The Express.
London, England, 1851-11-14 00:00:00

POLISH AND HUNGARIAN BALL.

Yesterday evening thy ball in aid of the distressed
Polish and Ilungarieu refisgees took place at the Guild-
hall, and it was noticed by the habitues, that never had
more public interest been evinced than on the present oc-
casion. Of course the great source of attraction was M.
Kossuth, who, with his lady, arrived at II o'clock. By this
time the hall was densely filled with company, and we have
seldom seen so many, or PO great a variety of uniforms at a
London fecivity. There were present several Cavalry
officers in the Queen's service, officers of the Garde Na-
tionale of France, together with the Portuguese, and one or
two other foreign uniforms. The arrival of the distinguished
guest was announced by trumpet, and immediately
the whole company rushed to the grand entrance.
The reception of M. Kossuth wax most enthu-
siastic, the cheering being unusually vigorous for
an assembly composed mainly of the wealthier classes. The
ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and the gentlemen crowded
round, if possible, to shake hands with the distinguished
guest. It may nut he out of place here to mention that,
except in very particular eases, this is a custom which
would be "more honoured in the breach than the observ-
ance." M. Kossuth, while most anxious to acknowledge
in a suitable manner the warm and enthusiastic reception
he has received since his arrival in this country, is yet only
flesh and blood, and his system, shattered by the many
vicissitudes he has undergone, suffers seriously front these
kindly meant attentions of his English hosts. The manly
Saxon custom of shaking hands is en excellent thing in its
way, but to shake hands with a whole nation is a task re-
quiring considerable vigour of constitution. M. Kossuth.
who was accompanied by his lady, was escorted by the Lord
Mayor, sheriffs, and aldermen to the dais, where be remained
for a short time exchanging courtesies with the company,
but the crowd became so great, and th, anxiety to see him
so manifest, that he was obliged to retire to the concert
room, when an arrangement was made, by which, as in
the case of the Queen's visit, the company defiled past
him, bowing as reverently as if he were the most potent
sovereign in Europe. Shortly after this interesting cere-
monial, M. Kossuth and party retired, and were again
loudly cheered on their departure. Thu general arrange-
ments of the ball were on a much more liberal scale than
former occasions. The decorations were rich, and included

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many combinations of the Hungarian tricolor. Excellent
and plentiful refreshments were provided by Mr. Bathe, of
the London Tavern, and the music, both concert and
dancing, was of a high order of excellence. The interest of
the concert woo sadly marred by the entrance of M. Kossuth
into the concert-room, but even his presence did not pre-
vent the company listening with delight to a violin solo by
M. ltemenyi, a Hungarian professor. This gentleman, who
is quite young, played the "Carnival de Venire" of Page-
nini with a brilliancy and clearness winds has seldom been
heard since the death of the great master.
Amongst the company were Mr. Massingberd, Lord
1). Stuart, J. A. Smith, Esq., M.P.. William Wil-
liams, M.P , B. M. Wilson, M.P., Sir James Dula., M.P.,
the Hon. Mrs. Scott. Mrs. Milner Gibson, the Governor of
Gambia and Lady, Colonel Lawrence, the Lord Mayor and
Sheriffs, Alderman Wire and Lady, Alderman Carter,
Captain Lawrence, Mr. Peabody, the Mayor of Southamp-
ton and Lady, F. Bennoch, Esq., Lieutenant Surlchesty,
&c., &e.
Alter the departure of Kossuth, dancing was resumed,
and continued to a late hour.