The Sun.
London, England, 1849-06-12 00:00:00

The Noble CHAIRMAN briefly ackcowledged the corn.
pliment, and then proceeded to give the toast of the
evening, in doing which he said he was happy at any
circumstance which brought him in contact with the
members of a profession which was one of the most re-
spectable in the community.—(Hear, hear.) The Noble
Duke concluded by giving, "Prosperity to the Drury-
lane Theatrical Fund, in conjunction with the health of
Mr. Harley, the treasurer, and those who had worked in
conjunction with him."—(Great cheering.)
Mr. HARLEY, in thing to respond to the toast, was re-
ceived with enthusiastic cheering for some moments.
When order had been restored he spoke as follows:
May it please you my Lord Duke, my Lords, and Gen-
tlemen—lf, on the present occasion, I speak by the card
—(Laughter)—it is because I have a particular one to
play, which, in the playing, requires more than common
conciseness and correctness. It has been the uniform
practice of him on whom devolved the honour of ad-
dressing you in reply to the last toast—(so eloquently
given, and so cordially responded to)—to speak of the
British stage as an intellectual and refined amusement,
receiving its tone from, and giving its tone to, a noble,
enlightened, and generous people, and, consequently, to
enlist your sympathy in behalf of its professors, whom
old age, premature decay, or adverse fortune, had com-
pelled to solicit your benevolence.—(Cheers.) That
these imperfect, but earnest appeals have hitherto been
crowned with success, very many of your histrionic fa-
vourites can bear ample and grateful testimony. The
downward path of their declining years has been
smoothed by your bounty. All that was necessary to
say upon this subject, having from time to time, been
said, I shall not travel over the same ground again,
much less introduce any lachrymose remarks on the
altered condition of the British stage, which has ren-
dered these annual appeals somewhat perplexing, if not
painful, to the speaker. It is an old adage, that to be
poor, and to look poor, is very sad. Now, I would
humbly suggest, that to be accounted over rich, and to
camparatively poor, is infinitely more sad.—(Laughter.)
Let the Drury-lane Theatrical Fund bear me witness.
Its cash-box, by some fabulous misconception, has been
magnified into a California in miniature.—(Laughter.)
I shall, therefore, not consider it infra dig—(Renewed
laughter)—to dispel, not by figures of speech, but of
arithmetic, this pleasant delusion. For an oration I beg
leave to substitute an account, and, in moving for the
supplies, to cast off Comedy for Cocker.—(Laughter.)
Now for a public peep into our presumed Potosi. I must
look sharp after this superabundant balance, for I
shrewdly suspect that modest item will be very shy of
showing itself. The annual income derived from the
various property belonging to this plethoric fund—(A
laugh;,—amounts to 1,3531. 10s., to which is to be added
the also yearly sum of 195/.103. 2d., received from thirty-
six subscribing members (some old favourites, mark),
making a sum total (pray cheque me, as I proceed) of
1,549/. Os. 2d. Touching the per contra (there are al-
ways two sides of a question!) to fifteen annuitants,
varying in age from fifty to ninety, we pay the yearly
sum of 9741. 95., making their average income 651.
(not, we fain hope, too liberal a modicum for the
veterans whose best days have been assiduously de
voted to your service), leaving an overplus of 5741.
Ils. 23. to meet incident a 1 charges (which, with the
strictest economy, exceed 150/. annually), and to relieve
non-subscribers, whose sharp necessities have long been,
and still are, pressing upon our resources. Whatever
balance remained, after these deductions, was added to
our eapital,ln order to provide for additional claims that
are constantly occurring, from subscribers being com-
pelled to avail themselves of this fund. In proof of m 3
assertion, we are in expectation of having very speedily,
if not immediately, six more annuitants to pay, which
will be a further yearly demand upon us of 4761. What,
then, will remain for actual charges and incidental
chanty? On these two accounts we shall be positively
minus if deprived of your benevolence, and our only al-
ternative wilt be either to reduce very considerably the
present and future annuities, or to trench upon our capi-
tal. These anniversaries have a twofold object, to en-
able your almoners to increase the too frugal comforts of
their annuitants, by appealing to your benevolence, and
to bring together, in festive harmony, the drama's
patrons. Tout we have not on former occasions
furnished you with a dry financial detail, but simply
asked your credence, was not because there
was anything to conceal, as this statement will,
I hope, fully bear out, but their having been bruited
abroad sundry brobdignagisn reports—(Laughter)—
(would they were fact, not fiction) of our monster
means, I take the liberty of presenting this plain tale of
pounds, shillings, and pence, in order to put them down.
The continued patronage of our most gracious Sove-
reign, and her munificent donation of 50/.—(Cheers)—
have this day been awarded us, both of which favours
we receive with deep gratitude; and without presuming
too much upon our humble deserts, may we not fairly
infer that the presence of your Grace is significant of
your approval? We thank you heartily—yea, heartily,
for all that you have done to assist us in carrying out
the philanthropical intentions of our honoured founder.
To every patron, present and absent, we also tender our
sincere thanks. It is for you, my Lord Duke, my Lords,
and Gentlemen, to decide how far this fund can afford
to lose the liberal patronage you have so long and Sc
kindly vouchsafed ui. It is for you, Sirs, to say if an
average annuity of 651. (with the certainty of a consi-
derable reduction if your decision prove adverse to our
hopes) is a stipend too extravagant for those who, in
happier and more prosperous times, did the drama some
service.—(Cheers.) To your award we shall bow with
respect. You are now in full possession of the figures
and the facts. You have plucked out the heart of our
mystery—if mystery there ever was any. We cordially
thank you for the past, and we look forward hopefully
to have to thank you for the future. In conclusion, I
have the pleasure to announce that the British Drama
will, at Christmas next, at her ancient classic locality,
Old Drury, be once more at home !—(Loud and long
continued cheers.)
The Noble CHAIRMAN then said, on the last occasion,
when he had the honour to fill the chair at the festival of
this society, be ventured to make some remarks on the
company which was then performing at Drury-lane
Theatre. He regretted on that occasion the fact that
then the two great national theatres in this metropolis
were occupied by foreigners, however great their merits
might be. Those theatres were not then the scene of the
legitimate drama. He hoped, in the words of Mr.
Harley, that a change had taken place, and that at
Christmas next one of those theatres at least would re-
sume its proper position. The Noble Chairman con-
cluded by giving " The Drury-lane Theatre and the
legitimate drama, and success to Mr. Anderson, the new
lessee."—(Cheers.)
Mr. ANDERSON responded to the toast in a remark-
ably eloquent speech. The drama, he said, was as in-
destructible as truth itself; it would live to eternity.
While civilization continued to. spread
.its influence
around, while we had poets existing and breathing,
while the sparks of Shakspere's muse of fire kindled
the hearts of Englishmen the drama could not die.—
(Cheers.) With reference to the fact of his having be •
come the future lessee of Drury-lane Theatre he (Mr.
Anderson) had been told by some that it was a forlorn
hope. Let it be so ; the greater the danger the greater
the glory. He had no fear as to the result; if he
succeeded, it would be a pleasure indeed; but if he failed,
his great attempt honoured his funeral.—(Applause.)
The amount of subscriptions announced during the
course of the evening was nearly 60C1., including a dona-
tion from her Majesty of 501.
The Noble CHAIRMAN then gave "The Ladies," and
the company separated at halt-past ten.
Among the company present were Dr. Roberts, of
Bridge-street, Blackfriars; Roberts, Esq., Thomas
Landseer, Erq., H. E. Hoole, Esq., William Riddell, Esq.,
cum muftis alas.
Mr. Thomas officiated as toast-master.

CROSBY HALL.—Miss Rafter late of the Princess's
Theatre gave her first concert last night, which went off
with great eclat. The fair beneficiaire was encored twice
In the first part of the concert where she sung Guglielmi's
" Gratias Agimus " and " Where the bee sucks " with
great sweetness and charming effect. Miss Rafter was
assisted by her sister Miss Lucy Rafter, whose sweet
soprano voice was most efEctive in Weber's fine trio,
" Where, what, 0 terror " from Der Freischntz, also
by her brother Mr. Rafter, who was encored in the
"Bay of Biscay," Miss Bassano in the favourite cavatina
from Betley, was highly, successful. The first part of
the concert concluded with a comic song written and
sung by Mr. IV. Ball, called " Captain Ross," which was
encored when he substituted another. The only instru
mental piece during the concert was a solo on the violin,
by Mazas, which was admirably played by M. Thillon,
in a style combining purity of tone and brilliancy of
execution, be was warmly and deservedly applauded.
Herr Menghis and Mr. and Mrs. Donald King,
con
tributed much to the success of the entertainments. The
hail vie crowded.

A convention to form a State Constitution is pro-
posed to be held on the Ist of August next. No
doubt seems to be entertained that California will at
once be admitted into the Union as a sovereign State.
The price of goods had declined considerably, in
consequence of the stocks in hand.
MONTREAL, MAY 28.—The loss of the ship Maria,
from Limerick, Ireland, is confirmed ; three of the
crew, and nine out of the 111 passengers, were saved.
The survivors were landed at Quebec on Friday, in
the barque Roslyn Castle.
Accounts from Govines, St. Domingo, dated the
11th ult., state that President Soulouque bad returned
to Port-au-Prince with the remnant of his army,
after having sustained a complete defeat. He had
lost 5,000 men in killed and wounded.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW YORK, MAY 30.
The demand for bills on England is steady, and quick
sales have been made this morning at 81.
The money market was overflowing, and loans on de-
mand could be readily had at 5 per cent. United States
Sixes, 1867, sold at 1141 to 11-, and Treasury notes at
111 to Pennsylvania Fives stood at 85i- to i; and
the Treasurer of that State is already taking active mea-
sures to stimulate the country treasurers to collect and
pay in advance their quota of taxation, to the end that
he may be full-banded for the payment of the August
dividend. Kentucky Sixes brought to-day 105; Ohio
Sixes of '6B, 1064; and Indianna State Fives, 67.
Cotton is now about ic. higher than on the departure
of the last steamer; it gained en., and has fallen back
c. in consequence of the Caledonia's news. The sales
were a mere trifle; no urgent desire to sell, and still less
to buy—for shipment, at least. Freight is only id. rer lb.
The market for flour and grain has not changed ma-
terially since the sailing of the last steamer. There is
a good home demand for flour, which, added to some
15,000 or 20,000 barrels taken in the past week for ex-
port has given some firmness to holders of the lower
grades in the city. Troy and Waterford were less
plenty, and firm. Freights were rather dull. To Lon-
tion—flour, Is. 93. to Is. 10d.; heavy goods, 275. 6d. to
30s. To Liverpool—cotton }d. to 5-32 d.; flour, Is. 9d.
to Is. 10d.

NEW ORLEANS, MAY 23.—The cotton market con-
tinues active, and prices are ie. better. The sales of
the day are 4,000 bales. Fair is quoted 84c. Freight
to Liverpool—Cotton, Id.
HAI:AN/um, MAY 22.—The exports of sugar from
this place and Matanzas, from the beginning of the year
to the curl of last week exceedtd 363,000 boxes. The
rice by the Zephyr, and 2,000 casks by the Confidence,.
have been sold at 10 reels.

Freights to the United States are very dull. We
quote them at 3 50 dolls. per hhd., and the quotations
are almost nominal.

Exchange.—On London, 10i to II per cent. pm.; on
New York, par to rer cent. pm.

ADELPHI THEATRE.

An " unwarrantable intrusion " was committed last
night " by Mr. Wright upon Mr. Paul Bedford "
that is to say, one Mr. Snoozle, having resolved on en-
joying a quiet day all to himself at his villa at Hamp-
stead, has sent away his wife, his niece, his servants,
and all that is his, till he is left alone to enjoy, as he
hopes, his otium. He will not even read his news-
paper, or the fourteenth letter he has received from
" Mr. John Johnson, jun.,' claiming in vain the hand
of his niece. As he is about to begin his enjoyment
of the dolce farniente he is alarmed by the apparition
of a " gent" about to drown himself in his fish-pond.
Of course he rescues him and brings him into the
house. The difficulty is, to get him out. The
stranger is so overpowered by bis gratitude, that he
vows he will never quit his benefactor; and then he
commences a series of small persecutions, such as the
grave farce of Wright only could carry on or the sto-
lidity of Paul Bedford endure, till of course the uncle
is glad to give his consent to the marriage of his
niece with " Mr. John Johnson, jun." The piece
concludes with a new kind of " tag," which kept the
audience in a roar. It was successful ; and, with
a little pruning, will serve to keep the Adelphi
audiences up to the due pitch of hilarity for many a
night to come.

PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL REFORM ASSO-
CIATION.—Yesterday a very numerous meeting of the
supporters of financial reform was held at the Horns
cavern, Kennington. Sir J. Walmsley presided, sup-
ported by Mr. Pearson, M.P., Mr. A. Anderson, M.P.,
Sir F. Knowles, the Rev. J. Burnett, and many influen-
tial gentleman of Lambeth. The Chairman opened the
business of the day by stating the object of their assem•
bling, which was to obtain an extension of the suffrage
and the vote by ballot, to shorten the duration of Par-
liament to three years, and secure a more equal distri-
bution of the electoral districts. The Premier had
hinted that he had a little plan behind the curtain.
The signs of the times showed that the attainment of
their ends was not so far distant. Let the working men
come forward by their contributions to aid the only
schema by which they themselves could be benefited.
Their laud scheme, which had only been started a few
weeks, had already 610 of its shares taken; but although
that was a promising beginning, yet they required
600,000 electors, for only by such an increase could
they hope to obtain the object which they sought, and
for which they had laboured. A letter from Mr. Hume,
M.P., was then read, recording the opinion of that gen-
tleman, that no reform of any extended nature could be
expected from the House of Commons as at present con-
stituted. The Chairman having concluded amidst much
cheering, Mr. Wilkinson proposed the first resolu-
tion:—" That the absence of a really representative
House of Commons, the preponderance of class-legisla-
tion, the unequal pressure of taxation, the general extra-
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disorders fatal to the political and to the social prospe-
rity of this empire, render the combination of the middle
and working classes for the attainment of the reform ad-
vocated by the Metropolitan Parliamentary and Finan-
cial Reform Association a matter of momentous import-
ance to the state." It was seconded by Mr. Hunt, and
after some observations from Mr. C. Pearson, Mr. Dal-
ton, and Mr. Cooper, a Chartist, put and carried. Mr.
Thwaites proposed the second resolution :—" That as
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DESTRUCTIVE FlRE.—This morning, shortly be-
fore daybreak, a fire, the reflexion of which was seen for
miles round London, took place at an extensive z;nc
factory, Hackney-rcad. The utmost promptitude was
evinced on the occasion by a strong force of the London
establishment and West of England firemen; but not-
withstanding their efforts, by the hour of three the whole
front wall and roof fell in, destroying every portion of
the property of the firm, with serious loss to the build-
ings adjoining. The premises and stock are believed to
be insured, but as to the cause of the calamity, no parti-
culars could be obtained. The loss is stated at between
5,0001. and 6,0001.
CRICK-LT.—CHELMSFORD V. ILEORD.—The first
match of the season took place yesterday, on the ground
of the Chelmsford Club, near Chelmstord. Shortly
after ten, H. Gladwin and W. Brasier took the wickets
on behalf of the Chelmsford Club; English and Good-
hugh bowling. At the conclusion of the first innings the
score stood thus:—Chelmsford, 119; Ilford, 88. When
time was called, the Chelmsford Club for their second
innings bad scored 71 for,tlie IQS pf 71ficlieth