The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-03 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1867.

The Emperor of ItosstA. has arrived in Paris,
and Paris was enlivened by the eclat that attended
the Imperial entree. This event naturally carries
one's mind back to the time when another Emperor
of RUSSIA entered Paris, and the contrast is indeed
striking and particular. It is under far happier
circumstances that the present Czar. now enters the
capital of France, and indeed it is scarcely possible
to 'exaggerate the changes for the better that
have occurred since that period. The Emperor
NAPOLEON is also circumstanced very dif-
ferent to the NAPOLEON of that day, and
although not to be compared with his illustrious
relative, it may be said that he .manages the suc-
cesses of his policy of peace more fully and effec-
tually than his predecessor that of war, which was
his forte. A brilliant scene was that which met the
eyes of the Autocrat upon his arrival in the French
capital. The EMPENOII was there to greet him, and
a very cordial salutation took place between the
two monarchs :-a guard of honour, Russian and
French flags, and all the attendant attributes that
go to make up an affair of this kind. The only

drawback to the arrangements seem to have
been that the two Emperors set off in a
close carriage, which couvd great disap-
pointiwut to the crowds which had waited for
hours in the expectation of sight seeing. This is
only a temporary arrangement, however, because
there will Le other opportunities of seeing the illus-

trious visitors ; still it is always a matter of regret
IN hen anything occurs to mar the enjoyment of the
public on such occasions. It is, on the whole, a
fortunate thing that the Emperor of RUSSIA should

have visited Paris at this juncture. Anything that
affords an opportunity for visits of this kind is to
be taken advantage of by experienced politicians,
and the more so as these opportunities are as rare
as they are precious. It is not difficult to foresee
the confusion that would arise were an Imperial
visit like this to be made for no visible purpose,
how rumour would run riot, and how numerouP.,
would be the surmises to which it would give rise.
We are not sorry, besides, that Paris should now
be the centre of attraction in Europe after the very
prominent manner in which Prussia has put herself
forward, and that the Emperor NAPOLEON should
be master of the ceremonies to the crowned
heads of Europe, and of course able to

improve the opportunity in various ways.
It may be that the various circumstances
convected with the French Exhibition will serve to
prevent war from breaking out, but if not, at any
rate a good opportunity is thereby afforded.
Nothing but the approval of this world's fair has
put it off from this year, and perhaps it may re-
sult that a considerable time elapses before the
peace of Europe is broken in upon by adverse
chances. Much may occur to change the direction
of Prussian policy and curb the ambitious designs
of Count BISMARCK by next spring, and all parties
will sec their way clearer we have no doubt.

To day will witness the inauguration of one of
the most remarkable and important of our modern
metropolitan improvements—the viaduct across
Holborn-valley. The dangers and inconveniences
attending the old state of things are too familiar to
every one who has driven or been driven up or
down the veritable bill, Difficulty, and the actual

injury done to life and limb has swelled to a for
midable aggregate in the course of the year. The
owners of horses especially had good
reason to complain of the risk run to
the poor animals, and certainly it was
inconsistent with our professions of humanity, as
well as with our boasts of national engineering skill,
that nothing should be done to facilitate the steep
ascent, and descent in such a crowded highway.
The idea of raising Holborn-valley has indeed been
in existence for many years; but, like other reforms,
it required seemingly to be talked about, laid aside,
brought out again and re-discussed, and then left
in abeyance for a considerable time. In September,
1863, however, decisive steps were taken, and the
Improvement Committee of the Corporation were
empowered by the Court of Common Council to in-
vite the preparation of plans, designs, and estimates
for the desired improvement, and as many as 105
suggestions were offered, accompanied by numerous
drawings and models. The engineer and surveyor
to the City Commissioners of Sewers superintended
their classification, and divided them under several
heads. There were some that only dealt with
portions of the road and sideway, and these were
set aside as not sufficiently comprehensive. The
great object which the committee set before them
was the securing of a good roadway between east
and west, and the necessity for this was amply
proved by a report of Mr. III:moon, which showed
tbat upon an average more than 4,200 vehicles go
up and down the hill from the low levels daily.
The p'an which was finally decided upon was cer-
tainly comprehensive enough, for it involves the
entire removal Of the present surface and the pro-
perty on both sides. It is based upon the principle
of constructing viaducts or high level roadways on
the line of Holborn-hill and Skinner-street,
and will, it is believed, provide a complete
remedy for the existing evils, afford improved
approaches from the surrounding neighbourhood,
and offer great facilities for traffic. The work of
clearing has been going on vigorously for a consi-

derable time, and the demolition has been rapid, as
we know, from the sad stories brought to light by
the destruction of the crowded courts and alleys
that fringed the hill. The work itself, however,
has not been actually set on foot until to-day, when
the chief corner atone of the projected viaduct will
be laid with all due ceremony. The work will,
when completed, be a fine specimen of engineering
skill. The viaduct is to extend from the western
end of Newgate-street to Hatton-garden, cross-
ing Farringdon-street by an iron bridge of three

arches s'ipported by granite piers with easy flights
of steps for foot passengers. The viaduct is to be
80 feet wide, and connected with two new streets,
one starting from liatton-garden to the north-east,
the other joining it near St. Sepulchre's Church, and
proceeding in the opposite direction. A direct
line of thoroughfare will thus be formed,
which eau hardly fail to afford substantial relief
to the traffic, more especially as ready access

will be given by it to -the new meat
market and to the north-eastern parts of
London, including of course the Cattle Market.
We hope that this great and much-needed improve-
ment may be carried out fully and effectually with-
out any unnecessary delay. It is quite time that
we set our city in order, for although we may boast
of its bustle and confusion, it is very inconvenient
and unbusinesslike to allow unnecessary obstacles to
our &Hy traffic. It is only to be regretted that so
many poor families have inevitably suffered from
the change, and it is worth considering whether on
a similar occasion some provisions for their accom-
modation might not be stipulated for by the Leais-
la ture in granting the necessary powers.

On Saturday the statue of Lord HERBERT was
unveiled; by the Duke of CAMBRIDGE, in the pre-
sence of several noblemen and gentlemen. Previ-
ous to the ceremony being performed, Mr. GLAD-
STONE, as chairman of the Executive Committee,
made a few well-timed observations, in which he
alluded to the circumstances which had attended
this affair. The right hon. gentleman said truly
that " they might deem themselves happy in having
been allowed to place the statue of Lord HERBERT
in contiguity with the scene - which is asso-
ciated with the most interesting of all his
labours, and in which he spent the last and
failing energies of his life." Mr. GLADSTONE con-
cluded by expressing in eloquent terms the high
sense which all entertained of the services rendered
by the departed nobleman to the army, which, in-
deed, was his especial claim to public notice and re-
gard; and added that heisted that for that reason,
even more than on account of others; the statue
before them might long be a memorial visible to the
eyes of all men, and "saying, though dumb, to all
those who came after the deceased, Go thou and
do likewise.'" Good taste has been shown in
the inscription on the pedestal, SIDNEY lIERBERT,
that being the name by which the late noble-
man was best known. Sir J. PAKINOTON
said a few words in testimony of his apprecia-
tion of the work before them, and his sense of Lord
HERBERT'S devotion to the public service ; and the
Duke of CAMBRIDGE'S observations were interest-
ing, for he referred to the three " leading features"
in the life of Lord lIERBERT, which the artist had
happily seized upon in his tablets. He is associated
with Miss NIGHTINGALE, the hospital arrangements
for which that lady has been so famous. He is
also represented by the volunteer force, which
he had a grcat deal to do with, and like-
wise in the construction of some new war
material, the first Armstrong gun having been made
under his administration.

This interesting ceremony attracted a number of

spectator; 4nd it seems, indeed, a fitting thing that
these memorials to some of our leading statesmen,
or oths,:s intimately associated in rendering
services to the country, should be placed
in conspicuous positions in the metropolis. It is a
tribute to the most of those who are gone, and an
irwentive for the encouragement of those who arc
to come after them. The late Lord HERBERT
certainly rendered great services to the State by
improving the condition of the soldier, but he
did nothing that may not be done again
by those who have the aLility and the good-
will to tread in his footsteps. lie profited by cir-
cumstances, and being struck with the glaring
errors and deficiencies around him he laboured
strenuously to supply the remedy. Let others also
do this whenever and wherever they can do so, and
the result cannot but be satisfactory to the inte-
rests of the public and the general welfare of the
country. It has long been a reproach to English-
men that they fail to recognise merit, and it is
therefore gratifying to notice any instance which
affords an exception to the rule.

It seems that slavery is going out of fashion in
the Southern half of the American continent as
well as in the North of the Gulf of Mexico. The
Brazilians, however, are determined that they shall
not be accused of imprudent haste, or of giving
themselves cause for leisurely repentance. The
plan upon which they have decided, if the
accounts received be reliable, is dilatory in the
extreme, and we apprehend that before the ,
prescribed time has expired the Brazilians
will find it necessary to quicken their speed.
Slavery they affirm, shall totally cease in the year
1900, thirty-three years hence, and the State is to
indemnify those citizens who may still own slaves
at that period. The matter is not to be left for
settlement until that date, since, from the promul-
gation of the decree, all children- born to slaves
shall be free. Children who may be educated in
the houses of their parents' masters shall serve them
till their 20th year. There will be established
courts of emancipation in all the towns to enforce
the law, and a fixed amount will be set aside for the
emancipation of the slaves of the nation, and a fund
will be appropriated for the annual purchase of
slaves, so that only a few may be left in slavery
when the final emancipation comes. The general
features of the scheme are excellent, and we con-
gratulate the Brazilians on having decided at last
to rid themselves of what cannot be otherwise than
a national disgrace and drawback.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FRO3I OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Sunday Evening.

There was a Cabinet Couacil yesterday at the
Tuileries, at which the Emperor presided. The
Empress also was present.
The Moniteur states, but not in its official part,
that the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty
regulating the situation of the Grand Duchy of
Luxemburg took place in London on Friday.

Princess Marie, Infanta of Portugal, the wife of
Prince George of Saxony, has been happily delivered
of a daughter.
' The last bulletin of the physicians in attendance
upon the Archduchess Maria, of Austria, is very
satisfactory.
The Prussian Chamber of Deputies has agreed to

the second reading of the bill for the Federal Con-
stitution by 227 against 93. The Progressive party
again proposed a resolution for the rejection of that
Constitution. The orators of the Liberal party
supported it.
The Parisians were in a state of unusual excite-
ment yesterday in consequence of the arrival of the
Emperor Alexander. Even the Exhibition was de-
serted for the moment, and every body rushed to
the Northern Railway station. Platforms were
oerfemetaendywhituin'idnretdhse ostation
persons. for
Thea2cdcobmatmtololai o
tho accommodation
Foot Chasseurs and the 4th and 15th Regiments of
the Line, under the orders of Gen. Soumain, were
either within the station or formed in line as far as
the boulevard de Strasbourg. The Emperor was in
waiting to receive his guest, and immediately on
the arrival of the Emperor of Russia they got into
a State carriage, vi hich was in waiting, and pro-
ceeded to the Tuileries together, escorted by a squad-
ron of Lancers. Twelve carriages were provided
for the Emperor's suite. The Emperor Alexander
11. reached the station, which was beautifully
ornamented .on the occasion, within a few
minutes of the hour appointed. His recep-
tion there and everywhere upon the route
was one of wild and heartfelt enthusiasm. He
is accompanied by his sons, the Czarewitch, or
Hereditary Prince Alexander, the Prince Wladimir,
and M. de Gortschakoff, his First Minister. The
Emperor was born on the 20th of April, 1818, and
is consequently 49. He succeedei his father, the
Emperor Nicholas 1., on the 2d of March, 1855.
He was married on the 28th April, 1841, to the
Empress Marie Alexandrowna, born on the 2d of
August, 1824, daughter of Louis the Second, Grand
Duke of Hesse Darmstadt. On arriving at the
Tuileries the Emperor paid a visit to the Empress,
and the Royal party and suite then proceeded to the
Elysde Bourbon, which has been prepared for their
reception. At every point on the way the crowd
was very great, and the cheering loud and incessant.
The procession went along the Rue de Rivoli, and
from thence passed through the Avenue des Champs
Elysees and the Avenue Marigny.
Among the ornaments of the station were Rus-
sian and French flags. The saloons were tastefully
decorated with green velvet embroidered with gold.
Some 3,000 persons were accommodated.
Baron Andre du Budberg, Ambassador Extraor-
dinary, and Plenipotentiary from the Court of
Russia to Paris, went to Verriers (Belgium) to meet

The imperial train was driven from
thethe
French Emperor.
f
frontiers to Paris by M. Petiet, chief
engineer of the Northern Railway. The Emperor
Napoleon was accompanied to the station by the
Ministers, Marshals of France, and a splendid staff.
The chief officers of his household were also present
tb do honour to the arrival of the distinguished
guest. Splendid weather added to the eclat of this
great incident.
It is now a century and a half ago, in 1717, since
the Sovereign, who is considered as the founder
of the Russian Empire, visited Paris. The Regent
of France received Peter the Great with all honour
and courtesy. The latter was then in full vigour,
being 45. lle remained in Paris
did
notfors aeiveeryael
months, having arrived in Mayand
till August. While in Paris the Emperor seemed
to wish to study everything, particularly matters
relating to the army. his first visit was to see the
old wounded warriors of Louis the 14th. lle went
to the invalids the next day after his arrival. The
old warriors now in that establishment must often
amuse themselves with anecdotes which tradition
has transmitted relative to his visit. lie went into
the dining room while the soldiers were having
their dinner, chatted and ate and drank with them
in the most courteous and affable manner. Before
leaving the Emperor filled a tin goblet with wine,
and drank to the health of the soldiers, an act
which elicited the most enthusiastic appliuse.
The Emperor afterwards paid several other visits
to the invalids, an example which has been fol-
lowed by most of the monarchs who have since
come to Paris.

A strange story is told about a pike, which seems
very like a whale. It is recorded in the Leman,
a newspaper of Thonons, a fisherman there had a
small boat built, which is towed with great docility
by an enormous pike, which, however, occasionally
takes a few leaps and plunges during his progress.
The pike is enclosed in a net fixed by a rope to the
head of the boat, which he tows at a dashing pace,
the course being governed with accuracy by the
helm, so that the fish cannot deviate from it. The
writer of this paragraph about the fish admits that
it has a:spice of the duck (a canard) about it.
Although the thirsty souls at the exhibition have