The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-03-09

TX bought of Baldwin Of Constantinople in
the fourth Crusade. It is one of the richest
and most remarkable specimens of Gothic
Architecture to be found in Europe. It is
now undergoing thorough repairs.
In the same neighLorhood is the church OF
Notre Dame, of which we next made thor
ough exploration. This time worn pile is at
once venerable for its antiquity, grand and
impressive from its vastness, and rich in his
torical recolections. 1t has some exceed
ingly beautiful sculpture, and several fine
paintings, chiefly by modern artists. 1t was
here that Napoleon was crowned; and we
were shown the very spot on which he stood,
and afterwards the magnificent coronation
robes he wore, the golden vessels with which
he was served on the occasion, the shawl
provided for the cardinals, rich and expensive
beyond description, and the vessel which con-
tanned the amounting oil. Poor Napoleon!
was the exclamation naturally suggested /;
unhappy Josephine what are all the splen-
doris Of that empty pageant to you now!
ing, and was finished about the year 1900
1t has a sombre look which BELTS its ancient
date.
Next in order we went to the Palais du
Luxembourg. This was favorite palace
with Napoleon, and no wonder. 1t is noble
palace; and its gardens, all in bloom as when
we saw them, are perfectly enchanting. AS a
residence, the Palais du Luxembourg ap-
peared to me greatly preferable to the Tuil-
cries. The Peers of France have their Cham
Der in this Palace ; and truly magnificent
one it is. At the time of our visit they were
not in session, and we found no time after
wards to visit the place again. In passing
through the chief apartments, we saw in one
the chair of state in which Napoleon used to
sit as First Consul. This room remains, it is
said, in the same condition as when he occu-
ried it. The chapel of this palace Is as
splendid as the most famous painters and
gilders, with the most extravagant expendi-
lures, could make it-perfectly dazzling to
plain republican eyes, but thoroughly in ac-
cordance with French taste. One Of the
principal pieces of painting, observed, was
by our countryman Benjamin West After
the Chapel came the Gallery Of Painting and
Sculpture, which enjoyed in very special
manner. 1t is beautiful collection Of the
chefs-d 'oeuvres Of living artists not so large
as to fill you with despair at once, like those
OF the Louvre and Versailles, and affordng
better opportunity to see the whole. We
fingered there till the hour of closing obliged
us to retire; and some of the lovely forms
which most excited my imagination, have
haunted it often since, and will not be soon
forgotten. When the author of any Of t..ese
pieces dies. his production is transferred to the
Louvre where it takes its permanent place
among the gems of art.
On the last Sabbath l spent in Paris /
heard an exceedingly eloquent sermon in
French from Mr.. Coquerel, one of the Prot
estant pastors. He is not regarded as very
evangelical in doctrine, but is a most popular
preacher attracting crowded houses whenever
he oficiates, and moving his auditors almost
at pleasure by his truly effective elocution.
He has nothing particularly commanding in
his personal appearance, but is simply good
looking, of somewha: less than middle stature,
with ilorid countenance and an air of rather
precise elegance in his whole appearance. His
sermon on this occasion was defence of
Professionalism, or rather general argument
in its favor and was quite pointed and cut
ting in its illusions to Popery. His voice
was clear and manly, and completely at COM
mand his information was natural, now de-
scending to the familiarity ofeasy conversation,
=, into daalalaat inn of the mort