The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-06-29
MOVEMENT OF OCEAN STEAMERS
TO ARRIVE
From Paris Cor Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, ]
PARISIAN GOSSIP

Apropos of fashions, there has lately arisen some
difficulty in the important of ribbons and no
less parsonage than the Empress has been request
ed to resolve it, The question is whether plain or
figured ribbons shall have the preference In a
country where a bit of ribbon is even to men of
sense and intellect often question of vital mpor-
tance, 1T may be imagined it is less with the
ladies. We lately heard Viscount-a real bona tida
ST. Germain nobe-charged by friend with pursu-
ing with too much zeal every prince and potentate
In order to obtain decoration. 81 will continue
to solicit one until succeed in getting it." replied
NJ de T" ''its the only bit of ribbon in the
button hole that distinguishes the male guests from
the servants at sOiree, since the ridiculous
fashion came in of having walters in black coats
and white cravats to hand around the refreshments
"W hen the fellows lay down their trays for a mo-
ment, you cannot tell them from the crowd of mute
gentlemen in similar attire" NJ. de T. will not
have this complaint to make next winter as a
change has been introduced in many houses this
winter; the servants not in livery wore brown
olive, and other colors in lieu of black and it is
expected the fashion will be universally adopted
But we are depressing from the great question of
the ladies' ribbons. When one fashion dethrones
another, the change necessarily entails diminuton
OF the gains OF one class of producers in the same
ratio that 1t increases those of another. Since the
adoption of plain ribbons, the prosperity of that
branch of trade carried so extensively at st.
Etenne, has greatly decreased so much so that the
manufacturers have petitoned the Empress, pray
ing that she will by the powerful influence of her
example, again raise the figured ribbon to that
high place in the favor of her subjects from which
it has recently fallen. The Empress has graciously
promised to wear the same henceforth
But while her Majesty thus gives to the toilette
of the Parisienne the stamp of her own excellent
taste, at the same time that she grants to manufac
turers the patronage so indispensable to trade her
heart is filled with far different cares her beneyo-
lent solictude for those in real trouble or dancer
never wearies, and Lieutenant de Mercy is another
instance OF her active compassion. In his case not
wthstanding the kindness of her Majesty's nten-
tions, it may be doubted whether they have not
rnlSsa thn tfat,n h.,
obtained, must be far more terrible than the oriUi
nal sentence to the unfortunate man. and rather
than have suffered it, had one spark of honor re-
mained in him, he would have "held his breath and
so died" How mana Frenchman-a soldier
could be found willing to accept of life on such
terms, is indeed strange Wesay Frenchman, be-
cause they do not look on suicide with the horror il
inspires in some other countries and usually prefer
it to such terrible dishonor.
When the Comnlissaire Imperial, addressing the
condemned, alluded to the mercy of the EMPRESS
to the breaking of his sword and to the possibility
that at some future day he might, purified by a
long and painful expaton, obeying the instincts of
his race, draw another sword in another land the
prisoner shed few tears Hitherto his counter
ance had exhibited no emotion, and his appearance
was unchanged.
At ~ o'clock, M. de Mercy was escorted by a
detachment of soldiers of the line and gems d'armes
to the Place Bellecour, Lyons) where the troop
was under arms. He was then placed in front of a
battalion OF his regiment and the sentence and its
communication were read to him. The commandant
de parade, approaching him, said:
"Louis Charles Edward de Mercy, you are un-
worthy OF serving in the French army; in the name
OF the Emperor l degrade you" .t..lE
The prisoner was then delivered to the senior
sergeant OF the 18th of the line who tore from his
KEPT the gold lace, the insignia of his rank his
epaulets from his shoulders, cut the buttons from
his uniform and finally broke his sword and threw
the fragments at his feet. . I-sf
When the sergeant laid his hand on the prisoner
epaulet the unhappy man raised his own by sud
and energetic impulse, as though to defend it, but
listessly again. That man of his birth and posi-
tion could survive this shame is incredible.
The troops then filed off before the prisoner,
who was taken back to the gaol of ST. Joseph
treat crowds had assembled on the place and lined
the way to and from the prison. The attitude Of
Al. de Mercy was calm; his youthful appearance
and good looks added painful interest to this terri
! hla