The Express.
London, England, 1853-11-07 00:00:00

TO TNT ZDITOZ OF TIIII 11FRESS.

813,—1f your paper be really a court in which
both sides tea be heard, perhaps a few facts and remarks
will enable the people to determine more correctly whether
to join in this proposal or not; for "A cocstant reader of
the Express " advocates) it, and " One of the class of
working met" takes upon himself to speak " for his clam
generally." I, on the other side, believe that his elan are
far too emmilibe to join him, save under the influence of
their whOntma.
Tho be way in which a prince can " identify bit:omit I
with the booed interests of the people," of which your an.
willeMblne talks so largely, is to show some moderation in
AMU bees from their labours. Prince Albert's princely
allnwaniss man flied at 30,0001. a year. Since then it has
been inereusd (either at his own solicitation, or by the selt-
vility of the oligarchy, who still rule us and waste an
labours), by some thousands a year. This got up adulatimk,
therefore, may grossly deceive those in high places, and Well
to more sinecures, to the further postponement of the ne
comities of the people, and the further injury of them
scarred and grey haired warriors, at whose expense Prises
Albert received the last sinecure, that of the colonelcy
of the Foot Guards, obtained through Lord Derby only last
year, a aid case, as it was expressly reserved " for distin-
guished military service."
No one, even of the most fulsome parasites that hang
about birth, pretends that, independent of the Great Exhi-
bition, the Prince has rendered any public services deserving
of a statue. As regards the Exhibition, then, it is well
known that the idea was suggested long ago—the only
thing claimed for the Prince being a suggestion that goods
from all nations should be admitted. The Prince did not
Show that originality of design or constructive orient.*
which made it the ornament of England and the wonder of
dus world ; he did not plan the Crystal Palace—the build-
ing itself, nor did he display that administrative genius—
for it was almost that—which drew from all the parts of
enstisoverything of worth and beauty, and filled it is a
Irmo lees marvellous than its execution. Ido not even
ibliefewes of the parties, so I am at least an honest writer in
to 11. titter. The Prince is entitled to considerable praise,
and all will willingly give it to him, for his attention in
getting the Exhibition taken up by the public; and but for
him it is very likely the thing would have dropped. lie is a
highly respectable, clever, and commendable Prince. But
kis work was the easiest and mat agreeable, and without
responsibility. Now, Sir, these are not chow distinguished
services to the nation, nor that display of original genius,
which will ever earn a public statue during his lifetime, except
from a nation of sycophants or simpletons. And I am
anxious somewhat to prevent a grave people like the
English being thought either. A prince, especially a
foreign one, must absolutely do something, in thew days,
in return for the lavish honours and liberality of a toiling
people who require every farthing for their own enlighten-
ment ; sad nothing can he attend to so ennobling to him-
self, or with so little trouble, as in advancing the arts of
life.
I hope this plain statement will give no offence, fur none
is meant. But if foolish folks will set on foot foolish things,
and invite the public to join them, they must expect public
comments. There is, however, this broad principle against
statues to living public men Their subsequent conduct may
male the people desirous of pulling down their adulatory
erection', or else leave them a mere mockery and false wit-
ness of their true sentiments. Only death can justify a public
statue ; save for such great and undoubted service. as those
of the late Duke—a nation's gratitude for which no time
or conduct could change.
Nov. 4.

A CIVILIAN.

ROYAL COLLEGE GP SUEGT.OBS.—The following
gentlemen having undergone the necessary examinations
for the diploma were admitted members of the college at
the meeting of the Court of Examiners on the sth inst.:—
Messrs. Juba Caldwell, Kew.green ; John Richard Davern,
Royal Hospital, Chelsea; James Allan Currie, Hon. East
' India Company's Service, Bengal; John llndivon Water.
house. Sheffield ; James itekquith Ellis, Nantygln, Mon-
mouthshire; John Ignatius Purcell Williams, Denbigh,
North Wales, and Charles Thomas Wickham, Winchester.
At the same meeting of the court Mr. Thomas Wilson
passed big examination for naval surgeon; this gentleman
bad previously been admitted a member of the college, his
diploma bearing date July 4, 1845.
DEFEAT Or A CHUItCII RATE.—Last week, a
meeting was convened in the church at Langtoft. for the
purpose of laying a church rate. Mr. George Robins m.
parish•clerk, moved, and Mr. Richard Gray, the occupier
of the tithe farm, seconded, a resolution tkat a church rate
of twopence in the pound should be laid. Mr. Phillip
Wilson moved as an amendment, which was seconded by
Mr. William Brounton, that the meeting be adjourned
to that day twelvemonth. Alter a good deal of threaten-
ing on the pert of the pro-rate party, Gm amend-
ment was carried by a good majority.—Easfern Counlios
herald.