Punch (12.1847)

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

POLIT.CAL BAROMETERS.

he list of visitors at the
British Ambassador's at
Paris seems to be the politi-
cal barometer for the French
journals. If M. Gtjizot has
called, it is a sign of "Fine
Weather ;" if any of the
other Ministers, it is simply
" Fair ;" if M Thiers has
called, and stopt to luncheon,
there is an immediate an-
nouncement of " Change ; "
whilst if a concert is given,
and none of the King's Ca-
binet workmen are present,
then the atmosphere is "Very
Stormy," and every one is
told to be prepared for
the blowing of great guns. By these signs do the weather-wise
journalists of France study the political horizon, and tell their readers
what there is in the wind. It would be strange if the London papers
a list published of all the persons who called/in the course of the
day, at the French Ambassador's, and prophesied immense things
from their visits. The result would be in every way as absurd as the
following:—

"A man with a paper cap called on Tuesday at the Comte de Sr.
Aulaire's, as early as nine o'clock. He left a small parcel, and stated
he would call the following day for an answer. This parcel was opened,
and was found to contain a box of wafers and sealing-wax. This suspi-
cious circumstance leaves no doubt he is an emissary of the English
Cabinet, who wishes to impress upon the French Ambassador the expe-
diency of closing and sealing, with the greatest seer cy, the negotiation
that is at present open between the Courts of St. James and the
Tuileries."—Times.

"An influential wine-merchant in the City bad no less than three
audiences with the French Ambassador on Saturday last. We have
been toM, on the best authority—and we stake our reputation upon the
fact—that it is the intention of the French Embassy at the npxt
dinner-party to go deeply into the question of opening the ports."—
Morning Herald.

" Mr. Peter Borthwick dined at Ashburnham House yesterday.
This is a sufficient contradiction to the democratic rumours that there
is a rupture between the French and English Courts. The above fact
will prove that the alliance was never, at any period, so strong."—

Morning Advertiser.

" Ramo Samee was not invited to the soiree
given, last night, by the Comte de St.
Aulaire. This affront to the Porte is too
glaring to be overlooked. The Turkish Am-
bassador, who had just been calling at Ash-
burnham House, ordered his carriage to turn
back as soon as he was told of this circum-
stance, and insisted upon having his card
returned to him. The funds have fallen
at Stamboul."—Daily News.

"Lord John Russell attended the performances at the French
Plays last Monday evening, when Robert Macwre was performed. The
Comte de St. Aulaire, feeling this was an allu-
sion to his royal master too gross to be passed
over, instantly demanded his passport. Lord
John, however, has written an autograph letter
to Locis Philippe, containing the most satis-
factory apology for this apparent outrage, and
the Comte has nobly consented to retaiu the
appointment he has so long filled with such
honour to himself and country." — Morning
Chronicle.

How the Dtbats, Presse, Siecle, National, Charivari, and the other
anglophobian journals, would laugh at our papers if they indulged
in such ridiculous nonsense ; and yet their comments, upon EnglLh
diplomacy are almost as absurd as the above. We wonder they do not
establish a quarantine round the English Ambassador's, and examine
anything and everybody on entering and leaving it. They would be
able, by opening every basket and portefeuille that went into the hotel,
to get to the bottom of many things of which they do not at present
see more than the surface, and the plague which the English Embassy
has lately been to Monsieur Guizot and his policy might cease

AN INDIGNANT OLD GENTLEMAN.

" To Mr. Ponch.

" Sir,—My name frequently appears in the newspapers. I am
a true Briton, one who venerates our good old institutions, which the
besom of sentimentaliem is threatening to sweep away. I am one of
those who would have fellows who deserve to be hanged, hanged. Now,
Sir, I perceive by the papers that a lad of twelve was tried the other
day at the Central Criminal Court for robbing his master of four
pounds twelve shillings. His master, Sir ; mark that. Imagine your-
self that master. Now, Sir, what was the boy's punishment ? Sir, he
was liberated—actually let off—on a gentleman being bound for his
good behaviour for a twelvemonth.

" The Recorder said, that 'by thus dealing with the lad, he might
become an honest member of society ; by sending him to prison, he
might become an expert thief.' Become an honest member of society
by not being punished when found out ! Monstrous ! Become an
expert thief by being sent to prison ! Did not the wisdom of our an
cestors devise prisons expressly to teach people not to be thieves ? I
am aware that there are some objections to sending children to gaols.
Evil communications, I know, will not only corrupt good manners, but
also make bad manners worse. But could nothing have been done to
this lad to teach him not to steal another time ? Could he not, Sir,
have been whipped a little, or something of that sort ? That, at least,
would have been some satisfaction to the feelings of his wronged
employer ; as it would have been to those, if in his place, of

" Fiat Jdstitla."

HINTS TO AMATEURS OF ART.

We have perceived among the amateurs of art at the public Exhibi-
tions, a growing practice of turning the back upon some of the best
pictures. We believe this is done out of no disrespect to the painter,
but for the purpose of discussing the merits of the painting with greater
convenience. It has not, however, occurred to these connoisseurs, that
their tergiversation, when it becomes continuous, has the effect of
obscuring the work upon which the evolution alluded to is practised.
We recommend that blank squares of canvas should be prepared for
those who are in the habit of remaining long with their backs to the
wall in one position.

A VACUUM IN WATEH.

A gentleman of taste, who has dipt rather deeply into M. Soteh's
soups, says the Irish would certainly relish the soup all the more if
thtre was a bit of an Irish Bull in it.

The Hall-Porter of the Reform Club maketii a Joke !—Why is
, M. Soter like the summit of Mont Blanc ? Because he has a culinary
before either of them have fallen victims to it. j {cool and airy) situation".