view of Lon-
don from a distance. It -seemed as if the whole city
was a lake of fire, which the clouds reflected with a
dull aid angry glare. From four points of this lurid
mass rose up great fountains of fire—from Primrese-
bill, the Regent's, Green, and Victoria Parks. The
hues of these great streams were incessantly changing,
like fiery rainbows, while ever and ancn sounds like the
rush of a mighty sea came upon the ear. It was not
like the usual dull, heavy buzz to be heard over Lon-
don of a night, but a deep angry, swelling sound, which,
with the unnatural light, seemed as if some great cala-
mity was impending or taking place.
The aspect of Loudon from a distance seemed terrible,
and suggested anything'but the peace rojeicings of 1836
to the minds of the spectators.

----
THE ILLLUMINATIONS.
FASMIONAILE RESIDENCES.
Lord Panmure's Residence, Belgrave-Qquare—This house
was most brildantly illuminated. The front next the
square was a centre, eight feet in diameter, formed of
bucket crystal lamps. The motto " Hori soit qui mal y
pense," being painted on a blue ground around and in the
centre of a radiating and refl?cting star, the whole being
surmounted by a six-font crown. The side front had be-
tween the pilasters two large trophies, formed by gas jets,
with flags between the same, and in the centre of each a
brilliant gas star.
tiis Excellency Baron Bentinck, 20, Lowndes-square—A
large and brilliaut gas star.
His Excellency Baron R )11,child, 11, Halken-street,
West—A. very brilliant star, in gas.
His Excellency General Oxholus, 41, Wilton-crescent—
A brilliant and bulging star.
Earl if Burlington, 10. Balgrave.sqlfare—A. splendid oil
illumination.
Th,, Rizlit Hon. Mr. Laboncbere, M.P., 27, Belgrave-
,qo ire V. R., and wreaths of laurels.
Sir Mi heel Shaw Stewart, 42, -B?lgrave-square--A.
v ,t,ii star, in gas, which elicited marked approbation,
owing to its extent and brilliancy.
Sir Roderick Murcidsou,l6, Belgrave-square—A magni-
icent gas revolving star and illumination, with the word
" Peace" and V. R. This was a splendid device.
J. R. Magennis, Esq., Grosvenor-square—An oil illumi-
natio,' of a star and V. R.
S. Ricardo, Esq., 50, Grosvenor-place—Star and V. R.,
in oil.
. Cou-t lii,linansegge, 44, Or, svenor-place----A brilliant
`gas star, with a transparency, representing ,Peace and

Plenty. This transparency contained the whole of the
Hanoverian orders, and was a perfect gem in its way.
The Speaker, 89, Eaton-square--A crown, V. R., crown
and olive branches, and the word " Peace," in variegated
lamps.
Lord Darnley, 84, Eaton-square—A brilliant gas illumi-
nation, V. R., the English crown, the word "Peace," and
a variety of olive branches and laurels, together with the
Maltese cross.
The Right Hon. Sir George Grey, 14, Eaton-place—
V. R. and star, in oil.
Mr. L. Ricardo, M.P., 31, Lowndes-square—An oil illu-
mination consisting of a crown and star.
Fieli-Marshal Lord Hardinge, of Stanhope-street, Mar
fair—Displayed a splendid radiated star, and a number of
English and French flags, foimed of bucket lamps, which
had a gooi effect.
The Bishop of Winchester, St. James's-square—The ini-
tials of the Queen, surmounted by a royal crown, in varie-
gated lamps.
The Turkil Ambassador, Bryanstone-square—A grand
illuwination, composed of the Sultan's cipher in crystal,
V. R., a star and crescent, a large Brunswick star, and the
buildi-g outlined with variegated glasses, and fire-pots on
the top of th. cornice, which threw out coloured fires.
The Earl of Zetland, Arlington-street—A brilliant star,
in :,as

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Palace, Lambeth—
V.R. ant crown.

Viscount Boyne, Belgtave square—A splendid star.
No 7, Belgrave-square, the residence of John Collett,
Esq., late M.P. for Athlone—A transparency, 10 feet by
7, with a mourning border a foot wide, bearing the fol-
lowing inscription :

IN MOURNING
FOR A
DISGRACEFUL PEACE,

THE CERTAIN' RESULT
OF A WAR
DISGRACEFULLY CONDUCTED.

Apsley house, Hyde Przrk-coiner—Amongst so many
trot ge ,u 1 designs, it is hard to determine which was best;
but thi, was one of the most extraordinary illuminations
in the metropolis. It consisted of a number of pillars with
branches extending right and left, so as almost to conjoin.
The pillars and shafts contained at least 100,000 jets of
light, forming, if we may so till it, one huge bonfire of
-.-as as:ending to six or eight feet above the roof of the

Bishop of London, St. James's-square—Emblem (in gas),
a dove descending with the 9live branch of peace, sur-
rounded by a most brilliant halo of light, supported' by
wreaths of laurel. Motto, " Esto perpetua," - -
_,1)19 3? of NorAuusbettato, Chtaiiiserots—A largo
star, with a erown-it'the centre.

The Earl of Bradford's, Belgrave-square—A large star,
with a crown in the si)ntre.

The E Fitz wiiliam,Halkin-street —A brilliant ilia-
minatiol, in gas jets.
Earl of Yarborough, Arlington-street—A brilliant star.
Duke of Bucclemh, Montagu House—" V. R." crown,
with variegated lamps.
The Brazilian Minister, Cavendish-square—The Brazil-
ian coat-of-arms, with a coffee plant on ono side and the
tobacco phut on the other, with lamps, and a crown.
This device excited groat curiosity, and large crowds of
people assembled to witness it.
The French Ambassador, Knightsbridge—The Imperial
arms, with those of England. A. brilliant device.
All the other Foreign Ministers had equally appropriate
eo,iees. _ _

-The Duke of Somerset's, Park-lane--A crown and flags,
with variegated lamps, the letters " V. A." and " N. E."
Lord Dudley Ward's, Park-lane--Coat of arms en-
circled with jets of gas ; the 18 columns of the house de-
corated with spiral twists and flags of all nations. A most
magnificent device.

Lord Poltimore, Grosvenor-square--" V.R.," star, gas
j4s. _ _

The Earl of Shaftesbury, Grosvenor•square—'
s' ar, gas jets.

" V.R.,"

The D'wager Duchess of Cleveland, Grosvenor-square—
The initials " V.R." encircled with laurels and variegated
lamps.
Mr. Disrieli, Grosvenor-gate—A. plain star.
Lady Peel's, Whitehall—Star.
Toe Duke of Norfolk, St. James's-square—Crown and
cushion, " V. R ," encircled with laurel leaves.
The Duke of Sutherland, Stable yard—Two crossed
swords, variegated limps, and the word " Peace" facing
the park.
Lord Sondes, Grosvenor-square—A star, with gas jets.
The .f srquis of Exeter, Grosvenor-square—A star, with
gas jets. _ _

Lora
Calthorpa, Grosvenor-square--A star in variegated
lamps.
Austrian Embassy, Chandos-street, Cavendish-square---
Transparency of the I -.venal arms of Austria, folly em-
blcizone I, wurrounded by e deep border of brilliant lamps,
upon metallic replacing back. Executed by Freeman and
Co., Wigmore-street.

Earl of Powis, B3rk,ley-squt tre—Very large Brunswick
star, Mr. Henry Baring, rosette.
Earl of Manners, Portman-square—Large brilliant star.
Sir C. Morgan, star. Sir R. Routh, festoons. Miss Beau-
mont, do. .1
Earl of Scarborough, South street, Park-lane--Rosette.
L t•ly Cottenham, Park-lahe—Rosette.
T. A. Suith, Esq., Pic,adilly—Very large bril:iant star,
on eith-r si,ie a compound coloured ornamental rosette.
Sir Ic.i.,:gston James, star.
Win. Murray, Esq., Hill-street—Star.
Justice Erl,,, Park-,:r.i.ceat —Festoon& Antonio Pereira,
Esq. ditto. Wm. Neal. Esq., ditto. C. Hammersley,
Esq.. ditto. J. Cavan, Esq.. star,
Thrupp, Esq., Upper Brook-street—Star.
Weat.vorth, Esq Connaught-place—Rosette. C. B.
Young, Esq., festcons. J. P. Heywood, Esq., de.
Hun. C. H. Cash, Great St whop street—Brilliant star.
audits, Esq., Hanover-square—Star.
Mrs. Arbuthnot, Hyde Park-gardens—Brilliant star.
W. Gibbs, Esq., Peace surrounded by au olive branch, in
large brilliant lamps.
Mrs. Todd, Winipole-street—Rosette.
Duke of Richmond, Portland-place—Border of brilliant
lamps on each balcony. Sir R. Sheffield, festoons.
T. Burgoyne, Esq,„ Stratatord-place—Large brilliant star.-
Arclibisbaii Of York, Belgrive,square—Brilliant star.
Sir E. Gooch, Charles street—Rosette.
Mrs. Conyers, Upper Grosvenor square—Rosette.
R. Gordon, Esq., Hill-street—Festoons.
Hon. Society of Lincoln's-inn, Lincoln's-inn-fields—Four
extra large brilliant stars, by Freeman and Co.
Head and Co., Upper Baker-street—V. R.
Davies and Co., Mount-street—Festoons.
Lord Pal niers tore., Piccadilly—The initials V. R., crown,
and star. encircled with a wreath of laurel.
The Marquis of Lansdowne, Berkeley-square—The ini•
tiala V. R. crown, gas.
The Earl Granville, Bruton-street—The initials V. R.,
and a brilliant gas star.
The Earl of HatTowby, Grosvenor-square—Star and
variegated lamps.
The Earl of Clarendon, 8.G., Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, Belgrave-square—V. R., and stars, in
variegated lamps.
The Marquis of Breadalbane, Lord Chamberlain, Park-
lane— The Royal initials V. R., wreaths of laurel and stars,
in gas jets.

Lord Willoughby d'Eresby, Lord Great Chamberlain,
Piccadilly—A large star and wreaths along the balcony, in
coloured lamps.
The Dowager Duchess of Somerset, Park-lane—lmperial
crown, V. R. and N. E., and the word "Peace," in varie-
gated lamps.
Mr. Blackburne, M.P., Park-lane—V. R., and star in
lamps, _ _

LOrd Ward, Park-lane—The entire front of this noble
mansion was one complete blt.ze of light from gas jets, de-
pending from every window, including those of the con-
servatory, with twisted scrolls up the pillars in front of
the building. The flags of the allied nations were die.
played from the parapet.
Lord Coufnermere, Halkin•atreet, Belgrave-square—
Large star, in variegated lamps.
The Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, M.P., Belgrave•square
—lmperial crown, V. R., and star, in coloured lamp.
Mr. Fel'owes, M.P., Belgrave-square—Star, and gas jets.
The Duke of Bedford, Belgrave•squsre —Large star, in
coloured lamps.

Sir C. De Vona, Belgrave-square—Star, in lamps.
The Earl of Essex,. Belgrceve-square—The entire front
tastefully illuminated by Chinese lanterns.
Lord Hariland, Belgrave-square—V.R. and wreaths, in
lamps.
Lord George Quin, Belgrave-square—V.R., and the word
Peace in brilliant gas jets.
The Countess of Norbury, Belgrave-square—A star in
coloured lamps,..

Lord ClauWilliam, ditto—Large star in coloured lamps.
General Pennant, Belgrave-square—Large star and
scrolls along the balcony, in gas.
Sir John Yarde Buller, M.P., Bslgrave-square—Stars

Th 4 Archbishop of York, Belgrave-square—Large star
iu coloured lamps.
The Earl of Bradford, Belgrave-square—Splendid impe•
Hal crown and star, in gas.
Mrs. Miles, ditto—A star in variegated lamps.
The Duke of Montrose, Be!grave-square—A very novel
display of wax lights, enclosed in coloured glass lamps,
along the balcony of the mansion, which had a very pleas•
ing effect.

Sir James Graham, Grosvenor-place—V.R. and star in
coloured lamps.
The mansions of Sir Fitzroy Belly and Sir E. Antrobus,
Piccadilly - A. most magnificent imperial crown, two large
stars, and the entire length of the three balconies covered
by a:double row of lamps, having a most brilliant effect.
Lord Lanes') orough, Park lane—Stars, in coloured lamps.
Mr. Holford, Park-lane—A most splendid gas illumina-
tion, consisting of V.R., three stars, flags, and wreaths.
Lady Rolle, Upper Grosvenor-street—Star, in coloured
lamps.
Earl Delawarr, Upper Grosvenor-street—A star, in co•
loured lamps.
The Marquis of Westminster, Upper Grosvenor-street—
Large a,.d magnificent imperial crown, and V.R., in va•
riegated

Mr. Walter, :'d.P., Upper Grosvenor-square—a very ele-
gant deice, consisting of branches of palm and laurel and
oars f wbeit, in coloured lamps, by Mr. T. Winslaad, of
Vauxhall-gardens.
The Duke of Beaufort, Grosvonor•square—V.R., and a
beautiful star, in coloured lamps.
Earl Fottescue, Grosvenor-square--V.R., and. ears, in
Pc

Lord Townshend, Grosven,pr-square—a large anchor,
with festoons, and the word "Peace," in coloured lamps.
Mivart's Hotel, Upper Brook street—,lNT.E., in gas.
Viscountess Falmouth, St. James'-square—large star of
tha Older of the Garter, in coloured lamps.
The Prussian Ambassador, Carlton-house-terrace—the
Royal Arms of Prussia, in the centre of an irradiating star.
Mrs. Lloyd, Upper Grosvenor-street—star, in lamps.
Dr. Ferguson, Park-street—large star, in coloured lamps.

THE PUBLIC OFFICES.
HORSE GUARDS.—The Horse Guards was illumi-
nat, d both on the front and on the back facing the Pa-
rade. On each side the devices were the same—a large
garter. in coloured lamps, in the centre, surmounted
with a crown, flanked on each side with two reflecting
stars, with the motto, " Honi twit qui mal p pense."
Tne whiile of the facade was illuminated with con-
tinuous serie. nt j.,ts of gas.
ADMIRALTY —The front of the Admiralty, Charing-
cro.,, .4 ill be lighted with oil lamps, with the letters
"V. It." on either side. Tne centre of the arch will
be surmounted with a transparency. There will be an-
oh)rs, and other appropriate devic e.
-
TREASURY.—On the pile of building which oo
tains the Home-office, Treasury, Board of Trade,
and Council-office, were displayed five banners
suspended from a continuous cable, each banner bear-
ing the component letters of the word peace, and
the cable loops by which the banners were sus-
pended form medallions. conlainin the in itiai letters ofthe
different sovereigns ; ;be vai retire right and left of
the eouipusition were placed the letters V. and lc., en.