The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-28 00:00:00

EXETER,

A numerous and influential public meeting was
field at the Guildhall on Thursday afternoon for the
purpose of devising the best meanis of forming
additional rifle companies in connection with the
existing Exeter and South Devon Volunteer Rifle
RataHim. Capt. Tanner, the Mayor, presided, and
among those present were the Earl of Devon, Mr.
E. Divett and Mr. R. S. Gard, the two members of
Parliament for the city, and the Rev. Chancellors
Martin and Harington.
The MAYOR said that it was undoubtedly the
duty of the people of this country at the present
critical juncture to be prepared for any emergency
that might arise, to get their rifles ready, and to
" keep their powder dry." (Cheers and laughter.)
Letters from Mr. A. Stowey, a county magistrate,
and from the Rev. Mr. Browne were read, in which
the writers expressed themselves strongly in favour
of the objects of the meeting.
Mr. DIVETT, M.P., moved the first resolution :

" That this meeting desires to respond with devoted
Loyalty to the call made on the patriotism of the country by
the recent circular addressed, under her Majesty's autho-
rity, to the Lords Lieutenant of counties, and regards with
satisfaction the fact that in the first established volunteer
rifle corps whose services were acceited by the Queen in
18b2 this city possesses the nucleus Of a force capable of
being enlarged to its originally intended establishment of
eight companies."
The hon. member said he was old enough to re-
member the last war, when there were great
apprehensions of an invasion lby Napoleon, and at
that time there was a camp of some thousands of
men on Woodbury-hill. Along the whole of the
coast were signal stations, and every preparation
was made to raise an alarm in case of an invasion.
Although he did not believe at the present moment
that there were any grounds for invasion, yet the
circumstances of the times were such as to justify
the making of such preparations now as were made
at the time referred to. In a conversation with
a distinguished officer of engineers, Sir Frederic
Smith, he (Mr. I)ivett) had alluded to the absolute
necessity of having a battery at the mouth of the
Exe,—something in the nature of a martello tower,
—where two or three of Armstrong's guns might
be fixed, for it was now perfectly practicable for a
steam flotilla to get into the Exe, to land an army
in Exeter before any power of resistance could be
organised, burn the city, and do a vast deal of
mischief. He believed that the proposed organisa-
tion of an efficient rifle corps was, however, the
best and most powerful means of averting such a
calamity, and he would strongly support such a
movement. (Cheers.) He had seen rifle practice
in the Tyrol and in Switzerland, where every man
was trained to the use of the rifle, and•he could not
see why the people of this country should not be
trained in a similar way. (Cheers.) He quite
agreed with the Latin motto, which he had once
seen affixed to the entrance of a fortified gate in
the Netherlands,—" Si vis pacem pare &liana"—
"If you are desirous of peace be always prepared
for war." (Loud cheers.)
Mr. KENDALL (a magistrate of the city) se-
conded the resolution, and it was carried unani-
mously.

The- Rev. Chancellor MARTIN proposed the next
resolution :

" That regarding the importance of Exeter in position
and population, at least four companies of the battalion
should be furnished by this city, and that steps be imme-
diately taken to supply that number in Exeter, and to give
all possible encouragement to the completion of the corps
by perfecting other companies within the district."
The Rev. Chancellor expressed his cordial con-
currence in the present movement, and most
earnestly desired its success. As a sincere advocate
for peace generally and on Christian principles,
and for the strict neutrality of this country in the
present crisis, he was at the same time most
anxious to see the nation placed iu the strongest
attitude of self-defence. (Cheers.) The proclama-
tion issued by General Peel held out no encourage-
ment that Government would do much in aid of
the expense of volunteer corps, but he thought the
Government ought at least to find rifles for them.
(Cheers.)
Mr. FRANKLIN seconded the resolution, and it
was carried neon. con.

Mr. GARD, M.P., moved a resolution soliciting
subscriptions for the purpose of providing rifles for
those who could not afford to bear the whole of the

expense. The hon. member urged the necessity o
liberal subscriptions on the part of those who were
unable to join the corps themselves, and announced
his intention to give a donation.
Mr. WiLoocKs seconded the motion, and it was
unanimously carried.
The Earl of DEVON then addressed the meeting.
He was quite sure that if the citizens of Exeter

needed the co-operation of their neighbours they
would find that there were many gentlemen in the
neighbourhood who would be most willing to lend
their assistance to promote the good work. His
Lordship urged the importance of adopting such a
course as would prevent the corps from being made
a mere organisation for pride or display. It ought
to be a real working body, and no more expense
should be incurred in the dress and equipments
than was necessary for the efficiency of the corps.
He also urged that the hours of practice should be
such as would suit men engaged in active business,
and very warmly advocated the employment of
experienced military men to drill the members of
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the corps. (Cheers.)
ric'ginotmuteigeofoba-
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jects of the meeting.
Chancellor HARINGTON seconded
the motion.
Although by his sacred vocation aadvocate
of a vocate
of peace, he felt that so long
human strong
as nature was
weak and wicked there would be always fighting
men, and he was one of those who felt the immense
comfort of fighting by deputy. (Cheers.)
Mr. W. D. MooRE, the Captain and Adjutant
of the Exeter and South Devon Rifle Battalion, in
a long and able speech, explained the constitution
of that corps, stated that it had an efficient company
of 60 men at Torquay, under the command of Sir
E. S. Prideaux and Colonel Browne, amid expressed
his belief that six or eight more companies might
be formed in Exeter. He also stated the intention
of the Government greatly to reduce the price of
rifles.

The motion was carried, and a subscription list
was then opened. Several gentlemen present con-
tributed, and it is expected that a goodly sum will
be raised.