The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-06-11

been more perplexed 70 know really who and what
was. On OF the latent traits Of the President,
that had occasionally seen, was q sly love of hui
mor-and I half suspected that he was playing on
the curiosity of the jealous politicians around,
est serri, said the master OF ceremonies, in q
loud voice, and the President led the way alone to
the banquet room, his guests following IN groups.
Each psrsons place was desg I. e usual the
who sat in the centre Of the table, according to
French custom. l found myself on the right of
Count Mole. NJ. Theirs was on the left Of the Presi
dent with III. Berryer for his neighbor. General
Changarner was ris d.vis to the President Nothing
could exceed the ease, aabiy. and self possession
of the Prince No aectation in his manner, no effort
in his conversation he maintained the superiority of
his position with natural but imposing dignity. The
situation of the President was novel one-a stran-
ger to France, and but newly acquainted with her
greatest statesmen, it demanded rare combination
OF qualities, mental and moral to acquire the ascen
dsncy be had clearly obtained. Conversation at Ia
BILE went in an under tone The President quietly
ate his dinner, occasionally dropping comment
upon some remark he chose to overhear. fell
into easy chat with Count Mole, who, fancying
gave unreseryed expression to his opinions on the
strange events OF the past and the prospects just
dawning. His establishment was almost ludicrous
when proclaimed in reply the strong democratic
the time had come when something more than par
iamentary discussion was necessary to meet the de-
sire of France for material progress and that unless
the Prince and his advisers gave heed to the national
that perhaps the guf Of reyotGn D yas
lppe really seemed not to comprehend me, for SO abb
sorbed was he in Parliamentary intrigues, and so
embedded in routine, that plain common sense
sounded like the jargon of an unknown land. He
stared at me for moment, and then concluding
that was only employing lfnesse to conceal my
real opinions, went on with his repast. The Presi
dent, could see, was not unconscious OF what was
Co. tai 10 htd
amusement at the unexpected collision of staunch
monarchist of the old school, like the Count Mole,
with an American democrat who looked at facts as
they were, and at things as they ought be- About
and gave utterance to his indignation against the in
toerabe RIGHTEOUSNESS Of the press which respected
neither place nor person He called attention to
one Of the morning papers that had outraged de.
The note caught up till every one at table had
joined in the horus Of anatbema against peccant
journalism. When the tide. of sympathetic hor
ror had fairly exhausted itself every eye
was turned upon the President, whose feel
ipgs, it was hoped, might be touched, and,
above all, whose opinion on this vital point ii was
thus altfully sought to extract. The silence was
profound. The President seemed to reflect when
draining his glass of the few drops it contained he
remarked Every one, OF course has his own point Of
view. can comprehend your dissatisfaction at the
cence of the press and your anger at their violent
attacks upon myself; but, Messeur', shall own the
LIutQ Every Qedu COuNtTReU tOWdIus tuc IcSi.
dent. 9" read these diatribes," he continued, leach
morning at breakfast, and ! assure you they afford
me so much amusement, that am kept in good hui
mour for the rest Of the day." 1t was with an effort
that suppressed my mrth at the blank disappoint-
ment detected in every face around me. The din
ner ended without further incident, and the Presi
dent leading the way, before the company return
ed to the drawing rooms. joined M. Berger, whom
had not met since my arrival, and after chatting
awhile, playfuily remarked on my satisfaction a.
seeing him in the palace of republican President
He smiled significantly, whilst he added that, "in
times like these luckless politician was hardly re-
ner Mr. Brett, SO well known for his teegraphic en-
terpIse, had obtained the permission OF the Prince
to run wire through the various saloons OF the pa
lace, in order to exhibit to him some striking i'm
proyements, Jointly invented by himself and an
American associate. AS the prepar atoms were go
ing on, happened to be standing near the Presi-
dent, when n. de Montalembert came up, and with
that cynicism so Characteristic Of the man, remark
(Whatis oil that worthy pointing to the telegraph
| shall never forget the genuine look OF astonish-
ment Of the President. 'What is all that WORTH, he
repeated mechanically "Mais c'est la civii-at,on"
ioh, the fine phrase returned NJ. de Montalember,
in zeal disdain. The President said no more, but
turning, talked with Mr. Brett. When all was ready
tie President was solicited to make the first expert
ment and he wrote q single line to the effect that
NJ Berger dined at the Eysee.on = day of March,
ls49,' which was duly printed on slips, and passed
round amongst the guests. The simple use OF NJ
Berryer's name, who was accidentally standing by
when the President was called on for q phrase
threw all the politicians present, / could observe
into deep rumnation. What could it mean,
was mystery that likely cost them whole
days of perplexity. The wires were soon taken
down, and the company began rapidly to disperse
On going, l advanced to thank the President for
the honor Of his invitation, and the interest that
meeting SO many remarkable men had afforded me.
Ia return, the Prince was kind enough to express
his satisfaction at some publications of mine
during the summer Of AS, wherein l expressed my
convictions of his being called to the head of France
so positively that the French Minister at Washing
ton, N. Poussin, pronounced me quite mad. As
often happens" remarked the Prince, playfully, q
dare say you not little surprised to find all your
predictions at last 80 completely verified" How
ever that may be-" replied assure your Hghn ess
that II is fortunate for me as well as for France that
You were elected" :" How SOL" inquired the Pres
dent. Simply because foretold your success with
such unqualified confidence, that should have been
lost prophet if the event had turned out otherwise
Bidding the Prince good night, l wendell my way
home, fully occupied with my reflections. l have
detailed the incidents Of my first dinner at the Hysee
with some minuteness, with view to convey more
VIVID impression Of the actual state of things at this
interesting epoch.