The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1883-08-15
EUROPEAN LETTER.

the industry OF lne gdIueneI.
EUROPEAN LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent
PARIS, July 25th, 1888.
For people so fond of military dis
play as are the Parisians the chief
attraction of to-day centred in the
review on the Long champs race
course. Thither half Paris Journey
ed, each using the means best suited
to his wish or his purse-by car
riage, train, boat, and, if not by
these, on foot. Certainly those who
faced four or FIVE mile tramp might
have done more unwlsely, seeing
that their way led through the gale
ty of the Champs Elysees and the
trimly-kept beauties Of the BOis de
Bologne. For some hours before the
appointed time of the review con-
tinuous stream of sightseers poured
into Suresnes and the open spaces
around, lunching under the trees,
staring at the handsome cavaliers of
the Garde de Paris, quarrelling with
the dictatorial policemen, and rush
ing from point to point to witness
the successive arrivals of troops. By
all the many tree-shaded roads
which led up to the race course ad-
vanced long columns of blue-coated
and red-trousered soldiery, looking
very picturesque, despite their mo
notonous uniform, as they defled
under the dense green of the foliage
above. Horse, foot and cannon de-
bouched for nearly three hours from
under these wooded highways, and
advanced to take up their position
in the wide, open plain of the race
course, forming dense masses as they
drew up in close column of compa-
MES facing the grand stand. Atlast
there was flutter of excitement as
the staff and the group of foreign of
ficers cantered down the road, and
drew up at the point where the
President was expected. The French
generals were, OF course, gorgeous in
their gold-laced blue-coats, heavy
gold epaulettes, white breeches and
high boots, with the becoming cock
ed hat over all, but even amongst
these and the crowd of Prussian,
Russian, and Austrian officers, there
was no object save the robes and tur-
ban of an Algerian officer, more con-
spicuous than the familiar and SOL
dierly red coat of an English gener-
al, who was the cynosure ofall eyes.
Standing out from the sombre habil-
iments around it, the scarlet could
be seen all over the field, a fact pleas
ing enough at a parade, but from a
strictly military point Of view a dis
advantage. After some ten minutes
delay and a short time after two
o'clock had struck, the cortege of
President Grevy began to arrive.
First came some half-dozen carriages,
escorted by a squadron of dragons,
but in few minutes more the car
riage of the chief of the Republic,
surrounded by ponderous and shin
ing cuirassiers, came along the road
at "a quick trot, crossed over to the
grass, and went straight towards the
Grand Stand without halt or delay,
followed closely by the staff. As
the carriage rolled quickly over the
vast enclosure the troops presented
arms, a salute of twenty guns
was fired, and the drums and trum.
pets of all the bands sounded fan
fare. Amidst this almost royal state
the President took his seat in his
box, while the bands changed to the
stirring notes of the "Marseillaise.
1t was to be remarked, however. that
hardly cheer was heard during the
whole time of the progress from the
immense crowds assembled, and
throughout the review none of that
enthusiasm was displayed which
like occasions elicit from an Ameri.
can gathering, and which Was still
more to be expected from so lively a
people as the French. There was nc
lack, however, of reason for excite.
ment, since General Thibaudin and
his staff having drawn up opposite
the President, the march past began
with but little delay. Gen. Thomas
led past the gendarmes, Republican
Guards, and Engineers, while Gen.
erals ROLAND, Millot and Haca did
the like service for the three infant.
ry columns. The Artillery, clumsi,
ly dressed as the men are, made an
excellent show as regards discipline
and drill under General Grexy
while the cavalry, under Gen
de Gressot, brought up the array
with the eclat that cavalry always
imparts. For what must have seem.
ed long time to the occupants OF
the crowded Grand Stand and the
weary people wedged round the
course, the troops continued their
defile, being marched off to their va.
rious destinations as soon as they
had completed their round. Even
this came TO an end at last, and the
people having seen and stared theil
fill, wended homewards as best they
could. There is something peculiar
to foreign eyes in the low average
stature of the men, their ungainly
dress, and their high stepping tramp
and irregular swinging of arms. But
as an attraction and amusement tC
the pleasure-loving Parisions it was
a decided success.
Messrs. Hisc0x d Co. call special
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