Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1881-09-07
Ministerial Fish Dinners.


part of the last century, very high tide
in the Thames broke down portion of
the sea-wall that protected the marshes
of Essex, near the village of Dagenham.
An extensive tract of valuable land was,
in consequence of the occurrence, flood
ed and lost; and, Notwithstanding vari-
Gus costly attempts carried on for sue
cession of years, the breach remained In
its deplorable condition. At last, how
ever, in the year 1721. an engineer
named Perry was successful IN his en-
deavors to repair the wall-a feat which
it is reported, made as greata sensation
at that time as the construction of the
Thames Tunnel in after years. The work,
however, was considered of such import
ance that an act of Parliament was pass
ed, appointing body of commissioners
for its superintendence. These when
elected were mostly city gentlemen, and
they soon arranged among themselves a
dinner as preliminary step for after
ward discussing their business. In a
short time it was discovered that the in
land lake of water, which it was found
almost impossible to drain entirely off,
produced excellent fresh water fish.
Hence, their visit came to be connected
with a dinner of fresh fish, caught and
served up in the board room, which
formed part of building close to the
flood gates, usually known as Beach
House, and which had been purposely
erected for the accommodation. of the Sup
erintendent of the works. This dinner
soon became an annual institution, and
many of the Commissioners who had
country houses in different parts of Es-
sex contributed not only wines from then
cellars, but fruit and flowers from then
gardens for dessert. Distinguished guests,
too. were invited, including the Cabinet
Ministers, the latter being conveyed
from Whitehall in the roayal and Admir-.
ality barges. Hence, in cource of time,
it became kind of Ministerial whitehall
dinner; and afterward, owing to the long
journey from Westminster, the scene
was changed from Beach House, and
transferred to one of the taverns al
Greenwich. Another origin, however,
has been assigned to this annual festivi.
ty, which is as curious as the preceding
one. Many years ago, on the banks OF
Dagenham Reach in Essex, merchant
named Preston, baronet of Scotland,
and some time member of Parliament
for Dover, occupied a cottage, where he
was In the habit of seeking quietude and
relief from his Parliamentary and mer-
camille anxieties, frequently entertaining
as his guest the Right Hon. George
Rose, Secretary of the Treasury. On
one occasion Mr.. Rose accidently hap
pened to intimate to his host that he was
quite sure Mr.. Pitt, of whose friendship
both were proud, would much enjoy a
visit to such a charming country nook,
removed, as it was, from the hustle and
turmoil of every day life. The Premier
was accordingly invited, and so mach
enjoyed his visit that he readily accepted
an inviatation for the following year.
After being Sir Robert Preston's guest
several times, it was finally decided that,
as Dagenham Reach was long distance
from London, and the Premier's time
was valuable, they should hencefortf
dine near Westminster Thus Green
wich was selected, and, as this place
was more central, guests were invited to
meet the Premier, who in time included
most of the Cabinet Ministers. As, how
ever, the dinner was now no longer of &
private character, and embraced many
visito-s personally unacquainted witt
| Sir Robert Preston, 1t was decided thai
he should be spared the expense; but
as compromise, he insisted on supply
ing buck and the champagne. The
time for dining together was generally
after Trinity Monday short time be
fore the close of the session. On th'
death of Sir Robert Preston, the dinner
assumed political character, and thu
party was limited to Cabinet Minister'S