WAKLEY'S SUBSCRIPTION MEETING.
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.