The Sun.
London, England, 1849-05-23 00:00:00

appeal to them et infidently,
their sex has ev haul as the best judges, whether
a gentler, a better, or a truer
exponent than the ladof whom I speak?—(Loud
ri
cheers.) Perh Ts, ger .tlemen, I may appeal to them
er sitting among us at this time is
envoetnthtoe scaryowwnh.
11.2tgherr b :
ace of our festivities?—(Cheers.)
In common, gi aatlerzien, both with the chairman and the
secretary, I r egret -very./ much to miss at this board to-
day the pleas ant aril -" familiar face" of our treasurer.
Itowraentgresbl 'enough for our sakes, for I can guess
that many
it se
ny ot;lirv,
rfaces are presenting a merry reflax to his
delightful
cheerfulness and mirth at this moment.—
(Cheers.). B' ' at, as a less important officer of thisinstitu-
tion, is .a, pleasure to me to confirm all that you have
.c.s prosperity, and to bear admiring testimony
to e a trhde °
if
atience and perseverarce with which its members
contrir jute, many of them from very scanty resources,
tog'J prudential sums which are to be the provision for
h
lihc.ar old age, and to exult, as I annually do, in the refu-
tation thus offered to the sweeping charge which has
beim so thoughtlessly and unthinkingly made of the ge-
n'aral improvidence of the members of the theatrical pro-
f ession. I always consider when I hear that objection
taken, that toyou who are born to the possession of a silver
spoon—(Laughter)—it may not be very difficult to apply
yourselves to the keeping it polished on your sideboard.
—(Laughter.) But it you are born to the possession of
a wooden ladle instead—(Laughter)—the transmuting it
into an article of plate is a very, very difficult process
indeed in this country.—(Laughter and cheers.) So
much the more should we remember that it is so at a
time of general trouble and distress.
" Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"

indeed, in days when crowns BD many, of gold, brass,
and copper—(Laughter)—are tumbling from the heads of
the wearers; but the head that wears a mimic crown,
the hand that grasps a mimic sceptre, fares at such a
season far worse, for those peaceful and graceful arts of
life go down, and the slighter monuments of social ex-
istence are the first things crushed.—(Cheers.) There-
fore, for example, if the King of Sardinia cannot get
into trouble without involving the king of Mr. Vincent
Cracowll's company—(Laughter)—if sovereigns and
armies cannot make war without affecting the peaceful
inhabitants in their theatre royal at Little Pedlington—
(Laughter)—so much the more have we reason to rejoice
in the continued prosperity of this institution—so much
the more have we reason to rejoice over its future pro-
spects. Terrible, like the veritable sea-serpent—
(Laughter)—according to Captain M‘Qhuaz, we are
found tallying in all respects ; it is apparently bent on a
very determined 'object—(Laughter)—with its head
very considerably above water—(Renewed laughter)
—and drawing behind it a long train of use•
ful circumstances.—(Roars of laughter.) One other
word on the hopes and thereby the consequences of ex-
tending the usefulness of this establishment, and I have
done. When the Chairman made his first most admir-
able speech, I confess I had some doubts whether I could
agree with him, but I was quite sure if we did not agree
we should agree to differ—(Laughter)—but when he
made that other admirable speech with reference to the
fund, I was happy to find that we were agreed—l mean
with respect to the restoration of the drama. I think it
next to impossible but that that must come to pas, be-
cause the drama is founded on the eternal principles
of human nature. I say it respectfully, that I don't
think it within the power of any potentate on earth,
however virtuous, however magnificent, however strong.
either to raise the drama up or to pull the drama down.
—(Loud cheers.) In this room, in Windsor Castle,
in an African hut, in a North-American wigwam,
there is the same inborn delight and interest
in the living representation of the actions, passions, joys,
and sorrows of mankind.—(Tremendous cheering.) In
England, of all countries in the world, this interest is
glorified and exalted by the loftiest flights of human
vision, and the proudest monuments of human wit. The
drama I hold to be imperishable. Reverses it may suf-
fer from many causes; but
"Malice domestic, foreign levy,"

nothing, to my thinking, can root it out.—(Loud and re,
iterated cheers.)
Major-General Sir JoRN BURGOYNE said he felt the
greatest satisfaction and &light to do honour to a gen-
tleman whom he held in the highest esteem and
regard. In bringing before the favourable notice of
such an assembly as that the merits of another
individual it required ordinarily some ingenuity to make
out his case. That was a difficulty which he did not
labour under in proposing the health of their respected
and highly gifted Chairman.—(Cheers) He felt that
the bare mention of his name was sufficient to
elicit an enthusiastic response from that assembly.
After following Mr. Charles Dickens, he (Sir John
Burgoyne) felt himself very much in the position of a
celebrated orator known to fame, who once stood up in the
House of Commons, after listening to one of Mr. Burke's
famous orations, and gave vent to his feelings in the words,
"I say ditto to Mr. Burke."—(Laughter.) He (Sir
John Burgoyne) could only on this occasion emulate that
flight of eloquence, and exclaim—" I say ditto to Mr.
Charles Dickens." He looked on Mr. Charles Kean as
an honoured descendant of the old school. He honoured
the profession of which Mr. Kean was a member,
and he was happy to see that the love of that pro-
fession continued in full force in a member of his
(Sir J. Burgoyne's) own family. He did not attribute
Mr. Bean's success to the fact of inspiration; he had no
doubt Mr. Kean himself would confess that it had only
been attained by much study and by much petee-
verance. His dramatic representations at Windsor Castle
had established his character in a way which would
never be effaced. The Gallant General, who was almost
wholly inaudible in the locality assigned to the reporters,
concluded by proposing "Mr. Charles Kean, and health
and happiness to hiu."—(Cheers.)
Drunk with three times three.
The Cnatamaie, in responding to the toast, said—l
am completely at a lose, and know not what to say in
return for the high personal honour you have just con-
ferred upon mo. I seeic in vain for words adequate to
express my sense of the overwhelming kindness with
which my health has bean received.—(Cheers.) Sliak•
spere, who understood and described every emotion of
our nature, under every possible circumstance, says—
" Silence is the perff:ctest herald of joy—they are little
happy who can say how much"—(Cheers.) It is thus
with me at the present moment. I feel deeply what
I cannot utter—in simple, unadorned phrase, I thank
you with truest sincerity ; and if I say less than
the occasion appears to require, I must entreat you not
to estimate the warmth of my gratitude by the brevity
of my reply. There are matters of more import yet
before us. lam anxious, therefore, to spare your thee,
and to pass at once from the ungracious subject of self
to one of far superior general interest. I have now to
propose—" The National Drama of our Country—
(Loud cheers)—that polished amusement which poetry,
painting, and music have vied to adorn, and to whose
service genius has devoted her most sublime efforts."
—(Cries of '• Hear, hear," and load cheers.) With that
toast, I beg to propose Mr. Webster, the lessee
and manager of the Haymarket Theatre—(Cheers)—
a gentleman whose long exertions and high position
have entitled him to be considered one of the most legiti-
mate supporters of the British stage—whose strict in-
tegrity and honourable punctuality in alt matters of
business—(Hear, hear)—have made his single word as
current as his bond, and whose name on the occasion of
the present toast naturally presents itself in graceful and
appropriate connexion.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I request
an overflowing bumper to " Our National Drama and
Mr. Webster."—(Cheers.)
Drunk with honours.
Mr. WEBSTER, in rising to respond to the toast, was
received with cheering. He sa:d—Gentlemen, the
flattering compliment which Mr. Charles Kean has paid
me in associating my name with the national drama, and
the warm manner in which you have responded
to the toast of prosperity to that drama, fill
me with honest pride and heartfelt pleasure
that my labours during so many years, in catering for
your amusement, are so kindly and highly appreciated.
—(Cheers.) Such a compliment ought to be a strong
Incentive to every member of our profession, and ought
to prove to him that industry, perseverance,
a true application to his art, and a provident
care of his means at the commencement
of his career, may insure to him happiness and com-
fort in his future life.—(Cheers.) When I see around
me so many men of genius and talent, friends of our
drama, generously lending a helping hand to—

" the poor player
Who struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more,"
it is a proof how much the drama is respected, and that
actors have only to respect their art themselves
to take their stand on a level with any art or profession
in the land.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I feel personally
grateful to every gentleman present for the high compli-
ment he has thus paid my profession. I can bear nay
testimony, with that of Mr. Charles Kean, to the priva-
tions which, many of the aged and infirm members of our
profession suffer, and to the inability, in very many
cases, of many others to earn more than can support
them from day to thy. Charity cannot be better be-
stowed than on those who live to please, and
who must, through your bounty, be gratefully
pleased to live.—(Loud cheers.) The charitable in-
stitutions of this country, and its metropolis, excite
the astonishment and admiration of every foreigner who
visits our shores. At the same time that charity hoists
the flag of distress, there are thousands ever ready to
lend her assistance.—(Cheers.) It seems the characte-
teristic of our nation, not to consider how good may be
done, but to do it. Truly it is something out of the
common order of nature to be born a subject of her Ma-
jesty the Queen.—(Cheers.)
The CHAlRMAN—Gentlemen, the toast I have next to
propose follows the last one in close relationship. Indeed
they are both as logically and inseparably connected as
cause and effect. We have drunk our national drama.
It would be an unpardonable omission were we not to
pay the same compliment to our living dramatists.—
(Cheers.) Among the list there are distinguished names
sod productions of sterling merit, which will stand the
test of time, and would have done honour to the
proudest era of dramatic literature. I will only
mention one recent play of great excellence, and I do so
with peculiar feelings, for I am happy to acktiowledee how
indebtej Mrs. Kean nod tnyxelt are to the author of
the trife's Secret, whom I have much pleasure in now
seeing near me. IWo always remember the brilliant
success that accompanied the production of his play as
among the must agreeable episodes of our professional
career. I trust the public will be gratified with many
inure of equal merit from the pen of the same ac.
complisbed writer. I have much pleasure in proposing,
with our living dramatists, " The health of Mr. Lovell,
the author of are Wife's Secret."—(Cheers.)
Mr. LOVELL, in responding to the compliment, said he
had not anticipated, when he entered that room, the ex-
traordinary and unexpected honour which lohl
been conferred upon bin). Coming from an assembly
like that which he saw around him, it had
really overwhelmed him, and ho was wholly
unprepared to render a suitable acknowledgment
of their kindness. In fact, his business IVA 3 rather to

make others speak than to speak himself.—(Laughter.)
He had himself dealt so much in fiction that he
felt well nigh overwhelmed with reality.—(Renewed
laughter.) He received the high and flattering
eulogium which Mr. Kean had bestowed upon him
very much as he would a misdirected letter which had
come to the wrong place.—(Laughter.) While he felt
himself quite incompetent to do adequate justice to the
compliment which they had paid him, he should best ex-
press his sense of it by endeavouring to produce some-
thing that might be still more worthy their approbation
than the Mies Secret.—(Cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN said—Gentlemen, I have to propose
the professional ladies and gentlemen who have so
kindly given their services, and who have so materially
contributed to the enjoyment of the evening. Our best
thanks are due, to all ; and to Mr. Balfe in particular
we are deeply indebted for the trouble he has taken, in
superintending the musical arrangements, and for the ad-
mirable effect they have produced under his skilful gui-
dance.—(Cheers.) We have all of us a right to be
proud of our countryman. As conductor of music
in her Majesty's Theatre, in which his great
talents are universally acknowledged, the position
of Mr. Balfe is one most honourable to him, and
gratifying to every member of the profes •
sion. It is in itself a sterling evidence of the high
estimation in which he is held by his contemporaries.
His beautiful compositions are before the world in in-
creasing popularity, whether in the private saloon, the
public theatre, or the crowded concert-room.---(Cheers.)
Mr. BALFE returned thanks. He regretted to state that
he had just received a letter from Sims Reeves, stating
that he was unavoidably detained at Exeter-hall and could
not be present at the festival, as he had wished; and he
regretted also that Mr. F. Lablache was singing at a con-
cert atGreenwich,which precluded his being present at the
anniversary of the General Theatrical Fund. As for
himself, he (Mr. Balfe) did not wish to detain them
wi h a speech; but he would sing them a song—(Loud
cheers)—albeit it was four or five years since he sung
any, and his voice, like Bub Acres' courage—(Laughter)
—had oozed out at his arms in conducting her Majesty's
Theatre.—(Cheers.)
Mr. Balfe sung a beautiful Italian air, accompany-
ing himself on the piano, with consummate skill, and
was encored to the very echo.
The CHAlAMAN—Gentlemen, we are now arrived
at the concluding toast on the list, which as a matter of
gallantry might have claimed an earlier place—but being
reserved till now, will afford us the opportunity, to
which all here will readily respond, of winding up the
proceedings of the evening with marked enthusiasm.—
(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I request an overflowing bumper
to that beautiful and better half of the creation, without
whom in truth, the real world and our mimic representation
out would be a cheerless desert, " Stale, flat, and unpro-
fitable."—(Cheers.) Would that I had the power of
utterance to give vent to the crowding thoughts and
glowing feelings that so rapidly present themselves upon,
this theme. I will, therefore, at once propose the
" Health of the Ladies," coupling with the toast this
appropriate passage, equally true as impressive, from one
of our most celebrated poets—
" In joyous youth what soul hath never known
Thought, feeling, taste, harmonious to its own ?
Who bath not paused while Beauty's pensive eye
Ask'd from his heart the homage of a sigh?
Who hath not own'd, with rapture-smitten frame,
The power of grace, the magic of a name?
And say, without our hopes, without our fears,
Without the home that plighted love endears?
Without the smile from partial beauty won,
Oh ! what were man ?—a world without a sun.
Till Hymen brought his love-delighted hour,
There dwelt no jov in Eden's rosy bower I
The world was sad ! —the garden was a wild,
And man, the hermit, sigh'd—till woman smiled."
—(Great cheering.)
The assembly separated about half-past eleven o'clock.
We feel much pleasure in recording the great obliga-
tions we, for our part, owe to Mr. Worrell, of the Adelphi
Theatre (one of the stewards of the dinner), for the
marked urbanity and courtesy he evinced towards the
representatives of the press during the whole evening.
The subscriptions during the evening amounted to 500/.
Mr. Toole officiated as toastmaster with his usual
address.