Gentlemen,—­Having received permission from the chair, I rise to propose a toast which would be well received in any society where the enlightened individual is known.  But here I anticipate it will be met by acclamation and enthusiasm.  I do not propose his health, merely because he is my friend, although I feel truly honored by his friendship; and the more so, as I know that it originated and was cemented by his conviction of my honest zeal for the public good, and the deep interest I took in the welfare of his native land.  But I give him as a public man, who, to a sound, vigorous, and cultivated understanding, joins a liberal and enlightened mind—­an innate love of justice, and hatred of oppression—­an inflexible adherence to that which appears to him to be right—­a man too wise to be cunning.  Armed with the ‘mens conscia recti,’ he marches straightforward to his object, nor turns into the devious path of crooked policy, and left-handed wisdom.  To these qualities are added indefatigable industry, and a patience not to be exhausted.  This is the man, who, as a public magistrate in high station, I offer for your acceptance.  Of his private worth, I dare not say all that I feel.  He is present.  You know him, and can duly appreciate his value.  You will have anticipated that I mean the bailiff of Guernsey.  I now propose to you ’The health of the bailiff, and unalloyed happiness to the island of Guernsey.’”

“In 1832, one of the most ancient and vital privileges of Guernsey—­the right of the inhabitants to be tried in their own local court—­was placed in peril, it being assailed by no less a character than Lord Chief Justice Tenderden, who sought to extend the power of the writ of habeas corpus to this island.  The history of this event would occupy much more space than we can now devote to it.  Suffice it here to say, that after much correspondence on the subject, Mr. Brock and Mr. Charles De Jersey, the king’s procureur, were deputed to London, to act in conjunction with the bailiff and procureur of Jersey in opposing the measure.  The mission was successful, and the independence of the insular jurisdictions was maintained.

“The last occasion on which Mr. Brock went to England in the service of his native island, was in the year 1835, when the channel islands were menaced with being deprived of the privilege of sending their corn into England, duty free.  An idea had obtained ground that this privilege was abused; and, in consequence, a bill was brought into parliament to deprive the islands of this important branch of their trade.  Deputies were therefore appointed by the islands to proceed to London, for the purpose of advocating their rights, and Mr. Brock was again fixed on as the representative of Guernsey.  Owing to the remonstrances of this deputation, a select committee of the House of Commons was appointed to inquire into the matter, and the result was that the bill was withdrawn.  So highly