The Sun.
London, England, 1860-07-10 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON TUESDAY EVENING, JULY, 10, 1860.

The Crystal Palace is not an ancient edifice, nor
are its walls as solid as those of Troy ; but, since it
rose like an exhalation, within the glassy fabric
have been gathered many assemblies that equalled
the entire popriation of many a famous city, and
for many purposes, most of them of a kind that
could not have been attempted elsewhere. London
had long outgrown its places of meeting, if anything
called more than 3,000 or 4,000 together. St. Paul's
will not contain more, and the New Houses of Par-
liament—our last great building of the old style—
will, probably, never contain half so many, at the
same time. The Crystal Palace is only the suitably
proportioned hall, or drawing room, to the dwell-
ling-place of our three millions. We want more
space—wider pavements, broader streets, quays to
the river —roem everywhere :-
4"Tis space, still space, for wh'ch we pant,
More room, and fuller, that we want."
And nowhere have we obtained the blessing, save
in the Crystal Palace. We are becoming shame-
fully indifferent to this new creation now, and we
hear men talk lightly of it. It is called a bore to
get there ; it is often, we admit, a crush to get
back. But let any one try to imagine London
without it ! How did we manage in the old times
that were before us—say in the forties ? Where
did we go on great occasions—on the few holydays
of the hard-working London season ? We do not
know. There were the parks, always beautiful;
there was Exeter-hall, hot and gassy, with a speci-
ality for philanthropy and theology ; and West-
minister-hall—but that has been only the spacious
ante-chamber to the back parlours we call law
courts since the coronation banquet of George IV.
Tiler Majesty's invitations have taken many thither
since, but it is not treason to say that hospitality
is not the virtue involved in them. We can dimly
remember Chiswick and its fetes, generally wet,
and failures,—
" Where, half-starved amid the shower,
Dandy lions walk'd about
Seeking what they might devour.
See our lilies of the field, male and female, at
such fetes now ! How are they sheltered and fed ?
Delicate textures and gorgeous colours fear nothing.
The roof is transparent, yet impervious, and the
area, like charity, all embracing. London may send
down its thousands by tens, and scores, there is
room for all. The palace like the tent of the fairy
Pari-banou, in the Eastern tale, will accommodate
a snug dinner party, or a mighty host. It
bas extinguished Chiswick, and superseded many
halls and places of meeting, Our fetes are
now there, and our national and international
celebrations. There only could we hear Handel
given gigantically; without it we should not have
heard the Orpheonists ; they would scarcely have
heard each other. It is our latest and grandest
opera; a palace of the people, with a garden that is
more than Royal in magnificence. And it is now
more than a recreation, it is the only hall in the
kingdom that would contain more than a " public
meeting ;" an assembly there may really be national.
A few years ago we were in this respect quite un-
prcrvided. Oar last great political agitation could
find no edifice larger than a theatre, and it was
considered a triumph to have filled it with a frac-
tion only of the numbers present at the Crystal
Palace yesterday. It is good to compare our past
and present condition occasionally ; from familiarity
with blessings we often verge on contempt for them.
If we think for a moment of eur London public
rooms and the results of any unusual pressure of
numbers upon space therein, we shall be thankful
for what the Crystal Palace enabled us to do yes-
terday.
It enabled the originators of what will certainly
become a great national movement to close its first
effort with a grandeur and effect proportioned to
the importance of the work. The vast space of the
hall, with its transept and galleries, enabled many
thousands to see—and to see was to applaud—the
winners of the prizes of the week. And how many
were there whom the spectacle would stimulate to
the same efforts ? They could carry away with them
the distinct image, a living and actual memory, of
the men who have distinguished themselves ; it
produces much more effect than a mere name in a
list. And to the winners, the presence and ap-
plause of such a mass of their fellow citizens
must have been even more gratifying than the suc-
cess itself. The prize winners in this contest have
done a real public service, and the acknowledgment
should be as public as possible. The centre of the
Crystal Palace is exactly the place for such a pur-
pose. The orchestra platform is a stage with the
advantage of seating 2000 or 3000 spectators behind
it, being alone about the number that a tolerably
large theatre would contain. The area of the trail•
sept is a grand pit, and there are galleries, tier
above tier, as far as the eye can reach. The distant
points are beyond the range of most speaking voices ;
but on most similar public occasions, even in smaller
edifices, it is not so much what is transmitted by
the ear as what is addressed to the eye, that tells. It
was to see the prizes given, and to take note of the
winners, that the public gathered yesterday. The
scene from the platform had not, in itself, much that
was novel. The attractions of the palace on its
great days have made the public familiar with the
spectacle of the crowded area, the thronged
galleries, and the peopled arc of the orchestra ;
but often as it may be repeated it will always be a
magnificent sight; there is nothing in England
like it. The decorations are here subordinate to
the living portion of the scene. A few flags are
enough to introduce a little more colour into the
whole; the decorator's skill need not be tasked
for much in addition to them. The lights and
shades that, unlike those in any other building,
vary with every passing cloud, are sufficient to
prevent any feeling of monotony—and that is the
great object of ornament. A few wreaths of laurel
in front of the platform, a statuette of Victory
behind the President's chair, and a very legible
motto, " Defence, not Defiance," in front of the
organ, were the more special and appropriate deco-
rations of the scene.
It was a thoroughly popular day—Monday, a
shilling, and glorious summer weather, sufficient of
themselves to draw a full attendance. The distribu-
tion of the prizes was an additional element of at-
traction. There were two publics present, the special
and the promiscuous ; but long before the proceed-
ings began both pressed in upon the centre. The
seats immediately behind the platform were occu-
pied by ladies ; the rising benches of the orchestra
by Volunteers, mixed up with black-coated civilians
and scarlet regulars. The winners were disposed
in two groups, to the right and left of the platform,
on the level of the floor, biding their time rather
pleasantly.
Soon after 3 o'clock the proceedings commenced.
The chair was taken by Earl De Grey and Ripon,
who acted as substitute for Mr. Sidney Herbert,
the president of the association, who was prevented
from attending by business in the House of Com-
mons. The noble earl was supported by Lord
Elcho, Col. Bewes, Col. C. Kennedy, and Capt.
Mildmay, the secretary of the association. The
rifles of honour, the objects of so many hopes and
a:mils, were laid out, duly ticketed to the winners,
:u a table, within easy reach ; the handsome silver
P, the prize of the London Brigade, gleauled re-
splendent on another. A very desirable number of
purses
remained in the custody of the authorities
till the time fur producing them.
The Presidentse (earl de Grey and Ripon) then
as
addressed the y. He said—
,4 in opening the proceedings of the day I have, in
the first place, to express the sincere regret felt by
my right hon, friend
a.clier.bert, that he should
thaetasi°ll.'
be unable to attend on this having been pre-
vented by official duties,
an early part of this afternoon
his presence at
Commons, from presiding here,
nainh the House of
de. He has, therefore, requested had hoped to
vice-presidents of the National itifte,easAous of the
and his official deputy, to represent him,
unworthily, on this occasion ;and he has, though
desired
me to assure you that it was with extreme eseerirreed
he found himself unable to witness the interesting
ceremony that has called you together to-day.
But
I need scarcely assure you of that regret, because
all who know what is the cause that has brought
us here must feel that it is an occasion that cannot
fail to excite the deepest interest in the breast of
every Englishman. (Cheers.) Eighteen months ago
we shmild havn had no right to say that the rifle
Wee the national weapon a the 41304 People) or

that rifle-shooting was a popular amusement among
us. But a complete change has taken place since
that time. By the efforts of the National Rifle
Association, acting as an exponent of public opinion,
in the short space of a year we have bee I able to
produce the scene that has been presented at
Wimbledon during the past week—(c'aeers)—in-
augurating a great movement throughout the coun-
try. The National Rifle Association, when it was
first formed, no doubt, had mainly in view the pro-
motion and progress of the great Volunteer move-
ment ; but the competition of the last week has not
been confined only to members of the Volunteer
corps. Many prizes were also " open to all comers."
Nevertheless, and mainly in connexion with the
Volunteer movement, this association has a right to
claim the public interest and the public support.
(Cheers.) Rifle-shooting is not its only object.
The volunteer cannot dispense with drill . but, on
the other hand, drill will not alone suffice him.
And as the Volunteer force is, in intelligence, be-
yond the mass of other military forces, it is parti-
cularly needful it should exercise that intelli-
gence in learning to use the weapon placed
in its hands by the Government, and
which the results of this competition have
proved is such an admirable arm. On this ac-
count it is that my right hon. friend the Secretary
for War felt he should not only discharge a duty,
pleasing to him as an individual, in becoming
the president of this association, but that he should
discharge a public duty by giving a sanction to its
efforts as a minister of the crown. This association,
however, is not dependent on the Government; it
does not look to Government funds for assistance ;
it prefers to rely for aid on the British people—
(cheers)—and, sanctioned by the Government, and
consecrated by our Sovereign—to the British public
it must look for support and maintenance. This
occasion is one of deep national interest and im-
portance ; it has pointed out that in the future this
English nation will be a nation trained to the use
of the rifle. Every man before long will be able to
wield that powerful weapon. But the occasionhas
also a deep interest and a peculiar character for
another reason. There have been present at Wim-
bledon, contending, and contending successfully,
for some of the prizes about to be distributed many
gentlemen from Switzerland. (Cheers.) Allow me
heartily to congratulate you on that circumstance.
The Swiss in their rifle practice, and we in ours,
have one common object. Neither seek to train their
people to the use of the rifle for aggressive pur-
poses ; but both of us believe that a training of this
description, intended only for the national defence,
is in reality one of a peaceful character. It is the
best security for the continuance of peace. As ani-
mated, therefore, by a common object, we heartily
welcome the Swiss gentlemen who have come over
here ; we desire no rivalry with them, except the
friendly rivalry of the shooting-ground. We are
heartily glad they have been able here to vindicate
their ancient reputation, while we, who have just
begun to follow this noble pursuit, have not been
found unworthy rivals of those who have for many
years made the rifle their favourite weapon. I
will no longer detain you from an interesting
scene—the presentation to the winners of the
prizes that have been so worthily gained. I con-
gratulate the winners in connection with the Vo-
lunteer movement on the events of the last few
weeks ; on those events every man will look back
with satisfaction, whether it be the serried files that
marched past her Majesty on the 23d day of June,
or the remarkable competition of the last week,
Both events call for our warm congratulation. But
this should be remembered—they are only the com-
mencement of a great movement, and it rests with
you, the people of this country, to determine whe-
ther or not you will render it of real national im-
portance by fulfilling the hope expressed in the
motto adopted in the National Rifle Association—
Sit perpetua."
The presentation of the prizes immediately fol-
lowed his lordship's address.
Lord Elcho read the list ; every winner was
called upon the platform separately, the Volunteers
and regulars saluting in military fashion as they
advanced, the civilians with the less formal bow.
The prizes were handed to the President by Col.
Kennedy, and given by the President to the win-
ners, who then crossed the platform, and descended
on the opposite side. They were all cheered as they
passed, especially the Swiss, and of them more par-
ticularly MM. Peter and Knecht, who came and
went, and came again, each time for, or with, a
prize, till ' a good-natured laugh blended with the
cheers at each re-appearance. The very first name
called was also that of a Swiss winner, M. Thorel, of
Geneva. The complete list of the prizes, their value
the winners, and the number of points, is given
below, and presents all the results of the week in
one view. The names were called in the reverse
order to that in which they stand, the last name in
each list being called first when there were more
than one :
No. 1. A WHITWORTH RIFLE, given by Mr. Fairbairn,
shot for by the Swiss at 500 yards, 5 rounds with any
rifle.
Won by Thorel, of Geneva. The winner shot with a Whit-
worth rifle.. • . .. • . .. .. 9 points.
No. 2. SWISS RIFLE, given by the Swiss, and shot for by
the Volunteers who competed for the Whitworth Rifles
(the 40 who shot for her Majesty's Prize excepted), 5
rounds at 500 yards.
Won by Dear, 9th Middlesex .. .. 7
No. 3. PRIZE or £5O, given by his Grace the Duke of
Wellington, for Rifles shot from a rest at 1,000 yards,
5 rounds ; to which was added, as a second prize, a watch
given by Mr. Bennett, value £35.

Points

Duke of Wellington's Prize, won by Lieutenant Archi-
bald, Instructor of Musketry, 58th Regiment. The
winner shot with Westley Richards' breech-loader.. 3
Mr. Bennett's Prize, won by Knecht, of Zurich, with
a Westley Richards' breech-loader •3
No. 4. Mr. GTE'S PRIZES FOR VOLUNTEERS, 5 rounds at
300, 500, and 600 yards, £2OO distributed as follows :
Points

Ist Prize, £lOO, wcn by Whomes, 4th Kent Rifles .. 20
2d Prize, £25, won by Sandford, St. George's
Volunteers .. • • • • .. Ties 19
3d Prize, £25, Robinson, 10th Perth .. 19
4th Prize, £25, won by Dove, 91st Lanark Ties (18
sth Prize, £25, won by Murray,lst Peobleshire J klB
No. 2. DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S PRIZE of £5O for Breech-
loaders, 5 rounds at 800, and 5 rounds at 1,000 yards ; to
which were added Three Prizes of Rifles, value £3O, £2O
and £ll Ils., given by Mr. Westley Richards.

Points
Duke of Cambridge's Prize, won by Knecht, of Zurich 10
Mr. W. Richards' £3O, won by Lieutenant Lacy, 12th
Regiment.............. 9
Ditto £2O, won by Turner, Ist Berks .. 8
Ditto £ll lls., won by Edwards, 4th West

The whole of these prizes were won with Westley
Richards' breech-loaders.
No. 6. ALL COMERS, FIRST SET, 200 YARDS, 5 ROUNDS.
Points.

1. Given by Lord Vernon, Whitworth Rifle, won by
Piece, Geneva .. • • .. .. 12
2. Given by the National Rifle Association, £2O, won
by Newman, Royal Marines .. .. 12
3. Ditto, £2O, won by Ross, 7th North Riding .. 11
4. Ditto, £2O, won by Knecht, Zurich .. • . .. 11
5. Ditto, £2O, won by Peter, Geneva 11
G. Ditto, £2O, won by Chessex, Vaud .. 11
7. Mr. Turner's, Rifle, won by Mauler, Neuchatel 10

SECOND SET, 300 YARDS, 6 ROUNDS.

Points,

1, Given by the Ladies of Northamptonshire, £3.5, won
by Ross, 7th North Riding .. .. ..

2. Given by the National Rifle Association, £3O, won
by Ingram, Lanark .. • • • • 9
3. Ditto, £3O, won by Nourisson, Geneva .. . • 9
4. Ditto, £3O, won by 'Wilson, School of Musketry .. 9
5. Ditto, £3O, won by Heil, Swiss .. .. 8
6. Ditto, £3O, won by Dillon, School of Musketry .. 8
7. Mr. Lancaster's Rifle, won by Forbes, 2d Derby
Volunteers .. • • .. 8

THIRD SET, 500 YARDS, 5 ROUNDS.

1. Given by the National Rifle Association, £lO, won
by Brooks, 12th Middlesex 7
2. Ditto, £4O, won by Tinley, 2d Lancashire .. 7
3. Ditto, £4O, won by Sergeant Stapleton, Coldstream
Guards .. • • • • • • • • •• 7
4. Ditto, £4O, won by Dove, 91st Lanarkshire 7
5. Ditto, £4O, won by Forbes, 2d Derbyshire .. 7
6. Mr. Lancaster's Rifle, won by Peter, Geneva .. 7
7. Mr. Lancaster's Rifle, won by Roth, Geneva 6
FOORTII SET, 600 YARDS, FIVE ROUNDS

Points,

1. Given by the National Rifle Association, £.50, won

by Rowland, 55th Regiment 6
2. Ditto, £5O, won by Wright, Royal Artillery 6
3. Ditto, £5O, won by Tinley, 2d Lancashire .. 6
4. Ditto, £5O, won by Holloway, sth Glocester .. 6
5. Ditto, £5O, won by Sadler, 10th, Sussex .. .. 5
"Army and Navy Gazette," £2O, won by Cocks, St.

George's ..
Mr. Egan's Rifle, won by Corporal fodder, 2d Bat
talion Grenadier Guards..

FIFTH SET.
PRINCE CONSORT'S PRIZE of £lOO, shot for by All Corners
who qualified at the preceding ranges of 200, 300, 500,
and 600 yards ; fired at 800, 900, and 1,000 yards. 10
rounds at each distance.
Second Prize-Ist London Rifle Brigade Cup, value
' £52105.
Third Prize—Mr. Smith's Rifle, value £35.

Points,

Prince Consort's Prize, won by Lieutenant Lacy,
12th Regiment, Instructor of Musketry , 22
Second Prize, won. by Sergeant Lawley, 2d. Derby
Volunteers
•• •• •• •• •, 18
Third Prize, Won by Mr, Peter, Ckeileva ~ 18

No. 7.—VOLtNTEER. PRIZES.-20 Whitworth Rifles and
Silver Medal of the Association, given by the Associa-
tion, shot for with long Enfield, five rounds, at 300, 500,
and 600 yards.
WINNERS IN ORTIER OE MERIT.

Points.

rN SICILY.

passed a moderate degree. When asked about the
progress in the National Guard, there was the com-
plaint about want of arms, no one to organise, the
harvest, and other reasons, which did not allow
people to do anything in the matter.
At Villafrate, the next station, there was already
a little more warmth. Everything was found pre-
pared ; the reception was fair, illuminations, and
goodwill, but still little initiative. The National
Guard lists were made, and about 50 of them armed,
but the whole thing not yet brought into working
order. On the other hand, complaints were begin-
ning about excesses committed by stray squldre,
1 which after their return were still said to be disposed
to follow their trade of living at the expense of the
country, although there was not the excuse of de-
fending the country against the Neapolitans.
As chance would have it half a dozen of these
squadre, with a small cargo of chickens, passed
through the town, at their head a man of the neigh-
bourhood called Santo Meli, who had been a month
ago arrested at Henna for exaction. The oppor-
tunity seemed good for an example. They were
arrested by the order of General Turr, who then
still commanded, and placed before a court-martial.
The interrogatory began, when,ito the utter aston-
ishment of every one, not less than 25 witnesses
declared that Meli was a good man and that they
had nothing to complain of him. However well
disposed the court-martial may have been to make
an example, after this strange result nothing re-
mained but to send the prisoners to Palermo to be
tried for the offence of which they had been ac-
cused before, but for which they could not be tried,
having contrived to escape during the advance on
Palermo.