The Sun.
London, England, 1849-11-27 00:00:00

PUBLIC MEETING IN NEWCASTLE.
i (From the Newcastle Guardian.)
, On Monday evening, a public meeting of the in-
habitants of this town was held in the Music Hall,
' Nelson-street, for the purpose of expressing sym-
pathy with the Hungarians and Romans at the close
of their disastrous struggles, and contributing to-
wards the support of the refugees—the fund so raised
to be placed at the disposal of Lord Dudley Stuart,
M.P., who it was announced would honour the as-
sembly with his presence. The spacious building
was well filled at the commencement of the proceed-
ings, and during the evening it was crowded to
excess up to the very doors, both in the body of the
room and the gallery.
Shortly after eight o'clock, Sir John Fife, George
Crawshay, Esq., Mr. C. Larkin, and other gentlemen,
with Lord Dudley Stuart (who had arrived by the
express train from the south) entered the room, and
were loudly cheered.
There were on the platform several in-
fluential fellow-townsmen, with two Turkish gentle-
men, Hassan Effendi and Salih Effendi, to whom
Mr. Crawshay referred in the course of the pro-
ceedings.
On the motion of Mr. Leisure,
Sir JOHN FIFE took the chair. He observed on the
importance of the occasion on which they had met, and
explained that they had not presented a requisition to
the Mayor, as the meeting would have been called at
an inconvenient hour to many of them, and in an in-
convenient place—the Guildhall. He remareed that
the memorials to be submitted had been advertised in
the two last published papers (the Guardian and
Gateshead Observer), so that they were fully pre-
pared to assent to or dissent from the sentiments con-
tained in them, as their judgment might direct. He
was glad to find that the meeting was so powerful in
numbers and respectability, and happy to announce
that Mr. Headlam, M.P., had subscribed three
guineas, and Mr. Ord, M.P., 51. towards the pur-
poses fOr which they had met. Mr. Hutt had ex-
pressed a desire to attend, but found himself unable
to do so ; he sent a subscription of sl.—(Cheers.)
Dr. Headlam and Mr. Burdon Sanderson also ex-
pressed regret at not being able to be present. In
addition to the gratifying circumstances which he had
announced there was another; they had the honour of
being associated in this great cause with one whose
name was illustrious throughout the whose civilized
world as the protector of the exile and the friend
of the hero and the patriot.—(Cheers.) These
attributes belong most peculiarly to Lord Dudley '
Stuart, whose exertions in favour of Poland many
would remember—whose noble and generous philan-
thropy had been exercised ever since in similar
causes, and now with more energy and munificence
than ever in favour of the exiled patriots of Hungary.
—(Renewed cheers.) Sir John then referred to the
unfounded statements made by a portion of the British
press, particularly the Times and the Quarterly
Review, relative to Hungarian matters,and concluded
by anticipating that the meeting would be harmonious
and unanimous in its proceedings.—(Cheers.)
Mr. CRAWSIIAT was then called upon and received
with loud plaudits. He remarked that they had met
to express sympathy with the cause of Hungary at a
tune when it was prospering, and now that it has
fallen—he trusted only for a time—it was their duty
as Englishmen to come forward and say that their
conviction in the justice of the cause remains unal-
tered; that they did not desert and would not despair
of it.—(Cheers.) Kossuth himself, in the eloquent
words which he penned just before he quitted the
country, in a prophetic spirit said to the Emperor of
Austria, " Young monarch, remember my country is
not destined for thee." No, the land of Kossuth
could never degenerate into a nation of slaves.
But they must not waste regrets on the past; their
business that evening was of a practical nature, and
the immediate purpose for which he rose was to move
the adoption of a memorial to the Crown, It had
been advertised in order that no extremely ardent
friend of peace might say that he had been entrapped
into the approval of a document which he had not
examined. In moving its adoption he should also
comment on its several clauses. The first related to
the Russian intervention in Hungary. He had
always looked on that intervention as an European
question. When Russia came into the field the..
Hungarians were fighting not merely for their own
liberty, but for the liberties of every nation in Europe.
Scarcely hid a month or two gone by before England
and Russia were brought face to lace, and nothing
but the most energetic conduct on the part of our
Government could have prevented the Turkish
empire from absorption by Russia. The putting
down of the Hungarian movement by Russia was
the termination of that series of movements
which commenced in Paris in 1848, and as he
had mentioned Paris, he would observe that on a
calm consideration of the history of Europe since that
period, it appeared to him that France had not shown
herself a safe guide to other nations, and when she
moved again, they would do well to pause a little and
see whether a February was not followed by a June,
and the establishment of a republic at home by the
destruction of one in a neighbouring country.—
(Cheers.) had Hungary not fallen, it would have
saved the cause of European liberty, and on this ac-
count he regretted its fall. .There have been parties
in this country, and especially in the press, who have
rejoiced and triumphed over the fall of Hungary as
the re-establishment of order in Europe. lie entreated
them not to be led way by words. " Order reigned
at Waraaw," were the words of a great General after
the town was sacked. The question was, whether
order was for good or evil. Disease was organized as
well as health, so that the mere fact of order existing
was no cause of joy.—(Cheers.) What had been the
consequence of the late proceedings in Hungary ?
Why Austria had become part and parcel of Russia.
The theory of intervention or non-intervention never
appeared to him a safe one to follow, but where they
saw abominable vice and horrible cruelty prevailing,
the system under which it is fostered and encouraged
can only be looked upon as a curse to the world, and a
thing against which every honest man will raise his
voice, and, if necessary, his arm. He would notice a
peculiarity which had been introduced into Austria
since the intervention of Russia—he alluded to the
practice of flogging women.—(Shame.) They might
not perhaps be aware that flogging was an ordinary
punishment in Russia, inflicted equally on men and
women ; and it did not disgust the people of that
country, because, he was sorry to say, that those of
the lower orders were in the habit of beating their
own wives.—(Hear.) But until this connexion be-
tween Austria and Russia such a thing was not
known in the Austrian empire. (Mr. Crawshay men-
tioned instances of this base conduct, in one of which,
a woman accused of murder, was killed by being
beaten on her stomach !) Without pursuing this
subject, he would merely say that he considered the
successful intervention of Russia in Hungary as a
curse to the people of Europe and a blight to civili-
zation.—(Cheers.) When the news reached his ears
it did not inspire him with hope that the era of
universal peace was coming, but he said to himself,
where is this to stop ? There was no instance in
history of nations stopping of themselves; he felt
certain the time would come when Russia must be
stopped by another power, and that power England.
—(Cheers.) What had happened? Soon after-
wards Kossuth, with other brave Hungarians,
sought a refuge in the territories of the Sultan,
protection and hospitality being promised to them.
He (Mr. Crawshay) then detailed the facts con-
nected with the subsequent demand of Russia and the
conduct of Turkey and England thereupon, and ob-
served
that the meeting were called upon to thank the
Government for the course they had taken in this
matter, and for having threatened Russia with war
(Great cheering.) He would go further and say that
if our Government had not acted as they had done,
they would have been guilty of treason to the honour
and interests of this country. He did not wish to
represent the power of Russia as very great. Al-
though
he disagreed with Mr. Cobden in his extreme '
peace views, yet he thought a debt of gratitude was
owing to him, not merely for his exposure of the
swindling Austrian loan, but for his exposition of the
real weakness of Russia. In that view, every man
who had travelled in Russia, or knew much about the
country, concurred. But whilst he had not the least
fear of a war between Russia and this country, for he
believed the mere threat—the double-fist—would in-
duce Russia to eat dirt, yet he considered great dan-
ger might have arisen had any weakness been shown.
—(Cheers.) It was quite possible for small forces to
produce a great effect, and the resources of a country,
however great, might be brought to nought by imbe-
cility and weakness on the part of those who have to
direct them. Had Great Britain refused to sup-
port Turkey in her humane and righteous con-
duct, would not the world have said that she was
afraid of Russia?—(Cheers.) Mr. Craw shay procs eled
to show that not only honour and duty, but self in-
terest should impel us to this course ; and then ad-
verted to the reports of the incarceration of Kossuth
and his companions in a Turkish fortress, observing
that nothing less than freedom to these men to go
where they please would be a satisfactory conclusion
of the question. He could not believe that the
Turkish Government would consent to their impri-
sonment, but he thought it exceedingly probable that
the Austrian Government had demanded it, for they

were perfectiy—well a wares-ho heevpuld be re-
ceived_ jn--this country:elf- e were to corm), and no
t the manner of Iris reception and his triumphal
progress wouldsbe' gall and wormwood to them.—
" (Loud cheers.) The Emperor of Russia had made a
demand that the Hungarian refugees should be given
up to him; the English people must make a demand
. that they be given up to them—not to be hanged or
hot, but to well treated and honoured as they deserve,
—(Cheers.) He had reason to believe that the ex-
pression of opinion by that meeting would have its
effect not merely in this country but at Constantinople.
Turkey is improving far more than Russia in civiliza-
tion, and the Turkish Government look especially to
this country for au example and a friend. There
were on the platform two Turkish noblemen, who
with others had been sent to reside and be edu-
cated here, in order that on their return they may
be able to carry back those improvements which
the Turkish Government so much appreciate
and admire. He ventured to say that the Sultan
himself will be sensitive to opinion in this country on
the matter. lie felt quite certain that when the
Turkish Government know the opinion of the people
of this country, they will not swerve from the noble
course which in the fiat instance they pursued.—
(Cheers.) The time had now come when the Turkish
Government must choose who they will have for their
friend—England or Russia; and it was perfectly
clear that if we did not befriend them, Turkey would
fall under the power and influence of Russia. Mr.
Crawshay concluded by observing that he trusted the
proceedings of the evening would not only have an
influence on the immediate question before them, but
would show the Government that although the people
of England are anxious for economy in every branch
of administration, yet they also look to the Govern-
ment to see that the honour and dignity of the country
are properly supported. A great power belongs to
England, and to that power is attached a duty—the
duty of supporting the right, and when opposed by
injustice and violence, when all other means have
failed, to maintain it as it then only can be main-
tained.—(Cheers.) The following is a copy of the
memorial :
"TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
" The humble Memorial of a Meeting of the Inhabitants
of the Town and County of Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
and of the Borough of Gateshead,
"SLIEWETH,—
" That your memorialists have seen from time to time,
with deep pain and regret, the manifest tendency of the
policy of the Russian Cabinet to encroach upon the in-
dependence of surrounding nations, as evinced in various
instances, but most recently in that forcible intervention
by which the independence of Hungary, as a separate
kingdom, has been crushed, and the brave Hungarians
subjected to an Austrian despotism, in contravention of
recent solemn obligations, as well as of the compact by
which the crown of Hungary was originally vested in
the House of Hapsburgh.
" That your memorialists have seen, with still deeper
feelings of alarm and indignation, the conduct of the
Czar of Russia with regard to the rights of your Ma-
jesty's faithful ally, the Sultan of the Turkish Empire,
whose diplomatic relations with Russia have been inter-
rupted, and himself threatened with hostilities because of
his magnanimous refusal to give up to the Czar certain
Hungarian aid other refugees, who, including the late
Governor of Hungary, Louis Kossuth, had thrown them-
selves, in the hour of adversity, upon his protection and
hospitality.
" That your memorialists have heard, with feelings of
pride and satisfaction, that your Majesty's Government
did not hesitate, under these circumstances, at once to
signify their entire approval ot the conduct of the Sul-
tan of the Turkish empire, and to accompany their ap-
proval with that which could alone impart to it signi-
ficance and value, viz., an assurance to the Sultan that
he might depend, in case of need, upon the cc-operation
of the British arms
" That your memorialists have rejoiced to hear that
these efforts on the part of your Majesty's Government
have been so far successful, that the demand for the ex-
tradition of the refugees has been abandoned; their gra-
tification, however, has been greatly alloyed with feel-
ings of regret in consequence of a most painful rumour,
to the effect that the Sultan has been induced to listen
to a proposal for keeping under restraint, within the
limits ot his empire, the late Governor of Hungary,
Louis Kcssuth, with some of his companions, a rumour
to which your memorialists would be unwilling to give
any credence were it not for the fact, that whilst other
of the refugees have been set at liberty, a like measure
ot' justice as not as yet been extended to this illus-
trious man and his companions.
"Your memorialists, therefore, humbly entreat your
Majesty to exert your utmost influence with the Sultan
of the Turkish empire to induce him to terminate this
state of suspense in a manner worthy of his prelious
conduct, by immediately liberating the refugees in ques-
tion; the more especially as your memorialists cannot
but leel that further delay in this matter must tend in-
evitably to weaken that sentiment of admiration and
respect with which the original resistance of the Sultan
to the unjustifiable demand of Russia inspired the minds
of all classes and parties in this country, whereas a
prompt and happy settlement of this question will ren-
der this sentiment permanent and durable, and thus ter.d
to cement that close and intimate alliance between the
-Turkish and British empires, which )our memorialists
believe to be equally essential to the safety of the one
and the prosperity of the other."
The Rev. WILLIAM PALMER, late of Chatteris, who
has become the minister of Providence Chapel, se•
conded the resolution in an excellent speech, a report
of which, however, we regret our inability to give.
Lord DUDLEY STUART then rose, and was received
with the most enthusiastic applause, the audience
rising en masse, and cheering vociferously. He said,
Sir John Fife and gentlemen, I thank you for your
kind and cordial reception. I assure you it is a great
hdoenliegstt
atio ,
dmine
ttroephiadvne theez
ofh Newcastle andonotrofmeet Gateshead
ingthebrave,
assembled here (as I know, not for the first time), in
the cause of liberty, to raise their voices on behalf of
the exilefand the victim of tyranny, and in resolute
opposition to the tyrant.---(Cheers.) Among the
great cities and towns of the country who, to the
national honour, proclaimed their sympathy for the
Hungarians, and their desire to see liberty and all the
ancient constitutional rights, with the modern im-
provements designed by Kossuth, established in
Hungary, Newcastle was one of the foremost. Al-
most the very first meeting held on this great subject
during the struggle for Hungarian independence was
held here. I read the account of it with sentiments
of satisfaction and delight, and I have since seen yoar
noble example followed from the north of Scotland to
the west of England ; and I said to myself, it will
be for me a happy and proud day if ever I
should have the opportunity of expressing
to you, face to face, how much, I rejoice to
find that you sympathise with me in my sympathy for
the brave Hungarians. But I know that your attach-
ment to the principles of liberty, and your sympathy
for those who in foreign parts, like your forefathers,
struggle for freedom, does not date of yesterday; I
recollect well how, after the noble struggle made in
Poland, great was the enthusiasm of Newcastle. I
had the honour of working in that cause with a
respected townsman of yours, Charles Attwood—
(Cheers)—and he first taught me the noble spirit
which exists here. It is to me, therefore, no astonish-
ment to see this great, close packed, and most respect-
able meeting, although it is matter of high satisfaction.
Believe me, meetings like this will have an effect.
The partizans of tyranny and despotism may try to
laugh us down ; they cannot do it. The moral influ-
ence of England—the voice of the people must be
heard and felt, and attended to from one end of the
world to the other.—(Cheers.) The cause which has
brought us together is one of national and European
import. You have met to consider whether you ought
not to raise your voices on behalf of those gallant
men who, after struggling nobly and fighting
a brave and glorious fight against unpa-
ralleled odds—after achieving deeds of valour and
making noble sacrifices for the rights of their coun-
try, were compelled at length to succumb, not to
the valour of the Austrians (for I know not where
that valour was displayed except against unarmed
men, prisoners of war, and helpless women), who
were driven almost out of the Hungarian territory,
but who were overwhelmed by innumerable hordes
of savage Muscovites, who yet would not have suc-
ceeded had it not been for treachery in the Hunga-
rian camp.—(Cheers.) You have met to aid the
refugees who at the close of this disastrous struggle
sought and obtained refuge in the Turkish territory.
When those gallant men arrived there they thought
they were safe, for the Turks received them with open
arms, and assured them of protection, when of a
sudden there came a ruthless and cruel demand from
the two northern despots to have those brave men
given up and barbarously put to death. The Sove-
reign of Turkey, setting a grand example, Maliorn-
medan as he is, to many Christians—(Cheers)—
impelled by a generous impulse, at once met the
odious proposal by a decided no. The gallant young
Sultan was told by a special ambassador from Russia
that if he persisted in his refusal to give up the men
whom the Czar wished to hang, the consequence
vti ould be war. This was the polite diplomatic lan-
guage of the Emperor of Russia to the Government
of Turkey. Now in this country we all regard war
with the greatest horror; but if war brings even to
powerful states so many evils, think how its threat
must have been felt by Turkey when uttered by
a neighbcuring power like Russia. But the Sultan
was firm ; his reply was, " Since you tell me if I
persevere such dreadful consequences will ensue, I
can give no answer at all." In the meantime he dis-
patched an ambassador to St. Petersburgh, and whilst
that ambassador was on his journey, he desired to
know what were the opinions of this country end
France with regard to the course which he o:.ght to
pursue. In point of fact he said this—" You see
what it is my duty to do; honour commands it, my
religion inculcates it ; but I am under the shadow of
a tretnendous threat by parties able and unscrupulous
enough to enforce it--
will England and France see
me dishonoured by yielding to the Russian, or
crushed in endeavouring to resist them ? " No man
can doubt what answer ought to have been given, and
I am happy to think the right answer was given; I
rejoice to know that Lord Palmerston's advice to the
Sultau was, firm—(Cheers)—that he lost