The Express.
London, England, 1861-08-29 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, AUGUST 29, 1861.

L4)ED PALMERSTON AT DOVER.

The installation of Lord Palmeruton as Constable
of Dover Castle and Lord Warden, Chancellor, and Admiral
of the Cinque Ports, took place yesterday at Dover with
many of the ancient usages and customs, and amidst a scene
of universal rejoicing. The event attracted an immense
number of visitors from the other of the Cinque Ports and
their various dependeucies, as well as from the more distant
parts of the counties of Kent and Sussex ; and excursion
trains brought Lime parties of sightseers from the metro-
polis. Seldom has the town before hied au largea population as
that which yesterelay,filled its houses and thronged its :areas.
From the "Lad Warden" downwards, every hotel and
tavern bail more than its fall complement of guests, and
late corners had to content themselves with very insuffi-
cient accommodation for a night's repose, although paying
for it an exorbitant price. Triumphal arches, with words of
welcome to the new Lord Warden, were erected in con-
spicuous positions, and a profusion of bright-coloured flag
and tastefully arranged wreaths bedecked the streets in al,
directions. Business operations were almost entirely sus-
pended, am' the day was observed as a general holdiday ;
in short, Dover did its best to give Lord Palmerston an
ovation such as was received by none of his pre.
detessors fur nearly a hundred years The weather
was magnificent, the sun shining with great bril-
liancy and power during the whole day, and rendering
locomotion as the exposed heights of Dover extremely
fatiguing. The proceedings commenced by the Cinque
Porta Volunteers, to the number of about 800, assembling at
the Victoria-crescent shortly after 11 in the morning,
and marching to the New Parade-ground beyond the
Castle. They formed in line, with the band of the 3rd
Boils in the metre, and in that position received Lord
Palmerston, who arrived from Widmer Castle shortly
before ono o'clock, and was received with enthusiastic ap-
plause from the large concourse of spetatore who had col-
lected ou the ground. The Premier, who appeared to beim
the enjoyment of robust health, rode on horseback,and wore
the simple uniform of the Constable of Dover Castle, con-
Bistros of a blue dress coot with scarlet collar and cuffs, with
the order of the Garter upon his breast. He was accompa-
nied by Colonel M`Murdo, lnspector-sseneeal a volunteers;
Lieutenant-Colonel Luard, Assistant-lnspector ; Brigadier-
ceneml (Maack, Commandant of the Garrison; Lord
Ekho, M.P., who wore the Lerida Scottish uniform;
thellom Wm. Cowper, M.P., and Col. Cripple, who woman
mounted. The mayors of the different towns within the
jurisdiction of the Cirque Ports, attended by their recorders
and mace-bearers, came upon the field in carriages. Fore-
most among them was the Mayor of Dover, Mr. Birming-
ham, formerly the popular host of the Ship Hotel, and now
presiding over the deniers' of a more famous hostelry, the
Lord Warden. He was accompanied by Mr. Bodkin, the
recorder of the borough, and a corporate officer who carried
the celebrated horn which in pest centuries summoned the
corporation together, but seemed too huge to be blown by
own of ordinary stamina of the present age.
A procession was then formed, and proceeded to the Drop
Redoubt on Bredenstone-hill, where the Court of Shepway
was held iu a neatly constructed marquee. The chair for the
Lord Warden was pl rad on I missed dais eat the end ; th
Seneschal, who is also the town clerk of Dover, oat at a table
before it, and on each side were benches for the barons,
mayees, Militia, and junta, &c., of the Cinque Ports
and their " members." Lord Pahneratoo reached the
place about half-past 3 o'clock, and was loudly
cheered on entering and taking his seat. The crier
made a proclamation beginning "Oh, yes—oh, yes," and
requesting all the barons, mayors, be., to cone for-
ward in obedience to the mandate of the Lord Warden.
The Seneschal then read the mandate, which required their
personal attendance on that day ou that spot, when his
lordship intended to take upon himself the duties of his
office. The Mayor of Hastings was first required to bring
in his return, and this having been produced and read, the
other mayors in proper succession presented theirs, and the
'coached having announced that all the returns had been
duly received,with the exception of that from " Fordwich,"
dud ared the court properly constituted.
Lord Patinniserox earl—l now declare that, having been
nominated by her most gracious Majesty to the office of
comilable of the Cade of Dover, Lad-Warden, Admiral,
and Chancellor of the Cinque Ports, two ancient towns
and their members, an office vacant by the lamented death
of the most noble the Marquis of Dalhousie, I have sum-
mooed a grand court of Shepway, pursuant to ancient
usage and custom, on entering on the office aforesaid, and
is testimony of my intention I request that my patent of
aloe be read by the seneschal.
The patent having been read accordingly,

The MATOft of HTTHE, PA the " Speaker " of
the day, said that formerly the Lord Warden was
asked to take an oath to preserve inviolate the
ancient cluitome and privileges of the Cinque
Ports, but Lv reason of changes during the lapse of time it
bad boon deemed expedseut to depart from that practice,
sad only to ask his lordship to take upon himself the
hueourelole once of Lord Warden, and to take charge of all
the Cinque forts and their members.

Lord I'ALIIIKIMTOD—I have great pleasure in accepting
the office conferred upon me by the Yucca, a selection
which has bees ratified by this court ; and I shall deem it
my duty to fulfil all that belougs to that ancient and
honourable office. (Loud cheers.)
The booming of cannon, upon a given signal, proclaimed
his lordship's acceptance of the office to the town.

Dr. PIMA-MOM then addressed the Lord Warden in
a very flattering speech ; Lord Palmerston returning a brief
reply.
The Mayor of Dover invited Lord Palmerston to a ban-
quet to be given in Lis honour that evening by the cor-
poration, as invitation which his lordship expressed hie
gratification in accepting. Before leaving the ground
be examined the Braden stone, on which the Lord
Wardens were sworn in former ages. It consists of
a large piece of thick Roman pavement, composed
of flint and lime, end baa recently been dug out of
the earth in which it has been embedded for many centuries.
His lordship then rode down to the Lord Warden Hotel,
where he temained until the time for departure for the
eveniog's entertainment.
The banquet was given in the Maison Dien, a large noble
ball, forming part of the original hospital of that name,
founded by Hubert de Burgh, constable of Dover elude in
the reign of King John. The bnildieg, which belongs to the
corporation, has recently been restored and decorated at
considerable expense. The arms of the principal Lord
Warden. are emblazoned on the walls, on which are also
portraits, and trophies of ancient armour. Three tables
running from end to end of the hall, with one at the top,
were laid for about 40t) meta. The dinner, which was of
• sumptuous description, was provided by Messrs. Staples,
of the Albion.

The Mayor of Dover (Mr. BIRMINGHAM) presided,
having on his right Lord Palinerston. and on his left General
Sir John Burgoyne. There were also at the heed table the
Bight Hon. W. F. Cowper, M.P., General Sir John Bur-
goyne, Lonl Clarence Paget, Lord Echo, M.P., Hon. Sir
John D. Bligb. X.C.B , no.. G. Le,lio Wu!decreed., Boa.
General D.leiel, Goosed Garret:l, Mr. Bodkin, the Re-
corder, &c.

The twat of "The Queen" area drunk with all the
honour*.

The next toasts were " The Prince Consort, Prince of
sod the rest of the Royal Family ;" "The Army,
Navy, sod Volunteers." .

General Sir John Burgoyne replied on the pert of the
army, Lord Clarence rept for the navy, and Colonel
M'Slurdo for the volunteers.

The " Archbishop of Canterbury and the clergy,"
followed.

The MAYOR then, in an appropriate speech, pmrisNl the
toast of the evening, "The Constable of Dover Castle, and
the Lonl Warden of the Cinque Poets," which was drunk
with great enthusiasm.

Lord PALWERNTON, who was received with great and
prolonged &indium, raid :—Mr. Mayor, my lords, and gen-
tlemen, it is not really one of those common-place expres-
sions which are usual on these occasions if I my that no
words MI sdomately express the smallest portion of the
gratitude which I feel for the hind, the warm, sad cordial
reception which I have met with, not only in this hall, but
in every part of the precincts of Dover, in which we have
plumed, to me, a most magnificent day. (Cheers.) That
man indeed most have a been ea hard sad as cold es the
chalk diets on which your castle stands if he were Wean-
sails of the warm and heartfelt demowetratiosa of oonlad

good-will which I have had the happinem this day to receive
from so large • number of my fellow-countrymen. Heel
indeed, gentlemen, that the only claim which I can have to
that gaud-will which has been so kindly and frankly dir
played must Le my good intention to serve my country—
(loud cheers)—my attachment to, and respect for, that
country—and my opinion, it may be prejudice to the mind.
of some men, imbibed from my earliest years, and
strengthened and confirmed as years have rolled on, that
my fellow-countrymen, taken as a oration, have not their
equals on the face of the earth. (Loud cheers.) I wish
you to receive that communication as a confidential one—
(laughter)—because I fear if it were to go abroad
it might do me some harm. (Continued laughter.) Well,
gentlemen, I feel that having accepted au office of high
antiquity and of great honour and distinction, which has
beets held before me, I believe, by 118 distinguished men,
and some of them the most distinguished which this country
has prodweel, 1 feel that some explanation is due on my
part for the temporory delay which has taken pima in filling
this office up. The fact is, that when the vacancy occurred ,
het Majesty was graciously pleased to signify to me her in-
Marion to confer that office on me. I deemed it my ditty
respectfully to state, that 1 thought myself bound in the first
place to ascertain whether it was an office which it was
expedient to keep up, or whether, under the altered circum.
stances is which it was placed, it was au office
which might be abolished. I therefore took time
to bemire, and I soon found that though undoubtedly
the office had bees shorn of many of its former attributes
and powers, yet it was nevertheless interwoven with the
organiaation of the ancient seaports, and I thought that the
abolition of the office would Le tantamount to altering alto-
gather, if not destroying that ancient constitution ; and
knowing, as I do, the deep-rooted and honourable attach-
meut which the people of the Cinque Ports feel for their
ancient institutione, I felt that it was right that the office
should be continued, and I availed myself of the gracious
intention of her Majesty by accepting, as it bud been pro.
posed to me, the office of Lord Warden. (Loud cheers.)
There was nevertheless a delay, for though the salary
has disappeared—(laughter)—there are in the patent,
as those who heard it read this moruiug must
remember, certain words of "flotsam," "jetsam,' "lagan,'
and similar terms, which imply some probability of profit—
(laughter)—and, therefore, the acceptance of the office
affected my seat in the House of Commons, and it would
not have been convenient, with a view to the despatch of
public business, that I should vacate my seat by accepting
the office until the Easter recess came. That, therefore,
gentlemen, I beg to state ; and no disparagement of the
dignity of the office, no undervaluing of the honour it con.
ferred, was the cause of the apparent hesitation in filling
this office up. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen. I honour the
people of the seaports for their attachment to this ancient
constitution. (Cheers.) There is nothing that more digni-
fies men than clinging to ancient and honourable
tradition. (Cheers.) All patriotism, like charity,
ought to begin at home. A man should begin
life by loving his home and his family. He should
then love his town and his district. He should
next love his county ; and if he does this I need not say
he will love his country. (Cheers.) So far from these local
attachments narrowing the minds of men, or coufiniog or
debasing their associations, they are the real and true staple
foundations of those enlarged and honourable (oxbow'
which attach men to thenations and countries to which they
belong. Gentlemen, in former times, as hon. members well
said, these cioque ports furnished materials for the defence
of the country. They were bound to put afloat 57 vessels
with certain crews when the conutry was in danger. As
has been well observed by my noble friend Lord
C. Paget, you are now relieved from that local
burden, and you have put you shoulders to the wheel is
common with the rest of your fellow countrymen to furnish
that magnificent fleet which he has just said is equal, and
I may say superior teeny in the world. (Hear, bear.) But
we have seen to-day that though you don't pat crews on
board ship you put soldiers on year turf—(mar, bear)—that
you now furnish as with volunteers as you were formerly
bound to furnish 57 ships ; and it was • most gratifying
sight to see, as we did to-day, among grey coats, red coats,
and the dark coloured dress of the urinary, blue jackets
performing their evolutions with as much regularity and
precision as land troops. We have seen our
brave seamen and fishermen on our coasts en-
rolling themselves in the service of their country,
and when called upon do on the coasts them duties the
value of which any enemy would too well appreciate.
(Cheer.) My gallant friend Colonel M'Murdo has told
you that the events which have recently passed in America
are valuable lessons to other countries, and true is that
observation. We have seen by the example of what
has passed there that you may collect thousands of
men together and put uniforms on their backs and muskets
in their hands, but you do not thereby make them soldiers.
(Hear.) There must be discipline. It is not enough that
there should be individual bravery. Our cowing
in America, as individual men, are as brave as
any who tread the surface of the earth. (Cheers.)
They are of the same stuff as ourselves. (Cheers.)
They are descended from the same parents, animated by the
same spirit, and prepared to encounter equal dangers.
(Hear, bear.) They are as brave as any men in the world,
bat when these brave men in thousands got together, each
having confidence in himself no doubt, but not feeling that
confidence in his comrades which a knowledge of their disci-
plieeand military instruction can aloneconvey, they exhibited
to the world that unfortunate rapid movement--(laughter)
—that of Bull's Run, which is no disparagement to the
bravery and valour of their army, but is a lesson w Bich
night to be learnt and remembered by all, namely, that
discipline and training are necessary to make an army
stand in the field. (Hear, hear.) I say that
others may profit by that lesson. It is not
wanted for the volunteers of England, because they had be.
fore that event, by their own sagacity, submitted them.
selves to military instruction, and rapidly acquired all that
knowledge which is essential to military organisation; and
I heard Colonel M`ifordo state some months ago,
at the public dieser in London, that 30,000 or
40,000 out of the 150,000 volunteers were in a state of
efficiency fitting them to do duty with troops of the hoe.
Since that time the 150,000 has increased, I believe, to
170,000, and there can be no doubt that if their services
were wanted, that number would rapidly increase to any
extent to which arms, ammunition, officers, and other ma-
terials could be provided. (Hear, bear.) I thiuk that
the volunteer movement is the moat honourable event
recorded in the history of any nation. (Hear, hear.) If we
bad had, as was the case in former times, large armies and
great fleets collected on neighbouring shores, and
threatening weekly invasion of this country, it
would sot have been surprising—it • would have
been surprising if it had been otherwise—if hun-
dreds and thousands of men had started up and asked
for arms, instruction, and organisation, and formed them-
selves into volunteer corps, as was the case in former ware ;
but there was no such cause. There was on the part of the
peeps of this country • sagacious consciousness
that our means of defence were not such as
they ought to be. It was felt that beyond • certain
amount of deeding army in the time of peace there was
an indisposition on the part of the people to furnish
supplies for • larger number—that we could not expect to
rival those governments and nations which had hundreds
of thousands of men constantly armed within their limits.
The people of this country felt that our regular army and'
militia, excellent es these forces were, were still short
of that which might by possibility) be required, and by
spontaneous, and I may almost say, by as instinc-
tive movement of mind not suggested by the government,
but arising from the spontaneous feeling, judg-
ment,
and public spirit of the nation itself, there
started into life that magnificent force of which we have
seen • portion today. (Hear, hear.) Gentlemen, I trust
that that ore-enmities will be so engrafted is the minds of
Englishmen, and so familiar to them in its exercise that no
circumstance will ever induce the people to give it up, and
that no consideration of economy, or of any other descrip•
tion will induce the government or parliament to refuse
those incites which are necessary for its efficiency. (Cheers.)
We cannot expect to cope with them great states that
have hundreds and thousands of oleo. We accept with frank-
ness, we accept with confidence the right hand of friendship
which may be tendered to us, and we do not distrait that. tender
because we see the left heed grasping the hilt of the sword;
but while Hutt left hand does grasp the hilt of the sword it
would be folly for us to throw away the shield