THE NIGER ASSOCIATION.
THERE is a melancholy difference between the recent field-day of the Niger Association and that which was celebrated when the scheme was first presented to receive the homage of a gaping public. There was no Prince ALBERT this year to draw an admiring crowd and reflect a glory on the Association. Sir ROBERT PEEL, having of into office, did not countenance them ; and the presence of Lord JOHN RUSSELL only served to corroborate the melancholy opinion that though the Association might be worth a few civil words from an Opposition leader, it was beneath the notice of a Minister. The decided failure of the first expedition had also opened the eyes of the public. Yet did the managers seem bent, like Falstaff, upon playing out the play : for although Sir FOWELL BUXTON could not muster modest assurance enough.to look his friends in the face, he sent them a letter and 501. ; and an annual report was read in due form by a Secretary, and movers and seconders of resolutions spoke of perseverance. It is natural to respect consistency, so long as it does no harm ; and if the Niger Association can only be prevented from immolating human beings to the fever-deity of their Black River, there is no reason why their annual meetings should not be tolerated. The subscriptions of their private supporters are not likely to do more that defray their annual expenses in London ; and if Government will but refuse them grants of public money, they will be effectually muzzled from doing mischief. In that case, there can be no danger in allowing them to perform at Exeter Hall once a year for the amusement of the seriously dissipated who junket at the May meetings ; and if an ex-Minister, at a loss how to dispose of his time, should occasionally star it among them, the weakness may be winked at.
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