New-York tribune., 1867-07-17

was certainly splendid scene. On the platform to
the right and left of the thrones on which the
Emperor and Empress sat, were princes and
prncesses of all degrees among whom were Clo-
tide Murat Marie of Russia, Arthur OF England
Humbert Prince of Monaco, Prince and Princess OF
Saxonv, the Dukes of Cambridge, OF LeuchtenDerg
Duke and Duchess Of Aosta, Prince OF Orange Grand
Dulc and Duchess of Baden, Count and Countess OF
Flanders Count and Countess dAquila. the brother
of the Tacoon The Sultan wore no ornament eX-
cept the Cross of the Legion of Honor and was the
least decorated person on the platform.
As soon as the platform occupied, and the
yiyas ended, the immense band of thousand mstru-
ments struck up the hymn composed by Rossini for
the OCCASION 1t consisted of grand overture, fol-
lowed by vocal parts When the voices ceased, the
instruments entered upon grand march, which is
the most impressive part of the composition. AT
certain point of the music there had been introduced
new instruments never before, l suppose,
heard in any orchestra: these were, firstly,
enormous bells placed outside of the building,
and secondly cannon. Rossini had actually written
in the piece notes for these strange instruments ana
the performers upon them sat with telegraph-bat-
teres for keys Touching these the great bells rang
outside and by wires also the cannon thundered OUT
their notes the whole producing such an effect that
the audience lifted as by whirlwlnd OF enthu-
siasm, amid which the musical performance term,
mated ANY special criticism of this latest WORK VI
the great composer, who present with his lrlenu
Felicien David during the performance would be out
of the question at this time.
Then came forward NJ Rouher and read the report
of the Grand Commission on Prizes. Immediately
thereafter the Emperor arose. looking, 1t seemed to
me. somewhat troubled. WAS it that he had too
much reason to believe the telegram which he had
read but the people had not concerning the fate OF
the young Prince he had induced to go ont to Mexl-
co p He speaks decidedly well His voice is clear
distinct and his address was actually, so far as
could learn heard i'll every part OF the vast building
Then the distribution of the prizes began. There
was the keenest curiosity to see the more eminent re-
cipents of prizes, especially the leading artists VINO
have so long been covering the walls of the salons of
Paris with beautiful forms and colors. The fortunate
artists were all present with the exception OF kaul-
bach and received their prizes in person. First was
called ND the leading Professor Of the Academy, Caba-
mel short thck-set man with young face, but gray
hair; man, one would say of the beaten track OF
tireess patience, energy, artistic orthodoxy but
without genius Then Gerome, young, back-haired
and black-eyed man, but looking pale and thin as
ghost He had apparently came from dying
bed to receive his honOrs. Messonier
is small active, like an Italian; his move
ments were of a military exactness. lhe audl-
ence seemed astOnished at the lowness of the prize
gwen TO Yela for his great statue of the Last Days
of Napoleon l." which everybody has been talking
about and which, hear the Emperor has purchased.
The chief sensations were produced when the young
Prince Imperial with considerable grace started for
ward to take his fathers place and award his Majesty
the gold medal for the best model of labOrers cot
tage, which the Commission had awarded him; and
when meek old Roman frar Father Seechi, whose
meteorological and astronomical clock is the wonder
of the scientific world, forward most humbly to
receive gold medal and to be decorated with the
Cross of the Legion OF Honor.