SIR ROBERT NAPIER AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 360, 25 September 1868, Page 2

SIR ROBERT NAPIER AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

On Wednesday, the directors of the Crystal Palace gave a. fete in honour of the return of Sir Robert Napier from his successful campaign in Abyssinia. No addition was made to the prices of admission; it was a shilling day in fact, and a great deal was

given fer the money. Sir Robert and Lady Napier, with the chief members of the Abyssinian Staff", came to the entrance, or tropical end, of the Crystal Palace soon after one o'clock* and were received by Mr Thomas Hughes, M. IT.; most of the directors ; Mr. Bowley, the manager ; and Mr Grove, the secretary. The party were all in plain morning dress, greatly, as it appeared, to the disappointment of the audience, who, no doubt, had expected them to come in full uniform. The visitors were conducted to the Queen's balcony to view the great fountains. It was not long before Sir Robert was recognised by the people below, and the band of the Royal Artillery at the same time striking up, " See the conquering hero comes," there was some genuine applause afforded him from the comparative few who were outside the Palace, which was repeated when he came to the front and bowed. As soon as the foun • tains had stopped playing the party were conducted to a private room, where an elegant dejeuner was spread out, By this time the sight-seers were arriving in large numbers. Every unreserved seat was taken ; the reserved seats down the centre of the transept were also full ; while directly underneath the Royal boxes a number of soldiers and Volunteers nad stationed themselves, the variety of their uniforms presenting a very pleasing effect. Part of the large orchestra was occupied by the bands of the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Artillery, both of which showed a very full muster, the remainder of the space not required for the musicians being occupied by visitors. The entry of Sir Robert Napier shortly after 4 o'clock was the signal for a burst of hearty cheering, the whole audience rising en masse, and it was again and again repeated as he acknowledged the compliment. The two bands, accompanied by the grand organ, at the same time played " See the conquering hero comes;" and the effect of this together with the surrounding scene, produced an impression seldom witnessed and not easily forgotten. Sir Robert Napier was shown into the Royal box, the two side boxes being occupied by various members of his Staff, gentlemen and several ladies. Amongst those present, in addition to the General and Lady Napier, were Major-General Baker, Major-General Boileau, Major-General Scott, Major Scott, Colonel Parish, Colonel Milward, Captain Holland, Captain Napier, A. D. C, Mr. Thomas Hughes, M. P., &c.

The concert which was divided into two parts, was opened by Beethoven's " Battle Symphony," which was rendered in a manner worthy the occasion. It was followed by a pretty ballad, sung with great taste by Mdlle. Carola, after which Signor 3?oli gave the wellknown air from Samson, begingn, " Honour and arms."

The great feature of the afternoon, however, was a new ballad, composed in honor of Sir Eobert Napier, by Mr Benedict, called " England yet," and which was exquisitely sung by Mr Sims Eeeves. The great tenor, who was in fine voice, threw all his power into his rendering of the air, gaining a tumultuous encore, which he was obliged to comply with " Grod save the Queen," the solos sung by Mdlle. Carola, Madame Louisa Vinning and Signor Foli, accompanied by the united bands and the grand organ, brought the first part of the concert to a close shortly before half-past five o'clock. Sir Eobert, as he was leaving the box, was again loudly cheered till he came to the front and loudly called for " Three cheers for her Majesty Queen Victoria," which were of course most loudly responded to. During Sir Robert's retirement to the Queen's Corridor an interesting little spectacle was afforded to a favoured few, namely the introduction to the G-eneral of about 100 of the soldiers children—orphans, for the most part, from the school at Hampstead. They had been brought by Sir Eobert's invitation, and, no iask, the G-eneral shook hands with one and all, being afterwards well cheered by the hundred little throats. The children afterwards had tea in the corridor.

At a quarter to ten o'clock, a grand display of fireworks and illumination of fountains took place on the lower terrace, at which special devices were exhibited in honor of Sir Eobert Napier, and in commemoration of the birth of the Princess. Mr Coward then performed on the festival organ for promenade, and as the Palace was lighted up, many of the visitors remained till a late hour. Upwards of 27,000 people were present during the day and evening.