The sun., 1893-10-22

|
come unanimous and no less enthusiastic
than that Of Paris over the new bonds between
the two countries.
| IL is dificult to give an adequate idea OF the
Genuineness and depth OF affection which the
French people have developed for their new
allies. II Is easy. no doubt. to ridicule some O
ts forms OF expression. but 1t com mands re.
speet nevertheless. The extravagant fervor
with which the Russian visitors reciprocated
the welcome at first gave rise to the suspicio on
that they were quietly laughing in their sleeves
at the hosts whom they regarded as children
The event proves that the Russians are really
rs emotional and childish as tho French them-
seivea For instance. after exchanging remi.
nlscences yesterday q Russian officer ex.
claimed to his French companion:
| have been wounded on the battlefield sey-
everal times. l have always fought for Rus
sia. but 1t will be the happiest day OF my life
when fight for France"
They fell weeping into each others arms.
Ihere was no hypocrisy in the incident on
either side.
| have been endeavorine to compare the
scenes in Paris this week with the popular re-
joleinRs In London over the royal wedding in
July last. Tho English nuptial f6te was prob
ably the greatest, in point OF numbers. the
| world has ever seen, but 1t lacked certain
| fervor and Gclat which has been the most won-
derful feature Of this weeks events. London
paid homage to worthy royal favortes. France
celebrates the regaining OF national dignity
and self-respect Tho most autocratic Of sov-
ereiRns is the first to acknowledge frances
resumption OF rank among the first powers OF
the world. SO it Is not remarkable that the
gratitude Of the erstwhilo defeated nation as
suines extravagant Manifestations.
Tho greatest popular tribute was that paid
to tho visitors at the torchlight parade on
Thursday night The procession itself was of
little interest. but tho part taken by the vast
multitudes Of common people was somethipp
worthy OF page in French history Fully
2.0OO.OOO persons Joined In tho marvellous
demonstration. All Paris was on the boule.
wards and with one object
1t Is easy to say that the lengths to which
women. especially. went in testifying theft az
lection for the warm-hearted Russians were
silly and absurd: but they did not seem so to
the spectators, who caught the strange affec-
tion OF the hour. Perhaps those honest
women who held up their faces to be kissed by
the officers OF the Gar. blush to-day atthe
recollection. but am more than inclined to
think they are still proud Of the memory.
1t seemed strange to hear the revolutionary
notes of the Marseillaise from Russian lips.
but we are told that the Russian crews prac-
tised the seditionary music on the way to Tou-
sian officers have been buying freely OF con-
traband political literature since they arrived
in France.
1t was really great relief to all concerned
when orders came from the Gar yesterday
forbiddinR Russian officers to take part in any
more festivities pending the obseauies of
Marshal MacMahon. Admiral Avelan and his
subordinates are almost physical wrecks.
There is no toll SO arduous MS the kind of
selves in the past eight days. To-day. there
fore. has been devoted principally to rest. To-
morrow's merrymakinG also has been can
celled. and only the funeral OF their former
enemy will occupy their time.
king was never buried with greater pomp
than will attend the obseQuies Of the dead
General and former ruler OF the French re-
public. The grief OF France will be no less i'm
posing than her joy has teen. Millions will
march in or view the funeral procession. No
ex-President Of France survives. and the occa-
sion will be one OF peculiar sadness to the
present Chief Magistrate. whose i'll health is
causing the keenest anxiety to his friends.
Even the political excitement OF the week
and the loss Of MacMahon have not made less
keen the nations afllicton over the death OF
Gounod. The aged composer had long been
feeble and freely declared that he knew his
end was near
1t Is interesting to record that although the
opinion is universal that Faust" was his
operatc masterpiece. yet such was not the
idea OF the composer himself He ranked
"Polyeucte" above all his other works. and 1t
was his greatest grief that 1t failed. The VEN
erable musician had long buried himself
among his beloved roses and geraniums
until the moment the fatal stroke fell upon
him.
Emperor Williams words at the unveiling OF
the statue OF his grandfather at Bremen, on
Thursday. are interpreted to mean that there
has not been any reconciliation between him
self and Prince Bismarck. London and Paris
believe the words in which he said that
Emperor William l, had found great men who
should share in the honor OF carrying out his
ideas. and cooperating with him as his council.
lors." were intended as slur upon the ex-
Chancellor.
The present Franco Russian craze Is sure to |
have certain effects upon the whole social |
world. which takes the cue from Paris. Thus |
samovar is taking the place OF the o'clock |
tea and caviare Is becoming fashionable |
dish. The Russian waltz 10 sure to be the ball |
room craze OF the coming winter. and other |
Muscovite institutions are being rapidly intro
duced here.