The Sun.
London, England, 1858-08-09 00:00:00

stances connected with it show that it has left the
conviction deeply impressed upon their minds that
the English are a generous, a trustworthy, a high-
minded and honest-hearted people—that they are
worthy of the Sovereign who reigns over them, and
that with such a Sovereign and people united with
the Emperor in France, and Victoria in England,
the two nations have it in their power to improve the
civilisation of the world, to itureae the general hap-
piness of mankind.

The visit of the Queen has added to the popularity
of the English ; and it has added also to the venera-
tion of the French for their Emperor, for they see in
this incident, and in all the circumstances connected
with it, the proof of his wisdom, the clearness of
his foresight, and the soundness of his judgment.
With the departure of the Queen began the la-
bours of the Emperor in Cherbourg. Not a single
vessel of war in the road, nor, I believe, a fort in the
bay, as well as the breakwater, but was visited by the
Emperor, accompanied by the Empresp. It was a
minute and careful inspection of everything, a per-
sonal interview, it might be said, with every sailor,
and it occupied at the least fully six hours. It was
a day of downright hard-work ; and considering how
the ruler was engaged, and how the people were at
the same time amusing themselveF, it was not an
unapt portraiture of the existing condition of France.
The Emperor is labouring, in order that the people
may employ their time as bests suits their conve-
nience or their inclination; and that with him to
watch over them they may be confident that neither
domestic traitors nor foreign enemies shall have the
power to mar their interests, nor to despoil them of
their property. _ _

'Of the amusements of the people during the day,
it is only necessary to say a few words. At two
o'clock there was a gratuitous spectacle at the theatre;
at three o'clock there was a discharge of balloons and
parachutes, and these parachutes filled with toys,
&c., &c., and in the evening there was an exhibition
of fireworks in the Place Divette. The fireworks
began at nine at night, and concluded at 10 o'clock.
They were a present to the city of Cherbourg from
the living brother of the first Napoleon—Prince
Jerome, uncle to Napoleon 111. They were very
magnificent, and if I had not seen the fireworks of the
preceding night I would be disposed to describe them ;
but the fact is, that after the exhibition of the sth of
August, for the Queen of England, it is impossible
to speak of any other display of the same description
without disparaging it by the comparison.
This, howeTer, is the grand day at Cherbourg.
This day the new dock is to be opened, the Ville de
Nantes launched, the military port and all its de-
partments examined, and all the operatives, 6,000, I
think, in number, inspected. In the evening is to be
the ball at the Hotel de Ville, at which will be present
not less than 2,300 guests ; and amongst these ten
members of the House of Commons.

The other members return this morning. In fact,
there are too many of them to be welcome guests
anywhere. They found, at first, some difficulty in
obtaining admission to the military port, as the pub-
lie were rigidly excluded. Admiral Hamelin at last
procured them the favour they sought for ; and they
had the good fortune of seeing the military port at
the same time that her Majesty was inspecting it.
Their appearance and their numbers completely mys-
tified the French, who did not know how to class
them, as a distinct body of persons, or to treat them
as individuals, apart one from the other. Where
thousands are pressing to get admittance to the ball,
the city invited ten members of " the Honourable
House" as guests, and so did its utmost, under very
difficult circumstances, to show their respect for her
Majesty's faithful Commons of England.

CHERBOURG, AUG . 7, 3 P.M.
I have just returned from visiting the inauguration
of the grand basin and docks named Napoleon 111.
The weather is again most favourable, and not less
than 100,000 persons crowded round this gigantic
work—the most commodious and extensive naval

cradle of the world. It was indeed a novel scene—

the vast empty space, with here and there, at equal
intervals round the basin, huge gaps left for vessels of
the largest class. On the central quay a triumphal
arch was formed, entirely of naval emblems, and a
little further on a building was constructed to receive
the Emperor, gaily decorated with flags and flowers.

The naval corps of the garrison were on duty, so that
many varied, gay uniforms, were seen mixed with
the elegant toilettes of thousands of ladies. The
Emperor, Empress, Duke of Malakhoff, and the Port
Admiral arrived at the arsenal at half-past twelve,
amid the salute of artillery and military bands.
Thousands lined the road, and ever and anon the
Imperial party was saluted by " Vive l'Empereur
Vive l'lmperatrice !" Near the platform building,
in addition to the officers of the Court and naval
officers, were a few Englishmen in uniform,
Lord Alfred Paget, Sir C. Napier, and Sir
William Codrington, and others. I did not
know, waiting to greet his Majesty. The Em-
press looked very well, and wore a white dress
and bonnet trimmed with green. The Emperor, as
usual, wore the uniform of a general of division.
The Imperial visitors immediately descended a stair-
case which had been constructed expressly to con-
duct them to the bottom of the central basin. The
ceremony of placing coins and a record of the build-
ing-of the basin Napoleon 111. in a prepared site was
soon gone through by his Majesty, who, by the way,
was accompanied by the Empress. There stood the
group on whom thousands gazed—l know not how
many feet below us, but sufficiently distant to look
no more than half the ordinary size of human beings.
The ceremony of blessing the docks was at length
performed, and their Majesties are now visiting the
workshops and arsenal of this immense naval depot.
When I left to write this hurried letter, which must
be posted at four o'clock, the water was slowly falling
into and filling the vast stone basin, and by six o'clock
it is calculated enough water will have run in to
float the ship waiting to be launched, viz , the Ville
de Nantes. This is the closing ceremony of the
day's programme. Most of the English yacht people
were on shore to witness the ceremony, and all with
whom I spoke declare we have nothing like it in
England. It was a strange and novel sight—
these spacious stone-wall-circled pits for receivity,
huge men-of-war, armed and rigged—fearfully dull,
and making nervous people tremble as they looked
to the bettom, on account of their height. I shall
not pause to give statistics, but no one who has not
seen the basins empty will ever form an idea of
their extent, or be able to estimate the vastness of
the plan.

To-night there is a grant ball, and to-morrow
we have the inauguration of the statue of Napoleon
I. The Emperor, Empress, and suite, together with
the Duke of Malakhoff, will leave Cherbourg to-
morrow at two o'clock for Brest. The M.P.'s who
visited Cherbourg for the fetes are off to-day
(Saturday). Many of these gentlemen, I hear, have
indulged in a considerable amount of British grum-
bling, originating in their visit to Cherbourg ; but
I know not why they left so early—some say they
complained of difficulty in obtaining tickets fur the
ceremonies.

SOUTIIKINIPTON, SATURDAY.

The gaieties being chiefly over, the ships bearing
excursion parties set sail from Cherbourg at day-
break this morning. The Pera left the harbour
first, with such of the members of Parliament as still
hung together, though a great many had elected to
return in the Prince Frederick William via Dover—

the Benares next, and the Salsette in the rear. The
positions were reversed on the voyage, and the Sal-
Bette ran into the Needles far in advance of both the
other ships. Just previously, a meeting of the pas-
sengers had been convened on the main deck for the
purpose of expressing their thanks to the directors
of the Peninsular and Oriental Company for the

liberality with which their magnificent steamer had
been placed at their disposal. Mr. Kennard was
called to the chair. Admiral Austin, C. 8., pro-
posed :

That our cordial and grateful thanks be eared to the
directors of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation

Company for their polite invitation andgenerous hospitality
extended to us on the most interesting occasion of the ft': tes
.1t Cherbourg; and that we desire to express our high
admiration of their noble ship Sgliette—of its excellent
management—and of the courteous attention shown to ut,
by Capt. Browne, his officers, and all connected with the
Ahip establishment."

The Hon. Mr. Tones (of Australia) seconded tLe
resolution, paying at the same time a well-deserved
compliment to the directors, and officers, and crew of
the ship, and expressing a hope that the colonists of
New South Wales, with which he was immediately
connected, would very shortly have the advantage
of some of the magnificent ships of the company's
fleet for conducting the postal service between Aus-
tralia and this country. This resolution was carried
by acclamation. Three cheers were then given for
Mr. Allen, the managing director, for Mr. Barnes,
the purser, for the officers, and for the crew ; and
the compliment conveyed was acknowledged in a
neat speech by Mr. Allen on behalf of the com-
pany. Ou board the Benares, at dinner,
in Cherbourg harbour, a similar compliment was paid
to the company on the motion of Judge Haliburton,
who prefaced his proposition with a most humorous
speech, which was responded to by Capt. Ingledue,
the company's superintendent.
On Friday morning, while all the vessels of the
Peninsular and Oriental Company were in Cherbourg
harbour, a number of their passengers met on the
main deck of the Salsette, and agreed upon the fol-
lowing address to the Emperor of the French

" To his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French.—
Sire,—The magnificent and interesting celebrations con-
nected with the inauguration of the works at Cherbourg,
which have been graced by the presence of our beloved
Sovereign, suggest to the minds of her subjects who have
been privileged to witness them the desire to oiler their
hearty congratulations to your Imperial Majesty, and to
express their earnest hope that the cordial feelings of respect
and friendship which exist between the Sovereigns and
people; of two mighty nations, and which have been so
strikingly manifested on this auspicious occasion, may ever
continue, and that your Majesty and your illustrious con-
sort may long be spared to reign over a great and prosperous
nation."

This address was handed by a deputation to the
English Consul at Cherbourg for presentation, but
for some unexplained reason this gentleman declined
to become the medium of its transmission, and if the
Emperor receives it we believe it will be through
the Imperial Post-office.

A valuable pictorial record will be preserved of
the principal features of the events of these famous
three days, M. Carlo Bossoli, a gentleman who
travelled with Prince Woronzoff and the Princess
Helena of Russia through the greater part of
Southern Russia, and whose beautiful views of the
Crimea are well known to the public, having been
commissioned to take sketches, with a view to the
publication of a series of views. M. Bossoli has
executed his task with great fidelity.
The following is the original text of the speeches
made by the Emperor and the Prince Consort on
Thursday, on board the Bretagne :
" Je bois A la sante de sa Majeste la Reine d'Angleterre,
A celle du Prince qui portage son trone, et a la famille
royale. En portant ce toast en leer presence a bord du
vaisseau Amiral Francais, dans le port de Cherbourg, je
suis heureux de montrer les sentiments qui nous animent
envers eux ; en effet les faits parlent d'eux-memes, et ils
prouvent que les passions hostiles, aidees par quelques inci-
dents malheureux, n'ont pu alterer ni l'amitie qui existe
entre les deux Couronnes, ni le desir des deux peuplea de
rester en paix. Aussi ai-je le ferme espoir que si I'on voulait
reveiller les rancunes et les passions d'une autre époque,
elles viendraient echouer devant le bon sens public, csmme
les vagues se brisent devant la digue qui protege en ce
moment contre la violence de la mer les escadres des deux
Empires."

"Sire,—La Reine desire que j'exprime a votre Majeste
combien elle est sensible it. la nouvelle preuve d'amitie qu
vous venez de lui dormer,' en lui porlant un toast, et en
prononcant des paroles qui lui resterout chores a jamais.
Totre Majeste connatt les sentiments d'amitie qu'elle vous
parte, 3 vous sire, eta l'lmperatice, et je n'ai pas besoin de
vous le rappeler. Vous savez egalement que la bonne en-
tente entre nos deux pays est l'objet constant de sea desirs,
cornme ii l'est des vOtres. La Reine est done doublement
beureuse d'avoir Poccasion, par sa presence ici en ce mo-
ment, ie s'allier a vous, sire, en tachant de resserrer autant
que possible les liens d'amitisi entre les deux peuples. Cette
mita, est la base de leur prosperite mutuelle, et la bene-
diction du Ciel ne lui manquera pas ! La Reine porte la
sauté de l'Empereur et de l'lmperatrice."

Mr. Churchward, the contractor for the imperial
and royal mail service, brought back several mem-
bers of the House of Commons in the Prince Frederick
William to Dover. Before leaving the ship these
gentlemen, in conjunction with other pa,sengers,
presented Mr. Churchward with the following
gratifying testimonial, to which, from personal ex-
perience during the voyage from Dover to Cher-
bourg, we know he is eminently entitled :
" On board the Prince Frederick William,
at Sea, Aug. 8.

" Dear Sir,—Before leaving your vessel we desire to
acknowledge your great courtesy in offering us accommo-
dation on the Prince Frederick William, so soon as you
learned from Capt. Gosset that several msmbers of Parlia-
ment were desirous of obtaining a passage to England on
Saturday.

"The opportunity you afforded us of witnessing the cere-
monies which tock place yesterday under such favourable
and brilliant auspices has been productive of great grati-
fication to us all ; and we unite in cordially thanking you
for your thoughtful attektions, and for the generous hos-
pitality you have shown us since we became your guests.
The affability you have displayed to all your guests, and the
good management that has prevailed under very embarras-
sing circumstances, assure us that it is a matter of
congratulation to the public that the comfort and
security of passengers and the punctual conveyance of
the mails between England and France are entrusted to a
gentleman and a staff of officers so well qualified to dis-
charge such responsible duties.—We remain, dear sir, yours
faithfully."

[This document was signed by one peer, several members
of Parliament, and many other passengers.]

PARIS, AUG. 8, EVENING.
The Emperor yesterday morning inaugurated the
new dock in the naval arsenal at Cherbourg. The
ceremony attracted an immense concourse of spec-
tators. Their Majesties arrived at half-past twelve
at the dock-yard, passing under a triumphal arch,
composed exclusively of articles belonging to naval
architecture and vessels, and were received by the
maritime Prefect and the authorities of the port.
Their 'Majesties and all their suite descended into the
new dock, and the Emperor fixed in its place the
plate commemorative of this important event. The
Imperial cortege afterwards placed themselves under
a handsome tent, richly decorated and surmounted
by the Imperial flag. The dykes were then broken,
and the water rushed into the dock. During the
time that this immense reservoir, the surface of
which exceeds twenty acres, and which contains
no less than two millions of cubic metres, was
filling, their Majesties visited in Retail several of
the workshops and other establishments in the
arsenal. Precisely at six o'clock, the time of high
water, the Emperor gave the signal for cutting away
the last hawser which kept the Ville de Nantes, of
90 guns and 900-horse power, on her stocks, and she
glided into the water amidst cries of " Vive l'Em-
pereur " from the mouths of 100,000 spectators. Not
the slightest accident of any kind happened to dis-
turb this scene, which was magnificent in the
extreme, and favoured by the finest weather.

The Itloniteur publishes a decree promoting the
Count de Casabianca, Baron de Lacrosse, and Baron
de Cronseilhes, senator, to the rank of Grand Officers
of the Legion of Honour; M. de Romeuf, deputy,
M. Boudet, President of Section of the Council of
State, and M. llalevy, Member of the Institute, to
that of Commanders. The same decree makes ten
promotions to the rank of officer, among whom is
M. Darblay, deputy, and 22 nominations to that of
Knight.

The funeral of Count Portalis, senator, honorary
First President of the Court of Cassation, and ex-
Vice-President of the Chamber of Peers, took place
on Saturday at Passy, in presence of a numerous
attendance of the friends of the family and others.
The covers of the pall were held by M. Berenger
(de la Drome), President of the Court of Cassation ;
M. Barthe, first President of the Court of Accounts ;
the Marquis d'Audiffret, senator ; and M. Hippolyte,
Passy. Behind the hearse, and after the family
of the deceased, was a deputation from the Senate,
the Court of Cassation, the Court of Accounts, and