The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1861-04-23 00:00:00

BANQUET TO HER MAJESTY'S MINISTEBB AT
THE MANSION-HOUSE.

According to the Yew York Time., General
Beauregard had declared to Major A nderson that he I
must evacuate Fort Sumter, or it would be shelled
within 4S hours. Major Anderson's supplies were '
to he cutoff immediately.
The United States' frigate Powhattan was fully
equipped for sea.
The Government had chartered the steamer Atlan-
tic, which, with the Powhattan and the Illinois,
would sail immediately under sealed orders.
Jamaica dates are to the 23rd ult. His Royal
Highness Prince Alfred met with a Royal reception
at Barbados*. Preparations were being made to give
him a magnificent ballat Jamaica.

On Wednesday evening the Right Hon. the Lord
Mayor and Lady Mayoress gave a sumptuous Stine
banquet to Viscount Palmerston and lier Majesty's
Ministers at the Mansion-house ; and seldom has the
genius of civic hospitality presided over co brilliant an
assembly. The noble Egyptian-hall, which has recently
been entirely renovated and embellished with additional
etatuary, was tastefully orammented for the occasion.
Immediately behind the chair were ranged lofty aide-
boards displaying a rich variety of gulden salvers, caps,
an.l goblets, while the table glistened with massive and
magnificent services of silver plate. Flowering plants
and beautiful boquets added to the delicate and graceful
, character of the entertainment.
! The dinner, provided by Messrs. Ring and Brymer,
--- -
At dawn of day on the 23.1 of January four sentries Corninli, and the dessert, wines, Ise., were of the meet
fs luxurious character. The loving cup was given with
on duty in one of the redoubts before Wirimu Kingt's great eclat by Mr. Harker, toastmaster. The musical
etronghold perceived a body of natives creeping towards
them through the fern. Before the guard could be arrangements were under the direction of Mr. J. L.
!tattoo, assisted by Mr. Young, Misses Poole, and Clara
turned out they were scaling the embankment, "cutting Hamilton, and Matter Lee.
notches for their toes on the slope with their Alter the usual loyal and patriotic touts had been
tomahawks," and, when foiled in their attempt at a given and responded to,
surprise " mounting on each other's shoulders, with
The Lord Mayor said,—l have now to propose the
the evident intention boldly to oppose the tomahawk
health of some distinguished gentlemen who have done
to the bayonet," and hacking the gabions to pieces with us the honour of partaking of the city'a hoepitality on
the same weapon. It is true that they met with •
this occausion. I have said distinguished gentlemen
decisive repulse, but not till after an obstinate fight,
who have done us that honour, but the toast includes
and till the garrisons of the other redoubts had been others who, from various circumstances—in some cases,
moved up to the support of their comrades. They are
I mu ',eery to say, from ill health—have been prevented
admitted to have shown judgment as well as courage in from doing as, as they had intended. lam to propose
this their first attack on one of our fortifications, and,
to you "The Health of Her Majesty's Ministers."
though they left 36 dead and 5 prisoners on the field, (Loud cheers.) Her Majesty's Ministers have to undergo
they were in • position to risk • second engagement on never-eeasing ineutal toil, involving great anxieties'.
the 10th of February, the issue of which we usay The numerous, vast, and widely-scattered territories
assume to have been favourable to our troops, inasioucn which constitute the British Empire, continually subject
as" seventeen dead rebels were found in the fern the to ever-varying incidents, neceseitato most serious
following day." Everything, however, indicates an d, liberation ; our foreign relations, now including every
intention on the part of the Ngatiawa tribe, supported Governmeut on the face of the globe, require the most
by • large section of time Waikatoes, to prolong the . anstant vigilance in order to secure the maintenance of
contest indefinitely, and the General was wisely pre-
seace, the honour of our country, and the preservation
paring to enter on • regular campaign with all the .4 that foreign influence ha which, from her high
appliances of scientific warfare. sosition among time nations of the earth, our couutry is
justly entitled. (('heers.) The ever-varying on-
senctes of our home population demand that attention
their wants which, when given, tenda to strengthen
•he bonds of society, discouraging and resisting those
• ufluenoes which might lead to social derangenieut. All
AI3DUCI-lON.—At the Cloninel Seraions, a few days teems most importaut duties impose on Her Majesty's
since, John Conners was charged with having unless, Ainisters an amount of meutal exertion which no
fully allured or taken away from the custody of hem
,nlinery mind is well capable of sustaining. (Cheers.)
another, and without her consent, Mary Hickey, the 'file country at large arid the citizens of London are
younger, under eighteen years of age, and as next of , duly sensible of all this, and, regardless of all ',arty
kin to her uiother, entitled to certain prooerty. To • preferences, they gladly do honour to the men who,
this iniedemeanour lie pleaded "Not guilty." The endowed with great capacity and prepared by education
jury, alters long deliberation (haying been locked up . for the performance of these important functions, have
in consequence of their protracted diessreeinun),
„een intrusted with their administration. (Loud cheers.)
handed over • verdict of "Guilty." The prisoner wae so long as the concerns of this great empire can be
sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. carried on in that spirit, Her Majesty's Ministers of
FainlirrUl. CALAMIST 13 DUBLlN.—Another fright- a hatever party they be, may be quite sure of finding a
ful calamity occurred in Dublin on Saturday night, ie :.catty welcome in the city of London. (Loud cheers.)
Patricketreet, a poor locality peopled by a low class of The toast was drunk with all the honours.
shopkeepers, the upper part of the old houses being Viscount Palinenton, who was loudly cheered on ris-
crowded with miserable roomkeepers. At half-past one Int said,--My Lord Mayor, ladies, and geutlemen,—On
o'clock • fire broke oat iu the two-pair story of the le, alf of nay colleagues present, and, I can immure you,
house, No. 9, which was occupied by seven families.
.11/less on behalf of those who by various circumstance%
oomprising 32 individuals. The alarm was quickly . ;meyond their control have been prevented from attending
given by the police, and owing to their exertions the . this hospitable banquet, I beg to return you our moot
majority escaped, but no less than ten persons were ' cordial thanks for the honour which you have done us in
burnt to death or suffocated by the smoke. i thus receiving the toast which you, my Lord Mayor,
The fire-engines were on the spot without loss I have proposed, and you, gentlemen, have responded to.
of time ; but the fire, acting on old and , (Cheers.) I can assure you nothing gives more heartfelt
very combustible materials, raged with uncou- satisfaction to those who are engaged in what you justly
trainable violence, and all that could be done was km reimmseuted es being labour, and toils,-1 hardly admit
gee the adjoining houses. The fire-escapes have proved ao the extent of public life,—nothing can be a greater
an utter failure. One took fire almost immediately, solace to thew than meeting in the happier hours of
and the man in charge of it was compelled to descend
.ocial ease the citizen's of this great metropolis of the
rapidly to save himself. Another was placed against commercial world. (Cheers.) It is gratifying to us to
the adjoining house, and after ten minutes it was feel that those who do us the honour of inviting us to
found that it could render no assistance, and it VIM their board are in one reelect the faithful organs of the
removed, while by an ordinary ladder the police were I nation of which they are the ornament,- that, as you
enabled to renew four persons from • back roof, which stated just now, my Lord Mayor, they receive without
took fire and fell in a moment or two after they effected distinction of party thoee who, rdarad in arduous ruble:
their escape. One of the victim., a girl eighteen years eituatiutp, are performing to the best of their ability
of age, waste have been married on Sunday. She WWI ma judgment the duties which their Sovereign and the
the daughter of a woman named Reilly, who perished country have Imposed upon them. (Cheers.) It is also
with the whole of her family, five in number. The
.oust gratifying to us upon these festive occasions to see
other five were children whose ages varied from tee,
.ae 1 now do, the feces of honoured friends of long stand-
to five years. All those who lost their lives occupied ing, who for teeny years have been our associates in our
the attic story, the fire having originated on the fluor public labours as they are now upon such festive occa-
below, it is supposed as the result of intemperance Sioollas that on which we are assembled. It is satisfac-
and of quarrels between some of the occupants, all ol tory to those who stand in the position which we occupy
whom escaped. A coroner's jury, indeed, has returnee • to be able to congratulate you, as I think we may, on
the followidg verdict :—" We consider that the tev I the internel condition of time couetry. (Cheers.) After
deceased persons lost their lives by the accidental seasons the niust inclement, which in former times might
burning of the house 9, l'atrick-street, caused by tb.. have produced either a famine or a financial crisis, illy
intemperate habits of Michael Barker and his wife. right hon, friend tic thancellor of the Exchequer
Barker and his wife were taken into custody. (cheer.) has been able to propose to Parliament and the
1 country • senile. of revenue over expected expenditure,
winch has enabled him to pope° • large remission of
the burdens of the people (cheers), without diminishing
I in the slightest degree those irilitary and naval means
, of defence, to have diminished which, in the state in
which the world now is, would have been a betrayal of
the trust which has been confide,' to us. (Cheers.) But
I say it is &great proof of the 'solidity of the resources of
the country- -of time productive nature of the national
industry, that, in spite of all these unfortunate circum-
stances of climate, and notwithstanding the large reduc-
tions which were made lest year, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer has been able to present to the nation FO
favourable a prospect as that which he no longer than
two days ago submitted. (Cheers.) This is most en-
couraging, not simply with • view to our interval con-
dition, but elm with regard to our external relations.
(Cheers.) The function sal England is to endeavour by
time influence which she justly paeessee to maiutain the
peace lel time world. (Cheery.) She has no ambitious
objects, sue has no aggreseive policy, she has no war-
like propensities. (Cheers.) We wish not only to enjoy
ourselves the bleseings of peace, but we wi.fi, by the
legitimate exercise of our intluense on other countries,
to I ecure for tho rctt of the world that blessing which
we prise tio highly ourselves. (Cheers.) I peed not
I am u sure, remark that the influence which a country
can exercise by its ergs and prudent counsels with
others mutt necessarily depend upon its own internal
and defeimeive streigth ; and that unless a nation is able
to boast that elle is &veers from any foreign attack—
; hat she is in a position to repel hostility, mine from
quarter it may—her counsels' must bear the appearance
of timidy ; she would seein to be discouraging war,
because afraid of its recoil on herself, and her per-
suasions, therefore, would proportionally have lees
influeoce and weight. My Lord Mayor and gentlemen,
the state of time world at present is such that the peace•
aul influence of this country fluty, perhaps be PS well
exercised OA at any former time. There are quertioos
pending in different parts of the Continent, which, if
judiciously made use of by those who wish to disturb
the peace of the world. 'night furnish at least half -a-
dozen respectable wars. (A laugh.) Not one of these
questions is such that it might not be amicably and
_ _
honourably settled without any appeal to arms (cheers) •
.mnd I truststbat the wisdom, time good sense, and good
Tits LAI'S DUCHSEA or KENT.—The Gazelle of
feeling of the rulers of nations and M the leaders of
Tuesday states that addresses of condolence to the
parties may lead to that happy conclusion. (Cheers.) I
Queen, on the occasion of the death of the late Duchess
trust that the clouds which now lower over some parts
,4 Kent, have been presented to lier Majesty by the
of the Continent may be dissipated and dispersed. I
Secretary of State for the Home Department, and have
trust, at all events, that the glorious consummation of
been very graciously received. These addressee are
from Salford, from Yeovil, Wisbecii, Lincoln, the he unity of Italy may be accommalidied without any
rector, churchwardens, and vestrymen of the parish of
check or hindrance. (Cheery.) There is ina event to
St. James's, Westminster, ; the noblemen, justices of which. I sam sure, the feelings and wishes of the
people of this country point with greater intensity than
the peace, Commissioners of Supply, and landowners of
the county of Stirling; East Raeford, p.n.s., Dun. m the accomplishment of that object. (Cheers.) Well,
fernalin, Dorchester, Ra and its vicinity ; the „untlemen, I can wily say that the influence of
ministers and elders or trlmpreabytery of Belfast i England. as exercised by Her Majesty's Government,
will be directed to the maintenance of peace; an
bl d what-
Peebles, Kidderminster ; the mayor, aldermen ani
ever may be the aspect of affairs in some quarters of
burgesses of the town and county of SOutliamptot:
theass..eoarird,.l still trust that the year 1861 may pima over
the clergy, churchwarden., md other inhabitants of
of peace, and that the apprehensions which at
Kew ; this minister,' anal elders of the presbytery of "•• 3
Edinburgh ; Thetford, Bridgwater, Norwich, and Tyne- one time were entertained that the spring and summer
of this year would be distraeted by the clang of arum
month. mud 'dinned by the effueion of blood, may be dasap-
-- - pointed, and that we shall limy° at the termination of
anti] allb Nab°. :he year with that happiness which peace confers, and
• alloying that prosperity which mecurity for industry
.oust afford. (Loud cheers.) My Lord Mayor, ladies,
ARMSTRONG (Infs.—The issue of rifled guns to our • awl gentlemen, I beg again to thank you, on the part
ships is being gradually effected, AO fast as the weapons of Her Majesty's Ministers, for the honour you have
themselves are forged and transmitted to our naval I alone us in drinking our healths. (Loud cheers.)
yards. The Marlborough, in her new commission. has ' The Lord Mayor then proposed the health of the
been ordered to receive nine Armstrong cannon, in the ambassadors at the British Court from foreign States,
followiug proportions e—Two 4-0-pounders, to be mounted which was acknowledged by his Excellency the Turkish
on truck carriages, eke two 32-pounders of 25 cwt. oti
.tnibaseador.
her upper deck; two 40-pounders on truck carriage, The health of,the Lord Chancellor and the House of
rice two :t2-pounders of 56 cwt. each on the lower deck; Lonls, was then given, to which the Lord Chancellor
four 40-pounders on truck carriages, rice four 32-pound• eplied as follows :—My Lord Mayor, ladies, and
ors of 42 cwt. on the main deck; one 100-Isounder gun. Gentlenien,—ltather unexpectedly lam celleal upon to
on a revolving side carriage, in lieu of a 68-pounder 97. acknowledge this toast, but I must confess that it gives
cwt, gun upon the forecastle. The whole of this armw me great pleasure to find that in the city of London
ment, with the exception of the 100-pounder gun. i, you do not yet wish to get rid of the House of Lotds ;
ready for the ship, and vast stores of rifled ammunition and I must say that I believe that, without a second
are being accumulated both at Woolwich and at the Manch of the Legislature occaeionally to moderate the
naval anaenals fee immediate shipment whenever re- effervescence of the Commons, there might be • little
qui •red Armed in this way, the Marlborough will danger to your tranquility and to your liberty. (Cheery.)
a i wer of destruction which has certainly never i e.entlemen, the House of Lords, with all its faults, I
Csneli as ualled yet by any wooden ship of war; but, believe deserves the eulogy pronouneed upon it by the
for all that time conviction is forced upon us that the hoed Mayor. It has frequently stood up ma defence of
dart of these great inesamusble floating autism are mho libertiee of the country, and never will be wanting
rapidly being numbered with the things that were. am do re when the occasion may require. (Cheers.)
There have been pro assail for reforming the licniae of
.enis. Some would have l'oers for life, SOON would get
lid of the Bishops, and some would get rid of the Law
1 e.nls (a laugh) ; hut upon the whole I believe that we
durably fulfil the purpose which the constitution in-
ended for us. I belies.° there may be some advantage
a • general representation of time nation without a locul
onstituency, and that there ehould be a rallying place
: .r enlightened public opinion when the fervour of par•
• .cular bodies might lead tho nation astray. (Cheers.)
•Ve. hare in this country to. aluch odious division as that
du noble and ruturier. 'limo Peerage is recruited from
au tuiddle ranks of the people, of which I am illicit
mi example (cheer's), en] the grandson of a duke with.
at degradation become.' plain Mr. !toward. (Cheers.)
! hope we deserve the approbation of our fellow citizens.
The Lord Mayor.-1 have now to propose "the
House of Commons." l'erliaps that toast would have
• mine better from some other gentlenian ; but I give it
s ith great satidution, because it enables sue to offer to
ma, in connexion with it, time health of one of time MOS/
1 .!elthl4l gentlemen if whom astir country can boast-1
• can the right bon. gentleman the Chancellor of the
i'xchequer. (Loud cheers.)
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was most
favourably receive& said—My Lonl Mayor, my Lords.
...elks, and Gentlemen.- -I rise, my Lord, by Your kind
• •rmiesion to return Bethke for whet, after the speech
'
my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor, 1
I
may, without insproptiety, call the effervescent part of
Pme conetitution. (Cheers, and a laugh.) My Lord, I
spprehend that each civilised nation has its own fine-
'ions to fulfil, aural we, who rejoice in our owls national
, m:aditions, may have MUCIII to learn from others. But
s onething it has been reserved to England to do in
heluilf of others, and I trust that at this time of day we
may say that England has done something for the world
iq offermg to it the pattern of a popular legislative
...Richly. That problem which lima been so difficult in
all times to solve—the means of bringing a free repre-
aseitation of the wishes and feelings of the community at
'orge into harmony with fixed laws and with moment
:mad monarchial institutions—that problem has happily
r. ect.ed its solution amongst us ; and never was there
a time when, old as the British constitution is, it inieht
truly be Kalil that it poaresised more of the strength and
m gone of youth. (Cheers.) It is with no slight satis-
faction that we see that other ninnies, us they enter
upon the path of freedom, seem to make it the grit
condition of progress in that career that they should
attempt to create for themselves what resembles the
blouse of Commons (cheers) ; and among the distin
emiehed men who sit at this table as the representatives
mi foreign Sovereigns. I rejoice to think bow many there

THE WAIL IN NEW ZEALAND.

are in whose countries we have seen grow up within
the memory of man institutions in which the spirit a
the nation is reproduced, and in which, so far from that
reproduction proving to be • source of danger to Per-
manent and fixed authority, it has been discovered that I
it is the real security of the person and of national
growth end vigour. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, these are
the truths which we acknowledge in the practice of
nations, and upon which, we trust, before many genera•
tions, perhaps before many years have elapsed, we may
find that the whole civilized world have agreed.
(Cheers.) Under them circumstances I heartily rejoice
—if, indeed, I may venture to do so without prcsuinp•
tion—in thanking you in behalf of the House of COW"
moos, here, in this hall, before yourself, the represents-
! tire of the Corporation of the city of London, already
itself dating its existence from • period coeval with the
House of Commons, and • body which has always lived,
and moved, and acted in singular harmony with the
popular branch of the British Legislature. (Cheers.)
Long may that harmony continue. Long may the
House of Commons continue to represent, as it still
does, the whole and entire conditions of the English
people, answering to its wishes and wants, and taking
measures to supply theui--exercising the first and
greatest of all the powers of the State, but still mind•
ful that though it be the first it is not the only one--
that it exists under the shadow of the Crown, and that
it owes to the prerogative of the Crown and to the
co-ordinate branch of the Legivlature the very mums
and conditions upon which alone it was itself built—the
purpose of its own existence. (Lona cheers.)
Lord Palmerston thim rroposcd " the health o the
Lord Mayor," which was drunk with all the honours,
and duly acknowledged.
Other toasts were given, end after partaking or tea
and ruffee, the Company seisrated mt halligtat 11
o'clock.