Star.
London, England, 1821-04-12 00:00:00

COVENT-GARDEN THEATRICAL FUND.

Numerous as are the festivals for the furtherance
of charitable objects in this Metropolis, there are
none more interesting than those for the support of
the two Theatrical Funds. Covent-Garden held its
Anniversary yesterday, at Freemasons Tavern. His
Royal Highness the Duke of You:, to whose active
benevolence the Institution is mainly indebted •for
its stability and prosperity, was in the Chair, sup-
ported on the right by the Marquis of ANGLESEA,
and on the left by the Marquis of WORCESTER.—
Amongst the Noblemen and Gentlemen at the upper
tables were, Lords BLILSINTON, Fire, and GLEN-
GALL; Sir G. WARKENDER, Sir C. FLowea, Mr.
CALCRAFT, Mr. BEECHER, &C. &C.

After Non Nobis Domine had been given with
much ensemUe and effect, the health of- the KING
was drink with enthusiasm, and followed by long
and 101 l applause. Harmonized air and chorus—
GOD save the King.
" The rest of the Royal Family." Glee—Hail, 3tar of Bnata-
sizkl--4. The Army,' and 4' The Navy," with How aser.ily
we Roe, and kale, BriialUtie
Lord BLESINTON now rose, and, after expressing
his regret at the unavoidable absence of the Duke of
Sussex, whose feelings and eloquence would so much
better have enabled him to do justice to the present
toast, proposed the health of the Royal Chairman,
who now, for the sixth time, honoured the Institution
with his presence.
When the enthusiastic applause which followed
this toast had subsided, the Duke of Yons returned
thatols. He was extremely glad to see, that during
the period that he had had the pleasure of filling the
Chair, there had, at each A-nniversary, been assembled
a still mote numerous and respectable company than
the preceding year had presented to his view. Much
indeed hid been accomplished, but much yet re-
mained to be done, before the Fund could be placed
in such a situation as was desirable. That it would
be effected there was every reason confidently to
hope; and with this cheering expectation he would
give, " Prosperity to the Covent-Garden Theatrical
Fitnd."—( Loud and repeated plaudits).
The next toast was " The Vice-Presidents."
Lord Flea returned thanks, and gave, " The La-
dins and Gentlemen connected with the Establish-
ment of Covent-Garden Theatre." _

On the health of the Treasurer being drank, Mr.
FA wcerr spoke to the following effect:
GENTLEst es:—After having thanked our Illus-
trious Chairman and the Company for the honour
they have done me, I could Wish at once to entea
upon the business of out meeting, and (although it
might appear abrupt) proceed straight to those facts
with which I must presently make you acquainted;
but, the dread of being charged with ostentatious
forwardness, and unnecessary loquacity, makes me
hesitate, and indeed, at one time, made me deter-
mine not to intrude myself at all on your patience
this day, but suffer it to pass over, subject to such
observations and kind remarks as might fall from
our Illustrious Chait man, or any of our Noble or Ho-
nourable Vice• Presidents, whose rank and talents
enable them, so much more effectually, to advocate
the cause they have humanely volunteered to serve.
But, Gentlemen, in opposition to my wishes, it has
been maintained, that, to permit the Anniversary to
go by without a professional man speaking on the
subject of the Theatrical Tund, would be a derelic-
tion of the duty we owe to Our poor claimants, as
well as bearing the appearance cf disi espectful neg-
ligence to our Noble Patrons. I need not say, I
have bowed to these opinions, but I owe it to myself
to declare, that could I have prevailed upon any one
of my brethren to have undertaken the duty, I would
most cheerfully have resigned the task into hishands,
convinced, as I am, that the Charity might materially
benefit by the change of advocate ; l a:n,.however,
elected into this place of honour; and.(for the sake
of the Institution) I sincerely wish 1 could deserve
the distinction; but, if my colleagues

.4 w it buckle Fortune on my back,
'To bear her burthen whether I will or no,
Their mere enforcement must acquittance me r
_Of all the Chat itable Institutions which reflect ho.
flour on the Metropolis, perhaps there•is none more
humane is its principles or beneficial in its conse-
quences than this is : it tenbraccs diares:-.es so various
•is their nature, that it may be said to combine all
Oat other charities ese/usivetj alleviate; it includes
the infant from the moment tt sees the light, to the
adult snuggling. in the last stage of, misery; it pro.
vides au itsylurn for the nunitallf as well as the
bodily afflicted; and, when suffering Nature at
length cs.liausted, it continues its •influence till the