The Sun.
London, England, 1848-04-18 00:00:00

APRIL' lB, ._B4B.

IRELAND.
DUBLIN, SATURDAY EVENING, APRIL 15 ---This
evening a soiree was given by the Trades and Citizens
Committee to the Ref ealers of Dublin, for the purpose
of receiving from the deputation of the Irish Confedera-
tion recently returned from Paris an account Of its re-
ception and proceedings in that city, both by the Pro-
Visional Government and the citizens of France. The
Music-hall, in which the meeting was held, was densely
crowded in every part. The interior of the building was
festooned with flowers and evergreens, interspersed with
a variety of banners, containing inscriptions, such as
" Ireland for the Irish," " The Irish Volunteers of '82,"
" Welcome Horne, the Irish Deputation from France,"
" The Queen, Lords, and Commons of Ireland," "Irish
Legislative Independence," &c. Conspicuous above these
waved a broad tri-coloured flag, of yellow, white, and
blue, attached to a pole twelve feet in length, at whose
summit gleamed the long, bright, and thin blade of a
pike of Irish manufacture. This flag was committed to
the custody of Mr. T. F. Meagher during his stay in
Paris, as a gift from the young men of France to the
young men of Ireland. The erection of this new national
emblem (was the signal for a burst of applause, which
shook the hall, and was kept up for several minutes. At
eight o'clock Mr. Smith O'Brien and Mr. T. F. Meagher
made their :appearance, and were received with enthu-
siastic shouts of applause. On the motion of Sir S.
Bradstreet, the chair was taken by Mr. A. Strad], bar-
rister.
The AIRS
lAN briefly addressed the meeting. He
said that their just demands had been constantly and
said
rejected by the British Parliament, wherein
their most honest and trusted men had so often been
assailed with base and brutal insult.— (Hear and cheers.)
In that Parliament the Irish representative of the English
Minister lately declared that he would not permit the
question of repeal to be tampered or coquetted with by
the introduction of a measure tocarry it.—(Hear, hear.)
From that Minister they had but one constitutional
course remaining, namely, to appeal to the Queen of
Ireland.—(Cheers.) They hoped she would be alive to
her own best interests, and speedily she would find that
the continuance of the legislative union between England
and Ireland was fraught with the most imminent dan e r
to her rule in that country—(Cheers)—tht the begst,
perhaps the only, security far the integrity of her empire
Has
would con in the immc conclude y proposing the health of her
Majesty.—(Cheers and hisses.) He meant as the Queen
of Ireland.—(Cheers, hisses, and cries of "No Queen.")
" The toast was then drunk' in tea, while the tune of
God save the
engaged to do
honourwas to the t poaslayed by an Irish harper,
ts.
The CHAIRMAN then gave as the next toast, "The
People, those by whom Kings and Governments existed
—the true source of power."
Mr. FRASER, ironmonger, responded to the toast.
Air—" St. Patrick's Day."
The next toast was the "Memory of the Volunteers
of 'B2 "—Cheers.
Mr. BATTERSBY responded in a long and voluble
speech, in which he endeavoured to prove the necessity
as well as the justice of repeal.
Air—" Sprig of Shillelagh."
The CHAIRMAN then gave the following toast,l which
was most euthusiastically received,,_r"lerel7d s uncom-
promising patriot, William Smith 0 Hi in
Mr. O'DoNoHoE, one of the secretaries of the Trades
and Citizens Association, then read an address prepared
by the committee of that body, congratulating the
depu-
tation on its arrival from Paris, thanking them for their
services to Ireland, and pledging themselves to stand by
them in any dangers which might surround or menace
them in their future struggles for Irish independence. .
Mr. P. J. BARRY here produced a time-worn flag,
which he stated to be the original flag of the 3d Regi-
ment of Irish Volunteers of 'B2, and which had been
carried before them on the occasion of the first opening
of the old Irish Parliament.—(Cheers.) He was re-
quested by a Mr. Burke, in whose possession it had until
now been, to offer it as a present to Ireland's truest son,
W. S. O'Brien.--(Cheers.)
Air—" See the Conquering Hero comes."
Mr. W. S. O'BRIEN then rose to address the assembly,
and was received with loud and long-continued: demon-
strations of applause. When silence was, after several
minutes, restored, be spoke as follows:—Often as it had
been his lot to address meetings of his countrymen with
sentiments of pride and satisfaction, he could truly say
that upon no former occasion had he met an assembly
of his countrymen with so much exultation as he felt
that night.—(Loud cheers.) He had that day taken
out his Irish patent of nobility. (Cheers.) It was
presented to him in the shape of a bill of indictment
brought against him by the English Government for
loving his country.-7-(Great applause.) Proud, indeed,
he was to enjoy the privilege of having his name ranked
amongst those who had been exposed to suffering and
persecution for having supported the rights and liberties
of his native land.--(Cheers.) In that national emblem
which had been that night presented to him he was
flattered by the appellation of the first patriot of Ireland.
(Cheers.) Now he would take the liberty of •reiecting
that compliment.—(" No, no ! you deserve it.") He
would tell them that there were thousands of men in
Ireland who were as true patriots as he was ; and,
were not such the case, he should despair for
Ireland.—(Loud cheers.) The liberties of a nation
were not to be won by any single individual.—(Hear.)
It might be his proud privilege to set an example to his
countrymen; but, unless others were ready to follow
him, and take his place in case he should fall, they would
have no hope of achieving the liberties of their country.—
(Cheers.) Within the last two years he had more than
once heard it said that Irishmen had totally lost the
noble attributes of manhood.—(Hear, hear.) But, thank
God, he had now no reason to believe the foul aspersion
on his country, for he could see a spirit which nothing
could crush reviving amongst his countrymen—(Cheers)
—a spirit which would overpower every force that could
be brought against them.—(Cheers.) He was sure
-they
did not participate in the opinion of the English Govern-
ment that their mission to France had been a failure.—
(Cheers.) For his part, every circumstance connected
with that mission was a subject of satisfaction.—(Cheers,)
From the moment he landed in France he found himself
surrounded with circumstances tending to animate and
sustain the spirit which prompted him to resort to
France in the name of the Irish people. At the last
assembly of the Irish confederates, prior to their depar-
ture for France, they had been considering in what man-
ner they could best organize an Irish National Guard; but
when he stepped on the shores of France his heart bounded
with pleasure when he saw at Havre a French National
Guard, composed of 10,000 men, drawn up in proud mili-
tary array, and with heads raised with manly dignity,
arising from the possession of the arms which every free-
man ought to possess.—(Cheers.) With respect to their
reception by the Provisional Government, he thought it
was a fortunate circumstance that that reception had
been able to satisfy both the English Government and
themselves.—(Cheers.) Lamartine could not have spoken
in other terms than he had used—(Hear, hear)—without
putting France in a position of direct hostility with
England; under the present circumstances of France, as
M. Lamartine himself remarked, his lips were sealed
with respect to the expression of the ulterior sentiments
which were felt by every Frenchman in France in regard
to this country.—(Loud cheers.) lie had the good for-
tune to receive much attention from M. Lamartine and
other members of the Provisional Government of France,
and he was enabled to state that they sympathised fully
with the feelings of the French people in favour of Ire-
land.—(Cheers.) In fact, from the time he landed in
France until he quitted it, he saw but one unanimous
feeling in favour of the Irish people.—(Cheers.) Among
the incidents which happened during their stay in Paris,
they would be glad to hear that they had the pleasure
of meeting one whose name carried with it no small
portion of the respect of Irishmen—one of those brave
men who so unfortunately failed in '9B.—(Cheers.)
He alluded to General O'Connor, who, though now
arrived at the advanced age of 85, still retained as
genuine feelings of patriotism as any Irishman of 20
years of age.—(Cheers.) He would next take the
liberty of informing them that his friend Richard
O'Gorman, jun., one of the deputation, had, by his ad-
vice, remained in Paris, where he would continue a few
weeks, or at least until the trial should take place. He
gave him that advice in order that they should have
amongst them a person who was acquainted with all the
resources which were available in France--(Loud cheers)
—and he thought he could promise this much of Richard.
O'Gorman, that his time would not be wasted in fri-
volous pursuits in that country:—(Hear, and laugh-
ter.) He believed he had already commenced his
military studies.—(Cheers.) He had had the good for-
tune to make the acquaintance of some able men, natives
of Ireland, who were at present officers in the National
Guard at Paris—(Cheers)—and he had also the singular
good fortune to make the acquaintance of several Irish
officers in the French array.—(Cheers.) Besides this,
he had an opportunity of being placed in communication
with several of the leaders of the democratic clubs of
Paris, and it was only necessary for him to present him-
self at one of those clubs in order to awaken the
popular feelings of the French people in favour of this
country.—(Loud cheers.) He also hoed he Sta
away for some time longer, lest upon his arrival he would
should be arrested by the English Government and thrown into
prison.—(Hear.) Mr. O'Brien then alluded to his recent
speech and his reception in the House of Commons.
He was not wont to make professions of personal
courage, but yet he thought it his duty to utter no senti-
ment in Dublin that he would be afraid to repeat in
London.—(Loud cheers.) It was scarcely necessary for
him to describe the scene that followed the delivery of
that speech.—(Hear and cheers.) There a time
when Englishmen used to speak of the Housewas of. Com-
mons as the first assembly of gentlemen in the world.
—(Cheers.) He would now ask his friend Mr. Meagher,
who was in the House when the speeeh was delivered,
how far he thought their conduct on that occasion
entitled them to that character. (Cheers.) All he
could say was, that having had, a few vaeriths ago,
some reason to complain of the butcher,boys- of Belfast,
he was now able to congratulate the latter on being
infinitely more mannerly, more gentroui; and inore mag-
nanimous than the first asserntily,Of gentlemen in the
world.—(Great applause and laughter.) They were all
aware that a Bill was in the act of being passed through
the Houses of Parliament the object of which was to
crush the rising spirit of the country.—(Cheers.) Mr.
O'Brien then read .the principal clause of the new Bill-
making "open and advised speaking," followed by
overt acts, treason, and making seditious lan-
guage a transportable felony. It was right he
should inform them that one of the effects of a
conviction, for felony was, that the persondsoi bon
victed forfeited whatever property he possessed
bandtnho
countrY.—(Hear hear, and hisses.)
hesitation in saying, that-bachhat law been in
Reform Bill
acted on in the year 1831, when the English forceorm and
was brought eorward, Lord John Russeelll,
tLoopyrdesSrteionfltehyee
and Lord Fitzwilliam, together
hay© been liable to
with 1
Reform leaders of that day, would ha
oldwehries
ma
transportation for life.—(Loud applause.) W
coteyeeen allow the great Aatlonald effort they'u
limiting: to -be • put „down - by- illeka...Blll as •that-?
(" No, wiyor," ~ Ekes first," &a) He wished to know

whether there was sufficient spirit among his countrymen
to render the practical execution of the provisions of that
Bill a dead letter?—(" Aye, plenty of it." " We'll fight
them first." "Pikes, pikes—barricades," &c.) After
incnlcating the advantages of seeking and prometing
union between Repealers and Protestants, which he was
glad to see had already commenced in Drogheda, he
proceeded to allude to the subject of an Irish National
Guard. Old as well as Young Ireland was now of
opinion that every man in Ireland should provide himself
with a weapon of some kind. The time had come
when it was necessary to sustain moral force by imple-
ments which had hitherto been found effective in
controlling bad men.—(Cheers.) The Learned Gentle-
man concluded by alluding to the subject of the Council
of 300 delegates about to be elected, stating that the
objections which had been raised by some astute lawyers
to its legality had been removed. This was an object in
which, he was happy to say; all classes of Repealers con-
curred.--(The lion. Gentleman sat down amid cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN next gave " The health of Messrs.
T. F. Meagher, Richard O'Gorman, &c., and the mem-
bers of the French deputation,"
Mr. MEAGHER came forward to return thanks amidst
loud cheering. He said—Mr. Chairman and fellow-
citizens, I suppose that you have all learned that a true
bill was found against me to-day; and because it was
found it is my intention in a very few words to speak
my sentiments again.—(Cheers.) I rise on the part of
the deputation to France, for those present and absent,
to thank you for the reception you have given us upon
our return to our native country.—(Cheers.) The cir-
cumstances connected with the proceedings of that depu•
tation have been detailed to you by Mr. O'Brien, and I
am sure you concur with him in considering the result
satisfactory to Ireland as well as England—(Loud
cheers)—because, if arms were not granted to us by
the Provisional Government, it was quite sufficient
for us to know that our nationality was distinctly
recognised as fully as the nationality of Poland or
'ltaly ; it was sufficient for us that we were received by
the French Minister for Foreign Affairs acting for a
French Republic.—(Loud cheers.) The words spoken
to the deputation were not reported ; for the Minister
of France plainly said, with a meaning gesture, " My
lips are sealed ; ' which
_clearly showed the true spirit
which existed towards Ireland—(Cheers)—and that
if necessary, we might expect French aid.—(Cheers.)
However, before looking for it, Irishmen should com-
mence the struggle for themselves.—(Renewed cheers.)
In coming from Paris, as Mr. O'Brien told you, I had
the pleasure of hearing him in the House of Commons
speak his sentiments, in the midst of his assailants; and
now the scene is changed, and I have heard him amongst
his friends; amongst millions, who are sworn to give
effect to the words he gave utterance to in Parliament.—
(Hear, hear.) As the English House of Commons has
closed its doors in our faces, we have turned our backs
on it, and have faced the gates of our own Parliament-
house, which we shall break open if necessary—(Cheers)
myself —aye,
oa
fn
thisd with
opportunity ainii arm ed
ofh a n
statingd ( hand.—(Loud
sentiments
cheer s. ) I
beforeavail
comes on,lestthe new felony
(Cheers.)
.1 passes, and before the pending trial
provided my ideas might not have then the liberty to do don'tso.—
care for liberty, or even my existence,
existence._(cheersh)ave liberty, and my thoughts have
of France, I do not existence.—(Cheers,) After witnessing the triumphs
if the freedom of my country is
purchased by my life, for I should die with the satisfac•
tion of reflecting that future generations would revere
my memory.—(Cheers.) Legal
-men, grand jurors, and
special jurors, Attorney
in red cloth and whalebone—men
ofls and. charging judges
cunning brains, will exhort you to
owittrhered hearts and
mission and to perish in submission; buetavire up your
to free yourselves from slavery.—(Loud
geaell on you
conclusion Mr. Meagher presented a tri-coloured
flag, which had been given to him in Paris, to Mr. Stritch,
the chairman, as the representatives of the trades of
Dublin, amidst loud cheers. It was mounted on a pole
about 10 feet long, with a pike of 18 inches upon the top.
In handing it to him, be said he hoped, if they were
obliged to bring it to battle, England would behold " the
red hand" stamped in blood upon the white centre which
was within the.orange and green.
The CHAIRMAN, having shortly returned thanks,
proposed " The French Republic," which was responded
to by
Mr. J. 11. DUNNE, an Old Irelander, who said lie
would join in raising the barricades, if their constitutional
privileges were further encroached upon. In the course
of his address, he said he came there for the purpose of
fraternizing, and he shook hands with the three traver-
sers in proof of Mos assertion.
The next toast given was, "The Prosecuted Patriots."
Mr. MITCHELL, being called on, responded amidst loud
cheers. He said he was obliged to his friends for the
verdict they had given in his favour, and only wished
they were to be on his jury.—(Cheers.) It was not
presumption in him (Mr. Mitchell) to speak to the toast,
even in the presence of his friends, Messrs. O'Brien and
Meagher, for he was to be twice as much prosecuted as
either of them. There was one indictment against each
of them; but he had two all to himself.—(Cheers.) The
Attorney-General was going to fire at him with a
double-barrelled gun, GO that if one missed he would
have a crack at him with the other.—(Laughter.) The
English press had said that he (Mr. Mitchell) was
labouring under a certain species of insanity, which led
him into crime. Now, if he had established the United
Irishman for the purpose of going to prison for two years,
he had no doubt he would be gratified—(Hear, hear)
—but that was not his object; for, if so, the Attorney-
General would not have troubled himself about him.—
(Cheers.) Judge Crampton had told them that day of
the free country they lived in—of the free constitution
they lived under—that glorious freedom which permitted
them to beg and starve, but forbade them to live on the
produce of their own soil.—(Cheers.) Mr. ,Mitchell
concluded by repeating his instructions to the members
of the Confederation to arm themselves, in preference to
wasting their time attending to the registries.
The CHAIRMAN next gave " The United States of
America."

Mr. M'GEE, of the Nation, responded—He said, he
was three years in America, and he never saw a beggar
or a hand stretched out for charity, but when he came
home ho saw nothing bat destitution, poverty, and star-
vation.

Mr. DORENY having then addressed the assembly, in
responding to " Our English friends."
Mr. John Morgan was called to the chair; and the
meeting separated at half-past twelve o'clock—Sunday
morning.

NAVAL IN TELLIGEN CE.
PLYMOUTH, APRIL 16.—NAVAL APPRENTICES.—There
are now on board the San Josef 200 boys, who are ap-
prenticed to the Naval service, and who a short time
since were beating the streets: These boys are taken
great care of, and Captain Sir Henry Leeks takes very
considerable interest in promoting both their comfort
and their education. The boys have the middle deck of
the San Josef for their use, and have a good supply
of mess utensils, which are kept in excellent order ;
and schoolmasters have been appointed for their educa-
tion; personal chastisement is seldom resorted to; and
when necessity requires it, it is only under the direct
sanction of the gallant captain. For their encourage-
ment a system of rewards has been established—
chiefly distinctive grades, which is found to promote
a spirit of emulation. A vessel is appropriated for
their exercise in nautical duties. Each boy is provided
with a small musket, and on Thursdays, whenever the
weather is favourable, they land under the Obelisk at
Mount Edgcumbe, and are put through a variety of ex-
ercises and evolutions, which they accomplish with great
alacrity and precision. The success of the boys is
spoken of as being very satisfactory. An excellent
code of regulations has been drawn up by Sir henry
Lecke, which he has caused to be printed and posted
around the ship. These set forth the occupations of
every hour, and the most minute details of duty are
clearly stated. The system of apprenticeship, by which
600 boys are now being regularly educated for the ser-
vice in three of our largest naval ports, is one that is
likely to be of immense benefit to the service. It will
give us a class of men who have a higher tone of morals
and no doubt prove a nursery for good seamen.
Slues IN HARBOUR.—San Josef, Caledonia, Agin-
court, Nautilus, Seagull, Diligence, Confiance.

GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.—The annual festival
took place last evening at the London Tavern, where a
large number of gentlemen sat down to dinner. The
chair was occupied by Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, Bart.,
supported by Mr. Charles Dickens and other gentlemen.
The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, Captain
Chappell acknowledged the health of the army and navy,
observing that he regretted the honourable gentleman
(Mr. C. Dickens), on the right of the chairman, had not
brought his friend " Captain Cuttle" to do honour to the
toast. The chairman, in proposing " Prosperity to the
General Theatrical Fund," observed that the institution
combined virtue and charity with the principle of inde-
pendence; for it encouraged the members of the profes-
sion to provide for others, while at the same time it as-
sisted them in providing for themselves in the hour of
need. After remarking upon the contrast afforded 14,
the public and private life of an actor—in the,. one
case playing the monarch and wearim, the
diadem, while in the other he was often redticed to
a painful state of dependence—the chairman- observed
upon the enthusiasm which -he .•• said carried the
actor through all his misfortunes, and which ge-
nerally preserved him—except in- old age—from ahppeaallienn,
to the public for relief. tie then reverted tot eaf
state of our national drtima; and recommended
me-
morial to the Queen upon the subject,
it would meet with,a hearty response. fmeeringßrekrestethnae:
as treasurer of thejnstitution, then stated that its vested
pl'Op6rty amounted to 4,0001., and that
mem-
bers enjoyed annuities of 301, respectively.
four
gedlnh
observing that
course of- a humourous and charaeteristic address he
passed a high eulogy on the chairman,
sent upon that
as money was their great object they ought to feel happy
in having the author of Monet/Pre
occasion. Mr. Dickens then proposed the health of the
p
chairman, joining his regretor the navy, that "Captain to;that of the gentleman who
had returned thanks
Cattle" was not there "to address them, and observing
that although not
present to receive their congratulation,
the gallant captain
vs,ould doubtless make a note of it."
The toast was drunk with acclamation, and was lollowed
t sM
by similar compliments to the tree or , essrs. orreil l,
to the treasurer, secretary, and
committee.Savilleghes, &e.,
The latter was proposed by Mr. Brewster,
who utadean eloquent appeal on behalf of the institu-
tion. This, and other appeals subsequently made,
resulted in a subscription amounting to between 3501. and
4001. The vocalists rendered gratuitous service upon
the occasion, and amongst them were Miss Dolby, the
Misses Williams, the Misses Tyne, and Miss M.
O'Connor.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has received 201.
from "G. IL" The bf paid into the Ex-
chequer.
Father Mathew will sall-frorn Averp I for Neg
oo
York -on the -21st instant: .The Reiderend Gen 'li
goes in the new packet-ship The Now.WoOd.,orol.
-Fir;;"