The Sun.
London, England, 1867-03-05 00:00:00

Miscellaneous French News.

(From the Correspondent of the Anglo-American Times.)
PARIS, Feb. 28, 1867.

saloon.

The grand ball in honour of the birthday of
Washington took place on the 22d instant, at the
Grand Hotel, and was largely and brilliantly at-

tended. The gentlemen who formed the committee
of management proved most effective stewards, and
one and all obtained applause for the able manner
in which the arrangements were carried out. Their
names were—Colonel Hoffman, Mr. Beckwith, Mr.
Emmet, Mr. Munroe, Mr. Phalen, Mr. Heard, Mr.
Van Brugen, Mr. Bowles, Mr. Evans, Mr. Lamson,
Mr. Nicolay, Mr. Richards, Mr. Camac, Mr. Jones,
and Mr. Tucker. The ball was given in the dining
hall and sitting rooms of the Grand Hotel, which
were tastefully decorated with the flags of America
and France, and further adorned with two large
portraits of 'Washington, surrounded with ever-
greens and flowers. The corridors were lined with
arber-vitae, cedar, and camellias, which had a
pleasing and beautiful effect. The supper was
elegant and recherche, and much appreciated by the
numerous guests. Many of the most distinguished
visitors, both of America and of Europe, honoured
the occasion by their presence, among whom we
noticed the American Minister, General Dix ;
Prince Galitzine, Hassan-Ali-Khan, Duke de Baa-
sano, Comte de Leebach, Gustave Dorii, Monsieur
de Enazu, Professor Morse, Mr. Post, Mr. Corbyn,
&c., &c. It would be invidious to select the belles
among the crowd of beautiful women who graced the
assembly ; but among those whose elegant toilettes
and amiable manners attracted most attention
were Miss Dix, the Misses Beckwith, Miss Beylard,
Mrs. Monroe, Miss Clarke, Miss Sims, Miss Brookes,
Mrs. Clarke the Misses Clift, Mrs. Tuckerberry, Mrs.
Spencer, Miss Morse, Miss Hamel, Miss Henriquez,
Miss Torrence, Miss Mackenzie, Miss Minnie
and others too numerous to
Brookes, Miss Deming,
mention. It is hoped that this is but the first of
many such reunions to take place this spring, and is
the inauguration of a brilliant and festive season.
Unlike the Temple of Solomon, raised, as we are
told, noiselessly, without sound of hammer or nail,
the world's fair building is now resounding with
myriads of those instruments putting the last strokes
to that vast Temple Of Industry and Peace. Ex
hibitors from all parts of the world are arranging
stalls, boxes, &c., for the display of their
wares ; and the interior of the building is rapidly
filling with fast-arriving shipments, represent-
ing the progressive spirit and enterprise of the
present generation. The outside grounds have
still a somewhat unshapen appearance, though
shrubberries, grass-plats, fountains, and artistic
edificesare springing into existence, and covering the
extensive surface of what was once the celebrated
military parade, known as the " Champ de Mars."
The International Theatre is approaching comple-
tion, and will be as elegant and commodious as
any in the city. In this theatre pieces will be
played in various popular languages. The Exposi-
tion, notwithstanding its unfinished state, is very
attractive, and is daily visited by hundreds desirous
of witnessing the progress of the works.
The Emperor has recently called into counsel
many Generals and other officers belonging to the
infantry service for the purpose of learning their
opinions upon different modifications that will pro-
bably be introduced into that branch of the army.
It is asserted that, in compliance with the law of
reorganisation, each of the many corps d'armee
which comprise the military strength of France, will
be required to undergo a sort of examination, and
useful changer which might be important in time of
war will be studied and duly considered in conjunc-
tion with all the new inventions in arms.
Although in a state of peace and tranquillity the
Emperor is determined to be prepared at all times
for war. He justly says—" The influence of a na-
tion depends upon the number of men which it can
put under arms."

The Empress, for the benefit of visitors to France

during the Exposition, has determined to form a
collection in the palaces of Malmaison and Petit-
Frianon, of such pictures, furniture, and other

objects that were the property of, or used by, the
Empress Josephine and Marie Antoinette, when
occupying these imperial residences.
A special commission has been charged with the
execution of this work—and the collection when
completed will form an interesting museum.
As the Carnival is drawing to a close masked
and fancy balls are multiplying in the gay capital,
and fun is raging " fast and furious" in their
nocturnal revels; when

"Joy is unconfined,"
and when each and all are resolved on
"No sleep till morn—when youth and pleasure mee
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet."

At the Hotel de Ville the second ball of the season
took place last week. Five thousand guests were
present, embracing the legislative, diplomatic, and
administrative notabilities ; representatives of the
army, press, finance, &c. The toilettes of the
ladies were superb, and long trains of silk, satin,
velvet, and gauze, ornamented with a profusion of
flowers, pearls, lace, and diamonds, gracefully
sweeping time to the music of a quadrille, presented

a coup d'ceil strikingly beautiful. The principal
orchestra in the grand gallery was directed by
Strauss, while another band performed in the

The annual ball of the artists came off at the
Opera ,Comique on Saturday night last, but was
not so largely attended as befUre. However all
passed off merrily, and the " break of day" found
the revellers still " tripping on the light fantastic