The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-07-18

demonstration of patriotism. 1t seemed
as though the one pulse of the nation
were beating, all feelings and sentiments
were strained to one subject, and like
the harmony of grand music, it had
lifted them to q higher sphere.
AT about three o'clock in the day tho
cannons began booming, and the firing
SO guns was heard for over an hour.
The principal part of the fete, that which
is dear to the heart of every Frenchman,
took place in the evening, when Paris
feemed one blaze of light. All Paris
was in the street on that night-all the
concierges, b0nnes, cooks, and that class
of people, who rarely move away from
their portcochere, were plodding their way
from one boulevard to another, past the
place de rOpera and up the Champs
Elysees, in order to get a sight of the
grand Examinations. Not only the side
walks, but the whole of the street, was a
mass of human beings moving in oppo-
site directions, some leading children by
the hand, others carrying them on their
shoulders, and all holding closely to each
other for fear OF being separated i'll the
dense crowd. The stream of lights above
and the tread Of the people rubbing
against each other, all talking in sub
dued voice. produced a strange and
startling effect. Many of the houses
looking out on the boulevards and priu-
cipal streets were illuminated with two
and three rows of gas burners placed
very close together. Upon Gambetta's
hotel in blazing letters could be read La
Republiqae Franchise. Flags of all ma
tious arranged in semi-circular form
waved from the roof of the entrance into
the court, and it was pleasant to perceive
that the American flag which was placed
next to the French flag wound its folds
around il with true sisterly affection.
| The most curious sight was the Place de
| l'Opcra, which was made as light as day
by the electric lights. Every square
inch of ground WAS occupied by dense
mass of people which did not move but
remained stationary as though awed by
| the scene before them. a vast number
of persons from the provinces had ar
rived that day and many of them were
no doubt seeing for the first tine the
wonderful effect of the electric lights.
The Opera House was magniticently
Illuminated by rows of gas burners at
the top which encircled it like bands of
fire, and the bronze figure holding The
golden Tyre was lighted up by an cleo
trio burner which instantly changed po-
sition and gave to the marvellous statue
new expression. The windows of the
foyer looking out on the street were
drapei in crimson velvet trimmed with
gold and filed with handsomely dressed
spectators. The flight of broad steps
leading up to the entrance of the house
was covered with people crowded to-
gether and standing erect, bathed in this
marvellous light so that from the centre
of the square they suggested visions of u
celestial choir, such as pictured by the
inspired pencil of Gustave Dore. Few
conveyances of any kind were to be seen,
and those who were foolish enough to
venture out in carriage were like SO
many prisoners, for the crowd was so
dense the horses could not make the least
Roadway. A gentleman visiting Paris
decided on attending the opera Of
Il 'Africaine," given at the Grand Opera
House, and although he started from his
hotel before half past seven o'clock, he
succeeded in reaching the Opera House
only at half-past ten.
The Champs Elysees was beautiful
sight, and the garden of the paldis as it
is still called was place of enchantment
with its Venetian lanterns and numerous
sky rockets. The fete was kept up until
two o'clock the following morning and
all cafes and restaurants by special order
were kept open until that hour. The
streets we're all 50 illuminated and 50
filled with people that Time himself be-
came somewhat bewildered, and when
twelve o'clock arrived, he thought he
had unconsciousy jumped two hours.
The fete was grand success and when
the Parisians sought their pillows that
night it was with feelings of satisfaction
and contentment with both themselves
and the entire world.
This Exposition is pronounced to be
different from any of the preceding ones
which have taken place at Paris mas
much as it bears on its face the stamp of
Republicanism, of earnestness and seri-
business. The spirit of progress seems to
have insinuated itself with the princi
plies of liberty in the heart and mind of
the French, and they have called to-
getber the different nations that they may
learn all that will improve their condition
and further advance them on the road to
perfection. The French are poor colon
izers, unwilling travellers, and instead Of,
like Peter the Great, going forth to
ga her the wisdom collected by other
nations, they act with characteristic in
dolence and bid the East and West,
North and South pour GU. their treas
ures before them that they may judge
and learn