The Press. — London, England, 1858-04-10 00:00:00

►m'7."' 354 BANQUET AT THE MANSION-HOUSE. HER Majesty's Ministers were entertained on Mon day last at a grand banquet by the Lord Mayor. Nearly three hundred guests were present on the occasion, among whom were his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, the Marquis of Salisbury, the Earl of Hardwicke, the Earl and Countess or Derby and Lady Emma Stanley, the Lord Chancellor and Lady Chelmsford, the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mrs. Disraeli, Lord Henry Len • nox, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., &c. The banquet, which was served in the Egyptian ball, was of the most superb character. After the loving cup had gone round, and the usual loyal and other toasts had been drunk, the Duke of Cambridge rose to return thanks for the army. His Royal Highness impressed upon his hearers the necessity of a great power like England maintaining both ber army and navy in the " highest state of efficiency ": Don't let us suppose that it is necessary to be extrava gant. Extravagance is not desirable nor even advanta geous ; but the efficiency of its military and naval estab• lishmenta is an imperative necessity for the safety of any great empire ; and as long as England wishes to remain that proud, that glorious country which we now rejoice to think it is, let us never forget, even in moments of peace, that the united services of the army and navy deserve to be maintained in the satisfactory condition in which, I am happy to sad•, they now are. The LORD MAYOR, in an appropriate speech, having proposed the health of " Lord Derby and her Majesty's inisters," Lord DERBY, amidst loud and long•continued cheers, rose and said : My Lord Mayor, my lords, ladies, and gentlemen,—l rise for the purpose of returning to you, in my own name and in that of my colleagues, our grateful and sincere acknowledgments for the honour which you have just con ferred upon us, for the too complimentary terms in which yonr lordship nas been pleased to propose the toast, and for the very flattering manner in which it has been received by this distinguished assembly. I am well aware, my Lord Mayor, that for the greatest portion of that reception I and my colleagues are not so much indebted to any personal merits of our own as to the position which by the favour of the Crown we at present occupy. I believe it is inherent in the British character that every man who for the time being is charged with the arduous task of conducting the affairs of this great country is certain to meet with respectful consideration in any meetia; of his fellow-countrymen, and that from no un• worthy motive, front no unseemly deference to mere tem porary authority or station, but from more generous and more honourable feelings. Those who have been at all connected wi'h public life know well that, although here and there certain political questions may cross the path of a public man, and render his course somewhat different from his predecessors' or his successors', yet with regard to nine -tenths, I may even say 99-hundredths, of the business which comes before him, the duties to be performed by the Minister are precisely the same, whether he be Whig, or Tory, or Radical. There are to be made the same sacri fices of time, of toil, of study, of domestic comfort, of private happiness, too often of health, and sometimes even of life itself. There are to be encountered all the °Wavy and misrepresentation of political opponents, and some- . .. times the dissatisfaction of disappointed fi iends. ( A laugh.) And against OA.; labour and all these sufferings the emolu ments or the advantages of office would be a poor return indeed if they were not sweetened and aided by the appro bation and esteem of our fellow-countrymen. (Cheers.) My Lord Mayor, i know that upon occasions like the present it would be most unseemly to enter upon any sub ject of political controversy, or to raise any question which valid excite any political feeling, and if I in the slightest degree deviate from the wholesome rule and refer to one topic of public interest, it is because that topic is, or, at least, ought to be, removed beyond the pale of antagonistic principles, and also is a question of the deepest importance to this great centre of the commerce of the world. It is a subject towards which public attention has recently been directed with an intensity of interest which forms a striking ()entreat with the apathy with which it was regarded in former times. I need hardly say, my Lord Mayor, that I allude to that great empire which has been referred to by the illustrious duke who last addressed. yen. and to our so cial and political relations with that mighty dependency our Indian empire. The formation of that empire is a history unparalleled in the annals of the world. It is a circumstance that reflects the highest credit upon the energy, the ability and the vigour of our countrymen that in the space of little more than a hundred years a company of English mer chants, setting forth upon the peaceful occupations of com merce, should so far have extended their power as to have established a permanent influence over a population ex. e !cling by tenfold that of their native country, and over dominions bearing a still larger proportion to the narrow circumference of these little islands. That they should have so created such a power and established such an em pire speaks volumes for the energy and the enterprise of those by whom during that comparatively brief period the affairs of that great empire have been conducted. (Cheers.) And let me say here that, although undoubtedly in the earlier portion of its history, and, perhaps, even at some later periods, there may have been acts committed with re gard to India which will not bear the strictest examination according to tha severe rules of political morality, yet upon the whole there never was a Government which for so lengthened a period displayed so much power, so much ability, made so admirable a choice of its servants,—who in their turn exhibited such distinguished talents,—or -. , 7,k 11161 THE PRESS, APRIL 10, 1858. which upon the whole conducted its affairs with such purity of motives and so studied the interests of the people con fided to their charge, as the Government of India. My Lord Mayor, I am bound to pay that tribute to the govern• ment of the East India Company at the present moment, when it appears to be upon its political death-bed. ( A cry of "No" and laughter.) It certainly appears to be the general opinion of the public that the time has arrived when the mission of that Company as a company has been to a great extent closed, and when the duties which it has hitherto performed must, in the necessary and natural course of events, be transferred to the direct au thority of the Crown. That authority for many years has been indirectly, but not less really, exercised ; and the transfer of the nominal authority is but a small change in the actual exerzise of political power in regard to India. But, my Lord Mayor, that transfer is by no means so easy and simple a task as some would suppose. (Cheers.) Great interests have to be consulted, great difficulties to be over come, and a great and important problem has to he solved. That problem is no less than this—how, if the change is to take place, it iA possible at the same time to secure the necessary undivided responsibility of a Minister of the Crown and to surround him with that knowledge and experience with reference to all the mighty and varied interests of that vast empire which is so necessary to any Minister dealing with such complicated and diversified affairs. That is the problem which Parliament has to solve, and I think he w ould be a bold, not to say a presumptuous, Minister who could hope by himself, or with the aid of his colleagues, with a notice of a few days or even a few weeks, to strike out a scheme which would not be liable to grave objections, or which in its progress would not require serious modifications. We have been called upon suddenly and unexpectedly, as your lordship has stated, tu undertake the duties of Government, and among others the one to which I have alluded, which is not the least pressing. We have not the presumption to suppose that we can be pre eminently successful. We have deemed it our duty to bring forward a measure which, as we believe, may effect some of the objects to which 1 have referred. We laid that measure before the country, purposely and intention ally, previous to the recess, in order that it might be sub jected to public investigation and inquiry. We do not deprecate, but, on the contrary, we court discussion. We court suggestions. We court the co-operation and advice of Parliament and of the muntry, with the view of render ing the change which we propose as safe and beneficial as we earnestly desire that it may prove to be. The one thing which we alone deprecate—and which we deprecate, not for the sake of the Government of the day, but on ac count of the important interests involved both in this country and in India—is, that a question involving such mighty interests, and of such overwhelming importance, should be made the sport of political parties or the battle field of rival disputants. We shall approach this great question in no such presumptuous or controversial spirit; and for the sake both of this country and of India, I trust that the measure we have submitted to Parliament will be discussed by those who object to it, and by those who give it their support, not in a spirit of political controversy, but of fair and dis passionate argument, with the object of rendering the great change which is proposed as safe and efficient as possible. We must remember, however, while we are legislating on the subject of India, that that country has been recently, and still is, the scene of a formidable and alarming revolt, which has risen to the magnitude of a mighty war. During that revolt instances of atrocity have occurred at which human nature shudders, and over which humanity would fain draw the veil; but our countrymen have performed unparalleled acts of gallantry and heroism. Their daring in the field, their courage in the siege, their patient and heroic endurance have hardly been equalled in the military history of the world. So long as history shall be known, so lung as the world shall last, will be familiar as household words to every Englishman the recollection of the noble gallantry and desperate courage displayed at the siege and capture of Delhi, and the heroism, the patience, the more than mortal suffering of the noble garrison of Lucknow. Even while I speak I trust that a brighter glory is about to beam upon the name of Lucknow. 1 trust that the gallant and illustrious chief who commands the army of India, and who has been collecting his forces for a final and decisive effort, may at this moment have crushed beneath the iron heel of conquest the last embers of this serious mutiny. I trust that even now Lucknow may be once again in the power of our victorious trocps. I wish I could think that when Lucknow is captured it wouid be possible for us to sheathe the sword. That sword must still be drawn, if not for war, at least to execute the stern behests of justice. ( Hear, hear.) There are deeds which cannot be allowed to go unpunished. There is innocent blood which calls for just retribution. ( Cheers.) But, although the sword may be drawn, let it be the sword of cool, calm, and impartial justice ; let it not be the sword of wild and indiscriminate revenge. Punish you must, — assert your authority you must,—extort a severe penalty you must from those who have committed deeds which even legitimate warfare could not sanction ; but when you have exacted that measure of punishment, I trust we shall exhibit in India the best principles of that Christianity which we are anxious to extend throughout the world. (Cheers.) I hope the day may not be fir distant when justice will give place to mercy, and I trust we shall then be ready to recognize not only the great debt of vengeance we owed, but also the higher duty which devolves upon us of showing mercy to those who are no longer in arms against us, to those who having been momentarily seduced from their allegiance under the influence of strong tempta tions have again submitted to our authority, and, above all, that we shall recognize the grateful task imposed upon us of rewarding those—and many there are both in high and low stations —who have adhered to their allegiance under all trials, who have never (altered or fli nc h e d i n their fidelity towards us, and especially those who have exerted themselves to save the lives of innocent Europeans whom chance had thrown in their power. If we are 'lint to punish I trust we shall be equally just to reward, and that when this mutiny shall be at an end we shall remem ber that duty and policy alike call upon us not to wage an indiscriminate and exterminating warfare, but as soon as possible to heal the deep wounds which it has inflicted, and to show to India that if we are to remain masters in that country we are so not merely for selfish purposes but for the benefit and advantage of the people over whom we exercise authority. (Cheers.l My Lord Mayor, 1 will not refer to a single topic more, nor would I have referred to this if it had b een possible it, connect it in any way with party spirit. I will not even advert to a matter which must be of great interest to this metropolis—viz., the measure which has been for some years in agitation for the reconstniction of the great cor poration over which your lordship so worthily presides— except to say that, as I trust discussion may have softened asperities and modified extreme opinion, so I trust that it may be possible for the wisdom of Parliament to devise a measure which shall place that institution more in conso nance with the habits and requirements of the present age, without, in the least degree, detracting from its dignity, power, or importance, or failing to secure in all future time the same consideration for its chief magistrate, a considera tion due to the sentiments of high honour and public duty which, with but very few exceptions, have cbaracter.zed your predecessors, and which, I am sure, will be worthily imitated by your lordship. ( Cheers.) My lord, ladies, and gentlemen, in the name of my colleagues, and in my own name, I cordially thank you for the kind manner in which you have received our healths ; and whether our term of office be longer or shorter I trust we shall be able abroad to uphold the dignity of this country, combined with the maintenance of peaceful and amicable relations with all foreign States; and with respect to our domestic policy, I can only say our best exertions will not be want ing, our constant labours will not be grudged, in the en deavour to promote safe and steady social progress at home. (Cheers.) IVhatever may be the varied political feelings and opinions of the country, all I hope is that we may have credit for desiring faithfully to perform the arduous duties which have so suddenly devolved upon us, and in striving to perform them our best encouragement, our best reward, will be the sympathy, the goodwill, and if I may venture to hope, so tar the confidence of our fellow countrymen. (Cheers.) The LORD CHANCELLOR, in a brief speech, replied for "The House of Lords," and to the toast of "The House of Commons," in proposing which the LORD MAYOR said that he hoped the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, if compelled to impose a fresh tax, would devise one that would please all parties—(a laugh)— Mr. DISRAELI replied as fellows : My Lord Mayor, I cannot, like the Lord Chancellor, sav that I have only recently become a member of that branch of the Legislature in which I enjoy a seat, for on several occasions I have been called upon to return thanks for the House of Commons in this hall ; and, indeed, I should feel some embarrassment on the present recession from the difficulty of varying the phrase; in which our acknow leagruents should be conveyed to you, did I not recollect how ancient, how intimate, and how cordial have been the relations which have always subsisted between that assem bly and this great corporation. f know, therefore, my Lord Mayor, that the proposal of our health on your part, and its reception by the citizens of London, are not a mere idle ceremony. The connection to which I have referred has, in my mind, been favourable to public liberty ; it has conduced to the maintenance of the independence of the House of Commons, and has cherished the high spirit which has been displayed by this famous corporation. With regard to the allusion your lordship has made to the difficult position which I now occupy, I must thank you for the very enclumsting manner in which you have offered, on the part of the citizens of London, to come forward to supply the deficiency which is at present apparent in her Majesty's Exchequer. (Laughter.) Certainly that Ex chequer is not now in an over-brimming state; but, atter such an expression of feeling from the representative of the wealthiest city in the world, I can assure you that when the budget is introduced to the House of Commons—and it certainly cannot be :ong delayed—T shall enter upon that difficult and arduous task with much more confidence and courage than T should have felt had I not had the honour of being your lordship's guest this evening. (Laughter.) The announcement on behalf of the city of London that they are prepared to pay new taxes is one which I have not a doubt will tomorrow have a very favour able influence upon the public securities of this country. (Laughter.) Frequently as the grateful task has devolved upon me of returning thanks on behalf of the House of Commons to the chief magistrates of this great city, I can assure you that my satisfaction is increased to-night when I recollect that the eminent individual who occupies the high position of Lord Mayor is also a member of the House of Commons and, although T would hardly pre some to make a political allusion on such an occasion as this, I may venture to add that I have great pleasure in frequently meeting his lordship not merely within the same walls, but in the same lobby. (A laugh.) I assure you, however, my Lord :11-tvor, that the gratification I experience in finding a member of the House of Commons filling the high position which you now occupy is not occasioned by any political feeling. I have had the honour of being the guest of Whig Lord Mayors, and of thanking them for such compliments as you have this evening paid to the House of Commons. Whether the Lord Mayor be a Wnig or a Tory is to me a matter of indifference; but it is to me—and I hope it is to every one—s subject of congratulation that the ancient connection between the House of Commons and the City of I.ondon should be maintained in so peculiar and intimate a manner when the chief magistrate of this city is also a member of the