FRANCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 301, 19 September 1855, Page 3

FRANCE.

OPENING OP THE UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION

By our last advices, however, we received a confirmation ofthe announcement that the universal exhibition at the Palace of industry was inaugurated at a quarter past one o'clock on Tuesday, by the Emperor and Empress, in the presence of about 8000 persons. The weather was heavy. The ceremony much resembled that at tbe opening ofthe Hyde Park exhibition of 1851. Prince Napoleon, president of the imperial commission of the exhibition, received their Majesties at the chief entrance of the building, aud afterwards read an address setting forth tbe origin, progress, and character of the undertaking. The" Emperor, after some complimentary words, said, " In inviting all nations hither, I have desired to open here a temple of concord." Their Majesties afterwards, followed by Prince Napoleon and the Princess Mathilde placed themselves at the head of the procession, and walked through the building. The ceremony lasted only an hour. Their Majesties left the palace, the band playing " Partant pour la Syrie." There was an {immense crowd in the Champs Elysees. The imperial cortege was magnificent. The Emperor's carriage, which contained besides his Majesty and the Empress, Prince Jerome and the Princess Mathilde, was quite new, and was drawn by eight horses. The Galleries dcs Arts were opened at two o'clock. There is one feature about the Paris exhibition which is perfectly original. Never before, in any country or any period of time, had we an opportunity of beholding the painting and sculpture of all nations under the same roof.

Many will linger with reflecting curiosity about the modern productions of France, England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and America, and contrast the various influences which have given individuality to works of modern artists. The long gallery dedicated lo machinery will be visited by the commercial world with eager anticipation. The producer will make his calculations round the iron giants of modern invention, whilst the philosophically curious will be struck with the economy of labour which the brain has made for the hand. In a distinct building these marvels of modern science are all collected, and will, no doubt, receive the attention they deserve. Notwithstanding the exertions made, not fewer than 20,000 packages of all sizes have still to be opened. Although the weather has been unfavourable, the whole of the engagements of Messrs. Yorke aud Goldsmith are perfectly executed, and the general effect of tbe changes is alike tasteful and convenient. The annexed connecting galleries of the three large buildings are not in a state to admit the public yet. No blame can be attached to those who directed the construction of the same ; limited time and bad 'weather are alone the causes of this delay. The interior of the building presented a gay and animated appearance, altbougb the weather was somewhat gloomy. From the grey glass roof the flags of all nations and the provinces of France were displayed, affording a feast colour for tbe eye, shut in at either end by the two larp-e painted glass windows. Every corner of the vast building was occupied, and tbe galleries presented a remarkably animated appeaiance, from being filled principally by ladies, dressed as French women alone know how to employ the modes. There was an immense gathering of English. The following are the words spoken by the Emperor at the inauguration, in reply to the address of Prince Napoleon :— "My dear Cousin, —In placing you at the head of a commission that had so many difficulties to overcome, I wish to give you a particular proof of my confidence. I beg of you to thank the commission in my name for the enlightened and indefatigable zeal it has displayed. " I open with happiness this temple of peace, which invites all nations to concord."— Syd?iey Empire.

Hanover, May 20. —The king has issued an ordinance annulling the Constitution as regards the sth of September, 1848, and also the Provincial Electoral Law of the Ist August, 1850. The popular rights are diminished to the measure of the measure of the Constitution framed by the late King Ernest Augustus, duke of Cumberland. The ordinance states that the principles has been taken in obedience to the decree of the Federal Diet of the 12th of April, 1855, requiring the Governments of Germany to bring the State Constitution more into harmony with the Monarchical Aristocratic principle. The King, reserves the right of effecting further changes in the State Constitution. Vienna, May 18.—Things have undergone a change. New Austrian propositions were probably forwarded yesterday to London and Paris. It is said that Austria will give her material support to the Western Powers should they accept and Russia reject her proposition. The Daily Neius affirms that the English Government lias delivered decisive proposals to the Scandinavian Powers. It is understood that answers were declined while the Vienna negotiations were proceeding. These negotiations being closed, the proposals are renewed, and the decision cannot be long deferred. Paris, Sunday, May 20. —Addresses have been received by tbe Emperor from the Lord Mayor and Corporation of London, and from the Corporations of Cambridge, Birmingham, and Bristol, congratulating his Majesty upon his recent providential escape from the attempt of assassination. Madrid, May 18.—The Cortes, yesterday, voted the 7th basis of the constitution. The English Government has communicated its approval ofthe conduct pursued by Lord Howden with reference to the affair of Seville. There has been the appearance of a Carlist band in the province of Avilla, but it is considered to be of a very iusignificant character. Vienna, May 19.—Yesterday Prince Gortschakoff communicated to Count Buol a circular he had received from his Government,