The Sun.
London, England, 1838-01-15 00:00:00

DUBLIN-FRIDAY.

(FROM OUR Ow N CoRREsPONPENT.)
" Is this a dinner, this a genial room ?
No, 'tis a temple, and a hecatomb."—Port.
The Metropolitan Dinner came off yesterday in this city, En
a truly splendid style. It exceeded anything ever before wit-
nessed in this country, both in the extent and magnificence of
the feast prepared, and in the spirit and enthusiasm with which
it was attended by all classes of the friends of Reform. You
kayo been already informed that it was got up for the purpose
of complimenting our City and County Representatives, and
of testifying for O'Connell, in particular, the increasing love
and confidence of his countrymen, at a juncture no less criti-
cal in his own personal history, than in that of Ireland—and,
certainly, the most sanguine expectant has not been disap-
pointed in the result. But as 'esti have been supplied, from
other quarters, with more ample deteils ef the proceedings on
this joyful event, I shall confine my obserrtztion to such inci-
dents connected with the national importance of the affair,
and with my own anticipations, as occurred to .myself and a
few others present on the occasion.
In my last communication I intheated that the sentlennute of
this portion of the United Kingdom, with regard to the ensur-
section in Canada, might be disclosed at this dinner; aDd
that, if so, they would be found very different from the pro-
bable expectations of many persons acquainted with the feel-
ings and disposition of Irishmen. I have been no otherwise
wrong in this intimation, than in having probably conveyed a
eetien, that the state of Canada would undergo some popular
discussion; or be tiguded to more generally than it has been.
It was, in fact, generai:V believed it would; and there were
not a few persons who thOug:tt that in so large a company, in-
cluding all shades of Reformerls such sentiments as were ex-
pressed at the Crown aid Anchor, in London, might flow from
some of the speakers. The result, ,however, has show's, that
in this respect I rightly collected the op:oi°11' of my country-
men, and transmitted them to you by antici.i'ation. No allu-
sion whatever was made to the revolted eolcallys exeept by
O'Connell in that part of his speech wherein he s','etee—that
whatever occurred in other portions of her Majesty '4l domi-
nions, Ireland would, under such governors as we ha"e at
present, be found the brightest jewel in Queen Victoria's/
diadem. He made no further comment on a topic which has
so much engrosses.l the attention of the United Kingdom
during the present ParLamentary recess. Whether his omis-
sion to expatiate upon the ssbiect so largely and so eloquently
as he is wont to do, in all matters which in any way attract
the sympathies of Irishmen, proceeded siva accident or dis-
cretion, I cannot say. In either case he is the- exponent, and
explicitly declared the present views and feelings of Ireland.
And, as I have already said, these feelings are totally and al.
together different from what they would hare been under
similar circumstances, if the Tories were at the head of
affairs. So that it may be assumed as a proposition demon-
strated, that England is under a Whig Government much less
embarrassed by the disaffection of any of her colonies than she
could be under a Tory regime. This, perhaps,
may be
thought the only new light thrown upon the posture of public
affairs by this convivio-political meeting; and it might hive
shone forth with mole brilliancy and splendour, had no:
O'Connell, as will be seen by the reports, been almost neces-
sarily forc:J by the scene before him to dilate on topics more
immediately cotssiected with his own career of struggle on be-
half of his country. But I can mention another incident
equally novel and interes:jag to the more profound observers of
passing events.
Lord Charlemont, in the diss.:.}.large of his duties as Presi-
dent, which he went tkrough with as: ability and spirit worthy
of his hereditary patriotism, observed that O'Connell was now
engaged in one of the most important enteillrises of his whole
life. He alluded to his efforts to put owe' combination
amongst tradesmen. This, said his Lordship, deoonstrates,
more than anything in which I hare known him to be hitherto
engaged, the extraordinary power and character of our highly
gifted guest. We have known enough of him heretofore, to
be assured that be was endowed with an indomitable coureges
such as could not be subdued by ordinary difficulties.
ever thought him susceptible of fear, from one extrentSt of
that power and influence which is always ready to assail the
patriot, and divert him from his purpose—the " voltas instren--
cis tgranni?" We have long known him invincible on that
side ; his recent collision with, and triumph over the deluded
tradesmen of this metropolis, show that be is equally so on the
other. " Non civium order prava jubentium." By neither
extreme will he suffer himself to be deterred, muck less de-
feated, in his endeavours to promote the welfare of his country.
This is the highest compliment ever paid to O'Connell, or
that could be paid to any public man ; and coming from suck
a man as Lord Charlemont, and at such a crisis, is strongly
illustrative of his principles and policy. It is conveyed in the
most felicitous and flattering language and quotation, that
could possibly be employed—but circumstances justify it.
O'Connell's strong sympathies with the great bulk of his
countrymen, his detestation of the poiiey under which they
have been oppressed, and his ardent desire to redress their
wrongs, hare often forced him into the use of words and the
adoption of expedients which may have alarmed or misled
many well-meaning persons. His conduct, however; within
the last few years, is admirably calculated to disabuse men's
minds of any false or mistaken notions. And the success,
which he has now almost obtained in detecting and putting
down combination, will confirm the sceptical in the good opi-
nions they are beginning to entertain of him.
The next incident deserving of remark is, that Sheil was at
the dinner, but did not speak—to the great disappointment of
all acquainted with the characteristics of his eloquence and
patriotism, and the peculiar times and circumstances under
which to make a display of both. To a genius of his dramatic
turn, the vast assemblage and brilliancy of the entire coup
presented by the theatre, fitted up as it was with great taste
and elegance, must have given a considerable stimulant, inde-
pendently of the expanded views now open to every statesmen
of ordinary capacity of intellect. He remained until after
eleven o'clock and then withdrew, just as the company were
beginning to be impatient to hear him. Whether he felt
unwell, was dissatisfied with the arrangement of the toasts, or
was unwilling to fling the flowers of his oratory amongst an
audience, many of whom, by the solicitations of Morpheus, or
some other influence, might be prevented from egtilalating
them as they deserved, was a matter of doubt at the moment,
nor have I heard any positive solution of the question since ;
but a great many with whom I conversed, both before and
after he made his exit, offered the following explanation.
Dinner had been announced at half-past six s the majority
of the company, however, were not admitted to the tables till
half-past seven, and the consumption process had not com-
menced generally before eight o'clock. So that it was nine
o'clock at least before the first toast was given. Now those
who arranged the toasts ought to have known that every gen.
tletnan capable of speaking anything deserving of being lis-
tened to, should like like to have an opportunity of doing so
before twelve o'clock. Sheil has not made a public speech for
some time, and therefore, his observations and views of the
political horisoa were expected with great curiosity. But the
arrangements were certainly such as to expose the company to
the chance of losing that pleasure even though the learned
gentleman was well-disposed to gratify them. This is the only
loss the sempany had to deplore from the management of the
committee. No reasonable complaint can be made on any
other point. Most of the committee were respectable and
intelligent citizens of Dublin, having no other object in view
than to elicit public opinion on the most important topics of
the day, in a manner the most agreeable and social that can be!
devised. Some few gentlemen, however, who belong, not to
the constituency of the county or city of Dublin, were not
only laudably busied about the management of the affair; but
contrived to have their names published in the newspapers with
a few others, as if they were the sole movers and supporters 04
the liberal demonstrations on the occasion. There is no Ilene
whatever in this, further than it dispenses with and alienates
the exertions of some whose example would better, becau.se
more legitimately, promote the public good. If this petty
jobbing for motives, always concealed, could be put an end to,
or eoutrolled as much in Ireland as elsewhere, there is no
country in which a more sincere demonstration of public virtue
could be had on all necessary occasions. But it is incredible
how much this impedes the progress of the liberal cause, and
it is the duty of the public press to animadvert on it on all
fitting opportunities. That distinction which most men are
ambitious of amongst their neiobours, should in such matters
be always conceded to pers.ms of the best property, intelli- '
genC2, and character, in preference to those whose only claims
are their forwardness and taste—l shall not say private interest
in such matters.

RAILWAY AGENCIES.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sir,—Being much engaged in the making and manage-
ment of railways, I would feel obligud.if any of your readers
could inform me, what proportion the amount paid for
agencies generally bears to that paid for labour during the
making of railways ; also the proportion that the agencies
bear to the REVENUE after railways are in operation.
Your's,

AN INQUIRER.

SOUTHAMPTON-SUN DAY.

Our railway is proceeding now rapidly towards its comple-
tion, and a new Steam Company is about to be furmed in this
town, for building more boats to run from this port to the Isle
of Wight ; the shares arc to be 1501. each. It is proposed:
that a steamer full as largo es the George IV. shall leave
Southampton for Cowes every two hours, so much more in-
creased accommodation being required; but this is not all, a
great alteration must be made in the amount charged for the
passage; it is now extravagantly high, and the Company will
not secure the continuance of this passage to themselves if
they require such CIFiI*MOU3 profit.
Died on Friday, the 13th inst., James Hoskins Knight,
aged 61. He had for 30 years conveyed the Isle of Wight
mails in his vessels, and was one of the principal proprietors-of
the steamers running between this port and Cowes, Ryde,
and Portsmouth. lie was perhaps one of the most attentive
men to his numerous passengers that ever commanded a pass-
age vessel ; too man could be more respected. Ho died pos-
sessed of considerable property.
A schooner, loaded with iron, from Newport (Wales),
bound to London, was on shore at the back of the Wight
yesterday ; but has been got off apparently with little damage,
and arrived in Cowes-roads this day.