The Sun.
London, England, 1822-09-06 00:00:00

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1822.

BELFAST DINNER.

When we inserted on Wedneiday lait the ac-
count of the Dinner given at Belfast, in honour
of the Marquis of DONEGALL taken from a Radical
Irish Journal, called The Irishman, we express-
ed our hope that we should have another version
of the Meeting from a Journal of a. different de-
scription. This day we have the- pleasure of
gratifying our Readers with,' indeed, a very dif-
ferent statement of that Meeting, taken frein the
BELFAST NEWis-LETTER, a Journal that Was ori-
ginally founded upon independent principles,
but with a firm attachmezit to the British Consti-
tution in Church and State, and which has inva-
riably maintained its character: Our Readers
will perceive that the oratorical fit did not seize
Mr. LAWLESS till after the toast—" The memory
of our late much-lamented conntryman, the
Marquis of LONDONDERRY," had been generally
drank, and when of course nothing had occurred
to interrupt the peace of the company, till Mr.
LAWLESS arose in the' extraordinary manner
here related, and that he was put down by the
general opposition of the Company, and not, as
previously• stated, on a promise ,that he should
be allowed to speak in the course or the evening.
Our Readers will perceive also, by the article.
which folloWs the account of the Meeting, how
much the late lamented Marquis was esteemed
in Belfast, as evinced by the Public Dinner,
given in the year 1816, in honour of his talents,
.and in testimony.of the service which he rendered
to his country and to Europe.

CONGRATULATORY DINNER TO THE MOST

NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF., DONEGALL.
On the evening of the 28th inst. the congratulatory dinner
to the Marquis of Donegall, of which we gave due notice in
our paper of the 23d instant, took place in the large rooms of
the Commercial Buildings.—The folding doors which divide
the apartments were thrown open, and a space 125 feet in
length by 30 in breadth, was thus appropriated to the purposes
of the entertainment. The ascending stair-case and rooms
were tastefully festooned with laurels and artificial flowers—
and the excellent band of the King's own Borderers was in
attendance.

Various tables were sumptuously and splendidly laid out,
and the arrangements made for the entertainment of so large a
company were highly creditable to the Stewards, and to the
purveyor, Mr. Silvester Cavanagh.
About seven o'clock, the company, amounting to about NO.
persons, sat down to dinner—Cunningham Greg, Esq. Presi-
dent : John S. Ferguson, Esq. Vice President.
After dinner, the following toasts were given :
The King, four times four—Air, " God save the King."
The Duke of York and the Army, three times three—
" Duke of York's Match."

Me Duke of Clarence and the Navy, three times 3—" Rule
Britannia."

The PRESIDENT then rose and spoke to the following effect:
—Gentlemen, in rising to propoie the health of our Noble
guest, the Marquis of Donegan, I cannot divest myself of feel-
ings, in which 1 know all of you, my fellow-citizens, fully par-
ticipate, as well as in sentiments of sincere congratulation to-
wards his Lordship and his family, at the result of the late bill,
which has established their just rights to their titles and estates,
and preserved to us the succession of a family, who have been
the best of landlords ; may his posterity long enjoy the ho-
nours and estates inherited from their ancestors.

The Marquis of Donegall, three times three—" See the Con-
quering Hero comes."
His Lordship then spoke to the folloWing effect :—Gentle-
men, the Very flattering e diner in which your worthy Presi-
dent has proposed my heui.h, and the very enthusiastic manner
in which it has been received, have totally overpowered my
feelings ; nor do I know how to express my gratitude, or to re-
turn you adequate thanks for the kind interest you have taken
in my family misfortunes, and the very many demonstrations
of joy you have evinced at. the termination of them. When I
look round this room, and see the superb banquet that has been
prepared for me, the numbers and respectability of the com-
pany, and the strangers, unconnected with this town or my-
self, come to participate in the general joy, what must my
feelings be ? What my gratification ? Believe me, Gen-
tlemen, it is the proudest day of my life, for T have presump-
tion enough to think that, during my residence amongst you,
my donduct has been such as to deserve your approbation. It
is a day that never will be eradicated from my. heart—a day
which always will be remembered by me with pleasure and gra-
tification—a day that I hope may be an example to my poste-
rity, and that their conduct hereafter will equally, merit your
approbation. lam aware I ought to say a great defsl more on
the subject, but it is of so delicate a nature that I feet totally
unnerved and unequal to the task I—l hope, therefore, you will
excuse me, and' impute this to the real cause, and not to want
of feeling or gratitude on my part.—Gentleinen, I again beg
leave to return you my sincere thanks, and drink all your good
healths, and to wish you every happiness and prosperity you
can desire.

The Marchionesi of Dohegall and' the Noble House of Chi-
chester, Wtimes a—" Patrick's day in the morning."

Lord SptNeEit CarcuEsTE (a youth of about 16 years of
age,) said-4ientlemen, I wish that some of my family more
advanced in life were present to return thanks on the part of my
mother, for the warm compliment you have paid to her and her
family in doing her the honour of so cordially drinking her
health. In making my acknowledgements, I thank you from
the bottom of ni'y heart, and its doing so, heartily and gratefully
drink your healtlas in return:
The Lord Lieutenant and ptosperity to Ireland, 3 times 3
"'Marquis Wellesley's march."
The Earl of Belfast, 3 dines 3—" British Grenadiers."

Mr. VERNER said—" Mr. President and. Gentlemen, I
could have much wished the Noble Lord had been present to
have received your kindness in person, because he would have
relieved me from a duty which he would much better have.per-
formed himself, because I am aware it would have been more
acceptable to you, but the more particularly that he might have
witnessed this day's proof of affection and attachment to him-
self and his family. Gentlemen, I know it was his'Lordship's
intention to have left London on the 20th inst. Various cir-
cumstances detained him lOnger, and as I, understand your
kind invitation could not have reached' him before Monday
last, it would be out of his power to be here this day/ r enter-
tain no doubt, that when the time shall'hav'e arrived (a period,
I hope, far distant) when my Lord Belfast shall have it fully
in his power to evince his gratitude, that he will, by his can-
duet and the example before him, prove himself deserving of
the same kind feelings you have this day, in a mannei so gra-
tifying to him and so honourable to you, testified towards his'
Noble Father. I know the goodness of his heart and the
amiableness of his disposition, and in thanking you must cor-
dially for him, I only lament that I am deficient in ability to
do justice to what I am persuaded must be his feelings and
adequately to express his regards and gratitude."
The Duke of Wellington, three times' three—" Duke of
Wellington's march."
The noble guest, the Marquis of Donegan, in whust.• honor
the entertainment was given, then rose and gave—
The memory of our late much-lamented countryman, the
Marquis of Londonderry.
When this toast had been generally drank, Mr. LAWiEss rose
Up," and placing one foot on the table whilst another rested on
his chair, assumed such an attitude as indicated that he in
tended to make a speech. Loud shouts then immediately arose,
of " Down-, down"—" Out, out"—" Put him out"—" Hear
him, hear him"—" Out, out," &c,—" Down, down"—" Hear
him."—A complete scene of tumult and confusion succeeded.
—Mr. Lawless in the mean time had got upon the table—the
shouts increased—:Mr. Lawless endeavoured to speak, but was
not permitted to be heard. The President left his place, pro..
ceeded from the elevated seat in which he had been, and went
over to the table where Mr. Lawless was, and remonstrated
with him. After Some time, by the strenuous exertions of the
Stewards several magistrates, and some of the very respecta-
ble inhabitants present, some degree of order was restored, and
Alt. Lawless sat down without having been heard, his removal

off the table haying been effected partly by force and partly by
the intreaties of his frientiS: This unexpected uproar lasted
about 20 initiates. •

The President then ,gave
Lord Ellenborough's health—tierce times three.
Harmony was restored,. the band played_-:" Within a mile of
Edinburgh town."—Lord Donegall returned thanks for 'the
toast.

. Sir Stephen May; three times three—" The Sprig of Shil-
lelagh."
Sir STEPHEN MAY spoke to the folloeing effect:--With the
most intense feelings he rose.toreturn. thanks for the honor that
was conferred upon him. Of the Manner in which the toast
was received he would have the most (grateful and lasting re-
collection. However, he was not vain enough to arrogate, to
himself alone, merit to entitle him to such a mark of their re-
gard ; he must attribute the greater part to his connexion. with
the family of the Noble Lord on whose account and for whose
success their gratulations Were offered and this splendid en-
tertainment prepared. It was not to be wondered at, in a
country whose daughters are pre.eminent for their chastity, that
" the issue of this question should' be matter of joy and satisfic-
tion.—lt was natural that Irishmen should feel for the situa-
tion of a, family threatened With such an untoward, unlooked
for misfortune, apparently beyond human control and human
foresight. The Lady most interested in the issue of this affair,
and his near relation, felt with him most deeply the kind sym-
pathy oe.the public in general, and more particularly that ex-
pressed.4o so much ardour by. the inhabitants of Belfast.—
The issue of CMS' ouestion was a triumph peculiarly our Own
such as could only be heard of in the British senate ; it was the
triumph of legislative wisdoni over prejudice, precepts and
routine of professional practice; professional power and autim-
rity.—lle had now to intreat more particularly theirindulgt nee„
but if he did not think the opportunity of declaring his !eati-
merits most suitable, he would not intrude then's at this
moment on the attention of the company.—lt is well known to
most here the many, difficulties that were opposed—all the
wiles of the law resorted to for the object of resisting the
progress of the suit established by the Noble Lord, to bring the
subject of. embarrassment which then existed in his family to
judicial investigation. It is but fair to assume that the, Noble
Lord's friends were ready to meet the difficulties, and to refute
the'calumnica and aspersions that were so industriously circu-
lated. So long as,the many documents published were kept
within the rules and practice of the courts of law or of Parlia-
ment, however painful they might prove to his feolings, he
would be the very last to presume to take umbrage at the
publication—but the case differs much when dishonest and
dishonourable attempts by the publication of anonymous state-
ments were made to injure his family and prejudice, the public
—these docinnents were so identified with the case of a gentle-
man who was so unremittingly opposed to the interests of the
family of the Noble Lord, and with Parliamentary documents,
avowedly published, that he felt compelled, before any other
measures were adopted, tO seek for an explanation from him.
In reply, he received apositive disavoWal of any knowledge of
the publication, which, from a gentleman, he was bound to
believe. Was it to be endured that, on the introduction or a
measure that had been hi the contemplation of Parliament for
years, a door was to be. opened to slander and the vilest ca-
lumny; ,that we were to submit to have our nearest.relatives
traduced and exPosed to such unmerited obloquy ? If-the evi-
dence were even established, till sanctioned by the law, no.
right existed with any one to circulate such slander. From the
feeling that is evinced at this meeting, it is manifest that how.
ever the concealed calumniatOr might triumph in the pain he.
inflicted, yet all honourable men would agree that if he pos-
sessed spirit equal to the malignity of his disposition, lie would
have come forward to explain with the living representative of
a family which ho had endeavoureg so strenuously, yet, he was
proud to say, so ineffectually, to injure.
The memory of Lord Nelsen, three times three—" Battle
of the Nile."
The County of Antrim, and prosperity to its Agriculture
and Commerce, three tunes three—" Speed. the Plough."
The County of Down, three times three—" Downshire
'Quick Step."
The Town and Trade of Belfast, three times three.
Lord Edward Chichester, three times tlinee.—" Hearts of
Oak."
Sir S. May returned thanks, which were received with loud
acclamation.
Our Senators in Parliament—may their exertions ever be di-
rected to the honour of the King and the welfare of the people.
" The Sovereign of Belfast."—three times three.
Mr. VEP.NER, the Sovereign, said, Gentlemen, whatever
reason I might have had to expect that the Sovereign of Bel-
fast would be noticed upon this occasion, I could not-have an-
ticipated the very kind aprobation with which this toast has
been received. It Is always gratifying to me when there is no
diversity of sentiment. Such unaniouty I should naturally ex-
pect to result from. the present occasion, and such I am per-
suaded is the feeling of all present, although the enthusiasm of
spine may have led them to infringe upon the etiquette to ba
observed, and to interfere with the orders of. the Chair,;' and I
. .
equally regret that my opinions are in opposition, to any of
the respectable inhabitants of this town.—However humble my
services may be, or (comparatively speaking) of minor import
the duties I have to perform, they become important to me, in-
asmuch as they are of consequence to you. and in the discharge
of them I hope I am actuated by a desire to proinOte thesene-
ral interests of the community. Gentlemen, Ido not wish to
occupy your.time or infringe upon your conviviality, but per-
mit me, before I sit down, tO observe how much I regard your
invitation this day, and how sincerely I participate in the ob-
jects of your entertainment. I have been always taught to ad-
mire and regard the Constitution under which we live, and in
no instance have we a stronger proof of its-purity and excel=
fence than that which we are now celebrating. Allow me
again, Mr.. President and Gentlemen, to return you my most
sincere thanki for this manifestation of your kinkiness and
approbation.
Our absent friends who would have been here if they could.
The Linen Manufacture, the staple of Ireland.
The Inland Navigation of Ireland.
The Fisheries of Ireland. .
Our guests who have honoured -as wilh their company this
day— Come, see rural felicity."
Colonel Farquharson and the Royal Borderers,' three tinies
three—" Farqnharson's march."
Captain Priestly returned thanks.
The fair Danghters of Erin.
The Exports of Ireland.
The Militia of Ireland.
The Yeomanry of Ireland.
The Agriculture of Ireland—revival and prosperity to it.
The British People who have stepped forward as Contribu-
tors to our distressed Countrymen in the South and West.
The Marquis of DOvinshire--Lthree times three.
The liberal resident Landlords and incluitrious and improv-'
ing Tenants, and increase to them.
The Right Hon. W. C. Plunkett.
Ships, Colonies, and Commerce.
The Memories of our gallant heroes who fell in' the late con-
test in support of the Liberties of Europe.
The Stewards of the feast.
The MarchiOness of Dowrishire—aree times three.
Mr. HULL, of Donaghadee, said, that he felt himself called
Upon to express, on the part of the Marquis and Marchioness
of Downshire, that no personsleltmore deeply interested in the
measure which had produced the present meeting than they
did, both On account of their friendly regard for our Noble'
guest, and on account of the justice and equity of the law which
had ensured them their rights.
May the inhabitants of the United Kingdom forgiYe and
forget all offences towards each other; and avoid them in future.
The Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle,. and may they ever flou-
rish united.
The Belfast Academical Institution, rand prosperity to it.
The Earl O'Neill.
The company separated about three o'clock in•the morning.