EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
481 
Nevertheless, I wish to express to the gentlemen — the 
judges, my profound gratitude for the great impartiality and 
judgment they have shown in the accomplishment of their 
difficult task. I wish to express my sincere thanks to the 
Commissioner General, for the ability and care he has shown 
in this exposition. Lastly, I wish to express my pleasure in 
having obtained, through permission of the Emperor, the 
authority to lay down, from this time, for the years 1856 and 
185 7 3 some improved regulations for future meetings, and for 
future success. Next year this place will be opened to all 
products of agriculture, as well as implements. Let us not 
regret, gentlemen, having been this year deprived of these 
advantages, since they are brought together in a neighbouring 
palace. Let us, on the contrary, congratulate ourselves that 
it has been given to France, to invite civilised nations to the 
triple fete of Agriculture, Industry, and the Arts. Let us be 
contented that she has been able to display with so much 
power, the splendours of peace, at a time when she sustains 
the weight of a great war. That she has been able to give 
this brilliant evidence of her preference for a peaceful gran- 
deur, even at the hour her military force is consecrated to the 
defence of the helpless and oppressed. Let us be proud to see 
her engaged in this great intellectual combat, and opening 
with eclat a peaceful tournament, in which Europe disputes 
the finest palms which the genius of science and arts can 
distribute ; while her fleet, united with that of our generous 
ally, assails the shores of the Baltic, and rules in the two seas 
which wash the Crimea ; while her noble sons, united with 
those of Great Britain, Piedmont, and Turkey, march coura- 
geously to the conquest, the only guarantee of peace, and from 
those distant shores, watered by their glorious blood, send to 
the heart of the anxious and triumphant country cries of 
devotion and victory.” 
After the delivery of this address, which was frequently 
interrupted by signs of approbation from the assembly, the 
prizes were announced. During the distribution, which 
occupied upwards of two hours, an excellent military band 
enlivened the proceedings by playing national airs. When 
