Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-05-02
A COURT BALL AT TIE TUILLERIES.
The Paris correspondent of National Era thus writes:

uO L olo
Our first duty was, of course, to be presented to the host
and hostess, who were so kind and considerable as TO invite
US TO their festivities; and, finding our minister, Judge Ma
son, we were soon in train for u presentation. The Empe-
ror and Empress were late in attendance, or we should not
have been honored with an introduction. II seems-and give
Won, for once, some Court Gossip that the head dressing oil
ihs Emoress is superintendent BY the Emperor in person, and
her Majesty never appears the second time In the same
robe. On this occasion, che was somewhat disappointed,
her dress not arriving in time. In the meanwhile, when II
did at last appear, The Emperor found that the arrangement
of hair did not suit, and all had 10 be done over again. ltis
asid that the Emperor expressed himself very strongly, 10
GERMAN, French and Euglish. He arrived at the moment
we did, and Judge Mason formed our party OF Americans
in two lines, down which The Government paused, our repre-
sentative walking backwards, and calling the names slowly
as he went. In this way, | was introduced to. the LATE Louis
Napoleon and present Emperor, and The future something
else. Judge Mason-kin hearted old man, loved by every
one-did his part handsomely and well; bu, | must say, the
Emperor went through his 10 a sulnen. queer, way. l Kept
thinking of Victor Hneo's: terrible sentence "tle nus .he
much love the Americaos, and The Americans see no love
lost between them.
sons at the entertainment were Americans. One young lady
created a great sensation, as being far moro lovely than the
Empress. Another, a married lady, carried more diamonds
than a dozen French or English dare dream of-and all were
remarkable, in some respect or other. Judge Mason was
much commented upon. Tor the severe simplicity of his cos.
tune; although cut in what is called Court costume. It was
without embroidery or ornament Of any kind.
II Is singular TO read al home the severe comments OF some
of the press upon this gentleman. and know how uu-
lust they are. presume our Administration does not seek
10 control the social conduct of our Minister and socially II
is customary, when a Minister or any official is invited 10
Ql0neI OF u6SeWUly u ouUlS q VI ho poSihiOh' -
ne disiikes 10 do this, he can remain nj home but 1t he al.
Iends, let him respect the wishes OF his host. II IS very de
mocratic 10 go q la Nose, but Il gentleman appearing with
his coat OIL arm, and hat OH head, at an evening assembly,
would not be very polite or respectful, TO Say the least
Judge Mason, as representative vi our Government, was
presented ia citizens dress, and, as Minister, is always seen
in that earb. But at parties and dinners. custom has settled
the fact that he must appear a la franklin.
By the BY, there Ia quite an error at home as TO Franklin's
Court suit. We are under the impression that this good old
man, while representing our country at this Court, wore the
everyday dress Of an American citizen. Such Is not the TACT.
Mr. Soule wears at Madrid the style of dress worn by Frank
lin, and it was not then, any more than now, the everyday
wear of our citizens. The truth is, the old mans mind was
on more important matters than the cut oil his coat. While
he dealt with the destinies of nations, he left the %considera.
ton of dress 10 lesser intellects.
soon wearied of lights and music and the unmeanlng
crowd, differing 10 no respect from the thousands and thou
sands which have fitted through these sameballs. / looked
around in vain for one person whose name could serve 10
TO hold it in memory Lamartine, Victor Hugo, Sue, Du-
mas, Lamenais-
1.-THE kings Of thought who wage contention wi h their timc's decay;
And, Of the past, are all which will not pass away"
Even L)uis Napoleon wants everything to make one sus-
tain en- illusion. There is nothing in face or figure of the
BunapasIe-t the chiseled face, the clear, luminous eyes, all
the marks of genius which gave TO horrid war lis fascina.
ton. We returned, wearied, TO our little apartments, about
O'Clock, a. NJ, and l fell asleep 10 dream OF dancing at The
house OF Secretary CT in Washington, with the Empe-
TOT, while our rs q rs were the Empress and the razor. s1rop
man.