The Sun.
London, England, 1858-08-10 00:00:00

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH.

(By Electric Telegraph.)

The following message has been received by the
Directors of the Atlantic Telegraph Company :
VALENTIA, TUESDAY, 5 A.M.
Newfoundland has commenced the use and adjust-
ment of their special instruments for speaking.
Last night, at 11.15 p.m., we received coil cur-
rents from them at the rate of 40 per minute per-
fectly. They are NOW sending usual letters
for adjustment of instruments, and we have re-
ceived from them the words, " Repeat, please," and
" Please send slower for present," spelt in full.
They have also sent the signals for repeat frequently,
proving that the receiving instruments are not yet
adjusted with sufficient accuracy for them to get
distinctly. _

I forward by this post the slip of signals first
transmitted and received across the Atlantic by the
Company's instruments.
The speed at which the letters come out seems
faster than those at Keyham, and currents are appa-
rently as strong.

FRANCE.

PARIS, AUG. 9.

Marshal Pelissier requested to be permitted to
accompany the Emperor to Brest. He intends to be
back at London by the 15th, to celebrate his Ma-

jesty'sfite.

The Moniteur publishes an Imperial decree pro- '
moting Count de Casablanca, Baron de Lacrosse, and '
Baron de Crouseilhes, Senators, to the rank of Grand
Officers of the Legion of Honour, and M. de Ro-
meuf, Deputy, M. Boudel, President of Section of
the Council of State, and H. Ilalevy, Member of the
Institute, to that of Commander. The same decree
promotes to the rank of officer MM. Ladoucette and
Marchant, senators ; Thomas, member of the Insti-
tute ; Darblay, deputy ; de Montalle, chef de divi-
sion at the Ministry of State; Th, Gautier, one of
the editors of the Moniteur; Viollet-le-Duc, archi-
tect; Arsene Houssaye, inspector-general of the
Beaux Arts ; Godelle, councillor of State ; and
Viscount de Beaumont-Vassy, ex-prefect. It also
makes 22 nominations to that of Knight.
The baptism of the newly-born son of Prince Char-
toryski has just taken:place at the Hotel Lambert-
The Queen and King of Spain, as sponsors, were re-
presented by Queen Christina. The Countess de
Montijo, muther of the Empress, was present.
The King of the Belgians and the Duke and
Duchess de Brabant arrived at Ostend on Saturday,
as announced. The Grand Duchess Helena of Rus-
sia remains there, but, having a nervous complaint,
had not been able to take sea-bathing. The Prince
of Prussia and M. de Manteuffel likewise remain at
Ostend, and the Marquis d'Antonini, Minister of the
Two Sicilies at Brussels, has arrived there.
M. Richard, Prefect of the Finisterre, has ad-
dressed the following circular to the mayors of
communes in the arrondissement of Quimper :
" The Emperor and Empress desire during their stay at
Quimper to see some Breton dancing. Their Majesties are
anxious to know all that concerns the manners and ens-
toms of our rural populations, and to be as much as possible
among them. Accordingly, among the fetes which have
been proposed to them by the town of Quimper, they gave
the preference to a ball, and they desire that peasants shall
exclusively figure in it. Their Majesties will be happy to see
the country populations accept readily the invitation ad-
dressed to them. I beg of you, monsieur, not to neglect
anything that may be in your power to cause your commune
to be properly represented at thi• fete. The notabilities of
the commune and the municipal councillors ought to be glad
to see their wives and daughters go to a ball which will take
place in presence of their Majesties. The dances will com-
mence at 3 o'c'oek in the Champ de Bataille, near the Pre-
fecture. They will be interrupted at the moment of the arri-
val of their Majesties, and resumed after their entrance into
the Prefecture. Space will not be wanting—the whole place
will be reserved fur the ball. I recommend you, monsieur,
; to itsmedia,ely adopt such measures as may be necessary
for carrying out the object of the present letter."
I A letter from Bucharest, of the 28th ult., in the

Cronstadt Gazette, says :
" The Minister Mika, a relation of the Prince Caimakan,
has tendered his resignation. Several persons of Buzeo had
vainly claimed a sum of 45,000 piastres due to them for the
supplies furnished during the stay of the Russians iu Wal-
lachia. The Prince ordered the Minister to pay them, but
as he constantly found excuses for putting off doing so, the
Prince ordered the money to be taken from the State trea-
sury, and the interest to be deducted from the salary of the
Minister, which led to his resignivion."

A letter from Vienna of the 4th, in the Indepen-
duce of Brussels, says :
" All the accounts received from Dalmatia state that calm
is again re-established on all points. Prince Danilo has left
fur Lovitschen, his summer residence. The Montenegrins
have retired into the Kattunbka district. Two captains of
the circle of La Berda have been dismissed for abuse of
power, and brought before a military tribunal. All thisindi-
cates pacific intentions on the part of Prince Danile, whose
secretary (M. Delarue) had an interview at Ragusa with the
Frenc% admiral on the 28th ult. Quiet also prevails in Herze-
govina. In Bosnia the mai of several districts have paid
the tax of the third and the tithes. Some examples which
have been made of certain oppressive deys have led to this
result."

A grand dinner was given on the 2d inst. by the
Emperor of Austria at the Palace of Laxenbourg, at
which were present the Grand Duke and Grand
Duchess of Hesse, who have returned from their
excursion to Trieste, and the Archduke John, who
had arrived in the morning by steambcat from Linz.
The Chambers of Bavaria are convoked for the
25th September.
The Nord of Brussels says :

" In the sitting of the Germanic Diet on the sth, the
separate vote of Hanover lu the Dan°. German affair was
made known, but the Diet refused to mention it in the mi-
nutes. The Hanoverian Government, which is completely
i:o!ateel in the Diet on this affair, is, to judge from the lan-
guage of its journal, the Hanover Gazette, greatly irritated
at the result. It also appears to be much exa perated
against Prussia, which, whilst sharing its opinions, refuses
to adopt its exaggerated pretensions, and it was no doubt
by way of reprisals that the Envoy of Hanover voted against
Prussia in the rtif.ir of the liadstadt ga:ri•'on. It appears
likely that the propositions of Denmark will be accepted by
the Federal Diet, and that its representative at Frankfort,
to whom it is proposed to allow a seat and to'e in the com-
mittees, will receive instructions which will enable him to
satisfy the equitable demands of Germany. The King of
Denmark can, as a proof of his respect fur his Federal obli-
gations, send the contingent of the duchies to take part in
the manceuvres of the 10:11 Federal corps."

THE FETES AT CHERBOUY,A,_

CHERBOURG, AUG.. 8.
With the inauguration of the statue a
.poleon
have closed the fetes of Cherbourg.

This spectacle, in which were united the-;'pat his-
tory of Cherbourg with the domestic affec'iitous of the
Napoleon family, was fittingly reserved as, -the climax
to that grand national festival intended to celebrate
the accomplishment of one of the greatest, -works ever
completion
having
the performed
achieved
obeyk ra apno cl
ee
0. n
prider There was
of i n the
a task so difficult that none but a -.master-genius
could have foreseen the means of makin tg that which
appeared to be impossible, ultimately practicable ;
but in the file of to- clay the heir to Napoleon's
Empire was permitted to show his tiffeetion as a
nephew, who, in completing the military port at
Cherbourg, had fulfilled the vow of his predecessor,
when he declared " it was his determination to
renew in Cherbourg the glories of ancient Egypt."
The programme fixed for this day's proceedings
was not very accurately attended to. The inaugura-
tion of the statue was to take place at half-past ten
in the morning, and on the conclusion of the cere-
monies their Majesties were to have attended divine
service in the. Church of the Trinity. This programme
was so far changed, that their Majesties heard a low
mass in the church, and did not appear on the Quay
Napoleon until a quarter-past twelve o'clock.
In accordance with the regulations that had been
previously made, the company of sappers and miners,
the artillery, infantry, and cavalry, were ranged along
the Quay Napoleon, and formed an immense square
from the water's edge up to the Hotel de Ville,
whilst behind the lines of the soldiers were collected
the populace in immense crowds ; and behind them,
again, large platforms, rising tier upon tier,
which were reserved exclusively for the accommo-
dation of ladies. The central objects within this
square were the covered statue of Napoleon, and,
fronting it, an 6strade, on which were two thrones,
and a sufficient number of benches for the members
of their Majesties' household.
Previous to the arrival of the Emperor there was
to be seen, walking up and down in the vacant space,
the Maires of different towns in the department, the

Commissioners of the Police, with their tri-colored
scarfs, and a few gentlemen in the uniform of deputy-
lieutenants and English militia regiments. Occa-
sionally, too, was to be noticed a smart vivandiere,
with her flaunting blue ribbons, and spruce sailor's
hat, talking and laughing with the soldiers ; and
now and again there was a loud burst of merriment,
as some unruly young member of the mob broke the
line which the Bens d'armes were endeavouring to
maintain, and ran off into the wide space, with police
on horse and foot after him, and he invariably
baffling them by darting into the midst of the sol-
diers who stood within the centre, and who seemed
to enjoy as much as the multitude the vain efforts of
the civil force to apprehend the trespasser.
Amongst all the various figures which presented
themselves to the public notice previous to the
arrival of the Emperor, there were none that excited
so much of the public sympathy, and, it might be
added, of their veneration, as the veterans of the
Empire—the soldiers of " the great army," as they
hobbled feebly into the central space, bearing in
their hands wreaths of " immortelles" wherewith to
decorate the monument of their General and Empe-

ror—au mon pere—brave, old, feeble warriors were
looked upon with deep emotion. Amongst them was
one who seemed but to live that he might witness
this day—worn down, feeble, and a cripple, he was
obliged to be rolled in a hand-chaise by two women
to join his ancient companions in arms, in order
that he, with his crippled hands, might bestow a last
wreath of laurel upon the monument of that mighty
man, who had stood with him on the field of Aus-
terlitz, and watched the last rays of its setting sun
descend amid shouts of victory—who had lived to
see clouds obscure its glory ; but who now survived
to behold the glories of the Empire revived, and
the throne of France again fittingly and worthily
occupied by a Napoleon. The energy and the devo-
tion that animated the armies of Napoleon were per-
•
sonified in that half-living, maimed veteran—it
showed that their love for him gave to them new
life, and that in his cause animation was restored to
the old, the weak, and the exhausted—that he was to

them their very soul ; and their spirit, stronger than

the fragile form it endowed, was regardless of all
things but how they could best prove their attach-
ment to the hero of Prance—the General and the
ruler of the Empire.
A remarkable instance of this zeal of " the old
legionaries" was given by the whole body of them ;
for the instant the Emperor had descended from his
carriage—before he had even time to take his seat
upon the throne—the veterans—beholding the
nephew of " their" Emperor before them, were no
longer masters of their enthusiasm ; but, rushing
forward in a body together their feeble voices were
raised in a cheer, which sounded shrilly and sharply
on the ear. The Emperor smiled at this irregular
demonstration of affection, and then turned to look
at the noble statue of Napoleon 1., which was at
that moment unveiled, amid the acclamations of the
people, the presentation of arms by the soldiers, and
the loud roaring of the cannon.
One word may be said respecting this equestrian
statue—it is intended as a portrait statue—an exact
representation of Napoleon I.—such as,- when living,
he was to be seen in many a campaign. The dress
is copied accurately from relics of the Emperor
which are now preserved in the Louvre. It is a
noble piece of art—life-like animation, showing to
posterity the great Emperor as he appeared to his
contemporaries—and seeming as if the splendid
thought of Cherbourg and its military port was that
moment maturing in all its details in his mind, and
that the hand which points to the West, was follow-
ing the dictates of his genius, and had fixed upon
that very spot where the interests of France could be
best promoted.
Upon the unveiling of the statue the Prefect of
the Department came forward and read an address,
to which the Emperor replied—the Prefect, as I
was informed, for I was not:near enough to hear his
words, congratulated his Majesty upon the great works
of which he had now seen the completion, and which
were of the same character that had endeared him to
France, and entitled him to the gratitude of its
people, and induced all to offer up their prayers to
Heaven that it might long spare his Majesty to
watch over their welfare, to secure to the people
peace, and to consolidate the interests of that great
empire.
His Majesty the Emper Jr spoke with great anima
tion in reply to the address of the Prefect. A few of
his words, with his clear, distinct articulation, and
fine, full voice, could be heard, and the substance of
them was something to this effect :—That he was
happy in having contributed to the completion of
this great work, which commenced under Louis XIV.,
and renewed by Louis XVI., and, amidst all his
wars, was revived and persevered in by that distin-
guished captain, the founder of his dynasty. It was
his happiness now to complete in peace the task
which the great man was prevented by the calamities
of war front bringing to a conclusion. All nations
to be great, must be possessed of power; but no na-
tion, truly deserving of the name, would wish to
prove the powers it possessed by heedlessly rushing
info war. Weak nations might so seek to make them-
selves of consequence; but in such a policy there was
both wickedness and folly. His desire was to make
France a foremost nation in the world ; but he de-
sired also, and should endeavour to demonstrate, that
her greatness was identified with the peace of man-
kind, her own happiness, and the happiness of all
other nations.
After the delivery of this address, the Emperor
and Empress, accompanied by the Duke of Malakhoff,
Marshal Vaillant, Marshal BaraguaY d'Hilliers, de-
scended the steps of the estrade, when the municipal
and local authorities were presented to their Sove-
reign, and near to them were personally introduced
to his Majesty the veterans of the Grand Army liv-
ing in Cherbourg and its neighbourhood. Upon
some of these, as well as members of the civil service,
his Majesty bestowed honours.

A magnificent cannon from the city of Cherbourg
was then presented to the Emperor.
The troops afterwards defiled before his Majesty,
and then the ceremonies of the inauguration of the
Napoleon statue were at an end.
The fetes of Cherbourg are over !

The triple t.als os of cannon from all the forts and
shipping, at a quarter to three o'clock, announced the
arrival at the port of the Emperor, and in half an
hour afterwards the embarkation of his Majes!y for
Brest took place. He parted amid the cheers of the
multitude ; and no one who has witnessed all the in-
cidents of the last five days can doubt that Napoleon
111. is a truly popular Sov:reign in Normandy—that
he is admired and respectel here, because the people
see in his labours results which benefit themselves,
and are useful to France generally. Napoleon 111. is
loved by the people of Normandy because they be-
lieve he deserves to be loved.

From Normandy the Emperor passes to Brest. He
thus begins, as Sovereign of France, the first visit which
was ever paid to that ancient and independent duchy.
Its wars with France were continued for centuries—
its disposition for ages was to reject the Sovereign of
which Paris approved, and its inclination to thwart
the policy alike of Valois, of Bourbon, and of regi-
cide republicans.
There are many pleasing recollections, es I am
aware, of the First Emperor, in those parts of Brit-
tany with which I am best acquainted, and I wished
to be present so that you might know how the Em-
peror was received in Brest. That I find to be im-
possible. The Emperor sails to a point which it is
impracticable to reach by land from this plac c before
Wednesday next, and there are none but vessels of
war following in the track of the Emperor.
The nearest point at which it is possible to meet
the Emperor in his Briton progress is Quimper, and
from thence I hope next week to send a letter which
will describe with truth and sincerity the reception
given by the energetic and determined anti-republi-
can Britons to the illustrious chief who has, I know,
won at least their respect by the vigour with which
he has crushed socialists, communists, and re-
publicans.

The ball which took place at the Hotel de Ville of
this now more than ever important town was hon-
oured, as expected, by the Emperor and Empress.
There were present about four times the number of
people necessary to insure comfort and the possibi-
lity of moving about. But none were there who had
not a claim on the Mayor—civil and military officials
in a garrison town like Cherbourg are sure to abound.
The hotel of the city on this occasion was, I need
scarcely add, decorated with the usual eagles; the
initial letters " N." and " E.," and flowers and
wreaths of green—in fact, the ordinary tasteful and
gay-looking furniture of Imperial flies. It was by
no slight effort that one kept one's legs, and certainly
no lady who left her dressing-room in crinoline pride
enjoyed the full spread of her wide, gauzy propor-
tions that evening. Lord and Lady Wilton and party
and Lord John Manners, and several British uni-
forms were seen (partly seen only) in the crowd
surging about in the ocean of millinery. The
dancing was difficult and not frequent. However, the
natives of Cherbourg were evidently delighted to see
the Emperor and Empress under the most packed
uncomfortableness. This is the last bal, and we are
drawing near to the close of the files generally. The
Imperial progress has been a decided success, and the
weather most favourable. Many memorable inci-
dents hare occurred during the last week, at least
memorable to those concerned. Decorations and
promotions have taken place in the army and navy.
Mr. Locke is now officer of the Legion of HoMour,
and Mr. William Locke has received the first
grade of that, in France, envied mark of merit or
favour.

To these gentlemen and Mr. Brassy, Cherbourg
is more immediately indebted for the railway now
open to the public. By the way, was ever railway
opened under such circumstances? The company,
in addition to providing their friends with seats and
banquets daily, actually turned the railway station
into a theatre, and invited all the world to see Mme.
Doche and a ballet, each and all superintended by
M. Bar, from Paris. The directors and chairman,
and M. Bonnaff6, a most active member of the com-
pany's staff, deserve the highest praise for their suc-
cessful exertions. Another incident worthy of re-
cord is the publication of medals commemorating
the visit of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to
Cherbourg. On one side of the medal are the busts
of the Emperor and Empress, whilst their royal
guests are represented on the other. These medals
were sold in the streets by hundreds.

Never were the quays of Cherbourg so ani-
mated with natives as well as foreigners.
Yachtsmen and excursionists were to be seen,
looking uncommonly like strangers, it must be
confessed. One heard frequently, "Now, where are
we going ?" and, " I say, Crossley, do you think we
can get tickets ?" Such questions, with an occasional
word or two uttered in disappointment peculiarly
British, and not fit for ears polite, were frequently
heard. Here, in the commercial port, many friends
discovered the nautically good-natured and familiar
face of our old friend Capt. Luke Smithett, who now
reigns supreme on board Mr. Churchwood's fast and
rakish-looking steamer the Prince Frederic William.
The port is crowded with steamers, which
brought thousands for the fetes. They are now
puffing and grunting, and throwing out black masses
of smoke (4 o'clock p.m.) The Emperor has inau-
gurated the statue of Napoleon I. The programme
has been completed. Your own correspondentr may
pack up and be off. Let us hope that the fetes which
have now terminated will mark a new era in the
relations of France—that the railway will become a
medium of friendly inter-communication. Let us,
on an occasion like this take a hopeful view of the
land and sea steam-united Cherbourg. Let us be-
lieve the world will attend to Mr. Mackay's sugges-
tions, whon he exclaims :

Liy down your rails, ye nations near and far—
Yoke your full trains to Steam's triumphal car;
Link town to town; unite in iron bands
Tne long-estranged and oft-embattled lands.
Peace, mild-eyed seraph-knowledge, light divine,
Shall send their messengers by every line.
Men joined in amity shall wonder long
That Hate had power to lead their fathers wrong,
Or that false glory lured their hearts astray
And made it virtuous and sublime to slay."

In passing through the streets of Cherbourg yes-
terday morning I was a good deal surprised to observe
that there were many of them in which every house
was decorated with laurel or flowers, or exhibited a
tricoloured flag, and these in places which up to
this time had not shown any demonstration of the
general jubilee that has pervaded the city since
Wednesday last. Upon inquiring the cause for this
alteration was informed that the decorations were
adopted because there was a hope entertained the
Emperor would pass through such streets in his
promised promenade of to-thy; and upon that chance
these houses, in out of the way streets, were adorned
as for a grand festival.

Whether this hope of the worthy and loyal citizens
was realised I am not in a position to state, for it was
necessary to be within the walls of the Military Port
an hour at the least before the ceremonies of the day
began. It was impossible to be able to see the pro-
menade of the Emperor, Empress, and their suite
through the city, and at the same time to obtain
permission to reach the interior of the Military Port
in time to witness the flooding of the Dock Napoleon
111., and the ceremonies with which it was to be
preceded. Having to make my choice between the
two spectacles, I adopted that to which the greatest
public interest attaches.

At half-past 12 o'clock to the moment the appointed
promenade had terminated, and the booming of the
cannon and the cheers of the multitude announced that
the Emperor had entered his grand naval arsenal by
the "Porte du Midi." This portion of the ceremonies
was admirably managed. From the gate at which
his Majesty
entered to the point within the port at
which he was to descend from his carriage, a double
line was formed—the one line being composed of
soldiers of the regular army, sailors, marines,
artillerymen, all persons in some sort of uniform,
and all bearing arms ; whilst the other line was
composed of men without arms, men in blouses or

plain blue clothes, the operatives employed in the
different factories established within the port, and
all presenting the appearance of men well fed, well
clad, and perfectly contented with their situation in
life. Their looks, their manner, and their bearing
could not, I am sure, have failed to produce a most
favourable impression upon his Alajesty. These
workmen were divided into different companies, or
rather " shops," each particular trade standing apart
from the others, and each of the large hands of
factory men having a banner peculiar to itself, which
was lowered as the Emperor's carriage pas Fed by.
The review made by the Emperor on this
occasion was very brief, as it was arranged he was to
make a particular inspection ef each atelier after-
wards.

In a few minutes after entering within the pre-
cincts of the fortress, his Majesty and the Empress
were seen passing under a triumphal arch, which
had been erected for the occasion. Of this triumphal
arch it is necessary to say a few words. It has been
erected upon that plan which is called the " Quai
des Formes." It is a triumphal arch of about 50
feet in height, its materials being entirely composed of
the tools and instruments of maritime industry—as
exquisite in all its proportions as the Arch of Titus—
decorated with the combined cyphers of the Emperor
and Empress, and looking as if it were a work des-
tined to that perdurance to which its merits entitle
it. Such, however, is not the case. It had been
raised for this particular day, and to-morrow it will
be reduced to nothingness.
From this arch the Emperor and Empress passed
to the Imperial tent, to which no persons uncon-
nected with the household of the family of the Em-
peror could obtain admission. By the side of this
Imperial tent was erected a tribune most tastily and
richly decorated, and into this none but ladies of the
highest rank, native and foreigners, were introduced,
whilst near to their balcony were to be seen, in the
red uniform of England, Gen. Codrington, Gen.
Williams (the hero of Kars), and some other officers
of the line as well as of the English militia. There
were about the same place to be seen, as I was in-
formed, Sir Denham Norreys and about 20 members
of the House of Commons.

At a quarter to one o'clock the Emperor and
Empress, arm-in-arm, were recognised coming out
of the Imperial tent, and "heginning to descend the
magnificently decorated " rampe" which led from
the edge of the dock down to the very bottom,
where remained the only portion of this magnificent
work not yet completed—the deep hollow in the
solid rock in which were to be deposited the coins of
the Emperor, and the engraved record of that day
—the completion of the dock of the " Bassin Napo-
leon III."

The spectacle presented by the dock at this mo-
ment was one of great interest. It was, in reality,
one of those scenes which is identified with the
peculiar genius of the English painter, Martin.
There were on all sides the gigantic works of man—
labours accomplished which seemingly required for
their execution the strength and skill of beings
something higher than mortals ; and in contrast with
these ponderous and overwhelming masses there
were the little beings themselves by whom they had
been constructed. There was the vast dock—deeper
than any man-of-war ever yet constructed—in its
wide expanse sufficient to contain a navy. And then
there were the diminutive forms of men, as scanty
specks in the various huge slips, or standing like so
many dwarfs upon the edges of precipitous depths,
whilst in the midst of these joyous vociferations was
to be beheld, descending by some hundred of steps,
that extraordinary man whose spirit had embraced
this magnificent idea, and whose energy had enforced
its completion—thus showing that the will of man,
of " little man," is mightier than the powers of
nature itself—that it can overcome the greatest
difficulties, and that to it, in its vigorous energy,
when combined with foresight and genius, nothing is
impossible.
In a few minutes after the Emperor had descended
to the bottom of the dock, and that the members of
his Court had time to gather around him, the de-
positing of the last stone was completed—" The
Dock Napoleon III." was finished ! And as the
Emperor turned to ascend, the cheers of the multi-
tude were repeated with renewed vigour and still
warmer enthusiasm, whilst loud salvos of artillery
from all the batteries of the forts announced that
one of the great thoughts of " the foremost man of
all this world" was now a realised fact—that for
ever, so long as the world lasts, the name of Napoleon
111. was united by a new tie with that of Napoleon 1.,
and that whilst this globe endures, and the solid
foundations on which it reposes are secure, the
memory of the Emperor would be perpetuated—that
it was as secure from forgetfulness or decay as the
rock in which its recording testimonial was em-
bodied was irreversible.
The exultation of all who witnessed this interest-
ing scene was openly displayed, and those who felt
the most pleasure in contemplating it were probably
those who were best acquainted with the past history
of Cherbourg and its Military Port. Here was the
desire of Vauban realised, the hope of Louis XVI.
accomplished, the pre-determination of the first
Emperor effected fully and completely ; and all this
was done because the man who then stood before
them was the elect of France, was, despite of ma-
lignity that knows no abatement, and calumny that
is imperious to shame, the triumphant and the
honoured Emperor of the French. There was be-
fore them the proof that he was worthy of their
choice, and that in his works were won for him and,
through him, for them, that greatest of earthly
honours, true glory—" Tantus est enim splendor in
laude vera, tanta in magnitudine animi et consilii
dignitas, ut haec a virtute donata ; cxtera a fortuna
commodata esse videantur."

It was certainly a noble spectacle to observe the
Emperor as he stood for a moment on the edge of
his new harbour and marked its depth, and looked
at its rock-hallowed sides, and heard as he did so,
not the mere acclamations of men in rich uniforms,
but heard on all sides around him (his mighty task
now finished), the enthusiastic applause of thou-
sands upon thousands of humbly clad Frenchmen,
who bad come from all quarters of the department
to rejoice with him in the happy termination of this
noble piece of marvellous human workmanship.
With the ascent of the Emperor from the dock
began the prayers and hymns of the clergy in re-
sponse to the words of benediction pronounced by
the Bishop of Coutances, who stood beneath the
vessel, the Ville de Nantes, which was to be launched.
The prelate, as he stood with mitre on his head
and pastoral crook in his hand, and had by his side
his cross-bearer, formed, with his canons and cho-
risters, a remarkable group, looking down upon the
clock, into which, as the first prayers were recited,
the water came pouring in with all the strength,
fury, and rapidity, of a mighty river.
The Emperor sat for some time awaiting the ex-
plosion of an artificial mine, which was to admit a
larger body of water than come at first pouring in.
Here, however, was the only portion of the day's
proceedings in which there could be remarked any-
thing like a coup manqué. The mine that had
been constructed bad become saturated from the
water which permeated through the imperceptible
chinks in the temporary flood-gates. The conse-
quence was the mine failed ; and the instant this
accident was discovered the Emperor, Empress, and
suite proceeded on the tour of inspection through
the ateliers. Some were visited, some were merely
looked at ; but the department beyond all others
that engaged the Emperor's time, and occupied the
most of his attention, was that appropriated to the
Engineers. The nephew of Napoleon might be said
to have passed the most of the day with those of
whom the first Emperor was the most distinguished
member. But whether it was in conversing with
the Engineers, or looking into the various depart-
ments of art, wherever the Emperor expressed an
opinion it was seen that he had fully mastered the
details of that branch to which his remarks were
applied.

The flooding of the dock commenced at 10 minutes
t 0 o'clock in the day, and at a quarter past 5 the

thun:lers of all the guns from the fortifications
announced to the city of Cherbourg that the work
was done—the " immersion" was complete. Then
followed the launching of the Ville de Nantes into
the new dock, au operation most happily performed,
and its success was announced by cheers ayal repeated
salvos of artillery. Then the day's work was over,
luckily completed without the slightest accident to
mar the happiness of the day.
In the evening took place the ball given by the
city of Cherbourg to their Majesties. It would be
difficult to determine which was most worthy of admi-
ration, the arrangements outside or inside the Hotel
de Vile for the reception of the Sovereign.
All the streets through which the Emperor and
Empress had to pass from the Prefecture to the
Hotel de Ville were arranged so as to present the
appearance of an illuminated passage from the one
point to the other, as if the streets were a long and
winding gallery to the ball-room. The manner in
which this effect was produced is deserving of especial
notice. There were at short intervals from each other
gigantic candelabra, containing about 30 variegated
coloured lamps, each in narrow pyramidical form ;
whilst overhead was hung, distant 30 yards apart,
brilliant crystal lustres, casting their rich flashes
beneath, as a gentle air made the light play upon
their ever-moving pendants. With these candelabra,
chandeliers, and lustres, there were from house to
house festoons of leaves and flowers; and then,
overtopping all, were green triumphal arches bind-
ing one side of the street with the other. The effect
of this abundant illumination was to render the
Imperial passage to the Cherbourg festivities as clear
and brilliant as day. The termination to this illumi-
nated festal passage was worthy of the taste that
designed both. In the open street-way there was
erected, as a special entrance for the Emperor and
Empress, a huge gateway, crowned on the front by
a gigantic eagle, which spread its wings of gold from
one side of the street to the other ; on the back the
arms of Cherbourg. On one side of the interior of
this temporary entrance there were the folds of a
tent of green velvet and gold; and on the other this
green velvet tent had its folds thrown back, so as to
allow an entrance into a passage which was dazzling
with light, and its borders composed of the most
delicious shrubs ; and this path of light and
flowers led up to the private apartments
of the Imperial guests. Such were the pre-
parations made for the especial accommodation
and satisfaction of the Emperor and Empress. The
great body of the guests had a different entrance,
and for them, as they arrived, new pleasure and fresh
surprises were prepared. The guests entered by the
door-way of the Hotel de Ville, which is in the Place
d'Armes—itself assuming for the occasion all the
magnificence of a palace, whose pillars were of gold,
and their base of diamonds, connected by wreaths of
rubies and emeralds ; for such was the effect pro-
duced by the arrangement of the illumination at the
hotel, as well as in the whole space of houses sur-
rounding the Place d'Armes.

By this entrance the guests ascended stairs daz-
zling with light and odorous of flowers, whilst on
every side were mirrors, rendering the beauty of the
scene as exhaustless as their intrinsic powers of
reflections.

The whole of the upper portion of the Hotel de
Ville was appropriated to this truly gorgeous fes-
tival. There were too modes for the guests entering
the dancing rooms and appearing before the Em-
peror, but I shall take the liberty of showing how
the whole was arranged, and thus giving an idea to
the reader of the manner in which each apartment
was appropriated. The general mode of entering
was by a room set forth for the purposes of refresh-
ment. This apartment, of green and gold, was abun-
dantly supplied with the richest wines, with ices and
viands of every description. It was remarkable for
the number. and variety of its ornaments. From
this the visitors passed into what was called the
" premiere salle de danse"—a room, I should sup-
pose, about 80 feet long by 30 broad. By the side of
this was the magnificent library of the hotel, a library
in which there are a great many -valuable manu-
scripts; but the most extraordinary ornament of
which is the splendid old chimney-piece which once
belonged to the abbey founded by the English Em-
press Maud, and to which I have already referred
in a former letter. This fine room was appropriated
exclusively to the use of gentlemen invited to the
ball. Beyond this was the salon blanc, for dancing,
and then the largest of all the apartments in the
hotel, and to which has been given the appropriate
name of the "Salle du l'Empereur." It possesses
two very fine likenesses of the Emperor and Empress.
In this room was erected a throne for their Majesties.
Next to this room was a fine apartment, gorgeously
furnished, lined with purple velvet, on which were
worked the golden bees of the French Empire. This
room was appropriated to the use of their Majesties.
Here was a buffet for their use, and concealed
behind its wainscot was a private passage, by which,
in case of any accident—such as fire, &c—occurring,
the Emperor and Empress could secure a safe and
unimpeded passage for escaping. Then was the last
of the rooms, " the Museum," with a fine collection
of original paintings, and amongst them an invaluable
Murillo. Of those pictures there is also one re-
markable for its accuracy of drawing. It is a perfect
likeness of the unfortunate King, Louis XVI. To
this picture, at the especial desire of the Emperor, ti
conspicuous position was assigned. "To each," said
his Majesty, " the honour that is justly due to him.
Louis XVI. desired to do that which I have had the
happiness to accomplish. Had circumstances per-
mitted him he would have rendered Cherbourg what
I desire to make of it."

This apartment—the Museum—was also apprQ'
printed to dancers, and new modes of communication
were constructed so as to afford at one end an entrance
into the salon blanc, and on the other into the general
refreshment room—that is, the room set forth in
green and gold.

At the time the Emperor and Empress entered the
Hotel de Ville—about 10 at night—there could not
be less in the different apartments than 2,300 persons
—a great crowd—but what would have been the
condition of the same place if all who asked for cards
had obtained them ? for there were no less than
10,000 applications to witness this truly gorgeous
spectacle.

Upon the arrival of the Emperor at the railway
I stated that his Majesty had been addressed by the
Bishop of Coutances, but that it was not possible to
hear a word of the address then made by the prelate.
That address, and the reply of the Emperor, have
been since published, and are to this effect :
,1 said the Bisigop of Coutances, " it is, after God,
to the wisdom of your Majesty—to your exalted and §9114
intelligence—that this country is indebted for the order,
the peace, and the glorious prosperity it sow enjoys.
" Religion, moreover, is indebted to you for that ea-
lightened protection which permits it to exercise freely
over souls its holy and salutary empire.
" In return for the immense services you have conferred
upon it, the country gives to you its love, Its gratitude, and
its devotion.

" Such sentiments are nowhere more sincerely enterl
tained, nor more unanimously diffused, than amongst thf
good and pious population of the diocese of Coutances.
" Nowhere does the clergy better comprehend, nor more
faithfully discharge, all its duties.

" Happy of being their interpreter in circumstances
solemn as the present, and in associating myself, as I do
from the bottom of my heart, in the sentiments that annulate
them, I pray your Majesty to accept the respectful homage
of their gratitude, their wishes for your welfare, their WWl'
tations on your success.

"May God Al mi g lily, in accordance with our prayers, delga
to bless the prodigious labours that have been accomplished
by your orders, and in couformity with the fruitful inspira-
tions of your genius, and may He, too, grant a long dm atiou
to your reign, so glorious, and so necessary to France aed
the world. May He, too, shed his sanctifying blessings uP°D,
the Imperial Prince, whom such great destinies await; 4811
upon that august Princess whose virtues and whose W.°
ficence shed such a sweet, gentle, and yet brilliant light
upon the throne." _ _

The Emperor's reply was in the following words:--
" Monseigoeur,—l thank you for the sentiments You
have just expressed. The labours of men are, especially on
this spot, of the greatest value in my eyes, but they always
stand in need of the protection of God ; and I await it with
confidence, from the benedictions you are about to bestoW
pon this new railroad"