THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 197 



the most iiuforseen. In either case, if we expect to reach a haven 

 untroubled by anxiety for the future, disappointment must be 

 the result. But when depression is not the effect of degeneration 

 in the individual or people, we may hope for compensating influ- 

 ences, and I think we can look back upon that time without any 

 sense of shame. 



It was caused by influences beyond our control, and brought 

 out characteristics which did credit to all classes — exemplary 

 patience in those who suffered ; liberality, ample and timely 

 (which was all-important), in those who had the means to help ; 

 judgment, sympathy, and unwearied zeal in those who adminis- 

 tered the relief. One most gratifying feature was the large 

 amounts remitted by Cornishmen from the Australian colonies. 

 Strange to say the amount contributed by those in the United 

 States was comparatively insignificant. The absence of anything 

 like a breach of the peace throughout the months when, notwith- 

 standing all that could be done by the relief committees, many 

 must have been in want of the necessaries of life, was as 

 remarkable as it has generally been among Cornishm.en in similar 

 times of trial. This is a trait of Cornish character which cannot 

 be denied, and of which we may speak with pride. Unhappily 

 I cannot speak of it now without some reference to what occurred 

 in a neighbouring town a short time since, lest I should appear 

 willing complacently to ignore an event which, although highly 

 exceptional, no one who values the honour of his county would 

 wish to palliate for a moment. A cowardly outrage, by several 

 men upon one, aroused just and natural indignation, but was 

 followed by acts of lawless violence which no such indignation 

 could excuse, and all evidence against the ringleaders appears to 

 have been silenced either by fear or sympathy. Throughout the 

 county there was a feeling of bitter shame at such a blot having 

 been cast upon the character of our people. The prudent action 

 of the magistrates, in conjunction with the military authorities, 

 in shewing by a strong but judicious display of force that order 

 must be restored ; the activity and readiness of all the respect- 

 able inhabitants to assist in maintaining peace by theu' personal 

 influence and personal service as special constables, as well as 

 their promptitude in making good at once by subscription the 

 reckless damage done to a place of worship, were redeeming fea- 

 tures in the transaction calculated, I think, to produce a beneficial 



