The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1859-09-08
LETTER FROM LONDON.



LONDON, August II, 1859.
EDIT oRs PENNY PREsfI: Upon the arrival of
this mail you will learn that the great ytste of
Napoleon has passed, the triumphs of the
French army celebrated, and the peace of
Villafranca joyously acknowledged by all
France.
l happened to be in Paris at the time of
this Jete. A large number of Americans had
here congregated; five hundred and twenty
thousand foreigners are reported by the po-
lice to have entered Paris. Such a umber
has, perhaps, never before met OF that place
The hotels were oil full, and the prices for
every thing were eXorbitant.
Sunday, the Ash of August, 1859, is day
long to be remembered by those who spent
it in Paris. AT q very early hour the people
were about, and preparing for the day. A
great many staid up all mig hit in order TO Sc
cure seats for the morrow These were Of
the poorer class; those WHO could afford it
rented seats, and some at very high price.
Many of these, thinking their seats to be
safe, made no immediate hurry, so that when
they were ready it was founl impossible to
wade through the mass of human beings,
and thus get to them; consequently their
money and their seats wer lost. / know OF
more thar one who lost his seat by beingslow
to reach it. At eight o'clock it seemed as If
every body was out of doors and on the alert.
At ten, the procession being formed, began to
move.
A vast amphtheater had been erected in
the Place Vendome, which was decorated in
the most tasteful manner. On the western
side an immense tribune had be en- erected
forming large drawing-rCOm for the accom-
mediation of the Empress, the Prince mpe-
rial and the members Of their .Majestles
household. This was deco rated with tri-
colored flags, golden inscril 1tions and silk
velvet trimmings, gold lace, &c. 1t was
beautiful arrangement. ......,....
The Emperor left the Palace Of the Tui.
lerics at about half-past eli gllt, accompanied
by brilliant staff of Mars halls, Ge uerals anc
other officers. As he entered tl,e Place
Vendome, at the head of the pro,es. Won, h
was most warmly cheered by the PEOPLE
Here were assembled the Emp ,ress, the 'rinct
Imperial, the Princess Matt lde and Sc, era
other members of the imp rial househo Id
Her Majesty was dressed in pure white, with
bonnet and sun-shade of the same color, the
former being ornamented with tri-colored
feathers and q black ma ntelet. She pre-
sented most truly beauti full appearance, q
most perfect realization of imperial grace and
dignity. The Emperor was attired in the
uniform Of General, wesIring on his breast
the red ribbon of the L. egion of Honor, a
military medal and several other decorations.
He rode little in front Of his officers, alone,
and with head uncovered, bowling to the
masses around him.
AS he entered the place, he advanced to the
Imperial Tribune, salutin 6 the Empress first,
and then taking o seat little in front Of and
just below her, surrounded by his suite. Here
no received the troops as they passed by. To-
ward the end of the procession he again joined
in with them androde to The palace. should
| like to give you general description of the
Boulevards, the monuments and triumphal
arches erected, and the grand display Of flags,
&e. 1t was truly grand sight. But to me,
| 1t was accompanied with sad thoughts. The
extreme grandeur; but my mind was carried
far away, and thought, and pitied the widows
and orphans of the tens of thousands who fell
at Solferino and Magenta. Could the monarch
himself have witnessed their sorrows, his grand
triumphal entree might, perhaps, have been ac-
companied by at least a thought Or feeling o.
compassion. The day was won--the victory
was his, but at what O cost has it been pur-
chased?
The soldiers presented anything but pleas.
ant appearance. Their coarse dirty dress
staggering gait and profane language beto-
kened low and villianous character. The
Zouaves seem to be tho favorites of the people
And such low set of cut thro ats never saw
A leading journal truly says of them: "TheJ
certainly are the most picturesque set of despe
radoes that ever drew trigger, at least in any
modern army" T noticed that the regula
soldiers passed by almost unheeded; but thes,
zOuaves as they passed were received with
almost ungovernable bursts Of applause. Wha
thoughtl these, the criminals of their owl
country, now tho favorites Of France. Anc
here, strange as it may seem, in enlightened
France, the crescent waved above the heads o
4, 10 people, and received by them, with rapture
of applause.
T,Se fete lasted three days. The busines
house, were closed, and labor suspended; Will
;llumip. stions and fireworks and all msnne
Of amuse uents followed The Emperor gave
banquet, in which the Empress took promiren
part.
and, Of course, is attended by every form o
freedom and amusement.
J. KEITH NJ.