The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-13 00:00:00

WOOLWICH.

Last evening a numerously attended public
meeting of the inhabitants of Woolwich, Plumstead,
and Charlton, was held at the Town Hall, Wool.
wich, to take into consideration the position of
England with respect to the present continental
crisis. The chair was occupied by Mr. J. R. Jolly,
churchwarden of Woolwich ; and on the platform
—in addition to various ministers and other in-
fluential residents—were Alderman Salomons and
Mr. Angerstein, the members for the borough of
Greenwich, who were loudly cheered.
The CHAIRMAN having briefly alluded to the
objects of the meeting,
Mr. WHALE moved the first resolution expres-
sive of the opinion of the meeting, that with regard
to the present waz between France and Sardinia
on the one side, and 'Austria on the other, this
country ought Te ;predarve strictly the policy of
non-intervention._., .
Mr. RUEG eCii4deflet.l4e motion.
Mr. ANGERSTI4IIit M.lkt, said, so far as England
was concerned the yvisept policy in his opinion was
that of an ant ed. neutrality. (Cheers.) He was

therefore, glad to find that the present government
was actively engaged in providing efficient national
defence, and that our dockyards had been placed
in a complete condition for any emergency. With
regard to the present struggle he could not believe
that the despot who had himself placed his heel
upon that liberty he was sworn to protect in his
(rim country was really anxious to protect liberty
in ,Italy, or that hatred to the despotism of Austria
was the motive by which he was actuated. He
hoped that the war might not extend beyond its
present confines, but. it was his opinion that this
count'. y must be fully prepared to become, if neces-
sary, tile arbiter of Europe. In the papers of that
day it -was stated that Austria had proposed to
Russia riot to interfere with the Danubian pro-
vinces on condition that Russia should not interfere
with the T.sresent contest. Whether this rumour
was well founded or not the apparent understand-
ing between France and Russia must certainly be
regarded with suspicion. He was happy to have
the opportunity of ascertaining the views of his
constituents up on a question which must engage
the serious attention of Parliament.
The Rev. H. CRASWELLER moved a resolution
for the adoption of a memorial to the Queen in
favour of non-intervention.
The Rev. J. CAELILE seconded the resolution,
which was adopted.
Alderman SALomONs, observed the ques-
tion was one of policy, upon which an opinion could
scarcely be given off-hand ; but himself and his
colleague would have the advantage of hearing the
sentiments of their constituents before they entered
the House of Commons. At present he was an advo-
cate of neutrality ; but he would strongly support
the Government in being-prepared for every even-
tuality. The balance of power was almost an ideal
expression, and statesmen could scarcely tell what
it meant ; but care must be taken that the French 1
Emperor did not follow in the steps of his uncle,
if it was really his intention to make the attempt.
The question must engage the early consideration of
Parliament, and he hoped that the war would not
extend beyond its present proportions.
A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the
proceedings.