The Express.
London, England, 1853-03-22 00:00:00

ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAI FUN:

The fourteenth anniversary festival of this chstrity
was held yesterday at the London Tavern, the lion. .li.
F. DRIIKELIT, MP., in the chair, who was supported b„
Charles Dickene, EN., Mark Lemon, Esq , J. If, nd.
stone, Emu, and a large numb, r of the pr
sup-
porters of the institution. The musical arrancements,
which usually constitute one of the features of this festival,
and which were remarkably effective, were under the Mese-
tion of Mr. Alfred Mellon—who composed a new :lee for
the occasion—and comprised the services of Min Louiss
Pyne, Mrs. Weiss, the Misses Wells, Miss ltausford, Mug
M. Williams, Miss Pyne, and Miss P. Horton (who cams
from Scotland purposely to assist at the festival), Mr.
Welu, Mr. Donald King, Mr. (lenge, Mr. Perren, &c.
After the usual loyal toasts, and that of the army sad
navy, with which the name of Mr. T. P. Cooke wee
coupled, and who returned thanks for the " navy,"
The CHAIRMAN rose to propose '• Prosperity to the Ge-
neral Theatrical Fund," and, in doing so, alluded to this
i being the second time on which tl.o society had been de.
privcd of the assistance of Mr. Macready as chairman in
consequence of severe domestic affliction, and 0 claimed
the indulgence of the company in consequence of the dis-
advantage under which he laboured in following two such
chairmen in succession as Sir E. Ifulwer Lytton and Mr.
Charles Dickens. lie stated that at this, the 14th anniver-
oar. eof the fund, he had to congratulate its supporter, on
its healthy state and flourishing condition, and he felt sure
that it the same exertions were made to forward its interests
as had hitherto been used, it bid fair ere long to become of
exteneive utility. He then alluded to the small phalanx of
members of the profession with whom this charity origi-
nated, sod whose names lie read, whom he declared to huts
a claim not only to the thanks of their brethren, but to de-
serve welt of posterity for being the instruments of
creating a great pubis got d. Ile eulogised the charitable
feelings and kindly interchange of good offices among each
other which characterised the theatrical profeisiou as a body ;
and proceeded, in a very humorous and effective manner,
to defend the drama and the stage from the attacks which
he stated had been made on it from various pulpits M
places which he mentioned. In strong contrast to that
course of proceeding, he held up the patronage bestowed
on the stage by her Majesty, as evidenced, not only by her
attendance at the public theatres, and in her allowing her-
self to be named the patroness of this institution, but by
her bringing into her own palace the professore of the dn.
matic art, in order that they might illustrate the best speei•
melts of the drama before her own rising family. (Chei rs.)
So that when the stage and its professors aere assailed by
bigotry and prejudice they need not fear, as they could
take refuge at the foot of the throne. (Cheer:.) Ile wished
all prosperity to a profession which represented one of the
noblest branches of English literature, which was founded
on morality, and was one of the requirements of an age of
civilisation. (Cheers.)..

The next toast was'"
Mr. Suckstone, the Treasurer, anti
the Officers of the Institution," and in prepoeine the toast
the Chairman alluded to the new undertaking of Melluck-
stone as manager of the Haymarket Theatre.
Mr. liverseurre, who was greeted with great applause,
said, Gentlemen, in returning thanks for the toast you have
just given, I am happy to Bay that my brief address to you
this evening will consist of everything that is prosperous and
pleasant se relates to the General Theatrical Fund. In the
first place, it is most gratifying to us, and complmentery not
only to our society, but to the stage, that every year we find
gentlemen of high standing its the literary, political, and
dramatic world, to preside over us nn this festive occasion;
not amongst the least of those who have so honoured and
helped tie is our worthy chairman of this evening. Besides
his own warm attachment to the drama, he is one of the
members of s noble family that have always been amongst the
foremost to patronise our art in the west substantial way, for
on relenting to the list, gentlemen, of the annual suksenhers
to our fund, you will find the name of the Earl I,i:the/dingo
standing in • most liberal position ; and while we possess
such noble patrons, end such genuine well-wishers as our
excellent chairman, end his noble brother, neither our fund
nor the drama need ever despair. (Cheers.) It is necessary,
gentlemen, as there may be many present who arc not quits
acquainted with our objects and intentions, that I should
not only explain them, but give a full account of our pool-
tion at this moment. The General Theatrical Fund was
established 13 ye are ago, for the purpose of affording relief
and granting annuities to every member of the drama in the
United Kingdom, and to all who gained alivelihood on the
stage, admitting such professors as pentomicaists, daacers,
and prompter!, that the more exclusive foods of the two
great theatres did not recogeise. Slowly, but surely, suc-
cess attended all the exertions of the originators of our
institution, till we became of such importance, and gained
such firm friends, that we were enabled to make this
annual appeal to the liberality of the public. (Cheers.)
Her most Gracious Majesty's attention then became
directed to us, and with that kindness and generosity for
which she is as much distinguished as for the unaffected
dignity and grace with which she adonis her royal station,
presented us with an annual donation of one hundred
pounds. Te be incorporated by charter was our next am-
' bition and which, I em happy to say, has been completely
achieved, and, thanks to the considerate liberality of one
solicitor, Mr. Jerwood, end the generosity of Mr. Hind-
man'', the barrister, who, to the honour of the legal pro-
. festion, refused the lees to which he was entitled, and for
which kindness we all feel bound in gratitude never again
on the stage to speak disparagingly of • lawyer—(cheers
and laughter)--thanks therefore, gentlemen, to the skilful
and honest hands ium which we had fallen—the eutiro en-
pease of our charter has only amounted to 3401., while our
; capital will this eveniug be considerably over 7,0001.
(Cheers.) By virtue of our charter we are now ens.
bled to place that capital out to greater advantage than
we have hitherto done, and find ourselves in the mei.
able position of being able to ask one another what
is best to do with oar money. (Cheers.) A quer
tion that I have no doubt, with our many friends here
in the heart of the city, will soon be most satisfactorily
I answered; while, to show how much we are deserv-
ing of your attention, it is my duty to inform you that we
have already eight annuitants, three of whom are in re-
ceipt of 601. per annum, that during the put year we
have paid a large amount of money towards the expenses
of the funeral of deceased members, or returned half the
amount of their subscription to their survivor", aceoreliag
to our rules, and no more strikicg proof can I give you,
gentlemen, of the excellence of our institution than in
relating one instance connected with it. A meritori-
ous actor and an excellent man, a member of a favourite

metropolitan theatre, and who has often in this
room shared our festivities, was taken with an illness,
which prevented him following his profession, and earn-
ing a living. His medical attendants assured him that
any excitement or exertion would be fatal, and he was
ordered to live is quiet retirement. Fortunately he was
a member of this fund —he had subscribed to it
the required seven years, which qualified him to obtain
Its benefits; and although the gross amount of his subserip
tion daring that term was not much over au, he is now in
the enjoyment of an annuity of GOl. a year. Nor do we,
gentlemen, allow that sum to be the limit of his income—
as we grow richer it will be increased, added to which soy
' annuitant is permitted to hold property to the fall amount
he receives from us; we, therefor,, repudiate the words, u
they run in the programme of one, at least, of the greet
funds, "for the relief of the indigent actor." (Load
cheers.) No, gentlemen, we do not wound their feelings in
that way—we look upon the annuity given to our members
as their just right, purchased by their prudence, their punc-
tuality in their payments, and their savings, augmented by
your generosity. And we hope that we shall always experi-
ence and deserve that generosity, even though our benevo-
lence be confined to our brother and sister actors and sc•
tresses—for we are no sham philanthropists—we do not let
our sympathies go over the sea, while want end helpless-
ness are to be found in oft land. No, gentlemen, we tura
our batiks upon ladies with missions. (Cheers and laughter.)
I assure you there is not a Mrs. Jellyby amongst us; and
that while suffering and sorrow are to be found at our own
doors, we shall give our first attention there before we fall
inip a frenzy of feeling for the unknown inhabitants of
B.rioaodagha. And here allow me is conclude an anec-
dote commenced by your worthy chairman. I bare heard
from my excellent friend Mr. John Barlett, the celebrated
musical composer, of the worthy divine referred to ; and 1
have been further informed that at one time he hod not 60,
but 200 pairs of slippers in his museum. Had he been a
Mussulman he might have found a use for them—(laughter)
—but not being so, he sent them up to London and geld them
for his own personal behoof and profit. (Cheers and laughter.)
To refer once more, gentlemen, to our charity, 1 wish to
bring to your remembrance our first treasurer, the late ex-
cellent Mr. Elton, whose sad fate has always been ea deeply
deplored, and who was one of the most ardent originator,
of this fund. Hie aunt was so strongly impressed with the
necessity of this institution that elle made a promisedo gin
it a legacy. That lady is now dead ; she kept her promise;
and I have :just received her bequest of 2001. The lady'
name was Mrs. Elisabeth Drew, and I feel no little Feud-
cation in assuring you that while she remembered us ehe
did not forget poor Elton's children. (Cheers.) But for
our charter, gentlemen, this sum might have been 100
to us. (Cheers.) But it is not; for I have it—though, I
am sorry to add, with one alloy, the deduction of the
legacy duty of 10 per rent., and I am convinced the
our worthy chairman, in his place in parliament, v;.l
one dap think of that duty. (Laughter.) Pardos
me if I now venture to reply to the kind alas),
made by our worthy chairman to the new position in the
drama that I am about to occupy. I can only say as regards
the Haymarket Theatre, it shall be m strong endeavour a
maintain the high character which that house has alWar
borne, from the days of Foote end charge Colman to thou
of Mr. *Webster. I assure you I Lave no belief in %boss
drearg cant words, " the decline of the drama"—(cheen)--
and which, after all, are mostly uttered by those who "rota'
in with orders." (Laughter.) I am firmly conviettd
the buoyancy—the vitality—uf the dr;nita, when preen
means are used to attract the public ; uml though flatus-
tions must be eznected lq gnu pultuit, rr; in this I am .
Santana er.OUgh.ta think, that with right entrgy,
success may be attained. I commenced ;ny dramatic
mere boy, and on the low. at step of the ladder ; as 1 asel'
I found each step firm and sustainii.g, and now that . $3,
about to plant my foot on the lust ad highest stil),
would be bard indeed it that should gat e way beneath so
—and I don't think it will. (Cheers.) To those who
may consider me too trusting 1 can only
Po
desponding or timid man should ever embark is a pa de
t
e.derprise. (Cheers.) Now, gentlemen, let me hope Pol
will do your best this evening fur those who have passed
loog life in striving to amuse and instruct you ; 101121 Thu,.
insane stedfast trustee, Dickens, Mr. Charles Dicke. floc °
a
stunt presence here, and assistance on every occasion—.
thauking you for the patience with which ) on hare totenr.d
to me—l leave th.. collecting committee to proceed their
vigorous duties, feeling convinced you will sot forget I"'
I know you consider to be your own. (Cheers.)
Mr. C. Dtca: ENS. in a short but effective speech, pro t
the health of the Chairman, who acknowledged the
in appropriate terms. reply Mobilo,

Several other tusts, including that of "English Monistic
Literature," followed, and the proceedings cloud at • eacne•l
what late hour.
The amount of donations received wu about OW, of
glitch IOU . wt.. the iebeeription of the Queen.

THE SOCIETY.
Last night the members of this society dineal at
the Yereaisesuns' '1 aver*, to eomenemorate the battle of
Alesauelria. There was • large attendance, and a ;treat
number of they. ntlernesi present were attired in the High-
land coetume. The chair was occupied by the president.
a. Judie of Assont., and his grace was supported by Sir
Checks Forbes, Dirt., General Delantotte, General Jock-
ma (of the Turki.h army), Sir John Campbell, Colonel
yjmuniarr, Caotain Macdonald, Dr. Roden, Captain Jay,
it.yl„ Rev. Dr. Cumming, Captain A. Macdonald, Cap-
pia Miller, Is:. Ilallefs Dr. S. Chisholm, Mr. Kenneth
Hatay, Mr. J. Beaumont, Mr. A. H. BILL nagell,
C. Nachman, Mr. A. G. Mackenzie, Mr. George
blacken:tie. &c. Ac.
After the loyal tuasts,
Sir Client...lllomila; proposed the health of their noble
president, who had already proved himself worthy to be a
descendant of their great chief, 111'Cullum Nor. (Loud
cheers.)
The Duke of Anotru., in returning thanks, expressed
Nome', gristly desirous of forwarding the interests of the
insututius. the moo object of which be understood to be
the protnot:on of union and pool fellowship amongst those
who by birth, family, and feeling were connected with the
biehlands of Scotlaisd. In one sense this was not a diScult
trek, because there bed never been a country whose sons
had shown so stron4 an attachment to their country and
their home. Amidst the snows of Canada, the plains of
India, or Lie vast territories of the South Pacific, wherever
European adventure had penetrated, there might Scotch.
men be Card , but nowhere could they be met with on.
mindful of their home or their race. (Cheers.) One great
characteristic they always preserved. Whenever success
attended their elf ,eta, and they returned to their country,
they would always be found to retails that accent with
which, to his tined at least, they had improved the Queen's
English. (" Hear," and a laugh.) They had heard of late
considerable abase heaped upon their name ar.d country on
&count of the assumed idleness of its people; but he was
convinced that the real secret was their want of education.
(Hear, hear.) That want the society had endeavoured
to supply; and, indeed, the improvement which hail
taken pi ice within the lest few years was great
and surprising. The highlands of Scotland had of
late been taking its revenge upon their solemn neighbours.
Slaty or seventy years ago that surly sage Dr. Johnson,
having condescended to make a tour of them, stated that he
bad been led over rough and barren rocka see other
)rocks more routs and barren, and a wider scene of desola-
tion ; but the Hans and Visigoths had never rushed more
gladly upon the fertile plains of Italy than Eng:ishmen
now rush.ed over the heathery fella, of the highlands.
(Cheers) He hoped that this Scottish feeling would de-
velop itself in the increased support that would be accorded
to the society. (Loud cheers) " The immortal memory
of the heroes ea° fell with Abererombie," "The army and
navy," " Chiefs and clans," " The visitors," " The Cale-
dootan Asylum," "The ladies," " Highlanders, shoulder
to shoulder," " Pipes and banners," and other toasts, were
also drunk, During the evening Angus Mackay, piper to
the queen and tv the society, Donald Mackenzie, the Duke
of Sutherland's piper, and other adepts on that melodious
Instrument, contributed mach to the amusement of the
evening ; and the juvenile bend of the Caledonian Society
?lapel a great number of natiatial airs.