Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-05-27
THE CAR AND HIS PALAcE.-The Emperor

THE CAR AND HIS PALACE.-The Emperor
is man of about Sc, and on the whole very
fine specimen of humanity Hels tall, athletic
figure, though not stout. There was very
splendid view from TIE Emperor's room window.
saw long way down the river, and the docks
and Notifications were under my immediate sur
veillance. There was no want OF everything
grand and imposing; gilded flowers in splendid
vases, and galleries of the finest pictures met
our view at every step. Here, in fact was
everything that was attractive and interesting
could not help remarking very great improve
ment in these large houses in Russia over those
in England; in every part a uniform and moderate
heat was diffused. This winter palace OF the
Emperor it is impossible at all adequately to
describe, without appearing to eXaggerate. The
rcception-room is 800 feet in length, aud takes
10000 wax lights to illuminate it. Here the
collections from every department Of art on
the most magnificent scale. These seemed to
have been brought from every part Of the world
We assembled one flight of steps, which com
rriscd no less than H. every one OF which was
of solid marble, of the finest description. Here
were large number of articles in malachte,
and those who visited the great exhibition of
1851 are alone able to form any adequate con-
ception of the splendid effect which large guam
titles of this fine mineral and gold have when
brought together. The mines of Siberia, of
which the Emperor is particularly proud, are
exceedingly rich in this expensive stone. am
not very good judge of fine painting, but here
was gallery after gallery filled with paintings by
the best masters. The effect of the whole was
admiration and amazement.
There was in one of the halls a very large
vessel. which had been brought from Finland,
and which was supported On a huge pedestal,
all cut out of solid piece of granite. We were
taken to see the room of Peter the Great. Here
was everything that would suggest itself as
being of use to a great King as Peter was.
Here were many ingenious tools and other
things of his own invention, and many beau
tifully carved ornaments in ivory and wood.
On one of the tables, in plain case, was an
old steel pen, which presented a remarkable
contrast to the things by which it was surround
ed. This pen was the one which the late Duke
of Wellington used, and was sent as present
to the Emperor by the present Duke.
- NJ. Fsase's Lecture at Darlington.
ELEpHANTIc TRIcK.-When the Elephant went
up the lake on the steamer Lady Elgin, few
DAYS since, we remarked that huge traveller
might be somewhat ugly customer on board
boat 1t appears that on the passage the
wheelsman suddenly found difficulty in changing
the boats course. For, tug and pull, and bear
on as much as he would, the wheel would not
bulge an inch.
sPort helm!" cried the Captain.
"Aye, aye, sir" responded the wheelsman.
But still the helm was s'hard a starboard,"
and the boat vas taking turn into the middle
of the lake. The Captain swore. and the mate
made for the wheel house. Pushing the man
aside, he took hold himself. It was of no use
the mate was no more successful than the
wheelsman.
ssPort helm for Gods sake Can't you see
where the boat is going ?" shouted out the Cap
tain.
The mate declared that something was the
matter with the wheel, as he could not stir it.
The thing was perfectly inexplicable. The en-
CINE was stopped, and master, mate and all
hands went below to see what could be the
matter. After search of some minutes, it was
discovered that Mr.. Siam, the elephant of
the Menagerie, not liking the noisy rafting Of
chains overhead, had taken upon himself the re-
sponsibility of giving new turn to affairs"
With his trunk wound around the chain he was
holding on with the grasp of vice, and it was
with some difficulty that the keeper persuaded
him that such liberties could not be allowed.
1t is said that he behaved quite well during the
rest of the voyage.-Bufa1o Com. Adv.