The Sun. — 1856-04-17 (London, England)

LOYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.  The eighty-second anniversary of the Royal Humane Society was celebrated last evening at the Freemasons' Tavern ; his Grace the Duke of Wellington inithe chair. There was a very numerous attendance of the friends of this admirable institution, including Sir Robert Peel, M.P., Colonel Baillie, Thomas Hawes, Esq., Captain Fishbourne, Marshall Ha'l, Esq., M.D., Shirley Woolmer, Esq., Dr. J. S. Christial, Joseph Charlier, Esq., Andrew Caldecott, Esq., Dr. M`Cenn, and other gentlemen who have taken a deep interest in promoting the operations of the society, which has so many and such just claims on the liberal spirit and benevolence of a philanthropic public. After the usual loyal toasts were duly honoured, Sir ROBERT PEEL proposed the health of the President of the Institution, and took occasion to enlarge on the beriefite which the society had conferred. During the past you. 162 cases of immersion, attended with risk to the lives of 193 persons, had been brought under notice ; 25 of these were cases of attempted suicide, 180 were suecessfully treated, the other 13 having been past recovery. Since the establishment of the institution, the number of lives saved and restored in this country alone had been upwards of 30,000, thereby affording practical evidence not only of the success, but of the correctness and activity with which the committee bad prosecuted the views of the founders of the association. During the same period the society conferred, as rewards of gallantry to those who had risked their own lives to ,are the lives of their fellow-creatures, 16 honorary silver medals, 13 honorary bronze medals, and 21 testimonials. The hon. baronet observed that none but those who had been placed in similar circumstances of peril with himself, could appreciate the value of an institution like the Royal Humane Society ; and he earnestly entreated for it a liberal share of countenance and support. He gave them, with all earnestness and sincerity, " The Health of their President, the Duke of Wellington," who had taken so warm an interest in benefitting the condition of the institution. (Cheers.) The Duke of WELLINGTON acknowledged the compliment, and, in suitable terms, proposed " Prosperity to the Royal Humane Society." The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm. The medals and testimonials were then presented to the Rev. Walter Thursby ; Mr. Francis Robert Ransome; George Guest, a member of the Irish constabulary force, statione I at Cork, whose gallantry deserved special commendation ; Alderman Hill, of Tamworth ; Mr. Robert Mason, jun., of Guildford ; Captain Pengelley, R.N., and Mr. C. N. P. Portman, of H.M.S. Colossus ; Mr. W. H. Wilkes, jun., of Worcester; Commander J. R. Woodruff, Admiralty Agent an Gibraltar; and Mr. John C. W. Ellis ; all of whom had been instrumental, under circumstances of great personal peril, in saving the lives of several fellow-creatures. The case of George Guest, who in one day bad rescued no less than three persons from watery graves, excited considerable interest. The Duke of Wellington complimented him on his bravery, and said that it was only equalled by the modesty and great propriety of demeanour which he that evening exhibited. amountng been o rf eedeoiov/e.dw. ere announced Subscriptions to the tbhaev by the secretary Some minor toasts, including " the health of the Secretary," followed. The dinner and wines were unexceptionable, and the musical entertainment, conducted by Mr. Hobbs, was rendered additionally attractive and agreeable, by the great vocal ability of Miss G. Cole, a young artiste of oonsideptble proinifie.  V.