The Sun.
London, England, 1855-08-02 00:00:00

Contented and heterogeneous peoples united under our
sway ; we have still neighbours before whom we cannot
altogether lay aside our watchfulness, and we have a
frostier configuration that render it possible that in any
quarter, at any moment, causes of collision may arise.
ltesitlee, so intricate are our relations with some subsi-
diary staees, that I doubt whether in an empire so vast
and so situated, it is in the power of the wisest govern-
ment, the most peaceful and the most forbearing, to com-
mand peace. But if we cannot command, we can at
least deserve it, by taking care that honour, good faith,
and fair dealing are on our side ; and then if, in spite of
us, it should become necessary to strike a blow, we can
strike with a clear conscience. (Hear, hear.) With
blows so dealt the struggle must be short and the issue
- not doubtful. (Hear, hear.) But I gladly dismiss
froni my mind apprehensions that may not be realised,
and joyfully recognise a large arena of peaceful use-
fulness, in which I hope for your kind assistance
and co-operation. The maintenance of the revenue
oa a solid and wholesome looting, the extension of pub-
lic works, and the completion of those lines of social and
commercial intercourse now in progreSs wilLbe objects
well worthy of our attention—those great operations ne-
ces,ary to protect us from the dread effects of drought—
and lastly, the education of the native population, and
as a neceaeary consequence the opening to them of public
employments—all these things present a large field for
peaceful, triumph, long enough for a life, great enough for
the most insatiable ambition. In such a field, English-
men may be giants for good or for evil ; but for my part
I shall be well content to take up the course which has
been commenced by Lord Dalhousie, and if pos,ible to
carry out his views. (Hear.) The tribute which has been
paid to my noble friend is no more than his due, for
against trials and discouragements of which the world
knows little, he discharged his arluotts duties with an
ability, constancy, and courage which are beyond all
praise, making both you, gentlemen, and the people of
India largely his debtors. (Hear.) I must not sit down
without returning for myself, as an individual, my ac-
knowledgements for the very gratifying allusion which
you, sir, have made to times long gone by, when it ap-
peared probable that the name which lam proud to bear
might become identified with the government of our
Indian empire. The topic is one to which I should not
have. adverted, as the event referred to occurred more
than 30 years since ; but since you have alluded to it, I
will take leave to say that the recollection of that event
is an inspiration as strong as would rouse the energy of
any man in his struggle for success, and that I shall in-
deed consider there is a blessing on my work, if it be
granted to me to justify by my own acts the preference
that has been shown to the name I bear, and to vindi-
cate my right to bear it. (Cheers.) I have no occasicn
to detain longer you, sir, or the guests who have
listened to -me with so much indulgence, except by
repeating my thanks for the kind aed very en-
couraging reception I have met with, and to couple
my thanks with the expression of an earnest hone
that when the time has arrived when it shall be
my duty to render up my trust, I may be able to re-
vert to this time and these marks of confidence without
feeling that they were either undeserved or misplaced.
The noble lord having again thanked the chairman and
company, restaled his seat amid loud cheers.
The next tont was "The Army and Navy."
Sir C. Wool) and Lord HARDINGE respectively re-
turned thanks.

The CHAIRMAN then gave " Her Majesty's Ministers."
Lord PALMERsTON, in returning thanks, observed that
although at all times the responsibility of administering
the affairs of this country was great, it bad never been
greater than at the present moment. But there was one
part of the empire in which the cares of both Sovereign
anti Ministers were light— and that was the portion ad-
mini,tered by the gentlemen at whose hospitable board
they were then assembled. (Cheers.) He congratulated
the Court of Directors on their selection, and said it was a
great gratification to his noble friend's colleagues to know
that although they were deprived of his society, he
was about to he removed to a sphere of such extended
usefulness. Having warmly eulogised Lord Canning's
ability, firmness, and aptitude for the Government of
a great empire, the noble lord remarked upon the cur ous
fact that whereas of old ail civilisation came from India
through Egypt, now we, who were then barbarians,
were bringing back civilisation and enlightenment to the
parent source. Perhaps it might be our fate to confer
un the countless millions of India a higher and holier
gift then a...y mere human knowledge, but that must be
left to the• bands of time and the gradual improvement
of the people. (Cheers.) The noble viscount concluded
by proposing, with a warm eulogium, "The Health of
the Chairman."
Tne CHAIRMAN returned thanks.
The next toast was " The Board of Control."
Mr. V. SMITH returned thanks.
The last toast was " The Health of the Earl of Dal-
housie," shortly after which the company broke up.
Mr. Toole acted as toastmaster.