GARIBALDI'S VISIT TO ENGLAND

Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2083, 5 July 1864, Page 4

GARIBALDI'S VISIT TO ENGLAND

The Ripou bearing tbe illustrious Italian patriot, arrived at Southampton on Sunday, the 3rd April. It bad 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 honours 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 tbe 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 Elms Station about half-past 2, and when the reception was over he was conducted to bis carriage. But though the greeting was enthusiastic and the cheering loud they could hardly have prepared Gaiibaldi for what was to follow. Even when he drove into Naples he could not have received such a welcome.

Tbe procession was composed of. Benefit, Temperance, Friendly, and Trade Associations. All these societies had their banners, and most of the members wore their scarfsjand orders, or at least the Italian colours, 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 tha scene was exciting enough.

Tbe scene at the station before the "general arrived was very striking. All the societies bad assembled outside. Inside were the visitors admitted by tickets. Every part of the building was crammed. Many of tbe ladies" were in the famous Garibaldi jackets, and some whose opinions were still more advanced had them trimmed with the colours of Sardinia, and none even among the staidest of the gentlemen seemed to have entirely escaped this chromatic enthusiasm in favour 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 ajtri-coloured riband with tbe 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 deafening tbat announced the approach of the illustrious visitor, and when he appealed upon the platform, where a number of members ef Parliament and others were assembled to meet him. the excitement became redoubled. The general wore the uniform in which he always appeared in public in this cuuntry— that which he wore as leader of the Moutevidean Italian legion — a plain gray capote and Garibaldi hatand red tunic. He limped as be advanced, and was assisted in crossing tbe barriers by several ladies, and the enthusiasm tbat increased as he advanced almost bewildered him.

Two addresses were presented, one from the city of London, and the otber from the working men ; after which the general entered his carriage amidst deafening cheers, aud 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 Staffordhouse. Far and near the trees, the walls, and housetops were covered with spectators, while up the road, from unseen thousands, came long rolling cheers, aud the house fronts were rippled over with handkerchiefs wavipg in all directions. The progress through the masses was necessary slow. The tide of welcome rolled aloDg the entire route. of the precession, growing more and more enthusiastic as it approached the mansion where hospitality and much needed repose were to succed the fatigues aad excitement of the day. Extricating itself from the labyrinth of houses through which it had so long and bo tediously wound its way, the procession emerged just before sunset upon the magnificent approach across Westminister-bridge to the Houses of Parliament. Not a vehicle had been allowed to encumber the wide area, and those taking pait in the procession therefore looked along and above a terrace of beads 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 Staffordhouse stands, the scene 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 ef the grand staircase, at which point her Grace the Duchess of Sutherland advanced and cordially welcomed the illustrious guest as he entered the house. In the evening the noble Duke and Dachess 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, and in the afternoon went to Chis-wick-bouse, where there was a brillant company assembled. He planted a cedar in the grounds, to the great delight of the ipectators. On his return to town he paid a visit to Mr Stansfield.

One of the visits which may be presumed to hare given him the greatest amount of gratification, and the most fatigue, was his visit tbe next dav to Woolwich. The moment Garibaldi made his appeaiacce iv the Laboratory Department everybody uncovered, and a shout similar to that on his arrival resounded through the building. The same manifestation on tbe part of the men greeted his entrance to each of the branches which be visited. Mr Anderson'6 bullet machines attracted his especial attention, and he seemed surprised at the rapidity with which the bullets fell from the machines ready for instant use. Leaving the Laboratory, the general began to walk towards tbe shell foundry, which his infirmity rennered 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 and the result of the experiments on the taigets at Shoeburyness. Before retiring the general, at the earnest request of the artist, sat for hia 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 bsfore. A dinuer and an assembly as before, to which all ths 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 bad visited him by his own desire while he was iv the Isle of Wight. Notwithstanding the fatigues of the day, in the evening he went to the Italian Opera, where he was leceived with tumultuous delight, and where he witnessed Norm* and Masaniello. The familiar scenery, the pictuiesque and no less familiar costumes, doubtless impressed him. But what most vividly attracted his attention was the splendid patriotic duet between Masgniello and Pielo, declaimed with marked and

unaccustomed emphasis by Signors Mario and Graziani. Tbe scene where tbe Neapolitans turn upon their oppressors was not calculated to lessen the interest already excited ; and the lively tarantella, the impressive and beautiful prayer, tb^ final ami successful struggle of the patriots, each created its effect. As if, too, expressly for this occasion, tbe barricade was erected with greater spirit, the guns boomed louder and at shorter interval, the musket shots were ten times as frequent, and tbe whole color and business of the scene presented an unwonted aspect of bustle, animation, and start' ling reality.

Tbe next day was spent at Bedford, to witness steam ploughing, and in the evening tbe general dined with Mr Punizzi in the British Museum.

At the Crystal Palace a different sight was witnessed on the following day. The United Committees 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 be 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, a formal statement was made in the newspapers that his figit 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 thresv a complete gloom over 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 1 the country, and the independence of the English Government, was promptly and circumstantially contradicted in both bouses of Parliament by Lords Palmerston and Clarendon. When he was in Paris, Lord Clarendon had talked or> 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 nt tbe circiimstaucs, spoke of it as an incident which reflected great credit on the generosity and patriotic sympathies of the English people. It is only just to give preminence to those responsiblea ssertions; 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 be cannot get in England) serious consequences must ensue. Tbe working classes, and tbe Liberal parly, are uot disposed to place implicit confidence in these opinions, and strenuously endeavored to induce the persecuted patriot to promise to stay a little longer.

His " progresses" through the past week were repetitions of his " progresses" of the week before. Tbe same activity, the same crush wherever he appeared, and the same uncontrollable ardour aud devotion on tke part of the people. Up before six o'clock, he usually receives 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 profound admiration felt by all classes for his unselfish patriotism, nod that a fund be raised for that purpose. About £2000 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 tbe bouse was crowded with company until 6 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 the2olb April, was, perhaps, tbe most imposing of all the ceremonies Garibaldi had to pass through. The wbole line of route from Mr Seely's capacious mansion at Princes-gate to Guildhall was crowded to tbe 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 soon after noon, as it was known that no one wmld be admitted after half-past 12. The Council Chamber was devoted to the exclusive use of the Common Council, who mustered in gveat force, attired in their mazarine gowns ; while the aldermen, for whom the platform was reserved, wore their i scarlet robes. > Shortly after one General Garibaldi and his friends arrived. He was received at the enentrance to the Guildhall by Messrs K. J. Chapman (chairman), Parker, Saunders, Stapleton, and Murrel), members of the City Lands Cotmrittee, who had been deputed to carry out the arrangements. Ou passing through tbe various avcuues and apartments, on bis wav to the Council Chamber, he stopped several times to return the greetings of tbe ladies who occupied tbe seats on tbe right and left, and on reaching the court there arose loud cries of "Seats, seats!" many members having risen in the excitement of the moment A clapping of hands then ensued, and lasted for some moments, during which time tbe geneiai stood at the entrance of the apartment evidently much struck with tbe scene. In a few minutes he advanced to the dais, attended by the mover and seconder of the resolution conferring the freedom, and tbe sheriffs, amidst the loud applause of tbe court, and, before taking his seat, bowed with simple dignity on all sides. Three chairs of state bad been placed for the use of himself and sons. He sat iv the centre, Riciotti Garibaldi on his left, and Mr Seely on bis right band. The otber son Menotti Garibaldi was absent. After the usual form had been gone through of reading the minutes of the last court, embracing tbe resolution granting the freedom of the city to Garibaldi in a gold box, value 100 guineas, Mr Scott, the chamberlain, rose to address him, and Garibaldi, rising also, stood the whole time Mr Scott was speaking. Tbe speech of the Chamberlain dwelt on Garibaldi's character, and touched a lew 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 tbe 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-ball 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 tbe evening. Th« 21st of April, nearing the departure of the illustrious guest was one of Garibaldi's busiest days. So early as 7 o'clock in the morning he drove out to the secluded churchyard of 1 Chiswick, to visit the tomb of Ugo Foscolo, upon which he deposited a laurel crown iv bronze with an inscription bearing his name. On his return to town, he received an addiess from the corporation of Newcastle, expressing their profound regiet at his approaching departure. He told them tbat he hoped soon to visit England again.

At 11 o'clock the members of the Beform Club were gathered to receive him at a dejeuner. The scone was extremely interesting. Ladies were present in gre-tt numbers, and most of the {rentleiTien wore Garib'ilriiati rosettes. Lord Ebury occupied the chair, and in a speech full of admiration of Garibaldi'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 an 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 Pem-broke-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 Loudon, and visited the two 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 egaiust the pressure which they allege has been put upon Garibaldi U 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 Cenference while Garibaldi is in England, and that it was conveyed to him through Mr Gladstone. This statement ha* been contradicted in Parliament by Mr Gladstone, who declared that the sole reason for teiminaiing the round of labors 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 lhat the public are quite satisfied with these explanations, and it must be allowed that the language of Garibaldi himself justifies in some degree the suspicion that his sudden departure *i< not to be attributed «olely to his health. On the 22nd he left London with his sons and his little household for Cliefden-hoose, 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, a.ud expressed his strong sympathy with tlie Federal cause ; he afterwards received an Italian deputation, and then drove to Lord Shaftesbury'« house, aud afterwards to Stafford-house, where he lunched. While he was there, the Prince of Wales arrived to pay him a private visit, .•Mid remained en hour with him. Garibaldi then left town for the seclusion of Cliefden-paik. The rest of his proceedings may be despatched in a line. On the 25ili he was to have set out for Plymouth, passing the night at the bouse of Colonel Peard, " Garibaldi's Englishman," at Penquft, Cornwall ; and this morning, 26ib he embarks on board the Duke of Sutherland's yacht for Caprera. .

Before he took bis departure from London, he left in the hands of Mr Seely a farewell address to the English nation. It is verj short, and simp l_r expresses his gratitude for their reception of him, and asks their pardun for the trouble and disappointment he caused to manj ofkis friends, ending with a hope that at no distant lime lie may be able to return and see his " friends in the domestic life of England."