The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-08 00:00:00

PROVISION FOR SOLDIERS' WIVES.'

Yesterday a meeting, which was numerously attended,
was held at Willis's Rooms, St. James's, for the purpose
of considering what steps should be taken for furthering
the objects of an association for the aid of the wives and
children of soldiers ordered to the East. The chair was
to have been occupied by the Bishop of London, but in
his absence, from indisposition, it was taken by Lieut.-
General Sir Peregrine Maitland, G.C.B. On the plat-
form were Lord St. Leonards, Lord Shaftesbury, Lord
Mandeville, Mr. Hume, M.P., Lord R. Grosvenor, with
other noblemen and gentlemen.
Lord SHAFTESBURY opened the proceedings by moving
the first resolution, to the effect that as so many soldiers
were being sent to a foreign land it was necessary that
some means should be devised for the support of their
wives and children, and in doing so said that he was
most anxious to express the deep sympathy he felt in a
cause like the one they had undertaken. (Cheers.) He
thought the matter told its own story, and that the an-
nouncement of the case alone would be quite sufficient
to obtain the support of all to whom they might appeal.
(Hear.) A large number of our fellow-creatures trained
to arms were suddenly called upon to proceed to foreign
lands, and their families had been left unprovided for.
(Hear, hear.) The soldier's pay was only sufficient to
provide for his own necessaries, and for that reason they
had come to ask the help of those present. It might
be said that if they gave that help to those soldiers'
families, they must give it also to those who went to
India. He was willing to help them likewise ; but the
circumstances under which the soldiers were sent out
were very different. In conclusion, he hoped it would
be understood that in the exertions about to be made
all soldiers with wives and families would be included,
their only claim for support being that they were going
forth to fight the battles of their country. (Cheers.)
Mr. HOME, M.P., seconded the resolution. No man
in that assembly had been a greater enemy to war than
himself, but he conceived that on this occasion the Go-
vernment had been driven by circumstances which they
could not control to take part against a foe that was
threatening, he might say, the civilisation of the world.
(Cheers.) Twenty-five thousand men were now leaving
our shores, and it was a most important question, what
would become of their wives and children ? (Hear,
hear.) He thought it did honour to those who had
brought this movement forward, and he hoped there
would not be a family in the country slow to join in an
act of mercy by relieving those who were dear to the
soldiers who were gone to fight in our defenoe. (Cheers.)
Never did soldiers leave this country in better spirit.
than those who left so lately, and it would be a great
consolation to them to know that, whatever might be
their hardships, their families would be protected.
(Cheers.)
Lord ST. LBONARDS, in supporting the resolution,
suggested that the soldiers family should be assisted in-
directly by placing his children under the care of compe-
tent persons until his return, rather than by direct aid.
(Hear, hear.)
Lord R. GROSVIZNOR also supported the resolution,
and took the opportunity to say that nothing gave bin'
greater pleasure than the presence of his hon. friend the
member for Montrose, for he was sure the project was
well worth supporting if he were present. (Cheers.)
What was wanted to carry out that project was some
central committee to receive their money and adopt
what plan they might think best. (Hear, hear.)
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Lord INGESTRE briefly moved, and J. C. COLQUIIOUN,
Esq., seconded, the next resolution, appointing a pro-
visional committee of the association.
The list included the names of the Archbishop of CUP
terbury, Marquis of Blandford, Lord Henry Cholmoi!.
deley, M.P., Lord Lilford, Captain Owen, Royal Engi-
neers, General Sir Peregrine Maitland, G.C.8., Right
Hon. Joseph Napier, M.P., John Wilson Patten, Esq.,
M.P., Lord Charles Clinton, M.P., Colonelßoldero,
M.P., Colonel Dunne, M.P., Lieut.-Colonel Caulfield,
M.P., Captain W. F. Vernon, Lieut.-Colonelca Taylor,
M.P., Lieut.-Colonel Hunter Blair, _Fusilier
Guards, Lieut.-Colonel Hon. J. Lindsay, M.P., Grena-
cher Guards, Earl of Annesley,.W.P
~Gen.NV
yynisdchoauam,
M.P., Earl of Shaftesbury, Earl ofl Effingham,
Hill, and Lord Sondes.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Dr.u3fmiC e
tomroevceecilv
et haeuthird i resolution,ptiona. empowering
the committee
Lord MANDEVILLE seconded the resolution, Which was
carried by acclamation, and after some observations by
J. Elliott, Esq., and S. Woolmer, Esq., a vote of
thanks to the gallant chairman terminated the pro.
ceedings.
A collection was made at the agent