The Sun.
London, England, 1862-08-02 00:00:00

BANQUET AT FISHMONGERS' HALL.

Yesterday evening a banquet of the most sump-
tuous character was given at the Fishmongers'-hall
by the Prime Warden and the other wardens of
the company to a distinguished party, including a
large number of the honorary members. The
chair ,was taken by AIL Western Wood, M.F.
Among those present were the Right Hon. W.
E. Gladstone, the Right Hon. Sir John Romilly,
his Excellency the American Minister, Vice-Chan-
cellor Sir \V. Page Wood, his Excellency Vice-
Admiral Mehemmed Pacha, Muhater Bey, Rish
Allah Bey, the Attorney-General, Sir Rowland
Hill, K.C.8., Sir Joseph Paxton, M.P., &c.
After the usual loyal and patriotic toasts,
The CHAIRMAN proposed" Her Majesty's Minis-
ters," and after alluding to the unavoidable absence
of Lord Palmerston, who, he said, was prevented
from attending by the contumacy of Mr. Cobden
one of their honorary members--(great laughter)—
he concluded by associating with the toast the name
of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, upon whom he
pronounced a high eulogium:
After a warm response to the toast,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
cordially concurred in the regret expressed at the
compulsory absence of his noble friend the head of
the Government, who, he knew, had looked for-
ward with the utmost satisfaction to the prospect
of being present on that occasion. He felt that in
addressing that company he was addressing those
whose sentiments were in general unison with the
feelings of the country. Whatever might be the
composition of the executive government they
might rest assured that the country could
its conduct. (Cheers.)Bustain
no fatal damage from
Thank God, such was the basis of t„hcii institutions
such the intelligence of the people, - sofree and
prompt the action of the people on the course of
public policy, that no ten or twelve people, even
though they formed the Cabinet,
country like this to ruin. could bring a
(Cheers.)
of this or that government, lrrespective
they
nation grow stronger . had of late seen the
insteadof weaker with the pro-
gress
of years. As individuals they were accus-
tomed to associate with the idea of age that of _decre-
pitude ; but it had been their
privilege, fs° I"
their experieuee of their own
tended t . dual accumu-
) 0 perceive along with the gra
lation f generation had ex-
° years indubitable ; in invidious
signs of . increasing
strength. (Cheers.) Without ind"lg.". 0 „
allusions, he might ask what was the soure or that
Irby it was that the Got
increase of strength ? Iv --'' •
,ct ad of it, knew that the
vernment, and the nag' he
Government existed not only by the strength of
ancient tradition, but
also by the deliberate adhe-
opular will ;
it existed because it had
sion of the
A of the Executive Government for
p
been the stu-Y
Bars, under the salutary impulsion which it
many Yea:. d from the people, gradually to widen
the basis a their institutions, and to bring them
more and more into harmony with the cultivated
intelligence of the country. (Cheers.) They had
ceived their reward, and received it in many forms.
It was much for those who held office under the
Crown to meet assemblies of their fellow-country.

AGAIN.

EXPECTED BREEZE WITH A CONFEDERA'

STEAMER IN THE CHANNEL.
For several days some cscitment has been caused
at Lloyd's, and amongst those engaged in the
American shipping trade, by the sudden and some-
what remarkable movements_ of the United States
steam frigate Tuscarora, which it will be remem-
bered kept such a vigilant watch over the Nashville.
In the course of last Tuesday a large steamer, called
the Merrimac, sailed from Plymouth, and, although
she cleared for Nassau, it was stated that it was
well known that she was intended to attempt to
break the blockade, and to enter one of the
Southern ports, and that a considerable premium of
insurance was paid upon her. It was also averred
that her cargo was well known, that she had been
purchased by the Confederates, and that she had on
board some guns which were for a large steamer
which was to follow the Merrimac, On the fact
being made known that the Merrimac had sailed,
the Tuscarora, which had been lying in Southamp-
ton Waters the last fortnight, suddenly got up
steam and took her departure in the course of
Tuesday night, and it was understood that she had
gone in chase. On the same day that the Merrimac
left Plymouth a large, powerful, new steamer, built
by Messrs. Laird and Co., and called for the time
"No. 290," having no British register, sailed from
the Mersey, and it is reported that when off Point
Lynas she took on board a number of men in addi-
tion to her crew. For some reason not explained
No. 290 put into Holyhead on Thursday, where her
crew left her. It is now alleged that this ship is
intended for the Confederate government, and that
herd guns are on board the Merrimac. It is thought
that the Tuscorara met with little success in over-
taking the Merrimac, for in the course of yesterday
morning the Tuscorora put into Queenstown, and a
later telegram announces that she was to sail for
Holyhead in the course of the afternoon, so as to be
in attendance upon No. 290, should she attempt to
pass down the St. George's Channel, and to take
her, as the report says, at all hazards.