14 MAY 1864, Page 3

The House of Commons on Thursday came out in a

new light. Mr. Gregory brought forward the remuneration to Mr. Herbert, painter of the fresco in the Peers' Robing Room, for which he has received, or is to receive, 2,000/. Thereupon the House burst into a perfect chorus of eulogy on that gentleman, eulogy such as will secure him 10,000/. a year if ever he works for the dealers -again, and Mr. Bright of all men on earth suggested 5,000/. as the minimum grant. The consensus of opinion Ives really extraordinary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer agreed to give Mr. Herbert 1,500/. extra, and form a small commis- sion to decide finally on the just remuneration of all the artists employed. If it be true, as all the amateurs in the House seemed to admit, that Mr. Herbert's work is absolutely unique, .one of those achievements which are historical, the final agreement was after all rather mean. The nation ought to pay at least as well as the dealers. When it buys foreign pictures it pays twice as much.