Our toast then shall be, "The Navy and its Volunteer Reserve."

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We all know the value our Navy is to us, and how our sea-girt isle, under the ægis of such a force, laughs at invasion. Now though perhaps the hours of our Wooden Walls are numbered, and the poetry that stirred our seamen of old is vanishing from view, still the lion hearts remain to tread the decks, and guard from foes our native land." Long may it be ere our naval reserve is called out for active service; still, should it come, England will find every man "will do his duty," whether he be of the Royal Navy or the Reserve, and the flag that has braved a thousand years shall still remain unfurled defiant alike of the battle and the breeze. Gentlemen, "The Royal Navy and its Volunteer Reserve."

The British Navy-the world's check-string.

"THE ARMY, COUPLED WITH THE VOLUNTEERS."

GENTLEMEN.-I rise now with great pleasure to propose "The Army, coupled with the Volunteers." First, to that brave and glorious army of England, from whose heroic deeds have sprung the high and distinguished position this country holds amongst the nations of the earth, to that army which at all times and seasons in the hour of England's peril has poured out its blood like water for the honour and safety of the country. To that army, I say, our thanks are firstly due, not only for past but for present and future services, seeing that their duty is a constant one, and wherever danger is there will they be to confront it.

Secondly, our thanks are due to our Volunteers as an auxilliary to that army we owe so much to, and who I am sure in case of need will prove worthy

the name they bear, and able comrades of their brethren of the line. When, Gentlemen, we see so noble, so devoted a band straining their greatest energies to acquire mastery of their weapons; when we witness the result of these efforts as shown by the returns from the competitive meetings of the Volunteers, whether the piece be the rifle or the "loud-mouthed cannon," we can but rejoice and say, happy is the country that can boast such sons.

Gentlemen, "The Army, coupled with the Volunteers."

"It is sweet and glorious to die for one's country."-Horace.

RESPONSES.

"THE ARMY AND NAVY AND THE VOLUNTEERS."

MR. CHAIRMAN AND GENTLEMEN.-I have the honour to rise to acknowledge, with thanks, the toast of "The Army," and I am glad to find that at all meetings of Englishmen the services of the British soldier are thoroughly appreciated. This causes him to be zealous in his duties, and to look lightly upon the fatigue and hardships of foreign service. The army of England I believe was never in a more efficient state than at the present time; and as I have ever been of opinion that the best way to be at peace is to be prepared for war, I hope and trust that our Government will ever maintain the British army in sufficient numbers and discipline to prevent a possibility of the latter.

"Peace rules the day, where reason rules the mind;" and our illustrious poet, John Milton, has written, "Peace hath her victories

No less renown'd than war."

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nust therefore be cont him in the field, or mes be happy to meet Ove of Peace! With it may be said now to rld. But we cannot tell to be so; but should the us, I feel sure that the tower of strength in the ited-a tower of strength s of masonry which line able these might be. The st none of the courage for n famed, and England has er army. I return my most manner in which you have

ast.

'Tis the soldier's life

y slumbers wak'd with strife."

Shakspeare.

mse.-"THE ARMY."

-I have again the good fortune or the amy, which I have had on

in this room. I have xploits; but far more ts, more agreeable times tever conduces to the this country must always ervice to which I belong. engaged in wars; on the ness to try and avert the if we can succeed in that we perform our duty suc

I trust that we shall remain at peace; but should the dire necessity for war spring up, the British soldier will be found ever ready and willing to do his duty to his Queen and country. But,

"War's a game, which, were their subjects wise,
King's should not play at."
Cowper.

Thanking you for the kind and enthusiastic manner in which you have proposed "the Army," I will say, may all the battles fought in liberty's cause be repaid with freedom and peace, for

"It is most meet we arm us 'gainst the foe:
For peace itself should not so dull a kingdom,
But that defences, musters, preparations,
Should be maintain'd, assembled, and collected,
As were a war in expectation."
Shakspeare.

Response." THE ARMY."

GENTLEMEN. I beg to acknowledge the toast on behalf of the "Army," to which service I have the honour to belong. This city, in bygone times, has been always regarded as standing in the forefront of our national defences; and I can but regret that your noble Chairman had not been brought up as a soldier. What an able general the country has lost through his not adopting the army as a profession! No one would have shown so much justice and firmness in the consideration of military affairs as the noble Chairman, particularly in regard to that branch of the service to which his energies and talent would have so appropriately adapted him. But

"A lucky chance, that oft decides the fate
Of mighty monarchs,"