Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-02-02
Familiar Letters from Europe.
NUMBER THREE

beautiful place. There are two flower gardens and
a grove of the finest trees, atordng one of the
most perfect summer retreats that could be desired
Its length is 2,256 feet, and its width 900 feet.
splendid iron railing with guilt spear-heads encoses
that portion Immediately in front of the palace
Chairs are furnished in every portion of it d qua
tire sous," and the gay and fashionable resort here
for the promenade; while the aged and children
frequent it for air and exercise.
1t is open for the public, from early morn, until
nine o'clock in the evening, when a company Of
soldiers march through, beating the drum, signal
that all must retire.
The palace itself, though grand and ancient,
dating from 1854 has a gloomy, dreary appear
ance; and when we think of the many traic
scenes that have taken place here, we can but re-
gre that it still stands such saud reminder of the
dark days OF France-more particularly of the re-
volution of 1889. Louis Napoleon, now occupies
it as winter residence; and owing to his presence,
all our efforts to gain admission proved useless
From all descriptions of it, judge We shall lose
much.
We have passed one day at the Louvre, the re-
nowned palace Of Museums, but one might easily
interest himself here for a week. The present
building was begun in 1928; and Louis Napoleon,
is now beautifying it and making splendid additions
The interior is divided into different museums.
but description Of them would require too much
time and space. We found more to interest us in
the gallery Of paintings, where we saw much of
merit, and much to please the fancy, and delight
the eye. None but the works of deceased masters
are admitted here; and though now fine gallery,
it was greatly superior in the time of Napoleon lst,
who adorned it with many Of the masterpieces of
Europe-more particularly Italy. But nearly all
Of them have been returned to their proper places
One chamber is devoted to the exhibition of vari-
GUS relics of Napoleon,-hs state clothes, his hat
worn at St. Helena-and great variety of other
things. Louis seems anxious and determined, that
MS uncle's name shall be remembred but no exer-
ion seems necessary, for though long since passed
away, his name is cherished not only by his own
people, but by those of every nation-whist the
multitude crowd around, eager to gaze upon some
nemento of that great man. Oh! the incon-
istency of human nature! To trample down the
wing great, but laud and magnify the Wondering
lead.
The beautiful little chapel of St. Ferdinand,
memorial of the Duke d Orleans, claimed our
office for a short time The young Duke was
brown from his carriage quite near here and ia
en- into little house where he soon after ex-
ired.
In the Chapel is fine statue of him. with an
NIGEL kneelng at his head, as if supporting him
} Heaven. The latter was sculptured by his sis
r before his DEATH
They have preserved the room in which he
ed and Immediately behind the altar, there is a
ainting representing him in his last moments, sur
'unded by the Royal family. Riding further down
Auenue Neuiliy, one may see the Chateau de
Gully" the favorite residence of Louis PHILIPPE.
We devoted a few moments to the "Chapelle
xpiatoire." Here the remains of Louis XVI and
arie Antoinnette were secreted from the mob
orchard.
On our return we passed through "la Tlace de la '
'ncorde." All the gloomy horrors of the dark
Us of the French revolution seemed to fit before
= minds eye. l could see the guillotne-that
eadful instrument Of death, surrounded by an d
urated mob, sending the poor victims by sim 8,
, stroke before their maker. Naught but the
shing Of their life blood appeasing the angry a
altitude 1t was here that Louis XVI and Marie
'tonnette suffered death; and from history we
rn that more than 1000 persons were executed n
re within two years. D.
ho could credit it, in visiting this place now h
me Of so much life and careless gaity-who in
iting this great metropolis, the great centre as it
re OF the world, the great nursery of the fine Is
s, the great source of every species of amuse- ne
mt and fashion? who, say, can realize the NJ
rible internal revolutions of the past, the heart
ldng scenes Of tumult and bloodshed that stain
history OF almost every spot in this whole "
y? ~
Oh! We gay, thoughtless Parisiens! where are %,
If hearts? where your consistency of purpose ? q
day you massacre, and tomorrow dance and -,
Ike merry-to day you overthrow monarchs, and =
morrow proclaim Republicanism on the very spot 20
ere your poor victims were slaughtered. Well =,
the ruler Of your fair country be circumspect ~
his actions-tremble beneath the weight of the "a "a
wn he wears, Start bewdered in his restless u
Fps, and rise in the morning scarce daring to OF
We he will return in peace to his closet at night Is
no; give me in preference the careless life of re
poor street sweeper, his toll, frugal meal and re-
nble home. to
Is before observed, "la Place de Ia Concorde" en-
scene of much life, and fine spacious prone ca
e; though until the reign of Louis XIV, was m
y an empty space. A splendid Egyptian obelisk ru
ught from Luxor, dating from the time Of ses- Fl
is stands in thecentre, and around the balus- Sill
les are situated twenty columns and eight collos M
statues, representing the principal provincial co
IS of France. sci
IN either side are two beautiful fountains constant su
t play. This place connects "I4es Tuieries" and
" Champs Elysees." The latter is perhaps the lie
It animated portion Of Paris, particularly pAve- an
de Neuilly," which at all hours of the day, is us
rite place Of resort. TITS said that variety is su
spice of life, and surely one may find it here. tn
oughout the groves either eide, are situated Of
; shops Of every description, toy and ginger un
I'd STALLS with "jeur de bagues," and other en- m,
ailments for the Juveniles. Nice iron chairs tn
furnished in every direction to the weary, ga all
tire sous and excellent restaurants are scatter
where the most fastidious appetite wi
be satisfied 1t is pleasing to ride through KIN
part of the city after dark when the brilancy tn,
he gas lights add charm to the whole scene thu
y have also, "Catz Concerts" where the ear pic