The Sun.
London, England, 1848-02-10 00:00:00

N0.17,279.] LONDON, TH URSDAY E N G

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA,
COVENT-GARDEN.
SUBSCRIBERS for the Season 1847 desirous of RETAINING
their BOXES and STALLS for the present Season are requested
to make immediate application (by letter) to the Secretary, Mr.
Hampton, at the Theatre.
The ,ÜBSCRIPTION will consist of FORTY-SIX NIGHTS, com-
mencing Tuesday, March 7, and terminating Saturday, Aug. 12.
The following are the Terms for the Seaon :
BOXES. .

Grand Tier • • ••••. • •• •
First Tier .. . ..... • • ..... .......
Pit Tier .. . ..
Second Tier ••.• • • • • ... • ... •• • - ...... 180 „
Third 1 ler .. ••..••. • • • • • ............ • • 125 „
Fourtli Tier ...... . • ..2 .:: • ... ....• 95 „

STALL!,

............ 35 Pounds.

Fit
Fi-at Amphitheatre.. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tickets, Stalls, and Boxes for the Night or Season, to be obtained
at the Box-office (corner of Bew-street and Hart-street); and at the
principal Libraries and Music-sellers.
The Lox-office is now open from Eleven to Five o'clock.

LAYING the FOUNDATION-STONE
ol"rilE SUNDERLAND DOCKS.
The imposing ceremony of laying the foundation-
stone of this great national undertaking took place on
Friday, the 4th inst., in the presence of a vast con-
course of spectators.
The stone was laid on the southeast side of the
dock by George Hudson, Esq., M.P., a variety of
coins, copies of the local newspapers, and a sine
plate containing the names of the directors and officers
of the company, having been previously deposited.
Among those present were the Duke of Cleveland,
Sir Hedworth Williamson, M.P., R. Stephenson,
Esq., 31. P., the Lord Mayor of York, the Mayor of
Sunderland, Joseph John Wright, Esq., and the prin-
cipal influential gentlemen in the neighbourhood.
After the usual formula had been gone through,
Mr. Humors stocd on the stone and said—Mr.
Mayor, my Lord Duke, ladies and gentlemen—l have
been called upon to-day to perform the ceremony of
laying the foundation-stone of an undertaking which
will tend to the prosperity of the port of Sunderland,
and this important district, and to the welfare of this ,
great nation.—(Hear, hear.) I am sensible that this
task would have been better performed by my Lord
Duke or the Mayor, but having received the request
of my colleagues, I have undertaken to perform the
duty, and I assure you that no one could have per-
formed it with more pleasure and satisfaction, for
there is no one who can feel a deeper and warmer inte-
rest in its success. As an Englishman, I am warmly
attached to everything that contributes to raise the
nation in the estimation of other countries, and to
advance its interests. You cannot undertake works
of this nature, giving facility both to the import and
export of produce, without advancing the national
weal. It was one of the glories of England, that
works which in other countries are undertaken by
the Government, ere here conducted by private enter-
prise, and if there is one thing more than another
which tends to raise this country in the eyes of
foreign countries it is the large amount of money—
not raised by taxation but voluntarily contributed—
expended in internal improvement. Neighbouring
nations may have more beautiful and magnificent
fountains, but it is not necessary in speaking of the
excellences of other nations to depreciate our own.—
(Hear, hear.) I would ask, however, whether there
is any country in the world which, for practical and
useful works, can be compared with England.—
(Hear, hear.) We were told that it was impossible
to construct the docks now in progress, but we have
confidence is the gentlemen who have under-
taken this work that they will accomplish what they
promised. We have not goee forward hap-hazard
with this work, but cautiously and quietly, and I
have no doubt we shall succeed in all our designs,and
induce parties to bring their vessels to this port,
which must benefit a district teeming as it does with
population. In a philanthropic point of view this un-
dertaking is worthy of public support ; it will be
valuable as a harbour of refuge, and thus alike pre-
serve life and property. After complimenting the
ladies who were present, he proceeded—l do not
think the sun of England is yet set. We have been
told our sailors are slack by a gentleman who during
his travels became enamoured of foreign ports, and
this statement has been given on the authority of the
American Consul. Why, whoever heard of idle Eng-
lish sailors ?—(Laughter and applause.) I invite
that gentleman to come to Sunderland and see the
honest British tars for himself ; he will not, then,
hereafter have to ask the American Consul respecting
the character of our sailors. He will be able to bear
testimony to the fact that the British seaman is su-
perior to any sailor in the world.—(Loud cheers.)
Ladies and gentlemen, the ceremony which I have
performed this day I hope is the harbinger of still
greater cause for rejoicing on a future occasion, when
we shall have to assemble to witness the opening
of this dock.—(Cheers.) We have begun the work,
and we have steadily and quietly pursued our course,
not having stopped our men even during the late
commercial distress.—(Hear, hear.) We have gone
on quietly and cautiously ; but our contractor, whom
I am happy to see here to-day, and with whom I
have previously had dealings in connexion with other
undertakings, and who I believe is a man
who will perform every thing which he promises, had
not, during the heaviest crisis which ever affected the
commercial world, had not to discontinue the works.
—(Applause.) I say it is matter for congratulation
that throughout that crisis, which was brought about
by the cruel operation of a measure, which I will not
discuss in this assembly, we were able to go steadily
forward with this undertaking. And I take this fact
as an indication that the directors, before entering
upon it, have sat down and carefully counted the cost,
so that they might not enter into engagements which
they were not able to meet ; and they are prepared
to go on with the works so long as the shipping inte-
rest shall require a good and sufficient harbour and
dock.—(Cheers.) You want a southern outlet for
your produce, in proof of which I need only refer to
a fact of very recent date, viz., that only a fortnight
ago, 2,000 sail (at any rate not less than 1,500)
were blocked up in the Tyne and the Wear for
the want' of the very accommodation which we
are now about to give.—(Hear, hear.) Gentlemen,
I am told by my friend Mr. Murray, in whom I
have the greatest reliance, from experience, in seeing
what he has performed, that this dock will not only
be a protection to property, but also an outlet by
which the great staple commodity—coal—will find
its way to the consuming districts, whatever may
be the state of the weather, wind, or tide.—(Cheers )
This dock will not only be an advantage in a corn-
senercial point of view, but, as has been referred to by
Mr. Bramwell, it will prove highly beneficial to the
poor of the district, who are dependent for this ab-
solute necessary of life--a necessary of life of which,
next to food, it is highly important that there should
always be a constant supply of in the poor man's cot-
tage.—(Cheers.) On that account it is that I feel
the greatest pride in being connected with this un-
dertaking, the accomplishment of which is con-
nected with so great a boon to this district.—
(Cheers.) Gentlemen, the port of Sunderland has
been used for the shipment of coal for the last two cen-
turies; and I am quite convinced that when this dock
is completed, you will have a large increase of
shipping, not only from London, but from all parts
of the world. You will have vessels visit your shores
laden with rich produce, and instead of being obliged
to take ballast back with them, they will take a
valuable cargo back to the shores from whence they
came.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, these are the consi-
derations I say which attach themselves to this
undertaking, and I will not deny that I rank in this
country as one of the greatest advantages of our
undertakings that we have conducted them in such a
manner that they have generally proved remunerative
to the shareholders. If the district wants this accom-
modation, and all this be true, how can any man
doubt that this undertaking will prove productive to
the parties investing their money. I think it will ;
indeed I amcertain it will. The vessels are built so
much larger than they used to be fur-
merly, that it is absolutely necessary to have a
dock of corresponding dimensions. This is a con.
eideration which will commend itself to the minds
of every person present. And there is
another gratifying circumstance, that last year,
with all your disadvantages, and with a total want
of dock accommodation, the quantity of coals shipped
was considerably augmented.—(dear, hear.) Some
alarm has been created in consequence of the expres-
sion of an opinion by a great statesman, lest the coal
of this district should be exhausted.—(Laughter.)
I have looked a little into this question, because the
statement to which I have referred came from one
high in authority, and therefore deserving of respect;
but what turns out the result of my investigation ?
Why, that for 1,700 years you may go on shipping
to the same extent that you have done before, and
that even then I don't know how much coal there
will be left.—(Applause.) Ladies and gentlemen,
there is another disadvantage which, by the con-
struction of this dock, we propose to remedy.
Some three or five weeks ago you had a large fleet
of vessels lying here, and the damage done in one
night was upwards of 10,0001., and on a previous
occasion I believe that damage was done to the
amount of as much as 30,000/. under similar circum-
stances, which we must recollect, creates not damage
only, but endangers life. Therefore if the port of
Sunderland had not had the accommodation which was
thus rendered absolutely necessary, surely the shipping
interest would have looked out for some other port.
The importance of this undertaking is manifested by
the unanimous feeling of pleasure evinced by all who
have attended here to-day to witness the performance
of this interesting ceremony. To the directors of any
undertaking it is always a matter of satisfaction to
feel that the public participate in their anxieties, and
are consequently ready to give them their coun-
tenance and support. No great undertaking like this
can be carried through without deep thought and
much anxiety, and that being so,'.i.t must be satisfac-
tory to those who are in responsible situations to
know that their hands are strengthened by a generous
public, who are both able and willing to esteem and
appreciate the noble work which they are about to
accomplish.—(Cheers.) In their behalf, then, I beg
to offer to the ladies, to his Grace the Duke oCleve-
land, to my Hon. Colleague, and to all, indeed, who
. T —,,,• c - , "crr ,i
,r.,1 ~ 4.1- :7 7-"Pful thanks for iv).
nouring us with their presence and countenance this
day; and I trust that this work may, by the blessing

0 Him, without whom nothing can succeel, be pro-
ductive of the highest advantage to this nation ; and
I appeal therefore to our reverend friends present to
pray to that God, who rules the destinies of us all,
that He will vouchsafe to bless this undertaking, and
to enable to to accomplish all that has been put into
our hearts, and that we are anxious to perform.
The Rev. W. Webb then offered up an eloquent
and appropriate prayer ; after which a salute by seve-
ral guns was fired, and three hearty cheers being
given by the asst mble.d multitude, the proceedings at
the docks concluded.

A public dinner took place in the evening at the
Bridge Hotel, to celebrate the important event of the
day. Mr. Hudson presided, supported on the right
by the Duke of Cleveland ; and on the left by John
Scott, Esq., the worthy and respected Mayor of Sun-
derland, C. Bramwell, Esq., R. Spoor, Esq., and
William Ord, Esq., Alderman and Vice-Admiral of
the port, acted as Vice-Chairman. Among the com-
pany was the principal number of the gentlemen who
had b?en present at the laying of the stone.
After the dinner the usual loyal toasts--" The
Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," " The Army
and Navy," &c.—having been given, and received
with great enthusiasm,
The CHAIRMAN said they had now come to the
toast of the evening, but as he had already dwelt so
long on the subject he should not detain them at any
length. There was no toast, however, which came
more to their hearts than success to the undertaking
they had met to celebrate that day. Perhaps some of
his friends might say, " Have you taken proper means
to secure its success ?" He replied that he believed
the directors had taken every possible means of doing
so.—(Cheers.) They had obtained the assistance of
an engineer in whose ability and judgment they had
the greatest confidence and reliance, and they
had also secured the services of contrac-
tors who, although they would take care to
get all that is due to them, are one of the best firms
of contractors in England.—(Applause.) The next
point was, had they the requisite capital at their dis•
posal ? He thought this would be found quite an
easy matter, and that they would be able to provide
the money as rapidly as the contractor did the work.
The contract is to expire in nearly two years, but he
knew that if they found the money his friends, the
Messrs. Craven, would very much expedite the
undertaking. It would be to the:r interest to do so,
and he thought he could pledge himself, on behalf of
the directors, that the money should be forthcoming ;
if the shareholders could not find it, it should be found
by some means or other.—(Cheers.) Having an
Act of Parliament, which it was not their intention
to amend, but to execute and carry out, he trusted
they would go on, and as speedily as possible com-
plete the work which they had begun, so that they
might have before long East and West Indian ships
lying in the docks and sailing from the port.—
(Cheers.) He was satisfied the wants of the district
require the undertaking, and they had adopted every
means for securing its prosperity. He therefore
called upon the company to join him in drinking
" Success to the Sunderland Docks."—(Drank with
rapturous and oft-repeated cheers.)
The CLIAIRMAN then rose, and in a short and ap-
propriate speech, proposed " The health of his Grace
the Duke of Cleveland."

The Duke of CLEVELAND, on rising, was again
warmly cheered. He could assure them, with the
greatest sincerity, that he was not only much flattered
by their kindness, but thankful to the directors fur
the invitation which they had given him of being
present on that occasion, and witnessing an interest-
ing ceremony connected with perhaps the greatest un-
dertaking ever attempted in this part of the country.
—e(Applause.) He congratulated the direotors on the
auspicious commencement of this mighty undertaking,
the success of which, he might venture to say, was
now no longer doubtful.--(Cheers.) He observed
that in this country enterprise had always kept pace
with wealth, and by skill and experience scientific
improvements had been brought to the highest state
of perfection. He might state that many of the
inventions of modern times are of so gigantic
a nature, and have so rapidly been brought
forward, that the review seems more like a
fiction or dream, than to partake of sober reality.
He believed the first railway was between Stockton
and Darlington, then followed that between Man-
chester and Liverpool ; and they all knew the state
of perfection to which railways had since been
brought. Had it not been for these great under-
takings, they would never have heard of the skill of
a Stephenson—(Applause)—a Locke, a Brunel, or a
Rendell ; and ,perhaps they might never have heard
of the genius of a Hudson.—(Cheers.) The Chair-
man had already remarked that not having visited
this town since 1812 he was much astonished to find
the alterations and improvements which had taken
place. He remembered then there was a poor miser-
able pier, and nothing in the shape of docks; but
indeed it was so long ago that he had almost forgotten
what sort of a place Sunderland was.—(Laughter.)
But nothinglgratified him more than to witness recent
improvements, and he was leisure that if the dock
proved as successful as they had a right to anticipate,
the greatest credit would be due.to his Hon. Friend
(Mr. Hudson), as well for the boldness of his under-
taking, the risk which he had run, and his intense
anxiety to benefit the town which he so worthily re-
presents, and which he trusted in God his Hon.
Friend will long continue to represent, as well for
his own satisfaction as for the benefit of the people of
Sunderland.—(Cheers.) Having said this much, he
trusted the company would allow him to propose the
health of their worthy Chairman, with three times
three. (The toast was drank with loud acclamations.)
Mr. HUDSON briefly responded to the toast.
CHRISTOPHER BaamwELL, Esq., proposed the
health of" the Marquis of Londonderry, the Lord-
which was drunk with
gienteernaaln applause.
of the County,"
The CHAIRMAN then gave " the Mayor and Corpo-
ration of Sunderland."
Lord-
lieutenant
The MAYOR returned thanks.
Mr.e
The Alderman 'inshort and graceful lan-
Mayor and Corporaticu
go f
0o i
Lordreturned
thanks.
The health of " the Members for the Borough,'.'
being given by R. SpooruYork."
o;
proposed.
kL
an D i‘iAy
"the
Esq., the Chairman ac-
knowledged the toast; and having paid a high com-
pliment to Mr. Murray, the Engineer of the Docks,
concluded by proposing his health, to which Mr.
Murray responded in suitable terms.
H. MORTON, Esq., in brief and suitable terms, pro-
posed the health of " the Members for the County."
J. J. WRIGHT, Esq., next said that the toast which
he had to propose was that great interest on which
the welfare of the community, and the happiness and
prosperity of the nation more depended than upon any
other—an interest which had tended more than any
other to promote the wealth, power, and glory, with
which it had pleased Providence to bless this country.
—(Applanse.)—He need not say that he alluded to
the shipping interest of Great Britain. If it had not
been at that late period of the evening, he might have
called their attention to the importance of the shipping
interest, first, nationally, then locally, and lastly, in its
connexion with that great enterprise which had been
the happy:cause of their assembling together that night,
by every means God had placed in his power. He
would be brief on that occasion, but he could not
help putting to them a few common sense questions,
by asking them to what England owed its towering
position in the scale of nations, but to British ship-
ping ? To what did they owe their national freedom
but to the wooden walls of old England ? To what
did they ascribe their pre-eminence in the wide temple
of the world's commerce but to the enterprise of that
British shipping, which carried the produce of British
manufactures to every civilised country upon which
the sun of heaven shone ? lie said that when they
suffered British shipping to decline, the sun of their
prosperity would be set. If they took away British
shipping as an element of their national character, the
British name would be swept into oblivion. He said
if they removed British shipping from among their
national defences, of which they had all of late heard
so much, they removed that groat tower of safety
behind which alone they could repose in honour-
able peace. Such was the national import-
ance of the great interest which he rose to
propose on that occasion ; but if they looked at
it in a local light as a spring of local' aggrandise-
ment, they would still find it to be equally impor-
tant. To the shipping interest that port owed every-
thing which it possessed. It was the shipping inte-
rest, as their engineer had just said, which had
raised the town from a mere fishing village to the
state of prosperity in which they now found it. It
was the shipping interest that had so abundantly in-
creased their trade—that had impelled theii manufac-
turea—that had increased their population—that had
opened out new sources of employment. It was the
d
shipping interest thai, bad manyraise gentlemen
whom he saw around him from the position of daily
labourers to a position of honourable competency.
Such was the pervading influence of shippin—
g on the
part of Sunderland, that it was like that mysterious
power which was attributed to a celebrated ruler of
Venice—it was everywhere, it was seen every-
where, and it was felt more where it was neither
seen, ner where it could be traced. The welfare
See'lerier 1 -lecke bed ever occupied a sacred
place in his affections, and to accomplish which
object he had been striving for nearly a quarter of a