Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-12-06

Our European Letter.

LONDON, Eng, Nov. 81, 'S2.
Two of the events of the present week
go to prove that the wise provisions of
nature, which favor the survival of the
flttest. are not carried out in an artificial
state of existence. The saturnalas Of the
9Th and OH Of November die hard, and
although the ceremonies of Guy Fawkes
and Lord Mayors show have been shorn
of much of their original pomp, sufficient
remains of both TO show the conservative
instincts of the British nation. The prob.
abilities are that, amongst the thousands
OF boys who delight in letting off squibs
and crackers on the 5th of November, a
very few have any intention of protesting
against the gunpowder plot, and, in the
same way, but fraction of the crowd who
line the streets TO stare at tho Lord Mayor
have any partially for the corporation or
its representative. The dirty. sodden,
limp effiiges of unpopular characters
which are dragged about tho streets of
Of London bear about as much resemblance
to the originals as the extravagant, guz.
zling corporation does to model munici>
pal government. Both have outlived their
primary uses so long as to be incapable of
improvement without being swept away
altogether. Both are outrages in the
common sense of the nation, and more
especially of the metropolis, which is
anxious to see the last of such intolerable
nuisances. 1t is not too much to hope
that the time is not far distant when Guy
Fawkes' celebration and Lord Mayors
show will be swept irio the limbo of obliv-
ion which has closed over Barthenuy fair
and other similar fooleries.
The banquet at Guildhall in the evening
was a far more br liant affair. Covers
were laid for thousand guests, and some
of the most distinguished men Of the day
honored the new Lord Mayor with their
presence. Mr.. Ola lstone was If great
force, and contrasted the present state of
public affairs with their position two years
ago. He spoke with enthusiasm of the
manner in which England has asserted
her rights and sustained her power, and he
alluded hopefully &c the impl owed condi
ton of Ireland. Earl Granville also made
an excellent speech and spoke with grea
confidence as to the future of Egypt and the
| Of ,-J I'm f"arip
There is plenty to amuse in the eatrl-
cal way just now. "Much Ado About
Nothing" is a hit such rs was never seer
at the Lyceum. Every day the place
looks like beseiged bank whose credi
has received blow, Applicants for seats
come in carriages, in cabs, on foot, in batl
chairs, by every means of locomotior
known. Policemen are stationed to form
coming and departing lines and to proven
confusion. Every night the house is !
picture of splendor, both in front and bacl
. of the footlights. Shakespeare charming
comedy was never more highly rclishcd
G though several of the most prominent
characters are very poorly played Th
Doqbcrry and VcrgeS arc mere shadows
so come and so depart. Irving purposel
I keeps their fun down in order to throw
/ out the wit of Benedick and Beatrice tn
more.
e Asa street, the Strand holds uniqu
e position, being, as rule, the most throng
< ed W hen all other London streets are tn
e most deserted. Being, too, the very cent?
u of the playgoing world, thousands of visi
+ tors from all parts nightly congrcgate
S this locality. Restaurants and publ
i houses abound in all directions hereabout
t to meet the legitimate dem lnds OF thi
a mighty influx of people. Something els'
unfortunately abonnds in more than equa
proportion, and the scenes nightly witness
ed are disgrace to any city with tn
Il most remote claims to civilization. Lon
n familiarity with the frightful blashcmie
= and disgusting behaviour of the womc
r, who frequent the Strand seems to hay
d bred the utmost contempt in the minds
J. the police authorities to the vie hidoou:
II ness of the scene taking place under the
Re noses. No other capital in Europe wouI
y tolerate hundredth part Of the disgrace
IF full display of vice which makes he S.rar
e impassabe to decent women an childre
a without having their eyes and cars FOUL
outraged. AUGUST