Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-01-29
The Gorgeous Time that Wales IS
Having In India.

DLSpOlcIltS 10 me LO1et11l ItffbSs.
BFNAREs, Jan. 5.-The Prince of Wales
attended by Sir j. Strachey and suite, after
levee and reception Of the Delhi princes,
and various addresses to the headquarters
camp, drove into Benares, and laid the fOun-
datlon stone OF new hospital, battling for a
brief space TO hear the native pupils under
the care Of the Church Mission sing. The
children presented some lace as a present
for the Princess of Wales, which was gra-
ciOusly accepted. The Prince then visfted
the Rajah of NiZianagram. and inspected
the town hall, which has been built by the
rsjah in commemoration OF the Duke Of Ed
inburgh's visit Thence the Prince pro-
ceeded TO the Hindoo temples, which had
been previously cleared of all persons but
the guardians to the Durga monkey. Every
precaution had been taken that prudence
demanded. The people were silent, but very
respectful.
Before sunset the Prince embarked in
handsome galley, which was towed by q
steamer to Ramnagar, four miles up the
River Gauges, where the Maharsjah OF
and garlanded landing stage The river
bank was blazing with the discharges OF
artillery, which Numbered from the para
pets, while the battlements were illumi-
mated. The Prince and the Msharajan were
borne in gold and silver chairs, on mems
shoulders, up the ascent from the river TO
the castle gate, between lines Of matchbox
men and cavalry. Elephants marched on
the left and SOwar camels on the right, pre-
ceded by macebearers, spearsmen, aud ban
neTs, accom- panied by very wild music; Sill
yer flambeauX and torches were held by
people stationed on the parapets. The walls
and river banks were all lighted up as in
broad day.
Before the gateway the Maharajah's in
fantry was drawn up, thanked by men in
aTmor. There was also grand line of ele-
plants in the courtyard, Tearing gold and
silver howdahs. In another courtyard were
assem- led crowds Of officials and retainers.
The Maharajah led the Prince up stairs to
the Durbar, where, after brief conversation,
the servitors laid many examples OF gold
bT0caded Dacca muslin shawls at the
the Prince 10 room where other beautiful
presents were laid out for his acceptance. In
q third room banquet was laid out, which,
however, was left untouched.
The party then mounted to the castle par
apet, where q most marvellous scene pre-
multitudIpous tiny lamps. flowed at the foot
OF the castle, as though q starry sky were
passing between banks OF gold. The Prince
enjoyed the spectacle very much, and then
farewell flights Of rockets and other IRE
works were discharged The firing OF artil-
lery was continuous, and there were innu-
merable IRE balloons. But greater still, II
such were possible, was the beauty of the
illuminated city OF Benares, two miles OF
terraces rising from the water level to the
temple and shrine, every foot of which was
lit up with Oil lamps. The river was fecked,
as it were, with fire. and every minaret and
mosque and line of masonry in the temple
was marked out in light. Myriads OF peo-
pie, whose figures were set in blackness
against the vivid sheets Of flame, presented
almost q demoniacal aspect The magnif-
tcent display evoked repeated EXPLANATIONS
Sir John and Lady Strachey and family at
Ramnagar. Thence they drove TO the camp
10 dinner. q distance or nearly six miles, bat
all the road was brilliantly illuminated.