The Sun.
London, England, 1851-05-01 00:00:00

1851,

The dais of state was raised under a magnificent canopy,
and the whole area was adorned with a display ef sta-
tuary, among which the beautiful equestrian statues
cf her Majesty and of Prince Albert were particu-
larly conspicuous. Groups of statuary were ranged
on each side of the transept, from the door of entrance
up to the nave, so that the transept is, in fact, a great
hall of statuary.
The Foreign Ambassadors arrived shortly after ten
o'clock, and at eleven the members of the Executive
Committee and the Foreign Commissioners arrived
and took their places.
The general appearance of the Palace is one of
light and airy elegance. The painting, concerning
which there was so much controversy, has succeeded
wonderfully. Nothing can be more pleasing to the
eye than the manner in which the colours harmonize
and blend together. The exposition of the va-
rious articles, although still far from com-
plete, has progressed much more than those
who have not recently visited the Palace can
imagine. To attempt to give an account
of the various descriptions of articles exhibited would
on this occasion be inappropriate ; but we may state
that the English portion of the Exhibition appears to
be in the greatest, and the French portion in the least,
state of forwardness, whilst all the exhibitors from
the United States have carefully covered their
goods with canvas, so that it is impossible
to judge as to the state of forwardness, or
even as to the nature of the goods exposed.
Massing with, and setting off the more brilliant co-
lours, were the choicest productions of the hot-house,
and the beautiful and graceful palm trees and furs,
and the white sails of some beautiful models of ships,
formed a tou t ensemble of picturesque beauty, of
which it is impossible to convey any idea by words,
and which might set the most accomplished painter at
defiance to reproduce.
At five minutes before twelve a flourish of trum-
pets announced the arrival of the royal procession,
and at twelve o'clock precisely her Majesty, with
characteristic punctuality, entered in state, leaning on
the arm of Prince Albert, and leading the Prince of
Wales by the hand, Prince Albert leading the Prin-
cess Royal. Her Majesty looked extremely well,
and smiled and bowed most courteously in
acknowledgement of the compliments paid to
her. Prince Albert was dressed in Field-
Marshal's uniform, and the Prince of
Wales was attired in Highland costume. Her Ma-
jesty was accompanied by the Duchess of Kent, the
Princess Mary of Cambridge, the Duchess of Suther-
land, Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and the
Prince of Prussia.
The appearance of her Majesty was the signal of
a most enthusiastic outburst of loyalty, salvos of
cheers followed each other in rapid succession for
several minutes, and re-echoed through the Pa-
lace, almost drowning the voices of the choris-
ters, who were singing the National Anthem.
On arriving at the dais her Majesty took her place
by the throne, having the Princess Royal and the
Prince of Wales on each side of her. A beautiful
canopy, 32 feet square, with the corners taken off, is
suspended over the throne, at a height of 30 feet.
It is divided on the under side into twelve compart-
ments, each 8 feet square, and four halves
divided diagonally from point to point.
Each compartment is fluted in the centre
with blue silk, and has a star of Brunswick (gilt).
Where they meet, round the outside of the canopy,
is a drapery of blue fringe, with blue and white silk
ornaments, and ropes cropping a little at each angle.
This is surmounted by a cornice with gilt mouldings ;
and upon the facia a bold enrichment of laurel
leaves, gilt, upon blue ground, and a plume of blue
and white ostrich feathers at each angle.
The performance of the National Anthem was
under the direction of Sir George Smart ; Mr.
Turle, the organist of Westminster Abbey,
presiding at the organ, which stands in the north
end of the transept, and which has been built
by Messrs. Gray and Davison. The Hallelujah
Chorus was performed under the direction of Sir
Henry Bishop ; Dr. S. Elvey presiding at the organ.
Among the vocalists present we noticed Miss Birch,
Miss Dolby, Madame Caradori Allan, Miss 'Wil-
liams, and Messrs. Henry Phillips, Lockey, Bodda,
and other singers of eminence.
When the National Anthem was concluded, Prince
Albert descended from the dais, and joined,his bro-
ther Commissioners. The report of the proceedings
of the Commissioners was then handed to
his Royal Highness, who, advancing to the
foot of the throne, read the report to
her Majesty, and afterwards presented it to
her, together with a catalogue of the articles exhi-
bited. Her Majesty then returned a gracious answer,
but neither the report or the answer were audible
where we were placed. The Commissioners were
then presented to her Majesty by Prince Albert. The
Archbishop of Canterbury then said the following
prayer, invoking God's blessing on the undertaking

PRAYER.
" Almighty and everlasting God, governor of all
things, without whom nothing is strong, nothing holy,
accept, we beseech Thee, the sacrifice of our praise
and thanksgiving, receive our prayers which we offer
up to,Thee.this day, in behalf of this kingdom and land.
We acknowledge, 0 Lord, that Thou hast multiplied
the blessings which Thou mightest most justly have
withheld ; we acknowledge that it is not
because of the works of righteousness
which we have done, but of Thy great mercy,
that we are permitted to come before Thee this day
with the voice of thanksgiving. Instead of humbling
us for our offences, Thou hast given us just cause to
praise thee fur Thine abundant goodness. And now,
0 Lord, we beseech Thee to bless the work which
thou hast enabled us to begin, and to re-
gard with Thy favour our present purpose of
uniting together in the bond of peace and
concord the different nations of the earth;
for of Thee, 0 Lord, and not of the preparation of
man, it cometh that violence is not heard in our
mad, nor contentions nor violence within oar borders.
It is of Thee, 0 Lord, that nation does not lift up
sword against nation, nor learn war any more.
It is of Thee that peace is within our walls
plenteousness within our palaces, and men go
forth in safety, and that knowledge i 3 in-
creased throughout the world. Therefore, 0 Lord,
not unto us, but unto Thy name, be all praise. Whilst
we survey the works of art and industry
which surround us, let not our hearts

be lifted up that we forget the Lord our God,
or that it is not of our ow❑ power, or of the might
of our hsnds that we have gotten in this wealth.
Teach us to remember that this store which we have

prepared is all Thine own, in Thine hands it is to make

great, and give strength and honour. We thank
Thee, we praise Thee, we intreat Thee to over-

rule this assembly of many nations, that
it may tend to the advancement of Thy
glory, to the increase of our prosperity, and to
the promotion of peace and goodwill among the differ-

ent races of mankind. Let the many mercies we

have received dispose our hearts to serve Thee more

and more, who art the author and giver of all good
things. Teach us to use those earthly blessings that

Thou bast given us so richly to enjoy, that they
may not withdraw our affections from those
heavenly things which Thou 'last prepared for them
that love Thee through the merits and mediation of
Thy son Jesus Christ, to whom with Theo and the
Holy Ghost be ail honour and glory, world without
end. Amen."

After which the " Hallelujah" chorus was performed
by the choir, and the royal procesk2ion was then
formed in the following order:—

fleralds.
Contractor, Architect,
Mr. Henderson. Joseph Paxton, Esq.
Superintendents of the Works,
C. 11. Wild, Esq,
Owen Jones, Esq.
Financial officer.
F. 11. Carpenter, Esq.
Members of the Building Committee,
I. K. Brunel, Esq. C. Cockerel!, Esq„ Professor Donaldson.
Members of the Finaqce Committee,
Samuel Peto, Esq. Sir Alexander Spearman, Bart.
easurers
Baron Lionel de Rothschild Tr.
Sir, John W. Lubbock, Bart.
William Cotton, Esq. Arthur Kett Barclay, Esq.
Secretary to the Executive Committee,
Matthew Oigbv Wyatt, Esq.
Executive Committee.
George Drew, Esq. Francis Fuller, Esq.
Charles iVentv.-orth Dilke, jun., Esq. Henry Cole, Esq.
Lieut . Colonel William Reid, Royal Engineeis; C. B.

Contractor.
Mr. Fox.

FOREIGN ACTING commissroNEtts.
Austria—M. C. Buschek and Chevalier De Bourg.
Bavaria—Professor De Sehafhault, M. Theobald Boehm,
and M. Haindl.

Belgium—M. Charles Caylits and M. de Broucken.
Denmark-.Regnar Westenholz.

France—H. Sailendrouze de Lamornaix.
Grand Duchy of Hesse— M. Roasler.
Greeea—M. Ralli.
Ifanse Towns—M. Piglheim.
1101/and—M. Goothens and M. J. P. IJudok van nal'
Northern Germany—AL Noback.
Portugal—M. F. J. Vanzeller and Antonio Valdez'
Prussia—Baron Hebeler.
Rome— Signor Carlo Tribbi.
Russia—M. Gabriel Kamenskv.
Sardinia—Chevalier Lencisa. roast •
Saxony—Dr. Seyllarth, LL.D , and N. Gustavus
ling. And
Spain—M. Manuel Cc Ysasi, M. Ramon de la &gra'
M. Ramon de Echevarria.
Sweden and Norway —M. Charles Tottie.
Switzerland—Dr. Bailey and 31. Eichholzer.
Tunis—Signor ffamda Elmkaddena and 31. wan
(Interpreter and Secretary).
Turkey— 31. Edward Zuhrab.
Tuscany—Dr. Corridi. °dig' 33 6
United States—Mr. Edward Riddle and Mr. S'
(Secretary).
Wurtembcrg—M. C. Brand.
Zollverein - M. Banrath Stein.
Secretaries to the Royal Commission, ssrt •
Edgar A. Bowring, Esq. Sir Stafford H. Northcote,
J. Scott Russell, Esq.
Special Commissioners,
Dr. Lyon Playfair.
Mr. Alderman Thompson. John :shepherd, BE+
R. Stephenson, Esq. Philip Pusey, Esq.
Wm. Hopkins, Esq. Lmi3eluistsloNolnortnse.l Lloyd.
nEa. MAJESTY co
John Gott, Esq.
T. F. Gibson, Esq. Wm Cubitt, Esq.
Richard Cobden, Esq. Thomas Bazley, Esq.
Charles, Barry, Esq. Thomas Baring, Esq.
Sir Charles Lyell Sir C. L. Eastlake.
Right Hon, W. E. Glacistoge'
Sir R. Westmacott.
Right Hon. H. Labouchere. Lord John Russell.
Lord Overstone. Lord Stanley.
Earl Granville. Earl of Ellesmere.
Earl of Rosse. Duke of Buccleueb._

Her Majesty's Master of the Ceremonies.
Foreign Ambassadors and Ministers. ,tigir
F. 1-r. the Duke of Welling- F. M. the Marquis 01 A
_.Ol
ton, K.G., Commander-in- say, K.G., Master LI"
Chief. cf the Ordnance.
Her Majesty's Ministers.
Bishop of London.
His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury
White Wands,—viz : , obolS
Comptroller of the Household. Treasurer of the ta°ll"
Vice Chamberlain.
Lord Steward. Garter Lord Chamberlin'
Principal King of Arms.
His Royal Highness The
PRINCE ALBERT,
leading her Royal Highness leading lQiistiEßEol;'allillebs,l°
the Princess Royal. the Prince of "8,3
His Royal Highness
the Prince of Prussia. the Duchess of ,
Its Royal Highness Her Royal agbees.
Qs's.
Prince Henry of the Netherlands. the Princess of Pril—
His Royal Highness Her Royal oßylylalliiligighrileb:'
Prince Frederick William Princess Mary of C 3133
of Prussia.
His Serene Highness
Hisßoyal
Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar. The Duke of
Mistress of the Robes.
Ilieb
oliregaiLe:
Lady of the Bedchamber, Lady of the Bede-
Marchioness of Douro. in waitinpur v
Alaid of Honour Maid of Heil°
in Waiting, in Waiting•dent,
Bedchamber Woman Lady Superinten.ooo'
in Waiting Lady Caroline Barii '
Foreign Ladies, and Lady in attendance • ,
on H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent. Mfg'
Gold Stick in Waiting. Master of the
Groom of the Stole
to H. R. 11. Prince Albert.
Captain of the
s. Gentleman n
Yeomen of the Guard.
Master of the Buckho , ,
und :tfll*
•Arthe..
Lord of the Bedchamber Lord in Waiting
to 11. R. 11. Prince Albert to the Queen. 't
in Waiting. 1
Groom of the Bedchamber Groom in Waiting
to IL R. H. Prince Albert to the Queer' :
in Waiting.

- Clerk Marshal.
Equerry Equerry
to 11. R. H. Prince Albert to the Queen'
in Waiting. in Waiting. oaf
Gentleman usher. Gentleman Usher. Gentleman.

!.)
Silver Stick Field Officecz,
in Waiting. in Brigade Waitnyee
The Gentlemen in attendance upon their Royal 1E1;P--
the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Cambridge,
and the Prince and Princess of Prussia.
Heralds.
to 036
The procession turned to the right., moved the'
west end of the nave by its north side, returned t° the
east end of the nave by its south side, includiantre
south end of the transept, and came back to the tee,
gll
along the north side of the nave ; thus enabliieb
those present to see her Majesty and the process i° o, ,
During the procession, and at the Queen, 6 op
proach, the organs were successively played. 00
Oa her Majesty's return to the platform, the (I°6o,
declared " the Exhibition opened !" which we; sod
nounced to the public by a flourish of trumpet .c.pr
the firing of a royal salute on the north of the e
pentine ; whereupon the barriers, which had kept
viecl
nave clear, were thrown open, and the public all°
to circulate.
TbeDuke of Wellington accompanied the proce'lltbe
during the whole of its route, leaning on the arra e`
Marquis of Anglesea. The cheering was enthusilis er
as the Queen passed through the Palace, and b
greeting on leaving was rapturous. The 13,e)
v 1
Standard was hoisted on the transept when the Qileter
entered the Palace, and continued flying during of
Majesty's stay. A sentinel was placed on the 1
of the transept and continued pacing up and tin',o3,
during the eontinuance of the ceremonial.
The Cabinet Ministers began to arrive about ale Ay
o'clock. Sir G. Grey, and the Chancellor of 'if
ir
Exchequer arrived together, and were sPecinilio
followed by the Lord Chancellor, Lord "of
Russell, Lord Broughton, and the rest I,
the Ministers. The Archbishop of Canter! 1;p
was attended by his two chaplains, the Rev. flop
Villars and the Rev. Mr. Thomas. The Lord Bi
Ote
of London was unable to attend from indispose G 1
of
but his place was supplied by the Lord Bishol/
Winchester, as senior suffragan of the dioct
The area now began to assume a very imPsi dt
appearance. About eleven o clock the royal cI3I be
was brought out and placed on a platform between 1 ft,
equestrian statues of her Majesty and Prince Alb&
qtr
by Wyatt. The guards formed in the ret cif
and the yeomen of the guard took up tb
position at the entrance. The Duke of Wellin g
titb
now descended into the area, and was greeted I the
loud cheers. Almost the first person he met we "fete
Marquis of Anglesea, and the two old heroes
ooe
soon sitting side by side, chatting together on °DO'
apparently amusing topic. The conjunction we %of
ticed by all around, and was greeted with /
to#
applause. Soon after the Chinese Commission' o'
rived, and was the object of much curiosity 'fade
soon as be espied the Duke of 'Wellington he bet,
his way towards him, and paid his °iv
sances to him after his country's fashion. 9
pair of veterans seemed to possess great attracti
his eyes, for he hovered about them some time, '2', to
sionally chattering with them, seemingly anxio. :I ;le,
obtain as much communication with them as possi7 tlf
Shortly afterwards Mr. Cobden arrived, particula tiot
conspicuous, from his being the only Nog.
,t
Commissioner in a plain or evening dress suit. aeo,
he soon afterwards was passing by the pair of her to
one of the Royal Commissioners introduced biro it
them, and from the low bows on both sides 'OO,
was evident that thin was a first introd
tion. The conversation was continued for 64 jog
time in an animated manner, and this first meet air
between the greatest warrior of the age and this 1 or,
tinguished apostle of peace in the Palace of Induot
is certainly not one of the least interesting lucid,'
of the Great Exhibition.
About half .past eleven every one was on the ,►
toe of expectation. Crowds of visitors who had /a' ot
unsuccessful in obtaining seats were rushing at 7 jrn,
in all directions ; ladies separated from their hUsbe
lovers from their fair ones, seeking about on • ib4
verge of despair ; policemen striving to keep ties Or
vd
passages, and evidently perplexed with the unw.
character of the snob with which they bad to de of.
scarcely venturing to order off when a bright pi Of
eyes entreated to remain. We feel bound to .661;
however, that the greatest good humour was On' ,
fested on all sides, and a desire for mutual acconlolt tl
dation, which in an assembly so numerous, wheres
were endeavouring to press close to one 5p01,,-- 0
the area on which the Royal throne
erected contributed materially to preSery
order and regularity. At last, by degrees, ever):
body managed to get settled into their right Place
or. at least those whence they flattered themselves
they should obtain the best view of the proceedirgs,
AS the time wore on, and the hands of the clock
proached, knowing her Majesty's habitual Punta
tuality, each arranged themselves so as
rib
watch the first view of the Royal approlch, °Pere.
glasses were projected, and the groups whaosewtteleoar
formerly hurrying to and fro subsided into
order. The scene on the area at this point was.
the most splendid description ; the sun shone fortilleh
this moment, glancing on the rich uniforms,
bwel.
evi:
were mingled together, in a confused mass
of all colours and all nations. The fountains, wnl_
otr;
had been playing, were now hushed, as were also
organs, which up to this time had been rolling' f
00
occasional strains through the long aisles, sucia.,,,a
every side was eager and almost hushed
aedol#
• "i41:1,t

to the
Sword of State.