The Sun.
London, England, 1867-07-04 00:00:00

THE VISIT OF THE BELGIANS.

The telegram in The Sun of Tuesday announcing
that 2,160 Belgians had fulfilled the conditions laid
down by the Belgian Commission, and will come as
visitors to London, has been confirmed by a com-
munication from M. Anspech, the Bourgmestre of
Brussels. The estimate previously formed of the
probable number was 1,000. About £6,000 has
been subscribed to the funds of the Reception Com-
mittee. It need hardly be said that, under the
altered state of affairs, much more money will be
required. It had been supposed that the Serapis,
one of the largest troopships afloat, would be able
to carry the whole of our visitors over in one jour-
ney ; but as even she will only accommodate about
1,200 passengers, she must either make a second
voyage to the Scheldt and carry the Belgians over
in two parties, or some other arrangement will have
to be come to for the transport of some 1,000 rifle-
men. Again, as Guildhall will not accommodate
anything like 2,000 guests, it will be impossible that
the whole of the Belgian riflemen can be present at
the civic feast. We believe that on being informed
that the number so greatly eLceeded the list origin-
ally furnished to her, Miss Burdett Coutts at once
signified her readiness to receive the whole of the
Belgians visiting London. The Agricultural Hall,
at Islington, the largest building of the kind in
England, will accommodate all probable comers;
and the Ball Committee, who met yesterday morn-
ing, have resolved to leave nothing undone on their
part to insure the success of the grand ball. Their
efforts are being directed to adopt such precautions
with respect to the issue of tickets as will make the
affair as select as any public entertainment of the
kind can be. The Prince of Wales has signified his
intention of being present, and the names of the
ball committee are Lord Bury, the Duke of Man-
chester, Lord Londesborough, Lord Frederick
Paulet, Colonel the Hon. C. H. Lindsay, M.P.,
Colonel Loyd Lindsay, V.C., M.P., General Sir E.
Cust, K.C.8., Sir Benjamin Phillips, MacLeod of
MacLeod, General F. Seymour, C. 8., Colonel '
Gregory, Colonel Thompson, Colonel Warde, Mr.
R. Graves, M.P., and Mr. F. Leighton, A.R.A.
The committee expect that the ball will be the most
magnificent monster fete ever held in this country.
The Agricultural Hall is being entirely floored over,
and the walls are to be painted in white and deco-
rated with gold. For a considerable height from
the ground the whole will be lined with mirrors,
and there will be numerous flower gardens, grottoes,
and fountains. But the most splendid feature in
the getting up will be the illuminations. The
Messrs. Defries intend to make the occasion one for
illustrating the various species of gala lighting prac-
tised in this and other countries for the last century
—from the old Vauxhall variegated lamps to the
marvellous lime light. Not only will every part of
the building be lit up, but lights will be thrown
on the dancers, the colours of the illumination vary-
ing with the change of figures. Such are the gene-
ral designs of the committee and their contractors.
The accounts from Belgium represent that there is
very great excitement there on the subject of the
intended visit ; and so anxious are the noblemen
and gentlemen composing the executive committee
for the complete success of the reception that they
meet daily to organise the details.

ALARMING FIRE AT TIIE ALEXANDRA HOTEL
(Tins DAY).—At an early hour this (Thursday) morning
the greatest alarm and confusion prevailed amongst the
numerous residents of the Alexandra Hotel, Hyde Park
Corner, owing to a firo breaking out in that immense
establishment. The fire-escapes from Knightsbridge-
green and Pimlico were soon on the spot, as well as a
numberof laud steam and manual power engines by Shand,
Mason, and Co. The London Salvage Corps, under Mr.
Swanton, the chief officer, also attended very promptly,
and plenty of water being obtained the firemen went to
work, and with the aid of the small portable engines the
fire was confined to two rooms, but considerable damage
was done to the building and the costly contents. The
origin of the fire is unknown. Another fire took place at
Rotherhithe-walk, but the damage done was not very
serious. _ _

CRYSTAL PALACE.—Although the weather early
this mornirg was rather showery, it seems likely to clear
up by evening, and the management has decided that the
firework display shall take place regardless- of-avtatiler.
The innumerable corridors and galleries within the Palace
render it almost independent of weather. The display has
been designated "popular" from the fact of the charge for
admission having been fixed at the popular one shilling.
It will commence at half-past nine, and will conclude with
an illumination of fountains.
SIR MORTON PETO, BART., M.P., AND CO.
Adjudication of bankruptcy «'a yesterday made against
Sir Morton Peto, Bart., M.P., Edward Ladd Betts, and
Thomas Russell Crampton, described as contractors, of
Great George-street, Westminster. The adjudication was
made on the petition of Mr. Warden, of the railway iron-
works, Edgbaston, near Birmingham—the act of bank-
ruptcy being a declaration of insolvency. The petition
was presented by Mr. Denton, of the firm of Maynard,
Son, and Co., of Coleman-street, who are the solicitors
under the proceedings. The bankruptcy will be prose-
cuted in the court of Alr, Comulithsioner liolroyd.