The Sun.
London, England, 1859-08-26 00:00:00

THE IMPERIAL VISIT TO THE

PYRENEES.

TARBES, August 21.—0 n Thursday morning
Tarbes resembled a bee-hive. All was motion and
commotion ; banners and flags were being flung to
the breeze, while every one was getting ready to re-
joice at half-past two, as at that hour the Imperial
party was to arrive. Never before was the old ca-
pital of Bigorre so excited or animated. Joyful ex-
pectations were depicted on all countenances, and a
universal anxiety was apparent to get a good view
of both their Majesties. I became for the
space of two hours a lion. I inadvertently
mentioned that I had often seen their Majesties'
whereupon I became the centre of a ring of anxious
and curious beings, male and female, all asking
manifold questions as to the appearance and general
character of those so soon expected. My situation
was becoming irksome when luckily the Imperial
train approached. From all parts of the country
came flocking in the sunburnt can2pagnards, while
the streets were filled with municipal deputations,
all carrying flags. Foremost were the venerated
relics of the past, the Medailles de Sainte _Helene.
Earlylin the morning the Prefect had started to meet
the train at Maubourguet. At half-past two the
locomotive stopped at the station, which was beau-
tifully ornamented on this occasion. At once the
trumpets sounded, the drums rolled, while loud,
hearty, and sincere rose the mighty shout 01
greeting. Their Majesties were received by his
Excellency M. Fould (who has a fine property near
Tarbes), the Prefect of the Hautes Pyrenees, Gee:
de Larroquette, and the members of the different
councils. as well as the clergy, of whom there were
400 present, and among them were two archbishops'
Having entered the carriage their Majesties passed
through the streets escorted by the gendarmerie,
firemen, and some soldiers of the line. In the car-
riages that followed after the Imperial couple were
the Countess de Labedoyere, the Marquise de Ca-
dore, and two aides-de-camp of the Ernperel%
Each street was literally jammed with human
beings. The windows were filled, while the roofs
of the houses were covered with adventurous boys,
all anxious to see their Sovereigns. The most
enthusiastic shouts were raised. " Vive l'Eta"
pereur !" " Vive l'lmperatrice !" " Vive le Prince
Imperial !" were yelled by all sorts of voices, un-
mistakably heartfelt in their sincerity. While the,.
Imperial cortege was thus passing along, a most
pleasing incident occurred. A large party of
English persons who reside near Tarbes ha.,'
ll
placed among the banners that were floating Bri-
tain's glorious standard. As the Emperor passe'
by, the gentleman holding it lowered his colours
in token of respect, while a genuine, hearty, real
John Bill hurrah completely drowned all other
acclamations. Charmed at this pleasing act o,tt
courtesy, their Majesties most graciously testifi.eu
their appreciation of it, and once more Brit's"
lungs sent up a hearty cheer for the Sovereign of
France. The Empress was, so it seemed by he'd
manner, really pleased, for she fluxed again axle
again to nod and smile her:smeetest smile to th
sons of Albion, who could but bow and shout agf",,u
and again, as the beautiful and charming woman
so graciously thanked them. The cortege kept on,
and at last it neared the villa of M.•Fould, where
their Majesties were to alight. Here were assail
bled all the children of the different schools in, theie
vicinity, and they in their turn waved their
banners and shouted Vivo le Prince Imperial _
Arrived at the villa, frieir Majesties received the
civil and religious authorities of the place. During
the receptions the Prefect of the Hautes Pyrenees'
and his Excellency the Minister of State stood near
the Emperor. The Archbishop of Tarbes came in
at the head of his clergy, and addressed their Ma-
jesties somewhat at length. In his answer to the
Archbishop, the Emperor mentioned his ardent so-
licitude for the interests of the Church, and assured
him of his sincere esteem for the clergy. After this
M. Fould addressed their Majesties as President of
the General Council. The Emperor made a brie'
and appropriate response, spoke of his having long
desired to visit:Tarbes, and feelingly referred to the
fact that it was this department' that had taken the
initiative in demanding the restoration of the
Empire.
After some presentations, the Mayor of Tarbes,
M. le Vicomte de la Garde, made an addressit!
their Majesties, during the delivery of which Pvt
was much moved, and at times seemed aimls
choking with emotion. I observed that this dis-
coursee and the warmth of its delivery seemed to
move the Emperor much, and he gave a hearty
o.
shake of the hand to M. de la Garde, thanking
him warmly.
After these official presentations and addressfts,
the young ladies of the town, all dressed in wh'o
and wearing blue scarfs, presented to the Empress
a bouquet of the finest flowers, and one of them
made a little speech, at the conclusion of which the
Empress thanked them all and kissed the forehea
of the fair orator, who blushingly seized the hand
.
of her Majesty and kissed it again and again.
During the reception the Emperor gave a number
of decorations to persons who had been recom-
mended to him by the Minister of State. At seveno'clock a grand dinner was partaken of by their
Majesties and suite, and a number of persons spe-
cially invited. After the meal most of the notable
persons of the country paid their respects to the
Imperial couple, and at nine o'clock fireworks were
let off in thepark. All around it an immense crowd
of persons was gathered, and loud and continued
shouts of " Vive l'Empereur !" " Vive
trice !" were kept up. The town was beautifully
illuminated. Streets, houses, arches of triumph, all
were glaring with light ; while, to crown all, the
weather was magnificent. The most perfect order
prevailed, and all agreed that this was the most
happy day Tarbes had ever known.
The next morning the Emperor and Empress
went to visit the town and all the principal esta;
blishments. There was the same eager and excited
crowd ready to receive them, and just as many and
as hearty were the shouts of welcome their presence
called forth. Their Majesties were unaccompanie,
by an escort, save the ladies and gentlemen eh
their household. The Empress, as is her usual ells'
tom in all the cities she visits, inspected the asylum
and houses of refuge. During this visit the Emi
ror, accompanied by M. Fould, went to see thehorses at the imperial depot. He visited the stables
with care, and expressed satisfaction with the con-
dition of the horses kept there for the use of the,
also brought their best horses to show,
cavalry. Many of the neighbouring farmers had
and the
Emperor conversed with sonic of these
persons,
giving counsel as regards the improvement of the
breed. His Majesty then visited a garden, or
communal property, called le Jardin Massey.
and
was much pleased to see that its cultivation an
ornamentation were extremely fine. Having tra-
versed the whole of the town the Emperor returned
to the villa, and their Majesties breakfasted at.
eleven o'clock, preparatory to their departure fa'
St. Sauveur. As a last thing, their Majesties
visited the Catherdal of Tarbes. A most imposill,g..
ceremony took place at the church. The Arch
bishop was ready to receive their Majesties, wait-
ing on the grand steps for them in his robes of sere' a many. Their Majesties having entered the hail
ing, remained kneeling during the services, an
when leaving they turned near the door towards
the altar to make the sign of the Cross ere gol'itt
out. At this moment the crowd seemed unable a
keep in any longer their pent-up enthusiasm, axle
tremendous shouts of Vive l'Empereur !" " Via
l'lmperatrice !" caus',.d the walls of the old Cattwv;
circa to ring again and again. Their Majesties I 1(,) a
took their departure amid the loudest huzzas 01,
most sincere and loyal populace, and Tarbes v",i
free to gossip and talk about this the greatest her
most pleasing event that has occurred within
walls for half a century.

THE GREAT EASTERN:

It is understood that Mr. Lever, M.P., has nitta;
a final offer to the Great Ship Company to chari.l%
the Great Eastern on the following terms, whicul
seems generally to be supposed will be acceptel'.
The decision of the directors is to be given within
twenty-four hours. The terms are £25,000 in cash'
payment to be at once made, he undertaking to
provide for the coals and the disbursement of P°";
dues and charges. The vessel is to sail frora
port he may think fit in the United Kingdom t0,,373•70.
one of three ports in the United States, including
New York, Portland, or another that' maY by
named. It is estimated that the risk incurred
Mr. Lever will be from £50,000 to £60,000, as a
large outlay will be necessary in provisioning an
fitting the ship, in settling freight and insurance'
brokerage both on this and the other side of the
Atlantic, and advertising on an extensive scale„,lr.
England, on the Continent, and in America. iv. 1.40
Lever has extraordinary means at his disposal
firs
place, the success of the experiment. In the fl/t
place, he has a fleet of steam ships ready to lipid
upon the Great Eastern and act as tenders, sh°,llo.
she meet with any difficulties in the outset of
career. Whoever charters her, or undertakes the
responsibility of sending her to any foreign ant
distant port, must be answerable for her passengel;
safe and speedy arrival. Again, Mr. Lever has 0
network of booking arrangements all over Europe
and America. His offer is calculated to inspire.
highest confidence on the part of the shareholders'
and those who are otherwise interested in the veD
sel, as to her practical capabilities and power.

Melons have this year been very abundant and o
of
good quality. In the neighbourhood of the little to
gold.
Cavaillon (Vaucluse) as many as 5,500,000 have been ur..
Although the wholesale price of them in that neigh
boa_
hood was only about 2fr. 50c. the dozen, some growersh
made a profit of 25,000 fr.