GARIBALDI'S vISIT TO ENGLAND.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 789, 28 June 1864, Page 6

GARIBALDI'S vISIT TO ENGLAND.

(From the "Home News." The Kipon, hearing the illustrious Italian patriot, arrived at Southampton on Sunday the 3rd April. It had been anxiously looked for all the night through. Deputations were waiting from several towns in England with addresses and invitations, and the Duke of Sutherland, Mr Seely, M.P. and other personal friends were in attendance. The people were wild with enthusiasm and during the week that Garibaldi remained at Southampton and the Isle of Wight, popular honors were incessantly lavished upon him. No king ever received such a welcome on putting his foot on his native soil after a series of victories, and it may be said, once for all, that every rank and class of the people, from the Prime Minister down to the working man, vied with each other in their homage to this distinguished man. But the greatest scene of all was the entry into London.

Truly it was a wonderful gathering. From every part of the metropolis and its suburbs the children of toil had made holiday and come :out to receive a man whom they considered their especial hero. The general arrived at the Nine Eims Station about half-past 2, and when the reception was over he was conducted to his carriage. But though the greeting was enthusiastic and the cheering loud, they could hardly have prepared Garibaldi for what was to follow. Even when he drove into Naples he could-not have received such a welcome.

The procession was composed of Benefit, Temperance, Friendly, and Trade Associations. All these societies bad their banners, and most of the members wore their scarfs and orders, or at least the Italian colors, on their breasts. Many of the societies, too, had loud brass bands, and all as they marched along cheered lustily and were cheered in turn, so that the scene was exciting enough. The scene at the station before the general arrived was very striking. All the societies had assembled outside. Inside were the visitors admitted by ticket. Every part of the building was crammed. Many of the ladies were in the famous Garibaldi jackets, and some whose opinions were still more advanced had them trimmed with the colors of Sardinia, and none even among the staidest of the gentlemen seemed to have entirely escaped this chromatic enthusiasm in favor of the great visitor. The more enthusiastic and demonstrative wore sashes of stripes of green, white, and red silk; the Working Men's Committee wore a tri-colored riband with the cross of Savoy and a portrait of Garibaldi, woven in silk, upon it; the City Committee wore a tri-colored button in their coats, and numbers of others wore the Garibaldi medals.

The shouts, were deafeuing that announced the approach of the illustrious visitor, and when he appeared upon the platform, where number of members of Parliament and others were assembled to meet him, the excitement became redoubled. The general wore the uniform in which he has always appeared in public in this country—that which he wore as leader of the Montevidean Italian legion— a plain grey capote and Garibaldi hat and red tunic. He limped as he advanced, and was assisted in crossing the barriers by aeveral ladies, and the enthusiasm that increased as he advanced; 'almost bewildered him.

Two addresses were presented, one from the city of London, and the other from the working men ; after which the General entered his carriage amidst deafening cheers, and in so dense a crowd as to render progress nearly impossible. We will not attempt to follow the progress up to London, and through the streets to Stafford-house. Far and near the trees, the walls, and housetops were covered with spectators, while up the road, from unseen thousands, came long rolling cheers, and the housefronts were rippled over with handkerchiefs waving in all directions. The progress through the masses was necessarily slow. The tide of welcome rolled along the entire route of the procession, growing more and more enthusiastic as it approached the mansion where hospitality and much-needed repose were to succeed the fatigues and excitement of the day. Extricating itself from the labyrinth of houses through which it had so long and so tediously wound its way, the procession emerged just before sunset upon the magnificent approach across West-minster-bridge to the Houses of Parliament. Not a vehicle had been allowed to encumber the wide area, and those taking part in the procession therefore looked along and above a terrace of heids stretching away into space apparently illimitable.

From the length of time which the procession occupied it was a quarter to 8 "o'clock before Garibaldi entered the gates of Stafford House. In the stable-yard St. James's, where Stafford House stands, the gceue was interesting. The crowd outside was large enough to represent, not inadequately, the population of a petty German Duchy. It began to assemble soon after 1 o'clock, and remained quietly—without a murmur, —for nearly seven hours. Red cloth had been laid down from the door to the entrance of the grand staircase, at which point her Grace the Duchess of Sutherland advanced and cordially welcomed the illustrious guest as be entered the house. la the evening the noble duke and duchess had a quiet dinner, the circle being confined to 18 persons, the Duchess (Dowager) of Sutherland, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, and a small family party, being the principal persons present to meet the general. Early the next morning, Garibaldi received deputations, a».d in the afternoon went to Chiswick House, where there was a brilliant company assembled. He planted a cedar in the grounds, to the great delight of the spectators. On his return to town he paid a visit to Mr Stansfeld.

One of the visits which may be presumed to have given him the greatest amount of gratification, and the most fatigue, was his visit the next day to Woolwich. The moment Garibaldi made his appearance in the Laboratory Department everybody uncovered, and a shout similar to that on his arrival resounded through the building. The same manifestation on the part of the men greeted his entrance to each of the branches which he visited. Mr Anderson's bullet machines attracted his especial attention, and he seemed surprised at the rapidity with which the bullets fell from the dies of the machines ready for instant use. Leaving the Laboratory, the General began to walk towards the shell foundry, which his infirmity rendered a work of some difficulty. After visiting the shell foundry and the royal gun factories, he was invited by Mr Abel to enter the chemical department, of which Mr Abel is the superintendent. The general was there shown some photographic sketches of the 600-pounder guns end the result of the experiments on the

targets at Shoeburyness. Before retiring, the general, at the earnest request «f the artist, sat for his likeness. The route back to Stafford House was through the City, and the welcome was as hearty as that which he received at Westminster Bridge two days before. A dinner and an assembly as before, to which all the leading people in London were invited: and up again the next morning to receive fresh deputations and pay visits. One of the persons he visited this day was Mazzini, with whom he sat an hour, and who had visited him by his own desire while he was in the Isle of Wight. Notwithstanding the fatigues of the day, in the evening he went to the Italian Opera, where he was received with tumultuous delight, and where he witnessed " Norma" and " Masaniello." The familiar-scenery, the picturesque and no less familiar costumes, doubtless impressed him. But what most vividly attracted his attention was the splendid patriotic duet between Masaniello and Pietro, declaimed with marked and unaccustomed emphasis by Signors Maxio and" Graziani. The scene where the Neapolitans turn upon their oppressors was not calculated to lessen the interest already excited; and the lively tarantella, the impressive and beautiful prayer, the final and successful struggle of the patriots, each created its effect. As if, too, expressly for this occusion, the barricade was erected with greater spirit, the guns boomed louder, and at shorter intervals, the musket shots were ten times as frequent, and the whole color and business of the scene presented an unwonted aspect of bustle, animation and startling reality. The nest day was spent at Bedford, to witness steam ploughing, and in the evening the general dined with Mr Panizzi in the British Museum.

At the Crystal Palace a different sight was witnessed on the following day. The United Committee had got up a concert, and a presentation of swords, and 24,000 persons assembled to do honor to the hero who is said to have been especially pleased on this occasion. In the evening he dined with Lord and. Lady Palmerston. A. similar demonstration took place again at the Crystal Palace on a subsequent day when upwards of 40 addresses were read

Early in the week, in the midst of the enthusiasm which was everywhere rising up and increasing about General Garibaldi, formal statement was made in the newspapers that his visit would be suddenly brought to an end, and that he would sail in a few days for Caprera in the Duke of Sutherland's yacht.' This piece of information threw a complete gloom ovev the country, and it was hinted abroad that Garibaldi had yielded to the representations of people in power, who were themselves influenced by representations from a foreign sovereign. This assertion, so derogatory to the honor of the country, and the independence of the English Government, was promptly and circumstantially contradicted in both Houses of Parliament by Lords Palmerston and Clarendon. When he was in Paris, Lord Clarendon had talked on the subject to the Emperor of the French', and described the entry, into London which he had himself witnessed; and the emperor, so far from expressing any dissatisfaction at the circumstance, spoke of it as an incident which reflected great credit on the generosity and patriotic sympathies of the English people. It 13 only just to give prominence to these responsible assertions; nor do we see how they can be reasonably called into question.

Garibaldi's medical men say that he is overtaxing his strength, and that if he does not immediately take repose (which it would seem he cannot get in England) serious consequences must ensue. The working classes and the Liberal party are not disposed to place implicit confidence in these opinions, and strenuously endeavoured to induce the persecuted patriot to promise t« stay a little longer.

His "progresses" through the past week were repetitions of his " progresses" of the week before. The same activity, the same crush wherever he appeared, and the same uncontrollable ardour and devotion on the part of the people. Up before six o'clock, he usually received deputations and addresses before other people have breakfasted, and !in the course of a single day distributed himself over a variety of places. On the 18th, after a day devoted to visits, luncheons, and deputations, he dined [with Lord Clanricarde, who had a large party to meet him. That night the General removed from the Duke of Sutherland's to Mr Seely's house, in the hope of being rather more private.

On the following day a meeting was held at Stafford-house, when a resolution was agreed to that General Garibaldi should not be permitted to leave England without some substantial token of the pro - found admiration felt by all classes for his unselfish patriotism, and that a fund be raised for that purpose. About £2,000 was raised in the room, and committees were appointed to carry out the object. At Mr Seely's house on the same day Garibaldi " received," and the house was crowded with company till six o'clock. In the evening he went to Her Majesty's Theatre, where he was received with the same intense enthusiasm as he had experienced a few nights before at the Italian Opera. The presentation of the freedom of the City, which took place on the 20th April, was, perhaps, the most imposing of all the ceremonies Garibaldi had to pass through. The whole line of route from Mr Seely's capacious mansion at Princes-gate to Guildhall was crowded to the house-tops ; but by the admirable management of the united metropolitan and city police, the road for carriages was kept tolerably clear. The majority of the holders of tickets for the Guildhall were in their places Boon after noon, as it was known that no one would be admitted after half-past 12. The Council Chamber was devoted to the exclusive use of the Common Council, who mustered in great force, attired in their mazarine gowns; while the aldermen, for whom the platform was reserved, wore their scarlet robes.

Shortly after 1 General Garibaldi and his friends arrived. He was received at the entrance to the Guildhall by Messrs E. J. Chapman (chairman), Parker, Saunders, Stapleton, and Murrell, members of the City Lands Committee, who had been deputed to carry out the arrangements. On passing through the various avenues and apartments, on his way to the Council Chamber, he stopped several times to return the greetings of the ladies who occupied the seats on the right and left, and on reaching the court there arose loud cries of " Seats, seats!" many members havingrisenintheexcitementofthemoment. A clapping of hands then ensued, and lasted for some moments, daring which time the general stood at the entrance of the apartment evidently much struck with- the scene. In a few minutes he ad- ! vanced to the dais, attended by the mover and seconder of the resolution conferring

the freedom, and the sheriffs, amidst the loud applause of the court, and, before taking his seat, bowed with simple dignity on all sides. Three chairs of state had been placed for the use of himself and sons. He sat in the centre, Eicciotti Garibaldi on his left, and Mr Seely on his right hand. The other son, Menotti Garibaldi, was absent. After the usual form had been gone through of reading the minutes of the last court, embracing the resolution granting the freedom of the city to Garibaldi in a gold box value 100 guineas, Mr Scott, the Chamberlain, rose to address h)m, and Garibaldi, rising also, stood the whole time Mr Scott was speaking. The speech of the Chamberlain dwelt on Garibaldi s character, and touched a few of the early incidents of his life, carefully avoiding all topics of a controversial character. Garibaldi's reply was spoken with great animation, and abounded in thanks to the English nation for the effectual service they had at all times rendered to the cause of liberty. When the ceremony was over, the company adjourned to the Egyptian-hall at the Mansion House to lunch with the Lord Mayor. In the evening, Garibaldi dined with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Mrs Gladstone had a brilliant company to meet him in the evening. The 21st of April, nearrag the departure of the illustrious guest, was one of Garibald's busiest days. So early as seven o'clock in the morning he drove out to the secluded churchyard of Chiswick, to visit the tomb of Ugo Foscolo, upon which he deposited a laurel crown in bronze with aninscription bearing his «ame. On his return to town, he received an address from the corporation of Newcastle, expressing their profound regret at his approaching departure, He told that he hoped soon to visit England again. At eveven o'clock the members of the Reform Club were gathered to receive him at a dejeuner. The scene was extremely interesting. Ladies were present in great numbers, and most of the gentlemen wore Garibaldian rosettes. Lord Ebury occupied the chair, and in a speech full of admiration of Garibald's career proposed the health of the distinguished guest; to which Garibaldi replied, reiterating his sentiments of gratitude, and declaring that he had now become aa Englishman. The whole entertainment was got up on a scale of great magnificence; and its general effect was much enhanced by an Italian chorus from Her Majesty's Theatre. After leaving the Reform Club, the General visited Earl and Countess Russell at Pembroke Lodge, Richmond-park, where a distinguished company was invited to meet him at luncheon. He did not remain much longer than an hour, and then drove back to London, and visited the tvfo Houses of Parliament. In the evening he dined with the Fishmongers' Company in the city, and was presented with the freedom of the Company in a massive gold box.

The Working Men's Clubs are getting up "indignation" meetings to protest against the pressure which they allege has been put upon Garibaldi to induce him so abruptly to leave the country. They do not hesitate to say that the pressure comes from Austria, who refuses to allow her representative to attend the Conference while Garibaldi is in England, and that it was conveyed to him through Mr. Gladstone. This statement has been contradicted in Parliament by Mr. Gladstone, who declared that the sole reason for terminating the round of labours was consideration for the health of a man whose life is so valuable to his country and the world.

It would be idle to pretend that the public are quite satisfied with these explanations, and it must be allowed that the language of Garibaldi himself justifies in so«e degree the suspicion that his sudden departure is not to be attributed solely to his health. On the 22nd he left London with his sons and his little kousehold for Clifdenhouse, near Maidenhead, the seat of the Duke of Sutherland. In the morning, he breakfasted with the consul for the United States, where he met some Americans, and expressed his strong sympathy with the Federal cause; he afterwards received an Italian deputation, and then drove to Lord Shaftesbury's house, and afterwards to Stafford House, where he lunched. While he was there, the Prinoe of Wales arrived to pay him a private visit, and remained an hour with him. Garibaldi then left town for the seclusion of Cliefden ParkThe rest of his proceedings may be despatched in a line. On the 25th he was to have set out for Plymouth, passing the night at the house of Colonel Peard, " Garibaldi's . Englishmen," at Penquit, Cornwall; and this morning, 26th, he embarks on board the Duke of Sutherland's yacht for Caprera. Before he took, his departure from London, he left in the hands of Mr Seely a farewell address to the English nation. It is very short, and simply expresses his gratitude for their reception of him, and asks their pardon for the trouble and disappointment he caused to many of his friends, ending with a hope that at no distant time he may be able to return and see his " friends in the domestic life of England." ■