The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-22 00:00:00

LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 22, 1854.

1111/1* A.cludLiTtEheß B
TERNSEMsEIOTBIIER
'SLAl‘NID°and theNTBSLIJAIPLONCN,
THIS EVENING, and Every Evening at Eight o'Clock, (except
Saturday) ; and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Mornings, at Two.
Stalls, :is. (which can be taken at the box• office every day from 11
till 4 ; area, 25.; gallery, ls.—Egyptlan Hall, Piccadilly.

rIONSTANTINOPLE TO-NIGHT at Eight,
and Every Day at Half-past Two and Eight o'clock. The
Lecture is delivered by Mr. CHARLES KENNEY or Mr. J. H.
STOCQUELER, and has been written by Mr. ALBERT SMITH
and Mr. SHIRLEY BROOKS.

Admission, is.; Reserved Seats, 2s.
EGYPTIAN HALL.

pURS SELL' S.—BALL SUPPERS and
WEDDING BREAKFASTS SUPPLIED in the first style;
public breakfasts, dinners, and promenade suppers supplied by con-
tract; a large stock of bride cakes for immediate use, from one to
twenty guineas each; a handsome cake for five guineas, packed and
sent to any part of the country if required, and warranted to keep 12
months.--JonN R. PuassELL, 162, Regent-street, and 20, Ludgate-
hill, only.

COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL.

CHRIST'S HOSPITAL.

On Monday ;special court was held in consequence of
a requisition numerously signed, for the purpose of con-
sidering what steps should be taken by the court in re-
ference to the office of President of Christ's Hospital,
now vacant. _

The LORD MAYOR assured the court that he was no
party to the requisition, but that, on the contrary, he
had declined to give any opinion as to the propriety of
summoning the members upon the occasion. He hoped,
however, as he was a candidate for the office, that they
would allow him to make a few observations on the sub-
ject of the approaching election for the office. (Hear,
hear.) He considered that if he hesitated to stand for
the presidency of the hospital, he would cast a reflection
upon himself as Lord Mayor. He had consulted the
City Solicitor and the Town Clerk, and he had asked
the opinion of several grave and experienced men, all of
whom concurred in believing that he had no alternative.
(Hear, hear.) His lordship then proceeded to quote
from the records of the corporation from the commence-
ment of the institution to the death of Alderman Thomp-
son, the unbroken chain of instances in which the office
had been held by members of the Court of Aldermen,
and declared that upon public grounds alone, and in de-
fence of the rights and privileges of the corporation, he
had-determined in the most vigorous manner to resist the
attempt at interference. (Cheers.)
Deputy BOWER rose to move " that the office of 'pre-
sident of Christ's Hospital having for a great many years
been uniformly filled by a member of the Court of Alder-
men, this court is of opinion that no reason exists for a
departure from that precedent, and that the appoint-
ment of any other person, however exalted, to that
honourable office, would be an infringement of the an-
cient privileges of this corporation, and prejudicial to
the independence and interests of the citizens of Lon-
don." He thought the court was bound to make a show
of opposition, when such an attempt was made to take
from the citizens of London a privilege which had existed
for so many years. How it was, he would ask, that
commercial men who had hitherto so admirably headed
the institution, were to be interrupted as to their right
of succession to the office Why had those who con-
ducted the antagonistic movement looked for a candidate
elsewhere ? (Hear, bear.) Because they were anxious
to monopolise the power of the president themselves, and
knew that their candidate would not prevent their exer-
cise of that authority. But he thought that if the Duke
of Cambridge saw, by a fair statement of the claims of
the corporation, that his Royal Highness was made the
instrument of an unfair invasion of their privileges, he
would withdraw from so unseemly an exhibition. (Hear,

hear.)
Deputy LOTT seconded the motion. He agreed with
the mover that the almoners, in conjunction with the
treasurer, were seeking to have everything in their own
way, and the election of the Duke of Cambridge would,
he had no reason to doubt, effect that object by throw-
ing the duties of the office into their hands A glance at
the list of the names of the committee of his royal high-
ness was a sufficient test of the motives by which it was
sought to influence the election. The governors who
were governors by privilege were in fact mere ciphers in
the Christ Hospital transactions. The donation gover-
nors exercised all the power. He did not consider the
present a personal movement at all. (Hear, hear.) It
was the commencement of a series of innovations, and
he hoped it would be met by a resistance proportioned
to the force of the mischievous object of the enemies of
the corporation. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. ABRAHAM rose hr no unfriendly spirit to move an
amendment. He concurred in the opinions expressed by
the mover and seconder, but the resolution in his opinion
contained controversial matter which it might not be ju-
dicious to adopt under the circumstances. He could not
subscribe to the doctrine that the election of the Duke
of Cambridge would be subversive of the ancient pri-
vileges of the corporation. The corporation could
claim no exclusive privilege in an election of the
kind. (Hear, hear.) He would be sorry to see
any person except the Lord Mayor in the chair at
Christ's Hospital, but he believed the best thing the
court could do would be to engage in an immediate and
active canvass for his lordship, and under that impres-
sion he proposed as an amendment, "That this court
sees no reason for a departure from the long existing
custom of appointing a member of the Court of Alder-
men to the presidential chair of Christ's Hospital, and
pledges itself to assist the Lord Mayor in obtaining that
office."
Deputy CoRNEY thought the question ought to be re-
ferred to the consideration of the Court of Aldermen,
who were well able to judge whether their privileges
were invaded by the act of bringing forward the Duke
of Cambridge.
Alderman SALOMONS said the court ought to give
utterance to their opinion of what they had reason to
consider to be an innovation upon their privileges. He
was against any wanton or unnecessary change, and he
spoke as a donation governor as well as a governor by
corporate privilege.
Mr. W. JONES approved of the amendment, as a mode
of avoiding personal matter and satisfactorily accom-
plishing the object the court had at heart.
Deputy DAMN and other members strongly supported
the original motion, and Mr. ABRAHAM withdrew his
amendment.

The previous question was then put, as was the
amendment, but was soon after withdrawn, the court
having shown convincing proofs of their approval of the
motion of Deputy Bower—which, upon being put by the
Town Clerk, was unanimously and amidst acclamations
agreed to.
The court then adjourned.

COMPARATIVE REWARDS OF MR. COBDEN
AND COLONEL THOMPSON.

While freely acknowledging the great and important
services rendered by Mr. Richard Cobden—now of Rus-
sian alliance notoriety—to the Anti-Corn-Law League,
we cannot forget that the veteran reformer, Colonel Per-
ronet Thompson, was really and truly the prime mover,
the prompter, and master-spirit of that movement.
Colonel Thompson was a staunch repealer before Mr.
Cobden commenced the agitation. He embodied the
spirit of the League before the League existed. His
Anti-Corn-Law catechism, tracts, and other publications,
furnished the arguments from which Mr. Cobden and
others drew their irresistible appeals to the reason and
common-sense of the country. Colonel Thompson was
a platform speaker also. He took an active and public
share in the movement, and was everywhere ono of the
most popular advocates of the cause. But, though pos-
sessing the principal merit, he left to Mr. Cobden the
lion's share of the glory.
Posterity 'will do Colonel Thompson justice;
but has he received justice at the hands of the pre-
sent generation ? So far is this from being the case,
that we find Mr. Cobden at this moment in posses.
sion of an ample fortune, as the acknowledged re-
ward of his anti-corn-law labours, while, on the
other hand, the veteran Colonel Thompson has not
only never been rewarded, but has been subjected to a
species of persecution on account of the active and im-
portant part which he took in the same and similar move-
ments. His name has been omitted in the promotions,
and he has been expressly declared disqualified from ap-
pearing "in any future brevet." The gallant colonel
has in vain applied for restoration. No moral offence—
no dishonourable conduct—no seditious practices are
laid to his charge. He never followed the Chartist
banner of any agitating demagogue. Yet, as the
reward of his public services, instead of receiving a
public donation of sixty or seventy thousand pounds, he
has been degraded from the army list, and declared dis-
qualified from appearing in any future brevet. Of course
the real mottves are not assigned. His disqualification
is attributed to some disputed matter of form. Yet there
can be no mistake in the case. The motives that ani-
mate the authorities in the Horse Guards are too appa-
rent. An indignant protest which the Colonel has
recently published, concludes thus—
"Not to leave anything uncertain, I wind up with say-
ing that my claim is for restoration to my place in the
Army List, from which I conceive I have been unjustly
removed in revenge for my public conduct on the Corn
Laws and the Queen's succession."
And again, in another letter, showing "How public
services are rewarded "

" There is something very disagreeable in being supposed
to deal in hints and insinuations. I therefore state distinctly
my belief, that I have been degraded by the military auth cri-
ties on false pretences, in vengeance for having supported
in Parliament the cause of Reform and Legitimate Succes-
sion to the Throne, the only preventive for which in future
will he to bring the Government of the Army under a con-
stitutional minister, removable as other ministers, includ-
ing the governors of the Navy, aro, by majorities of the
House of Commons."
The nation ought to take up this matter. It is a dis-
grace to the country that Colonel Perronet Thompson
should suffer persecution and injustice for fighting the
battles of the people, while Richard Cobden, his disciple
and copyist, and who has done nothing but blunder in
everything he undertook himself, should not only pilfer
the glory but run away with the prize.—Scotch Reforincr's
Gazolfr.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

Not the least important announcement, in connexion
with the expedition which we are despatching to the
East, is that contained in a Treasury minute just issued,
whereby directions are given to the Commissariat de-
partment for supplying the troops with malt liquors,
preserved potatoes, chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, rice,
and Scotch barley for broth. These articles of diet aro
in an addition to the ordinary rations of bread and meat,
and to be supplied in detail at their nearest wholesale
cost, without payment of duty and excluding incon-
venient fractions, thus leaving the public to bear the
expense which will be incurred for freight, packing, and
other incidental charges. The following tabular state-
ment shows the supplies provided, the cost price, and
the rate of proposed charge :

Rate of
Articles.
Quantities
Cost Price. proposed
• provided. Charge to
the Troops.
Porter 61,800 gals. 355. per bar. of 3C 3d. per qt.
Pale ale (for the gals.
officers) 2,700 ~ 40s. per ditto. -4€ l. fl
Preserved pota-
toes 50,000 lbs. 50. per 110. 50. rer lb.
Chocol..te
Coffee BO,OOO „ 611. 10s. per ton. 6,1 d. „
Tea
Sugar
Rice 200,000 „ 261. 1()s. per ton. 3d. ~
Scotch barley
for broth lO,OOO ~ 14s. 60. per cwt. Lid. ~

The regulations under which the different articles are
to be delivered in bulk by the Caipnissof_at to each
regiment and then distributed in detail will probably be
left to Lord Raglan to determine, and his lordship will,
no doubt, fix a limit to the quantity allowed to officers
and men, in crder that the boon thus conferred may not
be converted to other purposes than the soldier's benefitt.
The importance of this precaution is pointed out in the
Treasury minute, it being very naturally presumed that
in the article of beer especially the predilections of our
troops are likely to undergo no change from service in
the East. The foregoing arrangement must give great
satisfaction not only to those gallant fellows who will
be directly benefited thereby, but also to their country-
men at home who will have all the more confidence in
the triumph of our arms when they know that the
" pluck " of our soldiers is sustained by a liberal Com-
missariat. Should the plan succeed with the expe-
ditionary force, as is expected, it will probably be ex-
tended to the troops ordinarily serving abroad ; but, as
our policy is now to let our colonies not only govern
but defend themselves, the diminished number of soldiers
required for foreign service will enable us, without any
serious loss to the revenue, to make suitable provision
for their comfort. It is to the honour of the East India
Company that they set the example in this respect, but
the Treasury are entitled to commendation for this
additional proof of their attention to the wants of the
soldier.

SOUTHAMPTON, MARCH 21.

Capt. Austin, R.N., the Admiralty Superintendent of
Packets at this port, has received instructions to survey
the Peninsular and Oriental Company's screw steamer
Colombo, of 1,800 tons and 450-horse power, and report
upon her capacity for the conveyance of troops. The
Colombo is being coaled and prepared for sea, and may
be made available for the transport service at two or
three days' notice. In the event of her being chartered
by the Government, the Sultan would be despatched
with the India and China mails of the 4th of April,
which are at present arranged to be taken out by the
Colombo.

It is expected that the 38th regiment will embark
from this port in a few days for the East by the Royal
mail steamer Magdalena, which has been held at the
disposal of the Government for the last fortnight.

PORTSMOUTH, ALLRea 21.

The St. Vincent, 102, Captain Scott, is progressing
fast with her rigging. She has main and mizen topmasts
up and fidded, and foretopmast slung ready for hoisting
on board.

The Caesar, 91 (screw), Captain Robb, is swinging at
Spithead for the adjustment of her compasses.
A survey has been held to-day upon the state of the
Penelope, 16, paddle-frigate, Captain Lyster, with the
view of making her available for further immediate ser-
vice in this emergency.
The Gladiator, 6, paddle-frigate, has been brought to
the steam factory jetty to-day to receive her new shaft.
She is to be ready for commission by the 3d proximo.
The Resistance, 42, troop-ship, Master Commander
Bradshaw, hauled out of dock to the fitting-basin this
afternoon to complete for sea.
The Cuckoo, steam-vessel, arrived this morning from
the eastward, with seamen and supernumeraries for the
fleet.

Some blasting experiments connected with naval ope-
rations were exhibited to-day at Rat Island, in this
harbour, in the presence of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas
Cockrane, K.C.8., the Commander-in-Chief, Captain
Sir Thomas Maitland, C. 8., of the Excellent, Captain
Savage, R.M.A., Instructor in Fortification at the
Royal Naval College, and other scientific officers. We
abstain from minutely describing the object from pru-
dential motives.

The Gorgon, 6, paddle-wheel sloop, Commander
Cumming, completed the adjustment of her compasses
to-day, and will bend sails to-morrow, preparatory to
dropping out to Spithead, where the St. George, 121,
Caesar, 91, Prince Regent, 90, and Desperate, 8, re-
main at anchor.

The 23d Royal Welsh Fusiliers, under the command
of Lieutenant-Colonel Chester, paraded this morning, at
10 o'clock, in the Governor's field, within Portsmouth
Garrison, in heavy marching order. Major• General
Simpson went through the ranks and inspected the arms,
accoutrement', and kits of the men. This regiment is in
the highest state of efficiency, and eager for active ser-
vice. It is expected to embark shortly for Turkey.

PLYMOUTH, MARCH 21.

Her Majesty's screw steam-ship James Watt, 91,
Captain George Elliot, will go out of harbour on Satur-
day. Her crew will probably be paid wages the same
day, and she will sail on Sunday for the eastward.
The hospital ship Belleisle, 24, Commander James
Hosken, was yesterday moved from the sheer-hulk to
the jetty, to be rigged by seamen riggers.
The crew of the steam-vessel Conflict bent sails yes-
terday. She will go out of harbour to-day.
Wind, easterly, blowing strong.

-WOOLWICH, llama 21.

The Lightning steam-vessel, Captain Sulivan, left this
morning, at five o'clock for Sheerness, preparatory to her
proceeding to the Baltic. She is to be employed in lay-
ing down buoys where the navigation is difficult, and
will be assisted in that service by the Alban, commis-
sioned at this port by Captain Otter. The Lightning
had 12 buoys put on board at Woolwich. Her duties
will be of no ordinary kind, as it is understood that the
Emperor of Russia has ordered all the buoys serving as
guides to safe navigation in the Baltic to be removed
previous to the arrival of the British fleet. The Light-
ning and the Alban are preparing to lay down about
350 buoys, which will be taken out a few in each of the
ships of war and war steamers proceeding to the
Baltic.
The Archer, 14, screw steam-corvette, Captain Heath-
cote, remains in the harbour here ready to join the Bal.
tic fleet, and is expected to leave Woolwich for her des-
tination in the course of the week.
The Hope, hired steam-transport, left Woolwich yes-
terday afternoon, with the officers of the Commissariat
and a large quantity of commissariat stores on board, for
Malta.

The Melbourne, hired steam-transport, is having coals
put on board from the coal depot off Woolwich Dock-
yard.
The John Masterman, No. 9, horse-transport, was
brought down from Deptford to Woolwich on Saturday,
and is now in the basin ready for embarking horses pro-
ceeding with the next detachment of the Royal Artil-
lery for service in the East.
The Allipore, No. 8, horse-transport, was towed down
the river yesterday from Deptford to Woolwich by the
Rhadamanthus paddle-wheel steam-storeship, Master-
-1 Commander Belam, and has also been taken into the
basin.
The Palmerston, No. 7, horse-transport, was towed
down from Deptford to Woolwich in the afternoon, but
too late to be taken into the basin on the same day.
1
It is expected the Melbourne will embark the reserve
battery of Artillery, under the command of Captain
Barker, as that battery takes out no horses.
ROYAL ARSENAL.

The whole of the workmen belonging to the royal car-
riage department worked from seven o'clock a.m.to seven
o'clock p.m. on Sunday last. Nearly 1,000 men are
employed in that department in the construction of field,
garrison, and ship gun carriages.
ROYAL ARTILLERY,

Captain llaude's troop of Royal Horse Artillery ar-
rived at Woolwich to-day, their arrival being accelerated
by an order transmitted to them, while on the march, to I
take the railway from Stafford to London.
Captain Cieaveland's field battery, Bth company of
the 12th battalion, has received orders to join head-
quarters at Woolwich, from Ireland, with the least pos-
sible delay.
Captain Harrison's company, 6th battalion, has been
placed under orders to proceed to Dublin on Tuesday,
the 28th inst., to relieve Captain Graydon's company,
Ist battalion.
Captain Graydon's company, on being relieved, will
proceed to Portsmouth, to relieve Captain Bingham's
company, 12th battalion, the latter being under orders
to return to head-quarters.

DUBLIN, MARCH 21.

The 21st North British Fusiliers (Lieutenant-Colonel
Lord West commanding) was inspected yesterday at
Richmond Barracks by Major-General Cochrane, pre-
paratory to its embarkation for Malta. The result of
the inspection was most satisfactory. and the high disci-
pline and fine appearance of the troops elicited warm
commendation from the General. The 63d infantry re-
giment will be paraded for inspection this morning in
the Palatine square of the Royal, Barraelq, A large

body of newly-joined recruits were draughted from the
depot at Beggar's Bush to Aldborough Barracks yester-
day, there not being sufficient accommodation for them
in the former quarters. The 21st and 63d are only
awaiting the arrival of the transport-ship, which is daily
expected.

TILE WAR IN THE EAST.

(From the Morning Chronicle.)

The war might be short and decisive if all the great
Powers were prepared to do their duty, and the with-
drawal of Prussia from the common cause still leaves an
irresistible preponderance of force on the side of the
Allies, if they can count on the assistance of Austria.
But the sinister rumour of a declaration of neutrality to
be adopted by the German Federation, indicates the
possibility that England and France may have to bear
the whole burden of the struggle ; and it is well that they
are neither unprepared nor unequal to the task. The
Cabinet of Berlin still affects to abide by the Protocols
of Vienna, but that scaffolding of a building which was
never completed has itself long since been demolished.
Three months ago, it was considered an important fact
that the four great Powers were unanimous in their
judgment as to the conditions on which a reasonable
peace might be negotiated ; but there is no longer any
question of negotiation or of peace, whilst the highest in-
terests of Europe demand that the disturber of the world
shall be compelled to abandon his pretensions. The re-
presentatives of Austria and Prussia at Vienna shared in
the summary rejection of the last counter-project proposed
by Russia ; and when one of the members of the confe-
rence takes its stand on the ci-defiant protocol, it is not
easy to repress a feeling of contempt for the affectation
which refuses to recognise the change of circumstances.
A [few weeks back, Prussia approved of the terms
offered by England and France on the part of Turkey. As
the Emperor Nicholas, however, has refused to consider
those proposals, neither the Porte nor her allies any longer
tender them ; and it is an impertinence for an unin-
vited mediator to pronounce a judgment on a different
issue from that which the belligerents themselves have
selected. At present, no preliminaries of peace are
under consideration ; and when, at some future period,
negotiations are recommenced, they will be influenced
by the fortune of war, by the actual state of affairs, and
by the interests of those who, having shared in the
struggle will have established a right to share the solu-
tion. The last consideration which will enter into the
councils of the belligerents will be deference fos the
wishes or opinions of timid Governments, who were
neither for nor against the cause of right-
-14 Ma per so foro."
When the Cabinet of Berlin announced the intention
of maintaining the rank of a Great Power without
incurring the corresponding risks and sacrifices,
the singular revelations of the Secret Correspondence
had not yet transpired. But the intelligent people of
Germany, long indignant at their political dependence on
a foreign and detested Power, will now find, with in-
dignation, that, in re-arranging the map of Europe, the
consent of Prussia was contemptuously disregarded by
the Czar. While England was courted—while France
was regarded as an enemy—and while Austria was de-
scribed, with patronising confidence, as an inseparable
friend—not a single allusion was made to the wishes or
interests of Prussia. At present, it must be admitted
that events have justified the appreciation which the
Emperor Nicholas had formed of his kinsman and
ally ; but it seems scarcely possible that even the
loyal and temperate representatives of the Prus-
sian nation will consent, without further assur-
ances than they have yet received, to supply the
means for equipping an army, which will be use-
less, unless it be treacherously employed. The neu-
trality of Germany, so long as it is strictly observed,
can require no protection. Russia, for her own sake,
will not violate it ; nor can the Allies be suspected of
meditating a wanton and futile aggression. A tax
levied on the Prussian people for the purpose of garri-
soning the kingdom of Poland, would cause a dangerous
discontent ; nor will the 'Western Powers tolerate any
movement which may tend to render a larger portion of
the enemy's army available at the theatre of war.
The overtures made by Russia to England for
the partition of the Ottoman Empire will also de-
serve attention at Vienna. The official assurances
which the Austrian Government has repeatedly vo-
lunteered, of its implicit confidence in the promises
of moderation contained in the Russian manifestoes,
were never to be understood in their literal sense ; and
it has now become impossible even to pretend to believe
an the sincerity of those hackneyed pledges. The Em-
peror Nicholas himself, with all his indifference to diplo-
matic veracity, expressly limited his promises of non-
interference to the duration of the then existing peace.
A war, as he frequently told Sir Hamilton Seymour,
would cause the immediate dissolution of the patient ;
and the question would then no longer turn on the
means of preserving his life, but on the disposal of his
inheritance. The case in which Russia avowedly in-
tended to seize Constantinople as a deposit has now
occurred in the sight of all Europe ; and no statesman
can even affect to think that a fresh manufacture of
Vienna Notes would meet the present crisis. The con-
flict of right with hypocrisy is at an end— force is about
to be met by force.

In the impending struggle, Prussia may possibly stand
aloof, though it will be at the cost of her leadership in
Germany, and of her consideration in Europe. For
Austria, however, the conquest of Turkey by Russia
would be fraught with the most formidable and imminent
danger ; and it daily becomes more evident that she has
no alternative except complicity or resistance. Unless
she can hope to extend her dominion to the Balkans, the
expulsion of theßussian invader from the Lower Danube
will be absolutely necessary to her own security and in-
dependence. There can be no doubt that the Govern-
ment of Vienna would infinitely prefer the existing
territorial arrangements to any dangerous project of
aggrandisement ; yet the Russian Emperor asserted
that his Imperial ally was perfectly identified with
himself in policy. If, indeed, Turkey alone were
in the field, it is possible that Austria might acquiesce
in the proposed encroachments of Russia ; but the Em-
peror Nicholas can scarcely expect her concurrence in a
partition which is forbidden by England and France.
She cannot fail to anticipate the success of the Turkish
armies, when aided by their powerful allies ; and there
can be no doubt that any blow inflicted on Russia would
be as welcome at Vienna as at London or Paris. Yet
it is an unworthy position for the Power most immedi-
ately interested in the struggle to leave the protection
of its frontiers to the arms of strangers ; and, in the
present case, neutrality is as dangerous as it is un-
dignified.
The more nearly the forces of the belligerents are
matched, the longer will be the struggle. It is cer-
tain that England and France will persevere until
Wey have accomplished their purpose ; but several
campaigns may possibly be required before the enemy
is finally humbled. In the meantime, the Austrian
Cabinet, with the power of deciding the conflict in its
hands, would be incurring the obvious risks attendant
on a war in its immediate neighbourhood. The Western
Powers would discountenance any insurrection against
an ally, but they will assuredly leave a neutral Govern-
ment to protect itself. For the last year, every enemy
of Austria, domestic or foreign, has been anxiously
hoping that she would blindly throw herself into the
arms of Russia ; and half the prayer would be granted,
if England and France were left to fight the battle of
European independence without any aid from Germany.

[pßicE SD.

HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF LONDON.

Yesterday evening this national, patriotic, and con-
vivial society held its annual festival at the Freemasons'
Tavern, to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of
Alexandria, where the heroism of the Highland troops
was so conspicuously and memorably displayed. The
society, which was instituted so long ago as the year
1775, has since that period directed its efforts to the pre-
servation of the martial spirit, language, dress, music,
and antiquities of the Celt—to the relief of distressed
Highlanders at a distance from home—and to the
general improvement of that part of the kingdom. In
following out these objects, it has not only succeeded in
redeeming from oblivion the poems of Ossian and other
valuable remains of Celtic literature, but it has
conferred incalculable benefits on the inhabitants of the
north, in communicating to them, by the institution of
Gaelic schools, the blessings of education. From it have
proceeded many well-timed acts of liberality, which have
exercised the very best influence upon a land where the
presence of the romantic in scenery does not shut out,
the realities of poverty and distress. That excellent in-
stitution, the Caledonian Asylum, owes its origin to the
generous benevolence, and its efficient maintenance to
the support and countenance, of the society. It has
been the parent, too, of many kindred associations, for
promoting the social amelioration of the Highlands ; and
in the principal dependencies of the empire branch so-
cieties from it are in existence, which not only afford all
true Celts when abroad a rallying point round which
they may gather, but secure to them also the means of
preserving those associations' and cherished remem-
brances of home which are the sources not only of do-
mestic virtue, but of genuine patriotism.
On the present occasion there was a "gathering" of
upwards of 100 gentlemen, several of whom were in mi-
litary uniform and Highland costume. The gallery was
filled with elegantly and well-dressed ladies.
The Duke of Hamilton and Brandon occupied the
chair, and time having made sad havock amongst the
veterans who have survived the battle of Alexandria,
there were only Sir John M. Doyle, K.C.8., Major-
General Sir John M. Wilson, and Captain Jay, R.N.,
present of those now alive who were in that great en-
gagement. Amongst the company were Liout.-General
Delamotte ; the Turkish Consul-General ; Sir Charles
Forbes, Bart. ; Sir John N. P. Campbell, K.C.H. ; Sir
Wm. D. Ross; Colonel Fitzgibbon ; Norman Macdo-
nald, Esq. ; J. F. Campbell, Esq., younger of Isla ;
Captain A. Macdonald ; Alex. G. Mackenzie, Esq. ; F.
W. Caldwell, Esq. ; Alderman Finnis ; Charles Suther-
land ; Dr. Stewart Chisholm, R.A. ; G. Bain, Esq.,
the honorary secretary of the society; and several officers
of the 17th Lancers.

The loyal toasts having been proposed and responded
to with due honour, and the health of Prince Albert, the
chief of the Highland Society, having been drunk with
the warmest expressions of approval,
The CHAIRMAN gave "The memory of Sir Ralph Aber-
crombie, and the heroes who fell with him in Egypt.
In proposing this toast his grace observed that, incom-
petent as he felt to do justice to the subject, he could
not but rejoice in having an opportunity in calling
attention to it. Although many years had elapsed since
the memorable action which they were met to celebrate,
many of its heroes were still living, and amongst them
was a gentleman who sat near him that evening. Great
as was the loss sustained, the day was a proud one
for those gallant soldiers who distinguished themselves
on the occasion. He believed he might particularly
allude to the 92d, the 42d, and the 79th regiments,
whose proud deeds did honour to the country to which
they belonged. It would not be proper in him to expa-
tiate at this moment upon this interesting subject, as it
was a singular circumstance that our enemies on the
occasion referred to were now our friends and allies.
They were prepared to embark in war, and he felt
assured that the descendants of those heroes whose
deeds they were now met to celebrate would always
prove good to their scions. He felt the difficulty of
speaking upon this theme, and therefore he would not
presume to detain the company, but would at once call
upon them to drink, in solemn silence, the toast he
proposed. _ .

Sir J. M. DOYLE, an officer who was present with
Sir Ralph Abercrombie, acknowledged the compliment.
Other toasts, including the Army and Navy, fol-
lowed, and in due course Sir JOIIN COTTRELL proposed
the health of his Imperial Majesty the Sultan of Turkey,
observing that his Imperial Majesty was the most faith-
ful and ancient ally of this country. In proposing this
toast, his mind naturally reverted to the ancient history
of Turkey, and to the many changes which that country
had undergone down to a recent period when its shores
had been made the scene of anarchy and bloodshed ;
but he was rejoiced to say that they could still con-
gratulate her upon the proud position which she occu-
pied amongst nations. She had lately put forth re-
sources which it was supposed she did not possess, and as
she was now at war in self-defence against the ambitious
designs of an usurper, let them hope and believe that
success would attend her efforts. The Sultan had in-
troduced many reforms into his dominions ; but, amongst
all the proofs he had given of his enlightened under-
standing and friendship for this country, there was none
which appealed to their sympathies more forcibly than
the protection and encouragement he had given to the
zealous efforts of our religious societies to diffuse the
blessings of the Gospel wherever they pleased. (Cheers.)
The CONSUL-GENERAL of TURKEY, in returning thanks,
expressed his regret that circumstances had prevented the
attendance of the Turkish ambassador, whu was at this
moment engaged in entertaining some of the officers who
were about to join the army in the East. He felt deeply
the high praise which his friend Sir John Campbell had
thought proper to bestow upon his Imperial Majesty the
Sultan ; and he could assure the company that it was a
proud moment to him to have an opportunity of expressing
his feelings in presence of such an assembly as the present.
Every one of the Sultan's servants in this country had
seen with the greatest and deepest delight the universal
feeling of the British nation in the cause of justice and
right ; and he hoped that the conduct of the Turkish
army on the Danube had given a proof that the nation
was not so degenerate as it was supposed to he—(hear,
hear)—but that it was worthy of being associated with
the English and French armies in the cause of justice.
He hoped that the same victory and the same glory
which had attended the battle they were now celebrating
would also distinguish the united armies of peace which
were about to be engaged on the same soil and on the
same shore. (Cheers.)

_ .
Amongst the other toasts which followed was " Pros-
perity to the Caledonian Asylum ;" and Sir Charles
Forbes; in introducing it, made a forcible appeal to the
benevolence of his countrymen to increase their efforts
to support it.
The juvenile band of the Caledonian Asylum, and
pipers, as also the pipers of the Duke of Hamilton, and
of Lady Agnes Duff, were in attendance. The enter-
tainment was also enlivened by some excellent and ap-
propriate singing by Mr. Allen, and the dinner was
served in the best possible taste.

THE CHARGES OF CORRUPTION
AGAINST inr,sli MEMBERS.

The above committee re-assembled yesterday, Mr.
Henley in the chair.
Mr. Mowbray Morris, manager of the Times news-
paper, was the first witness called. Mr. Moore, M.P.,
called his attention to two articles which appeared in
the Times of the 21st September, 1353, and 6th Feb-
ruary, 1854, reflecting very strongly on the Irish mem-
bers; and, in reply to questions by Mr. Moore, he said he
was not prepared to state anything of the article of the
21st September, and as to the other he had not refreshed
his memory on it. With regard to the article of the
6th February it was founded on a speech made by Dr.
Gray, to which the attention of the committee had been
already called. _ _

Mr. Moore—May I take the liberty of asking you on
what portion of Dr. Gray's speech you found the asser-
tion in the article that "all the Irish members would
take pay ?"
Mr. Morris—l really can't recollect on what parti-
cular passage the article you allude to was written.
Dr. Gray alluded to two cases of that sort.
Mr. Moore—Do you think such a charge justified
you in stating that the whole of the Irish members, num-
bering 100 men, were guilty of such practices?
Mr. Morris repeated that he could not, just at the
moment, recollect the exact circumstances under which
the article was written.
Mr. Moore then said Mr. Morris had better attend
the committee another day, after he had refreshed his
recollection by a reference to the Times.
Mr. Morris said, in any case, he should not be pre-
pared to disclose any of the secrets of the management
of the paper.
Mr. Moore—That is your opinion. It will be for the
committee to decide that.
It was then agreed that Mr. Morris should attend
the committee another day, of which he should get
notice, and ho then withdrew.
Mr. Lucas was then called again ; and, after a good
deal of discussion as to the mode in which be intended
to show that an article in the Tablet connected Mr.
Keogh with the inquiry the committee was engaged in,
The Chairman said the course they would take was
this—Mr. Lucas should state what he wished, and if it
was found not relevant to the inquiry, the committee
would strike it out.
Mr. Lucas then entered into a statement respecting a
speech made by Mr. Keogh at the Defence Association,
and a speech by Mr. Keogh at Cashel, and other
places, all strongly denouncing place-taking by the
Irish members. Mr. Lucas read lengthy extracts
from articles in the rabid, hearing on the conduct
the Irish members should pursue in reference to the
subject of place-taking, and lie now contended
that what lie had then foreshadowed had come to
pass by Mr. Keogh himself having taken office. He
then read extracts from a speech made by Mr. Keogh at
Athlone' 2Sth October, 1851, in which Mr. Keogh
charged Mr. Lucas as being a calumniator, and in which
Mr. Keogh said he did not belong to the Whigs and he
did not belong to the Tories, and never would ; and he
"solemnly declared if there was a Peelite Government
in office to-morrow, mid that they were joined by the
Whigs, be would not join them for any consideration,
until they had made it a basis of their government to
repeal the Ecclesiastical Titles Act." That document
be put in a$ a promise to take a particular line on Mr.