The Sun.
London, England, 1868-12-14 00:00:00

AMERICA.

The people of Massachusetts have had good reason for
returning to the Assembly an overwhelming majority in
favour of a prohibitory liquor law. A recent license law
has resulted in an increase of 600. in the number of public-
houses in Boston alone. In the State the number has gone
up in a similar proportion. Massachusetts has reconsidered
Ater prohibitory policy, and has reaffirmed it. The license
law will be repealed, and another prohibitory measure
passed.

(From the Anylo-Amerkan Times.)

PARIS, Dec. 9.

The aristocracy of Europe seem determined to
carry off the American belles. Each week we find
in the columns of the Continental journals an-
nouncements to the following effect:—" Married
at Miss Mary Petroleumscrip, of New
York, to Baron or Count, or Duke, and sometimes
Prince So-and-So of Paris, Turin, Rome, Vienna,
Dresden," or some other equally popular resort of
Americans. Strangely enough the bridegroom is
never less than a Baron, the American belles being
evidently determined to assume rank among the
elite on this side of. the ocean. It is also quite as
remarkable that in every instance where the
New and the Old World become thus united,
on the female side there must be money.
'We have at times been startled by the most
brilliant announcements as to the immediate
u
gheiress New York, Boston,
Phila-
delphia,nionof
orsumo
Chicagoleadin
with some European
nobleman whose ancestors were among the followers
of the crazy monk who originated the crusades, or,
still more noble and blue blooded, a rejeton of those
wonderful Roman chiefs who, 8.C., ruled in glory
and splendour. It too often happens, however, that
after we have thrilled over the glaring details of
the fetes to be given on the auspicious occasion—
after we have admired the jewels to be presented to'
the bride—after we have crowded before the show
windows of Intrepot des Indes, and exclaimed over
the beauty of the Cachmere shawl ordered for the
fortunate future Princess or Countess, there comes
a gloomy pause between the promise and the ac-
complishment, and it finally leaks out that the
noble bridegroom elect has withdrawn his preten-
sions —in other words, that the marriage is not to
take place. In some instances it is because the
mercenary motives which actuated the nobleman
become so evident as to arouse the pride of the
young republicaine, and cause her to refuse an alli-
ance where 'tis her money and not herself which is
the inducement. In too many cases, however, the
refusal originates with the nobleman, who finds
that his future papa-in-law cannot settle upon the
beloved such a sum as he, the nobleman, may pay
his debts with, and still keep up his state. This
thing has happened so often that it- might be sup-
posed the lesson would profit. I am sorry to say
this is not the case, and that at the present time
there are a number of such marriages on the tapis.
It must not be supposed that it is merely the Ame-
rican belles who ,become ambitious on reaching
Europe. The heads of the families in too many
instances betray a still more ridiculous and anti-
republican desire to briller here. They make a grand
display of huge coats of arms, of ponderous crests,
which seem sadly out of place, painted upon the
panels of their coaches, or woven conspicuously
upon their damask and linen. Having, as is so
often the case, suddenly risen to affluence, with no
antecedents save those of honest labour or com-
merce, it seems absurd the ardour with which they
search for genealogies, and the determination with
which they cling to the possibility of a remote
parentage with some noble house. Of course I do
not wish to carry out the impression that this is the
case with the majority of Americans who come
abroad, but simply, en passant, to speak out that
which has so often annoyed the more sensible of our
countrymen, who appreciate the ridiculous conduct
referred to. However, as it is the fashion now for
Americans to make the European tone, it must
be expected that among the numbers who cross the
ocean for that purpose some queer people will be
found. In Paris the Grand Hotel has become head-
quarters for Americans—too much so, permit me to
add, while in the grumbling mood. I see young
men there who, during their entire stay in the
capital, seem to be unaware that there is
anything else to do save play billiards

amd zit in the splendid court yard of the
biota. They walk around the corner into the Rue
F3cribe, to drop in at the different bankers, see if
there are letters for them; glance at the American
journals on file in the reading-rooms, and then back
a Ley go to the Grand Hotel. They do not seek to
become acquainted with the people or the place—l
mean the Parisians and Paris—and after a few
weeks or months spent thus, vote the capital a bore;
include the entire nation in one sweeping and most
uncomplimentary decision ; and go away with about
as much idea of Paris as they have of Timbuctoo.
There are, it is true, Americans who take a more
serious and pleasant view of a visit to the place—
they study the language, associate with the people,
visit; the many attractions which Paris contains, and
to these it becomes indeed a charming residence.
These with families are very likely to settle in
Paris, because of the ease with which Americans
obtain the entrée into society here. To be invited
to Court or Ministerial balls and fetes they need no
former presentations, no recognised position at
home as do Europeans vi,:iting Paris. Ame-
ricans
come here as Republicans—the sovereign
people; and if in too many cases they derogate
from this position by niesquin and quite unneces-
sary ambition, tent pis for them, they in no wise
bettering their condition thereby.. That the season
is nearly at hand in Paris may be judged from the
show windows. of the leading establishments,
wherein the fashions take their rise. These show
windows seem irresistibly attractive to the passers
by. The dresses displayed are so elegant, the com-
binations of silks, satins, and laces so tasteful, so
exquisite, that even the most indifferent can but
pause to admire the effect produced by the etalage.
At " L'llermite," 19, Rue Boissy D'Anglas, this
may be particularly noticed. Paris possesses a
rival to even the most celebrated beautifier of the
fair sex. M. Legrand, the person in question, has
invented a creme Oriza, which he styles " de Ninon
Lenclos," and which, duly examined by physicians,
is pronounced free of all deleterious mixtures. It
is recommended to the ladies. A rather singu-
lar decision rendered here a short time since by the
French Courts is puzzling Americans some-
what. A very beautiful and well-known Ame-
rican lady was pleading here for separation
from her husband, a member of a leading New
York family. The court has decided that a divorce
be pronounced, that the husband be made to pay
an annual revenue of 72 thousand francs to the
former wife, and that she have the control of the
children. By what power a French court thus
decides is a mystery to many here, and how it may
enforce in America the payment of the annuity
seems still more uncertain and strange. The mar-
riage took place in the United States, both the
parties are Americans. How can a French court
take action in this case is the somewhat universal
inquiry. In a week or so the fetes at Compiegne
are to cease, and the Imperial party return to Paris.
The palace of the Tuileries is being now prepared
for the winter residence of their Majesties, and of
course the moment they shall have been installed
the season will commence. I understand that a
number of American families here will give some
splendid entertainments this season. Being the
recipients of much courtesy and attention from the
higher circles they will thus make a return there-
for. I should have noticed, while speaking of the
unnecessary display made here by some over-am-
bitious Americans, that, in great contrast to this,
is the excellent taste evinced by others resid-
ing here ; such as Mr. Lorillard Spencer, of
New York, whose equipages are universally
admired. He drives splendid horses and his
carriages are neat, but in the best style. His
four-in-hand would attract attention and entire ap-
proval in Hyde Park. The same may be said of
the fine turn-out of M. Elisha Riggs, a townsman of
Mr. Spencer. Mr. Lewis Cass also drives some fine
horses here, while a number of American gentle-
me❑ attract attentio❑ at the Bois with their light
waggons and fast trotters. Mr. S. P. Dewey, of
San Francisco, has one of the neatest and best ap-
pointed equipages in the place. Its elegant sim-
plicity, being in contrast with those more showy
attelages referred to above. It is understood here
that on the night the Emperor reaches Paris the
Place du Caroussel will be most gorgeously illumi-
nated by a new process—a strongly brilliant gas,
which is to be so brilliant and so cheap as to super-
cede coal gas. I hear wonders of this new inven-
tion, in whizh a number of leading Americans arc
concerned, and shall doubtless have the opportunity
of furnishing some more definite information con-
cerning it, as I am to assist at the illuminations to
take place next week. I believe that some of the
theatres here are to be lighted with this portable gas.
In addition to a company here, the parties interested
in this discovery have also formed a company in New
York.

At the Grand Opera we are soon to have Mlle.
Nilsson as Marguerite in " Faust." The manage-
ment are making great preparations to produce the
opera with unparalleled splendour. It was expected
at first that the Opera Comique tenor, Capoul,
would sing with Mlle. Nilsson as Faust, but since
then Collin, a late addition to the troupe of the
Grand Opera, has revealed so much talent that he
will sing with the favourite artiste. This will be
all the more acceptable to the public, as Offenbach
needs Capoul for his new work " Vert-Vert," which
is now in rehearsal. At the Italiens, la Patti will
give one or two more representations, and then she
will go to Brussels, where she is to sing two or three
nights. Thence she will disappear amid the snow
and ice of Muscovy. It is said that the Czar is so
pleased to have the Diva in his capital, he has per-
sonally revised the list of subscribers for seats at
the opera, and that at no single representation are
there any places left. Of course the tour will be
one of triumph for Patti, who will return to us all
the more popular and attractive. In the mean-
while Miss Hauck will endeavour to assume a pro-
minent position at the Italiens here, and I may add
that there can be little doubt she will succeed.
Grade Duchesse Schneider leaves the Varietes
this month, and will make her debut in Janu-
ary at the Bouffes, in a new Offenbachism,
"La Diva." Messrs. Meilhue and Halery are the
coadjutors of the Maestriuo in this fresh attempt.
At the Gaiete, M. Victor Sejour's new drama,
"La Madonne des Roses," is having an immense
success, owing to the wonderfully well-executed
last scene in the play. It represents the burning
of a palace, and anything more real to nature it
were impossible to see on the stage. The fl ►mes
leap and encircle the walls and beams, the latter
fall to the ground all ablaze, the smoke and sparks
rising in clouds. In short, so very natural is the
scene, the audience on the first night were fright-
ened, and the next morning the authorities sent
the officers of the Fire Department to assist
at a day rehearsal of the fire scene ere
they would permit the second performance of the
play to take place. The result was satisfactory.
The inspectors concluded there was no danger, and
now all Paris must witness the incendie. Each
night the scenic painters and the machinists are
called out to receive their share of the public ap-
plause. As for the drama, no description of the
plot is needed, it being filled with the usual inci-
dents, terminating in the same way—the triumph
of virtue and the downfall of the heavy villain.
" Straws show which way the wind blows."
At the Folies Mariguy, a little box of a thea-
tre on the Champs Elysees, the first repre-
sentation of a " Revue de l'Annee," took place
last evening. All Paris was present, and the per-
formance passed off amid much laughter. Two in-
cidents were significant. In one an actor, made up
to resemble Henri Rochefort of Lanterne notoriety,
produces what he calls a " spoken journal" for his
subscribers. While his editors are commenting upon
the events of the clay, lie watches,:and the moment
a policeman appears the whole party cease abruptly
all discussion, and dance a child's round. The hit
told, the audience cheering in the most uproarious
manner.

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