The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-27 00:00:00

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COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO HIS ROYAL
HIGHNESS THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE.

The members of "White's" gave a grand banquet on
Saturday evening, to his Royal Highness the Duke of
Cambridge, at the Club-house, in St. James's-street.
His Royal Highness, who arrived at eight o'clock, was
vociferously cheered by a numerous crowd of respectable
persons assembled in the vicinity of the club. He wore
his garter and star, but, as a matter of couse, was in
private costume. The committee met his Royal High-
ness in the entrance hall, and conducted him at onoe to
the banquetting room.
The dinner was necessarily confined to a small num-
ber of members, the largest saloon not affording accom-
modation for more than seventy persons. The Duke of
Hamilton occupied the chair, having the Duke of Cam-
bridge on his right hand and the Duke of Leeds upon
his left.
After the banquet the usual loyal toasts having been
proposed and duly honoured.
The Noble CHAIRMAN said they were met to celebrate
an event which being unprecedented in modern days, ren-
dered it difficult for him to perform the duty which the
kindness of his friends had allotted to him. His Royal
Highness the Duke of Cambridge had adopted the noblest
of professions, and had shown his readiness on the first
occasion when the slightest danger manifested itself to
go forward in defence of his country, and to follow out
the honourable career of arms which he had chosen.
There could not be a doubt that this spirit on the part
of his Royal Highness would be hailed with pleasure, not
only by his military comrades and the members of the
club, but by the whole community, among whom his
Royal Highness enjoyed an universal popularity. The
departure of the Duke of Cambridge from this country
would occasion feelings both of pleasure and regret—.
pleasure at the high distinction which his admitted ser-
vices to the army had procured for him ; regret at the
absence of one whose kindness and good feeling made all
regard him as a friend. Fully sensible of the inadequate
manner in which he had fulfilled the office, he was yet
grateful for the kindness that had afforded him the plea-
sure of proposing the health of their honoured guest.
The Duke of Cambridge had his duty to fulfil as a sol-
dier, and though as civilians they might feel regret at
what his military comrades hailed with delight, they had
the high satisfaction of knowing that his Royal High-
ness was leaving England under the most auspicious
circumstances, having the path of glory before him, and
the prospect of noble deeds which might still further
illustrate the fame of his glorious line. He begged to
to give them " The Duke of Cambridge, and success to
his Royal Highness on his approaching campaign."
The noble speaker was frequently interrupted by the
cheering, which accompanied almost every period, and
the toast was hailed with a tumult of applause.
The Duke of CAMBRIDGE immediately rose. His Royal
Highness said—My lords and gentlemen,
.your kindness
places me in a position of some embarrassment, although
conscious that there is not one in this room whom I may
not be permitted to claim as a sincere friend. (Hear.) In
paying this high compliment to myself, I am induced to
think you are rather giving expression to your own senti-
ments in regard to that cause which has given the first
origin to our meeting. All must lament what seems about to
happen ; but our cause is good and just, and your pre-
sence here shows that, however deeply we may deplore
the course of events—our cause being just—we, as Eng-
lishmen are determined to carry it through. (Hear.)
These are the sentiments with which my brethren in
arms and myself will enter on the duties of the distant,
expedition before us. For my own part I feel very diffi-
dent—l confess lam doubtful of my own powers, but,
your kindness this evening satisfies me that you are con-
vinced there will be no want of effort upon my part to
do my duty. (Cheers.) Need I add that I am most
grateful for an honour that has rarely happened to any
individual, and which I consider the proudest tes-
timonial that can be offered me. (Hear, hear, hear.)
I see myself surrounded by kind friends and gentlemen
of every party, several of whom I believe have come
from the country to pay me this compliment. I assure
you I shall never forget this mark of the distinguished
kindness you bear towards me. (Hear, hear.) I trust
when I return—at a period, I hope, not far distant--I
shall have shown that I am not unworthy of your con-
fidence.

The duke, who delivered his speech in a very frank
and manly manner, resumed his seat amid reiterated
cheers, at the close of which the Duke of Hamilton
called for I" one cheer more," which was the signal for a
renewal of the applause.
The healths of the Duchess of Cambridge and the
Princess Mary were next proposed by the noble chair-
man, and drunk with much enthusiasm, his Royal High-
ness returning thanks in a few words for the honour
done his mother and sister.

The noble CHAIRMAN, in proposing "The Navy and
the Army," said this was a toast which, in the enlight-
ened times of peace, was always received with acclamation
—in the present time the welcome given it must be two-
fold. The two services which he saw so admirably repre-
sented there would doubtless prove themselves worthy
the expectations of the country. Moreover, there was a
new cause for emulation to both services. The French
fleets and the French army were about to fight side by
side with them for almost the first time in English his-
tory. • He doubted not that as they had always shown
themselves gallant foes, they could not but prove good
allies. (Cheers.)

Admiral Rous said, it was now forty years since this
country had been engaged in warfare with any great
power, and yet a fieetmanned to its full complemerrt had
been sent to sea without 'the aid of " press gangs "—a
fact which he thought spoke highly for the spirit of the
people. The young men of the present day were quite
as good as their fathers—their hearts as brave, and their
hands as ready ; and when you came to put the British
flag against that of Russia, it was a thousand to one in
favour of old England. (Cheers and laughter.) The
flag that had braved the battle and the breeze for so
many years would never have its honour affected or be-
come tarnished by a parcel of greasy Russians. (Cheers.)
Lord ADOLPHUS FITZCLARENCE said, t agree with the
gallant admiral in every laudatory expression he has
used respect the condition of our fleets and the condi•
tion of our seamen. I left the fleet only this morning,
and I can testify that the crew of every ship is fully de-
termined to do its duty, and keep the old character of the
British navy.

The Earl of CARDIGAN acknowledged the toast on
behalf of the army.

The Duke of CAMBRIDGE proposed "The health of
the noble chairman" in a very handsome manner.
The Duke of HAMILTON briefly responded to the
compliment.

Lord ADOLPHUS FITZCLARENCE next proposed " The
health of Lord Raglan and the British Army under his
command," which was drunk with all the honours.

The Duke of HAMILTON said, as a parting toast, he
would give them a sentiment common in Scotland, but
perhaps not so well-known on this side the Tweed.
It was—

" Happy to meet,
Sorry to part,
Happy to meet again !"
If the toast be unusual, as the noble chairman sug•
gested, it may now be considered as fairly acclimated,
for the company received it with a shout of applause,
and drank in bumpers.
Immediately afterwards the party broke up.

THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
THIS EVENLVG, FEB. 27,
Will be performed THE VENDETTA. Principal characters by
Messrs. G. V. Brooke and T. Mead.
To be followed by THE BEGGAR'S OPERA. Characters by
Mr. A. Younge, Mrs. Selby, Miss M. Stanley, and Miss Feather-
stone.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Under the management of Mr. Backstone.
THIS EVENING, FEB. 27,

Will be performed GUY MANNERING. Characters by Messrs.
Elliott Gaffer, W. Farren, Compton, Rogers, Howe, Clark, Core, and
Cullenford; Miss Cashman, Miss Julia Harland, and Mrs. L. S.
Buckingham.

After which, the Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, called
HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE BEARS; or, Little Sliverhair
and the Fairies. Columbine, Miss M. Brown; Harlequin, Mr. J.
Marshall; Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Barnes; Clown, Mr. H. Marshall

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. CHARLES KE*N.
THIS EVENING, FEB. 27,
Will be performed RICHARD THE THIRD. Principal chirae-
ter by Mr. C. Kean.

After which will be presented the new Grand CHRISTMAS PAN
TOMIME, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE MILLER AND
HIS MEN; or, King Salamandar and the Fairy of the Azure
Lake. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Hahne; Pantaloon,
Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Miss Desborough.

LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of Madame Vestris.
THIS EVENING. Fzu. 27. _

Will be performed A BACHELOR OF ARTS. Characters by
Messrs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Baker ; Miss F. Hughes.
After which, the original Fairy Extravaganza, called ONCE
UPON A TINIE THERE WERE TWO KINGS. Principal cha-
racters by Mr. Roxby and Madame Vestris.
To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI.
Prtprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste.
TIII3 EVENING, FEB. 27,

Will be presented theh!ghly Popular New Nautical Melo-drama
in live tanleaux, with new scenery, the Sea of Ice, &c. new
dresses and appointments, called THE PRIME' OF GOLD; or,
THE LOST SHIP AND THE WILD FLOWER OF MEXICO.'
Principal characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Keeley, Paul Bedford,
Madame Celeste, &e.
To conclude with THE SERIOUS FAMILY.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEA.TRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan.
THIS EVENING, FEB. 27,
will be performed PLOT AND PASSION. Principal characters
by
y Mr. F. Robson and Mrs. Stirling.
After 'chick. THE BENGAL TIGER. Principal characters by
Messrs. Alfred Wigan, and F. Robson; and Mrs. Wigan and Miss
Marston.
To conclude with THE LOTTERY TICKET. Characters by
Messrs. Emery, Vincent, and F. Hobson; and Miss E. Turner.

STRAND THEATRE.
sole Lessee, 51:, F. W. Allcroft.—Directress, Miss Rebecca Isaacs,

VHS EVENING, FEB. 27,
Will be preaented (7th time) " NO larsu NEED APPLY."
After which, MIDAS.
To be followed 1y THE TWO GHEGORIES.
To conclude with THE CORIZONIAN BR3THERS.
Stalls, :is.; Poses, Is.; Pit, (iallery, 6d.; Private Boxes,
115.6d.,11 to be had of Mr. Allcrnft, 15, New Bor,d-street.

ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manazer, Mr. William Cooke.

Positively THE LAST NIGHT of THE PERFORMING ELE-
PHANTS. Triumphant success of the New Spectac.e. Last 5
Nights of the Pantomime.

THIS EVENING, FEB. 27,

(And dining the week, Wedne•:day excepted) the new, grand, and
romantic spectacle entitled THE WOOD \IAN'S HORSE; or, The
False Knight—the Woodman's Hose by the pet steed, Beauty,
expressly trained by NIT*. William Cooke ; succeeded by (on Mon-
day only) he astounding performances of the ELEPHANTS. After
which Scenes of the ARENA. To conclude with the Comic Panto-
mime of BILLY ..111T FON'S jOCRN.EY TO BRENTFORD ; or,
Harlequin and the Ladles' Favourite.

Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. IV.
West.

!HOU WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
T DAY —Morning 2 min.after 2 I Evening 24 min.aft. 2
•gCltßOW—Morning 47 mithafter 2 I Evening 8 min.aft. 3

THE WEATHER.—SuN OFFIGB, FEB. 26.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
5:3 —highest since noon yesterday.
38 —lowest this morning and during the night.
49 —this day at noon.

BAROMETER, 30'60.
WIND, N.W.—Fresh breeze, and fine weather.
FEBRUARY 27.
51— highest since noon yesterday.
38—lowest this morning and during the night.
50 —this day, at noon.

BAROMETER, 30'43.
WIND, variable W.S.W. to S.W.—Fine, sunshiny
weather.

N"
'3"
g".!:f0

:I.T. ;'^
• 4

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LONDON, MONDAY, FEBRITAIZY 27, 1354.

We are by no means disposed to linger over
the reminiscences of the past, or to speculate too
curiously on the probable consequences that would
have followed a different line of policy from that,
in the first instance, adopted by her MAJESTY'S Go-
vernment. We are quite willing to let bygones
be bygones. So long as the vigour and resolu-
tion be displayed which the magnitude of the
emergency so imperatively demands, and so long
as the spirit evinced in the recent speeches
of Lords CLARENDON, PALMERSTON, and Jomsr
RUSSELL be fairly and unequivocally maintained,
so long will we afford our most strenuous assist-

ante to those who, even at the eleventh hour,
are endeavouring to vindicate the honour and to
advance the interests of Great Britain. We look
not, then, to the events of last year, but rather,
as Lord CLARRNDON demanded, " to the condition
in which we now stand, and to the prospects that are
before us !" But we believe it to be an indispens-
able duty to examine more closely the probable
results of the war than the Noble Secretary for
Foreign Affairs was prepared to do, and to indi-
cate to the Government the feelings and. wishes
of the overwhelming majority of the people, and
the nature and extent of the requisitions which
must be satisfied before the sword which we have
been compelled reluctantly to draw can be again
restored to the scabbard.

It may not be convenient for Ministers to dis-
cuss in either branch of the Legislature the im-
portant question of " What is to be the result of
the war ?" But it is exceedingly desirable that
the independent journals should enter into that
consideration, and investigate the matter in all
its varied aspects. Thus will the chosen advisers
of her _MAJESTY know what is expected at their
hands. Thus will they knol% how to frame mea-
sures tending towards the attainment of those
objects, and thus will they know how far they
may rely upon the support of the nation, and be
enabled clearly to discern the course which they
must pursue, if they hope to obtain the great
reward of the labours of the statesman—the re-
spect and admiration of a grateful country.
Lord OLARENDON has himself vindicated the ne-
cessity for turning the war into which wo
have been forced by the unparalleled insolence
and aggression of the adversary, to good account.
He has unequivocally acknowledged that clouds
have long been hovering in the political horizon,
that "we are apps °aching, or already embarked
in, that great question which has long been fore-
seen, and long postponed by all the able and clear-
sighted statesmen of Europe I " and that " as
we are forced into it, not by our own consent, it
ought to be settled once for all ! "
The position and power of Russia it was that
gave cause for these serious and well-founded ap-
prehensions—that made all the able and clear-
sighted statesmen of Europe clearly distinguish
the approaching storm ; and if we are to do that
"which is necessary for the future tranquillity
sad security of Europe"-,a we are " to take
"'lid guarantees that Europe may not again be
deprived
of the great blessings of peace"—we
must effectually reduce the strength of "the
single man-holding, despotic Power, and irres-
ponsible for the exercise of it over many
millions of People !"
The very Prin. ciple of despotism—the imperious
and uncontrolled will of an individual—is indeed
as irreconcileable with the welfare and safety of
other nations as it is of his own kingdom. The
voice of public opinion
has no influence with
a person.
such lie pursues a course of
self-aggrandisement, without
restrained - es that - being by
any of
the motiv
affect ordinary
men. A species of insanity, or monomania, in-
duces him to think that he is elevated above the
level of humanity, and little inferior even to the
DEITY. The very principle of autocracy should
therefore be annihilated, or at least the Power for
mischief of those by whom it is wielded imp
aired
and crippled, if we desire to obtain any adequate
security for a permanent and lasting peace.
How, then, can that great desideratum, be
achieved ? How can we most effectually prevent
Russia from again despoiling her neighbours and
enriching herself at the expense of those
who have the misfortune to be Placed in
such dangerous proximity ? Simply by com-
pelling her to disgorge the plunder of past
ages, and to restore to the lawful owners the
usurped or conquered territories, and to abolish

the unwarrantable privileges which she has ex-
torted from the fears or weakness of other Powers.
For a long series of years she has been extending
her territories on every side, encroaching on and
basely robbing those whom she has pretended
to guard and. protect. She has more than
quadrupled her population, by incorporating
other nations that come within her rapacious
clutches. Poland long-suffering, deeply-in-
jured, but noble Poland—is but one of many
victims. The countries which once consti-
tuted the barrier of Christendom against
Mahometan invasion has been ruthlessly sacrificed,
and partitioned among those whom it formerly
protected from invasion. But, restored by the
strong right arms and indomitable spirits of its
children, it will, Phoenix-like, arise from its ashes,
and assume a prominent and important position
in the scale of nations.

Finland, too, must be restored to its former
connexion with Sweden, and the hardy race by
which it is inhabited induced to return to their
ancient allegiance. The dominions on the Baltic
and the Gulf of Finland, all of which have been
forcibly or fraudulently obtained, since the acces-
sion of PETER the GREAT, must be taken away.
Russia has endeavoured to transform the Baltic
into a Russian lake. She must no longer be
allowed to retain the power she has so grossly
abused, but be kept within her original limits, with
her only northern ports on the Frozen Ocean.
Cronstadt, Riga, and Reval must be restored,
with the Baltic provinces in which they are situate,
to their lawful owners, and Russia be contented
to carry on a peaceful commerce by permission of
those owners, and to have Archangel as of yore
her only port for naval armaments.

With the restoration of Finland, Livonia, and
Esthonia, East Bothnia, and Aland to Sweden,
and the resuscitation of Poland in all its inte-
grity, matters will be tolerably well arranged
in the Baltic, and towards Austria and Prussia
the usurper will have retraced his footsteps the
seven hundred miles he has advanced, and by
which he is now enabled to threaten these king-
doms with invasion at any moment. So far for
the west and south-west. But on the south itself
even more will have to be accomplished. Russia
has not only advanced her frontiers on the side of
Turkey, but also of Persia. She has formed
establishments on the Euxine, the Caspian, and the
Sea of Azoff and Aral, to which she has no manner
of right. She has seized on Podolia and Bessarabia,
passing first the Bug and then the Dneister, as she
has more recently done the Pruth (in each instance
incorporating the plundered provinces), and as she
yet hopes to pass the Danube, and to accomplish
the destruction of Turkey in Europe. She has
also taken possession of the Crimea and all the
territories on the Black Sea and the Sea of Azoff,
which PETER had, by the treaty of Falksen, ex-
pressly agreed to surrender, binding herself to
maintain no navy in the Sea of Azoff. She has,
however, not only violated that treaty, but has
taken possession of Georgia, and the fertile plains
abutting on the Caspian, on which she formerly
possessed but some barren and unproductive
steppes. She also, as far as practicable, appro-
priated the Caucasian territory, invading the
noble and unconquerable Circassians, pushing her
encroachments on the southern banks of the
Phasis and the Araxes. After a successful con-
test she assumed the exclusive use of the Caspian
by the suppression of the Persian Flag on its
waters. All these robberies she has achieved,
while she has also not only got possession of the
Sulina Mouths of the Danube, but contrived to
render the Euxine a mare elausum, seriously im-
peding the navigation of that noble river, and
preventing the British Navy from protecting the
commerce of Britain in the Black Sea.

These unfounded claims can no longer be al-
lowed. How can we, claiming the sovereignty of
the ocean, sanction the existence of a mare clatt-
sum, ? It cannot, it must not, and it shall not be to-
lerated. The various treaties entered into have
been annulled by the war. Be it our care to see
that they are not re-established, and that the pre-
tended protectorate of Servia, Wallachia, and
Moldavia shall be pereniptorily repudiated. Let
us do these things, and compress Russia nearly, if
not altogether, within her ancient limits, and we
shall be amply recompensed for the exertions we
are making and are about to make, and the an-
noyance and injury we have already sustained or
may hereafter sustain ; for we shall have laid the
foundations of a permanent, a lasting, and an
honourable peace—a peace that will not speedily
be again wantonly and flagitiously violated, and
we shall have done more than was ever hitherto
effected by any nation of the globe to promote
the happiness and prosperity of the entire civi-
lised world.

We are at war. The preparations for the con-
flict are perceptible on every side. All is bustle
and activity in the dockyards and at the several
recruiting stations—everywhere, in fact, where
the personnel or materiel of war can be obtained.
But while exhibiting extraordinary energy in
these matters, we are wilfully neglecting one of
the most important particulars—one which is in-
dispensable in the event of a protracted struggle.
Money has been truly termed "the sinews of war,"
for without it nothing can be effected. The best-
drilled army will be practically useless without its
miraculous influence. Experienced veterans will be
little better than undisciplined hordes without its
potent aid. It is, indeed, the true ALADDIN'S
lamp, the wand of the magician, that endues
the possessor with almost supernatural at-
tributes, that enables him to convey troops in
any direction, and to create diversions most
favourable to himself and prejudicial to his adver-
saries. The gold of England has during for-
mer wars, perhaps, been even more efficient
than her arms iu promoting and enforcing the
policy which she was desirous of carrying out.
In the present instance, the AUTOCRAT is for-
tunately but scantily furnished with this indis-
pensable instrument. Notwithstanding the mag-
nitude of his dominions and the countless myriads
of barbarians that own his sway, he is compara-
tively poor in money matters. If his exchequer
were proportioned to the other resources of his em-
pire we might look to a long continuance of hos-
tilities, and a fearful struggle before peace could
again be restored, and the sword be laid aside for
the ploughshare. It is the poverty, and not the
will, of NICHOLAS that must lead to his speedy
submission, and compel him to make ample retri-
bution for his unwarranted and unwarrantable
aggressions, and his pertinacious and insulting
persistance in the original injury. He has, how-
ever, clearly foreseen the difficulty in which he is in-
volved, and is straining every nerve to repair the de-
ficiency of which he is so painfully conscious. One of
the most obviousmeanshaslong since been adopted.
Even while negotiations were still going forward,
and while the diplomatists were disputing about
sentences, and hair-splitting and quibbling about
forms of expression, NICHOLAS had given instruc-
tions for the issue of no less than sixty mil-

lions of inconvertible paper roubles, which,
being issued on the authority and credit of
the Empire, would be available for internal cir-
culation in the country, and render the entire
supply of specie available for the support of the
troops.

Fas est ab poste doceri. Why should we not
profit by the lesson thus taught by our opponent ?
Why should we pause until circumstances render
a Bank Restriction Act inevitable, when our
bullion is drawn away to supply the exigencies of
the Northern despot ? Let us keep the money
now stored up in the coffers of the Bank for the
use of our friends rather than of our adversaries,
and assist with our gold France and Turkey,
and not Russia. A most just and salutary
proclamation has been issued, forbidding the ex-
portation of the munitions of war, and very pro-
perly including steam machinery among the pro-
hibited articles. But why do we pause there,
why do we leave matters in such a state,
that the most important of all these mu-
nitions may be carried off openly, while
the CZAR is ridiculing the fatuity that sacrifices
the inestimable advantages we possess, and
provides for wants that could not elsewhere be
p‘. es,
supplied ? may well sneer at constitutional
principles, when they lead to such results as his
frigates being repaired in the public dockyards