The Sun.
London, England, 1859-12-16 00:00:00

TUE ROUSE OF HAPSBURG.

The present Imperial family of Austria is popu-
lar, at least in the capital; and if one can trust
the common reports of their private life, deservedly
so. Ido not now refer to the Emperor's political
course. No doubt he preserves all the traditions
of his race, the proud House of Hapsburg, and
clings to power, and would combat revolution as
fiercely as any despot. But personally, so far as
I can learn, though of a temper quick and vio-
lent, his character is worthy of respect. He is
married to a princess of Bavaria, and in his
devotion to his wifo is a pattern to his people. It
was not a cold-blooded State alliance, but a pure
love-match ; and the royal couple seem to be as fond
of each other as any less exalted lovers. They are
both domestic in their tastes, and prefer each other's
society to all the gaieties of the court. Though
compelled to assume some degree of state, yet, for
royal personages, nothing could be more unosten-
tatious than their style of life. In visiting the pa-
lace, we were surprised at the simplicity of the im-
perial apartments, in such marked contrast to the
magnificence of Versailles, or even to the show
which surrounds the monarchy of Prussia. So in
their way of living they are very simple. Though
compelled by their position to take the lead of the
court, to receive the foreign ambassadors, and Mi-
nisters of the Government, and all distinguished
foreigners, yet, strange as it may seem, the Empe-
ror and Empress are not fond of society, but prefer
a quiet domestic life. No one can hear the stories
which are told of their family circle, without feeling
a deep interest in this young couple, so exalted in
their station, yet so simple in their tastes and so
happy in their love. The first fruit of this marriage
died. When visiting the burial place of the Empe-
rors, under the Church of the Capuchins, we ob-
served among the stately tombs a little coffin,
wreathed with flowers, which encloses the last scion
of the House of Austria ; and the monk told us that
the Empress came often to look upon the resting-
place of her first-born child. When we were at

Lakenburg, the court were in hourly expectation of
the birth of another royal child, and preparations
were made for an illumination ; and though nothing
could well be more indifferent to us, yet after
hearing so much of. this youthful queen, we could
not but feel a wish that the yearning of her mother's
heart might be gratified, and while we cared
nothing for its political consequences, it was with
a degree of pleasure that, a week later, we heard
the cannon at Venice announce the birth of a
little prince and heir to the Imperial throne.
This simplicity of manners is a feature of the Aus-
trian court, and does much to soften the rigour of
the Imperial rule. The Kaiser mingles more freely
and familiarly with his people. The old Archduke
John, the uncle of the Emperor, walks about
the Prater, talking to the people, and patting
children on their heads. The familiarity does not
diminish respect, but awakens attachment. All
love the simple, good old man. Royal condescen-
sion gives to the sovereign of the country some-
thing of a paternal character in the eyes of his
people, and leads them to look up to him with an
awe mingled with affection.—Summer Pictures
from Copenhagen to Venice.

TESTIMONIAL PROM TILE QUEEN.—On the occa-
sion of her Majesty's visit to Penrhyn Castle, the members
of the Penrhyn Choral Society sang before the royal family.
The Queen was so pleased with the efforts of the choristers
that she resolved to present a silver cup to the society
through the lion. Mr. Pennant, of Penrhyn Castle. Ac-
cordingly, at a numerous meeting held on Wednesday, at
Bethseda, the presentation took place. The testimonial
cup weighs 90oz. of silver, and bears the following inscrip-
tion :—" Presented by her Majesty the Queen to the Choral
Society of the Penrhyn Slate Quarries, which sang before
her Majesty, on Sunday evening, 16th of October, 1859."
Sir Charles Phipps, in a letter to Mr. Pennant, says :
" Her Majesty and the Prince Consort would be glad if this
cup, while it was considered as a mark of the satisfaction
with which they heard the very creditable performance of
the numerous body who sang before, them, might also be
looked upon as testifying the approval with which her Ma •
jesty and his Royal Higness regard -the cultivation by all
under your employment and in your neighbourhood of so
laudable and humanising a taste, and of their wish that all
should unite in encouraging a mode of employing their
leisure hours so likely to prove beneficial to their social and
moral condition."

EXPLOSION OP WATER PIPES IN GLASGOW., AND
Loss OF LIFE.—On Monday momingan accident happened
to one of the Loch Katrine water pipes in St. George's-
road, Glasgow. It arose from an explosion in a well that
was full of escaped gas. A man named Campbell descended,
and another called Bow handed lights down. The foul gas
exploded, when Campbell was killed and Bow seriously in-
jured.