Our Paris Letter.

Manawatu Herald, 6 December 1894, Page 3

Our Paris Letter.

Paris, 15th Oct., 1894. Second only to the Grand Prix de Paris in importance from the Bporting and social points of view alikOi. ..the. Grand Prix dv Conseil Municipal drew to Longchamps last Sunday a vast company of spectators,, inoluding a larger representation of the French fashionable world, JBy rail, road and steamboat crowds \i people were rushing to the course from noon onwards, and many were tbere long before, The weather was splendid, a real fine autumn afternoon. The scene on the race ground was a delightful one, thanks to the general animation and the brilliancy lent by the charming costumes worn by-jthe i wm sexe. The modistes and dressmakers seemed to have surgafesed themselves ; the dresses and ats turned out were simply lovely. One of the most interesting features joi the autumn meeting was the attendance: of the President of the Republic, accompanied by Mme. Casi^u'-rPerier, and several of bis household. This was the President's first, visit to a Paris racecourse in hi_ official capacity, and it was also the occasion of Mme. Casimir-Perier's infflsl appearance at a State function since her husband's elevation to the Presidential office. The party left the. Elye^e about two o'olock, and arrived at Longchamps forty minutes after. iy_; -j

The President looked extremely pale ; even more pallid than usual as he drove through the sfc-eetg which were well lined with people. His receptioh by the populace tvas friendly and respectful and ifc was evident from remarks made as be passed that his calm and dignified bearing was the subject of considerable admiration; The courage of bofch M. and Mme. Casimir-Perier in risking such close contact with the crowd — even though many police and soldiery guarded the party— was freely remarked, and Mme. CasimirPerier's appearance and manner were the subjects of a good deal of complimentary reference. As the well-appointed barouch — | said to have been bought by General Fairot for the Emperor Napoleon — driven a la daumont and preceded by outriders, drew up afc fche entrance to fche reserved stand hafcs were raised, and there were loud shouts of " Vive Casimir," and after a few addresses of welcome were delivered, the President and Mme. Casimir-Perier were escorted fco the Presidential stand, the latter being prior to this presented with a splendid bouquet of rare flowers. M. Casimir-Perier's plain dress— his only decoration was the rosette of the Legion of Honour — contrasted strikingly with the brilliant uniforms around him. Mmc Casimir-Perier, who sat on the President's loft, was also quietly attired, and looked charming in a dress of black velvet, with a bonnet to match and a cape with babochons embossed, the only relief to the darker hue being a white silk collarette. The Prix dv Conseil Municipal, called the Autumn Grand Prix, is an International one, and on this ac> count has proved of the greatest in- ' terest. Its value is of 100,000fr., which was previously the value of the Grand Prix, which has, however, had its sum doubled. For this race fifteen runners were coloured on the card, but the absence of two horses left a " baker's dozen " to compete for the grand international event. Among the number were a couple of English horses, one of which had crossed the Channel. Best Man was considered a dangerous adversary on form shown in his oountry, and long held a prominent position in the betting, Ravioli, Best Man, and Tripoz had been for some time fighting for the position of first favourite, which afc the finish, fell to Ravioli. Besfc Man was the medium of some heavy speculation, and large commissions were executed for English sportsmen, so that Besfc Man started at 9 to 2, almost as well backed as Ravioli. Afc last the horses were saddled and led out to parade. Much attention was paid to the preliminary canter, Callistrate and Ravioli pleased most. Best Man went fresh and well, but his action was not pleasant. Tripon made most of the running, while Webb, on Best Man, seemed to oc« cupy himself by seeking safety in isolation, keeping clear of his opponents. On rounding the turn for home, Besfc Man came up hand over hand on the outside and soon had the race at his mercy, running home an easy winner by a length. Best Man belongs to M. Wallace Johnstone,