Page 4 Advertisements Column 4

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 182, 5 August 1870, Page 4

A return of the quantity of arms and ammunition supplied to Natives since July Ist, 1869, shows a total issue of 97,112 rounds of ammunition of all sorts ; 84 Eufield rifles ** 161 medium rifles ; 21 breech loading carbines, &c. The policy of issuing arms to the so-called friendlies is causing much anxiety, more especially as the manner of many would evidence a belief that the Government are dependent upon them, and. that they are really masters of the position. During- a disturbance in our West Indian possessions, some years ago, the 79th Highlanders were sent to one of the islands to restore order. The niggers had never seen a Scotch regiment before, and were consequently somewhat puzzeled at the costume ; till at last one more cnDning than the rest explained it by saying, " Dey are in such a hurry to kill the poor black man, dat dey came away without deir breeches. Perhaps the most perfect bull of the kind is oue recorded of Madame Talleyrand. " Oh, lam so glad," exclaimed the lady one day at table. " that I don't like spinach." Why are you glad of it,?" good-naturedly asked Talleyraud. "Because, don't you see," the fair dame replied, "If I liked spinach, then Ishould eat it; aud I hate it." The Chancellor op the Exchequer and "the Ladies." —The Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed the last toast at the banquet given by the Lord Mayor of London. He said —l have often been struck with the very disproportionate weight that is attached to different things. I have often observed how light things are highly estimated, and important things are passed over with levity. But never has this great truth —for I wish to speak in a tone of solemnity perfectly in keeping with the speeches that have preceded mme —nor has this great truth been so deeply forced on my mind as this evening. We have listened to some of the most important personages and the greatest orators of England dealing with different topics. To one has been alloted the army, to another the navy, to another a most excellent and able body of men —her Majesty's Ministers —(a laugh) —to another the aldermen of the city of London ; to another the judges; to another the interests of the bar ; and each in their several vocations has done justice to the subject intrusted to them ; but if we consider these in that point of view what a small number of persons they represent — 200,000 or 300,000 soldiers, 15 or 16 Cabinet Ministers, about as many aldermen, and as many judges. But I appear here to speak for half the human race — (loud cheers and laughter) —and yet I come last in the whole hierarchy that have addressed you. (A laugh.) That was perfectly just as far as regards my own qualifications, but, I submit, most unjust as regards those whom I represent. We live in times when numbers have at least their full weight in Government and in Parliament. I claim for my numbers that I should be put at the head of the list instead of at the bottom of it. (Cheers.) But if we turn from numbers to qualities, my case is still more triumphant. You have heard of the march of soldiers and their unconquerable power ; but what power of arms can be brought into comparison with the power of beauty ? (Loud cheers). You bave heard of our sailors and nothing more than justice has been said of them. But who can spread so much sail, and with so much tact and advantage, as the ladies ? (Much laughter). We have heard of the bar of England and of their oratory, which sometimes sends you to sleep, but what is that to the influence which keeps you awake ? (Laughter). If time permitted I might go on and point out that there are no better administrators than the ladies, or greater or more careful Chancellors of the Exchequer. (A laugh). Well, then, I have said that the cause I have undertaken, both in point of quantity and of quality, ought to have the priority, and unless my argument has been thrown away, I am sure that everyone of you will receive with acclamation the toast I am about to propose. I give, as the impersonation of the sex she adorns, and for the grace with which she has presided this evening, " The Lady Mayoress." .(Loud cheers).