The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LUiviiON, MONDAY -EVENING, MAY 7, 1860,

as my noble friend the noble duke who has most
legitimately returned thanks for the navy, because
it falls to my lot only in the absence of the Com-
mander-in-Chief ar.d the absence, I hope, of any
military officer, who would be entitled in right of
his military rank, to return thanks for the honour
you have done to the British army by the toast
which has just been proposed by your President.
Cofteeted as I am only with the civil administra-
tion of the army, but not connected with it for the
first time, I have had experience of the noble qua-
lities of that noble profession, and I can speak as
warmly and perhaps with less restraint of the
many admirable qualities that distinguish the Bri-
tish army. Exposed as it is to a variety of ser-
vice, such as no army in the world has ever seen—

exposed as it is to a variety of climates, and to the
approximation to and government of a variety of
races which no army in the world has ever been
called upon to deal with, they have Fcquitted them-
selves on every occasion in a manner which calls
forth our greatest admiration, and leads us to look
fcrward to their achievements whenever they are
called upon to engage in them with the utmost con-
fidence. (Cheers.) Looking around this room, I am
reminded that the British army is not like some
armies, a class and a caste apart, but that they live
in the closest connection with the class from which
they spring, and preserve the warmest sympathies
with the habits and aspirations and liberties of civil
life. I observe in another apartment a very remark-
able picture painted by a British officer. I don't
think it is great praise in thiscountry that an artist
can make a very effective picture when he has such
excellent subjects asßritish human nature to choose
from ; but, at the same time, I rejoice to see in this
exhibition, remarkable as it is by its excellence,
that a British officer is able to produce a picture
which may challenge comparison with many, even
distinguished artists. (Loud cheers.) I hope I may
be allowed, though a civilian myself, to thank you
most sincerely for the honour you have done to the
army by the toast which has been offered this day
by your president.
Glee—" The cloud-capt towers."
The PRESIDENT then rose and said—Gentlemen
of the Royal Academy, the toast which I now pro-
pose is the health of the noblemen and gentlemen
who have this day honoured us with their presence
(Cheers.) Those to whom we desire to offer the ex-
pression of our respect are—to adopt a comprehen-
sive designation—the representatives of all enlight-
ened friends of art, who directly or indirectly con-
tribute to its promotion. The predilection for art
of modern amateurs is, in most instances, the re-
sult of a free and hearty love of the object itself ;
and undoubtedly no arguments founded on expe-
diency can be compared, as a means of persua-
sion, with the example of a sincere and uncalcu-
lating inclination, A former race of critics might
almost seem to have been influenced by a saying of
Madame De Stael, " Taste teaches us what to avoid,"
a maxim which might easily lead to universal dis-
approbation and exclusion. The slightly altered
but more liberal form, " Taste teaches us what to
prefer," which is more consonant to the present dis-
position of the friends of art, implies, indeed, selec-
tion, but at the same time a willingness to select.
(Cheers.) This reading may be further recommended
by a remark of Lord Bacon, though he is speaking of
the physical sense. " Bees," says that philosopher,
" prefer one flower to another, and therefore have
taste." (Cheers.) There can be no doubt that the
present impulse, which is taking its own course, re-
quiring neither control nor stimulus, is of a salutary
tendency in a national point of view. It may be
true that the increased and increasing prosperity of
the country; which supposes the demand for super-
fluities, is one main cause of this favourable dispo-
sition ; but, granting that the productions of taste
are among the superfluities of civilised existence, it
may still be admitted that they are among the
worthiest and most eligible of that class. Together
with abundance, expenditure,justifiable or not, will
always exist ; and, this being assumed, it is satisfac-
tory to find that a portion of this redundant opu-
lence is employed on so legitimate and so defensible
an object as art. Nor, in justice to the affluent, be
it observed, does this partial application of wealth
appear to supersede other and grayer demands.
This country may truly be said to be distinguished
for the liberality with which objects of the highest
importance, objects of public utility, and schemes of
public and private benevolence are sustained by
private aid. (Cheers.) In this country, also, phi-
lanthropists are now agreed that, while charitable
institutions, reformatories, and asylums are indis-
pensable fur the purpose of mitigating existing evils,
the power of national education, though slow in its
operation, can alone strike at the root of these evils.
(Cheers.) It is readily admitted—l would rather say
may it never be questioned—that the great duties to
which I have adverted constitute the chief, the first,
and most imperative claims on the means of the
rich. But, although the pursuits of taste, the love
of letters, and of the fine arts are confessedly of
very inferior importance, it is no less true that they
are the attributes of a civilized and refined state of
society, and where an opulent nation fails to appre-
ciate them largely it may, like the Romans of the
Empire, waste its wealth in preposterous private
luxury or in barbarous public amusements. (Loud
cheers.) I have placed the fine arts among super-
fluities; but this, as an indiscriminate assumption,
is scarcely just. It would be more correct to say
that both in their material and moral uses they can
be, and are, greatly subservient to the work of edu •
cation, and that their humanizing tendencies are"by
no means confined to those who can commend their
productions, but that they exercise an increasing
and unmistakeable influence o►► the habits arid
tastes of the lower classes. (Loud cheers.) Nor
should it he forgotten that in their vari nis branches
tiny promise to afford the means of conge►►ial and
IA mom:able employment to young women who might
otherwise fail to obtain the means of support. I
tired not point out the ultimate benefits of such an
occupation and of such an influence in a social
point of view. For all such results the friends
and promoters of art are entitled to our warm and
respectful congratulations, and it is with this feeling
that I call upon the members of the Royal Academy
to join me in the toast—" The health of the noble-
men and gentlemen who this day honour us with
their presence." (Loud cheers.)
Viscount PALMERSTON, who was received with
great cordiality, said—l am persuaded that lam
only a faithful organ of the opinions and feelings of
those whom you have honoured by proposing to
drink their health when I return you our most sin-
cere thanks for the great pleasure and enjoyment
which have been conferred upon us by the invita•
tion we have received. lam convinced, indeed, that
there is not one among those whom the Royal Aca-
demy is in the habit of honouring with invitations
to their anniversary meetings who does not look
forward to that day as one of the brightest in the
whole course of the year. (Cheers.) It is a meeting
doubly gratifying to those who are permitted to at-
tend it. In the first place, we have the pleasure of
seeing assembled within these walls men of the
greatest and most eminent distinction in all the
walks of life. You meet assembled here politicians
forgetful of antagonism, men of professions free from
their cares, men of literature unmindful of their
anxieties, men of science, who for a time do not
think of their labours—all who enter your doors
deposit. upon the threshold every troubling thought
of that outer world, and meet here only for a com-
►non purpose—to appreciate and admire—(cheers)
—and, undoubtedly, T am convinced that I am speak-
ing the seatiments of all those for whom I am re-
turning thanks when I say that I believe there
never was an occasion on which those assembled
within your walls had greater reason to appreciate
and to admire. (Cheers.) The display of talent which
we sec adorning your walls does the highest pos-
sible credit to the state of the arts in this country.
(Cheers.) This country, indeed, is making most
wonderful progress in everything that constitutes
national greatness and prosperity; and wonder-
fat it would be if the arts did not keep pace
with that progress and did not show that the
inte-Heetual mind of this country is equal to
env exertion which may be made by any of the
other classes and interests of the nation. (Cheers.)
There is nothing more ennobling than the cultiva-
tion of art. Nations have been great in war, although
they were to a certain extent deserving of the epi-
thet of barbarians; but a nation to be really great

must not only excel in its strength, wealth, and
prosperity, but must excel alro, as I am proud to say
this country does, in the development of its intel-
lectual powers. (Loud cheers.) It has been said
of another branch of intellect, namely, that which

delights us in theatrical representations—it has

been said, I think unjustly, that
" The drama's patrons give thedrama laws."
The drama has more power than that line would im-
ply it to possess ; but the reverse undoubtedly may
be said of the departments of art. The artist not only
creates, but improves, and directs, and guides the
taste of the patrons of art ; and the power of the artist

survives even the duration of his life, because even
when the mind which directs is gone, and when the
hand that executes is cold, the genius it recorded
continues to remain a standard of taste, to guide and

direct the judgment of mankind for ages after
the decease of the artist himself. (Loud cheers.) I
trust that the progress we have the satisfaction of
seeing may continue. We may think, perhaps, when
we see the perfection to which the artists of the day
have arrived, that there is not much left for their
successors to do ; but if we only hope that the en-
couragement which is given by public taste to
artists will maintain art in the degree of perfection
to which it has already arrived we shall have ample
reason to be satisfied. I trust I may be allowed,
Sir Charles, by the authority of those whom you
have honoured, to request that you will permit me
to drink " Prosperity to the Royal Academy."
(Loud cheers.)
The PRESIDENT—My lords and gentlemen, on
the part of the Royal Academy, I beg to thank you
respectfully for the honour you have conferred upon
us. It is most gratifying to find, from the general
testimony, and from the kind observations of his
Lordship, that the present exhibition produces a
favourable impression. The exertions of the artists
havd been great, and it is only to be regretted that
all the meritorious works included in this year's
display could not be placed in the situations
they deserve. Indeed, some we have been reluc-
tantly compelled to exclude for no other reason than
that fit places could not be found for them. I must
do the members of the Royal Academy the justice
to sav that some of their own works have been this
year withdrawn to make room for others—(cheers)
—and it is satisfactory, amid the disappointments
which under the circumstances are unavoidable, to
see works by contributors occupying those pro-
minent places which by a fair acknowledged pri-
vilege are usually assigned to members. (Cheers.)
From the experience of the present exhibition
alone it is plain that the additional space which
the Academy so much wants would be a boon to
the contributors, and it is on this account the more
earnestly desired. The members of the Royal
Academy are sincerely anxious to render this insti-
tution as useful as possible in conformity with
the objects of its foundation. (Cheers.) They,
too, are prepared to set their house in order—(hear,
hear)—but before they can do so it is essential
that they should know, without a figure, where and
what their house is to be. (Cheers and a laugh.)
Under any circumstances they are deeply sensible
of the consideration they have received from the
present and from the late Government—(cheers)—
and knowing how many important concerns must
take precedence of any questions connected with
the Fine Arts—above all, knowing that there is
every disposition to do justice to their claims, they
wait the result with impatience. Apart from any
observations relating to this institution, and with
reference to larger questions, it is gratifying to find
that the interests of the Fine Arts, in connection
with educational objects, now find a place, subor-
dinate though that place must necessarily be, in the
deliberations and decisions of every Administra-
tion, and if it is only in our modern history that
the importance of such objects has been recognised
it is chiefly because the public feeling in regard to
it had not been before so distinctly manifested.
(Cheers.) I have now the honour of proposing " the
health of her Majesty's Ministers. (Loud cheers.)
Lord J. RUSSELL, who was received with great
applause, said—l do not rise, Sir Charles, to thank
you for the toast of her Majesty's Ministers. I rise
rather to protest against it. (A laugh.) I think that
in these meetings of the Royal Academy it is very
difficult to speak of the merits of her Majesty's
Ministers without raising a political debate, and
putting you in the situation of Speaker of the House
of Commons. (A laugh.) Now, if I were to dilate,
which were only speaking the truth, on the devo-
tion and patriotism which her Majesty's Ministers
have shown in accepting office—(cheers and laugh-
ter)—on the unerring wisdom which all their mea-
sures show and the universal popularity which has
attended them—(cheers and laughter continued)—
I am afraid, instead of meeting with the assent of
all who are present, I should, as I have said, raise a
discussion and have to contend with Mr. Disraeli—
(cheers)—or some other gentleman to prove the as-
sertions I have made. Therefore, I really think that
this toast of her Majesty's Ministers is not one that
ought to be given. (Cheers.) At the same time, I am
very grateful to you for the honour you have done us,
although I must not say much about it. (Cheers.)
I would rather, if I could, speak of the merits of the
pictures we see on these walls. That is a topic at
least on which we should all agree. (Cheers.) And
in connexion with the merits of these pictures I
may say that you, Sir Charles, have supplied me
with an argument for which I am exceedingly
grateful; because you have said that the cultiva-
tion of art and the exhibition of works in the
highest style of art, and executed with great skill,
tend to elevate the taste and improve the minds of
the lower orders. I trust, therefore, that by means
of a great many exhibitions of these and other works
of art these orders may he permitted to exercise
the elective franchise. (Cheers, aud a laugh.) Cer•
tainly I did not expect to hear a new argument in
favour of lowering the franchise, but as you have
given us the benefit of that argument I return you
my grateful thanks for it. (Loud cheers.)
The PRESIDENT—The next toast I hive the
honour to propose is " The health of the Right Hon.
the Lord Mayor and prosperity to the City of Lon-
don." The city of London has always shown a
disposition and a readiness to promote the Fine
Arts. The halls of its companies and guilds are
adorned with many historically valuable works of
art, and were a selection made of the portraits
which these buildings contain, such a selection
would foam an interesting assemblage of civic cele-
brities. Nor is sculpture overlooked by the city
authorities. The splendid hall of the Mansion
Hout•:.-, has been partly decorated with marble sta-
tues, which do honour alike to the artists and to
those who devised that means of employing their
talents. (Cheers.)
The LORD MAYOR—I am much gr stifled by
the very kind manner in which the President has
been pleased to introduce my name in connexion
with the prosperity of this city. I hold that to the
prosperity of the city we are indebted to a very
large extent for those noble gems we sec around
these walls. 1 say we are indebted for them to the
city, because I believe there is scarcely one of
.its merchant princes but is anxious to
support to the full extent of his power the
products of the skill, ability, and genius of our
native artists. (Cheers.) I can see nothing in com-
parison with these in neighbouring countries, and
I am much indebted to the President and Council
of the Royal Academy for their kindness in having
permitted me—though I presume only in conse-
quence of the position I have the honour to fill—to
be present yesterday, and to survey, as I did, with
intensest admiration, the noble products of the pen-
cii which adorn these walls. lam assured that the
citizens of London feel as I do, and would express
more fully than I can do, the pride and pleasure of
knowing that their countrymen are capable of such
achievements. It is pleasant to know that English-
men, even in works of art, are second to none in the
world. The British artist has nothing to fear, but
everything to be proud of in comparison with those
of any other country in the world, (Cheers.)
The PEFiIDENT—AIost of those whom I have the
honour to address have noticed with interest the
eftlorts which have been made, and are still being
made, in Manchester for the formation there of a
permanent Gallery of Art. The object proposed, the
enlightened views of those who suggested th 6
scheme, and the liberality of the friends of art in
Manchester and elsewhere in supporting it, are cal-
culated to call forth the co-operation of many and

the smpathies of all ; and I esteem it a privilege to
propose on this occasion, in connection with the
toast, " Success to the Manchester Gallery and the
health of Mr. Fairbairn." (Cheers.)
Mr. T. FAIRDAIRN—I beg to express my acknow-
ledgments for the compliment you have just paid
me, and which goes directly to that influential com-
munity with which I have the honour to be asso-
ciated. With reference to the formation of a perma-
ment Fine Art Gallery in Manchester, can only
say that the scheme originated in a very sincere de-
sire to add to the pleasures and elevate the tastes of
a people who very well deserve anything that may
be done to add to their enjoyments and instruction.
(Cheers.) Whether the project be realised or not
must depend entirely and solely on Manchester peo-
ple themselves ; but if it do succeed it will be the
first fruit of the good seed sown in that city in 1857
and owe ne slight encouragement to the kindly no-
tice given it on this evening by the distinguished
guests of the Royal Academy. (Cheers.)
The PRESIDENT—I have now to give " the Royal
Institute of British Architects, and the health of its
President, Mr. Cockerell." (Cheers.) The fact
that Mr. Cockerell is a member of the Royal Aca-
demy needs not deter me from paying respect to
one who has been most worthily selected to fill a
distinguished office. Indeed, that selection connects
honourably the two societies, and represents
the amicable relation which should subsist between
institutions which, in different ways, but with equal
zeal, are desirous of promoting the best interests of
the Fine Arts in this country. I beg to propose, in
connection with the Royal Institute of British
Architects, " the health of its President, Mr.
Cockerell." (Cheers.)
Mr. COCKERELL—The Royal Institute of British
Architects is much honoured by your proposal to
this illustrious company to drink to their health and
prosperity. Equally with the Royal Academy,
engaged to record to future times the spirit, the
tasto, and the glory of our great country in their
own day, they have need of those encouragements
which such a distinction implies, and acknowledge
it with gratitude. (Cheers.)
The PRESIDENT—The next toast is "the interests
of literature," a subject connected with no coun-
try; and in reference to which I have great plea-
sure in paying a just tribute to a distinguished
American writer, Mr. Motley, who this day
honours us with his presence. Mr. Motley's well-
known work, " The Rise of the Dutch Republic,"
has earned for its accomplished author the reputa-
tion of historical accuracy, philosophical largeness
of treatment, and clearne.s and vigour of style,
while to the lovers of an enlightened freedom it
offers the charm of a heartfelt sympathy in its sub-
ject. (Cheers.)
Mr. MOTLEY—I rise to express my gratitude and
my embarrassment. I came here to feast my eyes
and my ears, to admire the works of English genius
which adorn the walls, and to listen to those men
whose eloquence has delighted us to-night and has so
often rung through Europe. (Cheers.) But I came
to listen and admire only ; for most unfortunately I
have neither the habit nor the gift of public
speech, and it is only for the sake of thanking you
most fervently, but most briefly and simply, for the
honour you bestow in mentioning my name before
so distinguished an assembly that I venture to rise
at all. Some one of your own illustrious authors
should have responded to the toast of " Literature"
—some one to the manner born. And yet I believe
that no true-hearted American can ever account
himself quite a foreigner when his foot treads the
soil of Britain. (Cheers.) For myself I can only say
that the innumerable acts of kindness, the warm-
hearted friendly offices bestowed upon me, very,
very far above my humble deserts, duling my resi-
dence in this land, would require far more eloquent
lips than mine adequately to acknowledge them. I
have only, then, to confess myself an honest bankrupt
in ability to express or repay my obligations. I beg
you once more to accept my most respectful thanks,
and to assure you that your true English kindness
is registered where every day I turn the leaf to
read it. (Cheers.)
The PRESIDENT--I have next to propose " The
Royal Society, and the health of its President, Sir
Benjamin Brodie." We are honoured on this occa-
sion with the presence of several eminent men of
science in various departments, to all of whom,
through the President of the Royal Society, we de-
sire to offer our cordial thanks for those services
which science has rendered and continues to render
to art in all its branches, and for the kindness which
scientific professors upon many occasions evince in
promoting the investigations of the professors of
art. (Cheers.)
Sir B. BRODIE appropriately acknowledged the
toast.

The PRESIDENT then said,—The addition of
two distinguished names—those of the Dean of
St. Paul's and Sir Henry Holland—to our list of
honorary members reminds me that this is an
appropriate occasion to propose their healths.
When a similar compliment was paid to Sir Wal-
ter Scott, as our Honorary Professor of Ancient
History, he jocularly complained that on being
invited to accept the office he had been assured
that it was an absolute sinecure,—an understand-
ing not strictly compatible with his being re-
quired to make a speech. Distinguished men may
be at any time the subjects of demonstrations of re-
spect. With this reservation I can venture to pro
mise our new honorary members that the breach of
covenant will not be repeated. (A laugh, and cheers.)
I beg to propose " The health of the Dean of St.
Paul's and Sir Henry Holland." (Cheers.)
The Dean of ST. PAUL'S, after exprossirg his ac-
knowiedinents, said he was rejoiced to find that he
had the example of Sir Walter Scott for taking ad-
vantage of his sinecure and for replying briefly. He
would only say that he was proud to be connected
with the Royal Academy, and that none could en-
joy more than he did the gratification of being pre-
sent on such occasions. In ahuding to his great pre-
decessor Lord Macaulay (as Professor of Ancient
Literature), he acknowledged the impossibility of
finding adequate terms to express his own admira-
tion, and felt that silence was the most fitting eulogy.
He concluded by saying that in one respect he could
not admit that he was inferior even to Lord Macau-
lay, and that was in his love of the delightful art,
the attractions of which were so successfully dis-
played in the present exhibition.
Sir H. HOLLAND also returned thanks.
The PRESIDENT said, the next toast is "the So-
ciety of Antiquaries and the National Portrait Gal-
lery." Of both institutions Earl Stanhope is the
patron. I beg to propose his lordship's health, and
to assure him of our best wishes for the success of
those institutions over which he so worthily pre-
sides.

Earl STANHOPE—On behalf of the Society of
Antiquaries, and also of the trustees of the National
Portrait Gallery, I beg leave to return you our cor-
dial thanks for the compliment you have paid us.
In regard to the Society of Antiquaries I may say
that the connection between literature and art is a
very old one, of which indeed we are always having
new proofs. There are many occasions, as, for in-
stance, in works of genius in poetry, or works of fic-
tion in prose, when the author derives the greatest
advantage from the skilful delineations of the artist;
and if there are occasions on which it may be said
that art ministers to literature, so there are others
when not less truly it may be said that literature
ministers to art. (Cheers.) Take, for example,
those two beautiful works which I see before me—
the one illustrating one of the darkest scenes of the
French Revolution, and the other, in a more play-
ful vein, some of those feats of highwaymen in the
times of Charles 11. In works of art like these it
belongs to historical research to supply those facts
and circumstances by which they may be made as
near an approach to historical accuracy as they are
conspicuous in artisti3 skill. Long may the con-
nexion between all classes of literature, art, and
science continue and flourish. (Cheers.)
The PRESI DENT—I have the honour next to pro-
pose " The Governors of the British Institution and
those liberal friends of art who occasionally open
their collections to the public."
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE said a few words in
acknowledgment of the toast, after which the com-
pany partook of tea and coffee in the Model-room.
The reunion was throughout of the most delight-
ful character.

THE GENERAL POST-OFFICE.

A meeting of the sorters employed at the General
Post-office took place at an early hour on Saturday
morning, at Shaftesbury-hall, Aldersgate-street,
with a view of considering what steps should be
taken to procure a general improvement of their

condition in regard to pay and hours of labour,

and especially to obtain some relief from the mid-

day extra duties recently imposed upon them. This
meeting was one of many which have been held

for the same object in the newspaper and other
departments of the General Post-office, from which;
it need scarcely be said, the representatives of the
press have been carefully excluded by the autho-
rities of that establishment. One of the sorters

having been called to the chair, the meeting was
addressed at length by several speakers, all of

whom detailed, with more or less of eircumstan•

tiality, those grievances under which they suffer,
and to which attention has already been directed
in these columns. One of them stated that the
sorters were formerly appointed at a salary of
£BO per annum, rising to £llO, but as the
duties increased and more handg were required it
was thought advisable to meet the extra expense by

reducing the wages of all employed to 275. a week.
There was grumbling at this, but it was persisted
in till more hards were again necessary; the outlay
for this was met by further retrenchments, and the
sorters were reduced to 255. a week, and a short
time afterwards to 235. The sorters were then
called upon with the letter• carriers to perform ex-
tra midday duties, and for this, for a short time, a
shilling a-day was allowed, which made an accept-
able addition to their poor. salaries ; but the boon
was orly temporary, for they were at last told that

the Post-office authorities would not admit tha
anything was " extra" duty, so even the shilling a
day was taken from them, and they had to do the
work for nothing. The vice•controller of the es-
tablishment denied that they worked for eight hours
a day throughout the week; but that was not only
the fact, but eight hours was the actual minimum
of their time of labour. They rose at 4 a.m., and
were at the Post-office at 5, when they despatched
the mail at a quarter to 9, and left the building at
9 if the mail was not late, or any of the Australian
mails did not come in. In either of the latter emer-
gencies they were kept sorting the letters till 12 or
1 o'clock in the day. They were on duty again at
a quarter to 5 three nights in the week, and at 5
o'clock the other three, remaining at constant
work till 8 o'clock, or sometimes a little after.
When the scheme of midday duty was
adopted, under which, in addition to these
hours, they commenced work again at 10 in
the forenoon, the shilling extra pay was given. But
when the Commissioners recommended tire discon-
tinuance of extra duties as disqualifying, by over-
work, from the proper performance of the regular
duties, the midday labour was taken off the sorter,
and the junior letter-carriers were made to perform
it without pay. But this plan also failed, for as the
letter•carriers were gradually placed in regular
walks the sorters were again called upon to do the
extra work. In vain they memorialised against this
injustice. They were told it would only be a tem-
porary arrangement, and informed, in answer to
their inquiry why they did not get the temporary
pay, that in future no such term as " extra duties"
would be allowed, as all duties were included in the
weekly salaries. In May, 1869, therefore, an order
was issued that sorters must perform this extra
midday duty without extra pay for one week in
every five. The men grumbled but were silenced,
and submitted because they could not help them-
selves. After a lapse of a few months, as the
midday duties increased, came another order,
under which sorters were obliged to perform the
duty one week out of four. This was very hard,
for the midday duties meant labour from four
in the morning till eight at night, with one hour
for refreshment and repose in the middle of the
day; but none of them had ever known where
the room in the Post-office was to be found for re-
posing, or where any refreshment was tobe obtained.
Bad as this state of things was, it seemed capable
of being made worse; and worse it had accordingly
been made, for recently another order has been
given out commanding the sorters to perform mid
day duty one week in every three. They had heard
that a commission had been appointed to inquire
into the organisation and system of the Post-offico,
and to this commission they had sent in a memo-
rial of their grievances, as the letter-carriers had
also done, and requested to be admitted to an inter-
view. 14n reply they had received a note simply tell-
ing them to send in their memorial, but not alluding
to their request for an interview, which from that
they could only infer was declined. The commission
had now ceased to meet at all, so thy had none to
appeal to, for it was useless memorialising the Secre-
tary of the Post-office. They never saw or heard of
him, and to their numerous petitions no answer was
ever returned. As for the commission, they had no
great amount of confidence in its effecting any-
thing in the way of permanent amelioration of their
condition, and they sent in their memorial to it
more for form's sake, and that their masters might
not augur from their silence that they had nothing
to complain of. Another speaker moved a vote of
thanks to Mr. Bowyer, M.P., warmly eulogising
that gentleman for his kindness in moving in the
house'for such returns as would clearly demonstrate
to the world the exigencies of their position. This
was carried by acclamation. Other speakers also
addressed the meeting, advocating in the strongest
terms the necessity for a Parliamentary inquiry ;
a resolution to petition the House of Commons was
carried nein. con., and a committee appointed to
draw it up forthwith. The Meeting, which was very
numerously attended, then terminated with the
customary vote of thanks to the chairman.

IRELAND.

DUBLIN, SATURDAY MORNING.
THE ABDUCTION CASES.
In the Court of Queen's Bench this morning Mr
Henry Corr, against whom a writ of habeas corptts
had issued in the case of the Murpliys, minors, made
a return, which was accepted as a good and valid
return by the Court and the counsel (Mr. Brereton,
Q.C.) for the mother of the children, at whose in-
stance the writ was issued. The return sets forth
that the fattier of the children, Patrick Murphy,
executed a will, in which he appointed Mr. Corr the
trustee and guardian of his children, who, it was his
(the father's) wish, should be brought up Roman
Catholics; that accrdingly he (Mr. Corr) took im-
mediate steps to carry out the intentions of the tes
tator, and had both children (at different periods)
placed in Roman Catholic orphan as) lums. The
return further set forth that their mother sube-
quently applied to Mr. Corr to transfer the children
to her custody for the purpose of having them
brought up as Protestants, on the ground that the
parties who would undertake their maintenance
and education would also support her, she not being
allowed any assistance from the Roman Catholic
authorities. This Mr. Corr refused to do, and
hence the application for a writ of habeas corpus.
Mr. Brereton stated, in explanation of the course
adopted by his client, that she did not know of
the clause in her husband's will having reference to
the future religious training of her children. In his
(Mr. Brereton's) opinion it was a case in which the
children were properly brought up Roman Catholics,
the father having been a Roman Catholic, and 'hav-
ing by his will declared his wish that the children
should be reared in the same faith. The only re-
quest he had to make was that his client should for
the future have reasonable opportunity of access to
her children. Mr. Gernon, on behalf of Mr. Corr,
undertook that she should have free access to them,
on condition of her not interfering with their edu-
cation, and Mr. Brereton said that an undertaking
to that effect would be given by Mrs. Murphy, the
Chief Justice intimating that she ought to do so.
Both the orphons were brought into court, and
were present during the proceedings.
The case of the Sherwoods was next taken up,
and attachments wcre ordered to be issued against
Ellen Blake and Catherine Davis (the grandmother
of the children) for not having put in answers to the
writs of habeas corpus, but as it transpired that the
orders of. the Court were not duly served on the
parties, fresh writs were ordered to be issued. In
the event of any further miscarriage of justice, the
substitution of service on the servant at the house
to be deemed sufficient. The case of the Henrys
was again postponed, and on Monday the Solicitor-
General will be in his place; a hint, however, was
thrown out of the probability of some arrangement
which would render further proceedings unneces-
sary.