The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-08 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY -EVENING, MAY 8, lB 7.

matters aforesaid by the examination of all persons most
competent, by reason of their knowledge, habits, or
experience to afford it, and also by ceiling for all
documents, gapers, or records which may appear to
you, or any five or more of you, calenlated to assist
your researches and to promote the formation of a
sound judgment on the subject, and that you, or any five
or more of you, do report to us, under your hands and
seal■, your several proceedings, by virtue of this our com-
mission, together with your opinions touching the several
matters hereby referred for your consideration.
Given at our Court at St. James's, this fifth day of
day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and fifty-seven, and in the twen-
tieth year of our reign.
By her Majesty's command.
(Signed)
WAR-OFFICE, MAY 7.

PANMURE.

Tho Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for
the appointment of the undermentioned Officer of the
Marine of his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French
to be an Honorary (ember of the Military Division of the
First Class, or Knights Grand Cross, of the Most Honour-
able Or,ler of the Bath, viz.:—
M. l'Amiral Hamelin (Ferdinand Alphonse), Senateur,
Ministre Secretaire d'Etat an Dapartement de la Marine
et des Colonies.

TM GRAND DUKE CONSTANTINE.

The fete given on Thursday night at the Hotel
de Vile to the Grand Duke Constantine was of a
most brilliant deicription. its object wasnDtonly

to pay a mirked compliment to his Imperial High-
ness, but to give another proof of the princely mag-
nificence with which the city of Paris entertains its

guests. The entertainment on the present occasion
was of a dramatic character, co-asi4ing7;of detached

scenes from various operas, terminating with a

variety of miscellaneous danc.ing. But what must
have infinitely more struck tho Imperial visitor
was the splendour of the rooms and the exquisite
taste which pravails in their ornamentation.
Even the exterior of the building was a sight

to gaze at, as line on line of gaslight ran, tier o-l-ier
tier, along its front, and even encircl,3-1 s quaint
old pinnacles. With the blaze of illumination thus
produced, the immediate neighbourhood of the
Hotel de Ville was as bright as at noon of a sum-

mer's day, and every characteristic of the anci7nt
architecture was- brought out curiously into relief.
In front of the principal entrance eras erected a

temporary vestibule, at which the principal guests
were to alight, the other visitors entering by the.
Cour du Prefet. In that way, the more distin-
guished persons entered by the Cour Louis XIV.,
with its lovely fountain of living waters, whilst the
others passed the hall at the foot of the cascades,
when proceeding to the grand staircase which leads
to the state apartments. As the theatrical repre-
sentation took place in the Galerie des Fetes, the
number of guests was of necessity restricted to the
number which could find place in the temporary.
Salle de Theatre, and the invitations were, in con-
sequence, exceedingly difficult to be obtained, per-
haps not more than a thousand persons being pre-
sent. • The various rooms thrown open were, as
usual, fitted out with a profusion of flowers, shrubvi,
statues, and girandoles, all very artistically ar-
ranged, and with that delicate perception of effect
which seems almost an instinct with the Parisian
decorators. Thousands of waxlights BA off the
variegated draperies, rich carvings, and b •autiful
proportions of the several, rooms ; but for once
these admirable objects seem to have lost
their attraction, as all the guests on arriving
hurried at once to secure seats in the long

gallery to view the performance. There was
erected, at the end, a temporary thea+re, occu-
pying about one-third of the whole length, and
separated from the public by a curtain of crim-
son silk, relieved with broad silver bands. All
the proscenium was ornamented with crimson
velvet draperies trimmed with gold, and heavy
folds of the same rich material hung down the
sides and fell in masses on the stage. Immense
corbeils of flowers and evergreens were placed
at the sides in front of the orchestra and round
the base of the adjoining pillars. The hall it-
self was divided into two parts, one designed for
the Grand Duke, his party, and the more illus-
trious guests,.and the remainder for the persons in-
vited, with this distinction, however, that no one
could obtain a seat there but ladies. The re-
sult was that not only was there a veritablt
parterre of female beauty and elegance, but -from
the fact of every one wearing flowers iu the hair,
it almost seemed a parterre in the real floral sense
of the word. The male portions of the audience
contrived to place themselves at the sides between
the pillars, and behind in the distance ; but when
the Grand Duke's party entered the ream he saw
nothing before him hut the charming sight of one
of the finest halls in Europe occupied throughout
its whole length with) oung and lovely women. His
Imperial Highne s arrived exactly at ten o'clock,
five court carr:ages having conveyed his party from
the Tuileries. On alighting he was received by
Baron Haussmann and the memb-rs of the muni-
cipal counul, and conducted by them to the Cour
Louis XIV. The Prince seemed, greatly struck by
the admirable proportions of this beautiful hall,
and expressed his adm.ration to the Prefect. He
paused at the foot of the famous horseshoe stair-
case, and again at the landing-place above, to re-
gard the lovely scene around, and then ascending
entered the State apartments. His Imperial High-
ness was accompanied by the Grand Duchess of
Baden and the Prince of Nassau, and was attended
by a numerous suite in uniform. Immediately
after the Imperial party entered the Galerie des
Fetes, and having t Ikea their seats, the perform-
ance commenced. It consisted of part of " Moise,"
with Mlles. Dussy, Oein, and Jourdan ; a scene
of "Romeo et Juliette," with Mlles. de la Pomnae-
raye and Beulard ; portions of Psyche, with Miles.
Lefebvre and Dupuy ; the finale of the 3d act of
Ernani, the moat suc.:•esful piece of the evening,
by Mlles. Dussy, Faure, Jourdan, Crosti, and
Buet ; portions of Armide, with Mme. Lantern,
Mlle. do la Pommeraye, and 11/ Ter ; and a ballet,
introduced as portion of the euticementsof Atmida's
garden. The scenery throughout was. admirable,
but in the last piece it was particularly remarkable,
the enchanted garden being a mass of flowers,
with fountains of reel gushing waters in-
terspersed. Mme. Rcsati was the principal
danseuee, and all the pas were charmingly
executed. ' Just before the ba'let concluded,
precisely the same scene took place as had
marked the theatrical performance given in the
same place to theplenipotentiaries of peace. When
the la-lies composing the parterre found that the
dancing was on the point of concluding, and that
they could lose hut little by their absence, they, as
if by ono accord, rose from their seats, and, with
the apeearanoe of being greatly horrified at the
sight before them prepared to quit the hall. But
so well'had they timed their movement that_ the
whole performance had concluded long before they
had got half from the room. It was then past twelve
o'c'Oe.k and the Grand Duke and his party proceeded
to partake of a splendid supper prepard for them in
the Salle du TrOne. The other guests weresupplied
from buffets arranged over the double landing of
the grand` staircase leading ti the Prefect's apart-
ments, and which had bt:eu covered in for the pur-
pose, No one not acquainted with the locality
could for a moment suppose that these two noble
ro ems, supported on lofty marble pillars down the
centre, could be formed in ten minutes, by placing
down a temporary flooring, and that beneath was
the staircase which the guests ascend at the Pre-
fect's Saturday receptions. The Grand Duke re-
mained until a quarter past one, and on departing
expressed to Baron Haussmann the gratification
which the evening had afforded him. The other
guests had all departed by a little after two.

REVIEW IN THE CHAMP DE MARS.

The weather on Wednesday was magnificent for
the Errand review. The Parisians, who always love
a military spectacle, were stirring betimes. Many
went to take up a position in the environs of the
Champ de Mars as early as seven in the morning,-
'
and waited pat ientlyfor hours before a single soldier
made his appeaiance on the ground. During the
wh(.le morning a constant stream of people might
be seen in every street marching with hurried steps
towards tjie scene of action. By one o'clock Paris
was visibly depopulated. All the world had gone to
the Champ de Mars. Immense pains were taken to
render this review worthy of the Grand Duke's at-
tention. The entire Imperial Guard was for the
first time assembled together. Besides the gar! ison
of Paris, regiments were sent from Nancy, Com-
piegne, Meaux, Fontainebleau, IVielun, Chartres,
Chateaudun, Pi oving, Orleans, arc. There must
have been at least 59,000 men in line. The Champ
de Mars would not hold them all, and several corps
took up their stations in the environs and on and
about the bridges. A very large proportion of this
army consisted of seasoned troops, who have seen
several years' servic3. Among them were -the
Ist, 3rd, 4th; and 7th Foot Chasseurs, and the
7th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 20th, 33rd, 46th, 47th,
50th, 56th, 66th, 79. h, 95th, 96th, and
the 97th of the line, all of which regi-
menti were among the first to embark for the
Crimea in 1854. Several regiments appeared for
the first time in new uniforms. The infantry of the
guard wore the garance trous:re. Among the
cavalry the Chasseurs a Cheval de la Garde, who
are removed , from Compeinge to Fontaine,
bleau, excited great admiration. This magnificent
regiment is mounted upon light grey Barbary
entire horses, brought from Africa. - Although
many of the troops are but just off long marches,
they all appeared as clean and smart as if they
had but just turned out of barracks for a regimental
parade. The Emperor left the Tuileries at half-
past one, having the Grand Duke on his right hand
and Prince Napoleon ou his left. An immense staff
followed, comprising Marshals Vaillant, Pelissier,
Baraguay Bosquet, Canrobert, several
French generals, and. very many Russian and other
foreign officers ' • among whom was the famous Gen.
Todtteben and Generals Luders, Gortchakoff, Li-
prandi, and Dannenberg. I observed five English
uniforms in the suite. The Emperor's arrival on
the Champ de Mars from the Pout de Jena, was
greeted with the usual acclamat!ons. The army
was too numerous for any very minute inspection,
and too closely packed for any manoeuvres. Hts
Majesty, followed by the Grand Duke at the dis-
tance of half a neck behind him, passed along the
leading lines of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and
then the filing past began without loss of time.
This movement was executed by the troops in large
masses and with extraordinary rapidity, under the
command cf Marshal Magnan. Each regiment,
after filing past, marched off the ground to its
quarters wi,hout waiting for the Emperor. The
review was over by five o'clock.

A. vacancy has taken place in the direction of the
East India Company, by the retirement of Major Oli-
phant, who has tiqualified, The election rests with
prJprietors.

Naval and Military Dateiligence.

The reduction in the army is still proceeding at Chat-
ham, at which garrison about 500 men of all ranks have
received their discharge during the past throe months.
Yesterday morning 45 non-commissioned officers and men
were discharged from St. Mary's Barracks, selected from
the following regiments—viz.:-4th Royal Irish Dragoon
Guards, 11th Hussars, 15th Hussars, 7th Hussars, 21st
Fusiliers, 25th King's Own Borderers, 34th, 49th, 53d,
GOth Rides, 733, 77th, 80th, 80th; and 91th Regiments.
The Terror, 16-gun floating battery, is to be sent to
Bermuda for the defence of that island, and will bear the
pennant of Captain Hutton, the newly appointed Super-
intendent of Bermuda Doclyard. _ _

The riggers of Portsmouth Dockyard are employed upon
the screw two-decker Agamemnon, 91, from 6 o'clock in the
morning until 7 in the evening, getting her ready for the
special service of laying down the Atlantic telegraph cable.
Itis expected she will come out of dock about Monday next,
when she will proceed to the Thames to ship her portion of
the " line." She will be manned from the ships in port and
seamen riggers, and is ordered to be moored off Greenwich
to ship the transatlantic electric wire. A number of rig-
gers from Woolwich have commenced laying down moor-
ings for that purpose, which are to be in readiness by the
23d. . _

The Duke of Wellington, 131, was removed into ordinary
among the steam reserve at Plymouth yesterday.
The Assistance and Adventure, iro❑ steam troop and
store ships, Commanders Heath and Lacy, were cruising
on Wednesday and yesterday to prove their machinery be-
fore being reported ready for embarking troops for Cbina.
It is doubtful whether the 82d will go out, although they
were some time ago ordered to hold themselves in readi-
ness to embark for China. The regiments now ordered for
embarkation are the 7th Royal Fusiliers, the 2d battalion
of the 60th Royal Rifle Corps, the 88th Connaught Rangers,
and the 3d battalion of the Rifle Brigade.
The Volcano steamvessel (floating workshop), Master
Commander Hockl3y, was taken out of dock at Portsmouth
yesterday.
Medals for good conduct and meritorious character were
awar3ed to Sergeant Benjamin Gibbons, Drummer Patrick
Kennedy, and Privates James Allen and James Crawford,
of the 82d Regiment, and received by them from Mrjor-
General Breton. on the sth inst.

Mr. Henry N. Scaife, Paymaster, R.N., is appointed
secretary to Rear-Admiral Wal!is' the Commander in-
Chief, going out to the South-east Coast of America
station.

Vice-Admiral Sir Barrington Reynolds, K.C.8., hoisted
his flag as Rear-Admiral, at Plymouth, on Wednesday
morning, on board the Cambridge, 78, Captain A. Jerning-
ham (pro. tem.), and in the evening Admiral Sir William
Parker, G.C.8., struck his flag on board the Impregnable.
The screw tsteamvessel Wrangler, 4, Commander Joseph
H. Marryat, from the Black Sea, five weeks from Constan-
tinople, and eight days from Gib: altar, arrived in Plymouth
Sound en Wednesday afternoon, and having coaled left in
the evening fcr Portsmouth.
The screw steam-vessel Viper, 4, arrived at Plymouth
on Wednesday evening from the Black Sea, and remains
in the Sound.

The screw steam-vessel Mohawk, 4, having made good
defects, was unducked at Keyham, Plymouth, on Wed-
nesday.
The paddlewheel steamer Brune, Lieut. Commander
Walker, steamed down fro% Woolwich Dockyard yester-
day morning, shipped her ammunition from the Arsenal,
and proceeded from Greenhithe to have her compasses
adjusted for her voyage to the coast of Africa, as tender
to the Vesuvius on that station. _ .

The Or.ln•ance steamer Balaklava has arrived at Wool-
wich with returned war stores from Ireland, and is ordered
to be fitted with a new screw propeller, the blades hav-
ing been broken in her last voyage.
The concert on Wednesday, at the Royal Artillery Rid-
ing School, Woolwich, in aid of the fund to enable the
discharged artisans and labourers of the Arsenal and
Dockyard to emigrate, went off very successfully.
The following appointments were made yesterday at the
Admiralty :
David Batt, master, to the Terror; Cuthbert T. Lay-
ton, master's-assistant, to the Boscawen ; Francis K.
Belt, master's-assistant, to the Leopard ; Harold Millett,
assistant-paymaster, to the Conqueror ; Edward M. Roe,
clerk, to the Esk.

M. DE LESSEPS AND THE SUEZ SHIP CANAL

On Wednesday a special meeting of the directors of the
Manchester Commercial Association was held for the pur-
pose of hearing the statements of M. Ferilina.nd de Lee-
saps, as to the project for a ship canal across the Isthmus
of Suez, and to elicit an opinion from that influential body
as to the advantages of the undertaking to the commercial
interests of England. M. J. A. Turner, M.P., the Presi-
dent, occupied the chair.

,
M. DE LESSEES was introduced by Mr. C. L. Henny,
the secretary of the company, and Mr, D. A. Lange, of
London, bat explained that his want of fluency in the
English language would compel him to make his statements'
through Mr. Lange.
That gentleman accordingly gave a brief sketch of the
enterprise, especially as to the commercial and financial
aspect. He referred to the tendency of recent improve-
ments in ship-bui ding, to diminish the draughts of vessels,
while their tonnage in proportion was increased. In sup-
port of his remarks, lie adduced the testimony of several
eminent engineers, especially Mr. Laird, of Birkenhead,
the most extensive shipbuilder in Groat Britain. On this
high authority, Mr. Lange informed the meeting that
screw vessels of 2,500 tons were now constructed capable of
superior speed to those of former models, and drawing only
18 feet of water. It was considered that this draught
would be sufficient to fuldl, in the majority of cases, all
present requirements as to the merchant service in any
part of the world. Facts took the same direction as re-
garded ships of war. Formerly an 80-gun ship of 3,000
tons used to draw 27 feet of water ; whereas a 50-gun fri-
gate of 3,400 tons was now being constructed not to ex-
reed 24 feat draught. The depth intended to be given to
the canal, viz., 26 feet, would therefore always be suffi-
cient,.and there would be no necessity for subsequently
increasing it. With regard to the saving of distance in
the case of vessels trading with the East, the distance by
the Cape of Ceylon was 14,000 miles, while by the Suez
route it was only 7,000. The calculations of the returns
of the canal had been based chiefly on tho steam traffic,
including vessels fitted with auxiliary screws. As the
proportion of vessels employing steam was yearly
increasing, a margin was left for future improvement
on this score, in the finances of the undertaking. The
Board of Trade returns showed that in one year
the total tonnage of sailing vessels registered
amounted to 4,00,4000 tons, that of steamers being
300,000 tons ; whereas in the same year the total tonnage
of sailing vessels constructed was 130,000, and that of
steamers 64,000, showing an important advance in favour
of steam-vessels. As to the comparative security of the
Red Sea for navigation, every day tended to prove that
former unfavourable notions arose from ignorance or pre-
judice. The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Company had
on the commencement, under these misapprehensions, paid
large sums for insurances, but this was found on experi-
ence to be superfluous, and the amount formerly set apart
for such contingencies was now distributed among the
shareholders.

Several questions were then put to,M. de Lesseps, as to
certain conditions of the concession, and the rate of toll to
be levied by the company.
The PRESIDENT then informed M. de Lesseps that the
board considered themselves sufficiently made acquainted
with the scheme, all the explanations bring most clear and
straightforward; and tiny would now deliberate in private.
The resolution, which was raceived by M. de Lesseps in
the course of the same day, is given below, with the letter
enclosing it. _ _ _

Moved by Mr. MURRAY GLADSTONE, seconded by Mr.
J. PENDER, and resolved unanimously :—" That this as-
sociation being desirous of encouraging every movement
having for its object the promotion of commerce through-
out the world, has heard with much interest the state-
ments with which the board has been favoured by M. de
Lesseps, relative to a ship canal to connect the Mediter-
ranean and Red Seas; and, provided that effectual means
be taken to secure the neutrality of such canal, as well
as a moderate rate of charge, such as shall give every pos-
sible encouragement to the transit of merchant vessels,
will view with much satisfaction the realisation of so im-
portant an undertaking."

The letter was as follows :--
"Manchester Commercial Association, May 6.
"Sir,—On behalf the directors of this association I
have the honour to convey to Ypu the expression of their
best thanks for the very interesting information so oblig-
ingly afforded them by you this morning relative to your
project ,for the construction of a ship canal across the
isthmus of Suez, and I beg further to transmit the an-
nexed copy of a resolution unanimously passed by this
board with reference thereto. —I have the honour to be,
sir, your most obedient servant,
" To M. F. de Lessops, Zzo."

'"
HUGH FLEMING, Sec.

INVENTORS' MUSEUM AT SOUTH

KENSINGTON'.

In our number for Jan. 21,, we announced the vital).
lishment of an Inventor's Museum and Library at Ken-
sington. On Saturday last we visited the building to
observe what Progress had been made, and were pleased
to find that the Museum is fast approaching completion
and that a considerable number of excellent models have
been received for exhibition. The library will not; we
suspect, be cx`•ended beyond the official publications of
the Commissioners of patents—indexes, specifications, &c.
The works of reference accumulated for the patent library
will, of course, be retained at the chief library, Southamp-
ton buildings, as it would he impossible for men of busi-
ness to journey to Kensington whenever they had to
make a search, or consult a volume. The Museum will
however, be extended to any necessary magnitude, as
it will not be required to answer the same purpose of
frequent and immediate reference as the library. We
are gratified to observe that Mr. Woodcroft is very
wisely endeavouring to bring together 'i'n this
Museum models classified and arranged in such
manner as to tell the historical tale of the gradual
improvement of each branch of practical art and
manufacture. When this is once accomplished it
will be comparatively easy to keep up the system,
and thus to preserve in the country a simple and en-
during record of its industrial progr-ss. Too much
praise cannot be given to Mr. Woodcroft for his efforts
in this direction, and we trust that manufacturers and
inventors will heartily co-operate with him in effecting
his object. We shall defer publishing an account of the
models exhibited at Kensington until the Museum is
open to the public; we may, however, state that the
central object is the actual steam engine trestored by J.
Penn and Co.) which Symington applied first to the
populsion of a vessel. Of thie engine, which has been
searched after and found by Mr. Woodcrofto we shall
give an historical and descriptive account in an early
number.—Mechanics' Magazine.

ACTION, THE WATCHWORD OF SUCCESS.—" Action—
attion"—was the motto of Demosthenes, and see where
it led him. His name is immortal—as immortal in his-
tory as the classic nation of his birth. What a shining
example of industry and perseverance—what a noble
model of a self-made man I Young man, the wide World
is before you to be conquered. not as Alexander con-
quered it, by a sanguinary conflict, but a world of know-
ledge is to be acquired, a reputation to be gained. You
must not depend upon your natural abilities to carry you
through the struggle, though they be brilliant ; nor must
you be discouraged if at first you fail iu intel►.actual
efforts. It is by hard, determined, and inflexible appli-
cation that the latent powers of mind are developed. Be
undaunted in your effort., and unrelenting in your pur-
suit of knowleege. Work—work—work l and succets
must crown your end airourg.—Hunt's New York Mer-
chant's Magazine.

Sporting Intelligence.

CHESTER SPRING MEETING

CONCLUSION OF WEDNESDAVS RACES

The Scrampie handicap of 5 says each, with, 30 added.
Winner.,to 1)3 sold for 80 sows. in the usual way.
Three-quarters of a mile. 7 subs.
_ .

Mr. Ferguiion's Alcyone, by Robert de Gorham,
4.
5 yr?, 8.1; 71b (E. Sharpe) 1

. •
Stormsail, 3 yra, 7=t 61b (Snowden) 2
Mr. Copeland's SAlrnon, 4 yrs, 7st 131 b (Bray) 3
Mr. Morrie's General Bssquet, 3 yrs, .6,t 1.31 b
• (Grimmer) 4
Mr. W. Erann's Sorceress, 3 yrs, 64 8:13 (Cook) 5
Betting---7 to 4 o❑ General Bosquet, 2 to 1 agst
Alcyone, and 4 to 1 each agst Stormsail aud Sorceress.
Won by a lenztb ; half a length between the second
and third ; a bead between the third and fourth.
The winner was claimed by Mr. Byrne.
The C.ty Plate, of 60 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 3
says each, the latter to go to the second horse. 3-yr-
olds, colts, 6t.. 121 b ; fillies. 6st 81b. 4-yr-olds, colts,
Bst 61b ; fillies, Bst 31b. Once round and a distance.
6 pubs.
Mr. T. Pates Sir Colin, 3 yrs, Cat 121 b ...(Fordham) 1
Mr. Hawkins's Master Bagot, 3 yrs, 64 121 h

(Snowden) 2
Mr. Ridley's Preston, 3 yrs, Get 3
Mr. Harvey's Chester, 3 yrs, Gst 121 h (Conway) 4
Mr. Smither's Saturn, 3 yrs, Gat 121 b ...(Withington) 0
Betting-3 to 1 on Sir Colin.
Won in a canter by two .Isngths ; bad third. On
rounding the turn Saturn cannoned against Brother to
Preston and fall his jockey was unhurt. '
Her Majesty's Plate of 100 guineas ; 3-yr-olds, 7st 21b ;
4-yr•olds, 9et 2111 ; 5-yr-olds, 9st 121 b ; 6-yr-olds and
rgecl, lOat 21b. Thrice round.
Mr. T. Parr'e Fisherman, 4 yrs, 9st 21b (Wells) 1
Mr. Smither's Sirius, 4 yrs, 9st 21b (J. Osborne) 2
Betting—any odds on Fisherman, who won hard
held by two lengths. '