The Sun.
London, England, 1860-01-10 00:00:00

WATFORD, OR 2D HERTS.

A very numerously attended and influential meet-
ing was held yesterday evening at Mr. Carey's
Lecture-hall, Watford, in furtherance of the exten-
sion of the above corps, the Earl of Verulam, Lord-
Lieutenant of the county of Hertford, in the chair.
Among the noblemen and gentlemen present were :
—the Earl of Clarendon, Lord Ebury, Lord Rokeb
the Hon. R. Capel, Mr. Alderman Copeland, M.
_ _

Mr. Clutterbuci; Mr. Robins, Mr. gtewart,
Mr. James, Rev. Mr. Houchin, &c. The chairman,
in opening the proceedings, read a letter from Mr.
Hibbert, announcing an annual donation of ten
guineas to the corps, and also one from Mr. Est-
court, with a subscription of £lO. He said it was
unnecessary to state that he cordially approved the
objects of the meeting. The movement was one
which had been taken up so earnestly by the middle
classes that no foreign foe was likely to be able to
disturb the harmony of the country. Why had the
movement become so general and so likely to prove
lasting ? Because they were reverting to the great
principles of their ancestors, when every man car-
ried arms and was skilful in the use of the national
weapon—the long bow, and the men of the present
day had now taken up the rifle. They saw that fo-
reign countries were armed to the teeth, and it was
necessary, in order to be prepared for any emer-
gency that might arise, that they should follow out
the principles of their ancestors and accustom them-
selves to the use of the national weapon. The Go-
vernment had come forward and given them arms,
and expected them to practise and perfect them-
selves in their use. He hoped and believed that if
the time ever came when a foreign foe should land
on this island he would find on every rood of land a
man to meet him. (Cheers.) He concluded by read-
ing the letter from the War-office containing the
official recognition of the corps, and the acceptance
by her Majesty of their services.
The Earl of CLARENDON, in moving the first reso-
lution, after adverting to the popularity of the
movement, which was deserving of encouragement
and support, went on to say that free institutions
were incompatible with the existence of large
standing armies, and the people of Eng-
land had determined by all constitutional means
to find a substitute for that force. If they were to
have a large standing army there would always be
a danger to freedom and liberty, and other Powers
, might be justified in asking it our intentions were
pacific ; but they could not ask what were the in-
tentions of volunteer rifle corps, the formation of
which was merely a defensive measure for the pro-
tection of our homes, not calculated to give um-
brage in the slightest degree to foreign Powers.
The movement, although as yet only in its infancy,
had produced a very salutary effect throughout
Europe. It was the most complete scheme that had
been devised to secure peace, and place us beyond
the recurrence of unmanly panics of which Eng-
lishmen should be ashamed. To see a danger, to be
frightened, and yet to do nothing to avert it, was
worthy only of a nation of old women ; to see it
and to shut their eyes to it was pusillanimous ; but
to look the danger steadily in the face was the part
of freemen and patriots, and worthy the people of
England. (Cheers.) The only power from which
danger could be expected was France, and he was
I the last man to say that the ruler of that nation me-
' ditated anv course inimical to the interests of this

country. On the contrary, he believed that the
Emperor Napoleon considered a war with England
as likely to be dangerous to himself, and productive
of injurious effects on the progress of civilisation.
The Emperor was a man of great sagacity, and pos-
sessed experience that had been dearly bought.
What was the experience he derived from the Rus-
sian war ? The lesson he learnt then (his lordship
was:betraying no confidence, the opinions of the
Emperor being well known) was, that they ought
to be able at a given time and a given day to carry
the precise amount of forces required to any given
point, and he determined that in future Prance
should not be without the means of transporting
50,000 men. He was quite right in determining that
the armies of France should be placed in a state to
uphold the position of the nation, and he had been
enabled to send out 100,000 men in an extraordinary
short space of time to commence a gigantic war.
Now they could never look with indifference on
the position of affairs on the other side of the
Channel, which might now be said to be
bridged over; and, without intending of-
fence to any other nation, the people
of England had determined that they would not be
dependent on the good will or amicable intentions
of any Government or combination of Governments
whatever for the security of their shores. If the
Emperor Napoleon had been killed in Italy (he was
brave. and continually exposed himself), how did
they know that the next Government, possessing
all their powerful resources, would continue to en-
tertain the same friendly sentiments ? There were
certain friends of peace who said that all this pre-
, paration was totally uncalled for and unnecessary,
as we shoufd always have full notice of any medi-
tatedinvasion, and should such an emergency arise
England would rise as one man. Now, considering
the complete condition of the French army and the
resources of Franco, it would be utter imbecility on
the part of that Government if they allowed 48
hours to elapse after a declaration of war without
taking decisive steps, and he would ask then if those
48 hours would not be spent in confusion here. The
rising of the people of England would be like the
rising of a flock of sheep ; without arms, without
discipline, and totally unprepared, they would be
but brave men rushing to certain destruction; but
when they were properly organised and equipped
an invasion would be impossible. (Cheers.) No
effort should be spared to attain this end. The Go-
vernment gave them their cordial support ; those
who were too old to join should give their money;
those who were effective should render themselves
efficient; and no man could take part in the move-
ment without feeling he was rendering a service to
his country. When they were certain of repelling
an invasion that invasion would not occur. Another
feature in the movement was the bringing together
in harmonious action those classes who usually did
not amalgamate from the want of
opportunity.
The gradual but sure manner in which it had pro-
gressed was a proof of its sincerity, and a guaran-
tee for its permanence. It ought not to be one of
an ephemeral character, and the spirit of the nation,
which was now thoroughly roused, would preventit from relapsing.
(Applause.) His lordship then
moved the following resolution:—
" That the establishment of volunteer rifle corps in this
country is, in the opinion of this meeting, a national un-
of the warmest support of all classes of
dertaking deserving
the community.
Lord EBURY, in seconding the motion, congratu-
lated the meeting on the information, coining from
the source it did, as to the effect the movement had
pio • duced in the country. He believed that move-
ment had commenced just at the right time, because
men were beginning to consider the position of the
ruler of the country nearest to England ; and he
believed the volunteer movement was the best means
of national defence, and also of saving the pockets
of the taxpayers. He should be glad to perform
his own part in it, and heartily wished it Success.
The motion was then carried by acclamation.
Lord Rokeby moved the next resolution :
cc That this meeting views with the greatest satisfaction
that the enrolment of volunteer rifle corps is steadily pro- '

( grossing in the county of Hells, and heartily congratulates
) the town and neighbourhood in having raised the second
corps in the county."
He referred to the difficulty of obtaining rifle ranges,
and to the expense of rendering them safe, and con-
sidered the practice-ground they had obtained in
Cashiobury-park a very desirable one. He could
assure them that actual practice in firing was not
absolutely necessary, as a method had been adopted
at Hythe which clearly demonstrated the practica-
bility of obtaining a knowledge of the use of the
rifle without it ; and General Hay had told him that
he could make any man who was not blind a good
shot if he would practise the preliminary drill.
The volunteers were generally persons of a higher
degree of education than those in the regular army,
and he did not doubt they would be successful in
acquiring skill with the rifle. He strongly urged
the necessity of discipline and strict adherence to
orders, and said he should be glad to give them
every assistance in watching their drill, and in any
other way that was in his power.
Mr. CLUTTERBUCK seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously.
A resolution was then passed, providing that en-
deavours should be made to increase the number of
honorary subscribing members, after which
The Hon. Mr. CAPEL, the lieutenant in command
of the corps, stated that the cost of the uniform
would amount to about £4. He then moved—
" That a committee be appointed to manage the financial
affairs of the corps, and that the Earl of Clarendon, the
Earl of Essex, Mr. Pearso, and Mr. Herne be requested to
serve."
Mr. JONES LOYD seconded the motion, which
was then passed.
The CHAIRMAN announced a subscription of £lO
from Alderman Copeland, M.P., and a donation of
10 guineas from Mr. G. Wilson.
The proceedings terminated in the usual manner.

EMIGRATION FROM LIVERPOOL, 1859.

The official returns of the emigration from Liver-
pool during the year just closed have now been
completed at the Government office ; and, although
on comparison with the year preceding, the num-
bers in the aggregate do not appear to vary very
materially, the variation in the tide of emigration
to the different countries has, 'been most marked.
The total number of passengers " under the Act"
who have taken their departure from the Mersey
during the twelve months just elapsed have num-
bered (inclusive of cabin passengers) 68,035, against
70,466 in 1858, being a decrease of 2,441. During
the past year, to the United States, 168 ships, of
286,960 tons, sailed, with 1,561 cabin and 47,137
steerage passengers, " under the Act," against, in
1858, 167 ships, of 256,556 tons, with 1,446 cabin
and 43,180 steerage passengers, being a falling off
of about 300. In " short ships," not " under the
Act," or submitted to Government inspection, 143
&essels sailed in 1859, with 5,203 cabin and 2,283

erage passengers. These " short ships" include
WI travellers by the Cunard, Canadian, and African
mail steamers, &c. To Canada the departures num-
bered only three vessels " under the Act," of 2,359
tons, with 544 steerage passengers, against, in 1858,
7 ships, of 8,027 tons, with 12 cabin and 1,934 steer-
age passengers. However, in 1859, " short ships"
carried to the Canadian provinces 1,958 cabin and
2,118 steerage passengers. To the Australian colonies
the greatest falling off has been exhibited, scarcely
more than two-thirds the number of emigrants hav-
ing left the Mersey during thepast year. 52 ships, of
72,189 tons, sailed to Victoria, with 508 cabin and
9,883 steerage passengers, against, in 1858, 66
ships of 90,888 tons, with 690 cabin and 15,662
steerage passengers. To Melbourne 18 " short
ships" took their departure, with 32 cabin and 333
steerage passengers. To New South Wales 9 ships,
of 10,154 tons, sailed with 4 cabin and 3,476 steer-
age passengers,—the great proportion being Go-
vernment emigrants (despatched by the Colonial
Land and Emigration Commissioners), against 9
vessels, of 9,579 tons, with a like number of cabin
and 3,455 steerage passengers—being a slight im-
provement over 1858. Only 8 cabin passengers
were conveyed in " short ships" during the year.
To South Australia 3 ships, of 2,443 tons, were en-
gaged in the conveyance of 1,052 Government
emigrants, against, in 1858, 5 vessels, of 5861 tons,
with 1,991 passengers, also at the expense of the
Emigration Commissioners. None carried out in
" short ships." A feature which distinguishes last
year's Liverpool emigration has been the despatch
of 6 vessels, of 6,704 tons, which carried out 104
cabin and 1,317 steerage passengers, against, in
1858, 6 ships, of 5,420 tons, with 10 cabin and 2,059
steerage passengers—the latter in both:years being
sent out at the colonial expense—the selections of
the commissioner in London, the Hon. William
Field ; 10 cabin passengers were, in addition, " short
shipped" to the Cape of Good Hope. To the East
Indies three ships " under the Act" were de-
spatched during the second half of the past year,
with 1,544 steerage passengers, all soldiers' wives
and children (which can hardly be classed as pas-
sengers), and 13 "short ships" sailed with 96 cabin

and 26 steerage passengers; the unfortunate
Accrington, which has put into the Brazils with 65
deaths among the passengers, and captain and mate
poisoned, was one of the former class. In addition
to the foregoing, the following " short ships" have
sailed during the year :—To America, 25 ships, with
230 cabin and 38 steerage passengers; to Africa,
12 mail steamships, carried 296 cabin passengers ;
to the West Indies, 5 vessels, with 39 cabin pas-
sengers ; to New Brunswick, 3 ships, with 31
cabin and 3 steerage passengers ; to Nova
Scotia, 1 cabin and 4 steerage passengers ; to
Prince Edward Island 9 cabin passengers : and
t• China, 4 cabin passengers—making a grand
total " under the act" and " not under the act" of
10,103 cabin and 71,652 steerage-81,755 passen-
gers, or an overage of nearly 7,000 souls per month
sailing from Liverpool. With the exceptions of the
melancholy losses of the Royal Charter, Pomona,
Indian, &e., there have been no features calling for
particular notice in glancing at the emigration for
the year, which [closes, as usual at this season, at
almost its dullest point.—Liverpool Albion.