6 SEPTEMBER 1856, Page 3

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The town of Sheffield has subscribed a considerable sum for the pur- pose of presenting Mr. Roebuck with a testimonial, "for the national services he has rendered during the long course of years he has sat in Parliament." The testimonial has assumed two shapes : the fast is a

purse of eleven hundred guineas ; the second is to be a portrait of the Member, which it is intended shall be hung up in one of the public halls as a permanent memorial. The subscribers are men of all parties, and not limited to Sheffield.

On Wednesday, a public meeting was held in the Music-hall, for the purpose of handing over the purse and requesting Mr. Roebuck to sit for his portrait. In opening the proceedings the chairman, Mr. Fawcett the Mayor, remarked, that those who differed with Mr. Roebuck admired his manliness and consistency ; and all desired to show the grateful feel- ings which they entertain for the general conduct of their representative, especially with respect to the army in the Crimea. To Mr. W. Fisher was intrusted the task of presenting the purse, and of explaining, that several Members of Parliament of every section of politics, and many of his fellow countrymen, had subscribed to the testimonial. Mr. Roebuck, in returning thanks, gave an account of his position, as estimated by himself.

" It may be said that a man when speaking of himself has a bad subject for discussion. I quite agree with the truth of that assertion; but I think that the circumstances of the present case present to me a very fair occasion of talking upon a subject which upon ordinary occasions I should be the last to say a word upon. Nor would I do so now, did I not believe that I could draw a moral from the tale I am about to repeat. I am to ask myself what it is that has recommended me, as I find I am, to the consideration of my countrymen. What is there in me, unconnected as I am with the great parties in the state—unconnected as I am with the great families of the kingdom—undistinguished by wealth, unknown to fame ? (Cries of "Ho, no ! ") Yes, I say, because when I began I was unknown to fame. Other men have begun with all these advantages to recommend them. I began

without any such adjuncts to aid me ; yet still I have won the approbation and the confidence of my fellow countrymen. Proud am I to have done so ; but I ask myself what it is that has given me the present occasion of return- ing you my thanks. It is not talent, it is not name, it is not rank, it is not

wealth. What, then, is it ? It is steadfastness in "the path which I have marked out for myself. I am proud to say, that in the year 1832 I pub- lished a programme of the opinions which I then held. I had prepared my- self for a public life ; I had formed my opinions; I consigned them to paper—more, I printed them ; and to them I now adhere. That which I said in

1832 I say now ; it is my thorough and steadfast adherence to the opinions which I then expressed that has won for me the approbation of my country- men. Now, gentlemen, let me point out to you some of the peculiar circum- stances that have attended my career, political and public as it has been.

Going into Parliament unsupported, and only recommended by that true friend of the people the late Joseph flume, I determined not to .ally myself

to either of the great parties that then divided the House of Commons and the kingdom. On the one side I saw predominant in power the great Whig party of the realm ; on the opposite benches I saw, diminished in numbers, cowed in spirit, but still powerful in their hold upon the country, the great

Tory party of England. To neither the one nor the other—though I might have been said at the time to be a young man, a political adventurer—did I determine to adhere. I was neither Whig nor Tory ; but I went into the House of Commons determined to advocate that which I believed to be the interest of the people, without regard to party considerations. To that rule I have adhered through life, and no man now can say that I sin either Whig or Tory. That being the fact, I say that my career is a peculiar one, and I am proud of the peculiarity. Other men, greater than I am in intel-

lectual power, have gone into that House, but they have invariably joined either the one party or the other. They have won for themselves power and consideration ; but it has been by sinking the individual man, and making themselves one of a party to which they swore allegiance. To

neither one nor the other have I succumbed, but have represented the pea. ple of England, and have won my way through the House of Commons. Forswearing obedience both to the one party and the other, I hold it to be my greatest pride that I have not pandered to popularity, but have opposed the popular voice whenever I thought that voice wrong, just as I have op- posed the Whig and Tory parties when I have thought them wrong. Still, in spite of this antagonistic rule which I have laid down for myself, I have won, I am proud to say, the confidence of my fellow countrymen, and now stand here tonight one of the most striking instances of the reward that steadfastness can obtain from the people of this country." (Cheers.)

Starting from this point of acquired position, Mr. Roebuck asked what further good could be done ; and expressed his opinion that he should bo enabled to obtain further benefits for the country. He then described his} plan: to work out reforms through the House of Commons by means of an association of Members acting independently of the great parties,. and considering only the interests of the people. In forming this band, he relied upon the efforts of the Administrative Reform Association. At the present moment, he remarked, there is in the country a certain. apathy about political matters. If an angel of light came down with a Reform Bill, for instance, the people would say, " That is not what we re- quire at present." What they do require is that all the powers of the state should be well administered ; and the way to obtain that end is to reform the Administration by reforming the House of Commons. But the constituencies themselves need reforming. The people are very much at fault. They send men to Parliament who forget them the moment they get to London. When they enter Parliament, they are over- whelmed and destroyed by the influences to which they are subjected. "Mr. So-and-So and his wife go to London ; he desires to go into so- ciety, and Mrs. So-and-So to take her place as the wife of a Member of Parliament. I recollect a story which affords a strong illustration of the in-

fluence of society on Members of Parliament. When Lord Melbourne's Administration was coming to an end, the majorities it could obtain were

very small, and any man who stood out, who had scruples at that time, be- came of importance—and there are certain men who cannot obtain import- ance in any other way : these men suddenly found themselves beset with who told the people what they were going to do, who when they came to that House were like sucking doves. Their roar became a most mellifluous chant, and they would do anything to gain the good opinion of that House. They were no longer your representatives ; they represented

only their own feelings and wishes, and were the subjects and slaves of the aristocratic element of the House. I would beg you in your individual voting capacity, to bear that in mind. Choose such men as are not rampant on the hustings, but able to resist all the temptations that will beset them when they go into the House of Commons. It is a very difficult part they have to play—a game that requires great courage, such as you rarely find, to enable a man to withstand the temptations. It is not even a man intellectually endowed who can do it always ; for I have seen men of the very first ability succumb to the social influences of England. I have known men before whose intellect I would bow tonight or tomorrow who have been the slaves of the aristocratic domination of this country ; and I would ask you, in your individual capacity as voters, to point out that man —I now speak not only to you, but to every voter in the kingdom—who is not only enabled by his voice to advocate your opinions, but by the stead- fastness of his principles to resist those temptations to which he will be sub- jected. There are many questions that will rise up in the coming time. We are now in the condition described, I recollect, in a very popular novel called Lawrie Todd, where sonic men are represented in a boat, going down a river. The Yankee says—' I don't like this almighty stillness.' The river ran rapiay, it ran smoothly ; but the Yankee foresaw what was coming,— namely, that there was a little way ahead a cataract, down which they would immediately descend ; and he said, 'I don't like this almighty stillness.' 1 say at the present time, I don't like this almighty. stillness. We are far too quiet ; for I believe that we are on the very precipice of great changes both abroad and at home. I cannot believe that, mankind having arrived at that point of civilization and education which it has, Europe can long re- main subjected to the despotism which now overwhelms it. (Loud cheers.) God forbid that the struggle of mankind since 1789 should issue only in the base despotism I now see overshadowing Europe. I be- lieve mankind will rise up, and I hope that they will do so. (Cheers.) I hope they will rise up against the despotism that now weighs them down. But m so rising they will imperil much for themselves, and at the same time do much for you ; for be assured that no revolution can take place in Europe but will find somewhat of an echo and exercise an influence in England. Not that we are not a happy people. We are unlike the rest of Europe ; here public opinion reigns supreme. In Europe can you find The Times newspaper ? No. Can you find a plain-speaking man ? No. Should not I be shut up tomorrow ? (Cheers.) Well, then, what is good for England is good for Europe. I believe that the great mission for England is to per- petuate not only its generous institutions, but the opinions of its people. We are the reigning people of the European nations, and I will be bold to say that the opinions we entertain, that the example we set all surrounding nations, will have their effect, and that they will point to England and will say, Why can't we be like Englishmen ?' And they can be so. The Italian, the Frenchman, the German, the Hungarian, the Bohemian, the Pole—all can be like Englishmen. (Cheers.) I believe, gentlemen, that the time is coming when the great nationalities of Europe will rise up as one man against the oppressive despotisms which now weigh them down. Be you prepared for that change. You may set an example to the world at large by your steadfastness in well-doing, by your obedience to the law, by your self-government ; showing that liberty is safety, and that the only safety for mankind is through liberty." (Cheers.)

In proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Fawcett, Mr. Roebuck said he hoped it would be fully understood that the presence of the Mayor did not imply concurrence in the political opinions held by himself; and the Mayor in return frankly admitted that he differed from Mr. Roebuck in some things, yet that he did concur in the views expressed that night.

The Earl of Cardigan was entertained at dinner in the Town-hall of Leeds, on Saturday, by some of his admirers in the West Riding, where he has estates. He had been the guest of Mr. William Beckett M.P., and the chairman of the dinner was Mr. Edmund Denison M.P. The honours bestowed upon Lord Cardigan, beside the banquet, consisted in the reading of an address and the presentation of a sword—the former composed, the latter purchased, "by a great number of gentlemen who' admired and knew how to appreciate " his " conduct as a British Peer and an officer." In reply, Lord Cardigan made a long speech, mainly respecting the Balaklava charge, which he fought over again; and in narrating which he expounded his theory of the duties of a cavalry general.

" One would really suppose from what has been said, that when a charge of cavalry is ordered, the general officer commanding a brigade has no- thing to do but to wave his sword and gallop off, his men following him, and come into personal contact with the enemy's troops. Gentlemen, no such thing is the case. The duties of a cavalry general, in leading a charge, are very important. In the first place, it is his duty to keep his regiments together ; secondly, it is his duty to lead them at such a regular pace, un- der any fire to which they may be exposed, that when they come into con- tact with the enemy, they may attack them with a proper and full impetus. Further, it is necessary that, under whatever fire they may be exposed du- ring the advance, the general officer should keep the allignment of his regi- ment. It has been also suggested, and the idea has been entertained, that it is the duty of a general officer commanding cavalry to fight the enemy with and among private soldiers after coming into contact with them. No such thing is the case, and I will give you the greatest authority to the contrary. The greatest authority we have ever had in this country is that of the late noble hussar Lord Anglesea. Under the names of Lord Uxbridge and Lord Paget ho frequently commanded cavalry, and distinguished himself in every way, and had the reputation of being the beat cavalry general that ever lived in this country. He has been known to declare, that he never, during his career, raised his sword, or used it against an enemy, except on one occasion in self-defence. I could not, ladies and gentlemen, quote to you a greater authority than that of Lord Anglesea—the most gallant ge- neral of cavalry, who always led his own troops into action, whether he was in command of a small force or a large one. I will give you an instance or two. When he commanded the Hussar Brigade in Spam, previous to Sir John Moore's retreat, the Fifteenth Hussars, which composed one brigade, had an opportunity of attacking the French cavalry, and Lord Paget put himself at their head, led them to the attack, and gained a victory. Subse- quently, under the title of Lord Uxbridge, when commanding the whole force of cavalry at Waterloo, 10,000 strong, put himself at the head of the Household Brigade, showing himself first, most gallantly, and led his troops into action. There is one more fallacy which at times has been suggested with regard to the duties of a cavalry general. It is that a general officer of cavalry, leading his first line, after getting among and attacking the enemy, is to halt and receive the second line before bringing his brigade out of action. That is not the case. A general officer commanding the first line has nothing to do with anything but the regiments he immediately commands. Those who follow in support are under the superior officer of each line. But, even supposing such a thing was practicable in any com- mon charge of cavalry, of one body of cavalry against another, or even against infantry, can anybody living imagine that it would be possible for a general officer leading the first line of cavalry in an affair like that of Bala- klava, attacking eighteen, nineteen, or twenty heavy guns to the front, a battery on each flank, and the hills covered with Russian riflemen—can anybody suppose that when entering such a battery, vomiting forth shells, round shot, and every missile of war, a general officer can lead his line over the battery, and after that coming into combat with 5000 Russian cavalry, which was the force stationed beyond the Russian guns, he could turn his horse round and wait for the second line ?"

In the course of the proceedings, Miss Nightingale, Sir James Scar- lett, and General Williams, were duly honoured. Lord Cardigan spoke of Lord Raglan with much affection, and made the most of the praise which he said his Lordship had bestowed upon the commander of the Light Brigade.

The statue of Wellington, sculptured by Mr. Noble for the city of Manchester, was set up in its place on Saturday last, side by side with a statue of Peel in front of the Infirmary. The ceremony was warlike and imposing. Not only police, but soldiers, infantry and cavalry, kept the ground. Alderman Barnes the Mayor and others represented the City; the Bishop of Manchester represented the Church ; and Sir Harry Smith appeared for the Army. Some day, the people of Manchester propose to place a statue of Queen Victoria between those of the greatest warrior and the greatest statesman of her reign.

Mr. Adderley has given ten acres of land at Saltley, near Birming- ham, for a public park ; planted it, and fenced it, at his own cost. The public will supply the small sum required for its maintenance, and will elect two-thirds of the committee of management. It will be open every day until sunset, and nothing whatever will be charged for admission. On Saturday last, this munificent gift to the people of Birmingham and the neighbourhood was formally appropriated to its destined use. Lord Lyttelton, Mr. Adderley, Mr. C. H. Bracebridge, the Mayor of Birming- ham, and other gentlemen, went in procession with music and flags ; and ten thousand persons were there to see. A luncheon was provided for the donor and his friends ; then there was sung an inaugural ode from the pen of Mr. Monekton Milnes ; games followed ; and finally a dance, led off by Mr. Adderley with the prettiest girl of the village of Saltley for his partner.

Birmingham has built unto itself a new music-hall ; with the avowed object of giving frequent musical performances, and oratorios oftener than once in three years. It is not, therefore, established as a rival to the Town-hall, but rather as an adjunct ; and since " r appetit vient en man- geant," it does not seem unlikely that frequent feasts of music would tend to make the great triennial festival more sought after than ever. The new hall was inaugurated by the performance of the Messiah on Tuesday, followed by concerts on Wednesday, and the Elfjah on Thurs- day. The hall itself is described as a plain building without ornament, 111 feet long by 76 feet wide and 70 feet in height; and calculated to hold 1830 persons—the greater part in the galleries, the lesser on the floor. It stands in Broad Street, the entrance being by two corridors. The musical performances have been directed by Mr. Alfred Mellon, whom Birmingham claims for its own.

The Bradford musical festival was brought to a close yesterday week. The weather had become finer ; and the appearance of Mademoiselle Piecolomini caused a rush for places which raised a momentary expecta- tion that the treasury would if not quite full be nearly so. This expecta- tion does not seem to have been fulfilled, as it is suggested that 15001. from the guarantee-fund must be forthcoming to cover the expenses. It was supposed last week that the high prices kept away the shopkeeper class : it nevertheless appears, that four thousand persons, who had not been attracted by Madame Viardot, hastened to hear Piecolomini sing the duet from Don Pasquale and the drinking-song from the Traviata. Curiosity prevailed over high prices.

The new Free-trade Hall at Manchester is to be opened on the 8th October; when the proprietors will inaugurate their speculation by a dinner and ball, which the chief men of the old Anti-Corn-law League have been invited to attend.

The strike of the colliers at Barnsley is at an end. A number of the men having signed articles to resume work at the Oaks Colliery, and more being expected to follow their example, the colliers' committee resolved to close the struggle leaving the miners to act as they pleased in seeking work : the committee declared that they would seek employment else- where, rather than run the risk of working under the present manage- ment. It seems, however, that the proprietors have made a compromise, a person having been appointed over Mr. Minto to superintend the work- ing of the mine. The strike has caused a great loss to the owners, 80,0001. of capital lying idle for ten weeks.

Mr. W. B. Illingworth, a property-tax collector of Manchester, is now in Lancaster Gaol for defalcations in his accounts. The deficiency is upwards of 1000/. ; but the collector's sureties will almost cover the whole.

Mr. Beggs, collector of dock-rates at Liverpool, is a defaulter for 1401. At the time of the discovery he was suffering under cholera, and not expected to recover.

A burglar entered during the night the parsonage of Woore : the Reverend Mr. Hawksworth was aroused by his female servants ; he went into a room in the dark, and laid hold of a man's arm. The parson and the burglar made a bargain : to avoid alarming the ladies of the family, Mr. Hawksworth agreed to give the robber all his loose cash if he would then be off; the money was given, but Mr. Hawksworth retained a bank-bill and a check : the robber now wanted Mr. Hawksworth's watch, but this was re- fused ; and eventually Mr. Hawksworth led him to the outer door, where the thief bade him "good night."

At Dudley, John Dance, an innkeeper's son, courted a young woman, Miss Barr, his first cousin ; but as Dance was a dissipated fellow it was deemed necessary by Miss Barr and her parents that his addresses should be dis- couraged. He vowed vengeance. Late at night, in a tipsy state, he en- tered the inn kept by Miss Barr's father, went behind the young woman, and fired a pistol at her, inflicting dangerous wounds in the neck and lower jaw. He then with a second 'pistol shot himself dead. Mr. Baxter, a retired Inspector of Excise, is in custody at Gateshead on a charge of killing his wife. The couple were drunkards. It is believed that during the night Baxter strangled his wife in bed : she was dead in the morning. The Coroner's Jury could not agree on their verdict—seven were

for " wilful murder," and six for "manslaughter." The Coroner adjourned the inquiry, that he might communicate with the Home Secretary. The capital sentence passed upon Andrew Bracken, for the murder of Bates at Manchester, has been commuted to transportation for life.

On Sunday afternoon, two of the sons of Mr. Reid of Newcastle, brewer, were at Whitley, near Tynemouth. One of them, who lived in London, was bathing in the sea, and unconsciously got within the influence of the tide, and could not swim back to land. His brother, perceiving his peril from the beach, rushed into the water up to his chin, but could not reach " Go back ! go back !" cried the drowning man to his frantic brother ; " I will swim out to the French boats" (lying a short distance out at sea). As he uttered these words, he turned round, and before he could execute his purpose he sank.—Gateshead Observer. It appeared from the evidence at the Coroner's inquest on the fatal boiler- explosion at Bury, whereby nine persons were killed, that the explosion was caused by excessive pressure of steam acting on a boiler the plates of which had been weakened by damp brick-work : the Jury also came to the conclu- sion that the owners of the bleach-works had not exercised sufficient caution. The verdict was " Accidental death."

John Brierley has met a horrible death at Mr. Wrigley's size-manufac- tory at Saddleworth. Being intoxicated, he fell into.a vat of boiling water; and, though a companion quickly pulled him out, he was so badly scalded both outwardly and inwardly, for he had swallowed some of the water, that he died next morning.