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

BANQUET AT FISIDIONGE.RS' 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 Mr. 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 W. Page Wood, his Excellency Vice-
Admiral Mehemmed Pacha, Muhater Bey, Rish
Allah Bey, the Attorney-General, Sir Rowland
Hill, R.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 th
composition of the executive government theye
might rest assured that the country could sustain
no fatal damage from its conduct.
Thank God, such was the basis of their (Cheers.)
such the intelligence of the people,institutions
prompt the action of the people so free and
public policy, that no ten or on
the course of
twelve people, even
though they formed the Cabinet, could bring a j
country like this to ruin.
(Cheers.) Irrespective
of this or that government they had of late seen the
nation grow stronger 3
instead of weaker with the pro-
gress of years. As individuals they were nocos-
turned to associate 'with
the idea of . age that of decre-
pitude ; but it far as
their experiencehad been their privilege, so
tended,
,to perceive along with the g increasing
lotion of
of
their
own
g" rc aradtuioanl ahcacdumexu:
igns of
years indubitable
strength, i:dulging in invidious
(Cheers.) Without
What was the source of that
allusions, he might as.k sviv--hy, it was that the Go-
increase of strength:g
August head of it, knew that the
vernment, and the d
not only by the strength of
"iste
Government
ancient tradition, but also by the deliberate adhe-
r will ; it existed because it had
sion of tb° P°Pulfa
been the study o
the
Executive Government for
mao,years, under the salutary impulsion which it
bad received from the people, gradually to widen
the basis of their institutions, and to bring them
'more and mow into harmony with the cultivated
intelligence of the country. (Cheers.) They had re-
ceived their reward, and received it in many forms.
It a-as much for those who held office under the
Crown to meet assemblies of their fellow-country .