The Sun.
London, England, 1857-09-16 00:00:00

CHELTENHAM.

A large and influential meeting of the inhabitants
of Cheltenham took place at the Assembly-rooms
yesterday for the purpose of raising subscriptions
for the relief of the sufferers in India.

Between three and four hundred ladies and gen-
tlemen ware present, among whom were J. Agg
Gardner (Lord of the Manor), Sir A. Ramsay,
M.P., Rev. E. Walker (Incumbent of Chelten-
ham), Col. Kennedy, Col. Wood, Col. Decluzocu,
Col. Willats, General Laurie, General Brett, Mr.
G. Russell (high bailiff), Rtv. A. Boyd, Rev. J.
Maynard, Col. Harding, Col. Kirwan, Capt. Ire-
dell, Mr. James Webster, General Conran, Mr. C.
J. Bird (Madras Civil Service), Mr. George 13;rd,
Mr, Thomas Fortescue, Col. Douglas, Dr. Keir,
Col. Warner Higgins, Capt. Frobisher, &c.
Mr. J. AGG GARDNER having been voted to the
chair, opened the proceedings by calling on Gen.
Conran to move the first resolution, whicli was to
the following effect
" That the inhabitants of Cheltenham, while record-
ing their indignation at the atrocities inflicted on their
countrymen and countrywomen in India, desire to ex-
press their earnest sympathy with the numerous families
who have in consequence been plunged into affliction
and distress, and resolve that a sub,oription be imme-
diately opened for the purpose of affording relief to the
sufferers."

The Rev. A. BoyD, incmbent of Christ Church,
in seconding this resolution, described the fearful
atrocities which had taken placa in India, express-
ing his opinion that the causes of the outbreak were
mainly to be attributed to the desire of the fol-
lowers of Mahornet to regain their long-lost sway
over the Eastern empire, and were not in any way
connected with the unfolding of the Gospel of
Christ in that country, and concluded by an elo-
quent appeal to the meeting for support, on the
threefold ground of humanity, justice, and sym-
pathy for their fellow-countrymen and country=
women in the East.
The resolution was carried with acclamalion.
Sir A. Ramsly, M.P. for Rochdale, proposed
the second resolution
"That books bo opened at the various banks and
' libraries in Cheltenham for the purpose of receiving sub-
Fcription-,, and that Mr. James Webster and Mr. James
Agg Gardner be requested to act as treasurers to the
fund, and Mr. Henry Davis as honorary secretary."
_ _

He (Sir A. Rams;y) was of opinion that the dis-
graceful mutinies of the Bengal Sepoys would soon
be overcome, and that we should then be able to
place the British power in India on a firmer basis
than before, and add greater lustre to what we
might still call the brightest jewel in the British
Crown ; for, whether we looked at our possessions
in India as a record of the brilliant prowess of our
armies, or as a monument to show the nations of
the world what English enterprise and energy can
do, we must look upon the conquest of India as a
grand achievement, and he trusted that when the Bri-
tish Legislature remsembled they would lay aside
for a time all minor subjects, and defoto their
whole energy to the consideration of the restoration
of British power in India. But in the meantime
there ninst be many near and dear friends in that
far-off land whose distresses and calamities needed
our sympathies and support.
Mr. C. HOGG seconded the resolution, which was
carried unanimously.
A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the
1 proceedings. Before leaving the room upwards of
2001. was subscribed.