The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-01 00:00:00

therefore, sit down, by expressing how highly gra-
t fled he was at the manner in which his health and
that of his brotllrr Directors had been drank.

Sorg, by Mr. Havvicins—'

born."

The spot where I was

The CHAIRMAN said—lt was now with great
pleasure that he introduced to their no:ice a
toast—it was "The Health of their Actuary,
Mr. Jones." In doing so, with their permission, he
would briefly explain the circumstances which led to
the introduction of Mr. Jones as the actuary of that
Society. The Directors were looking round to find a
gentleman to fill that important situation ; and, in
order to obtain one with the necessary qualifications,
advertisements were inserted in the public newspapers.
The result was a wonderful number of applications,
and, amongst them, one from Mr. Jones. He (the
Chairman) was one of the committee appointed to
receive applications,_ and examine testimonials, and
in that committee there was but one opinion that the
testimonials of that gentleman were pre-eminently
above those of any other. Tile committee, therefore,
came to the unanimous decision, that he was the most
fit party to undertake the duties of the office of
actuary. That duty he had discharged with the
greatest ability and energy. His talents were of the
highest order, and always at the disposal of the Direc-
tors. He (the Chairman) was always pleased
to say that that gentleman enjoyed the un-
bounded support and confidence of the ly)ard.
He would hot occupy their time any further, but
call upon them to join with him in drinking the
health of Mr. Jones.— (Loud cheers.)
Mr. JONES said he could not help feeling much
gratified at the very kind and handsome manner in
which their Chairman had made reference to his
abilities. He could only assure them that his
desire, on all occasions, had been to for-
ward, in the best manner, the objects of the
society. When they were not in so good a
position as they were now, he had stood by the Chair-
man, at the risk of losing his position, in defence of
their rights and interests, and he was pleased that
ciscumstances now showed the policy of the course
then taken. After the able and flattering address
of their Chairman in explanation of the affairs of the
society, he had little to say. Still to one point he would
make reference. From his position lie was enabled to
say the bonus to the Proprietors would be very consider-
able; in fact, the position of their affairs was far better
than it had ever been before. If they had accomplished
the great end—a good bonus—with all the difficulties
they had to contend against ; if the vessel had sailed
so well under adverse winds, what might they not
accomplish with the winds in their favour?—(Cheers.)
It was the source of great satisfaction to him to think
that he stood so high with the Chairman and Board of
Directors, and that a new Board of Directors ;
and it was to him, too, a cause of much pleasure to
think that he commanded the respect of so wealthy
and influential a body as the gentlemen by whom he
was surrounded—(Hear, hear)—gentlemen who re-
presented in an eminent degree the wealth and in-
fluence of this great nation. If they wanted any
evidence of the wealth and public spirit of the
commercial travellers, they had amply given it that ,
day in the steps taken to establish a school.—(Loud
cheers.) 'While that institution was understood to be
entirely distinct from the assurance society, he need
not say that the members of the latter ought to give
it every assistance in their power. They ought to be
the first to give it their support, and that he was sure
they would fully and effectually render.—(Loud
cheers.) In fact, they had given an evidence of that
already. He would conclude by thanking them most
kindly for the honour they had done him in drinking
his health.—(Loud cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, in the absence of Mr. Wilson,
who had been deputed for the purpose, proposed the
next toast, " The auditors, solicitors and medical
officers of the society." I'he sincere thanks of all
were due to them for the valuable assistance they had
rendered the institution. To the auditors they were

indebted for the careful examination into their finan-
cial affairs, by which they were placed in possession
of most excellent accounts ; to the medical officers, for
the great ability displayed in the selection of lives to
be assured ; and to their worthy solicitors fur the
discretion they had evinced in keeping them out of
litigation, and consequently of expense.—(Cheers.)
He hoped the company would excuse his joining
the names of these gentlemen together in the present
toast, as they ought, had the evening not been so ad-
vanced, have been given separately. Without further
comment, he would propose the healthy of the audi-
tors, medical officers, and solicitors of the society.—
(Loud cheers.) The toast was drunk with all the
honours, and amidst great applause.
Comic song, by Mr. Hatton—" There was a little
man dressed all in green."
Mr. STOCKDALE ((Nag of the auditors) responded to
the toast. It gave HlWgreat pleasure to possess that
opportunity of returning thanks on behalf of the
auditors of the society. He did so, and he believed
he spoke their sentiments when he said that, however
much their labours might be enlarged by the increase
of applications, they did not care so long as it led to
the extension and prosperity of the society.—(Loud
cheers.) He was well satisfied that the new year
would bring with it an increase of business, and he
knew the feelings of the two auditors so well as to
say, if it did so, it would give them, independent of any
extra exertion, the greatest pleasure and gratification.
The affairs of that society required industry and
vigilance in the auditors, and should their increasing
business require that more time and labour should be
devoted than had hitherto been, he should be most
willing to devote that extra time and labour to it, so
as to have the work efficiently done.—(Cheers.)
They would not require any more observations from
him. He could only say, that in his humble capacity
of an auditor of the society, he returned his most
sincere thanks. On looking around him he recog-
nised many old associates, as well as many that were
new to the institution, and he could assure them that
by the exhibition of industry and perseverance on
their part, before the next annual meet-
ing took place, such additions would be made
to their numbers, as would prove to the world that
the commercial travellers of this country were really a
powerful and influential body of men.—(Cheers.)
For himself and brother auditor, he would say nothing
should be wanting on their part to forward the in-
terests of the society. He had nothing further to
add but the declaration that they would do their duty
if the members of the institution did theirs.—(Loud
cheers.) With regard to the solicitors, he would say
they had fought well for the society's interests ; and
the attention of the medical officers had been careful
and undivided to its affairs. It therefore afforded
him much pleasure in returning sincere thanks on
their part, as well as for himself and brother auditor.
Song, by Mr. Machin—" Down among the dead
men."

Mr. MOOSE said that he had now the pleasing
duty to propose " The health of the Vice-Presidents,
and he felt proud in being allowed to do so in that
convivial company. They were gentlemen who had
paid great attention to the affairs of the society, of
much perseverance, capacious intellect, and undoubted
benevolence.—(Cheers.) The previous speakers had
so fully explained the affairs of the society, in con-
nexion with its officers, that all that he cuuld do
was, to propose " The Healths of the Vice-Presidents,
Mr. Brooks, Mr. Millidge, and Mr. Roberts, and long
life to them."—(Loud cheers.)
The toast was drunk with great applause, and with
all the honours.
Mr. BROOKS responded. He thanked them for the
_

flattering compliment paid to his brother vice-pre-
sidents and himself in the kind and handsome-manner
in which their names had been received. For
himself, he felt not only deeply complimented,
but, he must say, pleased and gratified in
no ordinary degree, in sitting under so able and
efficient a chairman.--(Cheers.) He considered it
was the proudest moment of his life, the becoming a
member of such a society. It was the first time he
had been there, and it was the source of no ordinary
gratification his being placed under so good and
valuable a chairman; so much more so when asso-
ciated with men of intellect, and worth such as those
they had connected his name with, and such were, he
was proud to say, those engaged in commercial
pursuits, whom he saw around him.--(Cheers.) If
he had any sincere friends, or even foes, in the world,
he could not wish a greater gratification to the one,
or punishment to the other, than being present that
night and witnessing that scene. Their ship,
as had been told them, was going steadily
forward, it was sailing well, and there was every in-
dication of its soon reaching the haven of complete
success.—(Loud cheers.) It would be imprudent on
so much had been said. It
hiswa spart t ttoi
necessary
ar more,y fo
r after
present was deeply interested in—the prosperity
of the National Mercantile Assurance Association.—
sfhtietrn
to
repeat that which every
(Hear, hear.) In the name of the vice• presidents he
concluded by returning them his sincere thanks.
Song, Mr. Hatton—Mock Italian bravura.
Mr. LAWSON rose to propose a toast. He was sure
that every one who had partaken of the delightful
entertainment provided for them must have felt grate-
ful ; and if any additional proof were wanting to
show what their commercial friends could do, that
,proof had been furnished in the present festive board.
Feeling much gratified and pleased at the entertain-
ment provided, and of course with those who had so
amply attended to their wants, he proposed the
health of the stewards. Though it might be con-
sidered invidious to mention any one in connexion
with the toast, still he could not avoid naming Mr.
M'Culloch.—(Cheers.) He gave, therefore, " The
health of Mr. M'Culloch and the stewards."
Tile toast was drunk with loud and general ap-
plause.
Mr. M'CuLLoca said he was exceedingly pleased
4t the manner in which the toast had been received
by the meeting. He knew of no class that better
understood what a good dinner was than the com-
mercial travelleTs, Among the stewards the poipt sug-
gested was, what sort of a- dinner should they

have, and they all agreed a first-rate one. Such a
dinner he hoped they haibeen supplied with.—("Yes,
yes," and loud cheers.) The next matter was the
music, and the first professional gentlemen were
secured. He hoped on that point, likewise, they were
satisfi ad —(" Yes, yes.") He hoped they had all been
satisfied with the entertainment provided.—(Loud
cries of " Yes, yes," "AU, all," and general cheer-
ing.) If they were all satisfied, he was pleased and
delighted; and he would further say. that in what-
ever position they night think fit to place him, how-
ever humble the appointment might be, his services
would be at their disposal. (Loud cheers.)
Chorus—" When the wind blows."

Mr. CUFFLEY rose and said—l hare great pleasure
in informing the meeting that Mr. Edward Baker, of
the firm of Baker and Ward, Bouverie-street, is the
first volunteer of 100 guineas for the establishment
of a school.—(This announcement was received with
tremendous cheering.)
Mr. F. STaaa was next called on for a toast, and
spoke to.the following effect :—I may safely say that I
feel myself in quite the same position as some other
gentleman who have addressed the meeting ex -
pressed themselves—when Isay I wish the toast I am
about to propose had been placed in other hands who
would have been better able to do it justice. I
regret having volunteered to introduce the toast,
not from any want of appreciati•,n of the great
power of which it is the subject, hut of my want of
ability to place it in its proper light before you. I
would not have so felt had the toast only referred to the
National Mercantile Assurance Company, but it is
one of the greatest importance, connected as it is, not
only with the country at large, but with every other
similar society to the present throughout the extent
of the land.—(Cheers.) S) satisfied am I of its mag-
nitude and importance that, like Frankenstein, lam
frightened at the task I have undertaken. The toast I
hinatvoea
eto c
opur on pt otshee,
egffe
en
et lt es mp
re
ond,
ui s " e
ealhe p
in' ther
countryess,' a ' nt d
bya kinit g
it
must command our fullest homage and respect.—
(Cheers.) The subject lam free to confess, however,
is one which leaves me without words to express what
I really think in reference to it ; nay, I very much
doubt whether I am justified in entering into the sub-
ject, and anticipating a gentleman who is to rise after
me, and who is more competent to do it justice than I
possibly can.—(Loud cheers.) Still, I may say, no
one more than myself is disposed to pay homage
to the intelligence and power of the press ; and
there is no body of men that owe more to it than
such as I see around me. I do not say that you are
much indebted to it on your own behalf for the sup..
port of your Life Assurance Society, but, indirectly,
you are under much obligation to it—not only to the
Great Thunderer of Printing-house-square, but to
your facetious frieni Punch; the whole press, from
the one to the other of these, through all its interme-
diate stages, declares that life assurance is a good
thing.—(Cheers.) On all occasions the principle of
life assurance has had the benefit and support of

its influence.—(Hear, hear.) Six years ago we
could not exhibit to the world such an. association
as the present ; but the press showed the way
and assisted and cheered us, guiding us by its intelli-
gence and advice, until we have become successful.—
(Cheers.) No one more than myself admires the in-
tellect and industry that characterises the conductors
of the press, and none is disposed to pay it greater
consideration and respect, as a powerful moral engine
for elevating, improving, and guiding public opinion.
Gentlemen, in conclusion, I beg leave to propose—
" The Press, and long life to those who direct and
sway its pages, and whose labours regulate and
govern the feelings of the country."—( The toast was
received and drunk with loud and long continued
cheering.)
Mr. MURDO YOUNG rose and said—Mr. Chairman
and gentlemen, I will not detain you long in the
observations lam about to make. I feel great plea-
sure at the high character which the gentleman who
has just addressed the meeting has given the press.
The public press, like Joseph's coat, is made
up of many colours, or, I may rather say, of many
opinions, but in the main I believe those opinions to
be honest, and that they have a virtuous and
benevolent tendency. We are—in the words of the
poet—

" Brethren in arms, but rivals in renown."

The feeling of those connected with the public press
is to do good, and to advance, as far as in tlem lies,
the general interests of society. They do not pro-
fess to be superior to their fellow-men,
but they say what they think, freely, independently,
and with the best intentions. The press is the great
mirror of public opinion—it reflects its hopes and
fears. Perhaps it foreshadows too truly the conse-
quence of coining events, but in the main it is a
friend that may be trusted. To have an honest press,
the people must themselves be honest.—(Cheers.)
We think deeply and, it may be, correctly on many
questions, but you think on a greater variety of
subjects, and are well qualified on many of these to
set us right, from your more intimate knowledge of
all their various bearings. In this spirit the gentle-
men connected with the press are ever ready
and happy to learn the opinion of parties
experienced in the several walks of business
with which they are connected, Much is said of the
power of the press, but in reality the press has no
power but in the conscience of the people. The
people think much the same as the press, and when
the press comes out publicly with their private
thoughts, they give the press credit for
divining too happily their own very abstruse medi-
tations. But there is no wonder in that after all—for

"What can we reason but from what we know?"

and the public press is but the pulse of public opinion
—it beats quick or slow, as the temperature of the
mind or the body politic may indicate. You may, per-
haps, recollect the observation of a Dutch Minister—
De Witz, I think—who said to his son, " Go and
travel, and see what the world is ;" and the young
gentleman went, but he went in an easy chair, saw
people disguised like himself, and he returned, like
Captain Cook's celebrated cow, which had travelled
all round the world, but came back as wise as when
it set out.—(Cheers and laughter.) But if that
old gentleman lived at the present day, I
am sure he would say to his son, should he
wish him to possess an efficient knowledge of
society, " Go' and become a British commercial
traveller.—(Loud cheers.) You will then see
the world as it really is, in its manifold phases
and conditions," and—
" Survey mankind from China to Peru."
—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, you have said that the
press represents public opinion—so it does. It
reflects the feelings and sentiments of society as
water reflects the rays of the sun.—(Loud cheers.)
Commercial travellers go everywhere—east, west,
north, and south, and if a war were to break out, I
am sure they would make an excellent army of
observation.—(Cheers.) They, indeed, are the true
interpreters of public opinion, whether they go
through the extent of Yorkshire or Lanca-
shire, or throughout the wilds of Scotland ;
wherever they go they are the men to ask what is
the state of opinion upon any question. I have heard
with great ple.. sure a gentleman who has addressed
the Meeting refer to that glorious institution you have
just established—the School.—(Cheers.) Careful
as you have been in building up your Assurance
Society, and provident as are the objects it has in
view, there is something still beyond that which is
required—something to which you can, as hus-
bands and fathers, look to, as conferring a
benefit on your children—(Loud cheers)—as
a means of providing elements of knowledge
to the youthful mind—
"To teach the you:lg idea how to shoot,"
by the success of your own bright example, the ad-
vantages of such a school cannot be too highly esti-
mated. It is an institution which, in addition to the
Assurance Society with which you are connected, or
rather an emanation of your own, is entitled to the
warmest and most energetic support. The press, it is
said, is the fourth estate ; but there is another estate
which has recently grown up—l mean the railway
estate—if the Railway King will condescend to
be one of us.—(Laughter.) Yet beyond these
commercial
look
to royal assistance ;
there is a still more provident estate—that of as-
surance companies. These societies are springing up ,
around us far and wide, and doing good everywhere.
Your society is one of these, the principle of
which is entitled to every encouragement, and
which I am sure it will receive from the great, in-
dustrious, and energetic body to which°ell mainly
yksefrosr. suiptpohrtas—
lotra but,however desirable that
may be under certain circumstances, my advice is,
look to yourselves.—(Cheers.) If you determine to
your present
go forward indthtehaßt ryi toi suh
should
course you will reap
the reward of success, and all the world will applaud
you. You will set a good example, and your pros-
perity will induceth others to go and do likewise.
Ibeen mean
s said
Mr. STARK then proposed the " Health of the
Ladies:" which, having been drunk with the greatest
enthusiasm, the chairman left the chair, and the
meeting immediately afterwards separated.

PREPARING FOR THE ATTACK.—Free-traders are
qualifying in Nottinghamshire, in order to be prepared, at the
opportune time, to make a resolute attack upon the fortress of
monopoly. At the period of the Reform Bill that county re-
turned six Reformers ; since then the " landed interest" has
regained hold. It is now perceived to be high time that an
assault was commenced in right good earnest upon the
Chandos camp. Let this only be well done throughout the
country, and haughty, selfish, and unfeeling brown bread,
curry, and potatoes Dukes—whether royal or not—must sur-
render to the force of reason. Truth and justice are against
them; this they well know. That, for the purposes and
ends of a particular class, the rest of Ore community should
suffer (and in consequence he kept in discontent) is a thing
teo grieyoua to be alloived to continue.—Front a Correspondent.
Mr. W. H. Polk, brother to the President of the
United States, is at this moment in Paris. He will remain
some time awaiting dispatches from Washington, and will
then proceed to Rome and Naples, where he will act as En-
voy Extraordinary from the Union, in order to exchange the
ratifications of h treaty of:commerce and amity recently con-
eluded between his GoveriimenVand the kingdom of the Two
Galignani.