The Sun.
London, England, 1831-05-25 00:00:00

DESTITUTE SAILORS' ASYLUM.

The subscribers to this Institution held thei
second anniversary meeting yesterday, at Exeter Hal
(Capt. G. HOPE, R.N., in the Chair.)
This (like the Sailors' Rest) has for its object
the assistance of the poor, houseless, friendless
sailor, by affording him an asylum in his state of
destitution, where he is fed, clothed, and lodged,
and at the same time his religious instruction closely
attended to. The meeting was thinly, but respect-
ably, attended. The platform was thickly studded
with naval officers, several of whom addressed the
meeting.
The report was read by Capt. ELLIOTT, R.N.;
from which it appears that, since its formation, 3,037
seamen have been assisted, and of these 794 during
the last year. Amongst the contributions there was
one from St. Petersburgh ; and amongst the contri-
butors were the Emperor of Russia, his son, two
daughters, and the Grand Duchesses Mary and Eli-
zabeth, of 700 rubles.
Mr. SERGEANT stated the disbursements during
the late year to have been 1,035/. 18a. 411., the re-
ceipts 9761. 3s. 9d.; but, owing to a balance in the
treasurer's hands, &c., they were not in debt.
Lieut. RIIIND, R.N., in his usual manner, entered
most feelingly on the claims of this Institution to
take a rank amongst those of a more popular cha-
racter, which had lately attracted the attention of
such numbers to that building. This Society not
only provided for British seamen, but also those of
every nation, and strictly attended to their religious
instruction. Our sailors had a peculiar claim to the
attention of their country—they fought her battles,
they were the means of providing for her comforts,
and were always ready at her call; and were these
to be the last thought of in the midst of our philan-
thropic efforts. ? He hoped not.
The Rev. JOHN DAVIES seconded the resolution,
and was followed by
Captain BAZELGETTE, R.N., in an address which
attracted great attention. He said, "We see the
room on other occasions crowded, but when the
poor sailor's cause is espoused it is attended by very
few, and those principally officers of the Navy ; and
he could not but observe that one of the smallest meet-
ings he had before seen this season was one that had
for its object the spiritual welfare of the sailor (allud-
ing to the Sailors' Home). It has been said that Nel-
son had issued a signal " That England expected
every man to do his duty," and was not that signal
answered by British seamen ? And if so, does it
not remain for England to do hers, by assisting
sailors in their distress ? And he trusts their cause
will be warmly taken up—and he hopes our most
gracious Majesty, whom be had the honour of call-
ing a brother sailor, will bestow his patronage on
this Society—and concluded by saying that, in
offering their assistance to this Institution, " it
would be twice blessed—it blesseth him that gives,
and him that takes."
Wm. FLETCHER, Esq. seconded the motion, by
saying the contributions from foreigners were not
confined to the North, they were also conferred on
them from the South, from Naples, and other parts
of Italy, &c.
Captain GEORGE GAMBIER, next followed,
and expatiated at some length on the subject in a
religious point of view ; but, as we have already tres-
passed beyond our bounds, we must be content
briefly to state that the meeting was addressed by
Captain Hope, Lieutenant Brown, R.N., and a
gentleman, a stranger, who te,tified as to the com-
fortable, cleanly, and regular appearance of the asy-
lum, which is principally under the superintendence
of Capt. Elliot►, R.N., and Capt. Gambier, R.N.
The report was, on its being printed, to be widely
circulated. During the fever which lately raged in
the neighbourhood of the asylum, the Society afforded
medical a,sistanee, and not less than forty were,
through it, sent to the Fever Hospital at Battle-
bridge. Two of its officers fell victims to this dis-
ease—one of them, Mr. Pike, leaving a family.

REFORM IN THE HIM-MANI:M.—The word
" Reform" is now as prevalent throughout the remotest
glen in the Highlands as the " slogan " was in feudal
times. The banner of Reform is now to be seen waving
in the breeze from the top of an nil kiln in the lower end
of Bunranuoch, and for the farther edification of John
Highlandman its motto consists of French and English.
COLLISION OF STEAMERS.—On Sunday
afternoon, as the Venus steam-packet, laden with nearly
600 passengers, was corning up the ricer from Gravesend,
she was run foul foul of, in Limehouse-reach, by the Fire-
' Fly, new Government steamer, proceeding in the contrary
direction, which went into the track of the Venus, though
ordered to keep oat, and dashed right upon her with a
most tremendous crash, carrying away her figure-heady
larboard paddle-box, and stoving in part of her timbers on
the same side. The shock was dreadful, and the pa,sen-
gers were thrown into a state of great terror and alarm,
some expecting all would be lost, and the women screaming
and fainting in every direction. The further progress of
the Venus was stopped, and the passengers were con-
veyed ashore in small boats, which instantly crowded
around. It is reported that 1,0001. will not repair the
injury done to the Venus. The Fire-Fly, which was
proceeding on an experimental voyage, has also sustained
some damage.