The Sun.
London, England, 1867-03-18 00:00:00

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an extra tax be imposed upon all old bachelors,
and is has been signed by many fair hands.
This is considered a novel, but very good idea,
and will no doubt, if the law passes, prevent many
an old maid—l beg their pardon—from

" Living alone in this wide world of sorrow
A life of single wretchedness.'"
There seems to be universal rejoicing among the
Paris Americans at the news of the confirmation of

the appointment of Major-General Dix as Minister
to France. General Dix, through life, as a politician,

a statesman, at home or abroad—as a soldier, in

camp or in the field, has ever been greatly admired,
and his career such as to leave no stain, and well
deserving the honours that a country, grateful for
his valuable services, has conferred upon him. Ile
is popular here with all who know him, and he will
ever be appreciated by all of his countrymen who

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look upon him as the representative of their nation

in a foreign land.
The sudden death of Charley Browne, Artemus
Ward," has cast a gloom over the circle of his friends
here. He was known well by all Americans, and
none who hear of his death can fail to regret that
he should have passed away in the zenith of his fame,
when the future held forth to him hopes of registering
his name on the pages of literature, as the greatest
wit and humorist of his day. His friends in Europe
are anxious to pay a tribute of respect to his

memory, and there is no doubt many handsome
subscriptions will be made, to place a fitting monu-

went over his remains. He is well deserving this

knuour at the hands of his countrymen, and it is
hoped immediate steps will be taken towards the
advancement of this object.
The celebrated Cousin has left by will to the College
of the Sorbonne his magnificent library, consisting of
14,000 volumes, among them many of the choicest
works of literature. Ile also bequeathed a sum of

money to be annually appropriated to take care of
the books, payment of a librarian, &c. The bill
granting a national recompense to M. de Lamartine
of 400,000 francs has Lieu approved of by the
Council of State. It is considered a very handsome
gift to the renowned historian and poet, but it is
insufficient to pay his accumulated debts.

The Rev. J. S. E. Abbott, the celebrated Ameri-
can historian, has bad a peisonal interview with the
Emperor. Mr. Abbott, it will be remembered, is
the author of " Abbott's Life of Napoleon Bona-
parte," which has been universally read and
admired, and it is his intention to write the history
of Napoleon 111. In selecting materials for his
work he will be furnished with every facility, and
there is no doubt that, with the Emperor for his
theme, the able pen of the historia.n will produce a
work eqaul, if not superior, to that previously of
Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Paris Americans were very desirous to extend
to Mr. Cyrus W. Field a complimentary reception
apon his arrival in France, and all seem to regret
that the business engagements of Mr. Field will not
permit him to come there.
Some days since there was a review by the Em-
peror at Vincennes of the young troops of the second
portion of the contingent of the Seine. The Em-
peror was accompanied by the Empress, and the
Imperial party was received by Marshal Caurobert,

of the Ist Corps.
The Prince Imperial has commenced to form a
military household; he has appointed three aides-de-
camp, to commence their duties on the twelfth birth
day of the Prince, Mar,Ai 16th.
Murders in Paris are becoming daily more fre-
quent ; but readers of a journal, d'A pecially the fair
ones, do not desire to hear of such things, so I will
not offend " ears polite" by relating them. The
European Powers seem one and all to be making
grand military preparations by arming and exercis-
ing their troops, thinking that the old maxim, "In
time of peace prepare for war," is one worthy to
be adhered to, and that even now they " scent the
battle from afar."

The " M'Ciacken Letter" is still discussed, and
the noble " young American," who thus desired to
" hand down his name to posterity," may have it
" handed down," but hardly in the way he wished.
Well does he deserve the attacks of the press, and
there seem none to say of him " Requiescat in
pace."

To relieve the monotony of Lent there arc to
be several concerts at the Tuileries, the first to com-
mence on Monday, the 18th. The artists of the
Opera Comique will be honoured by permission to
inaugurate these musical soirees.
The Italian Opera is to be rented from the Bth
of July to 31st of August by Mr. Knowles, who was
the first to introduce Jenny Lind to the public of
the United Kingdom. " Lord Dundreary" is to be
the piece performed, and Sothern is to appear in his
famous role. There is no doubt it will be a perfect
success, for among the many Americans and English
who will then be in Paris there will be few
who will not go to see " Lord Dundreary."
It is well known that there has been
a company in operation in Paris whose
business it is to conduct funeral obsequies after the
"pomps and vanities of this wicked world" have
been laid aside. Now another company has been
formed for fitting out matrimonial processions, cere-
monies, &c. This society or company is thus de-
scribed by a French paper :—" Its duties will be to
assume the preparations of matrimonial pomps at
every price. There will be first, second, and third
classes ; that is to say, for the street : carriages,
fiacres, and cabs; for the church : the grand altar,
with more or less candles, and the organs ; the small
altar, without organ, or chairs decorated with velvet
or plain, according to the class represented. There
will be nuptial chambers, furnished at all prices."
The marriages of the basse classe can be accommo-
dated cheap with a garret, furnished with a shawl
for a window curtain. " In a word, for a price fixed
upon in advance, be it large or small, the happy"—
or unhappy, as the case may be—" bridegroom will
have no trouble with preparations, and can devote
his whole attention to his bride."
A commendable zeal is manifested by the Ameri-
cans in Paris for the education of their youth of
both sexes. Many, however, do not desire to con-
fide their daughters entirely to the care of French
institutions. New, I believe there is to be a school
opened for young ladies, under the care of Mrs.
Deming, long known here as' a resident, which
will be conducted upon the same principles as in
America, and be a great addition to the American
circle here.
e
King of Prussia, as the consequence o
tle of Empfertohre e
su itaaobal
st
hh
The conferring of ti
livlyeenetiscussed by the Northern and
ment of closer relationgsenbeerat
Southern Germany, is
Press of Europe.
The efforts of the Pales to prevent the entrance
of the provinces of Posen and Western Prussia into
the Confederation of North Germany will no doubt
be fruitless, and if fruitless the name of Poland
will disappear
entirely from the map of Europe.
The completion of the refitting of the Great
Eastern has created general satisfaction, and much
interest is felt in her departure from the Mersey to
New York. ller comfortable and magnificent ar-
rangements are on a very grand scale, and as a
description of them may prove of interest, I will
endeavour to give one.
The space once occupied by the cable-tanks has
been converted into cabin berths and commodious
state-rooms. The decorations are of a superior and
elegant character. She will be able to carry 3,000
passengers, and the different dining saloons will
seat at one time 2,000. Comfort and every accom-
modation of the best description will be guaranteed
those who may come in the " great ship" across the
waters.

In my next letter I will endeavour to describe
spaces occupied by the different nations in the
Exposition building, and the nature of some of the
goods and articles that have already arrived for
admission. Paris has begun to put on a new coat
of paint upon its streets, decorate its gardens, and