THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2129, 8 May 1889, Page 2

THE PARIS EXHIBITION.

(FEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.)

Paris, May 7. There waß an enormous gathering today to witness tho formal opening of the Exhibition, and Paris appeared m her most brilliant array m honor of the occasion. President Garnot was escorted through the streets by a squadron of cavalry, and at intervals salvoes of artillery were fired. At the Exhibition itself there was but little ceremony, and the proceedings were conducted without any great display. The Premier, M. Tirard, delivered an address, expressing the gratitude of France for the homage done to her by foreign nations m assisting to make the Exhibition superior to all preceding it, The President m his speech, said the Exhibition marked the completion ot a century of progress. Visitors would be able to judge whether the calumnies aimed at France were correct. He extended a hearty welcome to all their guests, and concluded by saying that these great feativala of labor enabled nations to approaoh and understand one another, and cemented the peace of the world.

(Received May 8, 1.8 p.m) Paris May 7. The arrangement of exhibits at the Exhibition is m a fairly advanced state. The British section surpasses those of other nations.

Sir F. Bell,welcomed President Carnot to the British Court, on behalf of the Executive Commissioners. Bir Graham Berry, Sii Walter Buller, Mr E. 0. Braddon and other colonial delegates were ranged on the right, the Home delegates beirrg on the left. Speaking m French, Mr F. D. Bell offered his best wishes for the Buccess of the Exhibition, and conveyed an assurance of British sympathy. President Carnot warmly shook hands with Sir Francis, He eulogised the splendid display that had been made by British and colonial exhibitors, and thanked England and the colonies sincerely for the exertions they had made and for the generous welcome he had been accorded. He promised to make an early inspection of the Court.

The " Telegraph " states that some of the French police, under a mistaken idea, ordered Sir F. D. Bell to leave the Court. He refused and they threatened him with expulsion. Ho dared them to touoh him, whereupon he was let alone. Another Colonial Commissioner while changing his kilts m a room attaohed to the British section, was ordered to, leave undressed as he was. He refused and cried out for help and was rescued by some Britons who forced the police to retire.