The Sun.
London, England, 1848-11-21 00:00:00

the Gallant Gentleman who was their guest that
evening.. that none of his countrymen sympathised more
wit's hm or were prouder of his glory than his (Captain
'-..1).-Init,l%), brother officers.—(Cheers.) They too had a
Charles spier, and he would say that he was a rum 'un;
bale he had taught them what a Charles Napier could do
in tjae navy, and enabled them to appreciate what Sir
Charles Napier had done in the army.—(Cheers.)
The Noble CHAIRMAN said that the next toast did not
need any comment, and he was sure he had merely to
mention the name of the Duke of Wellington to ensure
a warm and general response.
The health of the Duke of Wellington was drunk with
all honours.
The noble CBAIRMAN again rose, and said he then rose
to propose " The Health of Major M'llurdo and the
Heroes of Sinde, who fought under Sir Charles Napier."
(The air played as an accompaniment to this toast
was that to which the 22d Regiment marched to the
battle of Meanee.)
Major M•Mratno, when the cheering had subsided,
said he rose to thank the Noble Chairman and the com-
pany for the great honour which they had done the army
of Sinde, and for the flattering compliment which they
hail paid himself.—(Cheers.) It would be more becom-
jag iii a young soldier to remain silent under such cir-
etemetanres; but in the absence of his able and gallant
colonel (Pennefather) it was his duty to return thanks
for the honour which had been conferred upon the Sinde
army, both European and native; and he would be
allowed to say that nothing could be more gratifying to
the soldier serving in a foreign land than the knowledge
that he was remembered and his actions were approved
of by his fellow-countrymen at home. The honour which
had been done them that night would reach them where-
ever they were; the proceedings of that night would be
read with exultation by the maimed soldier in the hospital
and forthwith he would tell his battles over again. The
widow would hear it, and amidst the bitter pangs caused
by the bereavement of the soldier whom she loved, one
feeling of satisfaction would arise to cheer her lonely
heart, and that was that the cause which deprived her
of her stay and hope, had been made sacred by the
voice iof her approving countrymen.—(Hear.) The
honour they had done the Sinde army that night, would
ring against the walls of bloultan, and be heard by the
sole iers of that old Sinde army, who were then re-es-
tablishing the invincibility of the British arms, and
making them once more a marvel amongst the nations
of the east.—(Cheers.) The proceedings of that even-
ing would bo to them a presage of future victory, and
there 'was not one man amongst all that army who
would not refer to their old commander the honour which
had been paid to.him. He was to them a sun revolving
in the east, from whose resplendent glory his host of
lesser stars did gather theirs.—(Cheers.) There was
not a man in all that host who would not and did not
render at his feet the honour which that assembly had
done him that night.—(Hear.) In conclusion, he trusted
he might be permitted
,to drink the health of the com-
pany, in the name of the army of Sinde.—(Cheer:.)
The Noble CIIAIR3IAN next proposed " The House of
Lords."
The Earl of DEVON said it would be equally bad taste
to detain them at any length as it would be to remain
altogether silent. He could not refrain from acknowe
lodging the toast which had been proposed in connexion
with the Legielatve Assembly of which he was a Membere
He confidently hoped, and as firmly believed, that that
House would continue to do its duty.—(Loud cheers.)
It was a very important part of that glorious constitu-
tion, the valise of which every day's experience had
taught them to feel. Having said these few words re-
specting the particular toast to which he had been called
upon to respond, he might be permitted to express
a few sentiments in connexion with the object of the
meeting that day. It had happened to him already
within a very recent period that he had the happiness of
forming the acquaintance of their gallant guest, but an-
other branch of this family was long known to him, and
it had been his good fortune to be acquainted with that
gallant trio of brothers whose names invariably figured
is every dispatch of the Duke of Wellington during the
Peninsular war. They had a sister, beloved and ad-
mired by all who knew her—a true-hearted woman—and
he adverted to this circumstance to add this anecdote,
that when, during the winter of 1846, he was living in
the county of Limerick, witnessing scenes of the greatest
distress all around him, he received from Lady Banbury
a letter expressive of her sympathy for the poor, and in-
trusting the munificent sum of 200/. to his distribution.—
(Cheers.) He had, therefore, personally, good reason
to be pleased at paying a compliment to her gallant bra-
ther.—(Cheers.)
The next toast given was " The House of Com-
mons."—(Cheers.)
Mr. JAMES HANS HAMILTON, M.P. for the county of
Dublin. briefly returned thanks.
Mr. JOSEPH NAPIER. M.P., also responded to the
toast. He was very inaudible in the place where the
reporter sat. He expressed the great gratification which
he felt at representing upon that occasion so high a con-
stituency as the University, and ascribed the difficult
position in which he was placed that evening, in a great
degree to the name which he bore. It was a task of
difficulty, because he felt the embarrassment of even un-
consciously alluding to any topic which might mar the
harmony that prevailed, or interrupt the feelings of
kindness and generosity that he was sure pervaded the
aosom of every individual in that assembly.—(Hear.)
ale therefore desired to avoid referring to the hopes and
disappointments of parties, but merely wished to allude
generally to the Rouse of Commons. It was the basis upon
which popular liberty and rights depended. They had the
Sovereign and the House of Peers, that portion of the
eonstitution which not merely gave it symmetry but
s:rength. It was not like an office resting upon the soil
which supported but did not strengthen it—it reminded
Ore more of the royal oak whose'roots struck deep in the
earth, and whose branches were filled with the sunshine
from above.—(Hear.) It was thus with their constitu-
tion—they had the gradations from the Sovereign down
to the lowest person in the State—every man's rights
were respected, and, like the light from Heaven, its spirit
pervaded all things, displaced nothing, animated, en-
nobled, and irriadiated everything it touched.—
(Cheers.) He felt very peculiar pride in his connexion
with; the House of Commons. He regarded it as the
groat mirror of the conntry, and he desired to see every
man of intelligence, wisdom, and good sense, taking
a real interest in the constitution of that great
and powerful body.—(Hear.) He rejoiced to think
that an assembly like the present, where so
ranch of chivalry, intelligence, and wisdom, was to be
found, united in the approval of the character of that
eonstitution; and he was confident that if this interest
were everywhere felt, and an endeavour was made to
attach a moral influence to it, it would prove a blessing
not merely to them but to the wholecivilised world. When
he considered what their gallantguest had accomplished,
he was taught what might be done by the chivalry of
an indomitable spirit, the energy of virtue, and the
power of a single-hearted man.—(Cheers.) He was
delighted to sae the chivalry of the British soldier
coupled with the genuine eloquence of a feeling heart.
Meier M'Murdo rejoiced to think that they sympathised
with the success of the British arms; and he (Mr. Na-
pier) would ask if there was a man in that assembly
whose heart did not respond to every sentiment uttered
by him? But, much as they rejoiced in the achievements
of the British arms, they rejoiced still more to think that
the progress of those arms was marked by wisdom and
the spread of civilisation. A topic was suggested to
him, which he would mention—namely, that in his
opinion they made a mistake in depending too much
upon the exclusive aid of legislation. Depend upon it
the Legislature might do much; but while the chasms
of society were left unsupplied—while they had the
vacancies of the absentees unfilled up—and they wanted
the plain, honest, country gentlemen to exercise their
local interests, much remained to be done; and he told
them to be true to themselves, exercise their privileges
in their immediate localities, and when these efforts
failed then was the time to look for aid to Parliament.
Ireland had done much for civilisation. It had given a
Wellington to the field and the senate, and a Burke to
assist the councils of the nation, to scatter the teeming
truths of his rich philosophy; but they wanted honest,
homely exertion amongst themselves; and let no man
ttiink because he could net do much that he could not
do anything. In conclusion, the Learned Gentleman
returned thanks on behalf of the Legislature of which he
was a Member.
The next toast was " Prince George of Cambridge,
and the Garrison of Dublin."—Grand -March.
His Royal Highness Prince GEORGE of CAMBRIDGE
briefly responded to the toast. Upon the part of the
soldiers of the garrison of Dublin he remarked that the
approbation of their try was the highest reward
which they as soldiersco looked
'or; and he thought he
might further remark, and r
hitilaui so in the presence of
the distinguished officers that
a mere loyal set of men did "t d served under him, that
exist, and that no men
could be found who were naogroeodreoadiy to sacrifice them-
selves, if needful, for the
their country.—(Loud applause.) their Sovereign and
propose the health of
The PRESIDENT then rose to
Lady Napier, the wife of Sir Charles Napier.
metered, what a great consolation it must be to
that evening his
re-
to
witness
Friend to have one present
the reception he had met with, in whose affecoasonLarell thhaisee
glory and all his honour had a share. He w
ladies who were present would not refuse to assist in the
toast he was about to ISropose, namely, " The Health of
Lady Napier."—(Loud applause.)
Glee—" Here's a health to all good lasses."
Sir CNAaLES NAPIER responded. He saideieMy Lords
and, Gentlemen, I return you my very sincere thanks for
drinking the health of my wife.—(Hear, hear.) She is
not an Irishwoman, but she is as good a wile as if she
ante one.—(Cheers and laughter.) And now, having
henked,ypurfor having drunk my wife's health, allow
one to maks,a little complaint.—(Hear, hear.) I think
this habit of drinking ladies' healths and making their
husbands respond for them has existed mush too long,
particularly when we recollect that the ladies are them-
selves such excellent adepts in the use of their tongues.—
(Loud laughter and applause.) And I really think that
-whenever the health of a lady is proposed it should be
she universal rule that she should answer for herself.—
krieaught.ar.) Ido not wish to throw any burden on the
nr24i•ried ladies, but I am strongly of opinion that they
ougha to return thanks for themselves, because I believe
they c,muld do it much more eloquently and gracefully
than we could.—(ltenewed laughter and cheers.)
" The Agriculture( Prosperity of Ireland." Air—
" Speed th e Plough."
The Hem. Moscx returned thanks. The Learned
Gentleman, Ira an able speech, dwelt at length on the
importance rtf developing the agricultural resources of
this country ; and referring to the efforts which the
Royal agricultural Improvement Society of Ireland had
contrite Iliad towerde this desirable object, took an op-
portanit y of best owing a tribute of praise upon Sir
Charles -Napier, w,ho, ho observed, after having served
his comet ry upon the battle-field, had subsequently, as a
private ii idividual, devoted his attention to the further-
ance of in sprovements in the agriculture of his native
country, I related-
" The B, inch and the Bar of Ireland." Quartette.
EDWARD LITTON, Esq, Master in Chancery, re-
plied to the toast. He said that, as the senior member

_ .

present of those who represented the bcuch and
the bar of Ireland, he begged on their behalf
to return their most grateful thanks. He thanked
their august guest, who had joined in that toast to the
Irish bench ; and he hoped that the days would never
arrive when the Irish bench would administer the laws
of Ireland otherwise than boldly, impartially, and fear-
lessly, giving to every man, whatever his rank in life
might be, all his rights, opposing alike the influence of
wealth and power on the one hand, and resisting the
fierce power of a democracy on the other.—(Hear.)
He trusted they would ever be found to administer the
laws of England in the spirit in which their constitution
declared they had been made—in a spirit of justice tem-
pered with mercy.—(Cheers.) But who, after all, were
the protectors who secured the steady and sound admix
nistration of those laws—who were always at hand to
protect their lives, their properties, and their homes and
families in time of danger? Who but the noble British
army, who in times of foreign invasion or domestic strife
were ever ready to come to their aid, and shed their own
blood if necessary in the defence of the lives, the laws,
and the liberties of their countrymen.—(Cheers.)
Mr. WHITESIDE, Q.C.—My Lords and gentlemen, I
esteem it as a high honour to have my name associated
with the toast of the Irish bar. The memories which
the past history of that body recals are inspiring. Un-
rivalled wit, impassioned eloquence, with splendid genius
and a lofty patrotism, raised and dignified the profession
of the bar in this country. The Irish soldiers may
have won unfacling laurels—the Irish bar has possessed
members who, in the forum and the senate, achieved
for their country a fame almost as high as that won by
Wellington on the field. We are justly proud of their
greatness, and point to their triumphs with exultation,
as shedding lustre on our age and nation.—(Loud
cheers.) I never close the volumes which contain the
records of their immortal eloquence with other sensations
than those of delight and despair. It has been said with
truth the genius of Dante illuminated a dismal period in
the history of Italy. The gloom and the wretchedness
have disappeared, while the glorious productions
of the poet and the patriot still shine with
undiminished brightness; and so the darkest page
of Ireland's history is relieved by the affecting
eloquence of Curran, which, while it records the
misery and shame of this country, stamps upon the page
of its history the proofs of its own imperishable genius.
—(Cheers.) I have attended this entertainment given
to our distinguished guest with unfeigned pleasure ; he
bears a name for which I have a strong affection. Many
of us but rarely appear at public dinners. No attractions
of politics have brought us together. We are assembled
to do honour to that which confers honour on human
nature—exalted merit. Great natural abilities aro not
in themselves enough to command respect—they are
often disgraced by vices, and perverted to the gratifica-
tion of sordid passions or a depraved ambition.—(Hear,
hear.) Brilliant talents, no matter in what pursuit en-
gaged, are only worthy universal esteem when they have
been devoted to their country's service—when they have
accomplished great actions—when their exertions have
been prompted by a chivalrous spirit, accompanied and
adorned by virtue.—(Hear, hoar, and cheers.) In all
ages of the world military greatness has been prised
chiefly, I admit, when identified with the greatness
of the empire to which it may have belonged.
While Rome retained her martial spirit while
she possessed and honoured her military heroes, she
ruled the world with triumphant sway. When she sur-
rendered the defence of the empire to hired barbarians—
when luxury had corrupted her sons, Rome fell. Pos-
sibly she may have deserved her fate, for we read with
indignation that to the bravest of her generals she was
ungrateful, and denied rewards to distinguished service,
unshaken courage, and splendid success.—(Hear, hear.)
Posterity has done a hero justice, and the memory and
fame of Scipio are preserved, while the names of his
calumniators are forgotten in the charity of oblivion.
Envy will always detract from superior hearts, and the
contemptible jealousy of little minds rail at the ability
they fear and hate.—(Hear.) When was any kingdom
safe without skilful generals to command her armies?
What liberty, or even existence, eould England now
boast but for the valour of her soldiers and her sailors,
bravely led by men into whose hearts a sentiment of fear
never entered ? And when in the history of Europe was
the possession of military skill and genius more to be
valued than now, when almost every kingdom has been
torn by revolution or made the battle field of con-
tending armies?—(Hear.) I need not read the narra-
tive of his actions to comprehend the claims of our dis-
tinguished guest upon our respect and admiration. I
have received from a dear friend who had the honour of
serving under him a glowing, although faithful, account
of his memorable achievements; and it redounds to the
honour of Sir C. Napier, that if he did not gain the fa-
vour of those who can bestow rewards, he won the heart
of every officer and soldier whom he led to victory and
fame.—(Hear.) The generous nature of our guest
prompted him to endeavour to influence the enthusiasm
of his troops by gaining their affections.—(Hear, and en-
thusiastic cheering.) We have seen the brilliant prac-
tical results—victories won against numbers, and head-
strong valour such as have not been equalled in the field
of heroic adventure since the days of Clive.—(Hear.)
The higher praise must yet be added, that he conquered
gloriously to govern wisely; that his military triumphs
were directed to obtain results which make war alone
justifiable—order, civilisation, justice, with the steady
cultivation of the noble arts of pease.—(Hear and loud
cheers.) We are all competent to form a judgment on
such a character, and that judgment is justified by the
opinion of his own gallant procession, who are superior
to meanness, jealousy, or envy.—(Cheers.) We are all
concerned to see that justice be done to a gentleman so
honourably distinguished, because the country can never
prosper while in any profession mediocrity and dulness
seize the rewards or usurp the station due to indefatig-
able industry, natural skill, and undoubted genius.—
(Hear, hear.) It is not in our power to honour this
chivalrous soldier as we could desire, but we can tender
to him that which will not be ungrateful to a brave
spirit—the expression of our unbounded admiration for
his services and talents, and the tribute of our unbought
applause—these gifts of the heart no Government. can
give, and no Government can take away.---(ffear.) A
narrow view it is of great actions to limit their bene-
ficial effects to a particular sphere or a particular
time—their consequences are lasting.—(Hear, hear.)
The histories of Marlborough, of Clive, of
Wellington, of Nelson, influence the youth of suc-
ceeding generations—stir up an honourable ambition—
excite a love of country, a passion for distinction,
which assuredly conduct to worthy achievements, and
perhaps to eternal renown.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.)
I have been led to speak upon a subject uppermost in
our thoughts, in connexion with the character and con-
duct of him who brought us together this night.—(Hear,
hear.) It Is not necessary to say much in returning
thanks on behalf of the Irish bar—to belong to it is my
pride—to uphold its independence my ambition.—(Loud
cheers.) In exact proportion as the members of such a
profession are respected in the State and trusted by the
people will the administration of justice be pure and
satisfactory.—(Hear, hear.) Should the time ever un-
happily arrive when those engaged in the profession of
the law would be despised by the people and slighted by
the State, a despotic Government must then be nigh,
and the people's slavery and debasement certain.—(Hear,
hear, and loud cheers.) Throughout many kingdoms
on the continent of Europe judges have been the
creatures of the tyranny they upheld.—(Hear, hear.)
Advocates have been suborned or terrified, or persecuted
in occasional boldness and unexpected honesty—and we
see the people of those countries fighting their way to,
I trust, a better and a purer system. The impartial
administration of justice is the ligament which binds
together human society, and to ensure it we must not
only possess judges learned, and patient, and incor-
ruptible, such as I rejoice to say ours at the present day
are, but we must have advocates watchful, honourable,
and independent.—(Hear, hear.) The higher the repu-
tation of our judges the more essential it is that in all
political and constitutional questions their judgment
should be in exact conformity with the principles of our
coustitution.—(Hear, hear.) What is mere opinion to-
day will become precedent to-morrow—and the more
unexceptionable the tribunal the more closely will its
decision be followed by posterity.—(Hear, hear.) We
reverence the judgments of Holt and Hale. and regard
them as landmarks in our lew.—(Hear, hear.) The ad-
vocate cannot make the law—he ought not to pervert it
—his only object should be to see it applied acoording to
its letter, with rigid impartiality in all cases alike. lie
is to regard nothing but the interests of his client, and
his care should be to be satisfied that the individual,
whomsoever he may be, who has confided life, and
honour, and fortune to his hands, is judged and con-
demned according to the requirements of the unbending
rule of law which is our common proteetion—
(Hear, hear.) Party or politics, hope or fear,
should have no influence over the mind of the
advocate. And well I know at our Irish bar
a host of honourable gentlemen practise on whose inde..
pendence the breath of suspicion never cast a shade;
irrespective of all differences of political opinion, they will
be ever found the vigilant assertors of their own high
privileges, the bold defenders of their countrymen, the
faithful guardians of the law.—(Cheers.) I follow their
d
example; to be enrolled in their ranks is my boast, pride,
and
should rank amongst hear.) In a free country the bar
amongst the highest professions. If we
refer to the history of that extraordinary nation which is
dignity to advisenical.
SO often our exemplar,
the decline and fallleor
Brutus, did not think it beneath their
Cicero, //erten,. we find when Rome was tree,
that which records the Isth?
and to plead causes. Even in
empire the brightest page is
the of Justinian, whose name
has been preserved by imperishable labours of the
reform and condense
great lawyers whom he employed
taw. The
provinces, be-
. The profound j
the complicated system of thep ievellti)
riga were deemed fittest governors
stigeeu'reldninEnthge
cause best fitted to rule with wisdom
land, for centuries, remarkable men haveiu
profession of the law. Cromwell showed howfi tilsoroucel fhly
he understood the English temper when he
upon the judgment seat. Republican Americpaasitahle,
decisions of Westminsterilall, because ever consist:
liberty and reason,—e(Cheers,) In our own country for
near one hundred years we have had a succession of
highly gifted men at the bar, and frequently also on the
bench.—(Hear, hear.) In this country, I conscientiously
believe there were at the Irish bar as great advueates—
witness Curran, Barrowes, Pluuket, 13uslie—as ever
adorned the annals of the law. One may sometimes, as
to more than one of these men, regret their abilities
were thrown away upon a profession or a province,-....
(Hear, hear.) We dare not hope to be often bloat with
men es great, for nature is aring of them ; but advo-
cates as upright, honest, conscientious, and courageous,
wo have to walk in their steps, and be inspired by their
example.—(Hear and cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN next proposed " The medical profes-
sion, and its distinguished members present."
Sir P. CRAMPTON returned thanks.
Then followed—" The Indian Army," next " The
Mercantile Interests of Dublin."

The latter toast was briefly responded to by Mr.
G. ROE.
The list of toasts having been exhausted at half-past