The Sun.
London, England, 1869-09-24 00:00:00

The grand day of tho Liege festival was most fortunately
ushered in by brilliant weather, and this was the more
encouraging as the fetes had not at first been favoured in
this respect. The King arrived at the station at half-past
ten, accompanied by the Count of Flanders, and great
preparations were made to give him a suitable reception.
After conferring with the municipal authorities, his
Majesty proceeded on horseback along the streets
of the town. He was received in the most
enthusiastic manner, and the town presented an
animated appearance. Upon reaching the place
where the English volunteers were drawn up the
King went up to them and shook hands with Colonel
Thompson, expressing at the same time his satisfaction at
seeing them on the Belgian soil. When he came to the
French division his Majesty addressed some observations to
M. Treitte, the commander, and said ho hoped to meet all
the volunteers in Brussels before their departure.
The great centre of attraction was the Place St.
Lambert, and great excitement was manifested in
its immediate vicinity. Flowers were thrown from
the balconies, and some enthusiastic citizens brought the
tin d'honneur to the officers of the staff, and the ccamnan.-
ders of tho volunteers. The King having taken up his
position in the Place, the troops marched past him, and at
half-past one the eorgpany dispersed to meet again at the
grand banquet at thelPalais de Justice. This important
affair took place -0:, three o'clock, and the King's appearance
created greatAthusiasm. The greatest good feeling pre-
vailed amotg the members of the rival nationalities, and
nothing,- "occurred to disturb the general harmony. The
Rhlf.; delivered an appropriate speech, and gave the volun-
trers a warm welcome to Liege. Ho thanked the city for
its reception of its distinguished guests, and recognised in
the whole affair the high estimation in which Belgium was
held by foreign nations. The representatives of the dif-
ferent countries there assembled would, he believed, learn
much from thus meeting together. The Royal Speech was
responded to by the heads of the respective contingents.
The banquet passed off in the most successful manner, and
the festivities were kept up to a late hour. The streets.
were crowded, and tho city was beautifully illuminated.
54

THB HIND OF HOLLAND.

The General Estates of the Netherlands were opened on
Monday by the King of Holland. His Majesty stated that,
tho foreign relations of tho country were most
satisfactory, that the crops were abundant, and
the fisheries prosperous. Bills were promised for
the improvement of public education, and of the commer-
cial and penal codes. The railway and other public works
are to be pushed on vigorously, and to ensure their termina-
tion, it will be necessary to have recourse to extraordinary
credits. A law relative to the patent duty is to be brought
forward, and some important measures are promised with
respect to the Dutch colonial possessions.

THE DRESDEN THEATRE.
The Dresden Theatre, which has just been destroyed by
fire, was one of the most admirable buildings of its kind,
and especially adapted to theatrical purposes. It was one
of the greatest ornaments of Dresden, and its loss has
occasioned general regret. Dresden was threatened with a
still more serious calamity, for the flames nearly reached
the Museum, which contains such a valuable collection of
paintings. All lovers of art will rejoice at the preservation
of the masterpieces of Raphael and Corrcggio; hut the
Saxon Government should provide better means for their
protection.