The Express.
London, England, 1868-11-10 00:00:00

THE BANQUET.

The customary banquet of the Lord Mayor and
Sheriffs to her Majesty's Ministers, the great officers of
late. and judges of the land and civic authorities, was
held, as usual. in the Guildhall. The decorations on this
*cession were extremely simple, the architecture of the
building being relied upon to give proper effect. The
.kid of jects of observation were the Lancashire memorial
window and the other new painted windows. The
banquet was of the usual recherchi description. The I 01.
kwing were among the company : —The Duke of Cambridge,
the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Wellington, the Earl of
Malmesbury, Lord Robert Montagu, Viscount Enfield, Sir
J. Pakington, Bart., Mr. Disraeli, Lord Stanley, Colonel
Taylor, M.P., Mr. Gathorne Hardy, the Chancellor of the
Exchequer, Mr. Stephen Cave, M.P., Mr. C. B. Adderley,
M.P., Mr. Goschen, M.P., Lord Justice W. Page Wood,
Sir R. Melina, several of the foreign ministers including
Mr. Reverdy Johnson, Mr. R. W. Crawford, M.P., Deputy
Governor of the Bank of England; the Solicitor-General,
and Baron Lionel de Rothschild, M.P., &c.
On the removal of the cloth, the loving cup having been
passed round.
The Loan MAYOII/2 who on rising was received with con-
siderable cheering. proposed the toasts of her Majesty,
the Prince of Wales, and the other members of the royal
hut. ily.
The Duke of CAXBIUDGE, who was received with
sham in replying to the toast of the Army, said—
I sin ei rtsin that there is no man in the whole of this
great empire who does not feel it most important that the
efficiency of the services should be fully and amply main-
tained. (Hear, hear.) It would be bad taste on my part
if I attempted to introduce this subject in detail on the
present occasion, but I venture to think that questions of
this sort will be decided by the spontaneous feeling of the
people of England— (hear)—and not with reference to the
feeling of one party or another. In fact, that all parties will
snider this a subject of equal interest for the greatness,
happiness, welfare, and prosperity of the country. (Bear,
bear.) I believe that the efficiency of the services has
something to do with maintaining the importance of this
empire in every portion of the world. I believe that the
confidence felt by the inhabitants of the empire rests also
to some :tent upon the efficiency of the 'erica with
which I have the honour to be connected, and therefore I
feel justified in saying that, in my opinion, the people of
Ragland will never wish to see these services other than
they ought to be—namely, other than efficient in all
their details. (Cheers.)
Admiral Mn..vr returned thanks for the navy.

The health of their excellencies the foreign ministers,
connected with the name of Mr. Johnson, the minister of
t►e United States, was next proposed, and drunk with
loud cheers.

Mr. RLVIMIDT Jorpreon, in responding, Raid—l rise on
behalf of the foreign representatives at her Majesty's
court to acknowledge the honour you have done us in the
toast proposed by the Lord Mayor, and to return you our
sincere thanks for the manner in which you have thought
proper to receive it. The favourable opinion of London
can never be indifferent to the representatives of other
nations. The intelligence and enterprise of her people
for centuries past—never greater than at present—have
made Ler the most prominent, and probably the richest,
City in the world, andthe recognition of the representatives
of other nations cannot but be most acceptable to them,:and
squally acceptable to the govertimentawhichthey represent.
The wealth of London exercises an induenee throughout
the civilised world, and it exercises it the more because we
know that your institutions are founded upon those prin-
ciple* of freedom which are so essential to the happiness
and j reeperity of mankind. (Cheers.) Without in the
slightest degree attempting to disparage the governments
*1 other countries, I think my colleagues will not be
effi nded if l say that for our people the government@ we
enjoy are the beet calculated to promote our prosperity
and increase our power. If they should prove defective
in their operation we will cure the defect, we will refer to
the people, the foundation of true power. They will bo
and are fast becoming more intelligent than in former
times, and that appeal can never be made in vain.
(Cheers.) Great as is the interest in the prosperity of
Loudon which is felt by other nations of the world, to ns
it is still greater, because it is more connected with the
country which I have the honour to represent. This can
De accounted for upon various grounds, which the present
occasion does not permit me even to refer to ex-
cept in general terms; but one is, that in
our origin we were one. Another is, that
when we became separated it was because the men
of America, as the men of England of the present day,
achnowledged that the principle of English freedom not
only justified, but commanded the separation. (Haar,
hear,) Dangerous as it war supposed such a separation
would be to your country, the world rejoiced, and no
Italics of the world rejoiced men than the people
of the United States. But so far from it, that
suPuritico has served only to increase the pro-
nperity of England. (Hear.) During the late struggle
through which we have gone—a struggle exhibited on
fields covered with the monuments of our dead—we found
_ _

that there existed differences of opinionas to the causes
of dm maid; but those differences, thank God, no
born exist—we are now one—(olsears)—cod from
the soonest I landed on your shores I became satis-
fied that the public opinion of England in relation to the
Vetted States was she one. (labeers.) I havebeeneriticisod

+:4

" • .•

beim se there is wenstAtag whisk kr** then
IsiZki=irigibirirtile."l4/141611111:14 14.: irtff ea thisea euredeat anti up. bat Ma-
jady's Waists* and retiunkegfe yea iiir-stesillefel
rledgessals far you egplarlie kiralmo• I 10.•
nothing as my part to dump ear astral feeling of
enjoyment and the plespew that at sawed pervades this
meeting. list year there were in our stein essay
supposed tares of anzlet7 and dirgaistoada Her
Majesty's ministers did wet ukase thee& For mum* at
that tee it wee Moly that our foreign affairs wool'
became emberremed, our relations with the great republic
Of America, the United Obsess, were supposed to be full,
act only of anxiety, but of puff. On the part of her
flajesty's government I endeavoured to reamer* you. I
told you them we bad that oesdidenee in the good wain
bpd good humour of the people of the Vaned Mak" that
= auto they had had examined, es they were szeininhiff, an the
of the controversy that existed be-
tween the two countries, they would arrive at
concision opposed to the adverse results
that were then anticipated. Wail, I seed act tall
yen, my Lord Mayor, that those INlPOranoss of the goveni-
meat were correct, because you have just listened to •
speech of his excellency the minister of the Ihiited
States, which prevents the necimetty of imparting
to you any cabinet woreb—(cheare and laughter)
—so that, at least on my pert, I may call
upon you to have full cca&lenes that any
causes of misunderstanding between this country
and the United States are in process of very rapid solu-
tion, and that not merely the settlement of questions
which have sheen in the great struggle In whisk that
country wee involved, but gelation, of much more
ancient date and much more remote, will leave as it were
• rabble tees of misunderstanding between the
two countries, and give us every hope that no
!store mkeenceptica will ever occur. ((bware.) Looking
at the easel= of Europe, I may remind you that, twelve
months ago, when I had the honour of addtmeing you,
there was every apprehension of a great war. We were
fell of rumours of war, end goat anxiety was felt on
that account. But, on the part of the government, I
emend you there was no good reason for disquietude.
We did not believe war would occur. On the eon-
Wary, we had every ream to believe that the ten-
dency was to lead to a permanent pease.
Twelve months have proved the accuracy of that daemon,
and nothing has occurred which has in any way im-
pugned it. I admit that at present there are in the state
of Europe certain causes of disquietude and apprehension,
and I know very well that those who can throw an eye
over all the probable causes of international misconcep-
tion can give you a long catalogue of causes
of immediate danger, but their apprehensions
are not shared by her Majesty's government.
They do not believe that there are any causer for war, or
any pretext for war. They believe, on the contrary, that
it is the conviction of all those sovereigns sad ministers
who influence the destinies of =now and the cow/se of
events, that it is for the advantage of their countries and
subjects that peace shall be maintained. Meer, hear.) I
admit, berme upon occasions like the preeent it is
unwise to conceal any cause of anxiety, that in the
relative position of France and Prussia, the mad eminent
among the civilised and leading cowstdes of Europe,
there is a pneept cause for anxiety in the great arma-
ments which are now enrolled ; but in private life we
sometime. And between two high-spirited individuals
that without sufficient cause there is yet some

misconception which they themselves believe has
no 'efficient foundation. Under these CiltnIBI•
stances what happens i Those who are their
equals in rank, their friends, whose motives cannot
be misconstrued, feel it their duty to interfere, and by
promoting mutual explanations lead to • more salutary
state of sentiment. I think, in the present affairs of
Europe, my noble friend, who has soocesstully, according
to the statement of the Minister of the United States,
terminated the difficulty, and series of long mis-
understandings, cannot do better in the present state of
affairs than confer with the other great powers
of Europe, and step between these two great
countries, animated, as I believe them to be,
by no aggressive feeling, and thereby bring about
• happy termination to all difficulties and misconceptions
between England and the United States. (Cheers.) I
hope when next year I have the honour to respond to this
mast.-(laughter) -I shall be pewnitted to remind you of
these observations, and that I shall be able to point to the
peculiar interest which has been imported to the present
occasion by the presence of my noble friend and his
Excellency the American Minister. (Hoar, hear.)
Th, re is, I think, nothing in ear home affairs, speaking in
the City, which should damp the agreeable feelings which
we naturally experience on a day like the present. I
cannot for a moment contend that we have entirely sur-
mounted the great lapse of credit which occurred two
years ago, and which many no doubt still
feel, but, at all events, I think we have
seen the worst, that there are many indications
that the severity of the suffering has pealed away, and
all must acknowledge that if there has been distress in
the commercial system, there has been no decay in the
sources of commercial wealth, that credit is entirely re-
stored which was injured by our own abuse of it, and
there is no reason whatever why the springs
of industry should not flow with the same
power and activity as before. On an occasion
like the present, it would be indecorous if I were not to
advert to one of the most important events in the history
of Englishmen that is now impending, There is no one
within these walls who is not conscious that within forty-
eight hours it will be the duty of the ministry to advise
the Queen to dissolve the present parliament. My Lord
Mayor, under any circumstances the dissolution of parlia-
ment is a most important event in the oyes of Englishmen ;
but at present there are circumstances which give to
it a greater importance than under any other circum-
stances than can possibly happen ; because in dissolving
that parliament her Majestywill appeal to theeeme of that
largely increased constituency white is the consequence

of the recent Reform Act. There has been some discmelon
of late carried on this country as to whom the
country is indebted for the posession of that
great statute. (Cries of " Gladstone" from the lower
end of the room.) I am not going to enter into any
controversy on the subject. My oolleaguee and myself
are so completely satisfied by that great act having
Famed, that we shall not, especially on an occasion like
the present, enter into a controversy sa to the persons
to whom the country is indebted for it. (Cheers.)
We are perfectly satisfied that after the long controversy
a settlement has been brought about upon principles
which are • recurrence to the ancient principles of the
British constitution, and which remedy, in our opinion,
the too contracted and sectarian settlement of 1532. Wo
have perfect confidence that the great body of the people
who will now be called upon to exerciakthe' suffrage
will elect a wise and patriotic parliament-4mM, boar),
and I hope and believe when that parliament has assem-
bled it will give its consideration to great measures of
practical importance, while at the same tone I hope
it will not sanction that now programme which has
recently been circulated and 'introduced to rabbi, notice
by persons of great authority. (Hear, hear.) We hope
that is not to be the fate of llngland that

there should be an endless agitation. Wo
desire that measures should be brought forward which
will supply the great want referred to by my noble
friend near me for the improvement of, the law,
so much required. (Hear.) There are also many measures
of social amelioration upon which the nation has axed its
heart, and I think we shall find much greater advantage
from pursuing such a policy than in attintipting to grind
down the conditation and the inditi.na of the country.
I have beard that the land laws* to be altered, that
great estates are to be broken up; but I beg to re-
mind the citizens of London that they are in-
terested in the land laws. I beg to remind the
cilium of London that among the proprietors of great
estates they are the foremost, and therefore I cannot
believe that the new programme of policy will be
patronised by them. I have always looked, say Lord Mayor,
upon the existence of great estates an one of the boat
esenrlties for the national strength and public 'liberty,
and I believe that the corporation of the City of
London have 000tributed by their tenure of that
prepeety very much to those peat results. I ebeemed
jug sow, when I alluded to the possibility, I will even my
the probability, of my Mamba thanks for this boost
this thm neat year, there wee a leash. (Re..
newel laughter.) I am, I IMO, taking no un-
fair view of • the state of the ersudry, though
perhaps too minim a view of the state of the govern-
Mat; bat I will my I have onadesse that the people in
the mordm of their suffrage wM sabre at a jai and fair
conelmion, and under these eirmindinces I would
hope; whatever may be my oonvietkos that
no one will question my right to intrtxtme it.
You will remember that for the lest Ws moths we have •


hew dawaiJw wills/ papheeiss, rrhis
bps sear assairtm" aigiii 1040
*bilk sient,fin ailitart• at& *Ma, wigs 111 bee as-
sire ak we 's dill id We he judge shifts
it IVO Ira Ohtlit 1119/11edis I less semmT
adf beesCd °Pik% • mai .'sigiebb myself
as nay lA/WM bun. *Mill Iltel we amid at all
hew adireatod to thesehlissollihme peat problems by
eisnonasieg belorebend oar egibits of what woad taws.
I have saw bad that beestfulaw aid besopieeia are
miteslightest Wilily a eselles ely•kai ; betauever-
have settled everrlang—they lave•
the arta el awaymens andeolly ; but, ay Lad Mayor,
I think that I have read seeendwe that it was the swam
of sailiseiplisal bats an the We of bottle to astioipatesed
' celebrate Satr triumph by horrid sounds, hideous ye
by the &ebb* of symbols, boating of thaw, and
I shrieks and mews of bombed° horns, but when
the fight took plea it was semeassas found
that the vide% Mk not bean to them, bat to
those who were Med and collseted—to those who
had arms of predicts, though they lave got no wounds.
The victory has bees to those who bars breedi-loadme,
to the rocket brigade, end to the Amekeng
guns. My lord, the fight will soon commenos.
It has bees said of bar Majesty's government that they
have no polity. Their volley is a very simple one. Thar
policy is to-day the constitution of this away. (Mari)
I hope you will permit me to propose a tout, which I
shall do under rather peculiar circumstances to-2104
ft is the health of our geoarous hod, who
belongs to a family distinguished in the City
of London, and whose lamb= have gained its
highs* honours from youredves. (Chasm) You,
my lorkwill sow be equal to your badly, and I amen
you it is with heartfelt sincerity I taproom my easest
wish that during the neat year you will be able
to devote to this great corporation, of which you are
the bead, your undivided attention. (Great Lighter.)
On ley own part and that of her llaleoty's 'oversaw; I
can only snow my sena of your great Madams in pro-
posing our health, and whatever may be the position
which either of us may respectively campy, I trust this
will not be the last time that we shall meet under this
roof. (Cheers.)
The next toast was the "House of Peas," to which
the Duke of We responded.
The Loan NATO. proposed the "House of Commons."
Mr. OATIDMIXE Etna, in reply, said that it was
°sly far to say of the expiring parliament that.
it had scoomplithed many important moserte.
He hoped that the elections would pass It
without violence, tumult, or bloodshed, and that
the verdict of the Dew constituency would
be dignified declive, and for the advantage of
the country.
The toast of The Judorseso
ges " was resp_oniall to by Chief
Justice " The of -Lomita," by Kr.
Alden.= "The NM& et Landes aid
MidMeem" by Kr. Aldsname and Calton,
" The Widtor-General and the Bar of begliand," by the
Solicitor-General " The lady Marreme" Mayor, b 7
Lord Stanley, and reepssisd to by the Lord Mayor, con-
cluded the pressgangs