The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-28
London eoyrsspondeneeqf The Courier g Enquirer

The use of Hyde Park for the exhibition of 1851
was the absorbing topic of last week, and the At
torney Generals refusal to assist the preliminary
steps of opposition, cause OF much excitement;
but il has waned for moment before the Star OF
Judea. No doubt il will now revive, and the qucs-
ton be brought to issue. Meanwhile the popuari.
ty of Prince Albert, which was to be 80 greatly
augmented by this exhibition, is suffering great
and sensible diminution, from the identification OF
his name with this forcible Invasion and spoiation
of Hyde Park.
Upon very few points of popular right are the
English people, OF all ranks, more sensitive than
upon those connected with the soil; whether as &c
the right of common right of way, or other rights
Of enjoyment for public or local purposes.
The Londoners regard with peculiar jealousy al
attempts 10 infringe upon their parks, or upon any
Of those large suburban Commons" 50 constantly
the resort of "tbe people, for air and exercise
Every attempt TO obtain leave from Parliament for
enclosing a fraction of ''Hampstead's breezy
heath" has aroused the most indignant and univer-
cal opposition; and similar propositions respecting
Chaplain, Wandsworth and other Commons,
even on the plebeian side Of the Thames, have en-
countered tie like expression of dissatisfaction.
A singular illustration Of the extent to which
feeling such points is diminished, Is found IN a
circumstance connected with the building Of the
National Gallery. nest fold and crooked streets
surrounding the then site Of the royal stables, was
pulled down TO make room for that now noble quad
range, Trafalgar Square," and the same process
was effected, on a much larger scale, TO form that
street of uuequalled magni6ccnce, which stretches
from st. James's TO the Regenro Park, under the
several names Of waterloo Place." "Regcnrs
Quadrant" "Regcnt Street." and portland
Place" On the north Of Trafalgar Square, and
occupying entire side of the quadrangle, stands
the National Gallery of Paintings and Sculpture,
a vast building; and, although displaying ques-
tionablc taste, in some minor particulars, still no
BILE and stately pile The ground upon which il
has been built was formerly intersocted by an can
cient lootpath" leading from tharing Cross tC
some Of the lowest and hthiest puriieus OF Lon
don. The building was erected with a broad and
open thoroughiarc at either eide; but a roya
commission, constructing public work, by order
Of the nation, dared not obstruct this byway o.
the humblest poor Of London There stands the
National Gallery" and little 10 the right Of II,
centre, archcd in and paved with superb fag-stoncs
and with portal worthy the Temple Of Diana, cx
tends through the very heart Of the building from
frot 10 rear the "ancicnp and nviolable foot
path;" monument, TO my mind more striking
than Magma Charid itself Of the Majesty Of Law
and the rights guaranteed 10 the very humbes
citizen, by tho british Constitution which
despite objections 70 the monarchical and aristo
cratic forms, posSesscs with unsurpassed watch
uness, all the esSntiai Of social and political free
DOM.
And yet, upon people who mould not diycrg,
fifty yards from their fOOtway, 90 keep intact sucl
a structure at the National Gallery" a set Of 81
advised commissioners have persisted in forcing
the erection Of the exhibition building in Hyde
Park; and sought 10 prevent dissatisfaction, bJ
putting forward a cover, the name OF the Prince
consorI
The result is, that his name il involved in thu
tempest OF unpopularity, which Oycrwhelms th'
resolve OF the commission.