The Sun.
London, England, 1868-03-28 00:00:00

THE ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND.

The Dublin correspondent of the Times writes :—" The
interest excited by the approaching visit of the Prince of
Wales is shewn in the jealous anxiety with which all the
details of the arrangements for the reception of his Royal
Highness are watched by the public. The procession
through the streets is the chief subject of concern. We
are a people given to processions, as events too often
prove, and if a procession of one party be at-
tractive, what must one be in which all parties
are engaged and all colours displayed ? An idea pre-
vails, and it is natural enough, that the knights
will walk to the cathedral as they did upon the
)ccasion of King George IV.'s visit. That would, indeed,
be a spectacle worth seeing, for various reasons. The
• thought of it revives the recollection of the traditional
glories of a bygone period, when the battleaxe and °the:-
symbols of heraldic peasantry were held in more visible
respect than in these degenerate days. But, unfortu-
nately for intending spectators, the warning of that occa-
sion is more likely to be observed than the precedent. The
weather exhibited at that remote period memorable
proofs of the changeableness of all Irish institutions ; but
the impression which they left was ineffaceably fixed. It
Is probable that, remembering the plight in which the
founder knights' in 1861. arrived at the Cathe-
dral, the present members of the illustrious order
will prefer comfort to chivalry, and proceed in carriages.
A. hint of this must not be dropped, lest it should disappoint
he citizens, who good-naturedly propose to strew the
way with carpets—some generously insisting that it must
be done, regardless of expense, out of the Consolidated
Fund, while others recommend a system of voluntary
contributions of carpets from each house, which would,
no doubt, secure a beautiful variety of pattern and style.
The extent and direction of the route are also matters
hf keen controversy. Leading streets compete for the
honour of the procession as jealously as rival suitors for
a fair dame's hand. George-street, which was first spoken
of, has been totally discarded, and is more gloomy than
usual. Dawson-street claims to be more prepossessing
than Grafton-street, and to have more respectable connec-
tions. Grafton-street repels the insinuation of being too
narrow in its views, dresses stylishly, and boasts of greater
wealth and social importance. The west side of Aleirion-
square cannot believe that anything so uncharitable can be
seriously contemplated as that the Prince should pass by
the other side. Solicitude is expressed for the conve-
nience of his Royal Highness in bringing him by such a
circuitous course, and this loyal feeling is heartily shared
in by other streets which would come within the range of
a shorter route. The citizens have not abandoned the
hope of seeing the Princess of Wales, though some dis-
couraging statements have been made respecting the
ability of her Royal Highness to endure the fatigue
if a journey to Ireland. It is gratifying to observe
that the interest felt with respect to the Prince's visit
;s not confined to this metropolis. The loyal people of
Belfast are anxious to enjoy a similar honour, and a meet-
ing of the corporation was held on Wednesday for the
purpose of inviting him to go and see the industrious and
thriving capital of Ulster. Should their hospitable desire
be gratified, his Royal Highness will meet with an enthu-
siastic welcome. A deeper significance is attached to
Lis visit than if it were one of mere ceremony or personal
favour."