The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-06 00:00:00

LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 6, 1857.

PUBLICATIONS.

This day, Crown avo, 2s. 6d., cloth,

H E REASON WHY. A Careful Collection
of many Unwires of Re &sons for Things, which, though
generally knOwn, are imperfectly understood. By the Author of
" Enquire Within upon Everything."
Lon : Houleton and Wright, 65, Paternoster row.'

OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION OF ART
TREASURES AT MANCHESTER.

Manchester was yesterday the scene of an event
almost unique in the history of art in England, or,
perhaps, in the world. An Exhibition of Art
Treasures, never before equalled for extent and im-
portance, was opened with an eclat to which no-
thing but the presence of the Sovereign herself
could have added. The consort of her: Majesty pre-
sided over the ceremony, which was witnessed by a
large and distinguished assembly, comprising seve-
ral Cabinet Ministers, the Representatives of various
foreign countries, many of our native nobility and
gentry, the corporate authorities of some of our prin-
cipal cities, and thousands of the inhabitants of the
important and populous district of which Manches-
ter is the centre. The weather was most propitious,
and the arrangements both within and without the
Exhibition were faultless. It was a day, in short,
of rat-irked success, and one of which the, city of
Manchester.may be proud. Success is not always a
proof of labour, though as a general rule few suc-
cesses are attained without it. Certainly the Art
Treasures Exhibition has been no exception to the
general rule. What has been bestowed upon it in
gratuitous labour alone would have almost raised a
P 31903.41.., intlelktigabler .-inanagers have had to
contend with difficulties of all kinds—scientific, na-
tural, artistic, mechanical, and, though last not least,
crochety and impracticable peeple. Diligence alone
would not have been sufficient to vanquish all the
obstacles. To get ready the Palace by the ap-
pointed time required no slight effort, and. even
those most confident in the indomitable energy of
Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Deane might have been ex-
cused for doubting its feasibility. On the very
evening before the opening sufficient remained to
be done to dismay all but those connected with the
Exhibition. Its aspect then, compared with the
rich and tasteful appearance of yesterday morn-
ing, was quite chaotic. Masses of inlaid steel had
to be, built up into warriors, armed cap-a-pie, with
visor down and lance in rest. Antique weapons of
eccentric form were to be placed in striking groups.
Miniatures were to be arranged, paintings hung,
gildings and rich draperies substituted for benches,
tools, and scattered shavings. Piles of wooden
cases, from out of which white marble arms and
noses peeped forth inquiringly, had still to be
opened, and their exquisite contents placed upon
their pedestals, while the hangings, gildings, and
decorations generally required to be completed.
Almost all things, however, are possible to those
who work, as the sailors say, "with a will." The
labour proceeded amid an indescribable din of ham-
mers and saws and the sound of many voices, and
as the evening approached the great display grew
hourly towards perfection of arrangement. It was
found necessary to keep the men at work all night,
but with the exception of a few minor details,
all was completed in good time. Even as
early as Six o'clock Manchester began to be on the
stir for the great day. Punctuality is a virtue by
no means so much confined to Princes as people
generally suppose. At all events, the outdoor
sight-seers appeared determined to err on the right
side ; and excursion trains from the districts round
Manchester began to set down their heavy loads
even before Prince Albert had quitted London.
Almost continuous streams swept along the roads
from the various railway stations, while vehicles of
the primitive description, packed like slave-ships,
turned out of every lane and byway. No cart, how-
ever ricketty, seemed to be thought unequal to the
weight of six inside. This confidence in most cases
appeared to be justified, and until yesterday we
never had a proper appreciation of what carts will
hold and horses draw.

At the Cheadle station of the London and
North-Western Railway as - much prepiiration-had
been made for the reception of the Prince
and his suite as was possible on a few hours'
notice. The station is at Cheadle Hulme, more
than two miles from the village of Cheadle, and at
the point of junction with the North Staffordshire
line to Macclesfield and the Potteries. It is a very
small one, and at present is in course of re-erection
after destruCtion by fire ; but it was elaborately
decorated for the occasion. The offices were adorned
with evergreens, banners, and the Royal arms, and
inscriptious breathing the customary affectionate
aspirations for the health and long life of the Sove-
reign and her family. The small covered platform
on the opposite side, where his Royal Highness
was to descend, was converted into a sort of pavi-
lion, decked with a profusion of laurels and ivy,
and with 'crimson and white drapery in festoons
and panels. The ground was covered with scarlet
cloth ; the air was enlivened by a multitude of gay
streamers floating at a great elevation, and the
bridges over which the two railways cross the road
to Cheadle had put on as much of the appearance
of triumphal arches as they were able to assume In
the limited time allowed for the purpose.
Immense crowds of people had collected long be-
fore the expected arrival, and a great number of
well-dressed ladies and gentlemen were gathered on
thestation platforms and the numerous approaches,
or in vehicles placed at every point which afforded
a view. Order was maintained by a detachment of
the Cheshire constabulary, under the charge of Mr
Superintendent Andrews., from Stockpoit, and they
afterwards dispersed themselves along the road by
which the Prinee and his suite, proceeded to
Cheadle. Au escort of the 7th Dragoon Guards,
I under the command of Lieut. Dowdes well, was also
in attendance at the station. On the spot were
Lieut.-Gen. Sir H. Smith, G. C. 8., commandant of
the midland districts ; Col. Taylor, adjutant-gene-
ral ; Mr. Atkinson, High Sheriff of Cheshire, and
his chaplain ; and the Mayor and Town-clerk of
Manchester.
The Royal train, which left London at 6 20,
arrived at the Cheadle station at 25 minutes
past 11 o'clock, and Prince Albert descended amid
the enthusiastic cheering of the assembled multi-
tude. His Royal Highness was immediately con-
ducted by Mr. Watts, the Mayor of Manchester, to

the carriage in waiting for him. His staff consisted
of Viscount Torrington, the Marquis of Abercorn,
Gen. the Hon. O. Grey, Col. Ponsonby, and Col.
Seymour. The carriages were at once formed in
procession, andstarted off at a rapid pace. A num-
ber of vehicles followed to the Mayor's residence, a
little beyond Cheadle, where Prince Albert was to
remain about an hour for rest and refreshment.
Abney-hall, the residence of Mr. Watts, is a large
and handsome mansion of red brick, with stone
facings, in the early Tudor style of architecture.
It is situated on the left or southern bank of the
Mersey, about six miles from Manchester, and
stands on a slight eminence, overlooking a richly
wooded country. Thegrounds arenot large, butthe
undulations of surface, the numerous plantations,
the lake, and a rivulet crossed by rustic bridges,
present such a variety of features as gives the im-
pression of a somewhat considerable domain ; and
the house itself, with its noble conservatories and
spacious offices surrounding a large courtyard, forms
a very extensive range of buildings. The whole of
the line of road from Cheadle Huline to the Art
Treasures Palace presented a very animated appear-
ance. The numerous villages were thronged with
people, and as gay as possible with festive decora-
tions. Nearly all the private residences of the
wealthier classes displayed a flag or some other
sign of welcome in their front gardens, many of
which were filled with ladies and gentlemen anxious
to catch a glimpse of the btilliant cortege as it shot
past them. At Cheadle the number of banners and
streamers and the crowd of cheering spectators
made a most effective demonstration. At a little
distance beyond the entrance to the grounds of
Abney-
hall was erected the first triumphal arch.
erYpearance, being
and evergre, ns,
Itan wd
copresentedvet edw iathvceoourrlyteadstderfaput
appearance,
surmounted with a gilt crown, a pro fusion of small
and brilliant banners; and bore in large letters on a
ground of pink the inscription, "Albert, welcome
to Cheadle." At the entrance to Didsbury a beauti-
• ful rustic arch, composed almost entirely of ever-

greens, but decorated also with small banners; was,
erected opposite the Wesleyan College. The inscrip-
tion here was " Welcome Prince Albert to the Art
Treasures Exhibition." The long rows of cettages
at Barlow-moor, adjoining Didsbucy, displayed a
great number of flags, and the footpaths and win-
dows were all crowded with people. Here was ano-
ther graceful arch of evergreens, in columns and
festoons, with, the inscription of " Welcome, Prince
Albeit," and the letters "V. A." on' each side.
The same design, but worked out with more ela-
boration; was reproduced in an arch at Within;-
tom From Fallowfield, through Rusbulnie to
Manchester, the road presented' on either side an
alinoet uninterrupted succession, for about two
miles, of suburban villas displaying banners or
streamers, with groups of people 'at every window
and on many of the roofs, all cheering the proces-
sion as it.passed. The profusion of flags was every-
where very great, and at some places lines of them
were stretched across the road. Passing the boun-
dary of the city the crowds became very dense, and
at-tee junction of Oxford-street with the Stretford-
road, leading to the Exhibition Palace, the pres-
sure was so excessive as to render the preservation
of prder a task of no little difficulty. The proces-
sion, which left Abney-hall about 1 o'clock, was
welcemed everywhere witkepthusiastic cheers. It
was formed at starting in exactly the satne order as
orb leaving the Cheadle station, but after crossing
the Mersey it was met and joined by the Earl of
Burlington, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, and
Mr. Charles Towneley, High Sheriff of Lancashire;
The progress to the boundary of the city was very
rapid. -At that point the cortege was joined by the
Lord Bishop of Manchester, the staff of Sir Harry
Smith, and the municipal authorities, most of whom
appeared in full official costume. In Oxford-street
the mdieary escort received a great augmentation
from the remainder of the 7th Dragoon Guards un-
der Col. Bentinck ; and as the procession increased
in length its progress became much slower. From
Grosvenor-square to Oid Trafford—a straight line
of road of considerably more than a mile in extent
—the immense crowds of pe Tie who lined each side
of the way, leaving only a narrow passage in the
ceutra, rendered locomotion exceedingly difficult
and dangerous, and the cortege then proceeded at
little more than a walking pace. At various points
along the Stretford-road were stationed large bodies
from the societies of Odd Fellows, Druids, and Fo-
resters, who contributed materially towards I_ reserv-
ingthe lines unbroken, and keeping the passage clear.
The cheering, waving of hats and handkerch;efs, the
banners and other decorations, the crowds on roofs
and balconies, and immense wooden platforms
erected on patches of ground otherwise unoccupied,
formed an offering of hearty welcome such as has
seldom been surpassed. Alt the avenues lea ling to
the Exhibition building were closely blocked ; va-
rious open spaces in the neighbourhood were com-
pletely covered with masses of human beings, and
the enthusiastic cheering of the populace when
Prince Albert at length arrived at the Palaee cer-
tified the public approbation of the important duty
which had brought him to Manchester.
The preparations which had been made for the
ceremony within the building were of the simplest
kind. The great central hall consists of a nave and
two side elites, and is intersected near its western
extremity by the transept. , A row of tall and
slender columns separates the nave from each of
the aisles, and the pillars are joined at the top by
light and open girders, which carry the semi-circu-
lar roof of the nave. The side walls are hung with
portraits of all principal personages in English
history and biography. Below them, on the floor,
are arranged in handsome cases the multitude of
objectsinivory, wood, bronze, and the precious me-
tals, which form the general museum of art. In front
of the columns, and within the nave itself on either
side are placed a double row of statues, extending
the entire length of the hall from the principal en-
trance to the transept, and leaving a broad passage
oravenue in the centre. Near the transept the beau-
tiful and elaborate suits of armour, from the IMey-
rick and other collections, are arranged in tasteful
and appropriate groups. Beyond the transept the
seats of the orchestra rise one over the other to a
considerable height above the floor. terminating in
a grand organ constructed by Messrs. Kirtland and
Jardine, the elegant form and elaborate decora
tion 'of which fitly complete the view. For the
proceedings of yesterday a dais was erected in tee
transept immediately in front of the or. testra. It
was octagonal in form, raised six steps from the
floor, and covered with red cloth. On the top was
a square piece of rich tapestry-, and there stood the
chair of state in crimson velvet and g,ld used by
Prince Albert during the cei emony. A tall Vene-
tian mast rose on either side, from the point of
which depended a banner, made in the one case of
yellow and in the other of blue silk, and bearing the
arms respectively of England and Gotha, with the
mettees, "Dien et mon drat," and "Treu uncl
_Fest." The Union Jack was displayed at various
points in and near the tr tnsept, while at the back
of the dais were seen the banners of different coun-
tries, with the names of great painters emblazoned
on them. Behind the chair of state, and nearly on
the same level with it, a number of benches,
covered with green cloth and decorated with
fringes, were arranged in a semi-circle and re-
served foe the use of the more distinguished
among the spectators. For the accommoda-
tion of the mass the whole of the central hall,
with the exception of a passage in the centre,
the galleries round the transept, and the twoalimbs
of the transept itself, was furnished with rows of
benches and chairs, A broad strip of scarlet cloth,
ran up the centre of the great hall and heightened
the effect of the white marble statues on either hand,
throwing them out in beautiful re ief: Eleven
o'clock was the time fixed for opening the doors to
the public, but long before that hour all the entrances
were besieged by a large number of the eaek, fashio
and beauty of Manchester and its vicinity. The
doors were opened gently to avoid a rush, ant
with oft-reiterated cautions from the itisitte for
every one to take, plenty of time. To such advice,
of course, no one paid the slightest regard. There
was a good deal of pushing, and ladies scarcely got
that room to which they seemed to think teeir ca-

pacioui skirts entitled them. Some insisted on try-
ing to move the turnstiles the wriing way, white
others in their anxiety to got good places would not
go right, no matter what amount of pain' were
taken to guide them in their course. But after
the first rush all went m smoothly as could
he wishe f, and showed the arrangemen s to have
been well planned and executed. From the moment
the dews were opened the steady influx of visitors-
never ceased or slackened. Among the occupants of
the green benches behind the dais were many mem-
bers of both Houses of Parliament. Lord larouglitoe
wore the uniform of a Lord-Lieutenant, and Lord

Wrottesley was also in uniform. The Marquis o
Clanricarde and Earl Powis were also present. The
Marquis of Stafford, the Earl of Buriingtou, Lord
Elcho, Mr. Mangles, Mr. Grogan, Mr. Hanks y, Mr.
Kershaw, Mr. Handley, and Mr. Beresford. Hope,
represented the House of Commons. Toe American,
Belgian, and Haytian Ministers were the i.nly mem-
bers of the corps diplomatique present. The Lord
Mayors of London and Dublin. tue former accom-
panied by Aldermen Copeland, Saloinous, and Cu-
uitt, and by Sheriffs Mechi and Keats, were there
in their robes of office. The Corporation of Man-
chester took a prominent part in the proceedings
of the day. The Mayor of Salford, wearing a plain
but exceedingly massive. gold chain round his
neck, was a spectator of the ceremony. So also was
the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The corporate
authorities in their crimson robes, and attended by
their servants in gorgeous liveries, formed, indeed,
not the least brilliaet part of the spectacle.
At one o'clock the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland,
accompanied by his staff, entered the building, and
after that hour but few visitors of note arrived.
The Palace was crowded in every nook, and it may
well be supposed that the scene was most
animated and magnificent. Many of the gentle-
men were in uniform or court , dress, while
Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed with
more taste and splendour than some of the
ladies. Their dresses of the richest stuffs vied with
the colours of the rainbow in variety and brilliancy,
making the ornaments of the walls look man and
dull by comparison. The elegant proportions of
the building itself, its chaste and beautiful decora-
tions, the masterpieces of art scattered in rich pro-
fusion on every hand, the presence of 10,000 per-
sons gaily attired, and the display of silken banners
and standards combined to form a picture such as
has rarely been witnessed even in t',,e metropolis.
The arrival of the Prince at the Exhibition Wes
announced to those withinaby the firing of a salute.
His Royal Highness was received at the principal
entrance by Lord 0 vcrstone,Pre4ident ofthe General
Council ; by the Chairman and Members of the
Execreive Committee, and by Mr. Deane, the Ge
m ral Commissioner. The Duke of Neastle, the
Duke f Argyll, Earl Granville, the Lord Lieu-
tenant of Ireland ,Lord Stanley of Aederley, Sir B.
Hall, the Hon. Mr. Cowper, and Mr. Massey, most
of whom wore the Windsor uniform, here joined
the suite of the Prince, who was conducted in the
first instance, amid great cheering, to the state
reception room. After the lapse of one or
two minutes his Royal iiighness reappeared, and