The Express.
London, England, 1868-09-30 00:00:00

.FISHMONOBBAS" COMPANY.

Last night the prime warder (Mr. (Ito. Moore),
and the rest of the warders of the worshipful Company
of Fiblmengers, gave a grand banquet in the hall of the
company, at London-bridge. Amongst those present
were Field-Marshal Sir J. Fox Burgoyne, Bart ; Mr.
tiorehen, M.P. ; Mr. Ayrton, M.P. ; Mr. Crawford,
M.P. ; Captain Johnston; Captain C. A. Hanbury;
Captain Becker ; Alderman Firms ; Mr. Horsley, HA.,
Ac.—Sir J. Ha-worse, in respouding to the toast of the
army, said that itwas no doubt true that • large amount
et drecatistaction existed in the minds of the people of
thin country at the enormous armaments which were being
kept up. Such a feeling was not unnatural, but at the
same time, however objectionable the system might be,
it was iuevitable so long as one or two of the great states
of the world should either from military mania,
or from riialry between themselves, choose to
adopt it. From the records of old times and from
moocru experience they foand that where there was
power there was always the inclination to trample upon
and crush thri,e other states which, however unoffemdmg,
iniulit not have at the time the power of resistance.
Under these circumstances it was necessary that we
should always be in a state of preparation ; awl he did
not think it could be maintained that England had gone
to excess in the mutter, considering the vast amount of
her poseessionm and interests at home and abroad. There-
fore, while economy might be properly and strictly
adopted with regard to the organisation mid maintenance
of the army, let them hope it would never ba carried to
such an extent as to impair this impor.ant branch of the
defensive power of the country. (Cheers.)—Captain
Banbury returned thanks on behalf of the militia, and
Captain Bucker on behalf of the volunteers.—The Primo
Warden proposed the toast of the House of Commons,
to which Mr. Ayrton briefly responded.—The health of
the numbers for the City of London was next given ;
and Mr. Crawford and Mr. Ooscheu respectively re-
sponded. The latter right honourable gentleman said
that the members for the City yearly and monthly felt
the increabing care and responsibility of the duties which
they were called upon to perform. They had been told that
they represented a continually decreasing number of peo-
ple, but that store from the fact that less people were now
in the habit of sleeping in the City than was formerly the
case. They did not pride themselves upon represent-
ing "a sleeping" constituency, however, but one which
was as wide awake as any in the United Kingdom.
(Laughter and applause.) Although he desired
to uvoid political allusions, he could not re-
frain from baying that if there was one question
more than another upon which he should like to tight in
the City of London it was that of religious equality—
(hear, hear)—because the City had notoriously and histo-
rically led the van in questions of civil and religions
liberty. (Cheers.) Whatever fate might be in store for
himself and colleagues, he at least hoped the forthcoming
struggle would he conducted in the best possible spirit,
and with every desire that the beet cause should win.
Other toasts of a complimentary character followed, and
the proceedings were kept up with spirit. During the
evening a selection of vocal and instrumental music was
given under the direction of Mr. George Buckland, the
artistes being Mies Banks, Miss Rainsford, Mr. Fielding,
Mr. Mr. Goatee- .Winn, and Mr. E. Harper (trumpet).
The dinner was served by Messrs. Ring and Bremer, and
was everything that could be desired. Mr. Harker was
the toastmaster.

TIIE LEGAL POSITION OF TRADES' UNIONS.—A
circular has just been issued by the chief metropolitan
trade societies etating'that " the insecure position in which
the recent decisions of the judges have placed trade
rocietien, both with regard to funds and management,
when under diEcultice necessitate the holding of • repre-
sentative meeting of the whole of the trade societies of
the metropolis at en early date, for the purpose of taking
such action as may secure the passing of • bin which will
place the societies on • footing of social equality with
other associated bodies." They urge that every true
unionist will agree that them should be no misunder-
standing or divided action to stultify the great influence
which one united body of unionists would poems and cow,
if wisely directed, for the common good of the working
community. It is in London, they state. that many varied,
and vexed questions will have to be dolt with; and the
whole rountiy will look to Loudon to bc watchful, active,
rind equal to ell emergencies. The London societies, they
contend, to be true to themselves, must " accept the re-
nponsibility, in order that the interest., of labour may nut
suffer from the prejudices which the mimes of • few
individuals have created against them. and that their
rightful claim,' may be placed upon a full- void Lawful
foi.nilut. ." The meeting or contemn's., will be 60.1 in
the course of next month.

The ZS Duty 'being reduced, lioninnan's Pure
Tow to fold ftl. pow pound ohouppr. Thin intoreotlng fact will, when
fully known, even }wilt... Mammas the demand for theme &bolo*
long approved towM. The urn not nod lone" hot ply bp mks%
wea.4l"livumiess. lomodma."—ladverliimiN