Note 222 — Chapter XV

This Exhibition was followed by a similar one in Paris in 1855, and, when the Emperor Napoleon came to visit the Queen just before it was opened the merchants of London presented him with an address. The late Mr. Samuel Gurney was one of the deputation. After shaking hands with those of its members whom he knew, the Emperor remarked to Mr. Gurney that it was a long time since they had met. “Yes, Sire,” said the fine old Quaker with one of his blandest smiles, “it is a long time, and there have been many changes since then;” having, evidently, in his mind at the time, the means, whereby his Majesty had risen to power, and the Crimean war. “I hope,” continued the Emperor, “you will visit our Exhibition next year, and that you will allow me the pleasure of seeing you there.” “It is my intention, Sire,” replied Mr. Gurney, “to visit thy great Peace Demonstration, and, should I do so, I shall not fail as thou wishest to pay my respects to thee.” The Emperor was, doubtless, pleased with the ready manner in which his old Quaker friend had construed his Exhibition into a demonstration of peace, and, especially, peace with England, which, at that time, and, as I believe throughout the whole of his reign, he was most anxious to maintain.