The Sun.
London, England, 1867-02-25 00:00:00

Miscellaneous French News.

(From the Correspondent of the Anglo-American Times.)
The reception on Saturday night last at General
John A. Dix's passed off with its usual brilliancy,
and was attended by the elite of America. On the
14th the Emperor pronounced his address to the
members of the Senate and Legislative Corps. The
day was beautiful, and the attendance very large.
The usual military guards and official demonstra-
tions were observed in the courts of the Louvre and
Tuileries during the passage of the Imperial family
to and from the palace of the Louvre.
This discourse is always looked forward to with
great interest by the press of all parts of the world,
because it is of interest to the people at large.
The speech was clear, elevated, and dignified.
The speaker—desirous of his country's good—de-
clared his determination to inaugurate liberal
reforms, and a greater development of constitu-
tional liberty. It has been the dream of France
for many years—has been the union of the two
fundamental ideas of the Revolution—Liberty and
Democracy; and to this end his Imperial Majesty
now invites the active co-operation of his legisla-
tors. The speech was, indeed, an able production,
worthy of the Emperor, and worthy of the great
nation over whose destinies he is presiding.
Progress, and the propagation of liberal institu-
tions, are watch-words that are ever acceptable to
Frenchmen. The Emperor concluded his speech by
saying— _ _

" Up to this time liberty in France has been
only ephemeral; it has not been able to take root
in the soil, because abuse has immediately followed
its use, and because the nation preferred to limit
the exercise of its rights rather than undergo dis-
order in ideas and in things. It is worthy of you
and I to make a larger application of those great
principles, which are the glory of France. Their
development will not compromise, as formerly, the
necessary prestige of authority. Power is to-day
based—and ardent passions, the sole obstacle to
the expansion of our liberties, will become extin-
guished by the immensity of universal suffrage. I
have full confidence in the good sense and patriotism
of the people—and strong in my right, which I hold
from them ; strong in my conscience, which wills
only good—l invite you to march with me, with an
assured pace in the way of civilisation."

Paris is daily becoming more crowded, caused
by the influx of visitors that are arriving so as to
obtain comfortable apartments for the Exposition.
Among the recent departures of Americans are
Mr. French and family, who have gone to Italy,
and Dr. Heighway, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The
latter gentleman, who was a surgeon of some dis-
tinction in the United States army during the late
war, has been spending some weeks in Paris visit-
ing the hospitals, which are conducted here in such
a superior style.

Arrangements are being made by a few enter-
prising Americans to start a club, and it is to be
hoped their efforts will be crowned with success, for
with a club and the new American bar-room,
a la mode Americaine, and where " brandy-
smashes," " gin cock-tails," and " sherry-cobblers"
are to be had when called for, Americans will, in-
deed, feel " at home" in Paris.
The weather for the past week has been inter-
wittingly fair and foul. Now and then we have a
bright sun-shiny day, and the various promenades,
Boulevards, the Bois de Boulogne, and Champs
Elysces arc thronged with thousands in quest of
pastime and pleasure. On such days the Emperor,
Empress, and Prince Imperial take their accustomed
drives, and show themselves to an appreciative
populace. The Empress has a gracious smile, and
a charming salute for all, which wins for her
wherever she goes hearty cries of Vive 11 Imperatrice !
The Emperor is in perfect health, and promises fair
to live to a good old age. Let us hope that he may
never die.

The preparations that are being made for the
ball in honour of the birthday of General
Washington are on a grand scale. It is to be held
to-morrow, at the Hotel, and will, no doubt, be
largely attended by "fair women and brave men."
It is a praiseworthy action on the part of the Paris-
Americans thus to celebrate, in a foreign land, the
birthday of Washington ; and next summer, when
Paris is filled with Americans, the 4th of July will
not pass " unheeded by." •
It is said that Generals Grant and Sheridan will
come over in April and attend the Exposition, re-
main in Paris a few weeks, and go on an extended
tour through Europe.
It is also rumoured that Hon. Reuben E. Fenton,
Governor of the State of New York, will visit
Paris during the Exposition. There is no doubt
that a very warm reception will be extended to the
above distinguished gentlemen should they arrive
in Paris.

A large dinner was given here a short time since
by the members of the Paris Yacht Club. Air.
Hamilton Morton, secretary of the New York
Yacht Club, was in attendance. The dinner was a
magnificent affair, and everything passed off
in a very happy manner. Many speeches were
delivered and toasts drank, and then Mr. Hamilton
Morton was called upon, and delivered to his atten-
tive audience the following address, which is trans-
lated from the French :

" Mr. President,—lt is not in my power to ex-
press to you how highly gratified I am at being
present on the occasion of the annual festival of
your society, or my appreciation of the distinguished
consideration you have thus conferred on the New
York Yacht Club through the person of one of its
officers. Permit me, however, to remark that,
though officially connected with an association
(strictly speaking) of a more maritime character,
and whose members have recently given evidence
of a predilection for—.

' A life on the ocean wave,
And a home on the dark blue sea,'

still, I have ever regarded associations analogous
to your own as the germinal point,' the punctum
saliens of the future yachtsman, as well as that of
the professional mariner. And whether on the
placid waters of the Seine, the Loire, or the Thames/
they bear the same relation to the naval and mari-
time power of a people that military associations,
or 'schools of practice, do to the army or military
power of a great nation. The one is the cradle of
the sailor—the other that of the soldier. And it is
in no small manner due to the encouragement and
fostering care, extended by a neighbouring Power
to all associations, and tendencies of an admiralty
and maritime character, that has all but' verified
the proudest boast of England's bard—
Britannia needs no bulwarks,
No towers along the stoop—
Her march is on the mountain wave,
Her home is on the deep.'
If sovereignty, then, from her sea-girt isle,' regard
with complacency all that tends to enhance that
right arm of a nation's power, it is not only pru-
dent, but just and right, that Imperialism, as well
as Republicanism, should go and do likewise.'
For where there is equality there is peace. It can-
not be questioned, Mr. President, but that when
the members of such associations as that over which
you have the honour to preside have, on the inland
waters of France, familiarised themselves with the
first and essential rudiments of naval tactics, they
needs must send ' aspirations' towards the coast,
and ask for—

A home on the sea—
Where the wild waves aro crested with foam,
Where the shrill winds are whistling free,
As o'er the glad waters they como.
They'll list to the ocean's wild roar,
And join in tho stormiest glee ;
Nor ask iu the wide world for more
Than a home on the deep-heaving sea.'

In conclusion, allow me, sir, in thin connection) and