The Express.
London, England, 1847-05-13 00:00:00

•
Adideal Hit C. Anil bridy rethenettlsooke eg behalf
of dreary.
?b. Loan ItaTOR said the newt toast he had to
ere erne of paramount and interest He 12::,
harm Mbe ethrosndoll the Premier of England and her
ebefeely'S stsailas, whose twiliaare labour.; and an:fades
had both nosh Inneosed by the visitation which, under
pVirdelblieet hod abated the sister kingdom es well as
a ef Ithedend. Ho meg a risell to the reeolleo
den stilts's prestos with whaeonergy steals& her Melefte's
sohdeten i d dusted their best exertion. to relieve, ss far
as in than lay the thinly whisk pereathol theme two Pet-
! dons of the r. . They had Wart ontlaronnett by
extending the lowans of edoostion ka trio people, to
make them better sheintians, and therein better men.
For these and other renews he believed dor bay would
think with him, that the prevent advisees of mown were
deserving of their most eardial appointer; ha therefore
asked them to join him In a hearer ghee la fie health of
Lord John Russell, the premier of Ileaglmfr ma the rest of
her Majesty's ministers. (Loud chasm.)
Lord J. R.caseee rue, and spoke as fellows: I leave,
in the name of my colleagues and my own, to return you
my most grateful thanks for the honour that you have done
Elin drinking our health/ on the present occasion. You,
Lord Mayor, have truly observed, that the task which
have had to perform was one which brought with it
the utmost anxiety. (Hear.) The task which devolved
upon us induced measures which had not the brilliancy of
those achievements which have been performed by the gal-
lant hero whose health was lately drank, and of those fur
which the other service, the navy, had distinguished itself
Still the anxiety had been constant, because in adverse
times measures could not be accompanied with immediate
sumer/. It is our wish to endeavour so to act that we may
enable the country to have all the advantages it could pos-
sibly receive from the administration of sound measures,
applied in due season. When I say this, Ido not wish
to enter into any controverted emits of politics
topics which are always out of place in an assem-
bly of this kind. But let me say, with respect to
the measures which have received the general and
unanimous assent of parliament—at a time when want was
known, and when the affliction with which it had pleased
providence to visit this country was so longer matter of
doubt—it bad appeared to parliament that the course recom-
mended by the government to be pursued wee to admit the
principle of firearm freedom of entry and export—to dimi•
nish restrictions, and to promote freedom of trade. Such
wee the general loose of the legislature, that scarcely with
de:caution, and certainly without dispute, these measures
were adopted. But, in so doing' no one expected that the
calamity with which the nation had been afflicted could at
once be met, or that the legislature or the government could
reverse the decree, of Providence ; riot it was our endeavour,
by the application of principles which we believed to be
mend, to alleviate the misfortunes which assailed our
fellow-countrymen as for as wee in our power. (Hear, hear.)
Let me also say that there is another mode not dependent
upon legislation, or on the government, by which the cala.„
mitt' might be met fa these times of dearth, while on the
one hand you oagbt to favour as much as possible the admis-
sion of a greater quantity of food, so likewise it is the duty
of every muter of a household to economise as much ea pos-
sible the food we have ; and while the labouring classes, and
all the poorer orders of society have the greatest difficulty in
providing the daily subsistence of themselves and their fami-
lies, it is the duty ° f every master to avoid all waste in his
household. This is a general duty, and I am happy
to say that her Majesty the Queen has directed to
her own household that the utmost economy in the
consumption of commodities of which there is a dearth
should be used. (Hear, bear.) There are other matters
connected with this subject, though not matters relating
either to the administration or the legislature, to which,
standing before your lordships and this company, I cannot
forbear to allude to. The calamity which has visited our
brethren in Ireland haat:ailed forth in a most remarkable degree
the sympathies and benevolence of the population of the
more favoured portions of the United Kingdom. (Hear,
hear.) They had distressed themselves in order to comets
the relief of those entirely deprived of their usual sustenance ;
and among those in this country who had been
forward in emning to that assiatance, and in
swelling and adding largely to the liberal and
munificent subscriptions which have been raised, none have
severed those whom I have the honour to call my consti-
tuent., the bankers, merchants, and all classes of the city of
Londe*. (Rear, hear.) But, my lord, this spirit of charity
and benevolence has not been confined to the city, or indeed
to the limits of the United Kingdom. I am happy to say
that day by day we receive intelligence that those
who have sprung from the same origin as ourselves, have a
fellow feeling with us in our prosperity and adversity-1
mean the Congress and citizens of the United States.
(Hear, hear.) They have shown the deepest sympathy
for the misfortunes under which this country has
been labouring, owing to the failure in the production
of the necessary food fer the people. I rejoice in these
manifestations of symath and liberality ; it shows
that no remoteness of dL tance—that no diversity of
institutions—that no records of separation, even though
written in bloody characters, have obliterated that sym-
pathy which springs from the same origin. Hamm.
boring that they speak the same language as ourselves—
that they read the same authors—that they hear the same
precepts of divine truth on the banks of the Hudson and the
Miseissippi, that are re td from the same sacred volume ea
the banks of the Thames and the Shannon ; I rejoice that
they have shown this enlarged spirit of charity and
liberality, and I am sure, whatever may be the
misfortunes of the present time, there is this con-
soling circumstance—a circumstance tending to uaite
the two nations in the bonds of brotherhood, kindness,
and affection. (Hear, hear.) Allow me, then, holding the
high office I do in the councils of my sovereign, to express
myself deeply indebted fur the sympathy which has been
exhibited by the American nation. Permit me also to add
one word with regard to the present circumstances of this
country. I do not mean to hold out any flattering hopes
that we are new suffering from misfortunes which must be
of a temporary character. The extreme dearness of the
main articles of food—the dearness at the same
time of the great staple of our manufactures—these
and other circumstances must entail on this country
for a considerable time great difficulty, and perhaps consi-
derable suffering. I do not think it would be either
wise or manly in us to shut our eyes to these
facts • but I trust that by the combination of all classes
in this country—by that absence, which lam proud to
acknowledge, of any wish oa the part of say party
to embarrass the executive government in its gene-
ral desire to legislate with a view to meet these
difficulties and calamities—by that spirit which ani-
mates our warriors on the plains of India—which enables
our soldiers to encounter in the most sultry climates
every rigour and every privation—l trust by the power of
the same spirit, in humble confidence in the Almighty, that
all there difficulties mae be overcome, and that the glories
and prosperity of this great nation may be preserved.
(Chun.) The noble lord, in conclusion, repeated his thanks
for the honour conferred upon his colleagues and himself,
and proposed "The Health of the Lady -Mayoress."
The LORD MAYOR shortly acknowledged the compliment ,•
and the Lady Mayoress, accompanied by her noble and
distinguished female guests, retired to the drawing-room,
where a concert wee given for their amusement.
The following toasts were proposed by the Lou) MAYOR,
in sucession—" the House of Lords," acknowledged by the
Marquis of NORTHAMPTON, and " the Members of the House
of Commons," responded to by Admiral Sir C. NAPIER.
The Marquis of CLANRICARDE proposed " The health of
the Lord Mayor," who briefly expressed his thanks for the
honour conferred upon him, and proposed, as a toast, " The
Attorney-General and the Bar of England."
The ATTORNIT-OHNERAL replied in neat and appropriate
! terms.

Lord PALMERSTON, with the permission of the Lord
Mayor, proposed, in term but eloquent terms, " Prosperity
to the Ctty of London."
The health, of the Governor and Deputy-Governor of the
Bank of England was the next toast proposed, and was duly
acknowledged by Mr. Robinson.
Sir HAliliT SMITH proposed the "Health' of the Chair-
man and Deputy Chairman of the East India Company," to
which Mr. Tucker replied.
The last toasts proposed were the "Court of Aldermen," ac-
knowleded by Mr. Aid. Lucas ; and " The Sheriffs," replied
to by Mr. Ald. and Sheriff Challis. The company then joined
the ladies, and with them shortly afterwards took their de-
parture. We must not omit to mention that the banquet
visa provided by Messrs. Ring and Brynner, of Cornhill, and
wu served with their usual taste, skill, and liberality.

PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.
The annual meeting took place
The
morning
at Exeter-hall, which wee crowded. The chair was taken
by Mr. Plumptre, M.P. Prayers having been offered by
the Rev. Dr. Holloway,
The CHAIRMAN said they were met in critical and perilous
times; and without wishing to present too gloomy a view of
matters, a glance amend must convince any one that the
lisigns of the times were threatening. The state of Ireland,
e rapid rise in the price of provision at home, and the dia.
rbed state of the mosey market, bespoke great distress
These skim ions were net mere accidents ; they were mai-
festations of the divine displeasure towards asthma /MIL
Sinca their last exerting the relative position of the pastasetemt
church and the Church of 101110 was changed. Preemeasita
had always declared that they could have no peace with
Rome u Rome (cheers); but till recently there had not been
the same candour on the other side. Now, however, there
had been, from no insignificant quarter, a declaration of war
—a declaration that Rome would be antagonistic to proem-
tantism wail the latter was extinct. Thu they knew what
they had to expect from Rome, sad also what to expect from
the great political leaders, who, while admitting there were
difficulties in the way—difficulties which steetanp like this
would increase—declared their determiaatios to march

towards Rose. From thie• piffled leaden, lel -P
called protestant (cheers), proMetants moat appeal to their
great leader above; they mast declare that they oil/
not be unprotestantised by Rome or by Oxford—by
overt, or popery covert. (Cheer.) He trusted thrt9t7b2
meeting would be the means of strengthening the determi-
nation of protestants'in entering on the warfare.
Mr. LOYD, the secretary, read the eleventh annual report
It alluded to the Maynooth Act of Pitt, the Emancipation
Act of 1829, and the consequent formation of the Protestant
Amociation. Tractariaman was neat discussed, sad dr
. _

pounced as a disguised form of popery. The remit declare.
tions in favour of endowing popery had excited a greet feel-
ing in Liverpool, and also in Manchester, from which place
Lord Lincoln had been compelled .to withdraw in conse-
quence. (Hear.) The committee congratulated the meeting
on the defe►t of Mr. Watson's bill ; and stated that measures
bad been taken for enabling Protestants to make their prin-
ciples felt at the coming election. A lecturer had been
employed during the past year, and several publica-
tions issued, amongst other the " Protestant Myer
rine." Owing to the hostility of various portions
of the press, tke committee had hsd their attention

Mewed to the eitallihemeet et • well or daily
pope. Oa the enlieet daseemlem tee that
matal remervatieni T .heiiithe seeedm ;
me • quotation woe given hem the letter eta perillielerk
et Frame Belwood, ex prmieg hie decided eanvietione in
Greer d llovemime, which led led to Y. di-
adem!. The Male hail leen greatly animated during
the peat_ year but were Mill inadequate. The
Mribad been 1,3201. 4s. Bd. ; the expenditure,
l6s. 4d. • leaving a balance of 131. Bs. 4d. ,• bat the
liabilities of the association were about 3501. Little assist-
ance was derived from branch associations, whose funds were
mainly employed in local objects. In conclusion, the report
referred to the recast declarations of both the leaders in par-
liament in favour of popery, and exhorted the members of
the association to increased exertions.
The Rev. E. Blcosatoriren, in moving theadoption of the
repor., said a new stage of the oocfiiet had been arrived at.
lie hes Pated not to my that our national support of May-
nooth, and our national sinfulnese, had brought down on us
the divine judgments, ma manifested in the prevailing diet.
culties of the times. (Hear.) Similar judgmeuts bad been
predicted from the passing of the Emancipation Bill, which
was followed by the cholera and other severe visitations;
and the anticipations of judgments in consequence of the
national support of popery, though ridiculed at the time,
ware now literally fulfilled. (In proof of this, the rev. gen-
tleman here read an extract from a weekly paper of about 18
months ego.) Recently, at Nottingham, he but seen on one
side of the street a catholic cathedral rising, and on the other
a godless college, from which the word of God woe
wholly excluded. Thus, protestantison had different classes
of enemies to meet, whose strength ought not to be under-
rated. Hitherto, perhaps, the efforts of protestant. had been
too desultory; let the association seek to rouse the whole
force of the nation, sad they would yet gain the victory.
They must open 'their eyes to the real danger; and he
thanked Gel for Lord Arundel's late speech in the House
of Commons. (Cheery.) Lord Arundel, no doubt, believed
Poen to be of God; he (Mr. Bickersteth) believed it to
be of Satan. Then they had a liberal pope, forsooth !
(Laughter.) He perfectly agreed with Sir C. E. Smith,
that the pope was " a gigantic humbug." Let proem-
tante beware of being thus bamboozled. (Hear.) At
Nottingham, on Monday morning, he had gone to the
catholic :athedral to the mess, and 'found about 200 persons
th• re. A gorgeously dressed priest before the altar bowed
about twenty times in five minutes ; and all the fascinations
of the subdued light and the music were tabulated to strike
an enthusiastic observer with the belief that there must be
something very devout in such a religion. (Hear, hear.)
Infidelity also was enthusiastic; and the enthusiasm of the'
false cuuld only be overcome by the steady energy of the true.
More practical measures were needed. The darkness of the
country at large was appalling, or the government
would not have dared to proclaim, in the face •f
Europe, by supporting Maynooth, that popery was
as much the truth as protestantism. He believed that
England would never again be prceperous while the state
sapporent Romanians, nor till national effirts were made for
Musing the truth. In aid of this, many of the old protest.
antauthors ought to be repob!ished, in • cheap form, by the
University of Oxford ; or, if that body refused to do it, by •
society like the Parker Society: The mar of the people, toe,
ought to be instructed by ministers of all denominations oa
the real principles on which the reformation stood. Till the
national mind was;enlightened, they could not succeed in
amelioratino the constitution. Above all, they should have
deep sympathy with the papists themselves, and an earnest
yearning of heart for their welfare.
The Earl of WINCHILSZA seconded the resolution. He
considered that the national greatness and prosperity were
tottering on the verge of destruction. (This sentiment was
intensely applauded.) Unless England retraced her steps,
she might expect similar judgment' to those which had be-
fallen the Jews, once the peculiar and chosen people of God,
as England had' been since tho Reformation. No attentive
reader of history could doubt that judicial blindness had
fallen on our rulers. Neither could it be doubted that
the divine blaming had always attended the country,
under those monarchs who had faithfully upheld the prin-
ciples of the Reformation ; while the Stuart", on the other
hand, afforded melancholy example. of the divine displeasure
attending the support of popery. The house of Brunswick
now hula the throne by right of its protestantism. (Cheers.)
At the next election, protestant. must faithfully dashers,
that, duty, though their leaders had deserted them, other-
wise a strong effort would be made by the catholic church
again to obtain pry-eminence. Though the result to
himself might be the scaffold, he would a cease to
declare, if the House of Brunswick abjured prottstantism,
that the throne of this country was vacant. (Cheers.)
Popery was comparatively unknown in England; but on
the continent, and in Ireland, it was understood ; and he
was convinced that, if a strong government would give
security to life in Ireland, the bulk of the population would
beeme protestants. He anticipated, that if further
steps were taken in the direction towards Rome, the
divine judgments would be yet more unequivocally mani-
fested. As it was, the distress of Ireland was extending to
this country; the price of corn was rapidly rising; the
quantity was insufficient; and it would be a judicious course
to interdict its exportation. Fever was making rapid strides,
not only in Ireland, but in this country. Only by judicious
• p. oil the part of protestants, could the national religion
be upheld. Mum would depend on the next election, when
popery, socinianism, and infidelity, would unite against
Protestantism. He rejoiced at the candid declaration which
had been made by Lord Arundel, who had not only de-
clared the unmitigable hostility of popery, but had justified
persecution. Toe Bible was the only foundation of both
civil and religious liberty; and it was only by an adhe-
rence to its principles that the liberties of any nation could
be maintained.
_

After a few words from the Rev. CM/tRILEB PReOT, •
Wesleyan,
Admiral DIM', in seconding the resolution, declared his
persuasion that " the Pope the priest, and the devil were at
the boa* n of all the evils of Ireland."

The Rev. H. M'Nerns moved, that at this crisis it is
more especially the bounden duty of every elector to exercise
the elective franchise so a solemn and sacred trust reposed in
him for the glory of God and the good of his country; and that
the more mature development of the designs of the Church
of Rome renders it imperative on protestants to return those
to parliament who will orpose popery, extend the cause of
scriptural Christianity, and uphold the protestant institutions
of the country in church and state." This was a practical
resolution - and he was glad of it, for he thought the time for
making speeches was pot, and the time for action full. come.
Their adversaries laughed their speeches to scorn. Denims*.
tary evidence the most convincing had proved what the
antral of Rome really was; and neither priest nor lapel=
had dared to answer them. An opportunity now offered tar
action ; and if the country did not support them, if nothing
was really done, he would not be a party to the hypocrisy
which clapped its hands here, and did nothing more.
(Cheers.) He would leave them to themselves as far
as speaking went. He then described an imaginary con-
versation between two jesuits, who congratulated
one another on the statements of the proteelmla
not being believed, and en the adtantages whisk
they derived from the public feeling in favour of modern-
Lion. He would have these gentlemen know that the
protestants were lovers of moderation in everything es-
eept religion. For the same reason worldly men were Ried►
! rate in their religion, and nothing else. The Romanist@
were anxious fur the supremacy of their system—ho could
not call it a church—and this was to be pursued
and attained per jai out nefai. To obtain it they would he
anything; they would adopt any creed, or no creed, be
realms or moderate, just as the occasion suited. The
Jesuits knew that this speaking would damage thole,
but for the public pame, wise was on their side, and who
made the most of oloovninake. (Cheers.) The Protestants
detested bigetry, end were the real friends of religious
Ikertg, they tratntritted, with an ancient author, that cell.
won snibecod by words, not by blowy, and to be
by lolling for it, but by dying for it. tea)
Kftrtrit amelaillenthun was In direct antagonism to
Slathers won no grower delusion than to represent peel*
loft as bigots. and popery as liberal. Roma was pkriW
Am at supremacy, and to tolerate no heretics. Bow
Mew were coerced by the system; and one who shinned
wove backwardness in abating his diocese from herellesi

impurities was to be superseded. Thew facts had
been proved over and our spun ; and no one could
dispute them. In the arre of this, what was new
ing on ? Beeraiam could be regarded as ciao
in this country them_ spud eaupiracy, an elaboniteMbiatios.
On this grotto! shwa It be resulted, rationally and sys-
tematially ; thoologholly amaidend, it ought to be apposed
isdividualty ; los • , the help of the More was
seeded apst it, for ems no adequate defence
nwsphiwy. BO ware gmademen conspirators ?
us it but • emosphout, mhos parties banded them-
oe=r not te dacha link sooleibiect ? The British
though wenktmad, andi set be destroyed if the
oilcan avowed: bum dat midst, of the parties to
partiammat; Ass the nountry would Intuit to
alma Nay thhigibut Ms glialimmat. Nominal protestant@
MEI 111111111111U7111611111‘ 01111111kilaggrasaive measures in pre.
kwoman In limo einamml simbwa of the Catholic body. There
Tae Matey t@anlesbpralsAaat stembers, who were igua-
na at amiss of tisk miligloa, and who were anxious to
keep their en% ihr the NW being eligible for public
legal appointmmolo 1111111111 WWI MT* put forward, even
it they were witteMberni se Illisinlasa. Perry knew it had
nothirs to Om area amth arm is Mr. Mostnick or Mr.
Wood, who ware soots use of se grebes of lead to throw in
people's epos, and who were need far the purpose of
Mtbe established church. (Hear.) Such men
. Pool and Sir J. Graham would not make the
attack; but they were kind enough to afford the oppor•
tunities for the attack. This, then, was a great day
for England ; might God give them grace to act accord-
ingly. An election was at hand, and there was little or-
ganization. It was useless to propose ; this
led to apathy; therefore, what they proposed war not, per
hap., the best thing poosible, but the beet thing attainable.
Let every man practising proteetantians, who was ready to
clap his bands when an honest statement was made, be de-
cided as to himself; and there would be no doubt as to the
result. Too many asked themselves whet would be said by
their employers, their patron., or their bishops. (Chan..
Such temporise were despised by the great men, by
bishops themselves, who, after the conflict, would
those bold, onceropromising men, who had not feared to
offend them by taking a decided part. What, then,
was to be done? While the action only extended to
those who had not the elective franchise, the Jesuits looked
oar and smiled; but when the constituencies were worked
em, sad a thousand or two of the eleetors signal a pledge, an
effect would be produced. Already this movement was
going of amongst the working classes who had the franchise
—the most religious part of the community. This movement
had been proceeding quietly some time ; now, as the election
wee so near, it was necessary that it should be publicly acted
on. The principle was that, at the next election, differences or
general politics should be merged, and protestantism made
the turning-point of the decision. (Cheers.) This principle
had been advocated from honest to house amongst the
electors; amongst whip, twits, treattadon, protectionist",

and politicians of all Fades ; and this pledge had been very
extensively signed ' I, A 8., do hereby solemnly prorate
that, at tie next parliamentary election, I will give my
vote or votes in favour of any cannidate pledging himself to
rush the endowment of popery and all its advances and
claims, in preference to any other candidate whatsoever who
will not give such pledge; and that I will not forego this
my erstd for say private interest, or at the solicitation of
any party whatsoever." It was well enough to applaud
this Mermiaatiou, hut would they act upon it ? (Cries of
"We will all !") That morning, letters from Liverpool in-
formed him that the pledge had been most extensively
signed, and the work was going on. This was what their
opponents did not like. He did not anticipate sw-
um all over the kingdom, but he did in same places; in
many boroughs the majorities at the last election were small,
not more than 5 or 10 ; in the City of London, only b..'
(Heat.) A few electors thus pledged might carry the dic-
tion at such places; and thirty members thus returned,
ably and consistently supporting their chairman (lilr.
Plumptre), would make the minister, whoever he
might be, feel that they were not to be tampered with, and
could not be despised in a contested question. (Cheers.)
This was the proper antagonism to another influence that
had been going on. Did they suppose that every Reiman
catholic voter was not a pledged voter? (Hear.) In a
small borough, half an hour before the close of the poll, suet.
• body of voters might extort a pledge from a candidate not
to oppose catholic measures. This was not mere ingenuity ;
he could not fancy the tenth part of the chicanery by which
the emissaries of Rome were trying to deceive scat entrap
proteatanta. (Here the rev. gentleman produced some of
his cards, and requested that they might be published and
circulated by the negotiation.) He knew there was a diffi-
culty in obtaining candidates ; they thought there was no
chance of success, but if this pledge were taken in a borough
by several hundreds of electors, it would induce candidates
t s come forward. On questions of general policy, he would
ask no pledge ; but the question of protestantism was not an
open question; holy scripture hat closed it. (Hear.) Le
their candidates be wholly unpledged on every other ques-
tion ; let them be at liberty to change their minds, if they
chose, next weak. Christians might change their opinions
on minor points, but could they on the subject of
bowing to imagee, of praying to a woman, or
of undivided allegiance to the sovereign? (Cheers.)
But were they to vote for a Socinian in preference to a
churchman, who professed himself such, and would not take
the pledge ? In such a case, the difference h ing a moral
one, the elector would have the option of not voting at all.
If all the candidates took the pledge, or if none of them did,
the electors would choose amongst them on general grounds;
if one of them did, and the others did not, they would be
pledged to vote for the former. (Hear.) This proposal was
grounded on the intolerance of Rome. In support of this,
he read an extract from the Times of 1839. Popery was not
content with what it had got. A bill was now before the
house—he hoped it would be stopped that due—for legalising
bequests for charitable uses; in other words, for supersti-
tious purposes. How, on the principles maintained on either
side of the house, could anything be kept from the Roman-
ist.? How could the set of settlement itself be maintained ?
Why should not the sovereign, or the Lord Chancellor, be a
catholic? What a shame—what intolerance! (Hear.) He
should like to hear the chairman put that question to either
Sir It. Peel or Lord J. Russell; it wood be a most awkward
question for either of them to answer, or to refuse to answer.
(Hear, hear.) He then read an extract from • speech of Sir
J. Graham in 1839, in which he called popery a conspiracy,
and said it was childish to preach about its being harmless.
In introducing the Emancipation Bill in 189.9 Sir R. Peel
had said that if the struggle was continued it would not be
for equality of civil rights, but for the predominance of an
intolerant religion. Apparently the right hon baronet was
then prepared and determined to resist the predominance of
an intolerant religion. This was preciacly the ground taken
by the Protestant Association in the matter of the pledge.
Let every one endeavour to get 10 others to sign it, otherwise
if they made no exertion, it was perfect trifling with things
to come here to listen to speeches. Everything valuable in
christianity was at stake; for the protestantism of the land
was at the root of all bible and missionary efforts. (Hear.)
He hoped to enlist the influence of the fair sex in the pro.
posed election movement, not by canvassing with the cards,
but by persuading their male friends to do so.
Mr. Ptuurree then vacated the chair, having business in
the House of Commons ; his place being supplied by
Mr. Story.
Sir DIOBT MACIWOIITH, in seconding the resolution,
stated, that within the last three weeks there had been a
lary number of applications from friends of protestantism
to he told who was a tit person to represent them. Protest-
ant feeling was undoubtedly spreading ; and if the meeting
acted up to what they promised, it would be spread
far wider. Before many months. he hoped and believed
that they would see, not only a protestant parliament, but a
protestant ministry. (Cheers.)
The resolution was carried unanimously, and was followed
by a vote of thanks to Mr. Plumptre for his conduct in the
chair; which concluded the proceedings.

SOIREE OF THE WHITTINGTON CLUB.—The
members and friends of this growing institution assembled
last evening at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, Strand,
where a miscellaneous entertainment, combining the attri-
butes of a public meeting, • concert, and a ball, was prepared
for them. The chair was taken by Douglas Jerrold, Eel.,
the founder and president of the club, who opened the pro-
ceedings in • few congratulatory observations. Alluding to
the monetary oonditiun of the club, he said that its members
had now assisted the Bank of England with the sum of
a thousand pounds, and he hoped that the Bank in
return would assist them whenever they might require it.
Colonel Thompson, Mr. George Dawson, and other gentle.
men, followed, their speeches having, in addition to their
higher qualities, the valuable virtue of brevity, which was
recommended by, the chairman in order that the ball
might not be delayed. Among the subsequent amusements
wee the performance of a selection of popular music, under
the direction of Mr. Carte; and to infer that ample jurice
was rendered to it, it is sufficient to record the names of Mies
Rainforth, Miss Busano, and Mies Hawes, who were among
the vocalists. The ball which followed was perhaps the
least successful part of the proceedings, on account of the
crowded state of the rooms—there being at least a thousand
persons present. Nevertheless, it appeared to be productive
of considerable enjoyment. A large and well-executed
painting of Richard Whittington at London Stone—by what
artist we are not aware—was placed in a conspicuous posi-
tion, and attracted general admiration. It was understood
te be a present to the club from its president.
ROYAL FREEMASONS' SCHOOL FOR FEMALE
CRILDREN.—The 59th anniversary festival of the above in-
stitution was celebrated last evening in Freemasons' Hall,
when nearly 500 brethren of the craft, splendidly attired in
temonie costume, sat down to a sumptuous banquet, the
Right lion. the Earl of Zetlend, M.W.G.M., presiding.
After the usual routine touts, interspersed with vocal and
instrumental music, the children, 80 in number, were intro-
dneed ; and, having sung • hymn in very good style, the
noble chairman addressed the meeting, pointing out the
progressive improvement of the institution since its first
establishment in 1785, until the ‘ubscribers were enabled to
receive so large a number of children, and to give them a
sound education. They are instructed in domestic duties,
and he (the chairman) could, from actual observation, con-
fidently declare that no nobleman or gentleman's house was
kept is better order. The noble earl having further eulo-
gibed the children, concluded by en eloquent appeal on be-
half of the charity. As the meet effective response to such
appeal, no less a sum than 1,11351. was contributed, in-
eluding, from her Majesty the Queen Dowager, 10 guineas ;
the noble Chairman, 30 guineas ; Lord Suffield, 30 guineas;
the Hon. Fox Made, 20 guineas; the Lord Mayor, 20
guineas ; W. Melville, Esq., 100 guineas ; General George
Cook, of the United States of America, • second subscription
of 50 guineas; B. B. Cabbell, Esq., 20 eas, &e. &c.
The assembled guests retired from the hall at a somewhat
early hour, and proceeded to meet about 100 ladies in the
glee-mom, partaking of the pleasures of vocal and instru-
mental harmony to a late hour. This his, doubtless, proved
one of the beat attended and most profitable anniversaries
since the establishment of the institution.

ROYAL LITERARY FUND.—The anniversary of this
iastitution took place in the London Tavern last evening, the
Chevalier Bunsen (the Prussian ambassador) in the chair.
The principle of the society is to wiminister assistance to
authors of genius and learning, who may he reduced dis-
tress by unavoidable calamities, or be deprived :by enfeebled
faculties or declining life, of the power of literary exertion.
This assistance is renewed as often se the committee consider
necessary, and is extended at the death of an author to his
widow and children. In the application of this liberality,
the utmost caution is used, both as to the reality of the dis-
tress, sod the merits of the individual. We are sorry that
the position amigued to is was such that we eould neither
hear the speeches nor the details of the report ; and we are
therefore compelled to give a mere peogreinine of the proceed-
ings of the society. Among the noblemen and gentlemen who
sarrounded his Excellency the chairmen, were, the Earl of
Arundel and Sarrey, the Earl of Oxford, Sir Stratford Can-
ning, the United Stable Minister, the Bishops of Lincoln
and St. David's, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Master of
Trinity, and Archdeacon Wall. The following toasts were
proposed by the chair in a most able and appropriate man-
n!? :—" The Queen, our munificent penes ;" " The Queen '
Dowager and the rest of the Royal family ;" " The Church,
and the Archbishop of Dublin." The Most Rev. Prelate
returned thanks. " The Army and Navy." Lieut. Holman
(the blind traveller) acknowledged the tome " The Mar-
quis of Lansdowne, the president;" "The Chairmen elect,
his Grace the Duke of Northumberland ;" " The Lord
Bishop of St. David's end the historians ;" "Mr. Colley
Grattan and the novelists;" "His Excellency Mr. Ban-
croft, and the literary and scientific men of foreign coun-
tries, ;" "Archdeacon Rail and the stewards;" "The Ladies."
The following torts were also proposed : By the Bishop of
Lincoln, " His Excellency the Chevalier Buono, the their-
man ;" his Excellency returned thanks. By Sir R. H.
Inglis, " His Mensty the King of Preemie ;" the chairman
returned thanks. By the Earl of Arundel, " His Excel-
lency Sir Stratford Canning and the Ambaasadors who have
honoured us with their presence ;" Sir Stratford Canning
mknowledged the toast. By the Archbishop of Dublin,
"The Master of Trinity and the writers on science ;" the
Master of Trinity returned thanks. By the Earl of Oxford,
" Mr. Bell and the dramatists." By Yr. James, " Colonel
Kure sad the travellers." The sum subscribed at the table
was stated to exceed 5001. The evening was enlivened by
some excellent singing, and the dinner and wines were of
the beet description.
ammo' Hoerr. The annual meeting of the
=and Mends of the Sailors' Home, the Destitute
Asylum and Episcopal Floating Church, took pilots
yesterday at the Hanover-square Rooms. Admiral W.
Bowles, C. 8., M.P. presided, and called upon the secretary
to read the report of the directors. From this document it
appeared that twelve years bad now elapsed since the Sailors'
Home was first established. During the last year no less
than 4,567 boarders had been received—the largest number
ever admitted in a 'imam period; 1,523 out of that number
were old boo:dere, showing that they properly appreciated

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