The Express.
London, England, 1863-12-24 00:00:00

BANQUET TO CAPTAIN SPEW.

On Tuesday night • banquet in honour of Cap-
bola Meeks was given ia the OrandJory-reees at the Shire-
Tanntau About 150 potion= out doom, under the
preeidostey of Capt. BCODELL, the high sheriff of the county,
sad sawn thou. Ineleat were Captain Spike, Lord Taun-
ton, Sir W. Medlycott, Sir A. Hood, M.P., Sir P. P. Au-
busd, M.P., Sir W. Miles, M.P., Colonel Pinney, M.P., Mr.
W. 0. Langton, M.P., Mr. A. Milli, M.P., Yr. Danby
:mour, H.P.. Mr. Serjenat Hinglake, M.P., Lieutenant-
Col‘rel Nevin*, Lieutenant-Colouid H.flreoville, he.

The Cameras, having referred to the serVi-oves of pre-
Vitale travellees, proposed . The health of Cherie Spike.
Captain J. H. Brags, who was received with vociferous,
continued cheers, said—Your worthy chairman has Mated at
my future prospects in Africa, but it could not be
that he should know what J have in view. My *eloPilas
nothing leas than the regeneration of Africa. ("Hear, bear,"
and applause.) I believe—and I say I believe, because I
have may been across the tract once--that I have dis-
covered a zoos of wonderful fertility is Africa. It stretches
in a lies with the equator from east to west, and its fer-
tility perfectly astonished me. I have shown that the alti-
tude of the country is between 3,000 and 4,000 feat, that
in the very heart of the country there is • great mountain
group, which are the rain-bearers for ferblidng the country,
sad the consequence is that throughout the whole duration
of the twelvemonths there is a fall of rah' en an average of
two or three inches each day. There is a temperature as
mild am thatof this country in summer, mid with tbe moisture,
heat, and a rich soil combined, you can imagine what the
result must be. And although the climate is so rape-
rate it is the most healthy of all the regions in which I have
travelled. (Hear.) It may be said that lam to some ex.
tent acclimatised, hut I don't judge from the effect of the
climate upon myself dose. There are Arab merchants aid
others who say that there is no place so healthy as the
equatorial regions. (Hear, bear.) Now. gentlemen, as this
country is so prolific, as its climate is so genial, se all fact.
tend to show that, properly developed, it is as fertile as any
',matey in the world I think, instead of devoting our atten-
tion to place! more distant from the equate', where there
aresumgreat rains, great droughts, and fearful families, we
look to it. If means were taken to colours it there
would, I can sure. he ample repayment. (Hear.) Aed if mile.
eionarses should again enter Africa, I would say that this
region is especially the spot to which they should directtheir
attention—(hear)—and tt ever they should do so they will
meet there • people who are not purely heathen, bat who,
having emanated from the Abyssinian stock, have the
germ of Christianity within them. (Hear, bear.) I wish
particularly to draw the attention of clergymen to theee
people. lam certain that if the kings who rule the coon•
try could be visited by our missionaries they would heartily
receive them, for they told me so. (" Hear, hear," and
applause.) When I spoke to them of the power of know-
ledge they wished that 1 should educate their children ;
but I was fateful that if those children were brought to
this country they would cot desire to return to their
homes. I therefore told them that I would send mis-
sionaries to them, and as they all scoeptei the view
which I then expressed, I feel certain that they are now
expecting their arrival. (Applause.) You bare read,
doubtless, of the cumber of Imes which are sacrificed in
the kingdom of Uganda alone each year. It is really
very fearful ; but it is not only of those that are executed,
but those also who are carried off by slavery, that cause
that country to be in so turbulent and so excited a state.
Really something ought to be done to put a stop to
this. (Hear, hear.) I would willingly go myself and
lead the way. (Applause.) But I would prefer that
to these regions there should go certain missionaries;
under such au able guide as Dr. Livinptone. (Hear,
hear.) There should also be employed in the work negro
clergymen, of whom many are to be found on the western
coast. Of course there could be ea many young bloods as
would like to go, being careful to ascertain that they are
constituted for it, beating in mind that in Africa the
climate is during the whole year of an equal tem-
perature. In England we °limpid better health, be-
muse we were accustomed to the change, and we can never
thrive so well elsewhere until we bare been there a certain
time, and have got acclimatised. But, gentlemen, in addi.
doe to the clergy there ought to be ambassadors to Africa
—men with authority emanating from our government, and
who, trading with the kings, would be able to put a stop
to the diabolical system of the slave trade—(" hear, hear,
and applame)—which is ruining the country, and more es-
pecially these semi-Christians inhabiting the district through
which I have ;woe. (Applause.) It is true that these people
forget their Christianity, but it is still latent in them. At
the same time these vile traders who, instead of purchasing
the ivory with beads take many more ballets than anything
else, and shoot down the natives or steal them away, and
rob them of their cattle, have rendered the country an in-
secure that no one can travel through it unless be has a
force superior to that of the native races. I maintain that
we are paying thousands upon thousands of pounds in
a fruitless manner in our efforts to stop the slave trade
there. Hitherto we have directed our efforts principally
to running down slavers instead of, as I think we
ought to do, teaching the negroes to stand up for them-
selves. (Hear, hear.) The African as a very intelligent crea-
ture. I have travelled with many of them, who, although
formerly, when in slavery, they consideneethemaelves the
property of their mestere, becauee they had been purchased,
and would neither kill nor desert them, now
declare that the degradations of their countrymen who are
transported into slavery have so excited them that if a
good spirit were infused into them they would rise to a man
and help one another to keep down the traffic. (Hear,
hear.) The more direct plan of doing this would be by or-
ganisiog an expedition in the following way :—ln the first
place let there be negro depots along the east and the west
coasts of Attica assisting errancipated slaves ; let these be
trained as sailors and taught the English language, so
that they may assist our own navigator ; let the native.
after being drilled be taken across the continent of
Africa, and shown the positions in which the trade
chiefly ramifies, and then prevent the merchants conveying
slaves to the ports. (Hear, bear.) By this an orgaoisation
would be created which would tend to the entire suppres-
sion of the slave trade. I would engage in it myself if the
government felt inclined to support me in it. After the
depOts had been formed, I would take in the aggregate 500
men, a few from each station, sod I would then commence
from the east coast of Africa and march across along the
equator to the west coast. I would, at the same
tame. shoe those spots which are most advantageous to
us in a mercantile point of view, and which would pave
the way for a system of—l won't say colonization—but
civilisation, and colonisation will necessarily follow. (Hear,
bear.) That is matter which we need not doubt for one
moment, for the fact is the negro cannot govern his own
land, and the land is such that it will be the subject of
contention before Meg. Austria has already her eye upon
it. An Austrian gentleman has gone out there, and his
object cannot be to discover the source of the Nile, because
it is settled. (Hear, hear.) He may have goo* out to
certify to the truth of my statements, but they have been
corroborated by my companion Captain Great. (Hear,
bear.) Captain Spoke concluded by prop ing the health of
Captain Great mid also the Geographical Society.
The toast was warmly drunk.
Mr. DANDY Seniors, M.P., responded OD behalf of the
Geographical Society - and other toasts followed, after
which the meta, broke up.

TOWNLEY IN THE COUDEMNED CELL.—The Rev.
C. R.. Gordon, who has been sent for specially to visit this
unfortunate culprit, thus writes of his state of mind :
"The conclusion to which I have come concerning him, and
that, too, after lengthened interviews, is that the criminal is
not a responsible "gent. Apia and again he has expressed
delight that his life is to be taken, His manner at times
is decidedly maniacal; be rolls his eyes; his counte-
nance flushes unusually, and he talks incoherently.
At other periods he is as gentle as a child, and ap-
preciates kindness. When sitting in his cell with
him last Monday, his manner quite alarmed me, and but
for the presence of another I should immediately have
called in the two warders who are constantly with him.
He justifies murder without giving a reason. He con-
tesducts himself repeatedly, acknowledges at one time
what he denies soothe'. It is a useless effort to en-
deavour to instruct him in religion, for he his no
mental capacity to receive it. His conduct from the
time of his committing the awful crime for which he
is now doomed is io keeping with this. When asked
in his calm moments how be could ever have
brought himself to commit it, be answers. ' All was
dark before my eves ; I don't know anything about
it.' Much as the death of the victim is to be
deplored, I say it would be more horrid still if an irre-
sponsible agent now were to be takeu to the gallows.
According to ' Blacicstone'sOommentaries' this is a suffi-
cient cause to arrest the capital seuteose. It is alike con •
instant with humanity as with justice that a further me-
dical examination should be made before the law is allowed
to take its course. I would suggest also that the prison
officers be examined. There are other swoon which it ap-
peals to me might be urged in his behalf, but on this it is
now unnecessary to enter. I have given • stern, impartial,
and comcienrious consideration of his condition, and 1 can
come to no other conclusion than that which I have now
is:premed." The Manchester petitions in favour of Townley
were despatched last 'light to the Home-office. They bear
16,709 signatures. but there are some sheets still to come is,
which will very much iocreaes the number of the petitioners.
The petition which has been signed at the York Hotel
Chambers is to be presented by a deputation, ormaisting of
a few gentlemen from Manchester who go to London for that
object. The sheets of Mr. Mepon'a in Marketetreet, re-
ceived 2,400 signatures, and those of the Attica:turn 800.
Another petition, signed under the auspices of the imme-
diate friends of the condemned man, hears 7,938 names, and
that confined exclusively to ladies 3,231 vignatures. The
remaining names have been obtained in Wipe, Bolton,
Oldham, Rochdale, aid *whom'.
CRYSTAL PALACE—CHRISTMAN EVE.—The great
Christmas tree will be lighted up this evening at dusk.
The palace will be open on Christmas-day from 9 till dusk ;
the company's orchestral band will perform, and the canal
attractions will be of view. It has been arranged that
extra trains shall run each hour from 9 in the morning till
dark from Loadoe-bridge, Victoria, and also by the London.
Chatham, and Dover Railway from the Elephant and
Castle to Sydenham-bill and Pear. On Saturday, tim
26tb alt., the Christmas revels will commence. These will
prevent the usual combination of holiday attractions, with
several highly successful novelties.
THE LEGAL VArATION.—To-day the legal vaca-
tion for Christmas commences. In the common law offices
business will be resumed en Wednesday, and onith January
at the Chancery ofboee.

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS °ETHAN
SCHOOL&

The anniversary festival of this institution took
litilsoweaterday eves*, at the London Tenn, and was
by about 13U gentlemen. The chair was taken by
Mr. 0. L. Bevan, who was supported by the Sheriffs of
Loadea aad Middlesex. Among those present were—
Mr. George Moore, Mr. Wilford ()restorer, Mr. Thomas
Roberts, Mr. George Btockdale, Mr. Prawns Lycett, Mr.
William Holt, Mr. Charles Woollotoo, Dr. %rutin, Mr.
R. MeMorkad, Dr. O'flant Brady, Mr. Julius Adam Mr.
James Hughes, Mr. W. W. Davies, Mr. G. Hewitt, Mr.
Daniel Harvest, Mr. W. Beat s, and Mr. A. L. Saul.
After the health of " The Queen,"
The CZAIIMAX said, before proposing the next tout, be
wished to read the following letter which had been remised
by Mr. George Moore from General Knollys

" Frogmore, Windsor.
" sir,-1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the 15th mat., and am directed by the Prizes
of Wales to acquaint you, fur the inturmatioo of the chair-
man and directors of the Commercial Travellers' Schools,
that his royal highness will have great gratifloatioc in suc-
ceeding hie lamented father as patron of the institution."
(Great cheerios.) He had now the pleasure to give the
" Health of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the Princess
of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family."
The toast was drunk with great eatbusisam.
The oast toast was " The Army, the Navy, and the Vo-
imitates," for which

Mr7ilteriff Cava returned thanks, observing that the
volunteers had at all events saved the country from those
occasional panics to which it was subject previous to the
formation of that branch of its defensive forces.
The children of the schools, boys sod girls, were here in-
troduced and marched round the room, thee: faces gleam-
ing with health. unaffected cheerfulness, and intelligence.
From the door they ascended to the gallery, where they
sang "The Carol of the Reapers," in a very pleasing
manner.

TheiCaalamaN then proposed " Prosperity to the indite-
tion."—lt had, he said, been intended that. as a pre.
paration for his speech on that occasion, he should pay a
visit to the institution at Pinner, of which he was the
president. Had he dime so, he would no doubt be in a
position to speak of its merits in far better terms than he
was then able to commend ; but owing to the pavement of
the New-read having been taken up, Mr. Moore wind at
the station about three minutes too late to accompany him
—(laughter).-aod in consequence of that, be had not had
the pleasure of seeing the institution. Without basing
seen it, however, he bad not the least doubt of its ex-
cellence. (Cheers.) The great evil was, that it did not
obtain sufficient support from those whose relatives might
hereafter require to be assisted by it. It had been well said,
that "all men think all men mortal but themselves ;"
and it was too common foe commercial travellers to
forget that they might be taken away suddenly, and
their children be glad to avail themselves of the benefits of
the institution. He was sorry to hear that such persons
did not as a body come forward to support an institution
which was so nobly assisted by theirfrieoda. (Hear, hear.)
He could not but think that when gentlemen like Mr.
Moors—(cheers)—so liberally and so nobly aided the
charity, it was very blameable io commercial travellers not
to support wa institution in whose benefits their own off-
spring might moon require to participate. (Hear, hear, and
cheers.)
Mr. Gataroitex proposed "The Chairman," which was
cordially received.
Dr. SIEVILKING gave " The Lord Major, Sheriffs, and
Corporation of London."
Sheriff NissaN, in returning thanks, said he felt the
greater pleasure in doing so that evening, because his pro-
ballon was pawed in that most practical of all business
schools, the school of the road. (Cheers). That occasion
brought back to him many agreeable memories, many prac-
tical maxims, much salutary discipline, and numerous friend-
ships of the mad valuable description which existed veto
the present moment. He looked back with deep satisfac-
tion to the period when be was on the road, associated as it
was with the names of men of the most estimable character,
who were always ready to assist the needy connected with
their own vocation. (Chews.)
Mr. Under-Sheriff NICHOLSON proposed "The Vice•Presi-
, dents, Treasurer, and Trustees," coupled with the name of
Mr. George Moore.
After a most cordial response to the toast.
Mr. Boner said the institution was tow, he was happy
to sey, it a very flourishing condition. They had a building
which met 25,000/., and it was paid for ; they had 25 acres
of land, sad that also was paid for. (Cheers.) They had
9.5 boys and 53 girls, making a total of 147 children in the
schools, and 14 more children would be elected next week.
Since the schools were founded they had exercised very
considerable moral inflame° on the road. They bad taught
men to think ; and he believed that, independently of all
the good which had been done by the institution to
orphans, it had conferred immense benefit in saving the
pockets and constitution of commercial men. (Cheers.) The
chairman had hit the weak point in speaking of the inade-
quate assistance afforded to the institution by commercial
travellers themselves. He (Mr. Moore) had recently taken
some pains to ascertain bow many commercial travellers
really supported the schools, sad it was muck smaller even
than he had previously supposed. Out of a total of twenty
or thirty thousand, only 2,300 subscribed to the charity.
(Hear. hear.) He must add, that if such persons were not
grateful to commercial firms they ought to be so, for they
subscribed most liberally in support of the institution. He
did not say this in • boughs& spirit ; he did not sey that
employers bad does more than they ought to have done,
but that commercial travellers had done a great deal less.
(Cheers.) The institution had now 14.3001 invested
in London! Lend North Western Debentures, which
the board preferred to the funds biomes they
yielded one per cent. more on equally Rood
security. (Hear, hear.) The total accumulated fund was
15,5001. The expenses of the past year amounted to 6,296/.
That might appear a large amount, but he should be happy
if any subscriber would scrutinise the expenditure. The
expenses were necessarily more in proportion to the number
of children than those ohe Orphan School at Haverstock.
hill, the office expenses, and to some extent the plant,
being the same for 150 as for 450 children. (Hear,
bear.) If any oommercial traveller could suggest
any improvement in the management of the institution
the committee would be happy to listen to him.
The education given to the children was of a very high cha-
racter. He did not believe there was • better schoolmaster
in England than Mr. Richards—(cheers)—and probably
when many of themselves were gone the children now in
the schools would be partners in leading City firms. The
institution gave the children a sound commercial education ;
it taught them to read, write. and keep accounts, and to
speak grammatically ; it taught them as much French as
was good for them, and a great deal of common sense.
(Cheers.) A presentation to Christ's Hospital was worth
from three to four hundred pounds ; the education
given by that institution was as good as, if not better, than
that et Christ's Hospital ; nod be pitied the commercial
travellers who would not pay a guinea a year to secure such
advantages for their children in the event of their becoming
orphans. (Cheers.) Children educated in the schools had
been received into 001120 of the first establishments of the
City, and he was happy to say that out of the 253 children
who had beau turned out of them only two boys bad gone
wrong. (Cheers.) Some of the boys of the institution had
always been successful at the Oxford examinations. He
might add that the children who had been admitted hitherto
were not generally children of subscribers to the institution.
(Hear, hear.)
The Rev. W. ROGIRS, Rector of St. Botolph, Bishopsgate,
Pr " The Board of Management."
ol7;11.1ICIBEHTS, in returning thanks, said the board would
Dever depart from their rule of giving a generous dist, which
had resulted in the excellent appearance presented by
the children that evening.
Mr. Marry proposed "The Medical Officers."
Mr. J. NEIGHED gave " The Commercial Travellers of
England," for which Mr. G. Hewett returned thanks ; and
Mr. C. Wouorrun, " The Stewards," which was ackciow.
lodged by Mr. W. Holm.
The last toast was "The Ladies."
The music was under the direction of Mr. Henry Buck-
laod, assisted by Miss Annie Cox, Miss Elia Hughes, Mr.
W. Fielding, and Mr. G. Carter. Mr. Harker officiated as
toastmaster.
The subscriotioes announced in the mune of the evening
unmated to 1,2871.

Mr. Blood, of Dublin, and formerly secretary to
one of the gas companies of that city, was yesterday ap-
pointed secretary of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce,
in place of Mr. Tromso°, who retires nu being appointed to
the management of a well-known East India firm.
EXETER HALL—The Creation will be performed
with • band mod chorus of 700 performers by the Natioual
Choral Society on Wednesday next. Principal soloists,
Madame Parem Mr. Sims Sleeves. Mr. Santley. Organist,
Mr. John G. Boardman ; the whole under the direction of
Mr. G. W. Martin.
SALE OF J awelt.s. —Yesten lay Messrs. Debenhani,
Starr, and Sous dispersed by auction, at their Mart
in Covent-garden, a remarkably stoke and extensive
collection of bijouterie, the chief portion belonging
to • lady of fashion. Among the more important lots were
the following :—Let 673, a diamond collet necklaoa. of 02
largeaod lositmus stones, was knocked down for 42.1/.
Lot 683, • magnificent brilliant tiara, brought 334!. 19s.
Lot 664 f, • necklace, of 130 oriental pearls, with emerald
and diamond locket. 36/. l.a. Lot 6147, a coloured gold
baud armlet, set with 6ne emeralds aod brilliants, in CAM%
au. 14s. Lot 694, a pair of brilliant star ear-rine,
74f. lls. Lot 69. i. • cluster brillisat pendant, with ruby
centre and pear-shaped pearl drop, 721. lla. Lot 696, a
brilliant buckle or brooch, of nine splendid stones, the
mato) slime very large this choice ornament was knocked
down, after a spirited competition, at 367 f. 10s. Lot 697,
• matchless brilliant full dress brooch, of beautiful design
and workmanship, the centre stone of remarkable size aid
lustre, surrounded by scrolls of brilliants, with ribbon tie
pendant, 6301. Lot b%, a superb brilliant, weighing 6
carats, of the finest water, set as an ear-ring, 180 f. 1:N.
Lot 701, • magoilicent brilliant and pearl ring, 58/. lie.
Lot 712, an acorn pio, formed by a remarkably tine
Criminal pearl, in a cup of gold and diamoods, 91f. Lot
648, • brilliant ring. 47!. 15• Lit 650, a pair of
oriental pearl ear.nogs, 80 guineas. Lot 665, a briniest
heart secklette, 62 guineas.
DEPOSIT OF PRIVATE BlLLE—Yesterday was the
hot day for the deposit of the printed pri rate bilis is the Some
of Commons in pursues*. of the standiag orders. The nom.
ber far exceeded the deposits et the Board of Trade when
plans were required to be lodged.

INTELLIGENCE.
(THIS DAY.)

r OF BANKRUPTCY.
dr. Commisniodier Oenlbws.)