The Sun.
London, England, 1841-04-26 00:00:00

MORNING EDITION

ROYAL HIGHLAND SCHOOL
SOCIETY.
The anniversary festival of the Royal Highland School
Society took place this evening (Saturday), at the Fre:-
masons' Tavern, Great Queen-street. This national in-
stitution, which, for nearly a century and a half, has so
Powerfully conduced to the best interests of the whole
British Empire, and which has constantly more than
300 schools, and upwards of 20,000 children under its
daily care, appears to be annually rising in public mtima-
tt!on, if we may judge from the number and rospecti-
ility of those who attended the festival on the present

--__se__ _ .
Occasion.
et• The following sketch of the rise and progress of the
e - Society may -not, at the present moment, be- uninter-
estinge.._ ' '; =
The Society in Scotland for Propagating Christian
Knowledge in the Highlands and Islands was originally
~ ~ founded in the year 1701, by a few individuals in Edin-
burgh, '“ for the reformation of manners" in that metro-
s Polis. Its philanthropic influence at length reached those
, - • ' distant regions of the North, where the errors of super-
stitious ignorance had too long prevailed. The effseta of
the Institution were speedily felt there also, by giving ad-
ditional influence to the ministrations of the estaLlehed
Clergy, whose pious labours had been previously frustrated,
not less by the miserable condition of the people, that by
the immense extent of the parishes by which they were
surrounded.
Inquiries into the state of those places soon furnished
Melancholy proofs of the moral destitution of their neg-
' located inhabitants. These few Protestant ministers were
Mainly arsattered over an extensive surface of rugged
country. divided, indeed, into parishes, but rather re-
sembling. counties or provinces; several of them being
More than sixty miles in length by thirty in breadth, any
other consisting of numerous islands, separated by many
leagues of boisterous ocean. The parishes on the main land
of the Highlands being also, for the most part, intersected
by arms of the sea reaching far into the country, and by
rapid rivers destitute of bridges, which are in the winter
generally impassable—or divided by morasses, bays, and
Mountains, covered for months together with insurmount-
able barriers of ice and snow; all intercourse is thus pre-
cluded, not only between the different parts of the same
parish, but also between the minister and his people, ex-
cepting in that immediate district in which he happens to
reside.
The Act of Union having received the Royal Assent
on the 6th of March, 1707, the condition of the High-
, lands then became a great object of national concern ;
and on the 25th of May, 1709, this Society received a
.Patent of Incorporation from her Majesty Queen Anne,
Sutler the title of the Society in Scotland folPropaga.
I:rag Christian Knowledge. It was then strenuously sup-
Paled by the Scottish Nobility and Parliament, under
*itich distinguished patronage, the patriotic advantages
• of the Institution rapidly became more manifest; and in
_.• the year 1735 the Directors obtained from his Majesty
eking George 11. a new patent, authorising them to erect
schools of industry, for teaching the youth of both sexes,
and particularly females, its more common employments.
On this part of their plan, as well as on that of their first
charter, they have ever since proceeded ; and now, the
pupils in these schools, who are chiefly giils. are all oczu-
, pied in employment befitting their sex ; whilst they arc at
' the same time taught the first principles of the Christian
resition.
e, n aid of the Parent Establishment in Edinburgh,
Which then very greatly needed additional assistance, in
the year 1773 a corresponding board of co-operation was
formed in London, the munificent support of which has
been ,equally honourable and advantageous to the Insti-
tution, and has most materially aided the Society's ad-
vancement to its present solid respectability, and exten-
sive greatness.
The population of the Highlands and Islands is com-
Puted to exceed 450,000 souls, amongst whom the bles-
sings of this charity arc daily diffused. It has there most
exteniively improved the morals, influenced the sentiments,
and ameliorated the condition of the people, which bene-
ficial effects have been principally accomplished by giving
gratuitous instruction to the poor; for whom schools have
• been erected wherever they were most required. These
e seminaries are supplied with able teachers, the faithful
discharge of whose duty is secured by the vigilant super.
intendeuce of the parochial clergy and catechists ; by
Whose united means the pupils are fitted for filling their
future stations in society with propriety and usefulness.
Though chiefly instructed in the English language, the
knowledge of which prepares them for an easy intercourse
with every quarter of the kingdom, yet the visiting corn-
Minces are particula ly directed that—" in districts
where Gaelic is chiefly spoken, they try the scholars in the
translating of Gaelic and English; and whether they un-
derstand the meaning of what they read."
At a few minutes past six o'clock the Right Hon Sir
Robert P, el, Bare, M. P., entered the room, preceded by
the stewards bearing white wands, and wearing the Royal
tartlet waif over their shoulders. In the van marched the
Highland piper of his R iyal Highness the Duke of Sus
sex and the piper of the Scotch Fusilier Guards, playing
the spirit-stirring air of " The Campbells are coming."
yokedg Hon. Baronet, who wore the rosal tartan,
extremely well, and indeed it became him better
than any other di cis ne have ever seen him in. He was re-
,'! te ved eith loud and general acclamations by the assembly,
which consisted of upwards of 300 gentlemen of all shades
";., or political opinions. The Right Hoe. Gentleman took
.',. his seat at the head of the table, and was supported on his
e''' right and left by the Ma'quis of Northampton, the Earl
'steal Eldon, Sir George Murray, Sir Augustus D'Este, Sir
AA. Grant, M. P., H. Kemble, Esq., M. P., the Chisholm,
e:l3 Bond Cabbell, Esq., Edward Kemble, Esq., Thomas
Cooke, Eaq , J. W. Farrer, Esq., Rev. Dr. Croly, Major
Oliphant, &c. &c.
, Over the Chairman was a white silk flag, splendidly
' reblazoned with the arms of Scotland ; the galleries were
411itl with lovely and elegantly-attired ladies, many of the
s ' guests wore the national costume Of Scotland, and the
' appearance of the hall, when all the company were seated,
Was extremely brilliant and animated. The band of the
•'• Coldstream Guards were stationed in the end gallery,
and, alternately with the Highland pipers, entertained the
company during the evening with a variety of fashionable
and national airs. The professional gentlemen present
Were Messrs. Broadhurst, Cooke, Fitzwilliam, Yenning,
and Bradbury, and their exertions contributed much to the
• , gratification and amusement of the company.
After ample justice h :d been done to an excellent dinner,
the cloth was removed, " Non nobis domine " was sung in
a %cry beautiful and impressive style.
The CHAIRMAN then rose, and said,—Gentlemen, it is
now my duty to propose that toast, which, in every as-
sembly of loyal subjects, particularly in this country,
claims precedence—the health of her Majesty, the
Queen.—( Loud and long-continued cheering.) Gen-
tlemen, I well know that in this assembly of men,
devoted not only to the monarch of this country,
by feelings of cordial and affectionate attachment to the
• Person of the Sovereign—( Loud cheers)—there will be
no additional motive required to induce you to drink that
toast with enthusiasm, but, gentlemen, it is fitting on
this occasion, and in this room, that we should remember
that we not only drink the health of the Sovereign—but
the health of the illustrious lady who has condescended
to honour this institution with her special patronage.—
(Loud cheers.) I have no doubt, therefore, when you
have fulfilled your duty to your Sovereign, you will have
fo reserve a cheer for our Illustrious Patron—the Queen.
"`(Loud cheers.)
Air....." God save the Queen."
The CHAIRMAN then said—The next toast I have the
honour to propose i., " The health of his Royal High-
bvss Prince Albert, and the Princess Royal."--( Loud
and long-continued cheering.) And, Gentlemen, I have
sixtreme satisfaction in informing you that the Society
stands, or, at least, with your consent, is about to stand
1,,,0 the same re'aion to the illustrious Consort of her
ralesty in which it stands towards the Queen herself.—
(C seers.) I have no doubt that if I had merely pro_
Posed to you the health of that illustrious Prince, the
°tally accomplishments and virtues that adorn his cha-
racter would have ensured an enthusiastic recepisu to
the mention of his name. But, Gentlemen, it is my
Veasing duty to announce to you that, a ithin the last
I,esv days, his Royal Highness has declared his readiness
. o accept the office of Vice-Patron of the Royal High.
lland Sseol S ciety.—(Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, I be-
, Oeve t • ancient forms and rules of this S ciety, to
;this'll it is most desirable that we should 'Obese, require
that the appointment of his Royal H gneess should be
sauctica d by the consent and election of this meeting,
Ind I therefore propose to you that we should as it
1 Were by ateamation, elect his Royal Highness to that ap-
,
1 e Pointment, which he has signified his wiilingneas to accept.
''' --(Loud cheering.) Gentlemen, with respect to the
: • Princess Royal, I cannot possibly be in doubt of the fact of
se an Illustrious Princess, brought up under the auspices of
et such parents, immediately connected with tl is Society, at
•i's some remote period, when in tie course of time she may
% succeed to the office she is destined to fill- that our re-
"''
•ett.ote posterity may have the satisfaction of seeing this in-
-
' At% *
talon mcc•, _
under the auspices of t hat Illustrious Princess
, .
1; ,lit now meets under the auspices of her Illustrious Mo.
4er. I he:, therefore, to propose to drink, with every
token of enthusiasm, " The health of his Royal Highness
Prince
Albert and the Princess Royal."—(Loud cheers,)
44--4 Hail, Star of Brunswick."
,_ The CMAIRMAN, on rising to propose the next toast, said
40 bad now the honour to propose the health of " The
Queen Dowager, and the other Members of the Royal
''' : Palbily."--( Long continued cheering.) It was almost
impossible to name any member of the Royal Family
. . !aithout awaking feelings of the greatest gratitude for their
bin volence towards the public charities of this country.
tAperal ) Her Majesty the Queen Dowager was one
er the p4sreeesses of the Institution, and be believed that.
s • Since the reign of Queen Anne, her Majesty was the first
10,,vereign who bad accepted the office of patroness of the
rligaland School Society ; and he had no doubt that their
‘'s acknowledgment, for that instance of her benevolence,
`. and their respect for her private virtues, would induce
them to receive the toast with the proper enthusiasm.
`'The Queen Dowager, and the rest of the Roy al Fa-
' Pamily,"—(Great applause.)
The CHAIRMAN next begged to propose as a toast—
. '' The Navy and Army of the United Kingdom."—
(Cheer.) At toast which he knew they would drink
Seith peculiar satisfaction, for he considered he was
ocefiv thed
- fully wart 'teed in stating that the Highlands of Scot-
hod had contrihutati their full sharheeetors.t)he
He
glocryon
eta and army of this eburitry.--(
c
"e was right in stating that emonust the best and bravest
°1 the soldiers who filled the ranks of the Highland regi_
le„oet•' they could number those who were educated in the
highland schools.—( Cheers.) He conceived he was right
4 stating that this toast would be acknowledged by two
.1.
whom members of the Highland Society, each of
ona bad filled the highest situations in the profession to
Watch they belonged.—( Applause.) He was instructed
t-q
° State that it was owing to accident that his friend and
' s te_ftlae.xion, Sir George Cockburn was absent upon this
''°,easton, but be bad the gratification of lee:ng present his
soldier
Hon. Friend Sir George Murray—(Cheers)—a
leii,-tier who stood on the right hand of the illustrious Wel-
' mho
cheering)—a soldier and a states.
ei-e"4 of whom Scotland had a right to be justly proud, and
• t 'l°. whatever might be his military eminence and mai-
:l7 fame, must be proud of the distinction this day
tear`lre
Zardd
ita u—t himhat of returning thanks for the Army of
.--( Great cheering. )

I 6' Rule Britan&a,"
Sir G. MURRAY rose and said, he should have been
happy if his Hon. Friend, Sir G. Cockburn, had been
able to attend and discha,ge the duty which had been al-
lotted to him, in returning thanks for the applause which
was bestowed on the naval service of the country
(Cheers.) That branch of the public service must always
1 to considered, and he was glad so to consider it, on ac-
' count of the insular situation of the country—on account of
its extended commerce—and also on account of its own
brilreint achievements, as the right arm of our country.—
( Hear, hear, and cheers.) He had much pleasure also in
acknowledging that part of the compliment which was paid
to tl:e army. No man could offer his acknowledgments
for that distinction with more sincerity than he did, because
no man could be more satisfied than he was of the value of
such testimonies of public approbation of the conduct of
both services.—(Cheers.) In this free country these
testimonies of public apprebation formed the best re-
ward fir past service, and the most powerful incentive
to future exertions.—(Cheers.) Several years had
elapsed since this country was engaged in any general
war, and since the period of the achievement of those
great victories by sea and land which would go down to
our remotest posterity as memorials of the skill of British
commanders, and the valour of British soldiers and sailors
But occasions had not altogether been wanting, in the
meantime, to prove to our countrymen, and to the world at
large, that British commanders, and British troops and
sailors, se ere still the same as they were in the days of the
the victories of Wellington, and the triumphs of Nelsoe.
—(Loud cheers.) The remotest nations c f central Asia
had Ii arnt to appreciate the powers of our genera's and
soldiers; and on the coasts of the Mediterranean, already
familiar with British heroism, the renown of the exploits of
the British navy were again revived.—( Cheers.) His
Right Hon. Friend in the chair had been so kind as to al-
lude to the share which Scotland bad in the achievements
of both services.--( Hear, hear.) Perhaps he might be
pardoned for indulging in some little national feel-
ing in this Scottish festival, and for also remind-
ing them on that occasion, that the laborious researches
of an Elphinstone and a Bruce bad paved the way for
the march of our army into the central parts of Asia, and
that the fiery spirit of Napier—(Continued cheers)—and
he said this with the greater satisfaction, because that spi-
rit was not confined to one individual of that family. They
all sought for renown where danger thronged thickest to
oppose their progress. —( Loud cheers.) He trusted to be
allowed, before he sat down, having expressed his thanks
for their gratitude to the army and navy, to allude to an-
other topic. It was his good fortune, some years ago, to
be present on a similar occasion, when the chiair was filled
by Lord Stanley, immediately after be had accepted the
honourable situation of Rector of the University of Glas-
gow.—(Cheers.) His Right Hon. Friend was making
the same return to that country for the same honour con-
ferred upon him (Sir Robert Peel). That was the object
which had brought them that day together, to promote the
education of the humbler classes; and, he was happy to
add, that already Scotland had benefited much by the ad-
mirable institutions of all kinds that existed amongst
them; for to that they were to attribute that character for
trustworthiness, and that disposition to cultivate the talents
which nature had given them, and which had been so con-
spicuous among Seotchmen all over the world, and to
which the schools they were now met to support had so
much contributed. He begged to thank them for the
cordial manner in which they had received the toast.
The CHAIRMAN again rose and said—Although, Gen.
tlemen, we have manifested our respect collectively for
all the members of the Royal Family, yet there is one
member of that illustrious family to whom we all owe such
a peculiar debt of gratitude, that I must take an exception
in his case, and reserve him for a peculiar and special
notice. Gentlemen, his Royal Highness the Duke of
Sussex has on all occasions manifested the deepest interest
in the prosperity of this Society.—( Loud cheers.) We
have the honour of meeting here under the presidency of
his Royal Highness. But it is not only the manifestation
of his interest in this particular Society that entitles him
to our peculiar gratitude, but be has on all occasions
shown himself fully entitled to it. He has shown that he
deserves the title of Earl of Inverness by directing his at-
tention to every institution connected with the welfare of
the country, and keeping up those peculiar habits and
usages which are familiar and dear to the inhabitants of
the H.ghlands.—(Loud cheers.) You wi 1, theref re,.
cordially concur with me in the propriety of giving a se-
parate acknowledgment of your gratitude to his Royal
Highness—the drinking his health with every mark of
enthusiasm.

The toast was then drank, with loud and enthusiastic
cheering, and his Royal Highness's piper proceeded round
the hall, playing Tullochgorum and other popular airs.
Sir AUGUSTUS D'EsTE returned thanks. He said that
it was impossible for him to refrain from expressing his
grateful thanks, first to the Chairman, for the gratifying
manner in which his Illustrious Father's health had been
proposed ; and, secondly, to the gentlemen assembled who
had received it in so warm and enthusiastic a manner.
When he took into consideration the important character
of the individual who had honoured the institution by pre-
siding at their annual festival that evening, and when he re-
flected on the respectability and influence of the gentlemen
present, who had assembled for a most praiseworthy, and
truly benevolent purpose, it was gratifying to bin heart
that the great statesman who occupied the chair, had se
kindly proposed his Must, ious Father's health.—( Cheers.)
It was gratifying to his feelings to know that that dis-
tinguished individual had so borne testimony to his fa-
ther's worth, as if it had proceeded from even the
most influential person whose political feelings coincided
with the ()Onions entertained by his Roy al parent.—
( Long-continued cheering.) It was exceedingly gra-
tifying to his feelings that they were that day
presided over by an individual who, on the s!cred
ground of charity, could forget and abandon all little poli-
tical differences fur the purpose of doing justice to the il-
lustrious Prince who, he would venture to say, notwith-
standing that he stood in a relation so near to him, had
done much to promote the intere.t and advantage of the
country. —( Cheers.) He bad been alwa)s ready to assist
in every work of charity, and to preside when called upon
at every meeting convened for the promotion of science,
and he could not help saying that a good star shone ever
him when it devolved on the distinguished person in the
chair to bear testimony to his merits.—(Cheering.) After
a most feeling and sincere expression of thanks, Sir Augus-
tus t esumed his scat amidst loud applause.

Miss Steele, who was seated in the gallery, at the re-
quest of the Chairman, sang the beautiful Scotch ballad,
" My heart's in the Highlands," with much taste and ex=
pression, ar.d was greeted wi h loud and general applause.
The CHAlRMAN—Gentlemen, it now devolves on me,
in fulfilment of my duty as chairman of this assembly, to
call your attention to the particular object which has
brought us together this day. Gentlemen, we are met
on one of those occasions so characteristic, and so honour.
ably characteristic of society io this great country, when
we add dignity and grace to a tavern dinner, by making
our conviviality contribute to the great ends of benevolence
and charity. Gentlemen, I have little doubt that you are
all perfectly acquainted with the nature of the institution
whose claims I am about to urge upon you. I have little
doubt that you know it is an ancient institution, and that
its special object is to train up the youth of the Highland..
of Scotland in the principles of reverence to their God
and loyalty to their Sovereign.—( Loud clie:rs.) You
know, gentlemen, that the education winch is distributed
by this Society is founded upon the only sure basis, that of
the principles of religion.—( Cheers.) You know that that
education is strictly a scriptural education, in conformity
with the tenets and doctrines of the Established Church
of Scotland.—( Hear, hear.) You know that that educa-
tion is now dispensed, through th.e in,trumentality of
above 260 schools; and that 20,000 scholars are receiving
the benefits of a sound, moral, and rel.gious education,
through the means of this Society.—( Hear, hear.) You
know that it is mainly d4pendert upon voluntary benevo-
lence, and it is under these circumstance; that I now
make to you an earnest, and I trust, a successful app al.
to maintain, nay to uphold, to extend, the usefulness of
this institution.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I believe this is
the 68th anniversary on which this assembly has met on an
occasion like the present, and I have little doubt that on
all those occasions these walls have re-echoed with nearly
the same sentiments, delivered on behalf of the Society by
the chairmen who happened to preside. Gentlemen, I
hate been anxious to discover whether there were any new
and peculLr shims which I could urge on your consi-
deration whether the4e had been any recent evi-
dence of the usefulness of this Society, or any recent
means of demonstrating its beneficial effects as resulting
from the exercise of your benevolence. Gentlemen, I
do not wish to make an appeal to your passions, but to
your reason and your understanding. Gentlemen, the
condition of the Highlands has within the last two months
attracted the attention of the Legislature of ihis country,
in consequence of the great distress prevailing there. In
eensequence of the necessity of providing some remedy
for that destitution the House of Commons has recently
appointed a Committee for the purpose of inquiring into
the condition of the population of the Highlands and
Islands of Scotland.—( Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, the
main object of the appointment of that Committee was for
the purpose of considering whether extended emigration
might hot afford the best means of relieving the distress
that prevails there, and I fear to a frightful extent. Gen-
tlemen, I referred with some anxiety to the evidence taken
before that Committee. I knew the main object of it was
to consider and to recommend emigration as a reme.ly for
the distress existing in the Highlands. Gentlemen, I
referred to that evidence with some anxiety, for I thought
it might be possible that I should find in that evidence
no admission of the advantages of education. I feared
that the minds of men might be so occupied with the dis-
tressing scenes they were called upon to investigate, that
they might direct their attention merely to the main re- '
medy which was proposed for that distress, namely, the
transport of that population which was suffering great
distress from its excessive numbers and its disproportion to
the means of employment. I was afraid that their atten-
tion might be so exclusively directed to an immediate re-
medy, that I might find no evidence from their recent tes-
timony in favour of education, and of the public benefits
that might be expected to result from it. But, gentlemen,
I was agreeably surprised to find in that evidence, cawing
from men of the highest character—coming from men with
the most ample local information—l was gratified to find
that I was enabled to lay before you this day the most
conclusive evidence of the advantages of that education
which the Society is calculated to confer. Now you will
deserve, gentlemen, that the evidence of those witnesses on
whose authority I rely was of the most impartial and un-
suspicious character. Their inquiries had no reference to
education—they were not called upon to give any esifence
respecting education—they were only called upon to testify
to the extent of the distress then existing, and to suggest
a remedy ; and therefore if those men, with their practical
knowledge of the distress then existing, and their means of
local information—if they gave their decided testimony in
favour of education—of a religious and moral education as the
only permanent and effectual remedy for the evils existing in
the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, can I resist the
force of that testimony ? and if I succeed in demonstrat-
ing the necessity of this remedy, am I not making a
legitimate appeal, not to your passion, but, as I said
before, to Vour reason and your understanding ?—( Much
cheering.) Gentlemen, the Committee to which I refer,
was appointed only six weeks ago; and at the time when
it was appointed nothing was said about education, how-

ever convinced those who had moved for its appointment
were of the here fits ef eduevion. The only point which
was rec tranencie d to their attention was' the distress exi=t-
ing in tie Highlands of Scotland. and the immediate
remedy of that destres.e Tney hal to i :quire into the
condition of the pep:teflon of the Highlands anti Maid
e.f Scotland, and into the praciicability of afferdine them
relief tsy means of emigration. They have made a'first or
preliminary report, and they state in that, that the recent
distress which prevailed in the Highlands and Islands of
Scotland arose mainly from the excess of population, and
they u-ge the meessity of considering of some irnme-
d'a'e and efficient remedy to alleviate the existing dis-
tress. They state that the chief remedy for that dis-
tress is a well-regulated system of education; and they
call several witnesses of the highest respectability, aed I
will state whet the result of their testimony is to you.
Mr. Baird, the Honorary Secretary to the Glasgow
Committie for Affording Relief to the Destitute
Islanders in 1837, a gentleman of ample. experience as to
the condition of the Islanders, and the souses of distress,
was asked this question, " What is the. best remedy for
the proent state of things in the Islands of Scotland ?"
And he replied; that the prospective remedy was educa-
tion, the want of which lie conceived to be the greatest
curse of the Islands ; and he gave an instance of four
islands, with a population of 1,105 individuals, which hal
at present only one school for the four islands. He was
asked in what way education would benefit them? and he
said that it would qualify them for accepting situations
in the Low Countries, where they could better their for-
tunes, or for procuring an honourable livelihood in a
foreign land. The next witness was a clergyman, whom
lam proud to cell my friend—a gentleman of whom Scot-
-1 ind may be justly proud—l refer to Dr. Norman*
M'Leod, who also bears testimony to the deficiency of
education, and its effect in promoting emigration. In
quoting these proofs of the deficiency of education, it is
but right to bring forward testimony to the moral courage
and the peaceful conduct of those who are suffering under
the sev rest privations.—( Hear, hear). There was a
gen lee an named Braham appointed by the Government
to inqu re into the condition of the Highlands, and who
said that education was the best and surest foundation of
any if etual cure that could be offered ; and he also bore
testisneny to the morality, the patient forbearance,
and the honesty of that unenlightened people, who
were exposed to such severe privations. Mr. Bra-
barn said, the exertions they made for one another
were quite extraordinary ; that it was quite beauti-
ful to s_! the sacrifices they made, and the perfect honour
among thein,—( Cheers.) Now, it is on behalf of such a
people I make as earnest appeal to you this evening. It
is possible that a great part of this company is composed
of gentlemen who are natives of Scotland; and I luok
around the meeting with feelings of pride and satisfaction
in reflecting that every hostile feeling between the two
countries is extinguished—(Cheers)—that nothing re-
mains but that generous rivalry which makes each rejoice
in the success 4i the other, and which makes each deeply
interested in that success; first, because it contributes to

his own prosperity ; and next, because it a,dvances the na-
tional character and renown of cur own common country.
—( Cheers.) But, gentlemen, you who are natit es of
that. country, I trust will never suffer those salutary pre-
judices to be extinguisheJ, which ought to make you proud
of your country.—(Cbters.) I hope, on this occasion,
that you will remember you are Scotchmen, sepata ed
perhaps for the terms of your lives from the country to
which you owe affectionate allegiance. I trust you will,
on this occasion, mark your rest ect for your native land,
and your love f..ir its institutions, by remembering the
claims of your fellow-countrymen from whom you
are searated, by administering to their wants,
and laying the foundation of their moral and
social improvement.—( Cheers.) For us, who be-
long to another part of the empire, 1 trust we shall
never forget the obligations we owe to Scotland for
its ample contribution to the arts, sciences, literature,
nay.l and military renown of this great kingdom. I hope
we shall both acitnowledge the claims upon our cha.i:y and
benevolence towards those who are far removed from us,
but who are suffeting under the severest privations.—
( Cheers.) This Society, as I said at the outset, is mainly
dependent on voluntary benevolence. Let me entreat you,
then, on this occasion to maintain the fund which enables
it to continue its useful exertions for the advantage of the
people of Scotli.nd.— (Loud cheers.) Let me advise you
to adopt a simple rule. If you do adopt it you will never
forget it. There is not one man in this room, who, it he
adopts the resolution of doubling the subscrtption, which m
the cowl and sober moments of the morning be 'clotted to
gtve, will regret it, or think that he has done so under the
influence of a wine-warmed imagination.—(Hear, and
cheers.) If you adopt this simple plan, there is not one
man among you, woo, on rising to-morrow morning,
will not congratulate himself that he has done well.—
(Loud cheers.) If you will follow out this simple pro-
cess, I venture to sey that not only the revenues of the
pi e,ent year will be greatly increased, but that young sue.
cessors who will attend at future meetings, will be either
encouraged or shamed at your example, and will double
the amount of their subscriptions.—(Cheers.) Perhaps
some of you think teat you have already committed your-
selves by handing in your subscriptions, but I have the
pleasure of informing you there is a locus penitentice, and
therefore an opportunity of amending toe involuntary
error you may hsve committed—(Cheers)—and of pre.
venting your names from appearing to disauvantage, when
compared with those more fortunate persons who have not
yet committed themselves.—( Cheers.) Geutlemen, al-
low me to say, that although these words appear speken
in levity, they are yet perfectly true.—(Cheers.) Let
me assure you twat you will not suffer or repent of so
doing, but will reflect upon it with pleasure • and though
remLved by hundreds of miles from those whose
wants and privations you supply, their gratitude
will be as lively as if we were on the spot.—(Loud
cheers.) By so doing you will not only promote their
essential interestr, but perform your duty as Christians
and benevolent men, and strengthen the bond of con-
nection between this country and that potion of the popu-
lation who may be uneducated and illiterate, and have teen
its right arm in the day of peril, and have added to the
fame, and protected the interests of this country; and
whi, under the pressure of severe adversity and of priva-
tion, amounting almost to famine, have shown that pa-
tier ce, forbearance, and submission to the law, which entitle
the m to the commiseration and sympathy of every British
subject. The Right Hun. Baronet concluded a most elo-
quent speech amid loud applause, which continued for
se oral minuteF, by proposing the toast of " Prosperity to
the Royal Highland School Society," with three times
three, and that enthusiasm which properly belonged to the
subject. The toast was drank with great applause.
Mr. Broadhurst then sang the following song, written
for The. occasioa, wi h great applause:—
Fill your glasses all bumpers, till joy's ruby tide
O'arflow them with sparkles of light ;
And be this the libation to waken your pride,
The Chief of our meeting to-night 1
Let the roof-tai e that o'er us its shelter imparts,
Re-echo the gladness we feel
Whil,t our voices embody the wish of our hearts,
Health 1 Welcome 1 and Honour to Peel
The far-beaming splendours of Highland renown,
For ages have brighten'd the past;
And their glory shall still go refulgently down,
Unclouded and pule to the last,
Yet famed as the noblest its annals can boast,
Is the worth which his virtues reveal ;
And 'cis Scotland's warm gratitude hallows the toast,
Health ! Welcome ! and Honour to Peel.

The CHAIRMAN said the toast he was about to propose
would render all ornament superfluous, and whose high
character would,baffie every attempt to pourtray it as it
deserved. He then gave them—" His Grace the Duke of
Wellington, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Society."
The toast was received with enthusiastic cheering, which
lasted for some minutes.

Atr—" See the conquering hero comes."
The next toast given from the Chair wa3 the health of a
gentleman whose name was pre-eminently distinguished in
connection with every charitable institution of the country
—" Mr. Benjamin Bor,d Cabbell."—( Loud cheers.)
Mr. Cannata., returned thanks.

The Marquis of NORTHAMPTON then rose, and, in an able
and ellquent speech, which we regret our limits will not
enable us to give, proposed the health of '• the Chairman,
the Right Honourable Sir Robert R ei," which was drunk
with tie greatest enthusi,sre.

Sir ICPEet., in returning thanks, adverted to the kind-
ne.s he had invariably received from the people of Scot-
labd, and the honour conferred on him by the academic
youth of that country ; and said that, although he was,
from the multiplicity of oth !r occupations, frequently
obliged to decline similar invitations, he could not from
these considerations decline the honour of presiding on this
occasion.—( Loud cheers. )
Song—" The Chinese Jars."

The- CHAIRMAN subsequently proposed the health of
" the Earl of Eldon, the last chairman of the Society,'
" the Marquis of Northampton," " the Landewnera of
the Highlands of Scotland," and " the Chisholm,"
" the Secretary," and other officers of the institution ;.
and the Stewards, each of whom returned thanks in a
very eloquent speech, which nothing but the absolute want
of space prevents us from inserting.
The health of " The Ladies" was afterwards drunk
with great enthusiasm; shortly after which the Chairman
retired, amid great applause, and was succeeded by the
Chisholm, by whom the chair was ably filled until the
company separated. The Hon. Gentleman proposed
several convivial toasts, which were received with raptur-
ous applause. He took an opportunity, during his presi-
dency, of perusing a report of the evening's proceedings
which appeared in the second edition of this paper, and
which was circulated in the room by the Stewards before
eleven o'clock. 'I he great dispatch and accuracy which
characterised the appearance of the Report appeared to
excite the utmost surprise and gratification. It would be
doing a great injustice to the spirited proprietors of the
Freetna.un's Tavern, not to mention the excellent style in
which the dinner was served. Indeed, we have seldom
attend& ,I one which in all respects went off with greater
eclat. The singing was excellent, particularly the old
song of " John Anderson my Joe," by Mr. Broadhurst,
which was rupturiiuly applauded.
The Secretary in the course of the evening announced
subscridtions amounting to upwards of 8001 ; amongst
which the principal were, her Majesty (annually) 501.,
the Q icon Dowager logs, the Duchess of Somerset lOga,
the Duchess of Buckingham loge, the Duke of Buc-
cleuch 501., the Duke of Rutland 10gs, Lord Bexley sgs,
the Duke of Mui.trose 101., B. B. Cabbell, Esq., lOgs,
Sir B. Brodie, 10gs, the Vice-Chancellor logs, Sir
George Murray 5 gs, Sir Alex. Cray Grant 10gs, the
Earl of Eldon togs, Sir A. D'E,t:t sgs, Henry Kembk,
Esq., logs., Sir IL Peel, 501.—British Qneen.

TILE FETES OF VERSAILLES.—The luxury of
dress, the splendour of equipages, the beauty of the Court
La6ies, the magnificence of the grand concert, presented
altogether a l erlect scene of enchantment. The gardens
5.f the palace were illuminated by several millions of va.
riegated crystal lamps, which were lighted a!most simul-
tan,ously, as if by the touch of a magician's wand. Some
e,tirwate of the aplemiour of the illuminations may b,.
formed from the ex; ease of the bouquet d'artifice. In the
space of a few moments thirty thousand rockets were let
off, each of which cot a crown.—Theodore Hook's
French Stage.