The Sun.
London, England, 1846-09-15 00:00:00

p
9 S.EPTEMEER 15, 1846.

I Lodiey, Hobbs, and Phillips ; and ..11oart's pianoforte
concerto in. D minor, by Mr. Hatton,- The second
part of the concert consisted of a miscellaneous col-
lection of music. The•Zcfnzpa overture, With which it
commenced, was an easy task in the hands of the picked
Men of the orchestra, who made the best of what the matter
admitted. The pretty madrigal, " Flora gave me,"
which followed, afforded much pleasure to the audience.
These old: pieces are now becoming general favourites,
not only with the general public, but with the musical
,portion of it, who find, in some of these scraps of out-
of date music, merits of a far more sterling character,
than can be discovered in much of the trash Of modern
" Regnava nel silenzio," from-Luciado .
_Lcininzenzacr, Miss Birch fully developed her wonder-
ful powers, and both astOnished and pleased her
audience. - bliss Dolby's ballad, "Primroses deck'," *as -
also a favourite; as were the Misses Williams's duet, and
hiss A. Williams's song, " The home of love,':.with Mr.
Williams's obligate accompaniment. The concert may
be said to have been well closed by the song (Phillips)
and chorus," Haste thee, nymph." Phillips seemed quite
kimself in" this sparkling and delicious bit of Handel's
composition, and in the laughing chorus many of the
audience (as usual) found themselves involuntarily
joining. The virtual close of the music was the national
anthem, as it was originally composed by Dr. Bull,
fortnerly organist of Hereford Cathedral. There was a
ball after this concert, as was the case on Thursday
night. Both were well attended, and dancing was kept
up till an early hour in the morning. Adams's band
attended.

.A.YING the FOUNDATION-STONE
OF THE NEW WORKS AT MORICE TOWN,
DEVONPORT.

rtentsthisSeconcl Edition of the Devonport Independent.)
On Saturday the foundation-stone of the new dock-
yard works for steam-ships, at Morice-town, near
Devonport, was laid by the Earl of Auckland, the First
Lord of the Admiralty.
The site of the new steam-yard comprises 74f acres.
Referring to the present position of the undertaking, we
may allude to the date of the commencement of opera-
tions. On the 19th of November, 1844, the first spade
was put into the earth, when the foundation for the
offices of the clerks of the works was begun. There was
not much done beyond 'inspecting, planning, &c., for
several weeks, but the 30th of January, 1845, thefirst
pile, which is technically termed the Dolphin pile, was
firmly driven. This was the commencement of the
great preliminary labour, the formation of the coffer-
dam. Nasmyth's tilt hammer was then used, and on
the sth of February the first engine was set in action.
to the astonishment of all who witnessed its powers of
performance, especially those who took the opportunity
to contrast them with those of the old monkeys. It is
not necessary to enter into a description of the inven-
tion here; the majority of our readers at least are no
doubt well acquainted with it; suffice it to say, that
within a few months the great coffer-dam was effectually
completed, and the water-washed foundation quite dry,
although the dam is of 1,600 feet, and 8,000 loads of
timber have been used in its construction. The saving of
money, not less than time, occasioned by the employ-
ment of the tilt hammer, must have been extraordinary,
yet it is said that the cost has exceeded 130,000/. in all.
Over the works is a complete net of railways, as the
phrase is, the lines intersecting each other in all direc-
tions, there being as many as nearly thirteen miles laid.
The rapidity with which heavy weights are transported
is consequently very great, and it is exceedingly inte-
resting to notice the way in which things are managed,
especially the traversing of the piles by the traveller.
The excavations have been astonishingly rapid, the
ground being of a soft clayey nature, for the moot part
of the character of a marine deposit. Up to the present
time about 200,000 cubic feet of granite, and more than
400,000 cubic feet of limestone, have been delivered at
the works.
Tickets were issued by Messrs. Baker to a very large
party of the elite of the neighbourhood, including the
whole of the authorities, to witness the ceremony, and
afterwards to partake of a dejeuner d la fourchette. These
parties, a great number of whom arrived in carriages,
were admitted at the entrance near the Canal, and they
were somewhat prepared for the scene inside the yard
by the gay decorations of William-street, Morice-town,
from most of the houses of which flags and banners of
all descriptions were exhibited.
At the extreme end the band of Royal Marines was
stationed, and continued to play several choice musical
compositions. On a railway carried along upon wooden
piers was placed the " traveller," from which the foun-
dation stone was to be lifted into its place. Flags were
floating over various parts of the works, nor was the
triumph-symbol, the fresh hale laurel, wanting to en-
hance the beauty of the tout ensemble.
Persons possessing tickets were admitted at twelve
o'clock, and at one the gates were thrown open for the
public generally, and though they had not the advantage
of seats, they could command a view of the proceedings
almost as well as their more fortunate neighbours.
About this time the scene was exceedingly animated.
The large space was filled with spectators, who were
anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Lords Commis-
sioners of the Admiralty.
The fact of their Lordships landing at the works was
announced by the Admiralty's flag being hoisted at the
adjacent engine-house. At a quarter after one their
Lordships, who had been received by Mr. Baker, pro-
ceeded to the site of the. dock. The Right Hon. Earl
Auckland, the First Lord of the Admiralty, with Miss
West, the daughter of our gallant Port Admiral, first
entered the inclosure, followed by Admiral Sir John
West, K.C.8., and Lady West, Admiral Sir C. Adam,
Sir Samuel Pym, and Mrs. Drake, Captain Berkeley,
M.P., Hon. W. Cowper, M.P., H. G. Ward, Esq., M.P.,
Principal Secretary, Sir William Symonds, Surveyor of
the Navy, Captain Brandreth, R.E., Director of Works,
Captain Burgmann, R.E. Resident Director of the
Works, Captain Eden, R.N., Private Secretary to the
First Lord, Henry \Volley, Chief Clerk, Captain Dixon,
H.M.S. Caledonia, Commander Potbury, &c.
Precisely at 25 minutes past one the stone was lifted,
and the Right Hon. the Earl of Auckland (the coins
having been deposited) spread the cement with a silver
trowel, when the order was given to " lower." The
stone was then firmly fixed, and the Neble Earl having
used the mallet in accordance with the usual custom, and
tried the level, was satisfied that all was right, and the
stone was declared to have been laid, the band playine
" God save the Queen." A round of cheers was then given.
The Right lion. the Earl of AUCKLAND then offered
a few remarks, to the following effect :—His Lordship
said, Mr. Baker, before I conclude this ceremony, allow
me to express the high gratification that I have expe-
rienced in having had the honourable duty imposed upon
me of laying the first stone of these great works. I re-
gard it as among the greatest of the national works,
commenced within my recollection. Notwithstanding
all that has been done in former years, it was " the
one thing wanting " to render complete the great
Naval Arsenal of Devonport, and I must, as an act
of justice, say, that it is due to my predecessors in
office, that this work has been commenced ; great as are
the naval resources of this arsenal, they were certainly
incomplete as long as the dockyard was deficient of a
basin, in which steamers, requiring repairs, could enter,
and f the factories, by the means of which stea engines
could be effectually made. I must also say that to Cap-
tain Burgmann and to Captain Brandreth, to whose
energy and skill we are indebted for the plans of
these works, our thanks are due. To you, sir,
whose talent and activity have been exhibited in so
conspicuous a manner, in executing the duty that
has devolved on you, I have also to present our
thanks, and I would also offer the meed of praise
that is due to all who have been concerned in these
works. I might name especially, Mr. Corry, the late Se-
cretary of the Admiralty, who brought forward the plan
and to whose information lam so greatly indebted. As
respects the Lords of the Admiralty, we shall earnestly
do all in our power to promote the interest of this na-
tional undertaking, and to forward it in the best possible
way, and I trust encouragement will not in any way be
wanting to induce those whose efforts have been so pro-
&Dative, to continue their exertions. It may not be un-
interesting to those present to learn that this work has
now been commenced but a little more than one year,
and yet within this short space of time the ground has
been inclosed, no less than 630,000 cubic feet of stone
have been accumulated around us, and upwards of twelve
miles of railway have been laid. In less than three years
we may hope to see one of her Majesty's steamers sailing
into this basin and laying here for the purpose of under-
going repairs. In less than three years from that time
we may hope to see the factories constructed for the pur-
pose of completing all the engines that may be requisite.
I am confident it is by such preparations as these that
we can best secure the honour of this country should
war ever unfortunately arise, and at the same time it is
by these means that we have the best guarantee for the
happy continuance of peace.
The assembled multitude then loudly cheered his
Lordship, and the band struck up " Rule Britannia."
Their Lordships and those of the spectators (about 200)
who had received invites, then proceeded to the model-
room, there to discuss
THE DEJEUNER.
This had been laid out by Mr. Moorshead in his usual
elegant style. The viands comprised everything to suit
the Most varied appetites, and there was a profusion of
champagne and other choice wines. The company
having done justice to the good things which lined the
ample table,

The Earl of AUCKLAND proposed the health of " Mr.
Baker," which having been drank,

Mr. BAKER said—My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,
—I beg sincerely to return you my best thanks for the
honour done me by the way in which my exertions
have been mentioned, and the manner in which the
mention of them has been received. I shall, believe
me, endeavour to do everything in my power to retain
the good opinion of his Lordship, which he has this
day been pleased to express. I hope that many, I may
say all, who have done me the honour of their com-
pany to-day, will afford me the extreme pleasure of
meeting me at the completion of these works, I beg
again, my Lord, and ladies, and gentlemen, to return
you my thanks.—(Cheers.)
Their Lordships then retired.
HENRY BAKER, Esq., son of the respected con-
tractor, directed the Marine band to play the " Polka,"
and with a young lady led off the merry dance, in which
they were soon joyfully followed by several ladies and
goolemen.

PR ICF, SD.

About three o'clock,,the contractors, George Baker,
and George Baker, jun., Esqs., paid a visit to the dining
booths of their workmen (about 750), who were at that
time seriously discussing large " blocks" of plum pud-
ding, roast beef, and other substantial fare, not forget-
ting approved drinkables. On their entrance the men
rose simultaneously and greeted their employers with
the most enthusiastic and deafening cheers, which lasted
for several minutes.
We observed among the company the Lords of the
Admiralty, viz. Earl Auclikind, Sir C. Adam, Captain
Berkeley, and the Hon. W. F. Co A-per, accompanied by
Sir W. Svmonds, Mr. Ward, M.P., Captain Eden, R.N.,
(Private Secretary to the First Lord,) Captains Bran-
dreth and Burgruann, R.E. There were also present the
Earl and Countess of Wilton, the Countess of Mount
Edgeumbe, Sir John, Lady, and Miss West, Lady
and Miss Leeke, the Mayor of Devonport and Mayoress,
General the Hon. H. and Mrs. Murray. Sir Samuel
Pym, and Mrs. Drake, Sir Anthony, and the Misses
Buller, Mrs. and Miss Nooth, Colonel and Mrs. James,
Mr. and the Misses Norman, Dr. Butter, Captain M.
H. Dixon, Mr. Snow Harris and family, Mr. and Mrs.
Pridliam, of Plymouth; Mr. and Mrs. Glynn, Mr. Tripe,
Mr. Woollcombe, Colonel Aslett, R.M., Colonel Old-
field, R.E., the Officers of the Dockyard and their
families; Messrs. Edye, Henderson, Stigant, Aylward,
Spiller, Guttleib, Dent, Dr. 'robin, Lieut. Williams, the
Officers of H.M. Caledonia, Colonel Sutherland and the
officers of the sth Fusiliers, officers of the Royal Artil-
lery and Engineers, Mr. Loudon, R.N., Captain Frank-
lin, R.N., Commanders .Potbury and Wriford, Mr. H.
T. Smith,, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Walker, Harbour Master,
Mr. and the Misses Stewart, Mr. Pye, and a large as-
sembly of the rank and fashion of the three towns,
whose names we had not an opportunity to ascertain
correctly.

ANTI-SLAVERY MEETING.

A -.meeting, convened by the council of the An

slavery League, was held -last night, at six o'clock,
Exeter Hall, for the purpose, as expressed by the circu
lar, " of reviewing the proceedings of the Evangelica
Alliance, in relation to American slavery and American
slaveholders." There were considerably above 3,000
present at the hour fixed for the commencement of the
proceedings, but long before the first speaker had fi-
nished his address, every part of the immense hall was
crammed to suffocation. The platform exhibited a
goodly-array of elegantly dressed ladies, not a few of
whom belonged to the Society of Friends. Generally
speaking, the audience was most respectable.
Among those on the platform we distinguished Wil-
liam and Mary Howitt, William Lloyd Garrison, from
America, George Thompson, Esq., Frederick Douglas,
the escaped slave from Maryland, the Rev. John Bur-
nett, the Rev. Charles Williams, the Rev. Preston, of
Euston-square, George Sturge, Esq., Dr. Thomas Price,
J. R. Darley, Esq., U.S., George Piikington, Esq.,
Thomas Sheffield, Esq., of Carlisle, Thomas Sturge,
Esq., William Lovett, Esq., &c., &c.
On the motion of Mr. Smith, the Rev. John Burnett
was called on to preside.
The CHAIRMAN then rose, and said that the position
he then occupied was an unusual one to him. He was
to be found generally on either the right or the left of
the chair, but he had never before been placed in a situa-
tion so disagreeable to himself personally. They were
then met on an occasion of the greatest importance to all
the friends of freedom throughout the world. They had
had a meeting in that Hall recently of a body of persons
for an object the noblest in purpose that could come
before men, namely, the joining Christian brethren in
the bonds of brotherhood, but he (the Chairman) con-
sidered that this object might have been further extended
if it had occurred to them that there were other parties
existing, whose claims upon their considerations ought
to be remembered. The question of slavery was
not altogether overlooked ; it was introduced and
largely discussed, and a resolution was adopted, to
which all parties looked with some degree of regret—
namely, that all might be brothers in Christ, and mem-
bers of the Evangelical Alliance, who held slaves against
their will, or not for their own interests.—(Hear, hear.)
Now, it did not appear to him that a man was to be re-
ceived with open arms into a Christian community, when
he told them that, although he was inflicting a grievous
injury on his fellow-creatures, it was against his will.—
(Hear, hear,) That resolution was afterwards rescinded
by the Alliance, and the question was left in abey-
ance. But if the American brethren returned to
their countrymen, and told them that slavery
was a question which England would hold in
abeyance, they would thereby inflict a great wrong on
the slaves in that country.—(Hear, hear.) They were,
therefore, met that night to tell them that the judgment
of the Alliance was not the judgment of England—
(Cheers)—they were met that night to show that the
judgment of the Alliance was but the judgment of a
small number, though they were gathered from the three
United Kingdoms, from America, and the Continent.
But the American delegates did not even represent the
feeling of America, for there was a strong party
there, which was daily strengthening—a party
represented that night by their friend Mr. Lloyd
Garrison, and by Frederick Douglas, himself
a slave. They would find from them, that even, as
he had stated in America itself, the force conjoined with
them in their disapprobation of the course pursued by the
Evangelical Alliance was by no means unworthy of their
admiration. But he would not detain them longer from
those who could give them more information than he of
the state of slavery in America. For himself he never
had but one idea of slavery for the last 30 years, and
that idea was that in all cases it is a crime—a crime
which no assembly of human beings ought to counte-
nance—a crime which all Christians ought to oppase to
the uttermost. They would now hear the statements of
William Lloyd Garrison, whom he would at once intro
duce to them.

Mr. W. LLOYD GARRISON then stood forward, and,
after a few introductory remarks, proceeded to read
extracts from the speeches and resolutions delivered,
passed, or rescinded at the meetings of the Evangelical
Alliance, held lately in Exeter Hall and the Freemasons'
Tavern, commenting on these as he went on, and ex-
hibiting the anti-liberal and bigoted spirit which
througout pervaded-them. The address, which, from
its nature, was peculiarly dry, was scarcely relished by
the audience, who exhibited their impatience more than
once in so marked a manner, that the Chairman was
obliged to interfere in order to obtain a hearing. The
speaker concluded by moving the following resolutions:
" That, whereas, there are three millions of human
beings in slavery in the United States of America, sub-
jected every moment to the liabilities attaching to every
other description of property ; a condition in which,
while as respects rights and privileges, they are ranked
with the clods and creeping things of the earth, they are,
in respect of the laws framed to enforce their submis-
sion, subjected to a responsibility more than human ; a
condition, the essential element in the preservation of
which is, the virtual annihilation of their accountable-
ness to God, and the substitution of the absolute will of
the master, as the only law they are to obey ; a condi-
tion in which the attempt to improve and exercise their
deathless faculties is regarded and treated as a crime ;
a condition, finally, entailed upon their posterity to the
latest generation.

" Therefore, resolved—That we regard American
slavery as a sin of unrivalled magnitude, demanding the
condemnation of every human being who respects the
law of God, or recognises the principle of natural jus-
tice and the equal rights of man.
" Whereas it is a self-evident truth that where there is
sin there must be a sinner; and that when the sinner
ceases to exist, the sin of which he was guilty ceases to
be ; and whereas American slavery is not merely a
sinful system' or institution,' but a series of sinful
acts, perpetrated by individuals, each of whom is sepa-
rately responsible ; and whereas, when slavery becomes
law, and assumes the form and stability of a social in-
stitution, the individual is not in consequence released
from his responsibility to obey the law of God, and to
cease from doing evil ; but is, on the contrary, laid
under an obligation to bear testimony against the un-
righteous enactment

" Therefore, resolved—That we repudiate the doc-
trine that slavery as a system, or institution, or thing
existing in the form of law, is sin, while the slave-holder,
for whose benefit the law or institution has been framed,
and who is directly the perpetrator of the wrong, is inno
cent, and is entitled to be received into society, 'and
even into the church, as a respectable and
Christian man. In our judgment, this doctrine
involves the monstrous principle that sin ceases to be
sin when sanctioned by human law, and interwoven with
the texture of society—a doctrine which would, under
similar circumstances, justify polygamy, piracy, idolatry,
or any other sin that should obtain the sanction of a
legal enactment, or be elevated to the dignity of a social
institution.

"Resolved—That the relation of master and slave,
when defined and sanctioned by law, is by that very pro-
cess rendered a more inexcusable sin on the part of
all who come into it as slaveholders, seeing they
assume the relation with a full knowledge of its unutter-
able horrors and fearful responsibilities, and of the per-
petual wrongs to the slave necessarily involved in it ;
and therefore the slave laws of America, instead of ex-
tenuating the guilt of living slaveholders, do, in reality,
enhance their criminality, and make them justly charge-
able with all the guilt connected with the administration
of those laws, which, by the relation they have assumed,
they practically sanction and uphold.
" That the conduct of the Evangelical Alliance re-
cently held in this city—first, in adopting a declaration
that persons may be slaveholders without any fault of
their own, and from disinterested motives, and thus be
entitled to Christain fellowship and membership in that
body ; and finally, to propitiate the pro-slavery spirit of
American delegates, in erasing from their proceedings
all reference to the subject of slavery, in order to pre-
vent an open rupture, deserves the condemnation of
every uncompromising friend of the rights of humanity,
as an abandonment of the cause of the slave, and a virtual
approval of the acts of his oppressor."
The Rev. JOHN PRESTON, Baptist Minister, Euston-
square, defended the Alliance from some of the impu-
tations cast upon them by Mr. Garrison in the course
of his speech.

Mr. GEORGE THOMPSON, in a long and eloquent
speech, in the course of which he was repeatedly and
enthusiastically cheered, seconded the resolution?.
He was followed by Mr. FREDERICK DOUGLAS, who
drew an affecting picture of the sufferings of the slaves
in the southern states, and the efforts which were made