The Sun.
London, England, 1856-08-18 00:00:00

SPORTS AT THE EMPEROR'S FETE.

Galignani observes, in its account of the Emperor's
fete, on Friday, that the esplanade of the Invalides was
the great resort of the working classes, and that a variety
of amusements had been prepared for their exclusive
gratification. Two large wooden erections had been pre•
pared at each side, in front of the hotel, for military pan-
tomimes and comic interludes, whilst further down
towards the river were two stages for tumbling and feats
of activity. In addition, four mats de cocape presented
at their summits each a wide crown of laurel, from which
wore suspended a watch, a silver cup, a silver convert, a
handsome pipe, and other articles, as rewards for such
aspiting spirits as had sufficient strength of muscle and
perseverance to attain the summit. Many were the at-
tempts made, and various the failures. Some started
gaily, and climbed up half way with great vigour, but
having omitted to husband their strength wete unable
to continue their efforts, and at last gave way, amidst
the deriiden of the crowd. Others again commenced
more carefully, and, mounting to a more elevated point,
they appeared likely to attain the summit, but after .a
while their grasp relaxed, they began to cast a despair-
ing glance at the still distant point above them, and at
last, like their predecessors, they too wore obliged to re-
linquish
the attempt. One case excited great intercc.
It was a young lad, who commenced steadily, and who, ,
after toiling perseveringly up, had at last arrived almost
within reach of the various prizes glittering above
him in the sunshine. He had paused so little in his
long ascent that the sympathy of the crowd went
with him, and every one cried out that he at least
was sure to choose what he pleased. At last he
paused, and stretched out his band, bnt found that
he was still a few inches below the wished-for objects.
He made another effort to ascend, but did not gain an
inch, and the spectators, imagining that he was only
amusing himself, cried out " Farceur !" and laughed
pleasantly. He made another effort, but again in
vain ! Tlau anxiety of the crowd became intense, and
many cried out to him to take courage and make a
vigorous attempt. Ile collected his utmost strength
for this final exertion, and again tried, but without
success ; he then waved his band to the people be-
low, as if thanking them for their kind wishes, and
glided down to the earth deeply mortified. A very
few attained' the summit and carried .off the prizes,
and only by strenuous exertion and unabated perse-
verance.
At about half-past five there was a rush towards the
upper`Part of the esplanade, and loud cries of " Viva
l'Ernpereur !" struck the ear. It was the Emperor and
Empress, in a carriage and four with postillions, who
were szicancing from the Incalides towards the Seine.
They were entirely without escort, only one gentleman
in coloured clothes riding near the Emperor. His Ma.
jesty was dressed in a black frock-coat, and looked ex-
ceedingly well, somewhat bronzed by his stay at Pim-
bieres, but having all the appearance of vigorous health.
The Empress looked, as usual, most charming. A second
carriage followed, containing some ladies of the court,
but like that of their Majesties was quite unattended.
The Imperial party proceeded at a walking pace down
the esplanade, along the Pont de la Concorde, and then
up the Champs Elysees towards St. Cloud. The crowd
of itself drew back to make way for the Imperial car-
riage, both their Majesties bowing repeatedly to the
acclamation which were mimed as they passed,