The Sun.
London, England, 1825-04-29 00:00:00

NEWCASTLE-UPON-T YNE.

GRAND DINNER AT NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,
to Mr. EDWARD HURRY and'Mr. J. D. POWLES, of
London.
On Thursday the 21st instant, a .grand Dinner
was given at the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by
a considerable number of the most eminent merchants and in-
habitants of that town, to Mr. EDWARD IIunRY and Mr. J.
D. POWLES, of London, as a mark of their high respect
for those gentlemen, as men of honour and integrity in
their private mercantile transactions--and also in consideration
of the benefits they have rendered to their country, by the open-
ing of extensive commercial relations with the new world. A
Committee had for some days been planning an entertainment
worthy of the occasion, and the bill-of-fare, wines, dessert, &c.
were of the most superb order. At six o'clock, 74 gentlemen
sat down to table in the small Assembly-Room ;_JAMES Losx,
Esq: in the Chair; with the distinguished guests on either hand;
WILLIAM CLARK, Esq. of Benton, and MATTISEW PLum-
At En, Esq. of Newcastle, filling the office of Vice-Presidents.
When the cloth was removed, the Chairman gave the King,
with.four tithes four. Drank accordingly, the music playing
the National Anthem. The Chairman then rose and said,
" Mr.'Vice-President, I now rise to propose a toast; immediate-
ly connected with the object of this meetimr: you will, no
doubt, at once conclude, that I mean our much valued guests.
It would, Sir, be very easy for me to pronounce a panegyric on
these gentlemen. But this would be a mere waste of words, as
every one who hears me, is perfectly acquainted with their
honourable—their exemplary conduct, towards those with
whom they have been connected in business. And none of us
are ignorant of the essential benefits which they have conferred
on the great cause of South American Independence. It would
also be indelicate in me, and no doubt painful to their feelings,
were I, in their presence fo speak of them in the terms of praise
and approbation, which they so well deserve. .Without fur-
ther trespassing on your time, therefore, I give you the healths •
of Mr. EDWARD HURRY and Mr. POWLES, with three times
three.".:—Drank accordingly, and with long continued plaudits.
Tune, "Auld acquaintance."
When silence was obtained, Mr. PowLEs .rose, and ex-
pressed ltimself, in nearly the following words :
Gentlemen—ln proceeding to offer to you, on behalf of Mr.
Hurry and myself, the joint expression of our unfeigned thank-
fulness, for the testimony of your unbounded kindness, which
we have this day received, I trust you will make allowance for
the difficulty I labour under, in rendering that expression in
any way adequate to the conveyance of the feelings of grati-
tude, by which we are overpowered on this occasion. Greatly,
too, is that embarrassment increased,. by reflecting how, be-
yond all proportion, has the excess of your kindness outrun the
largest pretensions that we could ever have been conceived to
possess, to •so distinguished an honour. And, I am sure, I
can say for both of us, with the most unaffected sincerity, that
if our presence here this day could be understood to convey the
notion, that we had accepted this high distinction as one to
which we- could lay any reasonable claim, it would be for us
the most painful moment of our lives. Far from us be any
such vain and presumptuous imagination. Our appearance
here, this day, Gentleman, under such flattering auspices, is ,
entirely owing to the partial medium, throUgh which our con-
duct has been viewed by our kind and warm-hearted friends.
If it has happened in the course of our dealings, that we have
bah any opportunity of contributing to the maintenance, in its
just tone and vigour, of that feeling of mutual confidence so
essential to the well-being of every commercial community, we
have done no more than act up to the line of conduct imposed
upon us by every principle of duty as men ; and more espe-
cially so, as members of that commercial body, which could
no more exist without the full maintenance of that confidence,
than we could breathe without the aid of the atmosphere which
surrounds us. For, to what, amonr, other powerful causes,
can we attribute the commercial greaTtless to which our coun-
try has attained, but to the confidence with whiCh every man
here deals with his neighbour. It is the common fund, the
joint-stock, of the whole partnership—and God forbid that any
of us should willingly or intentionally diminish its amount.
Gentlemen,- in respect to the part which we have taken, in
common with many others, to endeavour to open a commercial
intercourse with those countries to which Europe, for three
centuries, was known only as the tyrant and the oppressor, I
confess to you that I know no snore agreeable contemplation
than that state of things, in which it is Permitted to the fair
and honourable pursuit of commerce, to become the means of
advancing the civilization, and extending the happiness of
mankind. There can be no doubt, that the aid which those
countries did, at one period of their struggle, receive from the
English merchants, materially accelerated the close of that
contest—which I believe we may now consider as finally ter-1
minated. 'But although this assistance did accelerate that ter-
mination, and shorten by some years, probably, the career of
devastation and bloodshed, it is no less certain, that, without
this aid, the end of the struggle must have been what we now
see it, though at a more protracted period. So fixed add uni-
versal was the determination on the part of the inhabitants of
those countries, to be free from the unnatural government,
under which they were placed, so great were the miseries and
privations to which they were submitting, for this end, long
before foreign help came to their assistance, that nothing but the
entire annihilation of the population could (in the greater part
of those countries), have preserved the sovereignty over them to
Spain. If they have reason to rejoice at the termination of this
contest, Spain herself has no less cause to do so. Involved as
she is in trouble and difficulty, many of her sons wandering
over the face of the earth, not knowing where to find a home, it
becomes not us to speak of her in terms of unmerited harshnesit
or severity; but it may, with every regard to moderation, be
affirmed, that, in having had wrested from her that sovereignty,
which she never knew how to exercise—she has been deprived
of' a vast capacity of doing mischief ; for, assuredly, if ever
there was a nation which entirely mistook the duties of those
who govern,—and the rights of those who are governed,—whose
rule was a bane and a curse—restraining and depressing the
energies of man,--diminishing his numbers,—and locking
up the resources of nature from his use,—that unhappy na-
tion is Spain. It is a frightful picture, Gentle Men •pain-
ful to dwell upon, and relieved only by the agreeable con-
trast afforded in the loyalty, and patient submission with
which, for three long centuries, those nations preserved their
attachment to Spain ; and in the friendly and forbearing dis-
position which they now take every opportunity of chewing to-
wards her.
Gentlemen, in respect to the part which we have taken, in
endavouring to bring about the present agreeable posture of
affairs, there are many other individuals who,catne forward with
similar efforts (your own town has not been wanting in them);
anti, I believe, we have no other merit to lay claim to, than that
of acting upon the information which came before us,and adm-
ing a firm and immoveable belief, that the causes which we,
saw, or thought we saw, in motion, would, in'their own time,
Work out effects consistent with the power of those causes, and
with the whole order of Providence. In this expectation-although requiring somewhat, certainly, of patience and perse-:
NeAnce—we have not been disappointed.
" Gentlemen, it is time that I should cease to trespass upon ;
you. For many years have we both been connected with this
town and neighboorhood7—my friend, by the earliest ties—and
both of us, by many friendships formed here in the course of
extensive commercial intercourse, which, I.think, will last as
long is we have the power of feeling. We have, always received
here the greatest kindness and attention ; and above all, we have
found friends herein
diffiCulty and ,trouble.--Gentle-
Men; we begleaYe to times Of
drink the health of the President,' Vice-
Presidents;and every Member or this Company. Mr: Powles
sat down amid long and continued plaudits. After the Chair- ,
man had given " the Duke of York and the Army," and the
Duke of Clarence and the Navy," which were followed by
the usual airs, he rose and .spoke to rite following effect r—
" I will now, gentlemen, propose the health of one of the most
Men who has appeared in this or any former age:—
inferior to Washington alone—and perhaps only inferior. to him
because he must, like other distinguished persons, whilst he
lives, he the object of doubt and of 'envy ; for all great men
haYe found the best security fOrthe,ir reputation endabeir.vittue '
in the graVe; 'Bolivar and Washington, rOene human na-
ture from the reproaches which have beeti.tbroWn upon it; and
there are objects of
prove in public, as our honoured 'frienda and guests, who sit
me, have proved in private life,
.that
value than those held out by avarice .and "
rabbi-
nstitCtiilaolrn. greater Let us, then, drink the health of " Bolivar, the Li-
berator," with three times three.- Drank with immense ap-
plans?, and the music Playing..." See the Conquering Hero
comes." The Chair next gave " the Viee-Presideht of Co-
lTo rrih
ebni ae
next
tdo
altslte, n
which was g
iev‘e`nCboymce elvver..
lornbia," and immediately afterwards " the Republics of Co-
-' may theag
smiling
ewrL.aai.bi,ztsyt
other Republics of South America
of
wisdom consolidate the triumphs gained by constancy and 'va-
lonr." Tune, " Tyrolke air." .The CmAritiwasi now rose
anti said,d. " Mr. Vice-President, I rise with peculiar satisfac-
tion, to 'propose to this Corripany, as a toast, his Majesty's
Ministers, and thanks to them for recognizing the Independ-
e'n'ce of the South American Republici.' I rejoice in this, Sir,
purse, and three times three, the
because I'am persuaded, that whatever promotes the freedom
end prOsperßy of other countries, must tend to auFment the
zloty and happiness of our own Drank with astounded ap-
. sir ke home."
$, m. CLARK,
Vice-President; rose, and proposed the
music playing `` Britons,

health of "Mr. HUR TAD°, the Colombian Minister to this
country." The next toast,—" the mining and agricultural
Associations Mexico and South America," was given by M.
PLUMMER, Esq., second Vice-President. Mr. POWLES then
rose, and spoke nearly as follows:—" Gentlemen, thelbast
which has just been given, is very much connected with one
which I have obtained the Chairman's permission to propose to
you. There can be no doubt of the capability of the under-
takings to which that toast referred, to draw forth, in the most
useful manner, the resources of the countries which are the
scene of their operations; and, in their degree, to advance the
prosperity of this. But it must be obvious to every one, how
much the attainment of these desirable results depends upon
the manner in which those, to whom the conduct of them
abroad is confided, shall discharge the trust reposed in theme
It has happened, that a native of this town has been intrusted
with the chief management of one of the earliest and most ex-
tensive of these undertakings. Taking with him the principles
lie had imbibed here; bringing into exercise a talent, an ener.
gy, and a discretion rarely combined in one individual, he
has proceeded in the discharge of the important duties corn-
mitted to him in a manner, which I am proud to have an op-
portunity of acknowledging, in the presence of so many ter
whom both that gentleman and his family have long been known.
Gentlemen, I beg to propose to you the health of the son of our
venerable and excellent Recorder, Mr. Williamson." Drank
with gi'eat applause. R. WatsrEas, Esq. rose, and gave the
health of " General Miller, and the rest of our brave country-
men who have fought and bled for the liberty of the new world.
The next toast, which was given by the Chairman, was, "The
commerce and manufactures of the United Kingdom." C. J.
BIGGE, Esq. rose and said, that having per Mission from the
Chair to propose a toast, lie should venture to present himself to
the notice of the company. After having drank the Republics
of Colombia and Mexico, he trusted he might be allowed to
mention another Republic— the Republic of Greece--(Ar
.plause).—The Greeks had made, and were still making tle
most glorious exertions to free themselves from the most barba-
rous tyranny that had ever been exercised over any portion of
the Christian world. And yet, what had been the conduct of
this country ? A perfect neutrality—a perfect indifference to
the affairs of Greece. England, which had been considered the
patron of liberty, had done nothing whatever to support the
cause of a renowned and gallant people. He proposed " In--
dependence and freedom to the Greeks," which was drank witle
rapturous applause. Mr. POWLES rose, and observed; he must
take the liberty of slightly correcting what had been so eloquently'
stated by the gentleman who had just addressed the company:,
It was a fact, perfectly well known, that the armies and navies'.
of Greece were at present paid by English money ; and, for his,
own part, he could not imagine it possible for the capital of
this country to be employed in a manner more honourable to
the people—(Applause.)
-Mr. E. HURRY now rose, and said—the toast which I have
obtained the. Chairman's permission to propose to you, is one,
in which, as may well be supposed, I feel no ordinary share of
interest. A native of this neighbourhood, attached to it by the
recollection of earliest connexions and friendships—by the uni-
form kindness and indulgence which I have ever experienced
from its inhabitants, in every variety of circumstances--and
lastly, by this flattering though undeserved mark of their ap-
probation and partiality—it is with unfeigned warmth and:
sincerity that I beg leave to propose—" Prosperity to the port:
and trade of Newcastle and its neighbourhood." Drank witls
great applause, the band playing " The keel-row," in their
best style.—Mr. BOYD rose and gave—" May the relations now
forming between the old and new world tend to the advance-
ment and happiness of both." This was followed by—" Sue-.
cess to the progress of education in Mexico, and South Anis-,
rica"—given by Mr. Thomas Clarke.—Alr. E. Hourly rose,
and said---" The Chairman has permitted me to propose a
health, which I doubt not this company will receive with sa-
tisfaction. When I consider, that so many of those who sur-
round me can recollect the character and virtues of the father
of the gentleman in question,—that all of you can appreciate
his own talents and usefulness,—and participate in the hope
which his son has just afforded us of seeing the same estimable
qualities continued in him,—l confidently anticipate that you
will cordially join in drinking the health of Charles William.
Bigge,.Esq."--(Great applause.)
illy.
Bigge having left the room, C. I. Bigge, Esq. made-
his acknowledgments for the honour done to his father, in a:
remarkably neat and somewhat eloquent speech.]
Mr. POWLES rose, and said—l ate about to propose to you
a toast, without the permission of the Chairman ; but I trust
shall have his excuse for it—when I say, that it is to express
how mach I am indebted to him for the kind, friendly, anti
delicate manner in which he -proposed to this company the
health of my friend and myself. It is not, for me, Gentle-
men, in his presence, and to you, to whom lie has been for so
many years known, to expatiate upon those qualities which
have placed this gentleman so high in the esteem of all who
know him. He is the happiest and the richest man who pos-
sesses most of the esteem and regard of his neighbours. Of
wealth of that sort your Chairman is a large possesor. Long
may he live to enjoy it ! I propose to you " the health of
James bosh, Esq."—(Great applause, and drank with three
times three.)—Mr. Lost rose, and returned thanks in a pecu-
liarly felicitous manner. The next toast was introduced in
nearly the following words, by the worthy _Chairman
" I ant anxious to propose to you the health of a gentleman
whose presence-would have given pleasure to us all • and I
should the more have rejoiced to see him, as he would have
witnessed the manner in which the praises of his son, so clear-
ly and eloquently expressed by my friend, Mr. Fowles, were
received by this numerous company."
When I add that this Gentleman has for many years con-
ferred the most essential benefits upon this town and neigh-
bourbood, by his kind and friendly disposition,—his profound
knowledge of his profession, and his high and unblemished in-
tegrity—it is scarcely necessary to name, my excellent friend,
the '• Recorder of Newcastle." Drank with long continued
plaudits. The next toasts were " the Lord Lieutenant ;". and
the Bishop of Durham and the Clergy of the Diocese." For
the latter, the Rev. Henry D. Griffiths returned thanks.
"'fhe Members for Newcastle" haying been drank,---31r-
POWLES again rose and expressed himself in nearly the follow-
ing terms :—" Gentlemen, I am anxious to propose to your
notice a tribute to the merits of an Institution.; peculiarly inte-
resting to the country at large, and to a maratime neighbour-
hood in particular. It was long matter of surprise and regret
to many
_persons, that ou the extensive coasts of our island.; rib
systematic arrangement for the preservation of life and property
from the evils of shipwreck, had ever been adopted. Many have
been the acts of charity and kindness, which the occurrence of
this calamity had cogtinually called forth ; but it-hp, notwith'r
standing;. too frequently happened, °that for want of a seguitirlf
organized system, for rendering.the requisite aid and succour,
in the moment of need, many valeable lives have perished--
and that, in other cases, those who -have risked their Ow"
lives, in saving, or endeavouring to save 'those of Qther9,
have found no recompence for their exertions, but is
the satisfaction of having performed a good action. The
institution which has.beenestablislied in London, within the
last twelvemonth, for remedying these evils, has received no
where more efficient co-operation than it hasin this neighbour-
hood. 1 propose, therefore, with great sincerity,—" Pw:
verity to the shipwreck society of Newcastle." Drank with
great applause.
Mr..E. llonitsr rose, and said—.l beg leave, Sir, to propose
the health of one of your Vice-Presidents. 1, Sir, am bound
to this gentleman by the ties of relationship," of friendshiPr
and Of services rendered in time of need ; but these are pO.-
sonal considerations, and riot the ground on which I offer this
toast to your notice : it is, as a man forward in pro soot'
ing the public good, and in particular, I would say, as the
leading promoter of that mast interesting society which npy
friend Mr. Fowles has just adverted to, that I propose
health of " William,Clarke, Esq."—(Mr. C. had quitted he
room, just before thetoast was given; it was drank with get!,
applause)—After a full flowing bumper to" The Coal Trad,er
111 r. Powles rose and observed—Your Chairman ha,s.ooce nWrc'
given mepermission to intrude myself' upon you—a permissiork
of which 1 avail myself with great satisfaction, o .propose :*,(l
you the health of an individual known to every one here pier
sent,—who, during a long career of honourable and inde4li`
gable exertion, has pot less securely fixed himself in the VI:
session of other advantages, than in the unlimited enjoyment
of the respect,. the regard,und esteem, of all with whom hC hAe
had intercourse. In that individual I have found, it; .4„'
times, a firm, constant, and sincere friend; with this s /obi°
,variation in the current of his friendship, that he awned -ca
reserve the largest display of kindness--the most .marked exlo-1-
bition of his regard, for seasons of' difficulty And trial.
men, I .propcse to you the health of Matthew Flummery 1.:;"1'
—Drank with the very greatest applause.
Mr. Pt.o mME it rose, and made his acknowledgrrkentS inneßf
and concise terms: he observed, that. if he, indeqd, had any
claim to the very flattering compliMent with which he had just
been honoured.; it waiild be his delight toahew, by hii future,
conduct, thia that claini was not diminiihed.,--(Great applausT4
Some very fine singing gratified; at intervals, the ears of ti't
coinpaily ; the rites of Bacetins; it May be sUpposed, were n9f.
neglected; in shOrt, the evenindevoted to the puipo4
hospitality and conviviality—glidg—ed away im perceptibly is
Manner the most agreeable and satisfactory. The writer of til.ll,
article has, in his time; witnessed many of the grand gala u'is
ners in this town and elservhere ; and he takes upon him to 9,71
—without the rear of contradiction--that, upon no occasios,"t
he ever behold a fete, where allpartook so largely and Si' tin%
videdly of the spirit Of enjoyment. More might be said--,_itee;:,
unnecessary. The memory of' this day willlong be cherisnial
on account of the pleasing and interesting associations
which it is so immediately connected.'

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OFFICE, No. 112, Strand, by J. B. C.kitswAris!