The Sun.
London, England, 1854-04-11 00:00:00

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gentleman, having given a full:ieeettnt 6£ Mir „It
sent condition, I leave our /cause in your
And when the stewards shall sfAnd'hy your side,
I can leave it with confidenceitii•your pencils. -Ail*
same time I feel that I canncit'eonclude my .ad!,;.;
you this evening in a more appropriate way,
manner more likely to act upon your charitable.
pulses, than in quoting sonic lines once written i4r-
poet-chairman :
" When poverty, with mien of shamedS
-
The sense of pity seems to touch,—
Or, bolder, makes the simple claim,
That we have nothing—you have much :
Believe not either man, nor book,
That bids you close the opening hand,
And with reproving speech and look
Your first and free intent withstand."

[PRICE SD,

ROYAL GENERAL TB EATRICAL FUND

Yesterday the anniversary festival in aid of the funds
of this comparatively recently established but most de-
servedly successful and prosperous institution took place
at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate -street. Mr. 1..
Manes, M.P., occupied the chair, and the general com-
pany mustered 160. The assemblage of ladies in all parts
of the room appropriated to them was very numerous.
The musical arrangements—which were of an unusually
attractive character, were under the surveillance of Mr.
Gen Ere.
The CliernmArr,having proposed the usual loyal toasts,
gave " the Army and Navy," coupling with the two pro-
fessions the names of Col. Mansfield and Mr. T. P. Cooke.
Colonel MANSFIELD returned thanks for the army, and
observed that the toast was no longer a formal one, as it
used to be, but at present gave occasion for the embodi-
ment and expression of the genuine enthusiasm of the
nation from one end to the other.
Mr. T. P. COOKE, who was received with the most en-
thusiastic cheering, said that he might safely leave the
service—both naval and military—to speak for them-
selves. They had not, it was true, opened their mouths
as yet, but when they did so it would be in a language
intelligible and satisfactory to England and to the
world.

" The Bar and Mr. E. James, "The Modern Drains.
and Mr. W. Wallack," "The Strangers present and Mr.
A. Smith," having- been proposed, and duly honoured,
Mr. Tom TAILOR proposed "The Health of the Chair-
man," who acknowledged the compliment in eloquent
terms.

Several other toasts having been proposed ankl re-
sponded to, the company separated.
The subscriptions announced during the evening
amounted to about 5001.

SEIZURE OF SIR G. H. SEYMOUR'S
PROPERTY AT ST. PETERSBURG.

We fear there is no doubt of the melancholy and
ridiculous fact, that his Imperial Majesty the Emperor
of all the Russias has seized and appropriated Sir H.
G. Seymour's property at St. Petersburg. As the per-
sons and property of ambassadors and others concerned
in the political intercourse of nations have ever been
held sacred, such an act as that reported must raise the
gravest suspicions as to the sanity of our antagonist.
Everybody will remember the extravagances of the Em-
peror Paul on a like occasion. That eccentric personage,
after venting his spite against the English, nationally
and individually, in all sorts of ways, declared war, and
at once, without the usual warning, seized all the mer-
chants' ships then in the Neva, and, when two of them
had managed to effect their escape, revenged himself
upon them by burning all the rest. Whether that will
be the fate of Sir G. H. Seymour's house and goods,
or on what pretence they have been seized, contrary to
the law and practice of the whole civilised world, we
have yet to learn. There is something so inconceivably
petty in such an act, and so contrary to the customs,
not only of ,4 gentlemen " but even emperors, and all
believing it, by supposing
civilised beings, that one' naturally tries to escape from
some process of Aussian law
with which Englishmen may be excusably unacquainted.
It looks, however, very like an act of revenge
for the publicity given to the Secret Correspond-
ence and confidential communications of the Em-
peror. But such a revenge must recoil on its
author, and the too eager expectant of a "sick man's"
property has not mended his case by pouncing on the
goods and chattels of a departing ambassador. Possibly
the Czar may think to pick up some papers that may
edify the world as much as the last Little disclosure. It
may be only a " temporary occupation," or perhaps the
Emperor seeks a "material guarantee" for the future
silence of the British Minister on the subject of his in-
terviews. Whatever the motive, or colour, or form, or
pretence, it is a most pitiful proceeding. Europe will
only see in it one more instance of habitual appropria-
tion. The regular practitioner in this line takes nothing
amiss that comes in his way, and will pocket with equal
pleasure a few thousand pounds or a cotton pocket-hand-
kerchief; and the Emperor, with the like professional
spirit, can turn turn from the occupation of provinces to
the seizure of tables and chairs, and such other heavy
goods as Sir G. H. Seymour could not easily carry away
with him. Certainly this is bringing home to us the
dangerous character of our neighbourhood. Sometimes
it is whispered in a theatre, " Take care of your pockets."
That is the condition of Europe just now. "There is a
pickpocket among us." Sir G H. Seymour has been
hustled and robbed. The articles are indeed of very
little value—more valuable to the owner than they could
be to an Emperor ; but when men are making war on
the whole human race, they no more care for the value
of the booty than a sportsman does for the worth of the
poor beasts, birds, or fishes he is so anxious to bag.
The promptitude of the operation snows, beyond a
doubt, that the Emperor was prepared to act on the
contingency. Such a man is never taken by surprise.
He knows what to do with an unguarded house as
well as with a falling empire. In mercantile phrase,
the Minister's departure had already been discounted,
and the Emperor enjoyed the property in anticipation.
In this case there was nobody to consult, and, happily,
no one to divide the spoil with. Nor, again, were
there any embarrassing alternatives. The imperial
housebreaker has not been under the painful necessity of
laying down beforehand what he would not permit on
the part of those whom he suspected of competition for
the prize. He has been under no occasion to explain,
"I will not permit the goods to be carried away. I
will not permit the house to be sold ; nor can I permit
it to be occupied by a tenant. One thing only will I
permit,—viz., that I may take it and its contents for as
long a term as I think proper." The Emperor has been
permitted on this occasion to go through all these alter-
natives in the privacy of his own mind, and this " secret
correspondence" of an imperial housebreaker will never
see the light. But, on the other hand, there is no dis-
guise. There could be no pretence of political necessity,
no fear of a dangerous neighbour. The Emperor ap-
pears to have laid his hands on the property without
more ado than if lie had found a purse on the roadside
and pocketed it. But we beg the Emperor's pardon.
We said that he made no public preparation for the
seizure. He did make a preparation, and that was his
usual one. He informed the world some time since,
of course on the word of a gentleman, that the property
of Englishmen would be sacred at St. Petersburg. Those
unfortunate Englishmen who still choose to remain within
reach of the imperial talons will know what is meant by
sanctity when it is promised by au Emperor. In this
country these matters are left to the universal rules of
international law, interpreted by our authorities. In
Russia to this security is added the " word of an Em-
peror," and the value of that additional security may be
seen in this instance.—Times.

The next toast was " The Members of Parliament
present," which was eloquently responded to by Mr. G.
Vernon, M.P.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed in eloquent terms the
toast of the evening, "Prosperity to the General Thea-
trical Fund," and made a most effective and touching
appeal on behalf of the institution.
Mr. BUCKSTONE, who was received with long-con-
tinued cheering, proceeded to corroborate the appeal of
the chairman. He said—Gentlemen, it has often been
my pleasant duty to acknowledge the toast you have
just honoured with so much enthusiasm, but seldom
have I risen for that purpose with such feelings of ,hope
and exultation as I possess at this moment, for the spe-
cial reason that, in returning thanks and giving an
account of the General Theatrical Fund, I have only
to tell you of its increasing prosperity, and its grow-
ing usefulness, and the recognition it now meets with
from every member of the theatrical profession and
every lover of the drama. That it is recognised by
every lover of the drama I have only to refer you to the
distinguished list of gentlemen who have occupied the
chair on these occasions, and for the last nine years.
Literary men, statesmen, dramatists, and our leading
actors have, during that time, generously appeared here
to encourage us and our cause with their presence, and
to exert their eloquence in our behalf; and though last,
not least, ought we not to be proud of our excellent
chairman this evening ?—a gentleman of high standing
in the senate—a poet—a man of letters and of influence,
and who kindly puts aside matters of greater moment to
attend here and plead the cause of our fund, thus show-
ing, by the countenance given to it by him, that it in-
deed merits the consideration and the patronage of
the first talents and the first gentlemen in the country.
It is now but a " thrice-told tale" to explain the pur-
poses of our fund--indeed, as this is the ninth anni-
vesary of our festival—its objects have been set forth
thrice three times—so that with our " thrice to thine '
and thrice to thine," we have happily arrived at the
"thrice again, that makes up nine," though I will
not add, with Macbeth's witches—" Peace--the charm's
wound up," for I fervently hope that the charm of
this annual meeting may continue for nine times
nine, and for a longer period than that, while its
objects, its intentions, and its influences continue as
they are. Still, as there may be some present who have ,
yet to know the particulars of our institution, I shall ,
briefly state that it was founded for the purpose of afford-
ing relief and granting annuities to actors of every de•
nomination, and of every theatre in England, when
age or infirmity shall prevent them following their pro-
fession. All actors. singers, dancers, pantomimistst
and prompters, are eligible for admission, and to claim
the benefits of our fund, according to its rules ; and at
this moment we number the large amount of 131 sub-
scribers, producing us an annual income of 525/. Your
generosity, gentlemen, at these festivals, has materially
assisted us, while, from the benevolence of yearly sub-
scribers, headed by the magnificent donation other most
gracious Majesty, our present capital amounts to nearly
8,0001 For some time previously, and during the past
year, we have paid seven annuities of from 301. to
GOI. and 90/., while we have returned money to the
survivors of deceased members, forwarded sums for
funeral expenses, and voted donations in sad and
special cases, and which cases, were you to know
of them, you would not only approve of our libe-
rality, but be doubly generous this evening, so that
we should be enabled to do the like again. To
prove to you, gentlemen, with what confidence we are
regarded by old members of the stage, I have now to
state to you that the Edinburgh fund, which has ex-
isted many years, and now numbers but a limited list
of subscribers and annuitants, with a capital of 3,000/.,
is about to become incorporated with the General Thea-
trical Fund, which will receive its existing subscribers,
and guarantee all present and future annuities. It was
at a dinner in celebration of the anniversary of the
Edinburgh Fund, and when the guests had assembled,
as we are at this moment, that Sir Walter Scott con-
fessed himself to be the writer of the Waverley Novels.
When proposing success to the fund, and the health of
Mr. Mackay, the treasurer, and the famous representa-
tive of Bailie Nicol Jarvie, the avowal was made, and
with that famous bailie I have been in correspondence
respecting the amalgamation. The Norwich Theatrical
Fund, also with a capital of 3,000/., and a limited num-
ber of subscribers and annuitants, is about to be asso-
ciated with us—negotiations to that effect having been
carried on for some time, and which are now likely to
be soon completed. And now, gentlemen, I have to
mention another sum which is about to be added to
our capital, and respecting which a short narrative The uncovering of Mr. Baily's magnificent semi-
may not be uninteresting. Many years ago, in my colossal statue of George Stephenson, the real "Railway
" green and salad youth," it may be in the memory King," took place yesterday at the Euston-station of the
of several of the oldest inhabitants of this metropolis, London at North-Western Railway.
that I was an actor at the Royal Coburg Theatre. At George Stephenson may justly be termed the railway
that time many members of the company established a wonder of the nineteenth century. As a boy, a collier,
fund ; the amount of subscription was very trifling, but he served his apprenticeship in the Beddington Colliery,
trifling as it was the salaries we received were not suf- on the Tyne ; and while there, his mechanical genius
ficient to enable us to be very punctual in our payments. began first to develop itself in mending his fellow pit-
I will confess what mine was, and I was then a principal men's watches. For a brief space he was a driver upon
performer—or I will make the confession as an anec- the two-and-a-half mile per hour locomotive which then
dote. Terry and Yates were then the managers of the crawled along the wooden tramways by which the coals
Adelphi Theatre, and as I had produced a successful were conveyed from the pit heaps to the staiths, and
drama there, they were disposed to secure my services while there invented what has been the life and soul of
as an actor. On stating their wish and their offer to the railway system, the mechanism of the blast, the
the then worthy manager of the Coburg, he was perfectly principle of which is to make the evaporation operate
astounded that I should entertain the most remote idea upon the speed, and the speed upon the evaporation.
of leaving him. " What will you do there, sir, said he ? Upon this theory he constructed a locomotive engine at
What can you do : What will become of you ? No, my Beddington Colliery, which, with many improvements,
dear boy," he benevolently added, "remain with me, almost all by him, is the locomotive in use at the present
and as long as ever you live you shall have your 30s. a day. This engine we ourselves saw at Beddington. It
week ; what can you wish for more ?" Well, gentle- was then in full work, and though it looked a
men, I was a subscriber to this fund, a sum was collected, strange, high piled machine, was, three years ago,
and trustees appointed, and everything done that was and probably still is, efficient. The discovery
regular ; but whether it might be in addition to the of the blast was the first step to George Stephen-
smallness of our salaries that our tr:lnspentine habits at son's fortune. lie substituted iron rails for wooden
that time were more reckless and expensive than those of tramways, and was appointed engineer to the first rail-
the actors of the same locality at the present day, or, it way—the Manchester and Liverpool—constructed in
might be, that we were young and careless, with the England, on which he achieved what had ever been con-
world before
line, us, and never dreaming of having grey sidered an impossibility, the bridging over Chat Moss,
hairs or bald heads, except those we wore when in the allowed to be the chef anivre of, railway engineering.
exercise of our professional d
duties, but after a short time The next railway undertaken by t great man was the
all the subscribers became defaulters, and I was amongst London and Birminghami which cost about 50,000/.
them. One of the trustees— and now the only surviving a mile ; and while he w assuperintending it he con-
one (Mr. T. P. Cooke)—retained possession of the amount structed every minutia o railway management—in fact,
actually collected, and for many years it has been in his lie was the founder and the builder of the railway system.
charge, and he has not known what to do with it. Still, He has usefully spent f
more money than, perhaps, it
faithful steward as he has been, he placed it out at in- would be safe exactly to estimate ; but certainly very
terest, and though the sum originally was but 80/., it many millions ; while it is as certain that he has con-
has now increased to 1931. Legal assistance has been structed by far more miles of railway than any engineer
called on to indemnify Mr. Cooke, and that amount in England. You may travel from London to Edinburgh
will now be placed to the account of the general thee- on one uninterrupted line of railroad, all the work of
trical fund ; thus, gentlemen, with 6,2001. added to our the greatest of engineers, George Stephenson. Upon
existing capital of nearly 8,0001., and with what we his death, which happened in 1848, it occurred to the
know you will give us this evening, we may safely calcu- Society of Civil Engineers, which he himself had founded,
late that before many days pass over our heads our that it wouldu
erectb e
a monument on
aproperand
becoming
memorial
suitable
site, toand
sum of' 14,000/. Still, gentlemen, with increasing sue the
total amount of funds will much exceed the important
tdheaptarnto departed t
site could be considered more suitable than the
magnificent hall at Euston square. The subscription
cess we incur increasing liabilities, and with our
his personal friends and to the workmen who had la
subscribers it will need the nicest calculation -and 13;
was only once advertised—the appeal being made to
-
care to meet all the claims that will come upon us. What
we shall now require will be an eligible investment of bo ured under him, and who adored him. The amount
our capital, for we are not so fond of Government stock realised was 2,8081., of which the average amount sub-
as to refuse to place our money where it will be quite scribed by 178 friends was 141. ; the average amount con-
as safe, and yield greater advantages, and we do not tributed by 3,150/. workmen was 2s. The memorial—
look to pay our annuities solely out of the thrifty and a marble statue, about eightleet high—was fittingly en-
infinitesimal doses of interest given by the old lady of trusted to Mr. Baily, who has produced as noble a work as
Threadneedle-street. As I have declared, gentlemen, ever we have seen of the kind. The artist and the en-
the prosperity of our fund, and the recognition it meets giueer had personally known, admired, and esteemed each
with, I have yet to prove to you its usefulness, and other, and the statue—executed partly by the help of
which I can pleasantly show by the emulation it has Mr. Lucas's portrait, but more by the recollections of the
excited over the Atlantic. A General Theatrical Fund friend—represents not only his characteristic attitude
based upon ours, with the same rules, and on the same and his burly figure, but his features at once manly and
liberal principles, has been established in New York, highly intellectual, with, as was admitted by all around,
and where its members and patrons are on this day the perfect expression of the countenance of the original.
celebrating their annual festival—that fund, lam After the derobing of the statue, Mr. G each stated,
happy to say, is equally prosperous with our own, in addition to the information about the subscription
and I cannot give you a stronger instance of the warm which we have already given, that it had been origi
and generous feelings of the gentlemen who support nally proposed to place the work on the main platform
that fund than in relating a circumstance that took of the grand staircase at the back of the hall ; but to
place at their last annual dinner, twelve months ago• have erected it on the landing place of a staircase utterly
At the close of the festivities, and after two thousand out of the line of sight from the hall, which of course
dollars had been subscribed, the treasurer, on giving most he the only point of view, would have been an
an account of the position of the fund, stated that outrage to the spirit of art and to the very harmony of
thirteen hundred dollars were required before, by the things. The statue is therefore plaoed
about two-thirds,
laws of the state, they could be enabled to grant an- or perhaps a little more, toward the upper end of the
unities ; and he hopedcapital , with the they then pos- hall ; but as it would have been just as much an outrage
sessed, that in a year or so they should hold the requi- upon common propriety to have made the founder and
site amount—thirteen hundred dollars were wanting to architect of the railway, from the blast to the whistle, ap-
enable them to commence business. The gentlemen pre- pear to look down upon a trumpery refreshment booth,
sent were too impatient to wait the year or so ; a sudden which has long been an eyesore in the hall, there was a
commotion was observed in the hall ; the stewards loud expression of approval from the members of the
were unusually busy ; several gentlemen were observed committee present, when Mr. Leach announced that it
to be performing rapid acts of penmanship ; when it would be immediately removed, and the sweep of the
was announced that thirteen glorious fellows at that hall left clear.
table had subscribed one hundred dollars each. Two lqr SCOTT RUSSELL then, in a short but gracefully
others, who had not written fast enough, implored to be put together and appropriate speech, proposed that the
admitted with two hundred dollars more, and the sum grateful thanks of the committee should be given to Mr.
required was paid down then and there. " The glorious Bally for the execution of the very beautiful and clia-
thirteen" has been a standing toast ever since ; and if racteristic work before them. Doubtless Mr. Baily had
this is not a fine instance of the generous and impul- received assistance from one or two extraneous source:,
eive go-a-headiveness of Yankee spirit, I don't know but nothing would have enabled him to portray the ex-
what is, and lam only too happy to relate the cireum- pression of his friend butithat instinctive feeling of sym-
star ce at this moment, as I know there are several Ame- pathy which knits one man of genius to another.
rican gentlemen who have come here this evening to Mr. BAILY returned thanks in a few graceful words,
And now, and the curaraittee broke up.
honour and serve WA by their presence.

SVATUE OF GEORGE STEPRENSON.