OUR VICTORIAN LETTER.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XI, Issue 573, 2 November 1880, Page 7

OUR VICTORIAN LETTER.

•■' (rooM ova own cobrespondknt.) October 18. There has been a great deal of unpleasantdms between the foreign Commissioners and the Executive Committee over opening the Exhibition at night. Even the accounts published in the morning papers show plainly that the discussion was a warm one; but I am informed by several Commissioners that Jn reality many disagreeable passages of arms were omitted. When that miserable Mr Mirams coolly remarked "that it was too bad of the foreign Commissioners to take up the position they did with regard to the opening of the Exhibition building at night, after they, the Victorian Commissioners, had had the politeness to invite them to exhibit." Upon hearing this most astounding information, Mr Belcour, the French Commissioner, rose and took up his hat to leave the room, being followed by Mr Pickering, the United States Commissioner. They were, however, persuaded by Messrs Casey and Levey to resume their seats, and a sort of an apology was given by Mr Umbrella Mirams, who, with difficulty, was convinced that he had made an offensive remark. Mr James Munro, with the intellectual capacity of a Scotch shepherd, also distinguished himself in language and conduct till at last his ally, Mr J. J. Casey, had to call him to order. A good many people expressed surprised at the . attitude taken by Mr Casey in the matter, he having separated himself from those he generally fraternizes with. 1 do not think the explanation is far to seek. Mr Casey being C.M.G. is anxious to be made a knight companion of the same order for his conduct in connection with the Exhibition, and hearing himself called Sir John. Now, the Victorian Commissioners have no titles wherewith to reward their partisans. The crafty J. J. is perfectly aware of the fact that a good word from Sir Herbert Sandford or the Duke of Manchester Will have considerable weight at Home when the question comes to be debated as to the distribution of titles and honors at the close of the Exhibition. Sharp as he thinks himself, Mr Casey will find that he is deceiving himself in this matter. Only this morning a high official connected with the Exhibition informed me , that he was perfectly aware of Mr Casey's little game; "he is trying to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds, but it will not do, especially with me." As to the Legion of Honor, I am quite certain from the strong language made use of by Mr Belcour with regard to the treatment he has received at the hands of the Victorian Commissioners, that he will advise the French Government to distribute very few decorations aniong the colonial Commissioners. I must speak in high terms of Mr Panton, who, with one or two other gentlemen, have, during the most disgraceful conduct of their brother Commissioners, always acted as men and gentlemen. Things are so shamefully mismanaged at the Exhibition, and there has been such gross bribery and corruption in every department of it, that I am sure that the European Governments, should they come to know the actual facts, will be very loath to give any honors and rewards among a body of men, many of whom, if they had their desserts, Would be in a very different situation. Sir Herbert Sandford has resigned all responsibility at the Exhibition, and handed in a protest to the Governor. He also made a speech in public against opening the Exhibition at night. The trial of Ned Kelly, the bushranger, has been postponed till the 28th inst. This adjournment has been granted in order that the prisoner may be provided with counsel. Some surprise has been expressed at the email amount offered for Kelly's defence, namely, £7 7s. In a case of such importance, where life is at stake, it might only reasonably be expected that the Crown would give a proper fee for the defence. Kelly certainly has cause to complain of the treatment he has received during his imprisonment, he having been denied the ordinary privileges accorded to prisoners. The reason for thus excluding his friends is that the Crown feared that Kelly would communicate the place where he and the deceased members of the gang had planted their money and other things which they had left out of their robberies. Kelly as he stood in the dock to-day looked anything but the bloodthirsty villain he has been represented. Dr L. L. Smith has sold his valuable stud of race-horses ; the prices obtained were on the whole good. Two valuable French clocks were stolen from the Exhibition on Thursday evening during the conversazione. Great complaints are made of the bad quality of the gas at the Exhibition building, and certainly not without cause. A4B hours' "go as you please" tournament is to take place in Melbourne early next month. Dr L. L. Smith gives a champion belt and a purse of 50 guineas to the victor. It is expected to be a great success.