The Sun.
London, England, 1863-03-11 00:00:00

rHE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 11, 1863.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1863.

With last night's excitement closed the public
rejoicings on account of the marriage of the Prince
of WALES, and seldom has a more general demon-
stration of public feeling been witnessed, or a more
heartfelt welcome been accorded to any stranger
coming to oar shores, Stranger, indeed, no longer
now, but a daughter of England and a Princess of
the land, and hereaftcr to be hailed as—

" The noble mother of our kings to be I"
It is most satisfactory to be able, in reviewing the
stirring events of the last week, to do so with per-
fect confidence that all has gone well in the multi-
dinous arrangements. The QUEEN must find it a
great alleviation to her trouble to know that her
people have awarded such a greeting to her son, and
hailed him so cordially on his entrance into life.
Royal personages are even more dependent upon
domestic circumstances being happy than are their
subjects ; and the annals of history can furnish many
an instance of monarchs being dethroned in conse-
quence of intrigues set on foot by those who should '
have been their nearest and dearest earthly ties.
Without apprehending any such casualty nowadays,
it is still of vast importance that the consort of a
king should possess those attributes that most
adorn the female character, and imparting a graci-
ous and genial influence to the humblest dwelling,
add a brighter lustre to the palace and become
" the throned monarch better than her crown."
From all we hear and know of the Princess of
WALES, we have the best assurance that she will
worthily fulfil the high duties that devolve upon
her.

Thus it is more than courtly phraseology that
bids us hope she may be spared for many long and
happy years to form the happiness of him who has
chosen her to occupy the first throne in the world,
and to gain and win the affections of the people who
have now to look to her with the confident hope
and earnest expectation that their trust will not be
thrown away. In the importance of the occasion
yesterday there was no need of accessories to give
it consequence or impart to it excitement. The
inhabitants of the metropolis took quite as much in-
terest in the wedding of their Prince as if they had
witnessed the gorgeous ceremonial for themselves in
one of those time-honoured edifices, sacred from old
associations, as well as from consecrated rites. In
their minds' eye they could see the scene for them-
selves when from "that eastle-palace, grey with
glorious ages" as Windsor is appropriately described
in " Coningsby," there issued the bridal train of our
illustrious Prince. Solemn as such a rite always is
on this occasion, it was invested with more than
ordinary importance, and the natural stir and ex-
citement of such a scene must have been hushed
into awe when the beholders remembered
they were there to celebrate not only
the espousals of the heir of a Queen
but the marriage of the son of a widow. The pomp
of pageantry melted away, as they thought of him
who should have been foremost in that group, and
had so lately been placed beneath the ground
where they stood, and as they gased on the spot,
where was the chief personage present, not in
the centre of the festive throng, but retired from
general view, more sacred by her sorrow than by
her anointment as SOVEREIGN, more endeaed to her
family and people in her hour of tribulation than
through the long years when fortune smiled upon her,
and all trouble seemed far away. There is no happiness
in grandeur, there may be pleasure, excitement, in-
terest, but never peace. Now that the grand de-
monstrations are over, the Prince and Princess
must look for their happiness to begin.
When they return from retirement, their
life will commence in earnest, they will have
duties as well as pleasures, they will have
cares as well as privileges, and they will find that
temptations will be theirs, that those in a simpler
rank could never know, yet we need not fear for
them ; we know that the Princess has been chosen to
match the Prince, and we know that he has been
reared by parents who blended the duties ofChristians
with the offices of State
that befitted their high
position. tinier such tuition our future King
must have been trained to consider that he is in no
easy place; he must bestir himself to be worthy
of those who went before him. The knights of old
had to win their golden spurs, and no rank can
gain approval without personal merit. As yet his
welcome is to his mothor more than to himself ; but
before another opportunity may arise to bring him
before the public, he may have had time to stand
forward in his own name. A brighter future could
not be before him, nor could expectancy look
higher; a more genial welcome could not have
been accorded to his progress; but the Prince must
feel that all this is due to the hope of to-morrow,
not sprung from the experience of yesterday. Let
us trust that if possible, when time and opportunity
have been given to him, that he will be yet more
enthusiastically received, as the mainstay of his
mother's widowed life, and the helper of her ar-

duous duties ; as the worthy head of a household I
which is the second in the kingdom. If such is the
result of this auspicious wedding the prayers of a
nation will have been answered, the hopes
of an anxious family fulfilled, and the
most earnest wishes of our SOVEREIGN realised.
We know that days of darkness must come to all.
The purple of Royalty does not exempt from the
sackcloth and ashes of mourners, but after religious
consolation, the best refuge in trouble is for the
mind to look back on a well-spent past, duties ful-
filled, temptations avoided, kindnesses done, and
various actions performed, that, simple in them-
selves, are not so in their influence—these will
survive to soothe with their memory when the
splendours and glories of the Throne and Crown
shall only bear testimony to the moth and rust
that shall ono day consume them. This consola-
tion our SOVEREIGN must have had in abun-
dance, and it is the best prayer that we can
put up even in their bridal hour, of joy for
her children, that they may so live in these
their hours of South and happiness that when trial
comes they may know how to bear it es she has
done. Then wo may be sure that the Giver of all
good gifts has answered our prayers for them, and
trust that they will so walk together on the dan-
gerous road that is before them that their youth
and innocence will be as shields against all hurtful
things, and that they will so pass through things
temporal, rich in earth's greatest gift of love, and
blessed with heaven's divinest treasure, minds at
peace, that hereafter they may enter on an "ever-
lasting inheritance," and enjoy those better things
which are eternal.

A curious point was raised on Monday by Sir H.
WILLOUGHBY before going into committee on the
Army Estimates, which exhibits how certain sums
of money are slurred over or endeavoured to be
thrown out of view. He said that at the present
moment the house had had no details of the accounts
for the last two years, although £30,000,000 had
been granted for the army. The last detailed
account was for the previous year, 1860-61, and that
was only delivered last June, after the Estimates
has been all voted. He wished to call the attention
of the house more particularly to a certain payment
of £19,385 for German military settlers at the Cape.
In the estimates for 1860-61 it true that the words
" paid to German military settlers at the Cape"
appeared, but they were printed in italics, which
meant that there would be no call for that
money in the current year. That being the case
it was a matter of much surprise to him, on
examining the detailed account alluded to, of the
expenditure of 1860-61, to find under vote No. 3,
called " For Miscellaneous Purposes," this item of
£19,385. The accountant general of the War-
office, an able officer of considerable experience,
seemed to say that this was an excess which,
amongst others, was occasioned because Parlia-
ment had provided no pay for the German military
settlers. Sir H. WILLOUGHBY wished to know
by whose authority that money was paid,
but in vain. The fact was that these
same German auxiliaries were the gallant fellows
who were enlisted at the time of the Crimean war,
but who never fired a shot or left England at all
until the war was over, and then they were con-
veyed as settlers to the Cape, and there kept at the
National expense, for doing nothing whatever.
Their enlistment was a job, and dearly have we
paid for it. But the beauty of the thing was that,
as they were ashamed to repeat the charge of
these Germans in another year, they trans-
ferred the stem from another vote, which
was now detected and so animadverted upon. Mr.
WALPOLE declared that as there was no vote taken
for the German settlers there was no power to ap-
propriate the money, and that it was against the
Appropriation Act. Whereupon Sir G. C. LEWIS
rose and said that the Appropriation Act "knew
nothing of items, but only of payments in the gene-
ral !" to the surprise and condemnation of the
house, Mr. NEWDEGATE remarking that if items
were not to be accounted for, where was the use of
the house going through the Estimates at all

The Poet Laureate's Welcome to the

Princess.

Sea-kings' daughter from over the sea,
Alexandra!
Saxon and Norman and Dane are we,
Bat all of us Danes in our welcome of thee,
Alexandra!
Welcome her, thunders of fort and of fleet !
Welcome her, thundering cheer of the street !
Welcome her, all things youthful and sweet,
Scatter the blossom under her feet !
Break, happy land, into earlier flowers!
Make music, 0 bird, in the new-budded bowers !
Welcome her, welcome her, all that is ours!
Warble, 0 bugle, and trumpet, blare !
Flags, flutter out upon turrets and towers !
Flames, on the windy headland flare !
Utter your jubilee, steeple and spire !
Clash, ye bells, in th 9 merry March air !
Flash, ye cities, in rivers of fire !
Welcome her, welcome the land's desire,
Alexandra!
Sea-kings' daughter as happy as fair,
Blissful bride of a blissful heir,
Bride of the heir of the kings of the sea,
0 joy to the people and joy to the throne,
Come to us, love u 3, and make us your own :
For Saxon or Dane or Norman we,
Teuton or Celt, or whatever we be,
We are each all Dane in our welcome of thee,
Alexandra!

FIRE AND Loss OF SIX LIVES AT PLYMOUTH.—
A fire broke out yesterday morning shortly before 3
o'clock on the premises in King street West, Plymouth, in
the occupation of Mr. Lawrence, a pyrotechnist. it is al-
ready ascertained that at least six human beings have lost
their lives, and three more have sustained serious injuries,
and have been removed to the South Devon and East Corn-
wall Hospital. In connexion with the preparations for the
rejoicings throughout Devonshire and Cornwall, Mr. Law-
rence has recently had a large number of orders for fireworks
from various parts, and had been very busy in executing
and in preparing to execute the demands of the customers.
According to the accounts of some of his neighbours, he
got up soon after midnight to resume his work, but others
assert that at the time when the fire broke out he and all
the other inmates of the house were in bed. Extra caution
is said to have been given in consequence of the fears of
Mrs. Lawrence, who, with the younger children, have not
slept in the house for some week or two past. However,
shortly before 3 yesterday morning, Sergeant Murch, of the
Plymouth borough police, was alarmed by the sound of an
explosion, which he found arose from fire having by some
means communicated with the fireworks in Mr. Lawrence's
house. A portion of the front of the house is described as
having been blown out, and numbers of rockets, squibs, and
other pyrotechnic preparations were leaping, flying, and
exploding in the street. Amongst the numerous inmates of
the house are Mr. Lawrence, his eldest son, a Mrs. Lux•
moore, a showwoman, and her three children. The first rem-
nant of the missing persons found was the charred body oi
a child. By eight o'clock five more bodies had been found.
Amongst these was that of Mr. Lawrence. The young
Lawrence who escaped says he saw his father fall in the
middle of the room, but could not get near him. The re-
mains of a full •grown woman have been found, but whether
it is that of Mrs. Lawrence is uncertain. It is supposed
this poor woman and her family must have been burnt
where they lay. One of the infants died with its hands up,
as if appealing for belp. The son of Mr. Lawrence, who is
supposed to have fallen a victim to the fire, was on a visit
to his father, having arrived for that purpose on Friday.--
Western Morning News.
ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN.—A curious affair has
occurred at Washington. Two members of Congress
asked permission to print their speeches instead of deliver-
ing them, and there are now in print two speeches. with
different names upon them, but so precisely alike as to ex-
cite astonishment. The inference is that the manufacturer
made a mistake.
CRYSTAL PALACE.—ONE SHILLING DAY.—Yes-
terday the admissions on payment were 29,833; do. by sea-
son tickets, 4,578; total, 34,411.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAM.)
AMERICA.
(Per the City of Washington.),

NEW YORK, FEB. 27, Morning.

The reported collision of authority between
Generals Hunter and Foster at Port Royal is con-
firmed. After General Foster's return,to Washing-
ton, General Hunter peremptorily ordered General
Foster's staff to leave his department and proceeded
North, giving as his reason that the members of
the staff had used language tending to create dis-
affection. General Foster has returned to Port
Royal with instructions, which will settle the
question of command.

General Hunter has ordered General Stevenson
under arrest for stating publicly that he would
rather be beaten than co-operate with negro troops.

The Port Royal correspondent of the New ork,
Tribune, asserts that 5,000 negroes, led by white
officers and supported by regular troops, will
Shorty make an expedition into the most dense
districts of the department of the South, to call the
slaves to arms.

Communication had been opened with the ne-
groes on plantations who were prepared.

Mr. Wilson has introduced in the Senate a
substitute for the House of Representatives bill
to raise additional soldiers. The substitute autho-
rises the commanding officers of military depart-
ments to enrol so many liberated negroes as the
President may deem necessary to arm for service
during the war.

Mr. Cassius Clay has written a letter saying that
he had informed President Lincoln that he would
fight only under an abolition policy. He declares
that Gen. Halleck is intensely pro-slavery, and says
he is using his influence to get the President to
appoint General Butler in General Halleck's place•

The Delaware Legislature has sent a message
to the Governor of Missouri, asking him to send
delegates to a Convention to effect an armistice.
The Governor and Legislature of Missouri has
refused to comply with the request, and denounced
the position taken up by the Deleware Legisla-
ture.

It is rumoured that Congress will pass a joint
resolution before the adjournment indicating the
policy to be pursued in case of foreign mediation.
The Conference Committee has reported, and the
House of Representatives passed, the bill ant horiting
the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow 300,000,000
dole. for the current year, and 600,000,000 dole. for
next year, payable in not less than ten and not
more han forty years, in coin, and bearing six
per cent. annually, payable in coin ; also to
issue 400,000,000 dollars in three year 6
per cent. Treasury notes, the interest being
payable in lawful money ; also to sssue
150,000,000 dols. of legal tender notes to be used
solely for the reconversion of the Treasury when
required. The bill authorises a further issue of
50,000,000 dole. legal tender notes, in addition to
the issue of 100,000,000 dole. authorised last
January. This bill it is supposed will receive
the sanction of the Senate. The rate of taxation
of the Bank circulation is not settled.

A report has reached Washington that 8,000
French troops have captured Guaynia, and were
marching on Hermosella, the capital of Sonora.

The reason of the invasion is said to be that the
Governor of Sonora had confiscated goods belonging
to Frenchmen, and banished their owners from
Sonora.

NEW -YORK, FEB. 28 (Morning).

It is rumoured that General Hunter will be re-
lieved from command at Port Itlyal. Several col-
lisions have occurred there between the white and
negro soldiers. General Burnside is spoken of as
General Hunter's successor.
An expedition is preparing for Texas.

The Confederates who were retreating out of
Kentucky are reported to have been overtaken by
the Federals at Mount Sterling, and defeated with
the loss of 200 prisoners.
The canal at Lake Providence, Mississippi,
affording a passage into the Red River, is com-
pleted.

General Van Dorn has crossed the Tennessee
river at Florence, with 8,000 cavalry, to reinforce
General Bragg.
It is denied that General Jackson is coming up
the Shenandoah Valley.
The Savannah _Republican says that the staamers
Ruby, Leopard, and Wagner, arrived at Charleston
on the 9th, from Nashville. The steamer Douglas
ran out the same night.
The Savannah Republican adds that the blockade
is virtually raised, as not a shot was fired at any of
those vessels.

The Washington Congress has passed a bill mak-
ing it obligatory for the President to select for pro-
motion officers who have distinguished themselves
in the field. In the Senate Mr. Davis, of Kentucky,
has accused General Butler and his brother of hav-
ing acquired large plunder at New Orleans, and
stated that he should call for a committee of inves-
tigation. Senator Wilson, of Massachusetts, de-
fended General Butler. Senator M'Dougall de-
nounced the Secretary of War " as a base man who
had wronged the country."
It is reported that the New York Legislature
will take some steps concerning the Conscription
Bill.

A movement has been inaugurated among the
mechanics of New York to prevent the importa-
tion of foreign labour.

NEW YORK, FEB, 28 (Afternoon).

General Townsend has arrived at Port Royal
with authority to settle the differences between
Generals Hunter and Foster's forces. General
Stevenson is honourably released. General Foster
has returned.

At Newbern arrangements are being made for
another expedition.

NEW YORK, FEB. 27 (Evening.)

The House of Representatives has passed the
Conscription Bill with some immaterial amend-
ments, by a vote of 115 to 49, A call for troops
under this act is expected shortly.
No attack on Vicksburg or Charleston had taken
place up to the 20th. The Federal mortar boats
keep up a desultory firo with the Vicksburg batte-
ries. It is stated that the intention to assault
Vicksburg is abandoned, and it is proposed to in-
vest the city and await the result of a regular
siege.

It is reported that the steamer Indianola has
destroyed a Confederate steamer near Port Hudson.
It is believed there is much suffering in Vicks-
burg on account of the interruption of the river
communication.

Deserters report that the Confederates would be
compelled to evacuate the city if relief did not

arrive.

A large fleet of gunboats has gone down the
Mississippi from Memphis.
The accounts from Kentucky are conflicting,
some say that Gen. Breckenridge is advancing on
Lexington with 20,000 men, others state that the
Confederates are retreating out of the State.
General Morgan's guerillas have captured a

Union transport on Barren River. Guerillas are
interrupting the railroad communications between
Louisville and Nashville.
Generals Stonewall Jackson and Stuart are mak-
ing a movement on the Rappahannock. The latter's
cavalry had attacked the Federal cavalry near
Stafford-court House.

general Stuart is reported to have been re-
pulsed.
A considerable Confederate force is reported at
Warrenton, and General Jackson is said to have
gone up the Shenandoah Valley to Strasburg.
Twenty Confederate cavalry have captured a
Federal train guarded by 80 men near Romney,
Western Virginia.
General Banks has been fired at by some unknown
person in New Orleans while passing out of his
hotel to his carriage. The ball did not take effect.
Tha affair occurred during the evening, and no trace
of the person firing could be found.
General M‘Dowell has been acquitted of all the
cherges brought against him.
A reaction has set in against the so-called copper-
heads. A portion of their organs now admit that
the South cannot be bought by any political mea-
sure or compromise, and they urge the vigorous pro-
secution of the war.

The Borussia, City of Washington, and Jura,
have arrived out.

NEW YORK, FEB. 27 (Evening).

Money easy. Gold 701. Exchange 188. Stocks
lower. New York Central 1181. Illinois 921.
Erie 78. Cotton dull. Middling Upland 89*.
Flour heavy, and 10c. lower. Wheat dull. Corn
lower. Provisions steady. Coffee, sugar, and
molasses firm. Petroleum 22 to 23.
NEW YORK, FEB. 28.

Money easy. Gold 711. Exchange 1881 to 189.
Stocks quiet. New York Central 1181. Illinois
921. Erie 77:.

QUEENSTOWN, MARCH 11.

The City of Washington, from New York, on the
28th ult., has arrived here. She brings 73 passen-
gers, and £686,869 in specie, and £3,745 gold.

DENMARK•

COPENHAGEN, MARCH 10, Evening.

The day of her Royal Highness the Princess
Alexandra's marriage has been celebrs.ted with ex-
traordinary festivity.
The poor of the capital were regaled.
A spendid public dress ball took place.
The King gave a Court banquet at the Castle of
Christiansborg,
Flags were hoisted during the day upon all public
buildings and the majority of private houses, the
ships in the harbour being similar decorated.
Military bands played during the evening in all
the public squares.

The entire city was brilliantly illuminated.
The poor have been feasted, and festivities have
taken place in all provincial towns during the day.

COPENHAGEN, MARCH 10.

At a State banquet given yesterday in honour of
the Princess Alexandra, Landgraf Guillaume, the
grandfather of her Royal Highness, and all the
Ministers, diplomatists and high functionaries, Were
present.

The King proposed the health of the newly-
married couple in an eloquent speech,and expressed
warm wishes for their future happiness. During
the banquet a telegram arrived from Prince Chris-
tian, announcing the conclusion of the marriage
ceremony at Windsor. The King, in reply, sent a
message expressing his congratulations on the
auspicious event.
A ball took place in the evening, when another
telegram was received from Prince Christian, and
one from the Princess of Wales, conveying their
compliments to their Copenhagen friends.

THE POLISH INSURRECTION.

BERLIN, MARCH 10.

The gymnasium of the Prussian town Irzemeszno,
in the grand duchy of Posen, has been ordered to
be closed by the Government, in consequence of 40
of the students having joined the Polish insurgents.

Sergeant Glover. Never did French Minister offer
or promise him money." According to this account
Sergeant Glover went to Paris in 1857, when he was
Presented at Court by the English ambassador, and,
under the recommendation of his journal's sup-
port, solicited and obtained the concession of a tele-
graphic line between France and America. This
privilege was granted without any guarantee or
monopoly, and a time fixed for putting it in practice
under pain of forfeit. This time having expired
without any commencement of the undertaking, the
privilege passed into other hands. Sergeant
Glover opposed this, and, according to him
his support of the Imperial policy should
have secured him more favourable treatment.
Le Constitutionnel remarks that MM. Billault
and Persigny might have sheltered themselves
behind their official character; but that they pre
ferred, after the calumnies to which they had been
subjected, to truat to the sagacity and impartiality
of an English judge and jury.
Ali the French journals give ample accounts of
the reception of the Princess Alexandra.
Le Constitutionnel devotes its feuilleton to an ani-
mated description of the procession.
L' Opinion .Nationale has received confirmation of
the Polish triumph at Piaskowa Skala from
three different quarters. The same journal ex-
presses its regret that the protest of the three Powers
should have been addressed separately to the Rus-
sian Government, thereby weakening the effect of
the remonstrance. Le Pays waits for the approach-
ing debate on the Polish question before it discusses
the present aspect of affairs.
THE BOURSE.—PARIS, March 10.—The market
has been heavy, without there being even a rumour
stirring to account for the change. For the Ac-
count, Threes, which opened at 70f. 5c., rapidly re-
ceded to 69fr. 80c., but have since recovered to 69f.
90c. The Railway Share Market has been quiet,
but previous prices pretty well maintained up to
the present time. The market again receded before
the close, and left off as follows :

4t per Cents .. 96
Do. end
3 per Cents
Do. end month 69 80
New 3 per Cents
Do, end month —
Credit Mobilier 1215
Do. end month 1220

Bank Sharps 3290 --
Credit I. oncier 1500
Piedmontose Fives. -
Italian Loan 7O 10
Russian ..
Austrian
Spanish Threes s2i
Home Debt .. sok

RA IL

'AYS.

Cash. Account.
Orleans lll6 25 1115
Northern
Nev., ditto • --- • •
Lyons and Mediterranean 1192 50 .. 1195
Geneva ..
Southern 772 50 772 50
Western ...
Eastern ... , ..... 542 50 .. 641 25
Sardinian

Austrian
T,orpbard - 597 50

North of Spain
Saragossa 7OO 705
Ditto to Barcelona

The Banquet in the Middle Temple Hall.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales being a
bencher of the hon. society of the Middle Temple, it
was but natural that the other masters of the beech
should wish to celebrate the auspicious day in the
usual manner observed amongst Englishmen, by a
banquet. His Royal Highness in identifying himself
with this ancient seat of legal lore exhibited an
accurate pereeption of the duties and privileges of
his exalted station ; for the Temple, above all other
spots, is identified with the rise and progress of the
Constitution of this country, with the lives and homes
of its great expounders and defenders, from the
Magna Charta until now. There is, it is true, an
ancient Welsh tradition that a certain Dyffrwal
Moelmud built a temple on this spot, and was buried
here some 400 years before Christ. But, to come to
history of a reliable nature, we find that the Temple
was founded in 1185 by the Knights Templar, who
retained possession of it till the suppression of their
order in the reign of Edward 11. Here the Magna
Charta discussions were carried on. Here King
John and his minister, the great Earl of Pembroke,
resided. His lordship, in fact, was buried here ;
and his monument is even now to be seen in the
Temple Church. Several of our kings have resided
here, and the Temple, again and again, has been
the repository of their treasures. The Temple, as
Mr. Bassett Smith has well observed, is " the real
Runnymede," since here Magna Charta was "dis-
cussed," and even " signed," though " sealed" at
Runnymede.
The present hall, in which the banquet of last
night was held, was founded in the fifth year of
Elizabeth (1562) and finished about 10 years later,
since which its rolls have contained the names of
many of the most illustrious defenders of our liber-
ties, advocates, judges, orators, poets, playwrights,
statesmen, and philosophers who have adorned the
annals of this country. A long line of those whose
names are recorded,and whose arms are emblazoned
on these walls, look down upon the barristers and
students as they "sit at meat," and hold out to
them an encouragement to labour earnestly, con-
tinuously, and intelligently to attain one of those
high and illustrious positions which are within the
reach of the humblest individual within those
walls. How many splendid examples have we in
the histories of the men whose names are here
recorded, and whose careers are thus brought be-
fore us, of the fact that the highest positions et the
bar, on the bench, and in the senate, are aecessible
to men of merit, of genius, ano, above all, of cease-
less energy and unremitting industry. Here are
proofs in abundance that however the `cold shade
of aristocracy" may or may not have proved an ob-
stacle to the advancement of a celebrated ex Q. C.
(who by the way is not a member of this inn),
neither that ncr any other influence can keep back
a man who combines genius and perseverance with
integrity from attaining the very highest and most
honourable position in this country.
This hall is one of the most venerable buildings
in the metropolis. It is Gothic in its style, and its
massive roof of richly carved oak is one of the most
remarkable in the world. There is an elaborate and
beautiful screen at the east end of the same mate-
rial, which supports a music gallery, last night oc-
cupied by the band of the Devil's Own. This gal-
lery dates from 1574. At the opposite end of the
Hall, above the dais, are a large equestrian por-
trait of Charles I. and a full length portrait of
Charles 11., both by Vandyck. There are a por-
trait of Queen Anne, by Murray, and other full
lengths of James 11., William 111., and George 11.
In the south transept there is the "Judgment of
Solomon," an early Venetian work, probably by
Palma Vecchio. On each side of the dais are busts
of the most profound lawyers of modern times, the
brothers Lord Stowell and Lord Eldon. On the
panels of the Hall, as we have said, are seen the
arms of illustrious ornaments of the law who have
sat within its walls, from the times of Clarendon
and Blackstone down to the present Lord Chan-
cellor, Lord Westbury. In the Temple dwelt
Johnson and Goldsmith (though the latter was not a
member of the inn) and Reynolds. In the Middle
Temple the first tragedy of merit, "Gor BuDuc," was
written by Thos. Norton ana Thos. Sackville, after-
wards the celebrated statesman and founder of the
title of " Dorset ;" and it was in the Temple that
two of Shakspeare's plays were first performed,
under the direction, it is said, of the great bard him-
self, and in the presence of Queen Elizabeth. Queen
Henrietta, the Consort of Charles 1., Peter the
Great, Kiog William 111., and many other cele-
brated personages have been entertained in this
hall, the last of whom was his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales, to whom a banquet was given in
October, 1861, on the occabion of his being called to
the bar, and appointed one of the masters of the
bench. Beaumont, Ford, Wycherley, Marston, Con-
grieve, Rowe, and Cowper were also of the Temple.
For more than three centuries the great ornaments
of the bench and of the bar have " sat at meat" in
this noble hall; and not only have we now the
honour of the Lord High Chancellor us a member,
but it is a curious fact that the Lord Chief Justice
of England, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common
Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron—all the chief's of
the common law courts, as well as the great head of
the profession—have their places of honour on the
walls of this famous hall; and the list of member
ship includes many other celebrated names, amongst
which we may mention those of Grattan, Curran,
Havelock, Dickens, and Thackeray.
Last night a sumptuous repast was prepared by

the liberality of the benchers, when the ordinary
rules were somewhat relaxed, and instead of the
abundant but- homely fare which is usually
provided, there was a dinner as remark-
able for its variety as for the admirable
manner in which it was got up and served. The
bill of fare was as fol;ows :—Mock turtle, ox-tail,
Julienne, salmon, turbot, stewed eels, fried fish,
boiled and roast fowls, quarters of lamb, saddles and
haunches of mutton, pigeon pies, hams, tongues, cut-
lets, gratin of larks, saute de volaille, fricandeau de
veau, maizena puddings, jellies, cream, tarts, pastry,
mince pies, lobster salads, prawns, vol au vent, petit
gateaux, Sue,foise oranges, &c. This, as a contrast
with the ordinary "commons," reminds us of the
good old times when, among the other benchers in
the Middle Temple, the great Lord Eldon used to
take his "given quantity" of wine. The benchers
were last night as liberal with the wine as they were
profuse with the other good things of the table.
About 300 sat down to dinner. Ot course every one
of them belonged to the inn, and as " gentlemen of
the long robe" are somewhat remarkable for a good
appetite, end when we consider this fact, it is hignly
creditable to the Middle Temple that the resources
of their own establishment were found amply suffi-
cient to meet the emergency, under the able super-
intendence of Mr. Gordon, the worthy chef de
custne, who, according to the local tradition, was
born either in the kitchen or in the wine cellar, and
the registering of whose birth is said to appear as an
endorsement upon the benoher's bill of fare for the
day in question. But, coming to the more reliable
authority, that of the chef himself, we learn that
forty-six years be has been actively engaged in his
very useful and important functions, his father hav-
ing filled the post before him. Last night his exer-
tions were crowned with remarkable success.
The cloth having been removed,

The TREASURER (Montague Smith, Esq., Q.C.,
M.P.), said,—Gentlemen—lt is, as you know, the
custom of this ancient house to give but one
toast at our banquets, " The Health of her Ma-
jesty the Queen." (Hear, hear.) It is another
custom of our society not to make speeches in this
hall—(hear, hear)—but there are occasions when
the heart will speak—(bear, hear)—and the
sturdiest customs mist give way—(cheers)—and I
am sure I only rightly interpret your wishes in
saying this is one of those occasions (hear, hear)—
when all hearts are swelling to hail with acclama
tion that meat auspicious marriage which has been
ce,ebrated to-day. (Cheers.) To us the event is of
especial interest, for we not only share the lively
joy which animates all classes of our countrymen for
a great national blessing, but we sympathise and
rejoice in the personal happiness of the illustrious
Prince who is one of ourselves. (Cheers.) It is but
a few months since his Royal Highness came
amongst us to be enrolled a member of our ancient
house, and we all recollect the quiet dignity and
princely grace with which he received such honours
as we could bestow upon him. And a few hours
only have rolled by since the Royal bride, radiant
in youth and beauty, passed our gates, receiving and
returning, with unaffected emotion, the sympathy
of a thousand hearts at every step of her progress.
(Loud cheers.) With true instinct, the people read
the character of the Princess in her fair and beam-
ing face—tkey saw she was a true hearted and
loving woman, and they made friends with her at
once and for ever. (Loud cheers.) It is not often
we waken the echoes of these ancient walls. We do
not disturb them on light occasions, but, Ism sure,
this time-honoured roof will never have resounded
with more ringing cheers than those which will
greet the toast I now give you, " Health, long life,
and happiness to Master the Prince of Wales, and
the Princess of Wales."

Th,- toast was drunk with most enthusiastic ap-
plause, and shortly atter the company dispersed.

Amongst the benehers present were the Treasu-
rer, Mr. M. Smith, M.P., Q.C.; Sir J. Alexander,
Attorney-General to his Royal Highness the Prince
of Wales ; John Greenwood, Esq., Q.C. ; Sir F W.
Slade, Bart., Q.C. ; James Anderson, Esq., Q C. ;
Peter Ede, Esq., Q.C.; H. Hopley White, Esq.;
W. Bovill, Esq., M.P., Q.C.; the Right Hon. Sir
Lawrence Peel; Thos. Webb Greene, Esq., Q.C.;
Thos. Chambers, Esq., Common Sergeant ; J. B
Kerslake, Esq. ; the Rev. F. J. Staint'orth, Preacher
to the Temple; T. H. Davis, Esq. ; Edward
Kinnersley, Esq.; A. S. Ayrton, Esq., M.P.; H.
Harwood Harwood, Esq.; Chisholm Anstey, Esq.;
Sir G. Bowyer ; Standish Grove Grady, Esq.,
Recorder of Gravesend ; Hans Busk, Esq. ;
Wm. Hazlitt, Esq ,; W. Howard Russell, Esq.;
Rev. F. J. Stovin ; Rev. Dr. Sier ; the Hon. J. M.
0. Byng ; Bassett Smith, Esq. ; Alfred Richards,
Esq. ; Col. Rat hbone ; G. Curran, Esq. ; E. T. E.
Besley, Esq. ; D. C. Macrae, Esq. ; F. Roxburgh,
Eeq. ; J. C. O'Dowd, Esq. ; Maxwell Witham, Esq.;
Charles Kent, Esq.
As we have already mentioned the gallery was
occupied by the excellent baud of the Inns of Court
Volunteers ; and to mark the altogether exceptional
character of the scene, music admirably rendered,
awakened the echoes of the venerable hall, and pro-
duced an evident enthusiasm amongst its occupants
both young and old. The programme embraced se-
leetions from the compositions of Donixetti, Verdi,
Albert, Kalodzi, Rota!, &c, and the efficiency of the
performances were alike creditable to the band,
and to their able conductor. Mr. Tester. While the
toasts of the evening were marked by the usual
musical honours, at a later period the melodies of
the united countries represented in the Middle
Temple evoked hearty applause, and " Rule Bri-
tannia," Garry Owen," and " Bonnie Dundee," pos-
sibly for the first time under similar associations,
awakened the warmest home feelings in the breasts
of many who have achieved distinction in their pro-
fession, and we believe of still more who are des-
tined to do so. We may observe that the speech of
the Treasurer on this occasion is altogether excep-
tional, there has been no such departure from the
rules of the Hall within the memory of the very
oldest member of the inn.