The Sun.
London, England, 1867-05-07 00:00:00

RAILW &TS.

For Account.
Orleans 857 50
Northern 1147 50
Lyons and Mediterranean
Southern 551 25
Western 517 50
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian ... 386 25
Lombard 365
North of Spain —
Saragost'a —
Ditto to Barcelona —
It4:ll4lani

IN THE THICK OF IT.

(From the Correspondent of the Times.)

After mature consideration of the respective
merits and advantages of a friendly balcony in
Park-lane, and another in Connaught-terrace, from
which I could survey the doings of Mr. Beales and
his "Men of London" in Hyde Park, with that
same luxury of Sauce Mari Magno feeling with
which I viewed their progress along Pall-mall on
more than one occasion from my club house win-
dow, I deemed it best to give up all thouglits of a
safe harbour, and plunge into the thick of the meet-
ing, judging that the ear might thus come in for no
less a share of the entertainment than was allowed
to the eye.
At about 6 o'clock in the afternoon I was on the
ground. I stood for some time at the Hyde Park
Corner end of Rotten-row, where only a few riders
still lingered, though there was no lack of glittering
c irriages with flaunting parasols on the drive. The
last urchin had trundled off his hoop from the foot
path ; the last nursemaid had caught up her tod-
dling charge and bundled off with it ; the assem-
blage of promenaders was so thin as to give the
Park the appearance it ordinarily wears on a grand
Derby Day, or used to present on the recurrence of
one of the Chiswick shows of ancient times. There
was nothing like bustle or excitement, no apparent
expectation of any unusual event. As I proceeded
along the drive, however, there was a visible change
in the aspect of things. A motley multitude of vari-
ous ages and of both sexes lay on the grass plot of
the Achilles and the adjoining grounds—a quiet,
drowsy set, lazy, lazzaronic in appearance, hardly, it
would seem, to be moved from their blessed repose
by all the thunders of Mr. Potter's eloquence. As
I. reached the scene of the evening's achieve-
ments, I threaded a crowd of listless saunterers,
mostly belonging to the lowest ranks of the
working classes, not a few in rags, most of
them unwashed, but, on the whole, a most in-
offensive, orderly set, playing off their harmless
jokes upon one another, joining in poor at tempts at
a choral song, and crowding together here and there
in groups where a tipsy man formed the centre of
attraction, and lit tae, if at all, disconcerted by the
policeman, who peeped above their greasy caps and
fell back as soon as he had ascertained that no thim-
blerigger was there at his old tricks. Specimens of
the " rough" genus thgre were few indeed, if any,
and no expression struck my ear of a more seditious
character than that of a promising youth in tat-
tered fustian jacket, who wondered " when the
lodgers would be coming." For the rest, the cir-
culation was everywhere free, with plenty not only
of standing and sitting, but even of reclining, room
everywhere. The gentle sex was largely, if not
fairly, represented. Cracking nuts and peeling
oranges seemed to be the great business. It was a
people's fair, a picnic, a holiday in the open air.
Lookers on in broadcloth were numerous, and there
were not a few gentlemen on horseback, rising
above the level of the people's heads, together with
groups of women perched here and there on the
benches.

There was no appearance of platforms, though
here and there might be seen au attempt at a scaf-
fold hung with dirty red cloth and dirtier Union
Jack, and tables, destined perhaps to do duty as
" stumps," but, in the meanwhile, put to other uses
by members of the thimble-rigging fraternity. To
these gentry the few, but all-seeing, policemen
6howed no forbearance.

At last, between half-past 6 and 7 there was a
stir in the multitude, a shouting, a waving of caps,
and a bandying about of the names of Beales, of
Dickson, and of the other heroes of the day. The
ten platforms were instantly reared on various
points of the vast green expanse. The kings of men
stood upon a form at the foot of that glorious
cluster of old trees rising in the centre of the
Park ; the minor orators spread here and there,
wherever the multitude volunteered a hear-
ing. In the midst of each group the number of its
especial platform was held aloft as a standard ; be-
side the bearer stood " Mr. Chairman," and it WAS
to him personally that the words of the orator were
addressed. The crowd was nowhere either very
dense or very stationary. There was a perpetual
shifting and swaying here and there; everywhere
the same want of earnestness or reverence ; indeed,
the same sense of unmitigated egregious fun. At
no time was it difficult to make one's way up to any
of the ten platforms, to hear distinctly every word
of auy of the ten bawling orators. I cannot say I
carried away much of their effusions myself, but I
doubt whether any one present was much more edi-
fied than I was, although, as a matter of course,
every sentence was received with the accompani-
ment of tremendous cheers. "We are the enemies
of violence," said one;
" we are the enemies of dis-
order ; we are the friends of the for ; we are the
friends of order." Another wasted a prodigious
amount of breath in vindicating the people's right
to meet in Hyde Park—a point that seemed to have
been practically settled to everybody's satisfaction
by the very fact of his being where he was. A
third wag sure Government would be overwhelmed
by their "stunning" demonstration, and as unable
to withstand their resolutions as it was powerless
to prevent their meeting. Big as the words were,
and strong as were the lungs which uttered them,
there is no doubt that all eloquence fell extremely
flat among the multitude, and the dulness of the
relieved by a procession
whole affair was hardly
making its way over the green from the Marble
Arch, preceded by a blood-red flag, and marching
to the tune of the inspiriting Marseillaise. That
fresh inroad of new actors, and the theatrical
style of theirapproach, broke through the sameness
which had characterised the proceedings of the
evening, and seemed to create some stir among the
masses, who threW themselves with a rush into the
new corners' way ; but it was the flash of a moment;
by the time the strain of the band was hushed, and
the flag haataken its station at one of the platforms,
the weary work went on in its humdrum way ; and
it was with the greatest difficulty that it could be
kept up until the sun sunk, like a great ball of fire,
behind the Bayswater steeples. At about a quarter
to 8 a juvenile column, formed under the guidance
of some unkndwn leaders, and singing in chorus,
took its way towards the g ste at Apsley-house
other bands, as far as I could see, marched off in
all other directions, and the assemblage thus broke
up in the same orderly and exemplary manner which
had characterised its conduct throughout the even-
ing. As I came to the gate I saw a gentleman on
horseback advancing at a walk in the midst of a
crowd of small ragged urchins, who cheered him
lustily. That gentleman, as I learnt from a by-
stander, was Lord Itanelagh, " the people's friend."
Altogether I should say there never was an
instance of greater disappointment than men's
hopes and fears met in this famous Hyde Park
gathering ; for neither was it possible for its oppo-
nents to anticipate more perfect behaviour than that
of the assembled multitude, nor, on the other hand,
could its promoters have shown less ability to pene-
trate the apathy and inertness of the masses. I
called the assemblage a gathering" advisedly, for
it had but little of the character of a meeting or
demonstration. Hardly anything could be more
difficult than to estimate the numbers of a multitude
scattered over so vast an extent of ground. Yet I
think I am quite safe in my statement that there
were at no time more than from 30,000 to 40,000
persons in the Park. But, however wide of the
mark either that or any other estimate may be,
there is no doubt that out of tea persons pre: lent,
men, women, or children, hardly three knew any-
thing whatever about the nature and object of the
(lay's proceedings, and the others cared but little
about them. With the vast majority the attraction
was merely fun, and even that was found upon ex-
periment to be of the stalest and slowest description.

THE MAR PEERAGE.—We have been informed
that Mr. Goodeve, who assumed the title of Earl of Mar
on the death of his uncle, the late earl, applied, through
the Home-office, for the usual permission fro►n the Queen
that his brother and sisters might have granted them the
rank and dignity of an earl's children. This, however,
was refused, on the ground that Mr. Goodeve had not
established his right to the title. —Alloa Advertiser.
AR:RIVAL OF THE WATER NYMPH.—.The Water
Nymph, Captain Babot, from New Zealand on the 14th
February, with passengers and a general cargo, including
a consignment of gold, was off Plymouth on Sunday night.
She landed ono passenger.

r,TN, tt-r-
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ttrobr

HER MAJESTY, &c.

OSBORNE, May 6•
The Queen walked and drove in the grounds this
morning, accompanied by Princess Louise.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince Leopold and
Princess Bcatrice also went out.

Her Royal Highness Princess Christian has driven
out twice daily at 'Windsor since her Majesty's de-
parture from the Castle.

Sir John Pakingtou left Osborne this morning for
London.

The Prince of Wales, attended by Major Tees-
dalr, rode out yesterday forenoon.
His :Royal Highness the Prince Arthur, attended
by Major Elphinstone and Mr. Aaron Penley, honoured the
Institute of Painters in Water Colours with a visit on
Saturday last.

The Archbishop of Dublin has arrived at
Maurigy's Hotel from tho Palace, Dublin.
The Earl and Countess of Strafford and family
have arrived at their residence in St. James's-square from
their seat in Herts.

The Earl and Countess Amherst and family Will
arrive in town to-day from Montreal at their seat near
Sevenoaks, Kent.
The Earl and Countess of Ilardwieke and Lady
Agneta Yorke have arrived in town from Sidney Lodge
near Southampton, for the season.
The Earl and Countess of home and family
arrived at their residence, in Grosvenor-square, on Friday
last, from the Ilirsel, near Coldstream, Berwickshire.

The Countess of Jersey will have an evening
party on Saturday next.

The Countess of Morley and Lady Katherine
Parker have arrived at 50, Eaton-place, from tho south of
France.

The Count and Countess Moltke, accompanied
by the Countess 'Wok Winterfelt, have arrived at
Maurigy's Hotel from Denmark.

Viscount Holmesdale arrived in town yesterday
from Linton Park, Kent. Viscountess Holmesdale returns
to town to-day for the season.

Launch of an Armour-Cased Frigate.

Yesterday the interesting ceremony of launching
the iron armour-cased screw-frigate Crown Prince
took place on the premises of Messrs. Samuda
Brothers, at Poplar. This magnificent vessel has
been constructed for the service of the Prussian
navy, and it has been brought to its present advanced
state in less than 18 months from the time of its
commencement. The dimensions of the ship are as
follows :—Length between the perpendiculars, 286 ft;
breadth of beam, 50ft ; extreme depth, 36ft 4in ;
burthen in tons, 3,404 ; engines, 800 horse-power.
The Crown Prince has been constructed with a view
to fulfil all the requirements of the modern system
of naval armaments, and those who are especially in-
terested in the science of naval architecture will per-
haps not be surprised to learn that the shipyards of
this country seem likely to supply vessels of war not
only to our own navy, but to the rulers of Conti-
nental States. The appearance of the Prussian flag
at the stem and stern of the vessel, relieved in mid-
distance by the union-jack of England, sufficiently
indicated the country for whose purposes it was des-
tined ; and certainly every one who saw her as sbe
stood "high and dry" upon the ground, ready to
slide into the water, wasimpressed with the idea that
she possesses all those qualities of impregnability
which are now more than ever demanded in the
construction of ships of war. The Crown Prince is
cased with armour plating extending all round the
vessel from 6ft below the water line up to the main
deck, 5 inches in thickness, and reduced to 4i
inches at the ends, and so arranged as to protect
the rudder and steering apparatus, as well as the
whole of the lower deck. Also for about 120 feet
amidships, extending upwards to the height of the
upper deck, thus fixing a midship battery, which
in addition is protected by thwartship iron-cased
bulkheads. The deck-beams are covered with
steel plating as a protection against shell, and the
vessel is built with a double bottom and water-
tight wing passage. The armament will consist of
14 steel breech-loading guns of ;seven tons each, in
the midship battery ; one pivot gun on the upper
deck forward, protected by an armour plated shield
and a pivot-gun aft. She is designed to be barque-
rigged, with iron lower masts and steel lower yards,
the masts being skilfully arranged to form ventila-
tors for the lower cabins and store-rooms. The
vessel will be fitted with all the modern improve-
ments for securing the greatest speed, strength,
and protection, and for economising fuel. Her
speed is expected to exceed 13 knots an hour. Al-
though the keel of the ship was laid so recently as
the end of February, 1860, she is now rapidly ap-
proaching completion, her internal fittings being
nearly all in place, and her masts, rigging, &C.,
being ready to go on board. Viewing all the ad-
vantages of strength, power, and speed displayed by
the Crown Prince, it must at once be admitted that
she is an important addition to the iron-clad navy
commenced by the Prussians, and the nucleus of
which was formed by the cupola-ship Armenius,
launched from this yard in the month of August,
1864. The ceremony of christening the vessel was
performed by the Countess Bernstorff, wife of the
Prussian Ambassador, representing on the occasion
the Princess of Prussia, at the express desire of her
royal highness. As the countess, in obedience to
existing custom, struck a bottle of wine against the
bow of the vessel, she exclaimed, " God speed the
Crown Prince," and the superb frigate glided into
the water with as much ease and grace as if she
had been long accustomed to it. In short, the
launch was in every respect most successfully car-
ried out; and Mr. Samuda was loudly applauded
when, at the close of a dejeuner which afterwards
took place on the ground, he proposed " Success
to the Crown Prince, coupled with the
health of the Countess Bernstorff." Count Bern-
storff having acknowledged the compliment, gave
" Prosperity to the firm of Samuda and C 0.," a
toast which was responded to with the most en-
thusiastic acclamations. Besides the Count and
Countess Bernstorff there were present—Baron
Loe, Baron de Schniidthals, Baron D'Obineck, Lord
John Hay, Sir Robert Peel, Bart.; Vice-Admiral
John E. Erskine, the Prussian Consul-General, Sir
J. Thwaites, Messrs. Rothschild. C. Vignoles , VT-
P. Anderson, &c.

The Post contradicts the report of the illness of
Lord Brougham. By the last accounts received by the
members of his family tho illustrious and venerable lawyer
was still at his villa at Cannes, and, considering his great
age, in the enjoyment of perfect health and vigour.

DEATIIS OF DISTINGUISHED SCOTCHDIEN.-09
Friday, Mr. G. M. Greig, the well-known eminent Scottish
water-colour painter, died at his residence near Edinburgh
and on Saturday, Mr. Walter Crum, F.R.S., of Thornlie-
bank, near Glasgow, died in his 71st year.
THE LODGER FRANCHISE.—In reference to the
correspondence between Mr. Crawford, M.P., and
Mr. Potter, of the London Working Men's Association, on
the subject of the lodger franchise, published in Satur-
day's papers, Mr. Potter wishes to say that neither
the committee nor himself have received one farthing
their time and trouble in getting up the meetings, but they
have subscribed towards the expenses as far as their means
permit. He further states that after such conduct on the
part of Mr. Crawford, the association does not desire ail
further communication with him, nor can they have ail,
confidence in him as one of the Liberal representatives 0'
the City. Mr. Putter, writing to Mr. Crawford, says
I now beg to tender you my regret for making the apPli"
cation, as my only object in do doing was under the in?'
pression that you sytnpathised with the cause we have"
view, and that you would probab!y help. us to defray the
expenses which were being incurred, as several other of
the metropolitan members have done."
ARTISANS' VISIT TO THE PARIS FtiIIIBITIOI4.--:
t
The Moniteur announces that the subscriptions to asSis
French workmen to visit and study the Paris Exhibition
already exceed .61,000. The Society of Arts have started
a subscription with 100 guineas to British workmen .
like manner, and desire to receive subscriptions. s
SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS.—At the meeting of
society held yesterday, W. H. Le Feuvre, Esq., presider;
in the chair, the following gentlemen were balloted o.
and duly elected members :—Benjamin S. Fisher, Edwarrci
Buckham, Benjamin Cooke, Henry Shield, John B. Palme,
Fred. C. Danvers, Thomas Greenhill, and John Wats.°
F.G.S. ; Associates : Charles M. Barker, Richard Gu! el to
,Williani Sandison, Douglas Reath Ashbee, and F. rola
Rumble, Escirs.