The Sun.
London, England, 1870-03-11 00:00:00

man, and the president of the City of London Con-
servative Association, read a letter which he had
received from the illustrious leader of the Conserva-
tive party. In a few well-chosen sentences Mr. DIS-
RAELI expressed his opinion on the question which
called them together, and, after regretting that
indisposition prevented his attendance, he con-
gratulated the Association on the victory
they had obtained in the Registration Court.
He truly added that " Parliaments can invest the
people with the franchise, but, after all, its practical
enjoyment • depends on their own vigilance and
energy." Sir JOHN PAKINOTON created great laughter
by returning thanks for what was left of the British
Army. He hoped the clay was not distant when the
great City of London would be classed in the force
that was not armed with Sniders and Armstrong
guns, but with the force of reason—he meant the
Conservative racks. In proposing the toast of the
evening, the Chairman made au impressive allusio❑
to the noble Earl, whose loss the Conservative party
must long deplore. Among all the grand names
which adorned the history of England he knew
of no name more endeared than that of the late Earl
of DERBY. He had devoted all his influence and
energies to the service of his country. Referring to
the condition of the Conservative party, Mr. FOWLER
said that they were taunted with being in a wretched
minority in the House of Commons, but that if they
were a minority they represented a majority of the
people of England. Nothing could be more states-
manlike than the policy which he sketched out for
the Conservatives with respect to the Irish question
More the House ; it was one quite irrespective of
faction and devoid of jealousy or envy, and
in every way worthy of a great constitu-
tional party. He reminded his hearers that he
had just come from a division in the House
of Commons, in which the Conservatives had sup-
ported the Government against the extreme section
of their own party. The Ministers were pressed by
the extreme revolutionary party, and for fear they
might be compelled to give way to the pressure " it
was the duty of the Conservatives to unite their
strength to enable them to prevent the consequences
that might attend such a crisis ; and they mut
grudge no sacrifice in support of the great cause for
which they were united." Mr. GATHORNE HARDT,
whom the Chairman bad declared to rank among the
first orators of the House of Commons, and to hold
the blue ribbon, which Sir ROBERT PEEL described as
the highest honour he could aspire to, made a spirited
speech. Ho declared that he was willing to
serve under any of the illustrious men who
had conferred honour on the Conservative party,
which was an admission that did hint credit, when
we remember how often his name has been put for-
ward as the supplanter of the acknowledged leader
of the Conservatives in the Lower House. With his
usual energy and determination, Mr. HARDY said
that it was outside of the walls of the House of
Commons that the battles of the party must be fought.
The right hon. gentleman concluded his effective dis-
course by stating that the duty of the Conservative
party was to watch over the measures that were
brought forward, not guided by any factious spirit,
hut animated by the desire to obtain those mea-
sures which would be best for the coun-

try at large, without respect to party.
It is more difficult to conduct a retreat than to plan
a battle, and the Conservative leaders have a difficult
part to play just now, but if they can induce their
followers to put in practice the theories so ably enun-
ciated by Mr. FORSTER and Mr. GATHORNE HARDY
on Wednesday, they may rest assured that they
will secure the respect and esteem of their country-
men. The political enthusiast may be disappointed
when he sees no immediate prospect of the advent of
his party to power, but the true patriot will put the
interests of his country before any personal or party
object. There are few truths so little appreciated as
that contained in this line of MILTON'S magnificent
sonnet

"They also serve who only stand and wait ;"

and yet it is applicable to every station and degree.
An Opposition that truly understands its duties may
render effectual services to its country, and remain a
powerful check on the strongest Government by
commanding the respect of Parliameut and the con-
fidence of the country. If the Irish Land Bill be
passed this Session the Conservatives may claim a
large share of the merit which will belong to the
work, and they will have the additional honour of
having risen superior to the prejudices of party in
their fixed resolve to consult the true interests of the
country, quite irrespective of immediate triumph or
prospective gain.