The New York herald., 1879-08-03
ROMAN GOSSIP.

THE Ex-EMpREss EUGENE INvITID TO ROME -
| AMERICAN ARTISTS PICTURE WAS STOLEN
AND RECOVERED.
| ROME. July 16. 1879.
Cardinal Bonaparte wishes ardently 10 persuade the
Empress Eugene leave England. His Eminence de-
sires that the Empress may to Rome and retire
into convent preferrns that OF the Sacred Heart,
in which q member of the family-Seur Constance
Bonaparte-died lately. after having been Supe-
rior Of the establishment for many years.
This lady granddaughter of Lucien. brother of
Napoleon l.. who married Mile. Blechanp of Mar
seilles. The convent she presided is that of
Santa Rufna, in the Trastevere district. The Car
dinars idea is that the Empress might form in Rome
q Centre OF clerical Bonapartism to oppose to the
Centre of liberal even radical Bonapartism of
Prince Jerome in Paris. 1t will be remembered that
Nine. Letitia Bonaparte, the first Emperor's mother
also passed the latter part of her life in Rome and
died in the palace the Piazza di Venezia, which
still belongs to the family ana bears their name
MOORISH AMBASSADOR.
The Romans have had the Ambassadors from Mo-
rocco to them during the Cabinet crisis. and
their fine figures and striking costumes have at
tracted crowds of spectators to the Hotel de Rome
to them on the balcony or going out for their
drive. On Sunday three court carriages with out
riders were sent to convey the Ambassador and his
suite the hotel to the Quirinal Palace for his
audience of the King. whom Hadgi-el-Arbi-el
Fraxi had brought the condolences of the Emperor
for Victor Emmanuel's death and congratulations
for his cession to the throne Several chests
OF valuable stuffs, jewels and weapons were offered
to the King in the Emperors name, be ides beauti-
tul pazelle and four splendid Moorish donkeys The
Cdp.tae sarcasticay observes that these latter per-
sonages might be found very useful in the recompo-
Of AiviSf frx
TIE STORY OF PICTURE
Everybody in Rome who takes an interest in art is
brated genre painter Penry Williams the friend and
contemporary of Gibson, Macdonald Dessoulavy
and Wyatt: and the only remaining member of that
were already honorably known here upward OF half
a century ago. Mr.. Williams still paints as well. al
though not much as he did at that period. and the
chef attraction in his studio last winter a
charming picture of figures in Neapolitan costumes
grouping around wagon, drawn by two oxen in
the joyous occupations OF the vintage. The blue
and the fortress OF Gaeta seen through the clus
tering vines, formed background Of visionary
beauty. This bijou executed for Mr.. HERMAN,
an American gentleman, long resident in Rome, but
who, being absent tor the summer had left the pic
in MIR. Williams studio. Two mornings ago
the painter had gone out tor his midday meal,
which traditional rcpast he still adhcres when
mysterious visitor found his way, nobody knows
how into the studio aud walked off with the picture,
which also handsomely framed. Great
Williams CONSERVATION when he returned from his
dinner and found his easel unoccupied His servant
could give explanation of the pictures disappear
ance. and the painter began to contemplate the
dreary alternative of either repaintng the vintage
scene, elaboratcly finished work, refunding
the 3.OOof. which he had received for it from Mr..
Herriman.
RECOVERY THE PICTURE.
He did not. however, neglect to apprze the police
authorities or his loss, and their agents hunted i'll
all over the city Ill every picture curiosity
shop likely place tor such an object to be depos
tied in. while the robbery was also mentioned in the
public papers Yesterday morning, while Mr.. Will
Jams expecting the visit of police delegate to
confer about the matter. very well dressed young
called at his studio and said that he had read OF
the robbery, and. by singular coincidence. would
be able to put Mr.. Williams into possession
of his picture again, he had found it
hidden behind cellar door in his stair
case, where the thief had no doubt hidden it
until he could conveniently remove it elsewhere.
Mr.. Williams was delighted at this news. and
for going to get the picture immediately. but his
visitor made some excuses and sat down, intending
probably bargain handsome present first,
when q ring at the bell heard and in walked the
delegate, followed by four agents The polite
of stolen goods at once seized by these gen.
tlemen. who unraveled the mystery easily, and not
only got the picture again. but also great quantity
of other valuable property which this audacious
thief had purloned in different places and concealed
in the house of "a lady with whom he seemed to be
the best possible terms.