The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-12-16
THE PALACES, &c. OF FRANCE.

- . - O''Aft SN''SN'
THE PALACES, sc. OF FRANCE.
We are permitted to publish the following
extract of letter from gentleman in Paris
10 his friends in this place, dated Novem-
herd. .. . Ed.
awe are still busy exploring the mysteries
of Paris To an American it seems not a lit.
tie mysterious that the people OF France should
have so long submitted to such an extravagant
expenditure of money for the support of Roy
ally.
During the last few days we have done lit
tie else butte explore Palaces-the apartme It's
of which are fitted up with dazzling splendor
filled with beautiful paintings, exquisitely
wrought statuury and sculpture, mirrors, rich
tapestry, &c. Think of the most intricate
groups of paintings being interviewer with
carpets and tapestry, giving glow and deli
cacy equulled only by the best paintings on
canvass.
There are no less than dozen magnificent
Palaces in Paris and its environs which have
been occupied Royal Residences, and an g.
quail number in ruins.
To-day we have visited st. Cloud, a small
town on the Seine about six miles west of
Paris. Here is Palace originally built by II
rich banker in 1879, and afterwards purchased
by Louis 18th, for the Duke of Orleans. Sub
sequently twas occupied by Marie Antoinette,
the wife of Louis 16th-nnd it was a favorte
resort of Napoleon and of Louis Philippe
The apartments are fitted up in modern style.
The town is situated on n hill overlooking
Paris, and the view flom the Palace 10 most
delightful. The exterior of this, as well as of
hC other Palaces, is uninvting-l dingy mass
Of buldings constructed from the building
sioae of Paris and wrought work of Plaster
ofParis, with an ordinary finish and style of
Architecture. The enormous expense is in
the interior
About half mile from st. Cloud is the very
ancient Village of Severes, celebrated for its
magnificent Royal Mandatory of Porcela
ware. The expenses of this manufactory are
betrayed by the Government, and its opern-
tons have been devoted TO experiments in The
art, and supplying the Royal family. The
best artists are employed, and their skill is cs
pecially displayed in gliding and painting the
ware. Just think of Il single breakfast plate
costing $500, and Ito us) small tea set, $4,000
"A porcelain table on which to place this tea
set, $7OOO-a vase $1,000. We noticed that
the Palace at st. Cloud was furnished with
porcelain from the Severes mandatory.
While upon the extravagances of Royalty,
will just mention the Cobdlrs Tapestry and
Carpet Mandatory. This establishment is
in Paris, and is the property of Government.
None of the Carpets or Tapestry are sold, or
none were sold under the former dynastes
The work was only TO be trodden upon by
Kings and Queens. The Palaces were fur
nIshed with the Carpets, and presents were
made of them to other Governments Asma-
ny as five TO 10 years are required for the man
niacturIng of some Of the Carpets, at the cost
OF $4,000 to 100000 francs (I2 to 80 thousand
-dollars)
our passports allow us to visit all establish
ments Of this kind and the (RoyaD National
faiaces-(snce the revolution, National is
substituted for Royal Tis now the "Palace
National" &c1
Az nome, quarter of dollar is demanded
Ut 'he door of each museum-here, the doors
"'e thrown open on certain days to the public
anu special favor of eUery day is extended to
strangers. =. II. D.I
But enough of Royalty and the relcts of
noyaly' will glance at the other side of
'he picture. Poverty-extreme poverty .rc;rns
~ ar's' and to fearful extent throughout
rance. The Government is bankrupt and
BUSINESS IS generally Frustrated The work
"eh are making demands upon the govern.
"'eii' Tor employment or bread, and the gov-
erhment is affording them all the aid in lie
power While strolling through the depart.
,"en' OF the Seine yesterday, we came unex.
r'."diy upon a scene which excited the most ,
P"'"iui'emotions. A crowd of half Finished
men and women were assembled oround ,.o
court OF large building, wa,chi,
aa'iy allowance of soup from the govor,
Nach person was provided with spoon nd
"hen the large pans of soup were bardos I {
INTO The street by armed soldiers. thew j
upon them more like swine than human 10 t
"gS' slhe pans were placed upon the erou,d G
anu about dozen persons huddled around
e1cn pan' swinishly Aurrying to secure the
greatest share.
we turned with painful disgust from scene {
81 'eVoiting, and I pray Heaven that NAV +;
LIVER witness such another. Poor SUFFERING
r..s F."
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