The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-21

ana poure1 down upon the brilliant scene the
glow OF warmth and light that was needed
70 bring out the wonderful wealth OF colors dis
played on the waters OF the canal
THE ooRTEGE ON TIE GRAND cANAL-A BRILLIANT
SCENE.
the silent highway OF she Grand Canal Is es-
pcclany adapted, from its picturesqueness ana
beauty, 70 the production OF scenic displays by day
or night, when rival in magnincence the most
gorgeous pageantries OF the stage. No theatrical
artifce can produce the splendid effects OF water
reflection when the rich marble facades ana the
delicate carvings are multiplied IN a thousand
rpples and bits OF rich color are deepened and
nourished in strength by the wonderful repetition
IN toe broad belt OF quiet water that winds
through Venice, the great artery or the city, one
long gallery OF architectural monuments ana
artistic combinations OF form and color. The
canal is succession OF pictures OF rare beauty,
even under the most uniavOrable aspect One
strip OF bright bunting will give luxurious ap-
pearance TO the most decaded palace 'front.'
for In ts moist atmosphere It's harsh
tone Is subdued and mystlled and the charitable
canal flashes up a reflection that transforms calico
TO eramolsy velvet; the commonest stufs 10 the
richest draperes SO the neglected lacaaes,
gradually falling into the sea- become in the pearly
mist OF the Grand Canal stately fronts with all
their original perfection OF architecture. In the
presence or the charming scene one forgets that
It's glory Is but hollow and that behind this oeauti-
iul exterior is hidden as much decay and neglect,
NTH and accompanying wreIchedness as centres
in other Italian cities.
THE GRAY MORNING LIGHf
on Monday saw the canal nuttering from the ram
way station TO the royal palace, with myriads OF
fags and draperies. Every WINDOW was hung
with lively coors; iacades bristled with Gagstans
IN tha viii nd
door. Beautiful velvet and damask curtains were
looped along the Gothic balconies, hair hiding
the richness OF the stone work with the graceful
folds OF the stun. and furnishing rich lodges tor
the ladies', whose splendid costumes added 20 the
brllancy or the decorative effect. some or the
best palaces brought out their store or deep
toned OLD tapestries and covered the water front
with these faded pictures or former Venetian
opulence; others draped vita bunting and bits OF
colored cloth the angles AMI projections rom the
ROOF to the waters edge. The surface o. the canal
palpitated with lruity reflections or ali these ut
tering bits OF lively color, and tho SHINING prov OF
the gondola seemed TO cut through
RIVER or LIQUID GEMS.
It was a most exqulstey beautiful scene, and
one never TO be forgotten. Every craft that could
noat seemed to be on the canal. Tiny canoes
shaped ike fish; long, black, low-lying slndoie;
the graceful jaunty gondoas With bright steel
PROV; ugly old sc WIS and the fishing boats from
the Chioggia huge galleys full OF happy yene-
tians-all these formed an irregular, never-ending
procession, that began 10 move up the Grand
Canal long before the Emperor was expected 10
arrive. All along the rtras, clustered on the steps
OF the water doors, perched on the moorlng posts.
crowding the windows and blackening the decks
OF every craft that was moored 10 the bank,
swarmed patient jolly crowd, ready to applaud
every novelty IN the line OF boa: or dress. as
the multitude OF craft skinned past.
The clouds hung low as tie distant boom or
cannon announced tho arrival or the imperial
train at Mestre, and along the canal swept low
HUN or EXPECTATION.
long silence, broken by occasional chaf1ng
matches with passing boatmen, and the enthusi-
astIc Italians broke out into louder murmur or
applause as cannon announced the meeting OF the
two sovereigns At the station. The excitement
began. People chartered ana gesttculated and
grew noisy as they 90 before the curtain rises at
the theatre, AMI they seemed quite In the mood TO
receive the visitors as they would
new spectacular drama on the stage Gradually
a louder murmur, increasing and drawing nearer,
told OF the approach Of the cortege and the clouds
began 10 clear away, the surface or the canal re-
nected bright sun, and. as the first royal gon-
oolas rounded the last bend OF the canal. the
splendor OF Italian sunshine broke full upon them.
closely behind them were seen advancing in state
the high gilded bows OF the municipal barges or
ossone, which formed the special escort OF honor.
Twelve OF these long barges OF different colors.
each propelled by eight oarsmen dressed In cos.
tunes in harmony with the decoration, formed q
CIRCLE OF HONOR
about the royal gondola whlca bUre the two mon
archs. This group OF barges swept swiftly past
IKE a shining phantom: the water splashed mu-
scally, the tinsel decorations rusted IN the wind,
and from the dazzling confusion Of sparkling
ornamentation, rich dresses, clouds OF banners
and ranks OF painted oars rising and falling in
quick measure, It was difflcult 10 separate thc
modest black gondaa. the nucleus or the galaxy,
where the green plume and tho white waved side
by SIDE. This boat was decorated simply, but
with exquisite taste on each side on the gun
vale we're blue velvet cushions, with edglngs or
rich Venetian glass aud silken guards held no by
snyer sea horses. The seat ana interior, as well
a. a large cushion behind the royal nersoua res
supporting the gded regal crown, was covered
with fine blue velvet. SILVER nguyes beautifully
modelled. supported the back OF the seat, aud the
four oarsmen we're costumed n jackets or blue
velvet ana brcecncs OF red plush. the decora-
lions OF
were 100 varied and too complex TO admit OF
complete description, but sketch OF a
few OF the most prominent win give an
idea or the whole. All we're long, Low
aud narrow, vita bow ana stern rising
TO a height OF eitht or tea feet. A
fantastic awning in front covered rich couch,
on which reposet one 81 the municipal autnor-
ties with speaking trumpet; on the raised stern
stood the steersmau with his oar. One Of the
finest barges was painted delicate blue, marked
ont with silver, ana the oarsmen wore blue,
slasned with white. Tho stern rose IN graceful
scroll work, ana the Prov bore various devices
and serrated horn. above which pcrched large
butterfly, With body or silver and wings ofpainted