The annual soiree of the Huddersfield Mechanics' Institute was held
on Thursday, in the Philosophical Hall. The proceedings were similar as regards the speechmaking to those of Wednesday evening. The new additions were Sir Robert Peel and Major-General Windham. Sir Ro- bert announced that he should give 100/., spread over four years, where- with to buy books— He hoped it would be believed that some interest in the welfare of the in- dustrial classes of this country was still retained as the most fitting inherit- ance of the great name he had the honour to bear. (Immense cheering.)
Major-General Windham broached a plan for the defence of the country! He asks for 100,000 militia ; one-half of whom should do duty for a hundred days every year with the regular troops. This would enable us "to turn out under arms 120,000 men ready to defend us at all times. Cost, 1,500,0001." Here the gallant General seemed to remember where he was, if not the object of the meeting ; for he suddenly remarked-
" However, I do not come here to make war on the opinions of Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright ; I would merely suggest that an honest and proper defen- sive forceswould be likely to promote the ultimate views of those gentle- men." -tifrod cheers.)
A large public meeting was held at Edinburgh on Thursday, with the Lord Provost in the chair, for the purpose of stirring up in the capital of Scotland some desire to subscribe to the "Wallace Monument." The managers of the movement are dissatisfied that, after several months of agitation, they have only collected 2000/.—they want 25,000/. Sheriff Logan, born on the field where Bruce fought the battle of Bannockburn, owner of part of the field where Wallace fought and conquered at Stir- ling, Professor Mackie, and Sheriff Tait, made strong speeches glorifying the nationality of Scotland, and urging resistance among Scotchmen to
a tendency to be Anglified." The meeting was unanimously in favour of the proposed monument, and appointed a committee to raise sub- scriptions.
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