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

A GENERAL SKETCH OF THE INTERIOR.

On entering the Exhibition at an. early hour, and
before many had arrived, the view from the top of the
eastern nave was the most magnificent which the
imagination could picture. Being cleared entirely of
all the implements used in tie construction or decora-
tion, the different articles for exhibition being
placed in appropriate situations,, and arranged
in great order and regularity's though the
arrangements still bear the appearance of
haste and incompleteness, an uninterrupted view was
obtained, and an excellent opportunity afforded of
judging of the effect as a whole. flt intervals along
the whole length of this part of the building, the eye
is attracted to gigantic figures in sculpture, to large
fountains, and to the splendid draperies and car-
pets which are suspended in the gallery.
Then the lightness and fairy- like nature of
the structure, together with the playing
of the fountains, and the presence of a huge tree in
full blossom, and a number of palm trees and exotic
plants, lent a charm to the enchanting scene. The
fortunate visitors seemed to be content with the spec-
tacle thus presented to them, and did not trouble
themselves with an examination of the many objects
of interest and wonder which were to be seen
at every step. They confined their attention chiefly
to the opening ceremony, probably intending to de.
fer until some future occasion their rninuter inspection
of the world's rich store. Indeed, if they had ever in-
tended to scrutinize minutely all that was worth see-
ing, the rapid arrival of the company and the necessity
of every one securing a good seat as soon as possible,
at once convinced them how hopeless such an attempt
would be. Some of the principal objects, however,
attracted the attention of a great many, among which
may be mentioned the great Kho-i-noor diamond,
or " the mountain of light," which was securely placed
in a large gilt iron cage, on a beautiful crystal
fountain, immediately in front of her Majesty's
throne, and the carpets and articles of embroidery in
its
.immediate neighbourhood. Long before eleven
the interior appeared completely filled ; some had the
good sense to take their seats at once, but the majo-
rity promenaded up and down the different naves until
the police intercepted their progress simultaneously
at different places, and compelled them to choose
seats or positions within certain limited boundaries,
notwithstanding they had tickets for more desirable
situations. At first many were disposed to grumble
at this, but the propriety of it was afterwards made
apparent, as it enabled the police to have a clear
passage for the procession without cramming too
many persons on one spot, or leaving
other parts unoccupied. The arrangements of
the police, in fact, were most excellent,
and deserve great praise and some acknowledgment.
It was gratifying to find that the fair sex bore a very
large proportion of the vast assemblage, and whether
England may or may not carry off the palm as re-
gards its share in the Exhibition, certain we
are that no other country can present such an
exhibition of female beauty as was seen to-
day. Elegance and richness of dress, and
the pleasure if not joy which such art occasion
naturally produced, heightened charms which would
at all times command our admiration. Many, no
doubt, spent the interval between their arrival and
the appearance of Royalty in feasting or gazing on
the galaxy of beauty which adorned the interior
in every direction. At least we may safely
say, that the chief attraction, until the proceedings of
the day commenced, were the ladies and the cele-
brated and renowned characters who every now and
then arrived. The Duke of Wellington, dressed in
his uniform of Field-Marshal, appeared in one of
the galleries overlooking the throne in company with
his daughter-in-law, the Marchioness of Douro.
He looked extremely well, and appeared in
high spirits at the gay scene below him.
He afterwards left the gallery and took up a
position near the throne amongst a party of other
distinguished persons, and was frt quently cheered on
his progress thither. The other visitors who were
observed with great interest, and applauded on being
first recognised, were Sir Charles Napier, the late
Commander-in-Chief in India, the veteran warrior the
Marquis of Anglesea, Lord John Russell, and the
Prince of Prussia.
At twelve o'clock the transept bad a very brilliant
aopearance, all the officers of state, who were in their
different uniforms, the foreign and other commis-
sioners, some of the former being attired iu the
garb of their native land, having arrived and
stationed themselves near the throne. There were
not so many foreign dresses to be seen as might
have been expected ; but this may be attributed to
most of the foreign Commissioners assuming what re-
sembled, as nearly as possible, the ordinary attire of
Englishmen. It is impossible to give an adequate

1851.

idea of the enthusiasm which prevailed when, after
the &wish of trumpets was heard, her ii•jesty en-
tered, ?.nd walk,.-:d to the throne, and stood bowing
tal;je!:tically to her subjects and the others who sur-
rounded her.