A most amusing scene took place at the Freemasons' Tavern on
Tuesday evening, of which we subjoin an account. The object of
the meeting was, "to present Mr. Wakley with some decided mark of
their approval of his spirited conduct in his late trial;" or, in
other words, if possible, to raise a little money, and bolster
up the Lancet a little longer. The persons present were small in
number, but great in zeal; and as much noise, hissing, laughter,
and shouting, took place as would have done credit to a much larger
assembly. As this is a merry season, and it may amuse our readers,
we subjoin the speeches of the principal orators on either side:
it will be perceived that both the Gazette and Lancet had some
handsome compliments paid them; and that Wakley got thoroughly
abused even by some of those who went to the meeting as the
champions of reform. There was not a single individual present of
any weight in the profession, and the chair was occupied by a young
man wholly unknown, except as secretary to the meetings held two
years ago on the subject of surgical reform. Could no one whose
name might sound familiar in the public ear be prevailed upon to
go?--could none be found but Pateys, Wallers, Mills, Elliots,
Childs, and the Lord knows who? Where was he, the idol of the
Lancet, who on other occasions graced the chair--where he who first
ycleped that Journal the "invaluable"? Alas! poor Wakley, what an
exposure of a sinking cause! even thy former friends tremble for
their reputations, and desert thee.