The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-31 00:00:00

ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE
NATION AL MERCANTILE ASSURANCE

situation in society than the commercial travellers.
There were no men who had greater opportunities of
ascertaining the general opinions of the country, and
there were no men who were more called upon
to exercise a knowledge of human character.—
(Cheers.) It was the first duty of a commercial
traveller to look scrupulously to the characters of
those on whom he called, that he might know whom
to trust and whom to avoid. No class possessed a
greater influence than the class of gentlemen whom
he had the honour of addressing.—(Hear.) Through-
out their peregrinations they were looked up to as
men of superior information, and as exercising an in-
fluence on society which in general exceeded that of
any other class.—(Cheers.) He believed that they
were all willing to exercise that influence on behalf of
this Society, and therefore he would not detain them
longer, but would at once call upon them to drink
the toast.—(Cheers.)
The toast was then drank with three times three.
Mr. CUFFLEY, in rising to return thanks, compli-
mented his brother travellers on seeing so many men
of influence assembled around them.—(Cheers.) He
was delighted that the toast to which he had to re-
spond had been proposed by Mr. Nicholson, a gentle-
man who had been known upon the northern road
for years, and who on that road, by his exertions in
behalf of his employers, had always been an example
for all commercial travellers, both old and young.
In proposing the toast, Mr. Nicholson, as one of the
Directors, had been pleased to say that they were a
powerful body. He (Mr. C.) believed that they
were a powerful body, and he felt assured that they
were willing to exert all their power in promoting
the prosperity of :the National Mercantile Life As-
surance Association.—(Cheers.) He believed that
the Society was greatly indebted to the commercial
travellers, who had not only insured their own lives
in it, but had induced their customers and friends to
become its supporters.—(Cheers.) In fact such
' was the power of the commercial travellers, that if
they embarked in any enterprise with energy and
zeal, it was impossible for them not to succeed.—
(Loud cheers.) As an illustration of this, he would
mention that the friends of this Society had endea-
voured to establish a school for the education of the
orphan children of commercial travellers. Four gen-
tlemen had come forward, Mr. Walsh, Mr. Carter,
Mr. Jones, and himself, with their subscription of ten
guineas each in support of this school. He had said that
if 100 gentlemen would come for ward with 10 guineas
each, the school could be established. His scheme
had been treated as chimerical. But what was the
fact ? Instead of 100, they had obtained 250 sub-
scribers at 10 guineas each.— (Immense cheering.)
Ile would not now appeal to them in behalf of that
school, although he knew if he were to do so, that
he should obtain a great sum.—(Loud cheers.) But
he would say, that he thought those who had origi-
nally set this school on foot were entitled to the praise
of their brother travellers—(Cheers)—and he hoped
they would show that they appreciated the exertions
which had been made by subscribing liberally to
the school fund.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. ROBERTS rose to propose the health of the
Chairman. He wished that the duty of proposing that
gentleman's health had fallen into abler hands ; still,
he would do his best to express his feelings respecting
the excellent character of that gentleman.—(Cheers.)
On every occasion on which he had come in contact
with him, he had experienced the greatest kindness.
All that he (Mr. Roberts) had seen of Mr. Wilcoxson
showed that he had the best interests of the Society
at heart.—(Cheers.) If the commercial travellers
would do their duty, as Mr. Wilcoxson had done,
their success would be placed beyond the possi-
bility of retrogression. However flattering it might
seem to Mr. Wilcoxson, it was his (Mr. R.'s) duty to
inform them that had it not been for his firmness,
energy, and perseverance, the Society would not have
been in existance now.—(Hear, hear.) He only men-
tioned these things to remind them of the obligations
they were under to their chairman.—(Hear.)
Under these circumstances he had very great
pleasure in proposing the health of that gentleman,
and he was sure they would receive it with warmness
and enthusiasm. Before sitting down, he would
refer to one pleasing incident of that day's proceed-
ings. It was in reference to the school. They had
laid the foundation of what would yet prove one of the
best schools in the country, and hundreds of children
yet unborn would have reason to bless them for the
establishment of that important institution. It would
enable parents to procure a good education to their
offspring, however much they might be afflicted with
disease or impoverished in circumstances. Without
further trespassing upon their attention, he
would propose " The health of their excellent Chair-
man, Mr. Wilcoxson."---(Loud cheering.)
The toast was drank in the most enthusiastic man-
ner, and accompanied with every demonstration of

therefore, sit down, by expressing how highly gra-
tified he was at the manner in which his health and
that of his brother Directors had been drank.

Song, by Mr. Hawkins—'
born."

" The spot where I was

The annual anniversary festival of the National
Mercantile Assurance Association took place last
evening, at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street,
R. 11' ilcoxson, Esq., in the chair.
Among those present we observed—W.Nicholson,
Esq., on the right of the chairman, and Mr. Alderman
Sidney on his left ; Geo. Moore, Esq., W. Lawson,
Esq., Edward Baker, Esq., Giles Redmayne, Esq.,
Gen. Cursham, M.D., Chas. Ray, Esq., D. Hull,
Esq., Murdo Young, Esq., David Waddington,. Esq.,
John Bragg, Esq., Edward Perkins, Esq., J. .R.
Cuflley, Esq., John Stoker, Esq., E. Stockdale, Esq.,
James Walsh, Esq., R. J. Mullidge, Esq., M‘Cul-
loch, Esq., J. P. Massey, Esq., J. W. Brookes, Esq.,
A. D. Cuffley, Esq., W. H. Smith, Esq., A. Wilson,
Esq., &c.
The company began to assemble at five o'clock, and
shortly after that hour about 200 gentlemen sat down
to a dinner, which included all the delicacies of the
season, and which was put upon the table in the best
style of those first-rate caterers, Messrs. Bathe and
Breache. The wines, too, were of excellent quality,
and were supplied without stint.
Messrs. Hobbes, Hatton, Hawkins, Machin, and
Master Norman were the vocalists (Mr. Hatton
presiding at the pianoforte), and Toole, the Toole,
was the toast-master, and, as such, surpassed all his
former doings as master of the revels.
The cloth having been withdrawn, and the " Bene-
dictus " having been sung by the vocalists,
The CHAIRMAN rose, and said that he had to pro-
pose as a toast the "Health of the Queen."—(Cheers.)
He was sure it was needless for him to say anything
more, for that was a toast that, in every assembly,
must be received with affection and loyalty.
Drunk, upstanding, with three times three. Air—
" God save the Queen.
The CHAIRMAN then proposed the "Health of Prince
Albert."—(Cheers.) He thought her Majesty,might
be justly said to have been most fortunate in hav-
ing allied herself with a prince whose conduct,
since his arrival in this kingdom, had been such as to
secure to him the good opinion of the public at
large.—(Loud cheers.)
Drunk with with three times three. Glee—'
Albert, hail."
The CHAIRMAN had next to propose the "Health of
that illustrious lady, the Queen Dowager," whose
many private virtues, as well as her great public
benevolence, had won for her the esteem of all classes
of the community. With the health of the Queen
Dowager, he begged to couple that of " the Prince
of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family."
Drunk with three times three. Madrigal—" Who
is Sylvia ?"
The CHAIRMAN then rose and said, I am now about
to propose a toast of great national importance—" The
Army and Navy of England." I think it may be
fairly said that to these great branches of the public
service the country is indebted for much of its great-
ness in the scale of nations, and for much of its
commercial prosperity.—(Cheers.) It is owing to the
exertions of these services that our ships are found in
every port, bearing to us the fruits of the industry of
every clime, and that Britannia rules triumphant o'er
the waves.—(Cheers.) War, with its attendant
horrors, is ever to be deprecated (Cheers)
and I trust that the day is far distant
when this country shall be compelled to have recourse
to arms to defend our national rights and our
national honour.—(Loud cheers.) But I do think
that it is to our army and our navy in a great degree
that we are indebted for the long and happy peace
which this country has enjoyed, and by which each
man has been enabled to sit under his own vine and
his own fig-tree, none daring to make him afraid.
Drunk with three times three. Grand chorus—
" To arms," which was rapturously encored.
The CHAIRMAN then said—Gentlemen, it is now
my pleasing duty to propose to you a toast in which
you are all much interested. I think it may be said to
be the one that has brought together, this evening this
very large and very respectable company. lam sure
that you have already anticipated me, and therefore I
give at once " Prosperity to the National Mercantile
Assurance Society."--(lmenenee cheering.) Through
your kindness last year I had the honour of filling
the chair at your annual festival, and it was my duty
to give you something like an account of the rise
and progress of this Society, of the difficulties which
wt had encountered—of the fiery ordeal through
which we had passed—the tempest in which we had
been tossed and buffeted, and which, at one time,
almost threatened the dissolution of the Society. But
now a more pleasing task devolves upon me—
thanks to the moderation, temper, firmness, and de-
termination of a little band of your Directors, only three
in number, who stood up for what they con-
sidered the defence of your rights and liber-
ties (Immense cheering) -- against a fearful
majority of the then board of Directors we have
been enabled to overcome every difficulty, and to hand
over to you, your society uninjured and unimpaired.
—(Loud cheers.) It is therefore my pleasing duty
this evening to endeavour to present to you something
like a sketch of our present position, and of our
future prospects.—(Cheers.) Early in this year the
Directors called the Proprietors together to exercise
one of the most important privileges with which
they are invested, the election of four
gentlemen as Directors. You were then
pleased to elect four gentlemen as Directors, and 1
congratulate you on your choice, for by that elec-
tion you obtained the services of men of sterling
worth, high business character, and unblemished
reputation.—(Cheers.) At that meeting it was re-
solved that a further increase in the number of shares
should take place, and, in consequence, your Di-
rectors have, since that time, issued 10,000 addi-
tional shares, the whole of which have been eagerly
taken up.—(Cheers.) It is gratifying to me to state
that we consider this as a great step gained, inasmuch
as it will add to our stability in the public estima•
Lion, by increasing our pledged capital. (Hear,
hear.) This has not been a year in which life
asoirance associations have in general experienced
very great successes. This is to be attributed to the
large speculations which, during the first nine months
of the year, were made in rail way shares. The public
mind seemed to be so absorbed in railway matters,
that the still more important subject of life insurance
was neglected. Things, however, have now come
round to their usual channels, and life insurance
associations have so progressed within the last three
months, that, judging from our own experience,
taking all things into consideration, I think that life
insurance companies have reason to he satisfied.
I now come to an important part of the business of
the evening. You know that it has been determined
by our constitution that periodically the Directors
should proceed to make a division of the profits of this
Society. The year 1846 is one of the periods fixed
for that division. It is my gratifying and pleasing
duty to be able to inform you that our funds, in con-
sequence of the exertions of our actuary (Mr.
Jones), whose exertions have been great indeed, more
particularly in devoting to your service many hours
after the usual time of business, have been placed in
such a position as to enable us to declare to our pro-
prietors and policy-holders a most liberal bonus.—
(Cheers.) This is neither the time nor the place to enter
into further details on this subject but I feel called
upon to say that I feel confident that the bonus which
we shall be able to declare, must and will be highly
satisfactory to all.—(Loud cheers.) To our com-
mercial friends I would say, that I hope that they
will be stimulated to make exertions during their
journies through the length and breadth of the land
—to interest their friends and customers in our be-
half as far as they can do it.—(Cheers.) Their
hearts are with us.—(Cheers.) I know they will do
their utmost.—(Loud cheers.) Before I sit down I
may be permitted to say that the Directors have long
felt the want of larger premises, in which to conduct
the business of this Society. We have long been
seeking for premises in some leading thoroughfare,
such as we ought to possess, bat, owing to the many,
public companies which have recently started, land-
lords have asked exorbitant rents, and we have ex-
perienced considerable difficulty in procuring premises
which will suit us ; but through the exertions
of our Directors we have at length been enabled to
procure eligible premises, which we hope to occupy in
the course of a few months. They stand in the
Poultry, with a frontage in Charlotte-row, and when
we get there I doubt not that we, with your zealous
co-operation, shall make this society what we all wish
it to be—one of the first in the city of London.
The toast was then drunk with three times three.
Song—" Oh, if there's a pleasure," beautifully
sung by Mr. Hobbes, and enthusiastically encored.
Mr. NICHOLSON felt proud of the honour which
had been conferred upon him, in having the proposal
of a toast entrusted to him, but he was sorry
it had not fallen into more able hands, see-
ing as he did, around him so many gentlemen
who were so much better able to do it justice.
The toast he had to propose was " The Commercial
Travellers of the United Kingdom." He had him-
self for many years the honour of belonging to that
important, energetic, and noble class of men. For
forty years of his life he had been one of that great
and important body ; but he believed that in his time
the body of commercial travellers hail not possessed
one-half of the energy and importance which it now
poesessed. There was eio situation in life requiring
more energy and decision than that of a commercial
traveller. They were required to exercise sounder
judgment and greater zeal to fulfil their duties pro-
perly than any other class of men were called on to
exert. It had been his happiness to belong to their
body for many years, although for the last eight or
nine years he had retired from public business as a
commercial traveller. But his former experience
justified him in saying that they were a most impor-
tant body—the representatives of the commercial
world. There was no class of men theoughout th
kingdom who ought to occupy a more

The CHAIRMAN said—lt was now with great
pleasure that he introduced to their notice a
toast—it was " The Health of their Actuary,
Mr. Jones." In doing so, with their permission, he
would briefly explain the circumstances which led to
the introduction of Mr. Jones as the actuary of that
3ociety. The Directors were looking round to find a
gentleman to fill that important situation ; and, in
order to obtain one with the necessary qualifications,
advertisements were inserted in the public newspapers.
The result was a wonderful number of applications,
and, amongst them, one from Mr. Jones. He (the
Chairman) was one of the committee appointed to
receive applications, and examine testimonials, and
in that committee there was but one opinion that the
testimonials of that gentleman were pre-eminently
above those of any other. The committee, therefore,
came to the unanimous decision, that he was the most
fit party to undertake the duties of the office of
actuary. That duty he had discharged with the
greatest ability and energy. His talents were of the
highest order, and always at the disposal of the Direc-
tors. He (the Chairman) was always pleased
to say that that gentleman enjoyed the un-
bounded support and confidence of the board.
He would not occupy their time any further, but
call upon them to join with him in drinking the
health of Mr. Jones.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. JONES said he could not help feeling much
gratified at the very kind and handsome manner in
which their Chairman had made reference to his
abilities. He could only assure them that his
desire, on all occasions, had been to for-
ward, in the best manner, the objects of the
society. When they were not in so good a
position as they were now, he had stood by the Chair-
man, at the risk of losing his position, in defence of
their rights and interests, and he was pleased that
ciscumstances now showed the policy of the course
then taken. After the able and flattering address
of their Chairman in explanation of the affairs of the
society, he had little to say. Still to one point he would
make reference. From his position he was enabled to
say the bonus to the Proprietors would be very consider-
able; in fact, the position of their affairs was far better
than it had ever been before. If they had accomplished
the great end—a good bonus—with all the difficulties
they had to contend against ; if the vessel had sailed
so well under adverse winds, what might they not
accomplish with the winds in their favour?—(Cheers.)
It was the source of great satisfaction to him to think
that he stood so high with the Chairman and Board of
Directors, and that a new Board of Directors.;
and it was to him, too, a cause of much pleasure to
think that he commanded the respect of so wealthy
and influential a body as the gentlemen by whom he
was surrounded—(Hear, hear)—gentlemen who re-
presented in an eminent degree the wealth and in-
fluence of this great nation. If they wanted any
evidence of the wealth and public spirit of the
commercial travellers, they had amply given it that
day in the steps taken to establish a school.—(Loud
cheers.) While that institution was understood to be
entirely distinct from the assurance society, he need
not say that the members of the latter ought to give
it every assistance in their rower. They ought to be
the first to give it their support, and that he was sure
they would fully and effectually render.—(Loud
cheers.) In fact, they had given an evidence of that
already. He would conclude by thanking them most
kindly for the honour they htid done him in drinking
his health.—(Loud cheers.)
The CHAIRMAN, in the absence of Mr. Wilson,
who had been deputed for the purpose, proposed the
next toast, " The auditors, solicitors and medical
officers of the society." The sincere thanks of all
were due to them for the valuable assistance they had
rendered the institution. To the auditors they were
indebted for the careful examination into their finan-
cial affairs, by which they were placed in possession
of most excellent accounts ; to the medical officers, for
the great ability displayed in the selection of lives to
be assured ; and to their worthy solicitors for the
discretion they had evinced in keeping them out of
litigation, and consequently of expense.—(Cheers.)
He hoped the company would excuse his joining
the names of these gentlemen together in the present
toast, as they ought, had the evening not been so ad-
vanced, have been given separately. Without further
comment, he would propose the healths of the audi-
tors, medical officers, and solicitors of the society.—
(Loud cheers.). The toast was drunk with all the
honours, and amidst great applause.
Comic song, by Mr. Hatton—" There was a little
man dressed all in green."
Mr. STOCIIDALE (one of the auditors) responded to
the toast. It gave him great pleasure to possess that
opportunity of returning thanks on behalf of the
auditors of the society. He did so, and he believed
he spoke their sentiments when he said that, however
much their labours might be enlarged by the increase
of applications, they did not care so long as it led to
the extension and prosperity of the society.—(Loud
cheers.) He was well satisfied that the new year
would bring with it an increase of business, and he
knew the feelings of the two auditors so well as to
say, if it did so, it would give them, independent of any
extra exertion, the greatest pleasure and gratification.
The affairs of that society required industry and
vigilance in the auditors, and should their increasing
business require that more time and labour should be
devoted than had hitherto been, he should be most
willing to devote that extra time and labour to it, so
as to have the work efficiently done.—(Cheers.)
They would not require any more observations from
him. He could only say, that in his humble capacity
of an auditor of the society, he returned his most
sincere thanks. On looking around him he recog-
nised many old associates, as well as many that were
new to the institution, and he could assure them that
by the exhibition of industry and perseverance on
their part, before the next annual meet-
ing took place, such additions would be made
to their numbers, as would prove to the world that
the commercial travellers of this country were really a
powerful and influential body of men.—(Cheers.)
For himself and brother auditor, he would say nothing
should be wanting on their part to forward the in-
terests of the society. He had nothing further to
add but the declaration that they would do their duty
if the members of the institution did theirs.—(Loud
cheers.) With regard to the solicitors, he would say
they had fought well for the society's interests ; and
the attention of the medical officers had been careful
and undivided to its affairs. It therefore afforded
him much pleasure in returning sincere thanks on
their part, as well as for himself and brother auditor.
Song, by Mr. Machin—" Down among the dead
men."

." Hail,

respect.
The CHAIRMAN then rose to return thanks, and
was greeted with renewed and most enthusiastic bursts
of applause. When silence was restored, he said—l
rise, under feelings of great excitement, to express
thanks for the very kind and enthusiastic manner in
which you have noticed me, and to say how exceed-
ingly gratified I am at the warm and cordial manner
in which you have received the mention of
my name. Were any further inducement re-
quired to stimulate me to greater exertion in your
service, such a striking manifestation of your feeling
and respect would he an additional incitement. You
all well know the position I have occupied in this
life assurance company. It has been till within the
last twelve months often of a mixed and painful cha-
racter. There has been much to encounter, much to
endure ; still, the strong and undeviating sup-
port of two of my brother directors, Giles Redmayne,
Esq., and Edward Baker, Esq., who, with a large
majority of the proprietors, supported me, and en-
dowed me with sufficient moral courage to stand by
the interests of the company, to fight its battle and
to obtain the victory.—(Loud cheers.) As long as I
improve proprietors,
the so
condition long
dI
employp os se s s tehreery confidenceexertion
advance the solid interests of this assurance society,
and I am proud in the result of this day, when I see
of
t t the
ranged around me at this friendly board so many of
my friends among the commercial travellers.—
(Cheers.) lam certain, with the gigantic efforts you
have made, and with what we are yet able to accomplish,
we must and shall command every success that is de-
sirable. Thanking you for the kind wishes you have
expresssed, in return I beg leave to drink all your
very good healths. The lion. Gentleman resumed
his seat amidst loud. and general applause.
Glee—" The Chough and Crow."
Mr. WADDINGTON then rose to propose the
health of the Directors. He regretted that
some other party had not been entrusted
with the toast who would have done it greater
justice. Still, when called upon to speak, he was
much gratified in having to appear before that as-
sembly to propose such a toast. He would not detail
the reasons why they should respond to it, as he was
sure, when he told them it was a vote of confidence
in the management, it would be quite sufficient.
From what he knew of the past circumstances of
the Company, he, as one, must say the Directors
were entitled to support, and that the meeting
ought, as a mark of respect, to drink their healths in
a bumper toast.—(Cheers.) If they considered
the onerous positions those gentlemen occupied, the
attention they had bestowed in conducting this public
institution, in conjunction with their standing in
society, he was sure they were entitled to every mark
of consideration and respect. 'When they found a
gentleman among them so highly respected as the
Chairman, along with those by whom he was sur-
rounded, and when he (Hr. Waddington) told them,
also, that that gentleman was a man who had risen
from the ranks, and had led an active and useful life
for forty years, he was proud to have that oppor-
tunity of calling upon them to honour the toast he
was about to propose. Looking to what the society
had been, and to what it now was, and well knowing
what life insurance companies ought to be, they would
perceive the great obligations they were under to the
Directors. He had most sincere pleasure in propos-
ing " the Health of the Directors," and hoped they
would find the amplest support from the Proprietors
in carrying out the good work in which they were
engaged.
The toast was drank with all the honours.
Mr. GILEs REDMAYNE, returned thanks. He said
that Mr. Alderman Sidney, who had been entrusted
to respond to the toast, having been obliged to leave,
he (Mr. Redmayne) was called upon to reply, and he
would not, therefore, shrink from the duty. He was
not prepared to say much on behalf of the board
after the excellent speeches which had been deli-
vered ; but this he must say, that with his
friend, Mr. Wilcoxson, he had stuck well to the ship
—(Loud cheers)—and had got her under fair sail
again. They had left th.dr adverse gales behind, and
found the vessel under fair sailing, and with few con-
trary winda.—(Cheers.) He had great gratification
in meeting them that night; and felt deeply interested
in the interest and welfare of the soc;ety. He be-
lieved the Directors had done their best to advance
the interests of the whole body. There was another
point to which he would refer. It was the school. It
would be most gratifying for them to knows that in
the event of their death, their children 'would
'alese advantages to
he well provided with the elerae:,',s of know•
ledge, or if they did not secure
they would at least be ?secured
o
4...ne. widow and the orphan.—
ttloie itrheo wenhi7(fli n,g)f,
(Cheers.) They did not live fnr themselves alone,
but for the 'oenefit of others ; and what could be
ISehagoueldwitlhoewireorecvnooftanaibilieestonpotroraeicidueirite
tfohr t.h_ietnelves.
more praiseworthy than to provide tlite with know-
e
of such a school as they ...dvantages
Nvi:.-re establishing, if
any of their brethren shouldw a - die, and leave a widow
with a family, it
v-s a Very easy thing to
subscribe a guie-
unprovide '
toy wo,oa be enabled to enjoy the
cheers.) He was
n
by which the children so left
!Ts • education.—(Loud
port at
1
V:6ll334are°dl to make a long speech, and would,

Mr. AlooßE said that he had now the pleasing
duty to propose " The health of the Vice-Presidents,
and he felt proud in being allowed to do so in that
convivial company. They were gentlemen who had
paid great attention to the affairs of the society, of
much perseverance, capacious intellect, and undoubted
benevolence.—(Cheers.) The previous speakers had
so fully explained the affairs of the society, in con-
nexion with its officers, that all that he could do
was, to propose «The Healths of the Vice-Presidents,
Mr. Brooks, Mr. Millidge, and Mr. Roberts, and long
life to them."—(Loud cheers.)
The toast was drunk with great applause, and with
all the honours.
Mr. BROOKS responded. He thanked them for the
flattering compliment paid to his brother vice-pre-
sidents and himself in the kind and handsome manner
in which their names had been received. For
himself, he felt not only deeply complimented,
but, he must say, pleased and gratified in
no ordinary degree, in sitting under so able and
efficient a chairman.—(Cheers.) He considered it
was the proudest moment of his life, the becoming a
member of such .8 society. It was the first time he
had been there, and it was the source of no ordinary
gratification his being placed under so good and
valuable a chairman ; so much more so when asso-
ciated with men of intellect, and worth such as those
they had connected his name with, and such were, he
was proud to say, those engaged in commercial
pursuits, whom he saw around him.—(Cheers.) If
he had any sincere friends, or even foes, in the world,
he could not wish a greater gratification to the one,
or punishment to the other, than being present that
night and witnessing that scene. Their ship,
as had been told them, was going steadily
forward, it was sailing well, and there was every in-
dication of its soon reaching the haven of complete
success.—(Louil cheers.) It would be imprudent on
his Fart to say more, after so much had been said. It
was but necessary for him to repeat that which every
one present was deeply interested in—the prosperity
of the National Mercantile Assurance Association.—
(Hear, hear.) In the name of the vice• presidents he
concluded by returning them his sincere thanks.
Song, Mr. Hatton—Mock Italian bravura.
Mr. Law eoe rose to propose a toast. lie was sure
that every one who had partaken of the delightful
entertainment provided tor diem must have felt grate-
tut ; and if any additional proof were wanting to
show what their commercial friends could do, that
proof had been furnished in the present festive board.
feeling much gratified and pleased at the entertain-
mint
provided, and of course with those who had so
amply attended to their wants, he proposed the
health of the stewards. Though it might be con-
sidered invidious to mention any one in connexion
with the toast, still he could not avoid naming Mr.
M'Colloch.—(Cheers.) He gave, therefore, " The
health of Mr. M'Culloch and the stewards."
The toast was drunk with loud and general ap-
plause.
Mr. M'Cur.r.ocn said be was exceedingly pleased
at the manner in which the toast had been received
by the meeting. lie knew of no class that better
understood what a good dinner was than the cOrn-
mercial travellers. Among the stewards the point sug-
gested was, what sort of a dinner should' they

PILE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENI NG, DECEMBER 31, 1845.

have, and they all agreed a first-rate one. Such
dinner he hoped theihadbeen supplied with.—("Yes,
yes," and lourl cheersr) The next matter was the
music, and the first professional gentlemen were
secured. lle hoped on that point, likewise, they were
satisfied.— (" Yes, yes.") Ile hoped they had all been
satisfied with the entertainment provided.—(Loud
cries of " Yes, yes,''. "All, all," and general cheer-
ing.) If they were all satisfied, he was pleased and
delighted ; and he would further say, that in what-
ever position they might think fit to place him, how-
ever humble the appdintment might be, his services
would be at their disposal. (Loud cheers.)
Chorus—" When the wind blows."

Mr. CUFFLEY rose and said—l have great pleasure
in informing the meeting that Mr. Edward Baker, of
the firm of Baker and Ward, Bouverie-street, is the
first volunteer of 100• guineas for the establishment
of a school.—(This announcement was received with
tremendous cheering.)
Mr. F. STARR was next called on for a toast, and
spoke to the following effect :—I may safely say that I
feel myself in quite. the same position as some other
gentleman who have addressed the meeting ex-
pressed themselves—when I say I wish the toast I am
about to propose had been placed in other hands who
would have been better able to do it justice. I
regret having volunteered to introduce the toast,
not from any want ,of appreciation of the great
power of which it is the subject, but of my want of
ability to place it in its proper light before you. I
would not have so felt had the toast only referred to the
National Mercantile Assurance Company, but it is
one of the greatest importance, connected as it is, not
only with the country at large, but with every other
similar society to the' present throughout the extent
of the land.—(Cheers.) SD satisfied am I of its mag-
nitude and importance that, like Frankenstein, I am
frightened at the task I have undertaken. The toast I
have topropose, gentlemen, is " The press," and taking
into account the effects produced in the country by it, it
must command our
.fullest homage and respect.—
(Cheers.) The subject lam free to confess, however,
is one which leaves me without words to express what

I really think in referenre to it ; nay, I very much
doubt whether I ainjustified in entering into the sub-
ject, and anticipating a gentleman who is to rise after
me, and who is more,competent to do it justice than I
possibly can.—(Loud, heers.) Still, I may say, no
one more than myself is disposed to pay homage
to the intelligence and power of the press ; and
there is no body of men that owe more to it than
such as I see around the. do not say that you are
much indebted to it on your own behalf for the sup-
port of your Life Assurance Society, but, indirectly,
you are under much obligation to it—not only to the
Great Thunderer of Trinting-house-square, but to
your facetious friend. Punch ; the whole press, from
the one to the other of these, through all its interme-
diate stages, declares that life assurance is a good
thing.—(Cheers.) On all occasions the principle of
life assurance has had the benefit and support of
its influence.—(lleac, hear.) Six years ago we
could not exhibit to. the world such an association
as the present; but. the press showed the way
and assisted and cheered us, guiding us by its intelli-
gence and advice, until we have become successful.—
(Cheers.) No one amore than myself admires the in-
tellect and industry that characterises the conductors
of the press, and none is disposed to pay it greater
consideration and respect, as a powerful moral engine
for elevating, improving, and guiding public opinion.
Gentlemen, in conclitiion, I beg leave to propose—
" The Press, and hing life to those who direct and
sway its pages, and whose labours regulate and
govern the feelings of the country."—( The toast was
received and drunk: with loud and long continued
cheering.) .
Mr. MURDO YOUNG rose and said—Mr. Chairman
and gentlemen, I will not detain you long in the
observations lam about to make. I feel great plea-
sure at the high character which the gentleman who
has just addressed the meeting has given the press.
The public press, 'like Joseph's coat, is made
up of many colours,.: or, I may rather say, of many
opinions, but in th main I believe those opinions to
be honest, and that they have a virtuous and
benevolent tendency. We are—in the words of the
poet—

" Brethren in it;pls, but rivals in renown."

The feeling of those connected with the public press
is to do good, and to•adyance, as far as in tFem lies,
the general interests of society. They do not pro-
fess to be supeiior to their fellow-men,
but they say what they think, freely, independently,
and with the best intentions. The press is the great
mirror of public opinion—it reflects its hopes and
fears. Perhaps it foreshadows too truly the conse-
quence of coming events, but in the main it is a
friend that may be trusted. To have an honest press,
the people must theMselves be honest.—(Cheers.)
We think deeply and, it may be, correctly on many
questions, but you think on a greater variety of
subjects, and are well qualified on many of these to
set us right, from your more intimate knowledge of
all their various bearings. In this spirit the gentle-
men connected with the press are ever ready
and happy to le4n the opinion of parties
experienced in the several walks of business
with which they are connected. Much is said of the
power of the press, but in reality the press has no
power but in the anscience of the people. The
people think much tlie same as the press, and when
the press comes out publicly with their private
thoughts, they give the press credit for
divining too happily their own very abstruse medi-
tations. But there i(no wonder in that after all—for
"What can we reason but from what we know?"

and the public press is.but the pulse of public opinion
—it beats quick or slow, as the temperature of the
mind or the body politic may indicate. You may, per-
haps, recollect the obervation of a Dutch Minister—
De Witz, I think—who said to his son, Go and
travel, and see what the world is ;" and the young
gentleman went, bttt he went in an easy chair, saw
people disguised like-himself, and he returned, like
Captain Cook's celebrated cow, which had travelled
all round the world, .but came back as wise as when
it set out.—(Cheers and laughter.) But if that
old gentleman lived at the present day, I
am sure he would' say to his son, should he
wish him to poss-ess an efficient knowledge of
society, " Go' and become a British commercial
traveller.—(Loud cheers.) You will then see
the world as it really is, in its manifold phases
and conditions," and—
" Survey mankind from China to Peru."
—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, you have said that the
press represents public opinion—so It does. It
reflects the feelings and sentiments of society as
water reflects the rays of the sun.—(Loud cheers.)
Commercial travellers go everywhere—east, west,
north, and south, and, if a war were to break out, I
am sure they would make an excellent army of
observation.—(Cheers.) They, indeed, are the true
interpreters of public opinion, whether they go
through the extent of Yorkshire or Lanca•
shire, or throughout the wilds of Scotland ;
wherever they go fliey are the men to ask what is
the state of opinion upon- any question. I have heard
with great pleLsure a gentleman who has addressed
the meeting refer to that glorious institution you have
just established—the School.—(Cheers.) Careful
as you have been in building up your Assurance
Society, and provident as are the objects it has in
view, there is something still beyond that which is
required—something to which you can, as hus-
bands and father;, look to, as conferring a
benefit on your-.- !children—(Loud cheers)—as
a means of providing elements of knowledge
to the youthful mind—
" To teach the young idea how to shoe,"
by the success of your own bright example, the ad-
vantages of such a school cannot be too highly esti-
mated. It is an institution which, in addition to the
Assurance Society with which you are connected, or
rather an emanation: of your own, is entitled to the
warmest and most energetic support. The press, it is
said, is the fourth 'estate ; but there is another estate
which has recently grown up—l mean the railway
estate—if the Railway King will condescend to
be one of us.—:(Laughter.) Yet beyond these
there is a still More provident estate—that of as-
surance companies. These societies are springing up
around us far and wide, and doing good everywhere.
Your society is one of these, the principle of
which is entitled to every encouragement, and
which I am sure it will receive from the great, in •
dustrious, and energetic body to which it mainly
looks for support,4 mean the British commercial
travellers. It has- been said that you should look
to royal assistance ; but, however desirable that
may be under certain circumstances, my advice is,
look to yourselves. (Cheers.) If you determine to
go forward in yoic present course you will reap
the reward of suecesd, and all the world will applaud
yott. Ton will seta good example, and your pros-
perity will induce others to go and do likewise.
Mr. STARR then prvosed the " Health of the
Ladies," which, having been drunk with the greate,t.
enthusiasm, the chairman left the chair, and the
meeting immediately afterwards separated.

PREPARING POW THE ATTACK.—Free-traders are
qualifying in IsTottiurrhamshire, in order to be prepared, at the
opportune time, to make a resolute attack upon the fortress of
monopoly. At the period of the iieform Bill that county re-
turned six Reformers; since then the "landed intere*" has
regained hold. It is now perceived to be high time that an
assault was commenced in right good earnest upon the
Chandos camp. Let this only be well done throughout the
country, and hankility, selfish, and unfeeling brown bre:A,
curry, and potatoes Dakes—whether royal or not—must sur-
render to the force of reason. Truth and justice are against
them ; this they wpll. know. That, for the purposes and
ends of a particular .class, the rest of the community should
suffer (and in consequence be kept in discontent) is a thing*
too grievous to be allowed to continue.—Front a Correspondent.
Mr. W. H. Polk, brother to the President of the
United States, is at :this moment in Paris. He will remain
some time awaiti4 dispatches from Washington, and will
then proceed to Rotn'eand Naples, where he will act as En-
voy Extraordinary from the Union, in order to exchange the
ratifications of a treaty of commerce and amity recently con-
cluded between his Government and the kingdom of the Two
Sicilies.Galignani.

LITERATURE.
THE CABINET HISTORY OF ENGLAND ;
being an Abridgment, by the Author, of the Chapt.?rs
entitled " Civil and Military History" in the "Pictorial
History of England." Vols. X. and Xl. By Charles
Mac Farlane.
These volumes contain the greater part of the his-
tory of James 1., with that of his unfortunate son, up
to the famous Remonstrance passed by the Commons
in the sixteenth year of his reign, when his power
and authority were gone, and preparations were made
on both sides for settling all differences by an appeal
to the sword. The reign of Charles I. forms the most
important era of English history. During that period
was commenced the great struggle against the
despotic power of the sovereign, and the foundations
were laid of that constitutional liberty which has long
been the boast of this island. It is, therefore, of great
importance that facts involving such consequences
should be correctly stated and fully elucidated, and
the more so as they have hitherto been greatly
obscured or grossly distorted, and written rather to
serve party purposes, or suit personal prejudice 3,
than to lay open the real causes of the revo-
lution, and point to succeeding generations the
debt of gratitude they owe to the Pyms, and
Hampdens, and Eliots, and the calumniated Puritans.
Hume, with all.his great abilities, his apparent impar-
tiality, and his clear insight into the motives which
generally actuated mankind, has failed in this part of
his history, and to a certain extent cast an odium upon
the Parliamentary leaders which they little merit.
He has done justice to their splendid talents, their
consummate skill in forming and carrying into effect
their plans—he admits even their patriotism in re-
sisting arbitrary power, and, cannot deny that to the
Puritans we are indebted for the most valuable
privileges we enjoy as freemen ; but still his praises
are evidently forced, and he endeavours to lower
these men in public estimation by turning into ridi-
cule some of their speeches, and by inveighing against
their fanaticism and hypocrisy. That, however, is
not the only defect in his history. His partiality to
the Stuarts, and the pity which he excites for the fate
of the unfortunate sovereign who made war upon
his people • to defend what he calls his pre-
rogative, but which all impartial men call despotic
power, tended much to lower the character of the op-
posite party even among good reformers, and to de-
stroy all their merit in the eyes of the High Church
party. His prepossessions in favour of that worthless
race of kings blinded a mind otherwise so clear and
unbiassed, and made him palliate, or deny, or excuse
crimes, which ought to meet with universal reproba-
tion. Even in the history of that contemptible and
vulgar sovereign, Jarnes'l., this partiality is most
glaring. He tells us, of course, what he could not
conceal—that he was desperately attached to young
favourites, that he conferred on them the highest
honours, and loaded them with wealth; that they, in
*act, were his chief councillors, though they followed
each other in rapid succession, and that such a
strange propensity caused general offence
and scandal, while at the same time he not
only throws a veil over his crimes, but asserts what
few .
persons now believe, that these propensities had
nothing in them "immoral or flagitious." The trial,
conviction, and pardon of the greatest of his favour-
ites, Somerset and his profligate wife, for the murder
of Sir Thomas Overbury, are briefly described, and
made to appear as little injurious to the king as pos-
sible, though nothing can be more fatal to his
character than the whole scene of this man's life at
court. The favourite seduced this woman while the
wife of the injured Essex, the king granted his royal
permission for a divorce, the guilty pair, with the
king's consent also were married, and though they
were guilty of an atrocious murder, for which many
of the other accomplices suffered death at Tyburn,
they were pardoned a few weeks after conviction, and
the king settled on Somerset the splendid income of
40,0001. a year for life. This extraordinary conduct
is attributed to some secret cause, to some ap-
prehensions of the king's that Somerset
might make fearful disclosures, and the whole
history of the trial confirms the worst suspicions.
Somerset for some time absolutely refused to submit
to a trial, told Sir George More, the Lieutenant of the
Tower, that he should carry himto Westminster Hall
by force in his bed, and that the king durst not bring
Lim to trial. The rest of the strange scene is thus
graphically described by the author of this excellent
history :
" This language made More quiver and shake ; . . .
yet away goes More to Greenwich, as late as it was,
being twelre at night, and bounces up the back-stairs as
if mad.' The king, who was in bed, on hearing what
the Lieutenant had to say, fell into a passion of tears,
and said, On my soul, More, I wot not what to do
Thou art a wise man ; help me in this great strait, and
thou shalt find thou dolt it for a thankful master.' Re-
turning to the Tower, the Lieutenant told his prisoner
that he had been with the king, and found him a most
affectionate master unto him, and full of grace in his in-
tentions towards him ; but, said he, to satisfy justice,
you must appear, although you return instantly again,
without any further proceeding, only you shall know
your enemies and their malice, though they shall have
no power over you. With this trick of wit he allayed
his fury, and got him quietly, about eight in the morn-
ing, to the Hall ; yet feared his former bold language
might revert again, and, being brought by this trick into
the toil, might have more enraged him to fly out into.
some strange discovery. He had two servants placed
on each side of him, with a cloak on their arms, giving
them a peremptory order, if that Somerset did any way
fly out on the king, they should instantly hoodwink him
with that cloak, take him violently from the bar, and
carry him away ; fir which he would secure them from
my danger, and they should not want also a bountiful
reward."
Hume keeps all these remarkable circumstances out
of sight, though attested by Coke as well as Weldon,
and merely remarks, " Allowing all these circum-
stances to be true, of which some are suspicious, if not
palpably false, the great remains of tenderness which
James still felt for Somerset may, perhaps, be suf-
ficient to account for them." Throughout the whole
history of Charles the First the same par-
tiality in favour of the royal martyr prevails.
The philosophical and elegant historian, by a
singular perversion of facts, about which there can
be no doubt, declares that Charles " was candid, sin-
cere, upright, as much as any man whom we meet in
history ;" and adds, " perhaps it would be difficult to
End another character so unexceptionable in this par-
ticular." Now, it is a matter of history that the Par•
liamentary leaders could place no confidence in the
king's most solemn promises, and that this very cir-
cumstance urged them to extremities for their
own preservation. It is necessary to cite only two
or three instances to disprove the assertion that the
king was " candid, upright, and sincere." His very
entrance into public life displayed great duplicity.
While he remained at Madrid he deceived the whole
court, and more especially the confiding Infanta,
with promises and engagements which he never in-
tended to perform. He even submitted to a course of
mental reservation, evasion, lying, and per-
jury, says the writer of this work on
good authority. He was ready to vow
whatever they chose to get safe out of
their country, " fully resolving to break all these en-
gagements as soon as he conveniently might ;" and
his first remark on finding himself on board one
of his father's ships was, "that he had duped the
Spaniards." Another instance of perfidy occurs on
the memorable occasion when he reluctantly con-
sented to give to the Parliament at Westminster the
appellation of the Parliament of England, and secretly
entered an explanatory protest in his council-book,
pretending that though he had called them a Parlia-
ment, he had not thereby acknowledged them for
such. And what justification or apology can be
made for his shuffling, evasive, and faithless conduct
in reference to the Petition of Right ? He at first
gave an evasive answer—he at last gave it his full
assent, and broke every article of it either imme-
diately after, or during the long period that he
ruled without Parliaments. His breach of pro-
mise to Strafford, too, is an indelible blot
on his memory, and proved that he was neither can-
did, nor sincere, nor upright. Strafford saw the
storm coming, and, to escape from his enemies, asked
leave to retire to his government in Ireland; but the
king, afraid to act without him, refused his consent,
and assured the devoted victim that " not a hair of
his head should be touched." Charles basely betrayed
his friend, appointed a commission to sign the war-
rant for his execution, and the Earl, on receiving the
fatal intelligence, and indignant at such weakness and
treachery, exclaimed, in the agony of despair, " Put
not your trust in princes." A candid and sincere
friend would have been torn to pieces rather than
submit to such infamy ; but he lived to repent his
baseness, and at the hour of his death could not for-
get his treachery to Strafford. This admirable
historical sketch, drawn by Mr. Mac Farlane,
and, among many other standard works, pub-
lished at a cheap rate by Knight and Co., pourtrays
the scenes of that eventful period in their true light,
and reveals many facts which Hume mysteriously
concealed. One of its great merits is its impartiality.
Justice is done to ()hales, but no more than justice.
There is no indiscriminate praise of the patriotic
leaders of the Commons, nor of the principal men
who figured in the civil war. He justly blames the
extravagance and the wild fanaticism of the Puritans;
he admits that the Scotch Covenanters were like their
neighbours, and not very nice in keeping their word
when it suited their purpose to break it ; and is no
less severe against the intolerance and tyranny of the
Presbyterians and Puritans than the determined and
open despotism of Charles, and Laud, and Strafford.
To Laud he does full justice, and asserts that some
of his reforms in church discipline and habits were
not only harmless, but
.judiciously contrived—a se. n-
timent from which we totally differ. pf the king
not much good is recorded, because, it truth, were
observed, little could I\be said in his favour. early
his whole life was disgraced either by treacherous
policy or by downright absolutism. No
two characters differ more widely from each
other than the character of Charles as drawn
by Hume and that which he was proved to