صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني

OPENING OF THE NEW LONDON BRIDGE.

At the end of the stairs were placed two splendid union jacks, of rich silk, and of immense size, but they were not unfolded until a few moments before the arrival of the Royal party.

The Royal Family and their Majesties suite assembled at the Palace about two o'clock, and at a quarter before three the grand procession, consisting of twelve carriages, was formed in the gardens of the Palace. The King, who appeared in the Windsor uniform, entered the last carriage, accompanied by the Queen, the Duchess of Cumberland, and the Duchess of Cambridge,

At three o'clock the hoisting of the Royal Standard of England over the centre of Somerset-house announced the arrival of their Majesties. The signal was received with loud huzzas from the crowds on the water and at both sides, and was followed by discharges of cannon of all sorts from the wharfs and barges. A guard of honour, of the Foot Guards, with their band, and also the bands of the household troops, were in the square of Somerset-house, and received their Majesties on their arrival, the bands playing the national anthem, which was responded to by loud and continued cheering from the surrounding crowds.

When the King and Queen appeared on the steps descending to the platform from which they were to embark, the cheers were renewed so as to be almost deafening. Their Majesties graciously acknowledged the compliment by bowing repeatedly to the assembled multitudes. His Majesty looked extremely well, and descended the stairs with a firm step, declining the aid of the proffered arm of one of the lords of

his suite.

Upon his Majesty's arriving opposite the barges, the band struck up, “God save the King;" and the discharge of cannon seemed to attract the attention of his Majesty, who graciously condescended to acknowledge the compliment by taking off his hat. Between Southwark and London bridges the scene on the river, at both sides, was equally grand with that above Blackfriars.

The procession moved very slowly along in its way down, from the very considerate wish of their Majesties that all those in the line should have a full opportunity of seeing the royal party. In consequence of this slow progress, it was past 4 o'clock before the royal barges reached the Bridge. The coup d'ail from the Bridge was of a novel and striking character.

Shortly after 4 o'clock, the loud and general cheering from the river gave signal

419

of their Majesties' approach. Every body rushed to the side of the Bridge. A royal salute was fired from the brig stationed off Southwark Bridge, the shouts from the people on the river increased, the bells of the churches struck up a merry peal, and in a few minutes the foremost of the royal barges was discovered making its way through the centre arch of Southwarkbridge.

It is impossible to give any notion, by description, of the enthusiastic cheering which accompanied their Majesties from Southwark-bridge to the landing-place at London-bridge.

Their Majesties proceeded to the top of the stairs without resting, although sofas had been placed on the landing-places for the use of their Majesties in case they should feel themselves fatigued with the long ascent. His Majesty walked up the tremendous flight of steps without the slightest appearance of fatigue.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, the sword and keys of the city were tendered to his Majesty by the Lord Mayor. His Majesty was graciously pleased to return them to the Lord Mayor, and to signify his wish that they should remain in his Lordship's hands. The chairman of the committee then presented his Majesty with a gold medal, commemorative of the opening of the Bridge, having on one side an impression of the King's head, and, on the reverse, a well-executed view of the new Bridge, with the dates of the present cere mony and of the laying of the first stone.

[ocr errors]

As soon as these formalities were com→ pleted, and the whole of the royal party had assembled in the Pavilion, their Majesties proceeded to the end of the Bridge amidst that most grateful music to a monarch's ears, the enthusiastic plaudits of a people. Their Majesties were attended by their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Cum. berland and Sussex, and by the principal members of the royal family. The officers of the royal household, nearly all the ministers, and a vast number of the nobility, and of the members of the House of Commons, composed the royal procession. Among these were Sir Robert Peel and his lady. In going to and returning from the Surrey end of the Bridge, their Majesties threw medals to the spectators on each side.

[ocr errors]

As soon as it was announced that their Majesties were approaching the Bridge, Mr. Green had caused his balloon to be filled, and, just as the Royal procession reached the Surrey side of the Bridge, Mr. Green, with a Mr. Crawshay for his

companion, made his ascent. Their Majesties were quite close to the aeronauts when they ascended, and appeared to take much interest in this part of the entertainments with which their presence was celebrated.

His Majesty's progress from one end of the Bridge to the other was, we suppose, considered as the opening of the Bridge. His Majesty showed himself from the parapets on either side of the Bridge to the assembled multitudes below, and was evidently much struck by the appearance which the river presented. A hearty burst of cheers from the river welcomed the King as often as he showed himself. After the conclusion of this ceremony, their Majesties and the Royal suite returned to the Pavilion, erected on the Bridge, where a cold collation was laid out. A similar repast was served up to the guests at all the other tables. This banquet was conducted upon a scale of profuseness, remarkable even in civic feasts, which, as every body knows, are notorious, even to a proverb, for their magnificent display and abundance of good things. The wine, which was extremely good, flowed more freely even than the guests desired; and although caterers for the palate work at manifest disadvantage when their inventive powers have only cold materials to work upon, yet Mr. Leech of the London Coffeehouse, who furnished this collation, proved himself to be an artiste of no ordinary stamp.

The total of the supplies furnished by Mr. Leech were, we understand, as follows:

70 dishes of chickens; 150 hams and tongues; 75 raised French pies, &c.; 75 pigeon pies; 40 sirloins of beef; 50 quarters of lamb; 250 dishes of shell fish, &c.; 200 ditto salads, cucumbers, &c.; 200 fruit tarts; 200 jellies, creams, and strawberries, 350 lb. weight pine apples; 100 dishes hot-house grapes; 100 nectarines, peaches, apricots, &c.:

100 green gages, Orleans plums, &c.; 100 currant, raisin, gooseberry, &c.; 150 ornamented Savoy cakes; 300 ice-cream, &c.; 300 turtles, roast chickens, &c.

As soon as their Majesties had concluded their repast-the Lord Mayor rose to drink his Majesty's health. "His Most Gracious Majesty," said the Lord Mayor, "has condescended to permit me to propose a toast. I therefore do myself the high honour to propose that we drink His Most Gracious Majesty's health with four times four."

The company rose, and, after cheering in the most enthusiastic manner, sang the national anthem of "God save the King."

His Majesty bowed to all around, and appeared to be much pleased.

Sir C. S. Hunter then rose and said,

"I am honoured with the permission of his Majesty to propose a toast. I therefore beg all his good subjects here assembled to rise and to drink, That health and every blessing may attend Her Majesty the Queen."

The Lord Mayor then presented a gold cup of great beauty to the King, who said, taking the cup, "I cannot but refer on this occasion to the great work which has been accomplished by the citizens of London. The City of London has been renowned for its magnificent improvements, and we are commemorating a most extraordinary instance of their skill and talent, I shall propose the source from whence this vast improvement sprang, "The trade and commerce of the city of London,'”

The King then drank of what is called the Loving Cup, of which every other mem ber of the Royal Family partook.

His Majesty next drank the health of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, and, y His lordship, in a few words expressive of the deepest gratitude, thanked his Majesty.

Soon after this toast was drank, the King rose, it being near six o'clock, and, bowing to the company, intimated his intention to bid farewell. The chairman of the committee followed the King to the royal barge. His Majesty again expressed his high satisfaction at the grand scene presented to his view, and at the whole of the occurrences of the day.

[ocr errors]

Thus concluded one of the most gorgeous festivals that has occurred for some time past in the annals of the metropolis. ‹ ‚‹†

At six o'clock their Majesties re-embarked, amidst the same loud cheering, firing of artillery, ringing of bells, and the other tokens of respect which had marked their progress down. Their Majesties, on landing, were loudly cheered as before. In going along the platform, her Majesty, who leant on the King's arm, turned round repeatedly, and bowed to the surrounding multitudes. His Majesty remained uncovered the whole of the way along the platform. The cheering at this time was incessant. In a few moments after their arrival at Somerset House, the royal party entered their carriages, and returned to the Palace, escorted in the same way as on setting out. The cheers, as their Majesties passed along the Strand, were loud and continued. The Duke of Sussex was also loudly cheered on his way to and from Somerset House.

The weather throughout the day was most favourable; during some part the sun shone with great power, but there was

CORONATION OF GEORGE THE THIRD.

a cool breeze, which greatly moderated the heat. Towards evening it became agreeably cool, with some slight rain, but this did not commence till some time after the procession had returned to the Palace. Considering the immense assemblage on the river and its banks, we are happy to say, that we heard but of few accidents, and only one of a fatal nature, that of a young man who was pushed off a wharf at Bankside, and drowned; though only a very short time in the water. Three men were taken into custody charged with the offence.

The new London Bridge consists of five beautiful semi-elliptical arches, the respective spans of which are, the first or end arches, on each side, 130 feet; the second arches on each side, 140 feet; and the centre arch, which rises 29 feet six inches above high-water mark, 152 feet. These are constructed solely of granite, of the finest description and workmanship, from the quarries of Devonshire, Aberdeen, and Cornwall. The width of the carriage-way over the Bridge is 36 feet, and the footways 9 feet on each side, making a total width of 54 feet.

At present, we believe the gross expenses of the erection of the Bridge exceed £650,000-a sum far beyond the original estimate, but fully justified by the advantageous alterations adopted in the plans. The purchases of property to open the approaches to the new Bridge are not included in this calculation.

The Bridge will be free, funds having been chiefly supplied from the bridge-house estates, and a grant of £200,000, from the Treasury. The design for the Bridge was made by the late Mr. Rennie; his successors, the Messrs. Rennie, executed it.

ON THE CORONATION OF GEORGE III. AND QUEEN CHARLOTTE.

[This essay appeared in the London Chronicle, just after the Coronation, September 22nd, 1761. The composition was, at the time, generally attributed to Dr. Johnson, who was known to be a frequent writer in that paper.]

Ir is with life as with air : without frequent ventillations, it would sicken and stagnate, and therefore it is so ordered, that not only our appetites and passions, but our very reason, or desire of knowledge, should also concur in this wholesome and necessary operation.

Curiosity may be called a kind of middle principle, between reason and passion; because it seems to be in alliance with both. While under the influence, and employed

[ocr errors]

421

in the service of the understanding, it belongs to the former; when merely the slave of the senses, to the latter.

Even in this its lowest operation, if it does not exceed a breeze, or moderate gale, it has its uses, and may be indulged, whatever the over-wise may pronounce, without the least imputation. But, in case it is suffered to gather to a storm, or to involve us in its vortex, like a tornado, we become the creatures of its power; and, from that moment, begging pardon for so problematical an expression, we are never at rest unless we are in motion.

So much of levity and vanity there is in our composition, so near akin are we to the chaff and feathers we laugh at, for being the sport of every flurry, that, in the early part of our lives at least, few or none of us are in a capacity to make the necessary resistance. On the contrary, we are never so well pleased, as when we abandon ourselves to every impulse; nor could the angel introduced by Addison in his campaign, be more happy in the direction of his whirlwind, than we are in being swept away by ours.

And having mentioned an angel, we may, perhaps, adventure also to mention the ladies. A flight may be called their ele ment: and when we consider how many of them annually flutter away their precious lives in this transporting giddiness, a compliment becomes due to the worshipful company of parish clerks, on their politeness, for not having as yet inserted an article in their weekly bills, which might stand in contradistinction to that of the STILL-BORn.

Of the vulgar I had rather speak with compassion than bitterness; and yet, when I reflect on the play-house calenture, which has seized them with such violence, that they had rather be stifled to-day, than wait till to-morrow for the same gratification, then attainable with ease and safety, pity seems to be thrown away upon them; and the discipline of St. Luke's more necessary to be called for.* Let this suffice to shew, that I am for confining it to its proper bounds.

An ordinary entertainment, I therefore, argue, would be resorted to with an ordinary appetite; but an extraordinary one, such as the late coronation was, might be allowed to have a suitable effect upon us. It had, indeed, a just and rational title to the attention of the public; and it was, perhaps, an argument of much pride, or little sensibility,

This alludes to the splendid spectacle of the Coronation, got up at Covent-garden theatre by Rich the manager, who was said to have expended four thousand pounds in velvet alone, for the pageant. But as the performance brought crowded houses, the speculation proved very fortunate.

in those who affected to distinguish them. selves by turning their backs upon it.

Considered as a mere ceremonial, every man of reflection knows, that even forms and ceremonies are essentials in government. But then it is, besides, one of the most august that Europe has left, to boast of -venerable it is for the traces of the manners, habits, and, customs of our ancestors retained in it; and over and above all, what more significant effort can a great and opulent and splendid nation like this make, to display its magnificence, than, by forming one great assemblage of all the ranks and de grees of which it is composed?

Now, that the assemblage I am speaking of was very nearly thus formed, the recollection of every spectator may furnish sufficient proofs. But, as some are found to plead want of memory, in hope to be complimented with the excess of wit,-as others are too idle to make use of any talent they are possessed of,-and as the Earl Marshal's book may be waste paper in most families by this time, I will be at the trouble of verifying out of it, with an addition here and there of an index, what therein was not to expected. Had the herb-woman and her maidens been the simplicities they ought to have been, instead of the finicals they proved to be, they might have passed well enough for the representatives of our villagery.

The drums and trumpets in the front of the procession, the gentlemen pensioners stationed round the two royal, though unsightly canopies, and the yeomen of the guard in the rear, must be admitted, so far at least as show is concerned, as military ingredients; to say nothing of the soldiers, who should have kept the peace of the platform.

The dignitaries of the city will insist on passing as an epitome of all that is important in it. From the appearance of the King's chaplains, and the gentlemen of the privy chamber, we have some portion or other of his Majesty's household in sight all the way.

Due honour is done to the high court of Chancery, by the insertion of the Clerks and Masters thereof; and while upon this topic, we may be allowed to speak by anticipation, of the super-eminent station kept in reserve for the Lord High Chancellor himself.

The King's Attorney-General, (colleagued with the Solicitor-General he should have been,) the brethren of the coif, and my lords the Judges, presented the venerable figure of the law.

The remainder of our cathedral pomp

were exhibited at full by the deans, prebendaries, and choir of Westminster.

The plumage of the Knights of the Bath furnished the ladies versed in romance with the phantom of their dear departed chivalry.

By the courtesy of England, the lords of his Majesty's council, not being peers of parliament, were to be regarded as the very flower of the house of commons. But, unfortunately for them, Mr. Pitt, the Atlas of the state, did not choose to honour them with his presence; and fortunately for his Majesty and his subjects, it was a glorious day notwithstanding.

Proceed we now to the Right Reverend Fathers of the Church; no longer, it is true, mitred, crosiered, and otherwise adorned as in the days of delusion and superstition; but so enrobed, nevertheless, as might best exemplify the piety, gravity, and moderation so essential to their functions.

In the several orders of the peerage, as arranged, we have the scale of honour before our eyes, from the baron to the duke; and to all that is grand and senatorial in the institution itself, the accompaniment of the ladies has been most judiciously contrived, for the sake of superadding to it all that belongs to beauty, grace, and splendour.

Perhaps, it is to shew that there is something more essential in power than titles, that the great personages who hold the high offices of state, though belonging to the peerage, are selected to form a corps by themselves.

The dukes and no dukes of Normandy and Aquitaine, we are to suppose, make their appearance after these, as vouchers for the title of our kings to the throne of France.

The princes of the blood royal, each in his order, according to the laws of prece dency, are so placed, as to be the immediate harbingers of his Majesty.

But even the Queen Consort, though royally robed, crowned, sceptred, and attended, and consequently to be considered as a figure in chief, appears in relation to the throne but as a subordinate. To her happy presence, however, we owe the most striking part of the solemnity. The sight of Lady Augusta, in her train, could not but excite a warm wish in every bosom that the like illustrious lot could somewhere have been found for her; and if such a station could have been assigned to her royal mother as became her state and dignity, the groupe would have been complete*.

She not long after became the wife of the hereditary prince of Brunswick; by whom she had the late unfortunate Caroline, mother of the late Princess Charlotte of Wales.

MISSIONARY COMMUNICATIONS.

In the amiable, gracious, and captivating person of the King, surrounded with all the insignia of power, pomp, and majesty, the glory of the day was consummated,

The KING,-if in these mutinous times, when so preposterous a struggle is main tained to set the servant above his lord, a subject may venture to assert the rights of his sovereign, the KING is the source of all the titles and honours which passed in parade before him; the distributor of all the offices exercised under him; the masterspring of every civil and military movement; and all these powers and prerogatives are constitutionally vested in him, that he, and he alone, the parliament not sitting, might be the guardian of the community.

By the kings-at-arms, heralds, pursui vants, &c., whose very business is parade, and whose habits are declaratory of their office, the whole procession was to have been methodized, arranged, and conducted, under the Earl Marshal, as commander-inchief; and for this purpose, it may be presumed, they were interspered through the whole.

1.

Was, therefore, this vast combination of forms, orders, and dignities, to be considered as a mere ceremonial? I again repeat it, the very pomp of the show would have been worth the curiosity of the crowds who came to be spectators of it.

But they must have little knowledge, indeed, who take the shell for the kernel. It is true, the king is virtually bound to his people, and the people to their king, the moment he enters on the kingly office. But the reciprocal duties of the governor and the governed are not to rest on implication only on the contrary, the covenant between them is, by a positive law, to be renewed on the one hand, and assented to on the other. At the time of the coronation, this great interchange of fealties is to be explicitly and formally made. The king is personally presented to his people; they are on the other hand asked, whether they are willing to be his subjects; and he is not crowned till their assent has been specified by their acclamations. He then takes the great oath to discharge his sublime office according to law, justice, and mercy; and also to conform to the other conditions prescribed by the constitution; and having so done, he receives in his royal state the homage of the peers, which, till then, cannot be legally exacted.

MISSIONARY COMMUNICATIONS.

THE Society of the friends of the Hebrew nation have lost no time in carrying into

423

effect the resolution adopted by them at their anniversary, respecting an institution for the reception of converted Hebrews; wherein they might be taught useful trades, in a manner similar to that practised at the institution at Camden-town, which is open to inquiring Hebrews only. See Imperial Magazine for June, p. 277.

A committee was immediately elected; who examined such vacant houses as appeared eligible; compared the terms on which each was offered; and, out of these, selected one, situate No. 10, Durhamplace East, Hackney-road. This house, entered upon at Midsummer last, has been furnished and fitted up for the reception of the institution, with all convenient speed. Behind it, and immediately contiguous, an ample garden, and extensive conveniences, at once give sufficient room, and constitute a fine, open, airy situation for the destitute sons of faithful Abraham-the friend of God; who, converted to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, long to attain some useful trade, in the exercise of which they may be enabled, on quitting these premises, to provide things honest in the sight of all men.

The severe illness and lamented death of the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey, A.M., one of the secretaries of this society, the latter of which took place on Sunday morning, July 17, deranged, at the moment, the plans, and, during a short period, delayed the opening of this asylum. But, with due resignation to the inscrutable providences of Jehovah, the opening of "The Operative Jewish Convert's Institution," for thus it is denominated, took place on Thursday, the 14th of July.

The Rev. J. C. Reichardt, who was unanimously elected superintendent of this institution, and who resides on the premises, offered up, on this occasion, fervent prayers, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; invoking the blessings of God upon all the promoters of this undertaking, its officers, its present and future inmates, upon Israel, scattered over all the earth, and the Israel of God in every nation under heaven, and upon all

men.

Five of the sons of Abraham have been admitted into this institution, who have been sometime baptized into His church, and profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; for these, and others who may hereafter be admitted, an able master has been provided, to teach the art of shoemaking; and this, for the present, is the only trade prac→ tised or taught.

The house of mercy is thus opened; the

« السابقةمتابعة »