of British Consul at Shanghai since Mr. Medhurst, who has filed the post Winchester's d, was invited to a farewell dinner at the Club, on the 11th instant.
The Chair was taken at 7.45 P.xt. by Mr. John Dent, Messrs. Rennie, Porter and Tate occupying the Vice Chairs. There were present Mr. Seward Consul-General for the United States, Comte Mejan Consul-General for France, Messrs. Anneke Consul-General for North-Germany, Schlik Vice-Consul for Austria, de Emparanza Consul for Spain, Goodwin, Morel, Capt.
Davidson R. N., Lieut. Hext French Senior Naval Officer, Rev. Canon Butcher, Messrs. Davenport, Fraser, Harvey, Ford, Percival, Keswick, Rennie, Lavers, Porter, Wood, McLean, Fergusson, Hawes, Brodie, Tate, Canny, Forbes, E. C. Smith, Pemberton, Gilman, C. J. King, Miller, Jamieson, Robinson, Kaye, Robison, Zimmern, Hyslop, Parker, Dr. Henderson, Harwood, Hanssen, A. Dent, Tootal, Hancock, Hyde, Gubbay, Moses, Jellicoe, Essex, Cameron, Dow, Gamwell, Gundry, Eames, Paterson, son, Jos. Thorne, Dr. Sibbald, Dr. Mac-Dick, B. R Smith, Long, Forster, Robert-Gowan, Dr. Dyer. Altogether about 70 sat down. Many others who had wished to be present were prevented—Admiral Rodgers and his staff.
The Cxarrman rose about 10 o'clock, to propose the first toast. That before him on the list was "The Queen." Butas we met here members of various nationalities, he would say "the Rulers of our respec: tive countries."
The Cuarratax next rose to propose the toast of the evening. Irise, he aald, to perform a very agreeable duty, and although I feel that I cannot do so efficiently, yet when. Hook around, I feel confident, because I know you will kindly assist me by receiving the torist which T have. to propose. wit heartiness and unity. Gentlemen, I beg leave to propose the health of our worthy Consul, Mr. Medhurst. You will, Iam sure, not expect a long speech from me on this occasion, as it would take too long to go over the period of service of our extznalo friend, and again, in a social reunion of this kind, all political topics might well be avoided." I believe we are met here to express a hearty and sincere approval of the conduct of our worthy Consul. We have met him in various ports in his offcial capacity, and I am sure I only say what you all would, when I say that his career has been' marked by. strict justice and a hearty goodwill towards all.
gentlemen, these are the characteristics of our worthy Consul, and we are met hero to express our thorough approval of his official conduct, to wish him a prosperous passage, and to assure him a hearty welcome when he returns to Shanghai. Gentlemen, I again propose the health of Mr. Medhurst. (Drunk with loud cheers.)
Mr. Mrpnvrst—Gontlemen, I heartily wish Ipossessed the aptitude for publicspeaking which has been exhibited by your worthy Chairman, in his remarks about me, for then I should be able to reply to his kind speech, and to acknowledge your friendly and abundant hospitality, ino fitting style. But I am sorry to say I have always been a bad speaker; and my answer must be at best feeble as compared to the very great honour that has been done me this evening. I can only succeed in concentrating my ill-assorted ideas into the good old English word "thank you;" and in that word I wish you to understand that.I embody all the heartfelt sentiments of which Tam capable. Mr. Dent has very handsomely spoken of my services during the time I Have been Consul. Cons in China, as you all know, are not what they used tobe. Their power is more limited and they act within restrictions which bind them to do very much what they are told. ButI can say for myself and my colleagues, that we always try to do our best; and poor as my best has been, Iam pleased to have been in a position to place it at your is I shall be glad to come back to Shanghai, for I feel it a great privilege to represent an important section in such a community as this; a privilege which, Iam not ashamed to confess, it has been ambition to possess for the last twenty-five years.
Tthankfully accept your "God-speed" which Mr. Dent has just expressed; I assure you it takes away very largely from the pain of leaving, and adds very largely to the pleasure of going home, to know that Tearry with me the goodwill of so many friends.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.