What M. Dandet Thinks of England.

Otago Witness, Issue 2161, 25 July 1895, Page 54

What M. Dandet Thinks of England.

The Figaro sent a correspondent to London to obtain M. Alphonse Daudet's first impressions of England, aud this is whabM. Daurlet says: — ♦'The first and mo*t striking impression whioh I experienced on arriving here, in spite of the enotmous and unparalleled activity in the sheets, the fantastic stir of the omnibuses sparkling with gay colours, the numberless cab 3, waggons, and carts, in spite of tbe over-stream-ing crowd habteniog in all directions, was the eilerce. "A perfect silence — for the monotonous roar of the sea is not noise ; a disquieting silence — for millions of taciturn automata seemed passing on a stage in a dream, on""»n indiarubber floor. But how many other different and unexpfctfd things also strike one! Take Chut Tower bridge. ... It is the most colossal symbol of what human effort can accomplish. The characteristic of London is abundance — an extreme, senseless abundance. Look at their monuments; there are too many. You have the sensation of an immense box of stupendous toys scattered pell mell over a plaiu." Speaking of the English, M. Daudet says :—: — "I came here ill-prepared, detesting the rtc«, hut now, in spite of the horrible cookery of coarse meat, in spite of the tea, to which I cannot get accustomed, I am begiuomg to be won over. One thing 'particularly strikes me, the cordiality of the people for France *s eviuced in the .letters which I receive -and the attentions, without any parade, which are paid me wherever I go." - Referring to his invitation to dine -with Mr Stanley, M. Daudet exclaims : — " Do you know th»t he is the largest reservoir of human nature 'known to, rue since Napoleon. I admire him, 1 think, more thau anything in the world."