The Sun.
London, England, 1862-03-11 00:00:00

On Saturday afternoon a meeting of friends of
tan late Mr. Blamire, of Thackwood, late Chief
Tithe, Copyhold, and In closure Commissioner, was
held at the Bush Hotel, in the city, for the purpose
of taking steps to institute some lasting tribute to
his memory. Philip Henry Howard, Esq., of
Corby Castle, was called to the chair, and the other
gentlemen present were Captain James, Barrock
Park ; the Rev. John Monkhouse, Lyzzick Hall ;
Mr. Donald, Linstock ; Mr. Gibbons, Burnfoot;
Mr. Iredale, Hill Top; Mr. T. G. Wilson, Thistle-
wood ; Mr. L. Bunting, Buckabank; Mr. Richard-
son, Dalston ; Mr. Bendle, Mr. M'Alpin, Mr. H.
Robinson, Mr. James Steele, Carlisle.
The CHAIRMAN said—l am happy to accede to
the desire of Captain James and the meeting, that I
should take the chair upon this interesting occasion.
I need not enlarge upon the valuable and patriotic
services of the late Mr. Blamire ; but I will in a
few words allude to those who preceded him. The
late Dr. Blamire, his father, of the Oaks, was
known for the benevolent exercise of a benevolent
profession. His memory is still endeared to many
in the neighbourhood ; and I believe he enjoyed a
serene old age after an active and useful life. There
is nil doubt that Mr. Blamire's career was rendered
in some measure easier from the estimation in
which his sire was held. You all know, gentle-
men, that the mother of Mr. Blamire was allied to
a great house ; she was sister of that able agricul-
turist, Mr. Christian Curwen. Under the auspices
of Mr. Cur wen Mr. Blamire in early life acquired a
love and devotion to agricultural occupations, and
at the same time that enlightened regard to the
general interests of the community which at all
times distinguished him. At those interesting
meetings at Workington Hal], Mr. Blamire first
went through what I may call his apprenticeship in
agriculture, and became early acquainted with
many of the most leading men of the county.
I think that having said so much, gentlemen,
I may venture also to say that there is
perhaps nobody who more zealously served
those who sought his advice and influence. Whe-
ther it was the question of advancing at home or
pushing their fortunes in the colonies, the advice,
and influence, and active benevolence of Mr. Bla-
mire was always at the disposal of his fellow coun-
trymen. Having said so much I come now to that
remarkable instance where he was solicited not
only by the Government, but I may say by public
opinion, to accept the office of Chief Commissioner
of Tithes. During the long war of the Peninsula,
and during the protracted war with Napoleon, the
attention of the country had been diverted from
many home interests in practical local and national
improvements. One of these that most attracted
the attention of patriotic statesmen was the settle-
ment of the much agitated question of tithes. A
bill was brought in by a very worthy nobleman,
whose form is still present to my memory--the
Lord Althorp. It was in many respects a good
bill, but his lordship wanted that knowledge of
detail which was necessary to carry out so great an
undertaking. It was brought in, and the different
promoters of the bill were somewhat at fault, when
Mr. Blamire rose in his place in the House of Com-
mons, and in a most luminous speech, and in a
friendly manner criticised the bill and threw out
some hints by which it might be remodelled. The
Government immediately adopted his suggestions,
and Earl Russell unsolicited asked him to take
charge of the bill when it should have passed the
legislature. There never was in the annals of par-
liamentary oratory a greater triumph than that
speech. It was one not adorned by any false glare
of eloquence, but the sturdy eloquence of common
sense. (Hear.) Having been appointed to the office
of Chief,Tithe Commissioner, many other kindred
Occupations or branches of local improvement were
naturally in time attached to that office. There
was enclosure, and everything connected with drain-
age, and there were other local improvements
which were all naturally connected with the Tithe
Commission. Mr. Blamire was intimately ac-
quainted with customary as well as the copyhold
tenure of land and in carrying out these measures—
which were at firstvoluntary—he conferred a lasting
benefit on his countrymen. I know that having lived
for a long time in London, having survived many
of his early friends, the recollection of Mr. Blamire
may not be so vividly impressed upon the memory
of the men of Cumberland as it was in former times;
but I know in many parts of the country, in Eng-
land at large, where these measures are known to
have originated in this way, it will be taken up,
and we shall receive from abroad—l mean from be-
yond the county—an earnest support. (Hear, hear.)
I will not, Captain James and gentlemen, say more.
I think I have said enough of Mr. Blamire—
whether as an individual anxious to promote indi-
vidual interests, or whether as a statesman and
official man. There is scarcely any one who, by
assiduity and earnest toil, has merited a more de-
served tribute than my friend Mr. Blamire. (Hear,
hear.) lam sure you will afterwards consider—
supposing we succeed in the object of our meeting
to-day—how anything collected may best be ap-
plied; but perhaps, though we may talk of all the
propositions to-day it may perhaps be best that the
final appointment should depend a little on the
amount collected. I beg to thank you for the kind-
ness with which you have listened to these prefa-
tory remarks ; and though it is difficult to get a
large meeting, and no undue notoriety has been
given to this, I am sure the object we have in view
will prosper and succeed. (Applause.)
Capt. JAMES said he need not in moving the first
resolution make any lengthened speech, as Mr.
Howard had so clearly and eloquently paid a tri-
bute of respect to their deceased friend. He thought,
however, he might go further, and say that their
wishes were not wishes of a political character, but
merely the wishes of friends, public and private.
He also thought he should mention that it was not
only the landowners and occupiers who were in-
terested so entirely in the results of the labours of
the late Mr. Blamire, but fully as much interested
were the clergymen of the country. (Hear, hear.)
For he was sure, they must be much better able to
carry out charity as well as preach it, when they
did not cause irritation by claiming the tenth pig
and the tenth sheep, as they used to do in earlier
years. (Hear, hear.) He moved the folowing
resolution :

TILE ITALIAN PARLIAMENT.

" That in recognition of the many kind and disinterested
services rendered by the late Mr. Blamire to the people of
Cumberland for a long series of years, and of the arduous
and faithful discharge of most important public duties as
Chief Tithe, Copyhold, and Inclosnre Commissioner, ren-
dered by him to the country at large, this meeting is of
opinion that steps should be taken to institute a lasting tri-
bute to his memory."

The CHAIRMAN said that he was glad Captain
James had called attention to the fact that this
movement had no reference to Mr. Blamire's political
career.
cabled
m.mii
El•inLE seconded the resolution, which was
noanitirnously.
" That in,.
a". sE moved—
lie
commenced
foviirthev, to the above resolution a subscription
ht
Mr. H. Dorau,swio
vras carried. N seconded the resolution, which
The CHAIRMAN said,
agelieved ho was correct in
o
stating that any offerin
family of Mr. Blamire. ivirulpd be gratifying to the
to
...rsobinson had had the
forethougEt to name i
thing was in agitation.t
al • Young that such a
Mr. DONALD moved, and mr,
BUNTING
seconded, the following resolution, Nvilleh was also
adopted :
" That a committee be appointed to carry out the
object, consisting of the gentlemen present, With above
power to
add to their number."
The CHAIRMAN said that one of the objects which
bad been suggested was to offer an annual Blamire
prize at the East Cumberland Agricultural Society's
show; and Mr. Monkbonse had suggested that they
might also erect a tablet to the memory of Mr. Pia
'

your to obtain the goodwill of those Powers which

as yet keep aloof from Italy and refuse to acknow-
ledge the new kingdom. The new Ministers will

be faithful t 3 that vote of Parliament which de-

Glared Rome to be the capital of Italy. They would

go to Rome by moral and diplomatic means, always

and in hand with France. The notion that the

emporal power was rather a stumbling-block than

a help to the Papacy had been gaining ground in
the Catholic world, and in France especially, as

might be seen from the improved tone of the late

debates on the subject in both French Houses.
In matters connected with home policy Rattazzi
promised to lean equally on men of all parties—on
all men, that is, who agreed on the principle of
Italian unity and independence under the dynasty
of Victor Emmanuel. Place and preferment should
be dealt out impartially, without provincial dia-
..

tinetion. Government would combine political
unity with administrative decentralisation. They
;
would write "economy" on their banner, and
would curtail expenses with the greatest diligence
b li
they would vie
dget of 1862 to the lowest
p with the Chamber in reducing the
ossible figure, and
Present the estimates of 1863 upon the same thrifty
and rigidly
saving plan. They would carry on the
discussion of the financial
house, and set the,publio treasury in order. The
only extravagance the Bills already before the
Y would allow themselves
would he for the benefit of the national armament.
There would be no stint for the army ;
none for the
on a totally new
navy, wllivii is to be organised

rn ire.
On the motion of Mr. D. APALriN, Dr. Lansdale
and Mr. 11. Dobinson vir'Jra appointed joint trea-
surers and secretaries.
Mr. T. G. WILSON said that in subscribing to this
fund, it gave him great pleasure to pay a tribute to
the memory of Mr.. Blamire,—one of the most
generous and useful men that Cumberland ever pro-
who, by the zealous discharge of the

'Et LATE MR. BLAME; OF TACK- duties of his office, and by his never-failing
solid-
WOOD. tude for the welfare of others, had neglected his own
interests. (Hear, hear.) It was eery right and
proper that they should subscribe to d ) honour to
such a man; but were there not even a stone to
mark his tomb, Mr. Blaraire had let a grand and
enduring memorial in every parish in the kingdom.
(Hear, bear.) By that great act, the Tithe Commu-
tation Act, he did perhaps more than any man
living to allay those bitter, angry, and malignant
feelings which too generally existed between the
priest and his parish previous to the passing of that
act. (Hear, hear.) He had raised to himself an
enduring memorial in the many tracts of country
which had been brought under cultivation since the
passing of that act, and were now bearing abundant
crops, although but for that act they would still he
barren and unproductive. (Hear, hear.) He had
raised himself a lasting memorial in the sympathy
which now happily existed between clergy and
laity on all occasions when it was desirable that they
should co-operate for the public good. (Hear.)
He might perhaps be premature in offering a sug-
gestion to this meeting as to the description of
memorial which should be raised, but he had reason
to know that a handsome stained-glass east win-
dow in Raughton Head Church would perhaps be
more gratifying to the wishes of Mr. Blamire's
friends and neighbours than anything else. When
the proper time arrived he should at all events pro-
pose that part of the memorial should consist of
this. He believed that a sufficient sum would be
raised to put up this window, and also to erect some
other handsome memorial. (Hear, hear.)
The Rev. J. MONKHOUSE said that one objection
to that would be that the windows in the church
were extremely plain, having square panes; and
the style of the building was not at all suitable—
without all the other windows were altered.
Mr. GIBBONS suggested that the cart was getting
a little before the horse. Following out the advice
of good Mrs. Glasse, they should first catch their
hare and then skin her. (Laughter.) The first
thing would be toentcr into a subscription. 'There
would be plenty of time afterwards to discuss how
they should spend the money.
This suggestion was adopted, the list was handed
round, and about £7O was subscribed before the
close of the meeting.
A vote of thanks having been accorded to him,
on the motion of Mr, Bunting,
The CHAIRMAN returned thanks. He said he
thought they had put it in a very fair and success-
ful channel, He was sure, as one gentleman had
remarked, Mr. Blamire's conduct was thoroughly
disinterested—he used his official means to pro-
mote the benefit of his fellow-countrymen, and not
to lay by treasures; for he might say, like Pitt, he
died poor. But his memory would be embalmed in
'he recollection of a grateful posterity. (Hear.)
The proceedings then terminated.

A letter dated Turin, March 8, says :---For skill,
ack, and temper to get creditably out of a difficult
position, commend me to the Lower House of the
Italian Parliament, Yesterday's sitting had all the
interest of a drama. It was less the inauguration
of the new Ministry than the apotheosis of the old.
Baron Ricasoli came off with all the honours of the
day, and the moral of the piece was, that, whatever
may be the results of clever contrivance in the dark,
nothing in the world can withstand the mere
strength of truth and character when the play is
fair and aboveboard, when the battle is fought in
full daylight, with equal weapons, and before a
large, impulsive, and, on the whole, generous
assembly.
There were crowding and agitation in the House.
Garibaldi was known to be in Turin, and it was
announced that he would appear in his place in the
Chamber, an expectation which was not realised.
The dull and slow ceremony of drawing the offices
by lot was being gone through, as is the custom at
the beginning of every month. The deputies were
standing in groups here and there on the floor of
the House and on the steps leading to their seats
in the amphitheatre. Everywhere conversation
was deep, earnest, and animated. Towards two
o'clock Baron Ricasoli made his appearance, and
went up to his place on the middle benches of the
Right. De Sanctis, Peruzzi, and Bastogi, the late
Ministers, also dropped in singly. Half an hour
later the new Ministers made their entrance in a
group, but without parade, and some of them
coquetted, as it were, with their new position,
tarrying near the side benches, as if shy to take
their chairs round the Ministerial board. By half-
past two they were all seated, and Rattazzi was on
his legs.
A rumour had spread about, and it had gone the
round of all the morning papers, that Cordova had
resigned. Giving in to the remonstrances of the
Left, by which the presence of this Minister, who
had "ratted" from the former Cabinet, was repre-
sented as stigmatising the now Administration
with " profound immorality," Rattazzi had re-
moved Cordova from the Home-office, and appointed
him to the Portfolio of Grace and Justice. It was
now given out that he had further honoured Cor-
dova's personal opponents by prevailing upon him
to withdraw altogether. This last report was con-
tradicted by the fact that Cordova sat on Rattazzi's
side. It had also been confidently asserted that the
Portfolio of Foreign Affairs had been intrusted to
General Giacomo Durando, a man whose high cha-
racter would have won golden opinions to the new
Cabinet, but even this rumour was belied by the
plain fact. Rattazzi introduced himself and his
colleagues ; himself for the Home and Foreign
offices—then Cordova, Pepoli, Sella, De Pretis,
Mancini, Petitti, and Persano, respectively for Grace
and Justice, Agriculture and Commerce, Finance,
Public Works, Public Instruction,War and Marine.
Ho added that on this very morning Poggi (a Se-
nator, and a Tuscan magistrate, known for his op-
position to Ricasoli) bad been added to the Cabinet

without portfolio.
Rattazzi then proceeded to layout his programme.
Gifted at no time with strength of lungs, the new
Prime Minister spoke with more than his usually fal•
tering voice in the present emergency. There was
something nervous in his very appearance, and some-
thing hysterical in his voice; a visible embarrass-
ment of which he scarcely ever got rid to the end of
his address. His programme was like all other
possible programmes that any man may venture
to ,bring forward in Italy under present cir-
cumstances. For what concerns public affairs,
Italy cannot, he said, doom herself to isolation.
She must rely on alliances, and her natural allies

were, in the first place, France, who had shed her
blood, and England, who had given the aid of her
moral support, and had first recognised the new
State. Alliance, however, must not be obtained at

the price of national dignity and independence. It
will also be the object of the Government to endea-