The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-15

Visit Of the Prince OF Wales TO New
forh-Grand Metropolitan Banquet.
we invite attention 10 the proceedings Of
meeting held yesterday, at the Merchants
Bank, TO consider the character of the compli-
ment which it would be proper to offer to the
Prince of Wales on the occasion of his visit to
New York. The call emanated from some half
dozen gentlemen occupying foremost posi-
ton amongst our citizens for their wealth and
influence, and it wss responded to in manner
which not only marked the interest taken in
the subject matter Of the requisition, but the
confidence felt by the public in the individuals
whose names were attached to it. The at
tendance comprised an unusually large repre-
sentation Of our mercantile aristocracy, and the
utmost eagerness was manifested to render
whatever demonstration might be agreed upon
in every way worthy of community which is
second to none in intelligence, activity, enter
prise aud all the other elements of commercial
greatness.
Consistently with the business habits aud prac-
ticai character of the gentlemen who assumed
the initiative in this matter, ii took but few
words 70 arrange programme which promises
to give full effect to the opinions SO frequently
expressed in this journal. In view Of the dis
grace brought upon our community by the
shameless proceedings of the Aldermen and
their friends at the Japanese ball, all civic CO.
operation was ignored, and the arrangements
confded to gentlemen whose social and COM
rnorciol ofapdlun off that vuo
shall have nothing to blush for in connection
with an event which will naturally excite
great deal of attention and comment abroad
In order that all the political benefit of which
il is susceptible may be derived from it, it was
resolved that the demonstration should be of
character to elicit a free and genial interchange
of sentiments between the statesmen of the two
countries who may be enabled to take part in
it. With this view it was agreed that grand
banquet OF the Academy of Music would be the
most proper and fitting expression of the sense
entertained by the citizens of New York Of
the compliment conferred upon them by the
Princes visit No less than ten committees
were appointed to carry out the different ar
engagements consequent upon this decision. One,
composed of Messrs. W. D. Astor, Jno. A. King,
W. F. Hsvemeyer, Robt. B. Minturn, Hamilton
Fish. Wilson G. Hunt and Robert L. Kennedy
was instructed to proceed to Canada to tender
the invitation to the Prince. Another is to
90 to Washington to invite the President
and the members of his Cabinet. The re-
naming committees are to have charge of
all the details connected with the banquet,
upon which no expense is to be spared.
The decorations are to be of the most gor-
geors description. the parquette of the AGA
denny is to be boarded over, and the tables ex-
tended from the balcony to the end of the
stage. On the arrangements for cooking, seve-
raj thousand dollars are to be expended, the
building being deficient in all the requirements
which the entertainment of such large num-
Der of people necessitates. The boxes are to be
almost entirely devoted to ladies, and the effect
which the presence of 40 many beautiful and
elegantly dressed women will impart to the
scene will be unusually brilliant aud dazzling.
In the many ovations to which the young heir to
the British throne is destined In the course Of
the splendid career that lies before him, be will
probably never receive any that will leave a
more agreeable and intoxicating impression
upon bis mind. BE may, perhaps, derive from
1t the conclusion that republican simplicity is,
after all. not such very severe and selfdeny-
ing condition of things as he has been taught
10 believe.
II is proper to add that, although this
banquet originates with the merchants, Its man.
agement is not to be confined to that body
The list of the general committee embraces
gentlemen Of all the different professions as
we'll as commercial men. This Is a. II should
be. 1t will prevent the spirit Of jealousy from
marripg the effect of compliment which Is
intended to be the spontaneous tribute of a
whole community.
1t is the intention of the Managing Committee,
we understand, to invite General Scott to pre-
side on this occasion. No better selection
could be made than that of the 6rst soldier of
the republic, whose gallant deeds have gained
for him q world wide reputation, and whose
cool judgment and conciiatory spirit have so
frequently ELECTED warm eulogiums from
British statesmen. From no lips can the words
of welcome and of friendly greeting fall more
on the ear Of the young Prince, and
We only trust that the gallant chiefs occupa-
tons and health will permit him to discharge
the duties which the committee seek TO impose
upon him.
The judicious and discriminating spirit In
which these arrangements have been entered
upon inspires us with the fullest confidence a.
10 the manner In which they will be carried
put Unless unforeseen obstacles should pre-
vent themselves to mar the plans Of the gentle
men who have the management Of 1t, this ban
luet will, we predict be one Of the most bril-
liant and memorable ever given to Prince or
Kaiser.
THE PrScruALrrr or RoYALrr.-A remarka-
BILE popularity in the tour Of the Prince OF
Wales through the British Provinces Is the