The Sun. — London, England, 1840-03-12 00:00:00

EI ENINd EDIT ON. DINNER TO GEO. BYNG, ESQ., f i nis magnificent public festival, given by the Re former; of England, to George Byng, Esq., in celebra tion and grateful acknowledgement of fifty years' unin terrupted services as Member of Parliament for the county of Middlesex, took place yesterday evening at Drury-Lane Theatre ; and whether we consider the iut•'resting and unprecedented nature of the meeting, or the number and rank of the distinguished individuals who assembled to do honour to the veteran Reformer, we can with confidence assert that it was one of the most brilliant displays that has for many years taken place in the metropolis of England. Tho entire of the pit and orchestra were boarded over on a level with the stage, which was thrown open to its fullest extent ; and by the judicious and excel lent arrangements of J. B. Burnard, Esq., architect, of Holloway, to whom the design hid been entrusted, omloqable accommodation was provided for between 1,100 and 1,200 persons, the Committee having very properly limited the issue of tickets to the number for whom seats could be provided without inconvenience. Two semicircular tables, one within the other, ran found the pit, and within these, two others extended along the centre of the pit to the stage, the whole afford inz accommodation for about 500 persons. The stage was cccupied by seven or eight tables, running lengthwise from the proscenium to the back of the stage, and on the right, immediately under the stage box, was a raised platform, covered with scarlet cloth, for the centre table, at which the chairman, Lord C. J. F. Russell, the guest of the evening, George Byng, Esq., and about twenty-six other Nebleipeo and gentlemen, were seated. Br this ar `rangeraeat the Chairman and principal guests were visible from ell parts of the house. The spice between the pit and the stage was occupied by three tables, extending at right stogies from the centre table, and these, which were ex clusively accupied by Peers and Members of Parlia ment, were calculated to accommodate about one hun dred and fifty. The stage was hung with drapery of alternate stripes of pink and white, in the form of a tent, and around the walls and over the principal tables were various sags and banners with appropriate mottoes and devices. In front of the stage, suspended by wreaths of roses, was a scroll with the words " BYNG AND IN. PEPSNDENCE," richly emblazoned in letters of gold. A temporary orchestra for the military band was erected at the back of the stage—and on either side was a large and brilliant star in gas, in the centre of which were the letters V. A. dianer, which, of necessity, was a cold one, was piovided by Mr. Breach, of the White Conduit Tavern, and the variety and abundance of the viands, dessert, tog., and the quality of the wines, of which there was a groat profusion, appeared to afford general satisfaction. We understand that the Committee of the Theatre, in the most handsome and liberal manner, afforded every aceommodation to the gentlemen concerned in the ar rangements of the dinner, and the Earl of Glengall him self visited the Theatre in the course of the day in order to make any suggestions that might be deemed useful. The lighting of the Theatre was under the superin tendence of Mr. Gye, jun., formerly of Vauxhall, and had an extremely brilliant and tasteful effect. Among the professional singers were Messrs. At kins, Bradbury, T. Cooke, Fitzwilliam, Lloyd, C. Taylor, E. Taylor, Turle, Young, Green, Rakes, Tett, C. Tett, and Walsh ; and Masters Herring, F. Stevens, E. Stevens, and Ball. The military band was under the leadership of Mr. Hardy. At ire o'clock several hundred oersons were assembled at the box entrance of the theatre, and shortly after wards, the doors being opened, " a tremendous rush," such as would, under other circumstances, have gladdened the heart of a manager, took place. There was, however, very little confusion, policemen being stationed at intervals along the passages. The tickets being numbered to correspond with the numbers on the tables, and all the company found their way to their allotted positions without much trouble. At half-past five the tables, with the exception of a few of the reserved seats, were completely filled. The boxes were crowded with ladies, and even the "two slain" and " shilling" galleries, as they are techni ally termed, presented a dense mass of spectators. in )Irs. Byng's box we noticed Lady Charles Fitzroy, Lady Agnes Byng and her two sons, Lady Stirling, gigs fly % Miss Fanny Byng, Mrs. Samuel Whitbread, Wm Julia Whitbread, Miss Gertrude Whitbread, Lady Clifford, and Miss Clifford, At a few minutes past six the Chairman entered the raom, Mr. Byng leaning on his arm. They were fol lowed by the Duke of Bedford, Lord Holland, Lord J. nulled, the liarquis of Head fort, and several other Noblemen and Gentlemen. On their entrance the Company rose and greeted the distinguished guest of the evening with several rounds of applause, the Band play ng, "See the Conquering Hero Comes." At the eentre table were Lord Charles James Fox litisvll (the Chairman), supported on his right by the distinguished guest, George Byng, Esq., Lord Wil liam RI:well, the Earl of Albemarle, the Earl of Listowel, the Earl of Roseberry, Lord Sudelay, Lord Camoys, Lord Holland, the Earl of Errol, Lord Godolphin, and Lord E. Russell, Hon. Fox Maule, Sir A. Clifford, Dr. Lushington, Sir J. Campbell, Attorney- General, Lord E. Paget, Hon. C. Cavendish. Lord Colborne, Right Hon. F, I.varl Ellice, the Earl of Shelburne, Lord Cremorne, Lord Howick, the Duke of Bedford, the Marquis of Tasistock, Admiral Adaras, Mr. Hume, the Lord Advocate, and Lord Oranmore. At the other tables we observed :—The Marquis of Hcadfort, Lord Dunboyne, Sir Edward Colebroke, Hon. Mr. Butler, Lord Clarence I'aget, Lord James Stuart, M.P., Lord G. Paget, Lord Alfred Paget, M.P., Lord Frederick Gordon, Lord Worsely, M.P, ion. G. Ponsonby, Hon. E. J. Stanley, M.P., Lord Torrington, Sir B. Hall, M.P., Sir I). Lacey Evans, .M.P., Mr. E. Horsman, M.P., Mr. J. Cirnpbcll, M.P., Sir Walter Stirling,B wt., M.P., T. S. Duocombe, Esq., 11. P., H. W. Tancred, Esq., M.P., M. J. O'Connell, Esq., M.P., G. Wilbraham, Esq., M.P., Sir Mattliv Wood, Bact., MY., Benjamin Wood, Esq., M P., W, Willshire, Esq., M.P., K. M. Ilativ, Esq., M.P, D. R. Pigot, Esq., M.P., T. Gisborne, Esq., M.P. William Evans, Esq., M. P., E. Divett, El. ; M.P. Alexander Bannerman, Esq., M.P., T. Thorncly, Esq. M.P., E. Baines, E.4q., M.P, T. S. Briscoe, Esq. '.P., Lord Marcus Hill, M.P., B. Clive, Esq., M.P., 1 Rowland Alston, Esq., M.P., Itght. II m. Sir Robert Adair. Wynn Ellis, Esq., M.P., Thom Is Nino ek, Esq., M.P., Hun. J. P onson b y, NI.P., Sir J. Guest, Bart. ' , M.P., J. Pattison Esq., M.P., Hon. S. Brig, J. A. Yates, Esq., M.P., Mark Phillips, Fog., M.P., Hun. J. E. Elliot, M.P., J. A. Smith, Esq., M.P., James Morrison, Esq., M.P., W. J. Haytcr, Esq., M.P., W. Elrart, M.P., E. Strutt, M P., W. Crawford, M.P., Captain Berkeley, ALP., Gibson Craig, NI.P., Hon. F. Dandtils, M.P., George Evans, M.P., Hon. W. 1), ISLaalev, M.P., H. Tuffnell, M.P., W. B. Wrightson, M.P., Hpn. P. Bouverie, M. P., D. Callaghan, M.P., 5. M. l'onblanquc, Wm. Stanley, Esq., M.P., Col, Fox, Col. Anson, Right Hon. G. S. Byng, M.P., Simnel Whitbread, Esq., Sir John Seale, M.P. Alderman Lsinson, Duke of Devonshire, W. R. Stansfield, Esq., M.P., T. L. Hodges, Esq., M,P., 8,. V. Smith, Esq., M.P., Wrr. Roche, Esq., M.P., W. Collins, Esq., M.P., Humphreys, Esq., ALP., J. Loch, Esq., M.P., Sir T. Troubridge, ALP., W. Barran, Wq., M.P., Sir J. Forrest, E. W. W. Pen darves, NI.P., Major Vivian, M.P., W.Clay,Esq., NI.P., Hon. G. Brown, Sir Charles Adam, M.P., Frederick Howard, M.P., Colonel S. Cowell ~Si. H. M.P., Vi vian, Esq., 'M.P., John O'Conne Vivian, 11, NI.P , Th omas Wakky, Esq., M.P., Sir Edward Lytton. Brllwer, Bart., 'M.P., Robert Holland, Esq M.P G. R. Philips, M.P., D r . S toc k , M.P., Joseph" Park. - s ", Right Hon. S. Lushington, .M.P., Earl of Zetl an d Hon. Fox Maule, M.P., R o b ert Stuart, M.P. , Si l Augustus Clifford, Philip Howard, P q., M.P . , r Ste. After the cloth had been removed, and grace sun g by the professional gentlernen, The Noble CHAIRMAN rose and said —My Loris and Gentlemen, the toast with which it is usual to commence, on occasions lika the present, is one that must be familiar to you all, and which I feel you are impatient for ; but, Gentle men, although I believe that the words, " English and true " are essentially synonymous, yet, o❑ the present occasion, I shall make use of the one rather thin of the other, and I say that the toast lam about to give you is one which must be received with enthusiasm by every true man, be he English, Irish, or Scotch. Gentlemen, I give you the Health of the Queen.---(Thunders of applause, which was continued for several minutes.) GOD SAVE THE QUEEN. God say,. our gracious Queen, Long live Victoria, God save the Queen Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over uq, God save the Queen! O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politic, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On Her our hopes arc fixed, God save us all. Thy choicest gifts in storp, On Her be pleased to pour, Long may she reign! May she defend our law 3, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice, God save the Queen! In the second verse, when they came to the words " Frustrate their knavish tricks," there were loud ' cheers from all parts of the Hous e . The CHAIRMAN—The next toast is one which should follow closely upon that which we have just drank. It is the health of his Royal Highness Prince Albert.—( Loud and reiterated cheering ; all the ladies in the boxes rising and waving their handkerchiefs)—and although, Gentlemen, the landing of the Illustrious Prince upon the shores of these realms was the signal for attacks being made upon him by the worst extreme of an inveterate and embittered party----(Loud cheers)—yet I trust that the welcome with which you have met the mention of his name, will go forth as an evidence that at least the Liberal party we are not wanting in the courteous hospitality which is due to an illustrious stranger, and the devoted attachment which we owe to the unfettered choice of our beloved Sovereign. The toast was drank with tremendous cheering. WELCOME TO PRINCE ALBERT. German Air Albert, hail I a nation meets thee, Bids thee welcome to her shore; Joyfully, Britannia greets thee Welcome, Albert, evermore I Not with servile flattery bending, Nobler honours we would bring ; Freedom, the right hand extending, And the heart's best offering. Hail, VICTORIA, England's glory, Raise the song on every side ; Long her name shall live in story, Albion's joy, and hope, and pride. While our blessing rests upon Her, Let us sing with heart and voice; Britain's sons delight to honour. THEIR BR.LOVEI) SOVZREIGN'S CHOICE. The CHAIRMAN said, the next toast is one which follows in the ordinary course. We have already drank the healths of the Queen and of Prince Al bert, and I am now about to propose to you the health of " The rest of the Royal Family."— (Cheers.) There is in this room a letter from his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex—(Enthusiastic cheering)—in which he expresses his hearty con currence in the object of the meeting, and deeply regrets his inability to attend.—(Renewed cheering.) My Lords and Gentlemen, such an apology I deem hardly necessary in a meeting like the present knowing, as we all do, how staunch a friend he has been to Liberal principles, even when they were not in the ascendant.--(Hear, hear, and cheers.) It was in the hour of darkness and distress that his Royal Highness well earned for himself the title of the people's friend. (Loud cheering.) I beg to propose to you " The Queen Dowager, the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Cambridge, and the rest of the Royal Family." The toast was drunk with much cheering. Glee--" Hail, Smiling Morn." flail ! Smiling Morn, that tips the hills with gold ; Whose rosy fingers ope the gates of day ; Who the gay face of Nature doth unfold, At whose bright presence darkness flies away. Hail ! hail I hail ! hail Lord Maacus HILL then rose and said—My Lord and Gentlemen, I do not rise with any presump tuous intention of returning an acknowledgment for the toast that has just been drank, and which has been re ceived with such enthusiasm, but having been de puted by his Royal Highness the, Duke of Sussex to state to the meeting what his opinions arc, I trust I may be allowed through the kindness of the Chair to read to the present company the senti ments which he has conveyed to me, and I trust that I shall be able to make them heard by all around me, who I am sure will do justice to the conduct and cha racter of that illustrious individual, who has been always found the constant and consistent friend of Li beral opinions. —(Great cheeri - ig ) The letter is in his Royal Highness's own handwriting al though he has been afflicted with great debility, and his eye-sight is greatly impaired. It is dated 4Fom Kensington Palace, and is as follows : " Kensington Palace, March 11, 1840. MY DEAR LORD—Most willingly would I accede to the wishes of the Stewards who are charged with conducting the Dinner proposed to be given this day to my old friend Mr. Byng, as communicated by you to me, were I able to attend. The uninterrupted public and private services which that gentleman has rendered to this country by a faithful discharge of his duties as Member for the County of Middlesex, during the pe riod of half a century, call for a demonstration of gra titude, not only from his constituents, but like wise from ever✓ friend of freedom, and most particularly from every ad cite of liberty and con science. The manly and uncompromising manner in which Mr. Byng has stood forth, not only to maintain those principles in times of great difficulty and of personal danger, but also to support other cham pons of the liberties of their country during the struggle, demand the approbation of every honest and upright man. Long may he live to enjoy the recollection of those honourswhiA, no doubt, will beheaped upon him this day. They will prove not less gratifying to his friends and admirers than to hirn,elf. To have contributed, by his own vote and personal exertions, towards the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts (Cheers)— to have assisted in expunging from the Statute Book the penal laws enacted against her Majesty's loyAl Roman Catholic subjects —to have aided in carryirg out the Reform Bill, regulating the representation in Parliament, or to hue. voted for the abolition of the East ludian mono- Poly —to have supported the Act for emancipating the black population of our colouies—and to be still giving his time and personal attendance to countenance every plan and proposal having for its object the general and gradual improvement of the country—besides his constant and munificent contributions in aid of every charitable and benevolent institution, not only in the county Middlesex relievee se t h x but e t h p r e o o u r g h a o e n d t t t h h e e land, whi c h profess afflicted, as likewise toadvance the intelligence, to encourage the moral habits, and to protnott the in dustrious exertions of the lower orders of so .t • these are lasting o bli gat i ons which Mr. Byngli c a l s c con ferred upon the Briti s h nat i on, and for which theycan never adequately repay hi m. When my Honour able Friend looks back u p on t h ese eventfulanc interesting occurrences, which I have thus hastily traced, he will have the satisfa c ti on to find and to know that his time has ken well spent ; that he will • leave a good name behind him —respected by every virtuous and good man, who will hold up the name of Byng to his children as a bright example of a true patriot for them and posterity to imitate. All this I would have said, and much more, were I present, as I love, respect, and admire the old English Gentleman both on the score of his public and private character ; but, unfortunately, at this season of the year, I am Ihrecd to avoid exposing myself to the easterly winds, *ilia arc very pre judicial to my health. Under these circumstances, therefore, you will oblige me, my dear Lord, by making my apology to the Stewards, while explaining the cause of my absence, and by expressing likewise my THE SCN, LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 12. 1840 regret to Mr. Byng at being debarred the pleasure of witnessing my old friend's welcome, accompa nied with that general demonstration of love, gra titude, and esteem which he richly deserves, and which no doubt he will receive front the noble and highly respectable company congregated together on this occa sion. Pray assure him of all this, and likewise all friends admitted to the festival, and add that I am heart and soul with them in the cause which they arc met to celebrate. Believe me, my dear Lord, with great sincerity, yours truly attached, &c. (Signed) AUGUSTUS FREDERICK. The Noble Lord was repeatedly interrupted during the reading of this letter by loud and continued cheering. The Hon. C. CAVENDISH then proposed the navy and army, which was drunk amidst most enthusiastic cheering. RULE, BRITANNIA. When Britain first at Heaven's command, Arose from out the azure main, Th's was the charter, the charter of the land, And guardian angels sung the strain, Rule, Britannia, Britannia rules the waves, For Britons never will be slaves The nations ti,,t so blest as thee, Must in their t,,rns to tyrants fall ! While thou shalt fl)urish great and free, The dread and envy of them all ! Rule, Britannia, &c. Still more majestic shalt thou rise, More dreaded from each foreign stroke; As the loud blast that tears the skies, Sorves but to root thy native oak, Rule, Britannia, &c. The Muses still, with Freedom found, Shall to thy happy coact repair; Blest isle, with Sovereign beauty crown'd, And manly hearts to guard the fair. Rule, Britannia, &c. Sir C. AnAms rose to return thanks. He said, my Lord, I feel the greatest gratification and pleasure in finding myself in such an assembly—assembled for such zi purpose. I firmly hope, and I sincerely believe, Gentlemen, that the British navy , will henceforth, as heretofore, be always found efficient, and ready, and willing to stand forward for the protection of the Throne of our most gracious Sovereign, and for the rights and liberties of the people.—(Loud cheers.) Sir DE LACEY EVANS rose and said—l have only one regret at the present moment ; and that is that it should have fallen to the lot of so humble a man in my profession to return thanks for this toast. I feel, as a member of the army, the sincerest delight in attending upon this occasion ; for I can conceive no display of public feeling more called for than the present. I believe that I ex press the true feeling of every soldier in supposing that my companions in arms would be most happy and proud to assist in paying this high tribute to public virtue.—(Great cheering.) The CHAIRMAN then rose to propose the health of Mr. Byng—He said I am now about to avail myself of the high privilege which has been conferred upon me, by proposing to the present assembly to drink the health of their illustrious guest.— (Great cheering.) The heartfelt manner in which you have received the bare mention of his name, confirms me in my conviction, that it requires no eulogy of mine to point out to you the great friend of the people, and the architect of Reform. As a proof of that I need only refer to the great wealth, talent, and intelligence that is now assembled within these walls. Such an assemblage, renders any laudatory notice on my part entirely superfluous.—(Great cheering.) But, Gentle men, I should be neglectful of my duty as Chairman, if I were not to recollect the character of this meeting, and do all in my power to add, if it be possible, to the tribute which those present have met to offer to Mr. Byng—a man whose life has been a complete pattern of consistency, and who has ever shown himself the un flinching friend of the people.—(Great cheering.) In pointing out the course which has been adopted by Mr. Byng, I consider that I am pointing out a path which others, who hope to gain the great name which Mr. Byng has obtained, must tread. Gentle men, I find that Mr. Byng has now completed the fiftieth year of his Parliamentary life, during which period he has rendered services almost unprecedented in the annals of the House of Corn mons.—(Chcers.) Before we admit, however, the weight of this claim to our admiration, it may be as well that we should test it by what he has done : First, then, as to the soundness of the principles on which his Parliamentary life has been based ; next, as to the fidelity with which he has maintained those prin ciples ; and, lastly, as to the purity of the motives which induced him to uphold them. Gentlemen, if there is anything in the admitted axiom that truth must prevail, I think it applies most strongly with respect to the conduct of Mr. Byng.—(Cheers.) He had ever maintained the necessity of Catholic Emancipation. —(Cheers.) To him wis mainly to be attributed the repeal of the Test and Corporation Act.—(Cheers.) He had always advocated the abolition of slavery, and he has ever been found the firm friend and stanch supporter of Parliamentary Reform. These are some of the great mea sures which Mr. Byng, in common with his party, has ever advocated and maintained, and which they have successfully carried, either by wringing them from an irresolute Ministry, or by the voice of the people.— (Great cheering.) Gentlemen, if you want a fur- ther proof of the fidelity and consistency of Mr. Byng, you have it in the fact that he has been fourteen times before his constituents—(Great cheering) —and fourteen times have they returned to him the trust which they had reposed in him—seven times, too, without a contest. —(Great cheering.) And this, it is to be recollected, took place in the great and populous constituency of Middlesex. But if you wish for a further proof of what Mr. Byng and his family have done, it is only necessary to refer to history. There the historian, in speaking of his father, said that be was a man of unsullied reputa tion, of sterling talents, and one of the greatest hene- factors of his country in his day—that he had always maintained his consistency. Such, Gentlemen, is the character given of the father of Mr. Byng, ard it is so much like that of our illustrious guest, that I hardly know how to determine where the career of the father ended and where that of the son began.—(Great cheering.) Gentlemen, can we doubt after what 1 have stated of the exertions of Mr. Byng, that from his very first entering upon Parliament cry iifc, to the present moment, he has been consistent—that his name is unsullied by one single act, and that he will bequeath a name that will t e long re membered by posterity. He always attached himself to the old Whig party, and with them he has acted up to the present hour. Mr. Byng's life has been one scene of activity. When the Catholic Relief Bill had pissed he did not rest satisfied.—(Loud cheers.) lie exerted his best efforts for the passing of the Reform Bill, the passing of which he did not ad v,scate for the sake of popularity, but lie endeavoured to make it the means to an end.—(Great cheering.) Gentlemen, we now see Mr. Byng's political principles adopted, and his party are in power.—(Great cheering.) We see his friends ennobled—(Con tinued cheering)—we see his claims admitted— his services acknowledged—his principles respected, but himself unchanged, George Byng.—(Cheers.) Gen- denim however interested parties at the present day may describe the character of Mr. Byng, I feel con vinced that an impartial posterity will delineate, in glowing terms, what I have feebly depicted of the character and actions of this great man, who for fifty years has served his country in Parliament, and has retained the principles which, as a public man, he se t out with in life. In conclusion, Gentlemen, I need only say, that I trust the conduct which has been adopted by Mr. Byng will be followed by many in after times who are desirous of obtaining the epitaph of upright and honest men.—(Great cheering.) Mr. BYNG then rose, and as soon as the cheering with which ho was received had subsided, said—l rise, Gentlemen, to thank you for the honour you have done me, and I cannot find words sufficiently strong to thank you in the way I ought to thank you. Gentlemen, I feel grateful to you for your long continued friendship and confidence ; and, Gentlemen, I ought also to feel most grateful to my Maker, who has vouchsafed for so many years to give me health and strength ; and, Gentle men, to cleanse my heart from all selfish feeling, and to leave it to the promotion cf the happiness, the welfare, the first interests of you, Gentlemen, who have con fided the most important power you possess into my hands. Gentlemen, I must now give an account of m y stewardship, and from the number of years which it has lasted, you might expect that account to be made out at very great length ; but, Gentlemen, it may be made out very short, because it has been consistent and faithful throughout.—(Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, the first trial of my principles, after I had the honour of being elected by you, or by your fathers—(Loud cheers and laughter)—the first trial, Gentlemen, was that stupendous and unexpected event,the French Revolution—(Hear)—that,Gentlemen, was a trial of feeling as well as of principle. I was then, Gentlemen, a very young man, and, upon that event, was separated from nine-tenths of that party with whom, a very few years before, I had embarked. On that oc casion, at all public meetings, I found that the gentleman who had proposed me, the gentleman who seconded me, and many more of my nearest and dearest friends, all stood aloof—all avoided me ; the only man of weight and character that stood by my side, bore the same name as our worthy Chairman—(Loud cheering)—Francis Duke of Bedford, and while I am acting with the Russells—while they are standing by my side, I feel confident that I am right— (Cheers)—that I am standing up for the true prin ciples of the Constitution.—(Cheers.) In the House of Commons nine-tenths of toe party left us; aryl, Gentlemen, I well remember Mr. Pitt sneeringly telling us that we might all go home in two hackney coaches. —(Loud laughter.) But, Gentlemen, he did us injustice, be,•ause we could fill four. (Loud laughter.) Gentlemen, that even led to my n•imate acquaintance and attachment to Mr. Fox.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I was not of Mr. Fox's age. I lived very little is the private society adorned by Mr. Fox ; but through out my whole life I have been thoroughly convinced that, of all human beings that I ever had met, that man loved his fellow-creatures more than any other person ever did.—(Loud cheers.) His love for his fellow creatures was universal—it extended to all ranks and descriptions of men—black and white. He felt equally interested for the welfare of all his fellow creatures. Gentlemen, throughout my whole life it has been most gratifying to me to know how much I loved him, because I am certain whenever I think of my affection for him I feel con vinced that I must have some good in me, to have so much loved such a man.—(Cheers.) Well, Gentle men, after that great event, for many years people were so much alarmed that even the name of liberty ceased to be dear to many—all men were dispersed— they shunned us, and kept at a distance, so alarmed were they—so dreadfully alarmed were they, that they took shelter either in office, in Governorships, or in Baronetcies.—(Loud and continued cheers, and laughter.) But, however, Gentlemen, another interesting event happened after, viz. Parliamentary Reform, brought forward by my friend, Charles Grey—(Cheers) —who, much to his honour, when he came into office nearly forty years after, to show his consistency, brought forward nearly the same plan of reform which he proposed thirty-six years ago—(Cheers) That plan of reform has certainly much altered the , constitution of this country; but gentlemen much re mains behind.—(Loud cheers.) We must amend that —particularly with regard to the registry—(Cheers) —and many other parts which are now working very detrimentally to the interests of the people at large. Gentlemen, another great measure, with which we must persevere, is the extension of education throughout all sects and parties indifferently (Loud cheers) —and, Gentlemen, with education, I may say a e may, with the greatest possible safety, and with the greatest possible justice, extend the right of voting.— (Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, with regard to other objects in which we have so delightfully succeeded, I must not omit to mention the repeal of the Test and Corpo ration Acts, and the emancipation of our Catholic fellow subjects ; and with regard to the Catholic Emancipation I shall never think that measure perfect until I see equal justice done to Ireland.—(Loud cheers.) The system of Government, Gentlemen, which this country has pursued towards Ireland has been most unjust, and therefore, I may say, most wicked, bordering abso lutely upon insanity.—(Cheers.) How many millions has this country spent in acquiring distant possessions while at the same time she has been neglecting Ireland —lreland which formed one third part of the kingdom, and a most valuable third part, if you will only look at the ability and the courage of the inhabitants of that country.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, when I had the honour of addressing you three years ago, I then said that, if I were ten years younger, I thought I might live to see the tim e when there should be no difference known between Catholic and Protestant. —(Loud cheers)—the period when no question would be asked whether you were Irish or English. Now, Gentlemen, three years have passed, and I think that in that time we have made greater pro gress towards a sincere and real union be tween the two countries than I had expected. I confess, Gentlemen, that we owe very great obligations to a Learned Gentleman who is unavoidably absent to day.—(Loud cheers.) I think that, perhaps, in the minds of some people—with some persons I may make myself unpopular by alluding to him I again run the risk of ma ki ng myse lf unpopular-- (Cries of " No, no ")—by doing justice to that great man. But, Gentlemen, painful as it must be to me to incur the displeasure of any friends, yet I would much rather suffer that pain than harbour a sentiment that I vras afraid of uttering.—(Cheers.) You must remember, that at the risk of his life that gentleman has done away with Trades Unions in Dublin.—(Hear, hear.) You must recollect that he has kept down Chartism without the assistance of the military.—(Cheers.) He has kept Chartism down, and he has established peace and quiet in that country, and the only way that you cm be certain of the continuance of that peace and quiet is by rendering justice to the people of that coun- ;ry. I think, from what we have seen within the last few years of what justice and kindness have done, that many who have hitherto stood aloof from us will be ready to join in continuing friendship and justice to the noble people of that country.—(Cheers.) Gen- tlemen, I have detained you a long while.—(Cries of " No, no," and "Go on, go on.") I have only now merely to advert to what concerns my feel ings and my connections with you. I have merely to state this, that if I ever could entertain any selfish feeling in contemplating the kindness, the love, and affection which you have shown me to-day—if I could in dulge men: selfishness, it certainly would be my wish after this Parliament to r tire from your services. —(Cries of " No, no.") I can only say this, that as long as I have health, and as long as I have the countenance of your favour and friendship, I shall be most happy to come for ward—and not only, Gentlemen, to come forward myself, but to come forward, in conjunction with any other man that you can find, or whom you may think suit able . (Renewed cheering.) I never have en deavoured, but on the contrary, latterly it has been my wish that some other person should come forward. I never wished to prevent my friends proposing a second candidate to come forward for this county on Liberal principles. 1 never, Gentlemen, eve❑ as lar back as the time of Sir Francis Burdett—("l're mendons groans and hisses) —in the good old days of Sir Francis Burdett—(Loud laughter)—l never did, though some of his friends complained at a public meeting that I had endeavoured to prevent the kVtligs coaling forward to support him. But, fortu nately, Gentlemen, Mr. Clifford was present at that meeting, and truth will always prevail.—( Hear, hear, hear.) Most fortunately Mr. Clifford had seen tl•.e letter I wrote to Mr. Fox begging that I might be considered as nothing, and stating that as long as I had health and strength, I would never wish to be spared the expense and vexation of a contest ; and I therefore desired him to give every facility to Sir F. Burdett, or any other candidate that might stand upon Liberal principles.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I now thank you for your kindness—not only for your present kindness and attention, but for the kindness and attention which you have always manifested towards m e , for a greater length of time, perhaps, than any other individual has enjoyed that good fortune. Gentlemen, I thank you, and I beg leave to drink all your healths from the bottom of my heart.—(The Hon. Gentleman sat down amidst er.- thusiastic and long continued cheering.) Glee and Chorus (" To all you, Ladies, now on Land.") To all you Men of Parliament Our strains we now address, To show how worth and honesty A Senator may grace. For fifty years our " BYNG " has been Unchang'd amid this changing scene : Chorus. Then give the Patriot honour due, And loudly cheer A name so dear, A heart so sound and true. No courtly favours could allure From duty such a mind, His high es t honour to secure The good of all his kind : And what reward so rich and rare, What honour can with this compare? Chorus Then give the Patriot honour due, And loudly cheer, A name so dear, A heart so sound and true. It is the noblest monument That man to man can raise, To show a life in virtue spent, And crown'd with length of days. Then pledge the cup—our Toast shall be The veteran " BYNG AND LIBERTY Chorus. Unite to give him honour due, And loudly cheer, A name so dear, A heart so sound and true. The Duke of BEDFORD then rose, and was received with loud applause. Ate,: the applause had subsided, his Grace commenced speaking as follows :—I have been requested, only a few hourssince, to propose a toast which, on account of its importance, I could have wished to have fallen into other hands, into the hands of some gentleman who is more accustomed than I have been of late to addressing large public meetings. Tilo toast I have to propose is—" Tee People—the legitimate source of all power."—(lmmense cheering.) You will, I trust, permit me in proposing this toast to say a few wards. My political life extends over the last half century, and I trust I may be permitted to make a few remarks upon those early associations which arc: brought to my mind upon this cheering and glorious oc casion. —(Loud cheers.) I, like yourselves, have watched with attention and with respect the long and consistent political career of our honoured guest, Mr. Byng—(Cheers)—who has acted throughout his life so faithful and honourable, and in this country, so distin guished a part—(Cheers)—and svho has so materially contributed to the success of those principles, which we all advocate, by the unswerving consistency of his con duct—(Cheers)—the purity of his character—(Cheers) —and the value of his example.—(Loud cheers.) I have been for some years, in consequence of ill health, unable to attend as I could wish to business of a poli tical nature, or to take an active part in public affairs ; but I find it impossible on this occasion not to recur to the commencement of my political career, when, as a West minster school boy, about the time of which Mr. Byng has been speaking, I commenced my political career by assisting in the prosecution of an active and an energetic canvass for Byng and Burdett, who stood boldly forward as candidates for the County of Middlesex, in opposi tion to the all but overwhelming power of Mr. Pitt's Government—(Cheers)—and in support of those liberal and enlightened principles which have ever distinguished the friends of civil and religious liberty.—(Cheers.) I cannot but recollect these times, when my heart was beating warmly, as I hope it ever will beat, in support of the cause of popular rights—(Cheering)—and, al though many great political changes have taken place since those days, and public events have happened un paralleled for their importance in the history of the world—(Loud cheers)—l cannot but recur to those times with feelings of pleasure, more especially at such a meeting as this, assembled together to bear witness to the long, faithful, and honourable services of him who has been victorious in so many contests, Mr. Byng.—(Loud cheers.) Byng and Burdett were then the candidates of the people. They stood in support of those immutable principles of civil and religious liberty, which have since been planted in the Constitution, and have produced their fruit in those great measures of Reform, which, by destroying the monopoly of a few, had established the representation of the nation.—(Cheers.) I have no doubt that in the recollection of the impression of those early days, many of you agree with me.—(Cheers.) I for one cannot, with the impression of my early days, forget, when I hear the name of Sir Francis Burdett, the services which he rendered to the cause of the people, while he was in the lull vigour of his intellects —(Cheers and a laugh)—nor can I efface from my memory the many years during which I followed him in the House of Commons, contending for the same principles, which he had fixed and confirmed in my mind from the hustings, when I was a mere boy.—(Cheers.) My object in coming here to-day was to join my brother freeholders in doing honour to Mr. Byng, whose prudent ambition it has been through life to support, honestly and vigorously, and without intermission, the noble principles with which he set out at the commencement of his public career—(Loud cheers)—and in the worst of times he never hesitated to assert them.—(Loud cheers.) He always blended the duties of the States man with the charities of the Christian ; and whilst he maintained the rights which he himself possessed, he always claimed for all classes of his fellow-countrymen a full participation in those rights which he himself en joyed.—(Cheers.) I propose the health of the people, from whom all our strength, security, liberty, and power are derived. The Noble Duke sat down amidst en thusiastic cheering, and the toast was drunk with three times three. '~ Glee and Chorus Webbe. (Tune, " Glorious Apollo.") Goddess of Freedom, from on high behold us, While thus we dedicate to thee our lays ; Long in thy cause has principle enroll'd UP, Here to thy name a monument we raise. Thus then combining, Hands and hearts joining, Sing we in harmony, to Freedom's praise. Goddess of Freedom, in thy might awaking, Spread thy dominion over earth and sea ; Britons thy blessings giving, and partaking, Own undivided homage still to thee. Thy spirit guiding, Thy power presiding, Britain shall flourish, united, brave, and free. Mr. GISBORNE rose to move the next toast. He said, the toast which I have to propose is the health of Lord Melbourne, and her Majesty's Ministers.--( Very great cheering.) May Ibe allowed to say that I would not come forward on this occasion upon any other con sideration than that I might be accused of lukewarm ness towards the distinguished individual to whom we are this day met to show a tribute of long-earned and well-merited respect, if I had declined.—( Hear, hear, and cheers.) Will you allow me to treat this toast with a somewhat systematic distribution.— (Laughter.) I will divide it into two heads, and I will conclude with a particular deduction. The first head is the principle of the Government, and the second is its administration. Every person who has been with me in political affairs for the last few years will remember when we endeavoured to bring into power a Government formed upon Liberal principles—you all remember when they were unceremoniously kicked out of office—you all re member how we desired to bring them back again, and how their hearts were hardened, and they d;d come back again. The opponents of Government had never manfully opposed or assailed them, but they affect a growling acquiescence by which they think they may more effectually hamper and annoy them, and impede the progress of Liberal principles, than if they were in the possession of office.--(Cheers.) I do not think that in this assembly I need be called on to make more remarks on the principles upon which her Majesty's Government is conducted.—(Loud cheering.) I will pass on the administration of those principles, and will you allow me to divide the annual life of a Minister into two portions— (Laughter) —th e Session of Parliament and the recess. —(A laugh.) In the Session he goes down to Parliament, about five o'clock in the evening, when most sober, quiet people arc sitting down to din ner. He has then to go through his political cate chism.--(A laugh.) He has to give an account of ail that he has done —(A laugh) and all that he has left undone—(Renev ad laughter)--and all that he does not intend to do—(Very great laughter) and his answers go forth the next day throughout the kingdom, fro►n John-o'.Groat's House to the Land's End, and through the whole of the known world, and of the little known world besides.—(Cheers and laughter.) Then at one time my Noble Friend the first Minister of the Crown, in the House to which I have the honour to belong, is exposed to the open-hearted candour of Sir Robert Peel and the mild forbearance of Lord Stanley and Sir James Graham.—(Loud laughter.) At another time the Noble Lord at the head of the Foreign Govern. EVENING EDITIOi. ment is placed in a similar position by Mr. Fector and i administration by the mere laws and innate powers of Mr. Donald Maclean. I hope I give no offence to any I the Constitution, during times of considerable perils one of those Gentlemen, because I have placed together I and times of great. excitement.—( Hear, hear.) You the climax and anti-climax of the Opposition.—(Laugh- a have (iI a seensk you that experiment ) tile rthe cn tried o st i i t n the presentti mes s not come out of the ordeal untouchedt i, ter.) And no w , G en tl emen, I pass on to th an fl recess. I uof and England ha unscathed? The recess is the Carnival of the Opposition. It is I —(Loud cheers.) You have heard, too, in former during the recess they luxuriate in calumny, and revel times (with respect to another subject) that unless fences,of infe which were rilff c not offence s o f grea t a t roc ity, but t prediction. Th e y are t h en the proximate Govern- . ment.—(Laughter.) N ot hi ng can exceed the property, and unless idti t t ; ie n n c o rite g u rea of degree, ' " Isere punished un i .s . ll e t I d n g with p r o ripeness of the period for the removal of an unworthy forgery was almost irrcinissibly punished with death, Minister, and their standing in his room—during the there would be no security for property.—(Hear, hear.) You have se en ca pit a l punis h ments re d uce d to suc h late recess the count r y rung w i th their boasting— degree,tf r ßrett l wherethere were not . ten .i capit al punitsith the Government—P o pi s h P r i vy C ount Hors ; they had three st an d ar d groun d s of accusation against a , godless arid I ask y:u r , ) a ', ndtliose n w e ho ls we p re theeopponenptsreosf the education, and the profligacy of the Court.—( Laughter.) principles and measures of Sir S. Romilly and Mr. Gentlemen, when the session took place we were not left Mackintosh, whethe,- the fears then expressed have long in suspense—on th e fi rs t n i g h t not i ce was given of been justifi e d, an d w h et h er , w h en h uman lif e i s dearer a motion which wa s t o b e t h e occas i on of holding u a andt eat o er ur f e l a l ng ow e - r c r e a t t n u r e s propertyhave e found to us gr ? tat to the indi gna ti on o f t h e peop l e the delinque n cies There is one topic d to which I cannot but allude, of a Whig Ministry (Laughter) but in the reminded as I am of it, by the presence of mean time me e ti ngs were h e ld —orders my Honourable and L earne d F r i en d t h e Meni g'ven— her for the Tower Hamlets.—(Loud cheers.) restrictions laid on — certa i n su bj .cts prajeeted —' n f ac t I mean the emancipation of mil l ions of our fellow nothing has b een lik e i t s i nce the Ilse 13ii n wliich b e i ngs f rom slavery.—(Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, preceded Catholic Emancipation. wen the Right when I was in opposition, the're were such serious apprehensions entertained as to the danger of in- Hon. Patrick Daigen in, D )ctor of L iws, and M.nn ber for an Irish borough, was muzzled—(Laughter)-- we security took ook to no steps property, beyond a .)e y on n risk of dd endeavouring 1 i ma ssacre, th ng tnmitigat a e t I have no doubt, my Lord, that you remember the horrors of slavery. But when we came into office, that poeti c epistle he addressed to his comdeer Sir we thought it our duty to investigate most carefully John Ni c h o l. N o dou b t you rembember his indignant the subject, in order to see if th e un i versa l pr i n e apostrophe— ciples of freedom mu s t be r es t ra i ne d b y an except i on against the African rac e. We f oun d no reasons w hy " Yes, muzz l e d was the word, Sir John, it should be so, and, therefore, we proposed The fools hive clapped the muzzle on." to Parliament, and carried, total emancipation.—(Loud And so, my Lord, it has been in the pre- cheers.) We have now before us the results of that experiment ; and it is g ra tifyi ng t o fi n d, th a t th oug h to sent session. M uzz l es h ave b een placed on the bold mouths even of Privy Councillors, Doctors of Law, h uman c sses t n h t o a h t u t r h e , a v u e n b d e e e r n su c r I d i 0 o c e t d r c u w m e s thaanycee so,otsotomemaekx; and Members of I r i s h Burghs.--(Loud lau g hter.) G e n- any suc h excuse for the African race in the West tlemen,these were not only the topics of those who were Indies--(Cheers)—for their conduct has been marked called, I think it was " Orange Vagabonds," but they by the utmost subordination and attention to the rights were the sta n d ar d t op i cs o f C onservative Members of of their neighb ours . —(Ch eers .) A n d w h atever e l se may be said of th em , a t l east i t may b e tru l y affirmed the House of C ommons, an d if any of them venture to that this great transiti has b effected in a manner deny it, it i s now l uc kil y esta bli shed in the House that which affords a noble example een of men who, with the we may read an extract from a Newspaper, and I possession of freedom, have combined a respect for the blessings of civili ze d soc i e ty, an d a regar d f or lif e an d could read a numb er o f speec h es, not from the property, which, in slavery, has never been dis vile Radical Press, but from the sound-hearted Con- played.—(Great cheering.) Gentlemen, such are a servative--(Loud laughter)—speeches which, per- few of the topics upon which we have seen the haps, were revised or reprinted by the speaker, and effects of reforming principles. Let us not lose sight which showed th a t d ur i ng t h e whole recess their sole of these examples—(Cheers)— an d l e t us no t f org et business wa s t o exc it e i n di gnat i on aga i nst the that not merely in the lifetime, but in the Parliamentary Whig Go- career of our Honourable Friend, Mr. Byng, all this vernment. But I g i ve t h em t h e b ene fi t of all their has been accomplished.—(Loud cheering.) Gentle accusations, not because I believe them, but because I men, I take no credit to the Go vernmen t—l h a rdly wish to take credit to any party for this—but I say can afford it.—(Ch eers .) I grant that during the ten t_at it is a great e ncouragemen t to all men who en deavour years th e y h ave b een in office M her ijesty's M h inisters deavour to work steadily an d consistently in the path of may have made an improper appointment to the freedom and in the path of justice—that whatever may Magistracy. I grant that they may hare given be the obstacles they meet with, and whatever the dark an introdu c ti on t o h er M a j esty to a mischievous ness that may at first obscure thei r wa y—th ere w ill c visionar7. I gran t th at my L ord Palmerston has not come a day when brighter prospects would o p en , a nd appointed a Consul a t C racow. I grant all this, and when they will hail the mor n in g o f a b e tt er an d more glorious era.—(Tremendous cheering.) Gentle yet I boldly appeal to you whether you and the men, in celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of my Hon. great body of the people do not approve of their Friend, Mr. Byng's parliamentary life, a spectacle is principles—(Loud c h eers )— an d are not of opinion that presented which I beli e v e no o th er coun t r y in the their opponents dare not o p en l y attac k them, and after w m o e r n ld the w r o e ul h d ave su b p e p e l n y.— m ( e L n ou w d nn cheers.)hy their achieve the einI e eve. the greatest boasting have only been able to ments in arms—who by their military and naval bring the most trifling and paltry charges services—nay, who even by their splendid ex against them ? I call up on y ou , th ere f ore , to j o i n with ertions in orat or y, h ave ra i se d th emse l ves t o a h e i g ht me in most cordially d r i n ki ng th e t oast I h ave the above the lev e l o f or di nar y h uman i ty , an d w h o have is ceived all the h onours o f popu l ar app l ause ; b ut i t a honour to propose—" Lord Melbourne, and her Majes- yet more distinguished honour to a man whose proud ty's Ministers."—(Tremendous cheering.) distinction is that he has for so many years—attracted by no aims of ambiti on —i mpe ll e d b y no i ntereste d mo - The toast was drunk with th ree ti mes th ree . Lives—yet has pursu e d hi s course ca l m l y, stea dily, Lord JOHN RUSSELL rose am id s t tremen d ous and consistently —to receive the approbation cheering, which continued for several minutes. When of such an immense assemblage —as well as of it had subsided, the Noble Lord said :—I rise those more immediately connected with him.— to return thanks to you on behalf of Lord (Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, Ido say it with no little pride in my count r y, th a t I b e lie ve i n no other Melbourne and his coll eagues , f or t h e hi g h h onour you have done them. I cer t a i n l y s h a ll not d eta i n you country would there b e b e h e ld suc h a scene .—(Tre- mendous cheering.) G e ntl emen , w i s hi ng th a t the with any answer to tho se nibbli ng accusat i ons to which same course may be folowed by others—hoping that my Hon. Friend, who has done us the honour to pro- peaceful and enlightened reform may achieve other vie pose the toast, has alluded. But, Gentlemen, this I tories, and effect other improvements in our social can say, that if official situ a ti on an d pu bli c lif e h ave b een condition, and in our politi ca l cons tit u ti on and accompanied with much lab our , muc h anx i ety, muc h believing objects lie vin f t s than those hatnome electors na more are e w fitted have i I t o o l ongbeen promote odium, often undeser ve d—(Loud cheers)— much of such the constituents of Mr. Byng, I shall take the liberty misrepresentation, which, perhaps, it may be impos- of giving you as a toast. "the Health of the Reformers sible, at the ti me , t o answer — yet t h ere are, on the other of Middlesex."—(T remen d ous c h eer i ng .) hand, great consolation, and among them one of the best Their Ait oN w toasthßauvßiTngbeeL was received drankwi with with all the i honours, gatop. and proudest i s t h at o f rece i v i ng the approbation of plause, said, I know that in being selected to ac such a company as are here assembled.—(Loud cheers.) knowledge this toast, it is on account of the situation Let me say, also, that if there is another of I hold in connection with the great, the power which I have often found the value, which ful, and independent party of the Radicals in I have never felt more strongly than I have e t l h e i c s ti c o o n u s nt t r h y, who at the l as t e l ect i on, an d at previous done this day, it is h av i ng b een engaged in a cause ex- for assis;ing ou in g tthepnroopnetersttofoarpptohientcmonentthveirancdharn can to the greatest o b s t ac l es , w i t h men whose sound appeal to our worthy Member, Mr. I'yng, if their views of policy, whose steady devotion to their country forces were not marshalled into a compact alliance with The c oncurrence , the cooperation, one can entertain the s li g h test doubt of.—(Loud the Whig p ar ty, an d w h et h er t h ey did not come for cheers.) ward to a man, to support that tried, that honourab l e, ship of such men , somet i mes acting o-operation, the friend- and consistent Reformer.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, at the same time permit me to express a hope that that example will with ourselves; and sometimes, as in the case of my be followed in other counties throughout the kingdom. venerable Friend, w h ose mer i ts we are met to celebrate— In my opinion th e R a di ca l s an d Whi gs s h ou ld make pointing th e way , an d g i v i ng the example to others—this doingm n t mutual they h c e o y n ce mayssi oi be s of ab l e opinion—(Cheers)—thatthemselves nto the is indeed a conso l it i on—this is indeed an encourage- position which they held previous to the carrying of ment to proceed ; and I may say, that what- the Reform Bill.—(Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, allow ever may be th e resu lt o f t hi s con fli ct—even i n the me to say that following the e x a mpl e w hi c h I h a ve myself held out to you, of not attendin g t o th e o pi n ions contest itself, accompanied by suc h men , t h ere i s of others, but retaining my own, I and my brother Ra no small degree of satisfaction.—(Loud cheers.) Gen- dicals, many of whom I see here to-night, have come tlemen, I have said I need not detain you with unneces- here to pay our respeets to our excellent and consistent sary refutation of accusations, nor attempt to give what Member, Mr. Byng.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, it is not only what he ha s f ormer l y d one , b ut i t i s t h e op i n i on t h a t I think entirely out of place here—any account o f th e principles of our Administration. In the daily battles he has let f a ll t o - n i g h t , w hi c h a l most en d ears me to hi m ......(Cheers)—for h e h as now d as h e d away t h e cup o f in the House, we are obliged to expose—and I am expectation from our lips, and has stepped forward as ready to expose—because I believe them to be true— the advocate of that which I take to be a great ad the principles on which we act, and put them to the vantage, the extension of the suffrage, which the people test of public opinion.—(Loud cheers.) But, g en tl e - are so anxious to obtain. I will no t, G en tl emen , d eta i n you at this late hour of the ni g ht ; b ut thi s I w ill say, t h at men, there are some things to which, from th e d a il y it is my most fervent wish that my Hon. Friend may contests of public life, we are happy to l oo k b ac k have a long extension of his green and honourable old and which, on such occasions as the present, are recalled age, and that for years to come he may exhibit the to mind—l mean the progress made by, and the diffi- same vigour which he has exhibited here to-night. culties opposed to, such men as Mr. Byng, and which The following canzonet was then admirably sung :-- now happily no longer exist.—(Tremendous cheering.) Canzonet Michael Este, 1600 Let us recollect that when Mr. Grey proposed a Re- (" How merrily we live ") Send merri l yarou nd t h e c h eerful glass, form of Parliament, it was an swere d to hi m that itFill it up, and l et in bumpers i t pass, would be the destruction of our monarchical institu- Reform is our toast,—here wave her banner high ; tution ; that when Mr. Fox objected to any en- No fears we know, but Tory thre a t s d e fy, croachment on our instituti ons i n t i mes of peril and For still in triumph shall our colours fly. danger, it was said that it would b e imp oss ibl e Sir STEPHEN LUSHINGTON then rose, and was re that order could be preserved unless by measures ceived with loud applause. The Hon. and Learned contrary to the spirit of our constitution_ Gentleman said—Gentlemen, I esteem it a high honour that when claims were made for equal freedom to be permitted to addressyou on the present occasion,be and equal justice to Protestant and Roman cause I who have been so much I may say connected with Catholic dissenting from the Church, it was my Hon. Friend Mr. Byng in the affairs of this country, said that it was impossible we could have gained have had, above all people, a most ample opportunity either from Protestant or Roman Catholic that love of perceiving how he has conducted himself in not only and adherence to the Constitution which was the arduous duties which have been committed to his arrogated by those who exclusively belonged to the charge—(Cheers) —but I have also had the pleasure Church.—(Laughter, and cries of " Hear, hear.") Let of meeting Mr. Byng on every occasion of us recollect when attempt s were ma d e t o p ut an en d to t h e charity - -(Loud c h eers )— an d i n a ll t h ose assem bli es dreadful calamiti es o f th e Sl ave T ra d e ,it was h e ld t h at t h e where man me e t s hi s f e ll ow - man upon t h e same equa l West Indies a n d o ur C o l on i es cou ld no t fl our i s h w i t h - footing.—(Loud che ers .) O n a ll suc h occas i ons he has distinguished him se lf, no t mere l y b y hi s muni fi cenc e out that trade—(Hear, hear)—th a t w h en it was pro posed to investigate an d p u t an en d t o s l avery i tse lf, i t _the largeness o f a man ' s f or t une m i g h t ena bl e hi m to do that—but by the generosity of his conduct to all who was represented the bl ac k w as i ncapa bl e o f t h ose came in contact withhim.—',Cheers.) I may appeal to religious and moral feeli ngs w hi c h G o d h a d g i ven to his more f or t una t e f e ll ow - creatures .—( L ou d an d con- hundreds who now b ear me , an d w h o h ave i n common tinued cheers.) I say, that such a day as the with myself witnessed his conduct upon such cccasions, present brings these things to my mind, because they whether they do not know with what urbanity were then potent, and when we look around us now and kindness he has ever conducted himself—.not and find men almost ashamed to own that such had with that mere mockery of civility which is so common, been once their opinions.—(Cries of " Hear, hear," but with that genuine kindness which comes from the and cheers.) It has been our fate, my Lord, partly heart.—(lmmense cheering.) I trust I may be forgiven in Opposition and partly as Members of the if the recollections of these transactions have led me a Government, to see m e n o f th ose pr i nc i p l es of away from th e su bj ect on which I was about to which Mr. Fox was the enlightened and intrepid ad- address—if I seize this opportunity of expressing my vocate, in which he was supported by Lord Grey and affection and reverence for him, of giving utterance to others, and by none more steadily and consistently than my ardent hope that he may be an example to futurity, my friend Mr. Byng—it has been our fate to see such in such a manner as that. he may benefit, not merely the men brought into action—(Cheers)—and I do ask, not present passing g eneration, but that his o wn exa mple this comp a ny, b u t many o f t h ose who foretold that may b e followe by others in days to come-- those principles were merely theoretical, and leading (Loud cheering) —for the advancement of the happi" to the destruction of the Monarchy, what is now their ness, of the prosperity, and of the welfare opinion, when they have seen them pract;cally brought of the people of this country.—(lmmense cheering.) I into action ?—(Loud cheers.) I will ask first as to the will now, with your permission, proceed to execute the principle of Reform in Parliament. Has it endangered the duty which has devolved upon me, by proposing the Monarchy? Have the people, admitted to a greater ex- health of the Liberal Members of the House of ereise of the elective franchise, shown a greater inclisposi- Lords.—(lmmense cheering.) The first words tion to support the Crown and the Monarchy:?—(Ch eers. ) which shall esca p e m y lip s a f ter propos i ng t h e t o ast So far fro m it, even among the mildest opinions, sour ) shall be, would to God there were more of them. of which have been uttered at small coteries and parties in different quarters of the countey, with respect to any (Cheers and laughter.) I wish I could entertain a hope that we might have some chance of seeing that expecte sentiments uttered against the Crown—with re- tion realised. I wish that the advance of knowledge, spect to any sentiments calculated to weaken which has already cleared and purified the minds of the the respect due to the young and virtuous lower classes, so as to raise them in th e i r own es ti m ation, Sovereign w h o now reigns over us (Loud- to raise them in the opinion of their fellow-countrymen and tremendous cheering) —if there have been such and of the world at large, could get access w ithi n those sentiments exp resse d—if there have been such calumnies walls.—(Loud cheers.) But we h ave seen ma ny un uttered, they h ave not proceeded from Reformers.— ( Vehem en t c h eer i ng, and cries of " No, no," from v ar i ous I expected things come to pass. We h ave seen the very idea of a Reform in Parliament laughed at and r idiculed. —(Cheers.) We recollect the ti me w h en if you eve n insi parts of the th eatre ) —not even from those with whom I certainly don't agree, but theyrm of Parliament was have procee ded from nuated that a Reform in Parli ament was d es i ra ble, Y" those wh o at t h e t i me the Refo were put down in the book o f th e S ecretary o f S tate as a under discussion ventured to doubt, and ventured to person to be distrusted, and a spy was set to watch you. impugn th e l oya l ty of the opinion of this kingdom.— I remember those times, b u t t h ey are gone b y , and w,e (Tremend ous c h eer i ng. ) L et me ask again with re- are here to celebrate the cons i stency of one w h o gre atly spect to th e d ue a d m i n i strat i on of the const i tu - assisted in bringing th em a b out. W e are " tion ; f or , l et me o b serve, that although i t may hoping for the adv ancement of knowledge, an dw be the d u t y o f an Ad m i n i stration at any time to pro- we will obtain it, f or w h en t h e firm, manl y' (..n,n pose measures of le g i s l at i on , i t i s no l ess t h e i r sacre d honest opinion of th e peop l e o f E ng l an d i s ) expressed, it is, an d oug h t to b e, i rres istibl se —(Hear.) You h ave seen th a t t h e Mi n i s t er o f f ormer e . duty t o re f ra i n f rom such leg i slation when i t in . fringes on th e executive, whenever that can be avoided. What , value then oug h t you to set u p on those who, forming a m i nor i ty f or fifty years, have stood days did not v en t ure t o un d erta k e t h e con d uct o f t h e foremost in the c a u se o f th e people—have stoo d I