The Sun.
London, England, 1846-03-25 00:00:00

November had given any explanation at all. The Right Hon.
Baronet at the head of the Government had rested his
change of opinion mainly upon the ground of the failure of the
potato crop in Ireland. He thought, however, that the position
would fail him, after having heard the statement which he had
just read to the House. it was a remarkable thing that be
should have suffered Ms opinions, backed by the experience of
forty years, to be changed by the fears of a few months. It
was so sudden as to spread a consternation throughout the
country; but when it came to the smaller fry, their conversion
was really miraculous—( Cheers and laughter)—insomuch
as that, had not the question been an important
one, it would have been sufficient of itself to have
brought ridicule on the questiOn. Then they had the
explanation of one of the greatest of living men, one who had
served for half a century his Sovereign and his country, in such
a manner, as he supposed, no other subject had ever done. He
might think it right to do that which he had advocated ; he
could add nothing to the honours which already crowded upon
him by the passing of the present measure, and England must
at least be silent upon the subject. They cannot wither the
laurels of Waterloo. One other Member also had declared his
principles, and he had stood by them, and declared his intention

the standing orders ought to he dispensed with :—That the parties be
permitted to proceed with their Bill.
8. That, in the case of the Bradford, Wakefield, and Midland Rail-
way petition, the standing orders ought not to be dispensed with.
First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh resolutions
agreed to.—Report to lie on the table.

HIGHLAND SOCIETY of LONDON.

--
The battle of Alexandria, the death of Abercrorribie,
and the gallant exploits of the 42d on that memorable
field, are events of which the Scotch nation are justly
proud, and which the Highland Society of London in-
variably commemorate on the 21st of March. That
commemoration took place on Saturday evening, at the
Freemasons' Tavern ; where were collected together se-
veral of the officers of the army and navy who served in
the expedition to Egypt, under the late Sir Ralph Aber-
crombie, and many of the admirers of their gallant deeds,
both English and Scotchmen.
The society was first established in 1778, and in-
corporated by Act of Parliament, in 1815, " for preserv-
ing the martial, spirit, dress, music, and language—the
remains of Celtic literature, and the antiquities of the
ancient Caledonians—encouraging a kindly feeling be-
tween Highlanders in all parts of the world, and in other
respects promoting the general welfare of the northern
parts of the kingdom."
On the present occasion there was " a gathering" of
about one hundred and sixty. The Duke of Buccleuch,
the President of the Society, arrived at the Tavern at
a quarter before seven o'clock, in his splendid uniform,
with the ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter,
of Captain-General of the Queen's Scotch Body Guard.
Many of the members and their guests, were dressed
in Highland costume, and in uniform. The Adjutant-
General, Sir John Macdonald,. wore the uniform of the
gallant 42d Regiment, of which he is the colonel.
Previous to the dinner the Society held a general
court, before which the business matters connected
with the Society were brought by Mr. George Bain, the
hon. secretary. The company afterwards proceeded to
the banquet, in the magnificent hall of the Freemasons'
Tavern, preceded by her Majesty's piper and his brother,
who is piper to the Society.
Amongst the general company we observed Lieut.-
General Sir John Macdonald, K.C.8., Major-General
Briggs, Major-General Duncan Macleod, Sir Fitzroy
Kelly, M.P., The Chisholm, W. Hutt, Esq., M.P., J.
Robinson, Esq , Deputy-Governor of the Bank of Eng-
land ; Colonel Elwin, Keith Stuart Mackenzie, Esq., of
Seaforth ; Capt. Fead, R.N., C. A. Mackenzie, Esq , the
Principal M'Farlane, and the Rev. Dr. Macleod,
both of Glasgow ; Captain Charles Forbes, Henry Long-
land, Esq., James Malcolmson, Esq., Captain Lamont,
R.N., Captain Paley, Sir W. C. Ross, J. Thornton, Esq.,
J. Tulloch, Esq., H. Rose, Esq., Charles Suther-
land, Esq., W. F. Black, Eiq., Robert Coates, Esq.,
W. Lawrence, Esq., J. Mackenzie, Esq, M. Boyd, Esq.,
H. J. Cameron, Esq., T. Archer, Esq., W. Greig, Esq.,
J. J. Glennie, Eiq., James Murray, Esq., Alexander
Macdonald, Esq., John MacGregor, Esq., James Mac-
Gregor, Esq., S. W. Brooks, Esq., Thomas Long, Esq.,
James Wyld, Esq., Wm. Norris, Esq., Major-General
Wyatt, G. Bain, Esq., Murdo Young, Esq., &c.
At seven o'clock the company sat down to a dinner
consisting of every delicacy of the season, and the ex-
cellency of which may be judged by the following de-
scription:7-

SECOND READINGS OF RAILWAY BILLS.
MONDAY, 1:1ARCII 30.
Edinburgh and Bathgate.
Glasgow, Airdrie, and Monklands Junction.
Leeds and Thirsk (Knaresborough Exteusien.
Horburyj. Bridge and Calder Railway.:

RAIL WAY SHARE MARKETS.
BRISTOL, Mims 24.
STOCK EXCITANGE.—The sales are— Bristol and Exeter, New,
9%—Birmingham and Gloucester, 125—Bristol and South Wales
Junction, 21/, —South Wales, 4—Taff Yale, 135—Wilts, Somerset, and
Weymouth, 2.

MANCHESTER, MAzen 24.
STocit EXCRANGE.—The sales are—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and
Cheshire Jam:Bon, 1 13-16 p.—Bristol and Exeter, 13 p.—Clitheroe
Junction, 1 1-16 —Derby and Crewe, 2% p. c.—Eastern Counties,
Perpetual, No. 2, 7—Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding, % dis.
—Grand Union, 9-16 dis.—Great Eastern and Western, 1% dis.—
Huddersfield and Manchester Railway and Canal, 2 p.--Lancashire
and North Yorkshire, 7-16 dis.—Leicester and Bedford, % dis.—
Liverpool and Leeds Direct, 7-16 dis.—Liverpool, Ormskirk, and
Preston, 1i•16 p.—Liverpool, Warwick, Manchester and Stockport,
19s. 6d. dis.—London and Manchester (Remington's), 1 15-16 dis.—
Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midland, % p..—Manchester
and Birmingham, Quarters (C), 6% p.— Manchester and Leeds,
Sixteenths, 9—Northumberland and Lancashire, 245. 6d. c.—North
Staffordshire, 63. 6d. p.—Preston and Wyre, Halves (B), % P.—
Sheffield and Lincolnshire Junction, 7-16 p.—Shrewsbury and Here-
ford, 1% dis.—South-Eastern and Dover, Halves, No. 4, 3-16 p.—
Tean and Dove Valley, .% dis.—West Riding Union, 1 11-16 p.

, .
of doing so. By his manly and straightforward c-mrse, he has
done much to redeem the honour of the order to which he be-
longed.—( Hear, hear.) It was not that the cosiduct of the
Minister had shaken pnblic confidence in public men—it
was not that it had affected the character of the
country it was not that it had broken up
parties, and, arrayed constituencies against their representa-
tives and representatives against their constituencies, man
against man, brother against brother, father against son and
son against father, but it had confounded all the relations of
social life.—( Hear, hear.) They must all share in the evil,
they must all participate in the sorrow, but let this be their
consolation, that they on his side of the House had, at all
events, escaped the degradation.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER and Mr.
Alexander M'Carthy both rose at the same time, and there
was. a loud cry for the new member, who, however, gave
way to the Right Honourable Gentleman, who said
that he presumed that the cheers which greeted
the speeeh of the Right Honourable Geneeman were to be
attributed to his peroration, in which he had animadverted

LEEDS, Mitten 24:
STOCK Excuswor.—The sales are—Eastern Counties, York Ex-
tension, 12s. p. —Manchester and Leeds, Fifth Shares, 8% p.—Man-
chester and Birmingham, Now Quarters (C), 6 p. —East Lanca-
shire, No. 1, 3 p.--Great Grimsby and Sheffield, 30 dis.—Hudders-
field and Sheffield, 516 p.—Leeds and Thirsk, 325. Gd. dis.—Ditto,
New, 40s. dis.—North British, New Carlisle Branch, 1/. 19s.—
Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton, 455. dis.—Wilts, Somerset,
and Weymouth, 17s. 6d. dis.—London and York, ss. dis.—Boston,
Newark, and Sheffield, 265. Gd. dis.—Direct Northern, 1/. 16s.
Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 30s. p.—West Riding Union, V.
16s 6d.—Birkenhead, Chester, Mold, &c., 295. dis.—Bradford,
Wakefield, and Midland, 245. dis.—Chelmsford and Bury, 21s. 6d. dis.
—Essex and Suffolk, 20s. 6d. dis.—Grand Union, 12s. 6d. die.—
Lancashire and North Yorkshire, As. dis.—Leeds and York, 30s. dis.
—Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Midland, 16s. p.—Midland and
Thirsk Junction, 255. 6d. dis.—North Western, Gs. 6d. p.—York and
Carlisle, 355. dis.

with his accustomed severity, for he could not believe that any
of the Honourable Gentlemen who had given ordinary attent-
tion to the arguments urged during the debate, or to the docu-
ments laid upon the table for the information of this House, as
to what was passing in the different portions of the empire,
could have intended by those cheers to assent or approve of
the statements made with respect to the scarcity in Ireland.
His Right Honourable Friend commenced his speech by stat-
ing that he was prepared to confirm those statement at which
he h d formerly hinted, name:y, that there was not that great
scarcity of food in Ireland, and that the allegations of famine
were made to support the Government ; and be referred to the
documents which had been laid upon the table. He heard his
Honourable Friend's statements with considerable surprize,
which was increased the more when he recollected that they
were made by an Irish gentleman, who ought to be acquainted
with the state of his country; and when even gentlemen,
agreeing with him in opinion respecting the measure, ad-
mitted the existence of scarcity. He might allude to the Mem-
ber for Somersetshire, who stated that he was deeply impressed
with the distress in Ireland—( Hear, hear.) And what were
the arguments on which he grounded his opposition to
the measure? In the first place, he represented that
nothing more than the ordinary scarcity existed
at the present moment in Ireland. —( Hear. hear.)
And what was his inference, when they had a people suffering
under that degree of scarcity end sickness which was described
in these papers? Why, they were told that that was the or-
dinary state of the people of the country, and he considered it
consistent with his duty to object to the mee.sures of
the Government—( Hear, hear)—the object of which was

HULL, Mama 24.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are -Hull and Selby, Half Shares,
25%—Great Grimsby and Sheffield, Quarter Shares, 1 —Ditto, Ex-
tensions, 12s. 6d. dis.- Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction, 14
North British, Carlisle Branch, 395. 9d.—Direct Northern, 2 —East
Lincolnshire, 245. 6d.—Hull and Barnsley Junction, 245. 9d.—Liver-
pool, Ormskirk, and Preston, 3%—Liverpool and Leeds, 408.
Screwsbury and Birmingham, 2%—Treat Valley Continuation, 21s.
—West Riding Union, 3/.lBs. 9d.—Yorkshire and Glasgow Union, 18s.

HUDDERSFIELD, Miami 24
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Leeds, Wakefield, and Mid•
land, 12s. W.—Manchester, Midland, and Great Grimsby, 225. 6d.—
London and York, 21. I Is. 6d.
SHEFFIELD, MARCH 24.
_ _

STOCK EXCIIINGE.—The sales are—Midland, Sheffield and Rother-
ham, 34 —Grimsby and Sheffield, Extension, 11. 9s. 6d.--London and
York, 21. ILL—Liverpool and Leeds Direct, 21. 4s. 3d.—Sheffield,
Buxton, Leek, Potteries, and Crewe, 9s. 6d.

YORK, MARCH 24.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Leicester and Bedford, 14s.—
London and York, 2/. 12s.—Manchester, Buxton, Matlock, and Mid-
land, 21. 'So.—Newcastle and Berwick, 18%—Ditto, Extensions,
16s. 6d.—North British, Carlisle Extension, 21. 6s.

E DINB URGII, 314utcH 21.
STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-British and*lrish Union, 40s.
-Caledonian Extension, 315.-Carnwath and West Linton, 195.-
Direct Northern, 415.-East of Fife. 305.-Edinburgh and Bathgate,
375. 6d. -Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dumbarton, 17s. 6.1.-Edinburgh
and Leith Atmospheric, 21s. 6d.-Edinburgh and Northern, 725. 6d.
-Ditto, Newport, 145.64.-Ditto, Lochgelly, 18s. 6d.-Inverness and
Elgin, 198.-North British, Extension to Carlisle, 445. 6d.-Perth and
Inverness, 265.-Scottish Central, 161,4-Scottish Central and Cale-
donian Junction, 278.-Stirling and Dunfermline, 325. 6d.
GLASGOW, MARCH 23.
STOCK EXCIIANGE.-The sales are - British and Irish Union,
395.-Caledonian, 9%-Caledonian and Aysrshire Junction, 355.
Caledonian and Dumbartonshire Junction, 365.-Cornwall and Devon
Central, 225. W.-Direst Northern, 395.-East Indian Railway, 10s.
6d.-Edinburgh and Glasgow, 72 -Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dum-
barton, 18s. 3d.-Forth and Clyde Junction, 303.-Glasgow General
Terminus, 8% -Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ardrossan, 385.-Glasgow
Harbour Grand Junction, 275.-Glasgow Harbour Mineral, 465.-
Great North and South Wales, 95.-Kilmarnock and Ayr Direct,
345.-Perth and Inverness, 275. 6d.-Perth and Crieff, 275. -Scottish
Central, 15% -Scottish Southern, 355.-South Midland, 455.-Stirling
and Dunfermline, 30s. 6d.-Wishaw and Coltness, 473.

FIRST COURSE.—Soups—Cockie-leekie, green spring,
mock turtle, and clear ox tail. Fish—Turbots, salmon,
mackerel, boiled and broiled ; stewed eels, fried whitings
and smelts.

SECOND COURSE.—Chines and haunches of mutton,
fore-quarters of house lamb, roast fillet of pork, stewed
rumps of beef, roast Firloins of beef, boiled legs of lamb
and spinach, ribs of lamb, roast capons, boiled pullets
and celery, boiled spring chickens, roast fowls, hams,
tongues, pigeon pies, raised mutton pies, mince collops,
sheens' heads ; lea ris de veau au d'epinard, rognons
sante3 au yin, grenadine de veau pique 4, fricassees de
volaille, haris de poulet au ris, palais de bceuf au ra-
gout, cotelettes a la soubise, ris d'agneau aux chain-
pignons, frites d'agneau sauce piquante, filets de mouton
pique, cotelettes d'agneau aux coucombres, fete d'agneau
en mince, and an excellent haggess, which was sent all
the way from. Ross-shire as a present.
THIRD COURSE.—Green geese, larded guinea-fowl,
widgeon, larded pea-fowl, black puddings, maccaroni,
seakale, lemon jellies, blancmanges, Vanilla creams,
French pastry, gatteaux polonaises, gatteau Neapoli-
tants, Charlotte russes, turbans it la reine, chantillies
au creme, Italian pastry, rhubarb tarts, marrow pud-
dings, Richmond maids of honour, Italian pastry.
After the cloth had been removed, and Non nobis Do-
mine sung in excellent style by the professionals present,
The Duke of BUCCLEIICII (on whose right sat Gene-
ral Sir John Macdonald, and on his left Sir Fitzroy
Kelly) proposed the first toast—" Our gracious Sove-
reign the Queen." The toast, in such an assembly, he
was sure required no comment from him.—(Cheers.)
Her Majesty had visited their country, she had seen their
mountains and their glens--(Cheers)—she appreciated
the beauties of Scotland, and she was convinced of the
loyalty of its people.—(Cheers.) Of this he was sure
that sho had not more faithful or loyal subjects than the
Scotch people, and he believed all would agree with him
that it was impossible for them to have a better or more
excellent Sovereign.—(Great cheering.)
The toast was drank amidst the most enthusiastic ap-
plause.
" God save the Queen," by Miss Horton, Miss Steele,
Mr. Sinclair Mr. Robinson, Mr. Shoulbridge, Mr.
T. Smith, and Mr. Moody.
The next toast was the " Queen Dowager," which was
most enthusiastically drunk.

to introduce food more extensively among a people whose ordi-
nary state was so frightful as had been depicted.—( Hear, hear.)
What was the state of the people at that moment? Let them
take the most favoured part to begin with, and
let them hear what was the state of Ulster. We
read that fever, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, had increased
considerably, and it was attributable to the use
of unsound potatoes. Take Belturbet, " Diarrhoea and dysen-
tery, and diseases of the alimentary canal, had increased in
consequence of the bad potatoes and the bad food." Let them
go to Clare,—" A large portion of the people there are attacked
with colic and fever, and are :daily getting worse, from
the unsound food." Let them bear in mind that, these
were comparative statements, and were not the effects
of the ordinary famine which the Honnurable Gentle-
man considered they ought to pass without heed.—( Hear.)
In the county of Antrim, in January, 1845, the price of
potatoes was 3d. per stone, and at the same time in 1846, the
present year, the price was stated at 614, thus showing an
increase in the price of the food of the people of more than 100
per cent. His Hon. Friend stated that such a sum was not
excessive, but he did not understand how he could come to
such a conclusion, when he compared the increased orice with
their ordinary price. Another circumstance perfectly well known
invested the case with additional aggravation, and that was
when the potatoes were discove red to be unsound there was an
evident desire to dispose of the, article. In the early part of
the year, those persons that believed their potatoes unsound
rushed into the market and sold them before they became un-
saleable. That increase in the price did not, therefore, repre-
sent the real misery and destitution that prevailed in the coun-
try, as the premature rash into the market con-
tributed to keep down the price, which would
etherwise have been raised to an enormous height. He did
not profess to have an intimate knowledge of agriculture, either
in this country or elsewhere ; but, from the paper before him,
he perceived that their ordinary price was 2d. and 13/4d. ; and
that at Bush Mills they had risen from 2d. to 3d. per stone ;
at Carrickfergus from 3d. to 61. • and as Cushindale from 2d.
to 41/2. His Hon. Friend stated that some parts of Ireland
were not deficient in this food. He admitted that
in some parts of the county of Wexford, and other
places, the crop did not suffer so much ; but the fact was,
that thei failure had spread over large districts, and that 'in
many places large pits of potatoes had become so as to
:
be unfit even for the food of animals; and thosevlatch had not
arrived at that state of decay were so genet:. Oily damaged as to
-.,:iend stated, that those
be totally unfit for use. His Hon. F
Hon. Gentlemen sent over to Irel-
..nd to investigate the state of
the crop had recommended
remedies to be applied, which
had not contributed to stay the progress of the disease. The
accounts received irom Ireland showed that the people
were not inclin:ed to adopt those remedies, and it was quite
clear that :,one of the loss was to be attributed to that report.
He en „id be glad to find that the reports of the condition of
,
• the crops were untrue and exaggerated, but, for his own part,
he received accounts from gentlemen connected with the com-
missariat confirming those reports, and proving that the
decay was universally prevalent. The Honourable Gentleman
had quoted Mr. Justice Torrens to prove that the
accounts were exaggerated, but that individual, from the hasty
way in which he went from town, could not form a correct
opinion on the subject. This was no ordinary difficulty, and
it behoved the Government to come forward in the way they
had proposed to meet the case, and not to defer dealing with it
on the statements of the Hon. Gentleman. His Hon. Friend
said he could not reconcile to himself the means by
which the Government proposed to meet the emergency, but
he did not consider the consequences. Ho was not re-
sponsible, and he therefore ought to make allOwance for
those who were placed in a different position, and who re-
commended those measures which they thought esasential to
meet the necessities of the case. His Hon. Friend the Member
for Lincolnshire, expressed a fear that the result would extend
over a series of years, and it became therefore the Honourable
Gentleman (Mr. Shaw) to consider rather what measure should
be adopted to meet the exigencies of the case than to make
light of it, or to state that the reports connected with
it were exaggerated. He would not detain the House longer,
as he had already spoken on the question, but he would sup-
port the second reading, believing that every other considera-
tion should give way to the necessity of providing sustenance
for the people
Lord MARCH opposed the, motion. He would allude to ,
the observations made by the Hon. Member for Hull. He
confessed, when he heard that Gentleman coming down
to the Bills of 1828, that he considered he was about to pro.
ceed to the law of 1842 ; but, by some coincidence he stopped
short there, and left them to conclude that he was satisfied with
that law. He had heard nothing from the Treasury Benches,
nor from the Opposition, to make him alter his
opinions on the corn-law. The Right lion. Gentleman the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, in seconding the law to
which he now alluded, said that he proposed it because he de-
sired to promote protection, That was the opinion of the
Right Hon. Gentleman. When they (the protectionists)
stated therefore that they were apprehensive that the effect of
the corn-law would be to throw land out of cultivation, they
ought to be entitled to some relief, and more particularly when
it was recollected what opinions were formerly ex-
pressed on the subject by the gentlemen on the Treasury benches.
Having concluded reading a quotation, he said he would
not weary the House by reading other authorities at that late
hour of the night, though he could do so in support of his ar-
gument. He would contend for it that the real parties to be
injured by this measure were the labourer and tenant-farmer,
who would be compelled to go abroad to avoid
the poor-rates, and other assessed taxes. The yeomen,
too, a most useful class of men, would be injured by it,
and would discontinue their employment to labourers. The
shopkeepers would suffer much, and would be compelled to
share in the common ruin of all. Therefore, he felt it his duty
to the constituents who had returned him to this House to save
them from the panic that would be the result, and prevent it
from triumphing over safe, and sound, and wise legislation.
Mr. FINCH moved that the debate be then adjourned to
Thursday, which was agreed to.
Mr. WYSE presented a Bill in favour of Art-Unions, which
was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on
Monday next.
RAILWAY TERMINI IN THE METROPOLIS.

Glee, "Just like Love," by Messrs. Robinson, Smith,
and Shoulbridge.

The Noble CHAIRMAN said, the next toast was that
of " The health of his Royal Highness the Duke of
Rothsay," for by no other name was he known in Scot-
land.—(Cheers.) The Prince of Wales was well known
throughout the length and breadth of the land—(Cheers)
—but by the name of the Duke of Rothsay he was loved
and venerated by Scotchmen.—(Cheers.)_ .
The toast was drunk amid great cheering.
Song, Miss Horton, " Come ye by Athol," which was
most deservedly encored.
The Noble CHAIRMAN said, the next toast was that of
" The health of the Chief of the Highland Society, his
Royal Highness Prince Albert."—(Cheers.) In proposing
this toast the Noble Chairman expressed the great
regret he felt that they had not on that occasion the
high honour of the presence of his Royal Highness.—
(Cheers.) Prince Albert had also, he was happy to say,
with their beloved Queen, visited Scotland.—(Cheers.)
He had been inspired with their sports—(Cheers)—he
had had an opportunity of following the wild deer over
the hill, of entering into the inspiring sports of the
field, and of witnessing the hospitality of the people of
Scotia—(Cheers) ; and he trusted that many and oft
would be the time that his Royal Highness would visit
the mountains and glens of the North, and thereby see
how he was appreciated by Scotchmen.— (Cheers.)
The toast was drunk with highland honours.
The next toast proposed by the Noble CHAIRMAN
was, " The health of Lord Saltoun, the late President
of the Society." There was no necessity for him to say
of the Noble Lord that he was amiable and gentle in
private life, bold and gallant in the field, and beloved by
all.—(Cheers.)
The toast was drank with Highland honours.
Song, Miss Steele, " Awe o'er the Moors."
The Noble CHAIRMAN then proposed the " Army and
Navy." It was the fashion in the present times to talk
of the degeneracy of the age. He thought he need only
to advert to what had taken place lately, for the purpose
of proving that there was no degeneracy either in
Scotchmen, Englishmen, or Irishmen, but that they
would still maintain the honour of their country, and
show themselves not unworthy descendants of those
who had gone before them.—(Cheers.)
Sir JOHN MACDONALD returned thanks on behalf of
the army. He was sorry it had not fallen to the lot of
some more prominent individual than himself to respond
to the heart-stirring and cheering toast that had just
been proposed by their Noble Chairman.—(Loud
• cheering.) He might, however, perhaps without
presumption, recommend himself to the com-
pany present on the present occasion as something
of an authority for the state of the army.—(Cheers.)
He would take upon himself to state that it had never
been in a more efficient or altogether in a better state
than it was at the present moment.—(Cheers.) It were
not only efficient at home but in the field.—(Cheers.)
The native feelings of Englishmen and Highlanders was
such as always to insure so desirable an object. The
orderly conduct and behaviour of the army was such as
to ensure respect for it from all grades of society.—
(Cheers.) And as a proof of that he might state that in
late times no instance had been brought forward against
any officers of irregularity.—(Cheers.) They would
not be surprised at this when they recollected who was
the immortal chieftain who was at the head of the
armies of this country.—(Cheers.) They had, it
was true, some melancholy reflections with respect
to what had taken place in India, but he trusted
that the poignancy of those reflections would
be softened by the splendid achievements that had taken
place in that country by the British arms which re-
dounded so much to the national pride and honour of
Great Britain.—(Cheers.) He believed that there never
was an army that deserved more the protection, sup-
port, good will and good word of every Scotchman and
Englishman than the present army did.—(Cheers.) It
was not irrelevant he thought for him to make this al-
lusion on the 21st of March, a day alike glorious for
Englishmen and Scotchmen, a day on which the im-
mortal Abercrombie fell in the arms of victory, a day
renowned in the annals, and one that would long be re-
membered both in England and Scotland.--(Cheers.)
He would assert again that the army was never in a
more disciplined state than it was at the present moment
—(Cheers)—and they would at all times be found
ready to defend their country and its rights at the price
of their heart's best blood.—(Cheers)
Captain FEAD, R.N., returned thanks for the honour
:(Ihairmin. The navy
ea late war, and there
w
onnected with it as at
wasdoe done
were
at
aso s
efficient t
gl
oe
o nd a
ov navy
eo bewyr
sa theirsandd Noblermia egn (
tel
that period. Daring the late erar the navy did their
duty, and they were prepared to do it now as well as
they ever did, if o,:..ca,sion required it.—;Cheers.)
There was an old saying. that the re was now as good
fish in the sea as ever were caught in it ; the same ob-
servation might be made with , pect to the naval sk,-
rice—there were as good men ire it now as ever there
re
were.—(Cheers.) He had spent hit ; youth in the service,
and would likewise his old age if : he was required to do
so.—(Cheers.) Sir Sidney Smith had performed prodi-
gies of valour in Egypt, be had con quered the Jnvincibles
of Napoleon, and he (Capt. Feed) felt it no small honour
that
only
five
i e n i
ow remained of that band
v
to have been a humble inetrutreet it in that expedition.—
' (Cheers.) He bad had the c' ariosity to endeavour to
asc; what number were le ft at the present moment
seible army, and he had
which Napoleon had thought t ‘t one time unconquerable.
Such, however, he was hapT a, to say, was not the case
with Englishmen and Scotch! nen, because he saw many
around who had served wit) him, and who had gained
ibne bean rianner informed Napoleon's
immortal laurels for thews( Aves. He begged, in con-
clusion, to thank them for dr inking the toast of the navy.
" The Army and Navy," !net, by Messrs. Shoulbridge
and Smith.
The Noble CHAIRMAN said the toast he was now
about to propose was one that was invariably given at
this meettng of the Societ: P e. to celebrate the anniversary
'of the battle AlexiMkro it no, 46 The maim

Sir R. PEEL stated that, in reference to the subject of
railway termini in and about the metropolis, her Majesty had
been pleased to assent to a royal Commission, and had com-
manded him to state to the House that she would be prepared
to give directions accordingly.—( Hear, hear. )
The House adjourned at half-past Twelve o'clock.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS.
(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.)
TUESDAY, MARCH 24.

The following Petitions for Railways were reported, and the Bills
ordered to be brought in itiy the undernamed Hon. Members :
London and Windsor—Colonel T. Wood and Sir W. Jolliffe.
Kinross Junctio'—Mr. Ellice, jun., and Mr. G. W. Hope.
Huddersfield and ShAlield Junction (llarfield -Branch)—Viscount
Morpeth and Mr. Stansfield.
Blackburn,BaldwinapnadrtenM,
jardqußlsoonfonVl:!rmcers.tepra,
Cameron's Coalbrook Steam Coal, and Swansea and Loughor—Mr.
Hornby. tten, Mr. Clifton, and Mr.
Blackburn, Clitheroe, and Noll' •
Clifton, and Mr. Hor,- Western Junction—Mr. Patten, Mr.
Spooner.
Boston, Stamfor y.
... • and Birmingham—Lord G. Bentinck and Mr.

RAILWAYS
Wed Committee on Group No. 34.
Viscount Duncan selected, and added to the Committee, vice Sir
John M`Taggart, discharged.

STANDING ORDERS' COMMITTEII.

The following resolutions were reported il'om this Committee :-
1. That, in the case of the Sion College Estate petition, the
standing orders ought to be dispensed with :—That the parties be
permitted to proceed with their Bill on forthwith inserting the
notices for three successive weeks in the Gazette and newspapers.
2. That, in the case of the Arbroath and Forfar Railway petition,
the standing orders ought to be dispensed With :—That the pertids be
permitted to proceed with their Bill on forthwith inserting the
notices for three successive weeks in some newspaper published in
the county of Aberdeen.
3. That, in the case of the Leeds Central Railway petition, the
standing orders ought to be dispensed with :—That the parties be
permitted to proceed with their Bill on forthwith inserting the
notices for three successive weeks in some newspaper published in
each of the omitted counties.

4. That, in the case of tke Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham
Railway (Stamford to Wisbech) petition, the standing orders ought
to be dispensed with :—That the parties bo permitted to proceed
with theft Bill, with the exception of the clauses giving power to
the Company to lease or sell their undertaking.
5. That, in the case of the Norfolk Railway (Norwich Branch)
petition, the standing orders ought to be dispensed with :—Tbat the
parties be permitted to proceed with their Bill on depositing in the
Private Bill-office a declaration amended, so as to be in conformity
with the standing orders.

6. That, in the case of the Midland Railways (Swinton to Lin-
coln) petition, the standing orders ought to be dispensed with :
That the parties be permitted to proceed with their Bill on dividing
it into two Bills, so aslo separate that part of the measure which was
before Parliament in the last session, from that which has been in-
troducedfor the tint time during the present.

That the Committees on this and the preceding Bills do examine,
in the first :place, how far such !orders have been complied with,
and do report the same to the House on the report of the Bill.
7, That, h 1 the an of We Shatid /Antral Celuctlory petition,

THE SUN, .LONLOO,N, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MA.RCEI 25, 1846.

• of Abercrombie and the heroes who fell on that
fatal field." After what they had heard from the
gallant officers who had addressed them on behalf of
the army and navy, it was needless for him to recount
the valour of the army at that time, when, with a vastly
superior force before them, and under the greatest dis-
advantages, the troops, fully confiding in the gallantry and
skill of their commauder, ably conducted to the shore by
their gallant comrades, the navy, with a hostile array of
artillery against them, gallantly pressed forward, drove
the enemy from their position, and by their indomitable
spirit, not to be quelled by the greatest disadvantages,
or the loss of their commanding officers, succeeded in
establishing not only a landing, but a fixed position in
the very heart of the enemy. This was accomplished
with great difficulty, with a difficulty which it was said
at the time none but the brave 42d could have sur-
mounted. (Great cheering.) He believedEesoth;dt3euth,amhpryaeeit
throughout the whole of the campaign all vied with
each other to do their duty, and though a vastly inferior
force, maintained that position on the soil of the enemy,
and obtained possession of those plains upon which Ntt-
t—swtanlbwEphoharauolooavneu(vdtul
uterc rlotdo:daeihphnallneelgi
tnea.i hesrlddn never
wouldpsbaed.s w()arrto.
Europe.—(Cheers.)
chi hots consideringeo nolTexmtephtuebeheejafredpetnl
ootsheehoi
s. that he had reared his standard for
ever.—(Cheers.) That was the commencement of the
victories of the armies of Britain in the Peninsula and
he
o
that
ntseattrruhecdr(titomelhaimehtffir
nsbew:phi
ceasieoetinheinhratunrdaos,
onstfs;tittur
amErhhh_ede
ceveesenaageastegdtpdrerenswel
eolrsda:lstieninGietbrtini England
dominions
eeuegi
tptaapooahhnwtrnorfteeedhnsmßas
valour
aSni
westlteatoa present,
Britain
e
when the gallant rhndn)ieonigmavegcedtctlrti:a'otu'rto'
Abercrombie fell.—(Loud cheers.)
ith
That fall, however, was great indeed, such as a noble
spirit like his would covet and desire ; it was in the arms
of victory, and that victory one which added fresh laurels
to the country and the land he loved.—(Cheers.) The
Noble Duke concluded by proposing " The immortal
memory of Abercrombie and the heroes that fell in
,•gypt."
"The Death of Abercrombie" was admirably sung by
Sinclair.
The CHISHOL' then rose to propose the next toast.
Ho did so by the kind permission of their Noble Chair-
man. He believed that he was not altogether unknown
to the members of the Highland Society of London—
(Cheers and laughter)—and being so, he thought he
should not be doubted when he asserted that if they did
not charge their glasses to the brim, and drain t^ em to
the bottom, they would repent it.—(Great laughter.)
There was nothing more noble, in his opinion, that an
aristocracy anxious to do good for their country and
their countrymen.--(Cheers.) Such an aristocracy was
a safeguard to the country, and such an aristocracy, he
felt proud to say, they had in Scotland.—(Cheers.)
Among the other privileges of Scotland they might
boast that they had an aristocracy that was worthy of
their great forefathers.—(Hear, hear.) They had in
their chair that day the noble descendant of an illustri-
ous house—(Cheers) —one of their native aristocracy,
who had already shown himself not unworthy of his
high...descent, and whose ccnduct in taking the chair
that evening was an earnest of his labours in future for
the good of his country and his countrymen.—(Cheers.)
It was the first time his Grace had come among them,
and he trusted that they would take care that it was not
the last, by giving him, though in England, a High-
land welcome.—(Great cheering.) The Chisholm
then gave the health of their Noble President, the
Duke of Buccleuch, upstanding, with Highland
honours.

The toast was most enthusiastically drank, and was
followed by the dance of a Highland reel, by James
Davidson, Esq., 'Daniel Davidson, Esq., D. Brown,
Esq , and George Bain, Esq., the Hon. Secretary. The
dancing of these gentlemen elicited rounds of applause
from the Noble Chairman and all present. It was a
perfect performance, and would have reflected the
highest credit on the first professionals of the day.
The Duke of BUCCLEUCH, on returning thanks for the
honour that had been done him, could not but think
that the reel they bad just witnessed would be far more
agreeable to them than any attempt on his part to return
thanks:—(Cries of " No.") At all times it was agree-
able to any one to have his health responded to when
proposed in the manner in which his had been; but at
no time could it more agreeable than when it came from
his own countrymen.—(Cheers.) Though he could not
pretend to say he was a Highlander, yet there was some
Highland blood in his veins—(Cheers)—although he
might not have lived in the more northern parts of Scot-
land, yet he could assure them that the spirit which
animated them in the north pervaded them in the south.
—(Cheers.) He had no reason to suppose that his an-
cestors were not as ready with the sword and the lance
to protect the liberty of Scotland as the Highlanders
were with their shield and claymore.—(Cheers) The
days of warfare in Scotland among their chiefs were
now happily gone away, the northern and the southern
now live happily together, and all he had seen there
that day increased his wish to come among them again.
—(Cheers.) During the time he had grazing grounds
in the north such was the treatment that he had re-
ceived that he should always remember it with grati-
tude.—(Cheers.) He could assure them, in conclusion,
that whether in the north or in the south they would
always find him equally grateful for the honour they
had conferred upon him that evening.—(Cheers.)
" Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled" was sung with
great feeling by Mr. Sinclair.
The NOBLE CHAIRMAN said he had now to give them
a toast which there was no necessity for him to explain
in that room—" The Chiefs and Clans "—it was a good
toast, and one that he trusted would be enthusiastically
responded to. Although civilisation had made great
changes in their country, he was convinced it would be
the fault of their chiefs if they did not keep their clans
togeth( r. If the chiefs were what they ought to be, and
did what they ought to do, their clans would always re-
spect them. The Noble Duke concluded by proposing
the toast, observing, ang may the chiefs and the clans
exist ; long may they hold together ; and long may they
be a blessing and an honour to their country.

The toast was drunk amid tremendous cheering and
Highland honours.
Another reel was then danced by Mr. D. Davidson,
Mr. Brown, Mr. Bain, and Mr. Man, and was received,
if possible, with more rapturous applause than the
former.

The CHISHOLM rose to return thanks amid great
cheering. He wished that a better representative of the
Northerns than himself had been chosen to return
thanks for the honour that had been conferred on the
chiefs and clans by their noble and illustrious Chairman.
He thanked-his Grace for the kind manner in which he
had proposed their healths, and he thanked those around
him for the manner in which they had received it. If
he might judge from the scarcity of Highland dresses
among them that evening, he should say the larger por-
tion of the company consisted of their southern follow-
countrymen; perhaps to them it might seem strange
that such a toast should be received with such enthu-
siasm; but to him it was not matter of surprise, because
he felt that that enthusiasm flowed from Highland hearts
and Highland society. What, he would ask, was the ob-
ject of this Society?—(Cheers.) It was to promote good
feeling in their country, and a spirit and a bon:I of union
among their countrymen.—(Cheers.) What, he would
ask, was more calculated to promote such
feelings than institutions like the present,.. which
was the parent that reared them to maturity, and
preserved them from decay?—(Cheers.) Why was it
that this Society encouraged their native music, not
only because of its spirit-stirring notes, not only because
of its aid to the lively dance, but because they knew the
power those notes exercised over their countrymen in
the hour of danger.—(Great cheering.) It was a popu-
lar feeling of their countrymen that the enemy always
exercised the hottest fire over that part of the field of
battle where the pipes were playing, because they knew
history furnished them with the fact that Scotchmen,
accompanied by their national music, knew not what
fear was.—(Cheers.) That might seem strange to many,
but it was not less strange than true, and an instance of
it took place at Quebec. On that occasion the British
troops were retiring under an overwhelming fire from
the enemy, and the General rode up to Colonel Fraser's
regiment and remonstrated with him upon the
retreat of the corps ; to which the Colonel
replied, " Sir, you did not do well to pro-
hibit the pipes ;" the General replied, "In the name
of all that's good, then, let them play up:: The
word was given, the piper struck up the gathering, the
Highlanders knew the sound; they dared not to disobey
the summons; they paused, turned on the enemy, and
victory, glorious victory, crowned the efforts of these
Highland soldiers.—(Great cheering.) Why was it, he
would ask, that they encouraged the national dress of
their country ? It was not because it was the most
beautiful of modern costumes, but it was because that
dress was associated with all the glorious deeds their
fathers had done.—(Cheers.) It was in that dress that
their ancestors had resisted imperial Romo—(Cheers)—
and it was in that garb that Scotchmen bravely, fought
and fell at Culloden for the Prince they loved.—

(Great cheering.) There were those present among
them who had seen the invincible army, as he
called it, of Napoleon, and who had witnessed its destruc-
tion by determined Scotchmen.—(Cheers.) He was
proud to see before him the representative of one of the
most ancient clans in Scotland, he was proud to see pre-
sent the representative of the ancient chief of the Mac-
kenzies—(Great cheers)—and that brought to his mind
an anecdote with respect to that clan. There was a
time when it was expedient for the chief of that clan of
Mackenzie to be absent from his country ; what was the
conduct of his clansmen during that period, why they
collected his rents and transmitted them to their chief ;
he would challenge any one to produce an example of
such feeling as those, yet such were the feelings of the
clans.—(Cheers.) He fully concurred in the sentiments
expressed of their Noble Chairman, that it would be the
faults of the chief themselves if they allowed the feel-
ings towards them of their clans to be turn asunder.
Let the chiefs be found cultivating the arts of peace ;
let them be found supporting the aged, encouraging
the adult, and instructing the young ; let them
bo the friend of all, and the chiefs of the 19th century
would never have to regret that the silken cords that
bound chief and clan together should be broken.—
(Cheers.) He would not say more—(Cheers)—further
than to apologise for the length to which he had gone,
but his excuse must be, that when a Highlander was
once set agoing upon a theme nearest and dearest to his
heart, he should not know where to stop.—(Great
cheering.) He concluded by thanking them most
heartily for the honour that had been conferred on the
chiefs and clansmen.—(Cheers.)
Song—Miss Steel, " My heart's in the Highlands."
The Noble CHAIRMAN then proposed " The British
and Native Soldiers of India."
General BRIGGS returned thanks. It was now 45
years since he was first connected with the army in
India, an army which achieved the conquest of one of
the largest empires in the world for this country.—
(Cheers.) He felt honoured in being connected with
that army and the conquests it had made ; and the

valour that bad been displayed by Scotchmen in that
army would never be forgotten. He considered that the
field of India was one of the first for the scope of the
soldier.

Song, " lie like a soldier fell," by Mr. Shoulbridge.
The Noble CHAIR3IAN then proposed, " The health of
Sir Fitzroy Kelly and the other visitors." Although
Sir Fitzroy Kelly was not a Scotchman, he was connected
with Scotland by marriage.
Sir FITZROY KELLY returned thanks for the honour
that had been conferred upon him, au honour, he might
sincerely say, of which he was unworthy.—(Cheers.) He
belonged to a profession which was undistinguished by
those arduous contests and glorious conquests that had
rendered illustrious the profession of which he saw so
many worthy members around him. As his Noble Friend
had stated, he was not a Scotchman, but he was allied
to them by the nearest and the dearest ties.—(Cheers.)
lie felt bound to bear his testimony to the gallantry and
intrepidity of the Scotch, both as "soldiers and sailors.
They had gallantly distinguished themselves on the
plains of Assay, Alexandria, and Waterloo, and the
Scotch people might be well proud of their gallant 42d.
The Noble Duke who presided over them that evening
was the descendant o an illustrious me:, and was at
the head of the aristocracy of that country, whose sons
were brave and all its daughters fair.—(Cheers.) The
Learned Gentleman concluded by expressing a hope that
on many future occasions he should have the honour
and pleasure of appearing among them.—(Cheers.)
A comic song by Mr. Moody.
Several gentlemen were then proposed and elected
members of the Society.
The Noble CHAIRMAN then proposed " Prosperity to
the Caledonian Asylum." It bad done much good, and
would do a great deal more if it had increased funds.
The toast was enthusiastically drank, as was also that
of " The Ladies," and " The Branch Societies."
_ _

The Noble nuke left the Hall shortlibJore twelve
o'clock, preceded, as upon his entrance, by the two
pipers, and followed by the principal guests ; the other
guests shortly followed, and the hilarity that bad pre-
vailed during the whole evening was concluded.
That prince of toast-masters, Took, was in attend-
ance, and performed his arduous duties in his usual
masterly style.
We must not omit to mention, in concluding our re-
port, that the pleasure of the evening was considerably
enhanced by the excellent singing of the professionals
present, under the superintendence of Mr. Moody, and
that the comfort of all was increased by the alterations
made lately by the spirited proprietor of the establish-
ment. The hall has been entirely re-decorated, the old
chandeliers removed, and new ones with gas burners
substituted. These chandeliers are constructed upon a
new principle, by which they consume their own smoke
and ventilate the room at the same time.

The whole of the viands were of the first-rate de.
seription.

INDIA.

THE BATTLE OF ULLEEWUL.
(From the Delhi Gazette.)

We have received several communications giving items 01

interest regarding this important success of the British arms,
but as we are in hopes of being favoured with a " full, true,
and particular account," from the kind friend who has hi-
therto sent us such detailed accounts from Loodianah, we
have preferred not giving any patchwork of our own under
such an expectation. We cannot, however, pass over the
following, giving, as it does, an outline of the operations,
from an esteemed friend:—

" CAMP ULLEEWITL, J.Y. 30, 1846.—1 have not bad a mo-
ment's leisure to write to you. The battle of Ulleewul was
an excellently conducted affair, and reflects high credit on
Sir 1.1. Smith. 30,000 Seikhs were completely beaten in .the
field; they left G 5 pieees of their artillery captured by us,
and were fairly pushed into the Sutlej, where thousands
were drowned in attempting to recross. The whole of
their standing camp, baggage, and "some 1,200 camels

fell into our hands, and all this with a trifling loss on
our side, comparatively speaking. Every corps did its
duty nobly, and her Majesty's regiments maintained their
high reputation, whilst the sepoys vied with them on every
occasion. The return of killed and wounded is not yet pub -
lished, but the Lancers and the 3d Cavalry suffered the
most from the effects of the Seikh guns, and in the gallant
charge made on a square of the Khalsa regiment, who were
overthrown and cut to pieces by the following cavalry and
the Irregular Horse. Of the latter were 200 men under
Captain Hill, of the 4th Irregulars, and 700 of the Sheka-
wuttees, under their commanding officer. Smallpage, of the
4th Irregulars, was killed in this charge, and Major Forster
had his charger shot under him. Of the artillery, all that
can be said is, that their practice was beautiful, and nothing
could surpass their steadiness and gallantry. Sir 11. Smith
was seen everywhere, and was cheered by the troops after
the action ; there is no question but that his skilful arrange-
ments saved many a life, whilst the object was attained, and
the fruits of victory secured. I cannot write more fully, or
detail particulars, for the reason already stated, but you will
soon see the official account. Abeut twenty officers are all
the casualties on our side, but the Lancers lost 100 men or
more in the grand charge they made. Excuse haste."
The 30th Regiment were, on the 31st ultimo, directed to
escort the captured guns into Loodianah, and it was gene-
rally understood that a large portion of the force would re-
turn to the head-quarters camp forthwith. An European
wss taken prisoner at Ulleewul. We regret to hear that
Caytain Fyler's name (16th Lancers) has to be added to
the list of wounded (severely).
From Ferozepore we have nothing of any importance to
communicate beyond the ascertained fact that a considerable
number of Ifincloostanees, in the service of the Maharaja
of Lahore, had made overtures to our authorities with the
view of learning on what terms they would be received into
our service. They are, however, so closely watched that
they will have some difficulty in coming over, should they
attempt to desert ; and as they have delayed so long in doing
so, after the issue of the Governor-General's proclamation of
the 31st of December, we do not see that they are entitled
to the same consideration as would have been shown them

had they at once availed themselves of its provisions. We are
glad to learn that the completion of the bridge of boats, or
rather of the boats for the bridge, is at hand. A strong
force is necessarily posted at the Rhonda Ghat to protect
the boats, and occasional interchanges of shot were made
across the river. The advanced pickets now and then ex-
changed a few words with the enemy, who are declared, by
an intelligent office:, to be far in advance of any enemy we
have hitherto met with in regard to military tactics. Firing
was heard at Attaree all the morning of the 30th in the di-
rection of the Commander-in-Chief's camp, and the report
was heard a loud way down the Sutlej ; but it cannot have
been anything of consequence. On the 29th some guns and
three companies were ordered by Sir John Grey (who com-
mands at Attaree, and has a nine-pounder battery, the Bth
Light Cavalry, and the 11th, 12th, and 55th Regiments
Native Infantry, with him there) down to the banks of the
river, in consequence of the Seikhs having carried off a boat
of ours the night before, but nothing took place in con-
sequence.
LOODIAXAH, JAN. 31.—(From a Native Correspondent).
—" On the 28th of this month the British troops attacked
the Seikhs, who were under the command of Sirdar Runjoor
Singh, and about 20,000 in number. The Seikhs were en-
camped at the time near a village named Boondree. The
battle commenced by the Seikhs firing their guns. but when
the British ordered their guns to open and men to advance,
the Seikhs could not stand, and thousands of them fled ; an
immense number were killed and wounded. The conquerors
pursued them to the banks of the river. The loss of the
Scikhs is estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 ; and these
who ran took nothing with them but their lives and their
beards. There is no mistake as to this defeat. General Smith
Saheb Bahadoor and Colonel Wheeler Saheb Bahadoor, with
all their brave troops, encamped on the same ground on
which the Seikhs had beenencamped, and the conquerors got
possession of the provisions, ammunition, and all the pro-
perty of the defeated army. The men who ran away are
assembling again by twos and threes at Phulloor. It is said
that they are greatly dejected, holding their beards in their
hands, and laying their heads on their knees. The British
are still encamped near Boondree. The fort of Gungurana,
the garrison of which had frequently done mischief to the
convoys of provisions, has been taken, and the fort of Bud-
doowal is completely destroyed. Wherever any of their pro-
perty has been found, the British have forthwith set the
village on fire. The thannahs and police are organizedbeingtl
ie
everywhere. It is said that 63 guns have been taken in
battle of Boondree."