The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-12
AMERICANS IN PARIS.
PARIS, May &c, 1858.


The Weather- The "Rappers'-Iaterssting Csro-
nology of tie Modern Paris " Manias'- Grand
English Fete-BaHoons, Banks, and Royal
Yacht-Bfagnifcent Statue Of Patrick Henry
Napoleon's Mausoleuai- Death fan old Lady,
II Spanish "Fasd'- Ihcatricals, american Bal.
lads, &c.
The sun is bright over our heads, the heat is ex-
treme and the evening of each day is spoiled by q
thunder storm, accompanied by lightning and show
ers. We are already in the heart of the summer
son, without having experienced the pleasures Of the
spring season. which is celebrated in Europe, and
particularly in France. Never, dare say, for many
years. has such inactivity Of everything, natural and
supernatural been felt on the continent The French
climate is changed, the French habits no longer
the same the hearts Of the politicians and merchants
are turned, &c. France is no longer the France Of
the last century. What change! Indeed, what
change No doubt the French nation has always
been celebrated for its versatility; but now this def
cheney in the character OF men has grown to such
extent that it has even had influence upon the
weather.
The monomania of the moving tables and spiritual
rappings is still tordre du jour, and the amateurs
of that "sport" are daily increasing in number. How
long will this last? That is the question. These
fancies" will not have long duration in France
and in Paris. 1t will be remembered that during
the Restoration there was phenomena which
was experienced during three months. All the
pretty women of Paris, when they were out
at night, used to be -stung, as if by long
needle, and none Of them were able to
detect the pigpeurs in the crowd. All the women
Of Paris were DESTROYS to receive sting, and they
irfn tha Wit faar ffa- fiS
monomania the woman with the skull head made
her apparition. 1t was said that she had income
of ,O0O0 OO francs year, and that she wanted to
find husband. After this fantastical appartion,
which occupied the minds of all the beaux of Paris
we had the "iain Of the two cent pieces" which
used to fall in the Rue Montesqrur every evening,
from nine till ten o'clock. The street was nightly
crowded from its commencement to its end, and
tie i" coppers" were picked up by the crowd, and
kept with the utmost care as " good luck pieces
But the police invaded the place, and in a short
time the q clai destine mint was shut up and was
never more opened to the public. The aeapunctme
mania came next. 1t was fashionable to have
number Of needles introduced in the calves, and to
be stung az a tricdndsca.. After this we had the
exhibition Of tie stones" thrown every evening
from the top Of house situated on the place of the
Pantheon. This fashionable "peltingn was the
rendezvous Of all the elegant people Of Paris and
everybody seemed delighted when he had received
a shower on the head. Then came the discovery Of
the sympathetic shell snas, which lasted about six
months quite long, indeed, for Frenchmen). Every
one had box OF shell snails which was operating,
like the Morse telegraph, from one end OF Paris TO
the other.
We have now the turning tables and nppings,
and those who are even now still in doubt are say
ing, as Calico" However, it moves around."
Fortunately the French nation has the reputation
of being the wttiest people in the world and
theless they are always moving--around vicious
circle.
Whilst these humbugs arc all the go in Paris, the
prices Of material life are increasing aud the meat
and bread, the indispensable part of the food Of man.
has been raised by the butchers and bakers. In the
meantime, the rent OF the houses IL progressing to
such an extent that those who have but moderate
income, do not know what to do in order 10 find
lodgings cheap enough to suit the weight Of their
purses. How long will such thing last No one
can tell.
The only fashionable fate which ! viii mention in
this gossip rTespondence Ia that given on Tuesday
last at the British Embassy, by Lord and Lady Cow.
ley in honor Of the anniversary of Queen Victorias
marriage with Prince Albert. The magnificent par.
lors Of the English hotel had been brilliantly umi
mated and decorated for the OCCASION and the garden
OF tia elegant palace had been adorned with coored
elassea which gave 70 this ball the appearance OF
fte VIa,tteane. The Princes and Processes Of the
lmptriaI feuly Lad been invited, and came TO the
rcIIczyogA III Ne distinguished BaIlishmen end