Last night Mr. James Monro, C.B., the new Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, speaking at a banquet given by the City Police Committee at Haberdashers' hall, said he felt highly honoured in being permitted to say a few words in connection with the police, especially in the presence of the son of the illustrious statesman from whom they all derived the name of Peeler (Sir Robt. Peel.) (Cheers.) Whether they belonged to the City or the metropolis, they were all policemen, and they were all animated by the same desire and the same intention, viz., to do their duty in every shape and way to the public, and when he said that he was certain that it included everything that could be said in the way of performing their duties to the citizens, their duties to the Government, and their duties to the police force. It was only so long as they were in touch with the public that they could perform those duties. Of that there could be no doubt whatever, and he had the proud satisfaction to know even from his short connection with the police that they were in touch with the public, and long might they continue to be so. (Cheers.) So long as that did continue he was perfectly certain they would continue to deserve the kind things that had been said of them by Sir Robert Peel and the public at large. He and Sir James Fraser (Commissioner of City Police) worked together with the greatest harmony, and were animated by the simple desire to do their duty and protect the lives, the property and best interests of the public. (Cheers)
