Morning journal and courier., 1881-08-08
Paris Illuminated.
Grand Blaze of Glory on the Dec asiOn of the National Fete.

A Grand Blaze of Glory on the Occasion
 of the National Fete.
 The 14th of July-the national fete day of France-was most grandly celebrated in Paris this year. There were 8 thousand and one sports and entertainments during the day, the crowning feature of the whole be- ing the illumination in the evening. Paris illuminated always presents spectacle of rich and varied magnifcence. It is ? ossible to give some idea of the broad stneets and spacious squares ablaze with myriads of gas jets and multicolored lights of every shape and form; but to portray to their full extent the miles of gaily decorated streets and boulevards, thronged with holiday crowd bent on carrying the national festivities into the daylight hours of the morrow, would tax the energies of 8 writer provided with seven-league boots and a pen of similar power. The principal attrac- ton within the walls of Paris was, of course, the long stretch of brilliant effulgence reaching from the ruins of the Tuileries to the Arc de Triomphe de I'Etoile. The gar dens of the ancient palace were magnifcently ornamented with double framework of wood, on which were hung thousands of col pred lampions, forming continuous and reg ular pattern of light from the round pond to the building itself, the restored paviions of which were ablaze with gas and Chinese lanterns. Surrounding the foundations were patriotic designs of the na- tional flag and the initials of the republic in thousand hues; while clusters of gaudy little lamps shone out among the green foliage of the trees Skirting the Place de la Concorde were ranged masses of tiny gas jets, com bined so as to produce the effect of huge torches casting a lurid glare around, while the Champs Elysees, with its miles of elabo- rate festoons and groups of milk white globes, maintained it's reputation as one of the most glorious spectacles in the world. The Rue de Rivoi exhibited blaze of light as far as the eyecould reach, and every build ing of importance comprised in what may be termed the west end of Paris stood out re- splendent in appropriate designs and tracings in lines of ornamental light. The several ministries were handsomely decorated, that of Justice on the Place Vendome exhibiting the codes of law in letters of fire, while the Admiralty proudly sported innumerable anchors, entwined with the initials eR. ED The Greek facades of the Chamber of Deputies and of the Madeleine church were brilliantly lighted up with gas, and the platform of the Vendome column stood out boldly against the horizon, encircled in ring of fire The outlines of the Grand Opera House were traced in gas flames, presenting daz- zling spectacle viewed from the Place du Theatre Francois, which time-honored build ing itself was arrayed in garment of light and color. The British Embassy displayed the cross of St. George, fanked by the large and small stars. Up to midnight, the streets were thronged with joyous groups of specta- tors, and the never ending strains of the ssMarseillaisen appeared likely to awaken the echoes of Paris until far into the small hours of the morning.