The Sun.
London, England, 1849-05-04 00:00:00

vancing she foetimee of our commonwealth?—(Cheers.) nise *(Sir H. Foulis) have themselves contributed
Well, Gentleman, I say it is a very great encouragement 1 together a sum whieh, with very little increase, would
thatwe she erd contrast the meeting in the Hanover-square accomplish all that we desire—can I despair, viewing
isooms wit h the results which have since occurred. I this numerous assembly, remarkable not merely, nor
envy those who were present on that day—l eihvy the principally for its members, but for its station, its intel -
feeling of the gentleman who was secretary at the ligence, and its public spirit—can I despair that, when I
Hanoveneseenare Rooms—(Hear)—who read that day sit down to-night, I may feel that the second wing of
the number of letters from eminent individuals who the Brompton hospital is a fact, and not a theory?—
could not attand—(Laughter)—l envy him when I re- (Cheers.) What I ask you to do is something for which
member what he must feel at this moment when,eirt the I will offer you no common return. I am not asking
eighth year, he reads the report which he has co.mmu- you to do that which lam sure you would be willing
nicated to us this night.— (Cheers.) I confess to you under all circumstances to do—to contribute to some
that I share in his feelings in no ordinary degree. I re- public charity, the object of which is admirable, the re -
eollect 'with pride thrat that gentleman is one of my con- sults of which would be most beneficial. That you
stituents--(Laughtfer and cheeess)—l recollect with in- would net hesitate to do ; but I am asking you
Serest that I Nivel:mown him Prom his boohood—(Chefers) to do a deed that shall be remembered remem-
-and that in 'his boyhood I observed that high prin- bered by the country, and, better still, be re-
eiple and great energy which have made his subsequent membered by yourselves. (Loud cheers.) How
career amine ntly prosperous; and lam pleased—l am gratifying when we separate to-night, that we shall feel,
more than F.leased—l am deeply gratified that in that " Well, I have often dined before," some of you may say
chapter of circumstances that is called life, it is my lot "at a public dinner," but, at least, whatever may have
to-day thus legitimately .to bear my recognition to the been the feelings, I have been induced to do a deed which
private excellence and the public services, to the virtues the future will teach me is one of which my conscience,
and talents of Philip Rose.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I my heart, and my taste will approve." Fancy your-
rem'inded you that the lodgings which you hired in a selves taking a summer walk in the vicinity of Bromp-
suburb had been superseded by the beautiful structure ton, one of the must interesting with me, and one of the
which has commanded great public admiration. I think most favoured suburbs of England; you may arrive be-
there was nothing—there never was anything more wise, fore that building over whose fortunes we are now con-
more beautitul in feeling and braver in spirit, than that suiting; you have seen it in its present state,
this youthful society, confluent in the inspiration of its the wing completed, the centre completed, and
great idea, firm in the principle upon which it had the chapel, by the munificence of the Hon. Gentleman '
built its institution, should have resolved on the very to whom I have referred completed, if, in addition so
first occasion that ft should be embodied in a comely that, you have seen it in possession, you have viewed it,
structure, and should appeal to the public sympathies by beautiful in design, elaborate in decoration, unrivalled in
representing it in a form that elevates the tone of all those its proportions. But you may have well asked, what
who behold it.—(Cheers.) The influence of the fine was the state of the arts in England that could have pro-
arts is not a mere influence of beauty and luxury— duced such a building and not completed it? What is the
(Hear, hear)—depend upon it that there is a magic in financial state of this country (we have all heard of
form to which human nature must ever be obedient.— financial reform)? Is it so desperate that men having
(Cheers.) When-we cont-mplate the past, even in ruins, reached such a goal should not have dared to advance?
it is not merely from the associations of the past, but be- You may have heard adduced among the public structures
cause the past is embodied in the beautiful.—(Cheers.) of the day one which was to vindicate our claims to taste
If all that remained of the past was a ruined cotton- with foreigners—you may have heard of this Hospital
mill—(Laughter and cheers)—you would not observe it, for Consumption at Brompton. Why, when its design
you would not contemplate it as you do is admitted, when it is unrivalled in its excellence,
Tintern Abbey.—(Cheers and laughter.) Well, then, when its beauty may be felt by yourselves on your own
I say it was right iu the promoters of this society that, spirits, what must your natural feelings be but that it is '
having resolved that they should possess an institution a shame to the country that such a building should not
of their own, they determined that it should be one that be completed! But if you imagine to-night that building
should at once take its place in the public estimation, completed—if, when you walk in that vicinity a few
***The form whieh they adopted I doubt not is familiar to years hence,syou And a building finished that then must
most of us here. It was a Christian architecture, it was rank with- the most beautiful structures of our universi-
an English architecture, it was an architecture of those ties—(Hear, hear)—why, I think that any one present
ages when it is 'apposed !hat men felt snore deeply than would say, "I am proud even if I have placed a pebble
they do now, and when, certainly, men did not act less upon that comely edifice,"—(Cheers.) But if you re-
excellently.—(Cheers.) Do not suppose that in that member, in addition to this, that it is raised to a pur-
building, though it has cost far more than a more homely pose admirable and beneficial to human nature—
structure, you acted in an extravagant and ill-advised honourable to the nation—so comely to the
spirit. Not that ; you stamp yourselves on the land nation—you will feel that gratification which
in the spirit which has affected the genius of the arises not only from your taste being satisfied, but from
land (Hear, hear, and cheers) —and no more your heart being content. Well, then, you will reflect
complete illustration of the truth of what lam now yen- to-night that you have assisted in accomplishing a result
Wring to express, is that remarkably munificent instance which genius in every form before to night has called
which the secretary has just reported to us in that do- upon you to achieve; you will reflect also that on this
cument. Is it not an extraordinary circumstance, is it occasion you have been honoured by one whose presence
not characteristic of the age in which we live, and of the under any circumstances, and at any place, might well
spirit that aetuates the generation of which we form a be gratifying to any individual.—(Cheers.) You must
part, that men should come forward and build sacred reflect that the purpose and the beauty of that structure
edifices and endow great institutions? I will venture to say have brought to you to-night the presence of an indi-
that this room—thie room so frequently crowded to ce- vidual who, in his retirement—his interesting and ho-
lebrate the eforts of charity, egad where the audience nourable retirement—(Hear, hear)—lives, as it were,
has been appealed to so often, and much mare beneath its shadow.—(Loud cheers, and a cry of " Ques-
powerfully than they are now— (No, no) I ' tion.") I know nothing that is more interesting than
will venture to say, if you ask the toast- that this should have brought this gentleman
master who attends behind my chair—(Laughter)—whe- to your table.—(Cheers and " Question.") This is not
ther he is in the habit of hearing of Baronets building a place for political sentiments—l utterly discard them—
chapels, he will tell you that it is a very rare and a very but I say this to any gentleman who cries " Question"—
remarkable instance.—(Cheers and laughter.) Why, I (Great and prolonged cheering)—that wherever I am,
happen to know a gentleman who has performed this or whatever is spoken, however I may differ from indi-
great deed; I happen to have known him long and in- viduals—and I differ even from the illustrious man upon
Ornately; he is my friend and my neighbour.. lam not my left in many things—this is alway my rule, homage
surprised, knowing him so intimately, that a man with at to heroes!—(Tremendous cheering.) I will recta you
taste for the fine arts, and actuated in all the conduct of for a moment to " the still small voice" of charity. I
his life by a high sense of duty, animated at all times am sorry that any one from a mistaken feeling should
by those high feelings that have contributed above even have interrupted for a moment the full flow of our senti-
entr institutions to form the English gentleman—l am ments.—(Hear.) I wish to seecluster round our cause
not surprised that iris Henry Foulis should have all opinions, all individuals, all that feel any sympathy
achieved this great deed—(Hear and cheers)— with the sufferings of human nature.—(Cries of
but, depend upon it, if instead of having raised " Hear, hear.") Is it possible that there can
a building worthy when it is completed, as I hope to- be tiny one in this room who can introduce the brutal-
night we shall resolve it shall be,—if Sir Henry Foulis izing opinions of sectarianism?—(Cheers.) I thought
bad seen a building rising in the Brompton-road, rising here, at least, they were absent; I thought, at least,
with all those forms which economy might have justified, that this was consecrated ground for the finest feelings of
and which the cold spirit of a transitory age may have our common nature.—(Cheers.) Why, gentlemen, before
recommended—(Great cheering)—do you think Sir I came here my carriage was stopped for a moment to
Henry Foulis would have performed this deed of almost receive two contributions to this charity. I opened
unparalleled munificence?—(Cheers.) Not The man them, and I found one of them was from Sir Robert
saw a building which showed that the managers of this Inglis, which he requested me, personally, to present;
institution were inspired with the higher feelings of our and the other was from Baron Rothschild.—(Cheers.)
nature and our nation. He had the heart to respond— When I came to take your chair to-day, little did I
he has responded, and he has not only responded think, when I accepted your invitation, that I should
but he has set us an example.—(Cheers.) It find upon my left hand my distinguished friend, M.
was indeed a very great effort to have determined Guizot.—(Loud cheers.) I have known him: in his
the raising a hospital for consumption on the scale and pride of place—l have seen him among the great ones
with the form which it has assumed. I can easily ima- of the world—(Cheers)—l have seen the great ones of
gine that those who were responsible for the conduct of the world bow before him; I have seen him in his hour
your affairs to the present moment hesitated to take that of direst adversity; but I always found him the same—
step. It was a great one, and its greatness is proved by (Hear, hear)—because, gentlemen, great as he was in
their inability, and by their knowing their inability, to his station, be was always greater in himself.—(Tre-
complete their design. They could only raise one wing; mendous cheering.) Now, I say, it is most interesting
and a centre. The chapel has,- indeed, been added re- that the should be here, ' that living at Brompton, living
eently by an individual, and under circumstances which in seclusion in that suburb, that he should see this beau
I have noticed - but they must have felt at the moment tiful building consecrated to an admirable idea, and that
when that goodly edifice rose—" We have confidence in he should come into the heart of the city of London and
our countrymen; we have almost passed the bound; we say—" I, too, -will contribute, even in my fall, to the
have raised a beautiful edifice ; but when will success of that idea; I will outlive ministers and
it he completed ?" Contemplating it, they must have monarchs."—(Renewed cheers.) Let us show to-night
looked to a ltig futurity for that result—(No, No)— that we are sensible of this- interesting incident. I say
and they must have been consoled by their imagination it marks out this charity as one that I fervently believe
for the badness of ihe prospect. Like men who perform has been peculiarly favoured by Providence in all its
great deeds, they believed in marvels, and they were course, that I believe there has been a combination of
right—(Cheers)—for the marvel came. It came, as it circumstances to interest the best feelings of our nature
were, in a heavenly burst of music, that charmed every in its favour. Let us show it; let us now resolve that
sense and touched every heart—(Great cheering)—the this institution shall not only flourish, but shall appeartin
sweet care' of charity, filling the popular ear with be- its complete:and perfect form; letns as we rise from this
wilderment, and sympathy, and rapture.—(Tremendous table, haying achieved this noble purpose, let us give as
cheering.) The secretary has referred in his report to Sir Henry•Foulis is giving by his noble and admirable
what was dose by that accomplished lady whose name conduct; let us give as Mr. Montgomery is giving by
you greeted with cheers which she well deserved. conduct worthy of the times of the Crusaders, under
(Cheers.) It should be known to the public, it should be his conviction that a great idea should be sapported; let
more than known, it should be graven on the us rise from this table, not as we would from some rich
public heart, that more than 1,600/ was poured into your banquet to a common-place charity, but with the con-
treasury on one morning by a stranger—(Hear, hear)— viction that we are banded together to do a great deed,
by an artist, not in any way connected with the purposes , and that each of us will hereafter remember this night
of your institution.—(Cheers.)" Why, it is only a day as one memorable in his existence, and will reflect with
or two ago that in the newspapers I observed at a public satisfaction and even with delight that he has drunk this
dinner, like the present, a meeting called together to toast, which I now propose—" Prosperity to the Hospi-
promote a charity of a character more limited than this cal for Consumption."—(The Hon. Gentleman resumed
—I think it was for the benefit of the Benevolent Go- his seat, the whole assembly as he did so, animated by
vernesses—that the same personage contributed a more one common emotion and enthusiasm, standing up and
than princely donation—(Cheers)--more I think even giving vent to their feelings in loud and prolonged ac-
than 9001,,,though she werenot herself present on that occa- clam ations.)
sion. Why, gentlemen, there is not a city in this island Quartette—" Here shall soft charity repair."
whieh she has not visited, where she has not charmed PHILIP ROSE, Esq., the Hon. Secretary, begged to say
by her talents, and where she has not renovated the a few words in acknowledgment of the toast which had
charitable institutioes that were in decay.—(Cheers.) I been proposed. He certainly was not prepared for the
look upon the conduct of this lady as one of the most manner in which their distinguished Chairman had per-
remarkable features of the age we live in. I know no- sonally introduced his name, he had not conceived that
thing in classic story, or in those feudal epochs when we any allusion would have been made to himself. He could
are taught that the individual was more influential, when say for himself that he could not conceive that he was
character was more forcible—l know nothing to be coo- entitled to the smallest credit for any exertions he had
pared wish the eareer of this admirable woman.—(Tremen- rendered to this charity; he had never viewed them as
dous cheers.) Why, gentlemen, it almost reaches the high the subject for self-gratification, but as one calling for
ideal of human nature, when we pourtray to our- deep gratitude to that Almighty Being "for having put
selves a youthful maiden, innocent lied benignant, in into his heart good desires, and enabling him to
the possession of an unparalleled and omnipotent bring them to good effect."—(Cheers.) Of the
charm, alternately hushing and entrancing the heart many mercies that had followed him through
of nations, and then kneeling at the couch of suffering, of lite, and they had not been few, he looked on his con-
calamity, and of care.—(Prolonged cheers.) To me, nexion with their charity as the greatest of them all;
there is something most beautiful in this life of music and if anything were wanting to stimulate him to
and of charity—a life passed amid divine sounds and greater exertions on its behalf; it would be their appro-
still diviner deeds.—(Cheers.) I honour the power oi bation. He could not help being struck by the difference
the artist. We hear of the Kings and Casars of the of circumstances which attended this and a former occa-
world acknowledging the magic of her power, bestowing sion of their meeting. The prosperity of the Hospital
on her the jewels, and offering to her the gorgeous tapes- for Consumption was now no longer a matter of doubt,
tries of antique courts; but how great is the artist who its objects are no longer speculative. They were nut
can say that " any morning in the saloon of a theatre I then met, as they once were, to establish a principle.
- can assemble the work' together, and can support an The task was not now before them tosprovide a refuge
institution and reward an individual ten thousand for the consumptive sufferer,who had no home but theirs;
times more than any king or emperor."—(Prolonged or to convince the public that he ought to have a home
sheers.) I honour the purity of the artist, I in his hour of need. It was difficult to realise the
think there is something not only unprecedented but amount of prejudice with which their endeavours to form
transcendental in one living in the affluence of fame, the hospital had been met, and with which they bad
never for a moment the victim of the inebriation of had to contend from the commencement. Strange as it
vanity ; but when the riches of the world are poured might appear, those who opposed it most had been found
at her feet, and the plaudits of millions ring in her in the ranks of the medical profession; but their preju-
ears, turns aside directly, as it were, to feel the common dice was fast giving way, and if they were not convinced
sympathies of our common humanity, and of all her of the merits of the charity, they were at least silenced.
treasure instantly appropriates, as it were, her tithes to The Earl of Carlisle, at a public meeting recently, over
human nature.—(Cheers.) It has been said that which he presided, for establishing a kindred institution
society has viewed the frailties of artists with a lenient in the ea.tern part of London, said, that whilst he depre-
eye; it has been considered that any deficiencies among cated any competition with this charity, he could not
those children of instability should not be exposed to too bat feel that Brompton was too far off for the inhabitants
severe a ken; and it is not for me, I am sure it is of the eastern part of the City to avail themselves of it,
not the inclination of any one at this moment, to dispute and that was the reason why it was sought to esta-
a proposition that takes a softening view of the conduct Wish a similar institution in the east of the
of human nature; but it is due to one who has done so metropolis. He (Mr. Rose) was glad, on the
much, and done it so well—it is due to her that we part of this institution to reciprocate the feelings
should publicly express our gratification that she lent to of the Noble Lord. There should be no rivalry in works
us not only the attraction of her incomparable talents, of benevolence ; and so long as this institution was con-
but the sanction of her spotless name.—(Cheers.) And, ducted on the pure principles of philanthropy, there was
gentlemen, I, for one, honour Jenny Lind—(Great no one that would not heartily wish it God speed. The
cheers)—above 'all things, because she has shown that report read that night was a faithful record of their con-
she comprehends a position, and that a great dition and prospects ; they had concealed nothing, net
artist, sustained by virtue, upheld by self-re- even their debts. He knew that some thought that the
specs, and full of the magnificence of her mis- debts of a charity were a valuable property, and formed
sten, ranks in the highest class the human being a valuable element in their prosperity ; he confessed he
and the human benefactress.—(Renewed cheers.) I did not participate in that idea, and he trusted, by their
have sometimes thought that a happy destiny, and more bounty that night, that they should not be left in debt,
than a happy destiny—a benevolent one—has hovered but that they should be enabled to complete the many ar-
over this institution, in which we are all interested, even rangements they had entered upon. The medical report
from the beginning. It seems to me that the finest ac- must have been heard with deep interest.
complishments and the most beautiful qualities of our Who could say what might not be done in future by
nature have combined, as it were, to contribute to its their institution? Who could say that the genius of a
success, and to advance its fortunes. I have Jeuner might not be yet eclipsed by a discovery yet
shown you how architecture and music came more startling? He hoped that their sons and their
forward on the right occasion to do that which was daughters, and multitudes unborn, might reap the fruits
necessary to accompiish our objects. Poetry has nut of the institution that had been begun. But there was a
been wanting.—(Cheers.) I have had occasion this nobler and a higher field in which this hospital was en-
evening to notice one who in the pulpit has done that gaged. There was a point at which medical science
which rivals the efforts 01' the benevolent songstress, and laded, and beyond which tio human means could avail.
that high-minded gentleman to whom I have already re- Alas ! to many the hospital was but the vestibule'to the
ferred. But the poet-preacher has placed on the altar of tomb.—(Hear, hear.) To that part of the establishment
this Charity a volume in which he has embodied his awn the labours of a chaplain had been added, and instances
feeling's, and has expressed yours. He has also—one of could be given of the manner in which his labours had
the most popular poets of the day launched that been blessed. He (Mr. Rose) would appeal to
volume upon the waters to bring riches to your harbour, many who were in the habit of visiting the
and brings its produce to fructify your soil. Well, gen. hospital, and he would ask whether the influences of ree
tlemen, under those circumstances, when all the arts ligion were not visible there? A bright halo was thus
combine to increase our fortunes and to advance our indeed often shed around the dying moments of some
weal, though I may feel the deficiency that fags to my that were once impenitent. That provision of the insti-
lot under such circumstances, 1 must trust to your tution was its chief merit, and that which presented its
sympathy to assist me in oarrying out the sole and most unanswerable claim to their benevolence. Their
simple proposition for which I am present here to-night. distinguished Chairman, who had advocated the claims
Jenny Lind has already contributed some brilliant of the charity that night, and had lent to it those bril-
plumes to the second wing, with which to enable it to fly. tient talents on which a nation's eyes were resting, and
—(Laughter and cheers.) Her mission cannot be mis- which he (Mr. Rose) believed were yet destined to add
taken; we must not be shamed or outdone by a woman, lustre to the nation's glory—(Cheers)—he hoped would
even of one so gifted and excellent as our lady patroness. look back with satisfaction to the aid he had rendered to
When I recollect that three individuals, the poet, the the Hospital for Consumption.
songstress, and one whose absence we all de- M. GIIIZOT rose to address the assembly, and this was
plore, but whose high spirit we all recog- a signal for a burst of enthusiastic feeling which