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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:58:21 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 19:58:21 -0700 |
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diff --git a/32848-h/32848-h.htm b/32848-h/32848-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..95dd8a8 --- /dev/null +++ b/32848-h/32848-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,20756 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<!-- $Id: header.txt 236 2009-12-07 18:57:00Z vlsimpson $ --> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Speeches and Addresses of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales: 1863-1888, edited by James MaCaulay + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} +h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; clear: both; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} +p {margin: 1em; text-align: justify;} +p.subhead {text-align:center; font-size:110%;} +hr {width: 40%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} +a {text-decoration:none;} +table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} +td {text-align:left; vertical-align:top;} +.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: 9pt; text-align: right;} +blockquote {font-size: 110%; margin:0px;text-align:justify;} +.tnote {padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; + margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} +ins.mycorr {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted #FF0000;} +.center {text-align: center;} +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} +.small {font-size: 70%;} +.g {letter-spacing: 0.25em;} +.blackletter {font-family: "blackletter", serif;} +.figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} +.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} +.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} +.fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none; } +.poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} +.poem br {display: none;} +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} +.poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} +.poem span.i2 { + display: block; + margin-left: 2em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} +.poem span.i4 { + display: block; + margin-left: 4em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the +Prince of Wales: 1863-1888, by Edward VII + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 + +Author: Edward VII + +Editor: James Macaulay + +Release Date: June 17, 2010 [EBook #32848] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPEECHES OF PRINCE OF WALES, 1863-88 *** + + + + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Louise Pattison and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +book was produced from scanned images of public domain +material from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + +</pre> + +<div class="tnote"> +<h3>Transcriber's Note:</h3> +<p class="center"><a href="#corrections">Corrections</a> are highlighted <ins class="mycorr" title ="Original: lkie tihs">like this</ins>. +Mouse over to see the original text.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> +<h1><br /><big>SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES</big><br /> +<br /><span class="small">OF</span><br /> +<br />H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES:<br /> +<br />1863-1888.<br/></h1> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> +<img src="images/i_002.png" width="600" height="887" alt="Albert Edward P." title="Albert Edward P." /> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> + + +<h2><br /><big>SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES</big><br /> +<br /><span class="small">OF</span><br /> +<br />H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES:<br /> +<br />1863-1888.<br/></h2> + + +<p class="center"><br /><span class="small">EDITED BY</span><br /> +<big>JAMES MACAULAY, A.M., M.D. <span class="smcap">Edin.</span>,</big><br /> +<span class="small">AUTHOR OF "VICTORIA R.I., HER LIFE AND REIGN."</span><br /></p> + + +<p class="center"><br /><i>WITH A PORTRAIT.</i><br /></p> + +<p class="center"> +<br />LONDON:<br /> +JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.<br /> +1889.<br /> +</p> +<p class="center"> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span> +<br /><br /> +LONDON:<br /> +PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,<br /> +STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.<br /><br /></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span> +<br /><br /><span class="blackletter">To the Memory of</span><br /><br /> +HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS<br /> +<span class="g"><big>THE PRINCE CONSOR</big></span>T,<br /><br /> +<span class="small">THE "NOBLE FATHER OF OUR KINGS TO BE,"</span><br /> +<br /> +<big>ALBERT THE WISE AND GOOD.</big><br /><br /></p> +<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span><br /></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> +<h2>PREFACE.</h2> +<hr /> +<p>The year 1888, that of the Silver Wedding of the Prince and +Princess of Wales, is also the 25th anniversary of the year when +the Prince first began to appear in public life. It is, therefore, +a fit time to present some record of events in which His Royal +Highness has taken part, and of services rendered by him to the +nation, during the past quarter of a century. The best and the +least formal way of doing this seemed to be the reproduction +of his Speeches and Addresses, along with some account of the +occasions when they were delivered.</p> + +<p>Some of these speeches, in more recent years, are known to all, +and their importance is universally recognised; such as those +relating to the various International Exhibitions, the foundation +of the Royal College of Music, and the establishment of the +Imperial Institute. But throughout the whole of the twenty-five +years, there has been a succession of speeches, on all manner +of occasions, of many of which there is no adequate record or +remembrance. It is only due to the Prince to recall the various +services thus rendered by him, especially during those earlier +years when the loss of the Prince Consort was most deeply felt, +and when the Queen, whose Jubilee has been so splendidly +celebrated, was living in retirement. A new generation has +come on the stage since those days, and there are comparatively +few who remember the number and variety of occasions upon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span> +which Royalty was worthily represented by the Prince of Wales, +and the important and arduous duties voluntarily and cheerfully +undertaken by him.</p> + +<p>Before carrying out this design, it was advisable to ascertain +if there might be any objection on the part of the Prince of +Wales. There might, for instance, be a purpose of official +publication of these speeches. On the matter being referred to +the Prince, he not only made no objection, but, in most kind +and gracious terms, gave his sanction to the work, and hoped it +might be "useful to the various objects which he had publicly +advocated and supported."</p> + +<p>The number and diversity of occasions on which the Prince +has made these public appearances will surprise those who have +not personal recollection of them. The speeches themselves +will surprise no one. The Prince has had education and culture +such as few of any station obtain; directed at first by such a father +as the Prince Consort, and by tutors who carried out the design +of both his parents. Accomplished in Art, and interested in +Science, in Antiquities, and most branches of learning; with +some University training at Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, +and with his mind enlarged by foreign travel, we might expect +the fruits of such training to appear in his public addresses. +Add to this the kindliness which comes from a good natural +disposition, the sympathetic influence of a genial manner, and +the grace which is given by a training from childhood in the +highest station, and we can understand how the speeches even +of the earliest years were heard with pleasure and approval. +Some of the speeches are very brief, but are always to the +point, and present the gist of the subject in hand. It was +Earl Granville who once said, in proposing his health, that, +"if the speeches of His Royal Highness were usually short, +they were always, to use a homely expression, as full of meat +as an egg." Even where there has been no formal speech, we +are interested in knowing what the Prince has done as well as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ix" id="Page_ix">[Pg ix]</a></span> +what he has said; and therefore some important occasions are +included when no speech was made.</p> + +<p>It is the variety of subjects that will strike most <a name="corr_ix"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: readers,">readers.</ins> +Let it be noted, moreover, that the speeches now reproduced are +only those addressed to meetings where reporters for the press +were present. There have been innumerable meetings besides,—meetings +of Commissions, of Boards, of Councils, of Committees, +at none of which has the Prince ever been an inactive or silent +member, but rather the guiding and moving spirit. If the +voluntary offices of His Royal Highness were printed at length, +they would far outnumber those mere honorary titles with +which the College of Arms concerns itself; and are such as +imply thought and work, in many useful and beneficent ways.</p> + +<p>Long may His Royal Highness have the health and the will +for such offices and duties. If his future career is equal to the +hopes and promise of his early life, and the performances of the +last twenty-five years, he will leave a name illustrious and +memorable in the history of the British Empire.</p> + +<hr /> + +<p>*<span style="vertical-align:super;">*</span>* <i>The frontispiece portrait, under which the Prince of Wales has been +pleased to put his autograph, is etched by W. Strang, from a recent photograph by +Van der Weyde.</i></p> + +<hr /> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_x" id="Page_x">[Pg x]</a></span></p> +<p> </p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xi" id="Page_xi">[Pg xi]</a></span></p> +<h2>TABLE OF CONTENTS.</h2> +<hr /> +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td colspan="2"></td><td>PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Early Years of the Prince of Wales</span><br /> </td><td ><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At the Royal Academy Banquet of 1863</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Freedom of the City of London</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_12">12</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">British Orphan Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_14">14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At Mercers' Hall</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_16">16</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Literary Fund Dinner</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Irish International Exhibition of 1865</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_21">21</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">International Reformatory Exhibition, held in the Agricultural Hall, Islington</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Sailors' Home, London Docks</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Dramatic College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_26">26</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Fishmongers' Hall Dinner</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_27">27</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Speech Day at Wellington College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Institution of Civil Engineers</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The British and Foreign Bible Society</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Friend of the Clergy Corporation</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_36">36</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Warehousemen and Clerks' School</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Visit To Norwich in 1866</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal National Life-boat Institution</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Society of Ancient Britons</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">London International College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Viceroy of Egypt, Ismail Pasha, at the Mansion House</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Festival of St. Patrick</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_50">50</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xii" id="Page_xii">[Pg xii]</a></span><span class="smcap">Dublin and Carnarvon</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">St. Bartholomew's Hospital</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Laying Foundation-Stone of New Buildings, Glasgow University</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Foreign Tour, 1868-1869</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_67">67</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Geographical Society</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_69">69</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Earlswood Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_71">71</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Alexandra Dock at Lynn</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Visit To Manchester</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_74">74</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Peabody Memorial, Unveiling of the Statue in the City of London</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Scottish Hospital</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Masonic Institution for Boys</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_85">85</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">International Educational Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal General Theatrical Fund</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">St. George's Hospital</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_93">93</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Dulwich College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_96">96</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Schools for the Children of Seamen</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">New Grammar School at Reading</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Albert Gold Medal to M. De Lesseps</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Opening of the Thames Embankment</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_105">105</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Workmen's International Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Albert Hall</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_107">107</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The International Exhibition of 1871</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Artists' Orphan Fund</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Masonic Institution for Girls</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_114">114</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Earlswood Asylum Festival</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Homes for Little Boys</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Caledonian Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_120">120</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Dublin Agricultural Show</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Illness of December, 1871</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Norfolk Agricultural Society</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_132">132</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At Great Yarmouth</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The School Drill Review</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Weymouth and the Portland Breakwater</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_139">139</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiii" id="Page_xiii">[Pg xiii]</a></span><span class="smcap">Visit To Derby</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_140">140</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Railway Benevolent Institution</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_142">142</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Unveiling the Albert Statue on Holborn Viaduct</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The British Orphan Asylum Festival</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Banquet To Sir Garnet Wolseley</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_148">148</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Medical Benevolent College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At the Middle and the Inner Temple</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">New Guildhall and Law Courts, Plymouth</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_154">154</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Visit To Birmingham in 1874</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_156">156</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Cambridge Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_159">159</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At Merchant Taylors' School</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The German Hospital</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Installation As Grand Master of English Freemasons</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_169">169</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Indian Embassy</span>, 1875-76</td><td ><a href="#Page_180">180</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Licensed Victuallers' Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Unveiling Albert Statue at Cambridge</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Infant Orphan Asylum, Wanstead</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Training Ship 'Britannia'</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Cabdrivers' Benevolent Association</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Princess Helena College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">New Harbour at Holyhead</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">New Colours To the Royal Welsh Fusiliers</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_205">205</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Hospital for Women and Children</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At King's College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Colonial Banquet at the Mansion House</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">City and Guilds of London Institute</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The International Medical Congress</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_218">218</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Memorial To Dean Stanley</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Rifle Volunteers</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_223">223</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">British Graves in the Crimea</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Fisheries Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Opening of Fisheries Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Closing of Fisheries Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Financial Results of Fisheries Exhibition, and Disposal of Surplus</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_235">235</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xiv" id="Page_xiv">[Pg xiv]</a></span><span class="smcap">New City of London School</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Northbrook Club</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">City of London College in Moorfields</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_239">239</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Housing of the Poor and the Working Classes</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_241">241</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Guards' Industrial Home at Chelsea Barracks</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_243">243</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal National Life-boat Institution</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_244">244</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Health Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Opening of Guilds of London Institute</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_248">248</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Anti-Slavery Society Meeting in Guildhall</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_252">252</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Visit To Ireland in 1885</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Darwin Memorial</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_271">271</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Birkbeck Institution</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_272">272</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Railway Guards' Friendly Society</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Convalescent Home at Swanley</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Yorkshire College at Leeds</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_278">278</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Gordon Boys' Home</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_282">282</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Opening of the Mersey Tunnel</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Institution of Civil Engineers</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_290">290</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At the Colonial Office</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_293">293</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Installation as Grand Master of Mark Masons</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_294">294</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Foundation Stone of the People's Palace</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_296">296</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Sale of Shorthorns and Southdowns at Sandringham</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_298">298</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Sion College</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_301">301</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Colonial and Indian Exhibition of</span> 1886</td><td ><a href="#Page_303">303</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Imperial Institute</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_310">310</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The London Orphan Asylum</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_315">315</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The College of Preceptors</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_318">318</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Manchester Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_319">319</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The London Hospital New Buildings</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_321">321</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Deaconesses' Institution and Hospital at Tottenham</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_324">324</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Freemasons and the Queen's Jubilee</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_325">325</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Shaftesbury House</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_327">327</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Consecration of Truro Cathedral</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_328">328</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">New Colours To the Old 46th Regiment</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_330">330</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Glasgow Exhibition of 1888</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_332">332</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Sir Bartle Frere's Statue</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_337">337</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xv" id="Page_xv">[Pg xv]</a></span><span class="smcap">New Gymnasium in Long Acre (of Y. M. C. A.)</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_338">338</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal Masonic Institute for Girls</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_340">340</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">West Norfolk Hunt</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_344">344</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">At Blackburn</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_345">345</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Anglo-Danish Exhibition</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_347">347</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Great Northern Hospital, Holloway Road</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_349">349</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="3"><hr style="width:25%"/></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Speeches at Royal Academy Banquets</span><br /> </td><td ><a href="#Page_355">355</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Royal Banquets at the Trinity House</span><br /> </td><td ><a href="#Page_377">377</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">The Royal College of Music</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_391">391</a></td></tr> +<tr><td style="width: 20px;"></td><td ><span class="smcap">National Training School for Music</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_391">391</a></td></tr> +<tr><td ></td><td ><span class="smcap">Founding the Royal College of Music</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_394">394</a></td></tr> +<tr><td ></td><td ><span class="smcap">The Colonies and the College of Music</span></td><td ><a href="#Page_403">403</a></td></tr> +<tr><td ></td><td ><span class="smcap">Inauguration of the Royal College of Music</span><br /> </td><td ><a href="#Page_408">408</a></td></tr> +<tr><td colspan="2"><span class="smcap">Index</span><br /> </td><td ><a href="#Page_417">417</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_xvi" id="Page_xvi">[Pg xvi]</a></span></p> +<p> </p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE EARLY YEARS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES.</h2> +<hr /> + +<p>As the record of Public Speeches in the following pages does not +begin till 1863, it may be well to give a few dates and incidents of +previous years in the life of the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>He was born on the 9th of November, 1841, at Buckingham +Palace. From Windsor, to which the Court removed on the 6th +of December, the Queen wrote next day to King Leopold, "We +arrived here safe and sound, with our awfully large nursery +establishment, yesterday morning.... I wonder very much +whom our little boy will be like. You will understand how +fervent are my prayers, and I am sure everybody's must be, to +see him resemble his father in every respect, both in body +and mind."</p> + +<p>The Prince, named Albert Edward, was baptized in St. George's +Chapel, Windsor, on the 25th of January, 1842. King Frederick +William of Prussia was invited to be the boy's Godfather, and he +came over personally to undertake the office. The other Sponsors, +six in number, were members of the Houses of Saxe-Coburg and +Saxe-Gotha, and of the English Royal family. There was a full +choral service at the christening. A special anthem had been +composed by Sir George Elvey. On the Prince Consort being +told of this, and asked when it should be sung, he answered, "Not +at all; no anthem. If the service ends by an anthem we shall all +go out criticising the music. We will have something we all know—something +in which we can all join—something devotional. +The Hallelujah Chorus; we shall all join in that, with our hearts." +The Hallelujah Chorus ended the service accordingly. The +incident is noteworthy, as showing how the infant Prince was +committed, at his baptism, not in outward form only, but in +devout spirit, to the care of the Heavenly Father.</p> + +<p>When the Queen told King Leopold of the removal of the Court +to Windsor, she had made special mention of "the nursery +establishment." No mother in any rank of life ever paid greater +attention to this part of the home, wherever the Court might be. +In Memoirs and Recollections of the Queen, by those who have +belonged to her household, many anecdotes are found which show +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>the watchful care and the personal superintendence of the Royal +Mother.</p> + +<p>It is only this year, in the autumn of 1888, that Mrs. Hull, who +entered Her Majesty's service as nurse to the Prince of Wales, +died, in her seventy-ninth year. She was a kind and conscientious +attendant to every one of the Royal children, and the Queen +ever retained great regard for the faithful nurse—"Dear old +May," as she used to call her. When she retired from the Royal +service, and lived in recent years in Windsor, she was always +welcome at the Castle. The Queen herself and the Princesses often +saw her, and the Prince of Wales frequently brought her handsome +presents. In reading the account of her funeral, it is pleasant to +see that on the card attached to one of the many wreaths laid on +her coffin were the words: "A mark of affection and gratitude +from Victoria R. I." A beautiful wreath sent by the Prince and +Princess of Wales bore the inscription: "In remembrance of dear +old May."</p> + +<p>When the Royal children came to be under governesses and +teachers, they were taught well the usual branches of early education, +and were also trained in practical ways, the boys in the use of +tools, and the girls in household work, especially when the Swiss +Cottage at Osborne was occupied by the young folk.</p> + +<p>In the story of the 'Early Years of the Prince Consort' there is +an amusing reference to the interruptions of the schoolroom studies +by the old Duke of Saxe-Coburg, who loved to carry off the two +boys, and take them on excursions. The Prince himself did this +sometimes, as when the two elder children, in the autumn of 1846, +were taken with their parents in the <i>Victoria and Albert</i> to Portland, +Weymouth, Guernsey, Dartmouth, and Plymouth, between +August 8th and 25th; and to Jersey, Falmouth, St. Michael's +Mount, and the Duchy of Cornwall, between September 2nd and 9th. +Of these excursions details are given in the Queen's 'Leaves from a +Journal.' The Queen tells how, at several places off the Cornish +coast, "boats crowded round us in all directions, and when Bertie +showed himself the people shouted, 'Three cheers for the Duke of +Cornwall!'" ... In the Journal, under date September 7th, +Prince Albert having that day landed to visit some mines, the +Queen has this entry, "The Corporation of Penryn were on board, +and very anxious to see the Duke of Cornwall, so I stepped out of +the pavilion with Bertie, and Lord Palmerston told them that that +was the Duke of Cornwall; and the old Mayor of Penryn said that +'he hoped he would grow up to be a blessing to his parents, and to +his country.'"</p> + +<p>On September the 2nd, on the evening of the day when the +Royal yacht left Osborne for the Channel Islands, "Bertie put on +his sailor's dress, which was beautifully made by the man on board +who makes for our sailors. When he appeared, the officers and +sailors, who were all assembled on deck to see him, cheered, and +seemed delighted with <a name="corr_2"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: him.">him."</ins></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p> +<p>In 1847 there was another holiday journey, this time to Scotland, +the Queen and the Prince taking with them, as before, the two +eldest children, with Miss Hildyard, their governess. They +embarked at Osborne, in the Royal yacht, on the 11th of August. +On the 14th they were at Pembroke, when the dockyard and +the castle were inspected: thence along the coast of Wales, +landing at Bangor, from whence there was an expedition to Penryn +Castle, and thence past the Isle of Man to the Scottish coast. Of +this journey a detailed account is given in a letter to Baron +Stockmar. At Rothesay in the Isle of Bute, the Prince Consort says, +"The people were as much rejoiced to see the Duke of Rothesay +as the Welsh were to salute the Prince of Wales on their native +ground." It was this enthusiasm about local associations that led +the Queen, after the first visit to Ireland, to desire for the Prince +the title of Earl of Dublin.</p> + +<p>During 1848 and the following year there was much in the +state of public affairs, at home and abroad, to occupy the +attention of the Queen and the Prince Consort, but they were +anxiously considering the plans for the future education of the +Prince of Wales. In May 1848 negociations had been opened +with Mr. Birch, who had been highly recommended as tutor. +In the spring of 1849 the appointment was made, and Prince +Albert, in a letter to the Dowager Duchess of Gotha, dated +Windsor Castle, 10th April, thus wrote, "The children grow more +than well. Bertie will be given over in a few weeks into the +hands of a tutor, whom we have found in Mr. Birch, a young, +good-looking, amiable man, who was a tutor at Eton, and who not +only himself took the highest honours at Cambridge, but whose +pupils have won especial distinction. It is an important step, +and God's blessing be upon it, for upon the good education of +Princes, and especially of those who are destined to govern, the +welfare of the world in these days very greatly depends."</p> + +<p>Of the course and conduct of the studies of the Prince, under +Mr. Birch, from 1849-1851, and under his successor, Mr. Gibbs, +from 1851-1858, it is not necessary to speak. His other teachers +were efficient in their departments, such as Mr. Corbould, who +taught drawing to all the Royal children; and M. Brasseur, the +French teacher, to whom the Prince paid a visit when in Paris in +1888. As in the earlier years, so when he was under tutors, the +real education for public life was less in study than in the companionship +and the example of his parents. A man of wide +knowledge and of varied accomplishments like the Prince Consort +had higher views of education than mere scholastic routine. He +took his son to all places where a love of arts and sciences might +be encouraged and fostered, and hence the Prince obtained knowledge +and acquired tastes not universal among young Englishmen, +in times before the subjects of academic training and honours had +been enlarged, mainly through the influence of the Prince Consort, +as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. From his father<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> +also he inherited the taste for music which has been since turned +to national benefit. But above all, he was often taken to +meetings and festivals connected with charitable institutions, a +Princely duty in which the son has been proud to follow the +example of his lamented father.</p> + +<p>The extra-scholastic education of the Prince was continued +throughout the time that Mr. Gibbs, his classical tutor, remained +with him. He was also gradually introduced to public life, and +initiated in affairs of modern as well as ancient history,—events +reported in the newspapers of the day, as well as those recorded by +the historians of antiquity. As early as the 3rd of April, 1854, +when the Addresses from both Houses of Parliament were presented +to the Queen, in answer to Her Majesty's message +announcing the opening of war with Russia, we are told that "the +Prince of Wales took his place, for the first time, beside the Queen +and Prince Albert upon the throne." In the succeeding years +these appearances in public were frequent, and in 1857 he accompanied +the Queen and the Prince on their memorable visit to the +Art Treasures Exhibition at Manchester. The Princess Royal, +the Princess Alice, Prince George, and Prince Frederick William +of Prussia, were also guests at Worsley Hall during this visit. In +Manchester, as recorded by the Queen in her Diary, "The crowd +was enormous, greater than ever witnessed before, and enthusiastic +beyond belief—nothing but kind and friendly faces." Upwards +of a million people were computed to have been in the streets that +day. Not only were the treasures of the Exhibition carefully +inspected, but visits were paid to some of the great manufacturing +works of the town. On the day that the Queen drove to see the +statue of herself recently erected in the Peel Park, the Prince +Consort, with his two eldest sons, and Prince Frederick William, +went to the Manchester Town Hall, to receive the address which +the Corporation presented to the Prussian Prince on his approaching +marriage with the Princess Royal.</p> + +<p>In July of that year, 1857, the Prince of Wales went to +Königswinter, for the purposes of study. He was accompanied by +General Grey, Sir Henry Ponsonby, and several companions, +among whom were Mr. C. Wood, son of Lord Halifax, Lord +Cadogan, and Mr. F. Stanley, son of Lord Derby. With Mr. Gibbs +was now associated the Rev. Canon Tarver, who, on the retirement +of Mr. Gibbs in 1858, was appointed Director of Studies and +Chaplain. In this capacity he accompanied the Prince to Rome, +Spain, and Portugal, and afterwards went with him to Edinburgh, +remaining with the Prince till the autumn of 1859, when his +education ceased to be conducted at home.</p> + +<p>Of the principal events of the year 1858 as regards the Prince, +a most interesting statement is given in a letter of his father to +his old friend Stockmar. It is dated Windsor Castle, April 2nd. +"Yesterday the Confirmation of the Prince of Wales went off with +great solemnity, and I hope with lasting impression on his mind.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> +The previous day his examination took place before the Archbishop +and ourselves. Wellesley (Dean of Windsor) prolonged it a full +hour, and Bertie acquitted himself <i>extremely well</i>. To-day we take +the sacrament with him." In a Memorandum by Her Majesty, it +is said that the Prince Consort "had a very strong feeling about +the solemnity of this act, and did not like to appear in company +either the evening before or on the day on which he took the +sacrament; and he and the Queen almost always dined alone on +these occasions." With such habitual feelings about the solemnity +of the service, the "First Communion" of his eldest son must +have deeply touched his heart.</p> + +<p>In the letter to Stockmar the Prince continues his statement +about the educational plans for his son. "Next week he is to +make a run for fourteen days to the South of Ireland, with +Mr. Gibbs, Captain de Ros, and Dr. Minter, for recreation. When +he returns to London he is to take up his residence at the White +Lodge, in Richmond Park, so as to be away from the world, and +devote himself exclusively to study, and prepare for a military +examination. As companions for him we have appointed three +very distinguished young men, of from 23 to 26 years of age, who +are to occupy in monthly rotation a kind of equerry's place about +him, and from whose more intimate intercourse I anticipate no +small benefit to Bertie." These companions were Lord Valletort, +eldest son of Lord Mount-Edgecombe, Major Teesdale, R.A., of +Kars celebrity, and Major Loyd-Lindsay, V.C., of all of whom the +Prince expresses to Stockmar his high opinion. "Besides these +three, only Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Tarver will go with him to +Richmond. As future Governor I have as yet been able to think +of no one as likely to suit, except Colonel Bruce, Lord Elgin's +brother, and his military secretary in Canada, who now commands +one of the battalions of Grenadier Guards. He has all the +amiability of his sister (Lady Augusta Bruce, afterwards Lady +Augusta Stanley), with great mildness of expression, and is full +of ability."</p> + +<p>Fortunately for the Prince, the wish to obtain the services of +Colonel Bruce was successful. On the 9th of November, 1858, +writing from Windsor Castle to the King of Prussia on political +affairs, which in Prussia were then in troubled condition, the Prince +adds: "I ought not to tease you just now with family trifles, still I +will let you know that Bertie, who to-day solemnizes his eighteenth +birthday, proposes to pay a fortnight's visit to his sister, and asks +leave to present himself to you. It will not be a State, but purely +a family visit; and we, therefore, beg you only to show him such +slender courtesies as are suitable to a member, and a very young +one, of the family. To-day he becomes a Colonel in the Army, +unattached, and will receive the Garter. Colonel Bruce, Lord +Elgin's brother, has become his Governor."</p> + +<p>The Prince speaks of family events as trifles, compared with +great political affairs, but he felt deeply every change in the home<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> +life. A few weeks earlier, he had taken his son, Alfred, to his +ship at Spithead, from which he went to sea at once. On the day +before, the father wrote, "His departure will be another great +trial to us: the second child lost to our family circle in one year."</p> + +<p>On the 10th of January, 1859, the Prince of Wales started on +his Italian tour. He had previously been hard at study. He had +opportunities of seeing much that was interesting in his continental +journey, but the stay at Rome, which was greatly enjoyed, had to +be abruptly ended. The restless ambition of the Emperor of +the French had brought about war with Austria, and a French +descent on Sardinia. Orders were sent to the Prince of Wales to +leave Rome and repair to Gibraltar, which he reached on the +7th of May. The plan now arranged was that he was to +visit the south of Spain and Lisbon, to return to England in the +middle of June, and in July and August to take up his head-quarters +in Edinburgh for study.</p> + +<p>All this was well carried out, and on the 11th of September the +Prince joined his parents at Balmoral. The Court had left +Osborne on the 29th of August for the Highlands, and reached +Balmoral on the 31st, after spending a day and a night in +Edinburgh. Writing to Stockmar a few days after, the Prince +Consort says they had "travelled for the first time by night, +straight through from London to Edinburgh, in order to gain a day +for that place. The experiment proved a complete success, and +the Queen was not at all tired. When in Edinburgh I had an +educational conference with all the persons who are taking part +in the education of the Prince of Wales. They all speak highly of +him, and he seems to have shown zeal and good will. Dr. Lyon +Playfair is giving him lectures on Chemistry in relation to +Manufactures, and at the close of each special course he visits the +appropriate manufactory with him, so as to explain its practical +application. Dr. Schmitz, the Rector of the High School of +Edinburgh, a German, gives him lectures on Roman History. +Italian, German, and French are advanced at the same time; and +three times a week the Prince exercises with the 16th Hussars, +who are stationed near the city. Mr. Fisher, who is to be tutor +at Oxford, was also in Holyrood. Law and History are to be the +subjects on which he is to prepare the Prince."</p> + +<p>All this shows the care taken in regard to the education of the +Prince. The Royal pupil had rather a stiff course of study in +these days, but he stuck manfully to all his work, which had been +carefully planned by his good father, who held that little relaxation +should be allowed even during holiday time. In a letter of 17th +September, 1859, to Mr. Tarver, who was still Director of Studies, +he wrote, "I should be very sorry that he" (the Prince of Wales) +"should look upon the reading of a novel, even by Sir Walter Scott, +<i>as a day's work</i>." Fond as he was himself of high-class works of +fiction, the Prince held they should be sparingly laid open to +young people during years which should be devoted to study.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> + +<p>In December 1859 the Prince Consort wrote to the old Duchess +of Coburg, who ever retained lively interest in all the family +affairs, "The visit of Prince Frederick William of Prussia and +his Princess came to a close on the 3rd. He has delighted us +much. Vicky has developed greatly of late, and yet remained +quite a child,—of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." With sad +interest we recall this, after recent events. Also it is written +about the same time, "The Prince of Wales is working hard at +Oxford."</p> + +<p>The year closed, and the new year dawned very peaceably +and happily, the Queen saying in her Diary, "I never remember +spending a pleasanter New Year's Day, surrounded by our children +and dear Mama. It is really extraordinary how much our good +children did for the day, in reading, reciting, and music."</p> + +<p>In the early spring arrangements were being made for the +proposed visit of the Prince of Wales to America. A promise of +this visit had been given to the Canadians during the Crimean War +for which Her Majesty's loyal subjects in the Dominion had levied +and equipped a regiment. A request was then made that Her +Majesty would visit her American possessions. On this being +pronounced inexpedient, the Canadians asked that one of the +Queen's sons might be Governor-General. Their youth made +this impossible, and then the promise was made that the Prince of +Wales, as soon as he was old enough, should visit Canada. It was +now announced that this visit should be early in the autumn of +1860, and that it should be signalised by laying the foundation +stone of the new Canadian Parliament House at Ottawa. It was +also arranged that the Prince should be accompanied by the Duke +of Newcastle, Secretary Of State for the Colonies.</p> + +<p>This no sooner became known on the other side of the water +than the President of the United States, James Buchanan, +addressed a letter to the Queen, dated on June 4th (Independence +Day), offering a cordial welcome to the States, and assuring Her +Majesty that the Prince would be everywhere greeted in a manner +that could not fail to be gratifying to the Queen. A reply was +sent, in the same friendly spirit, informing the President that the +Prince would return from Canada through the United States, and +that it would give him pleasure to have an opportunity of testifying +in person to the President that the feelings which prompted +his invitation were fully reciprocated on this side of the Atlantic.</p> + +<p>After a short visit to Coburg in the early summer, the Prince +started for the New World on the 10th of July, and on the 25th +landed at St. John's, Newfoundland. His arrival caused a fever of +excitement. "If all the Colonies feel towards the Prince as Newfoundland +does," wrote one who witnessed the scenes, "it was a +most politic step to have sent him on this tour." The rough +fishermen and their wives were delighted, and were full of admiration. +"God bless his pretty face, and send him a good wife!" +was their most frequent exclamation. The manner of the Prince<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> +to the venerable Bishop of Newfoundland was "very beautiful, so +gentle, and quite reverential," that all were touched, and the old +man said, "God bless my dear young Prince! I hope he will +carry away a favourable impression of this almost unknown rugged +island."</p> + +<p>The same enthusiasm was shown everywhere in Canada, and the +Duke of Newcastle writing to the Queen on the 23rd of September, +from Dwight in Illinois, after he had crossed into the United +States, thus summed up the results of the visit: "Now that the +Canadian visit is concluded, the Duke of Newcastle may pronounce +it eminently successful, and may venture to offer Her Majesty his +humble but very hearty congratulations. He does not doubt that +future years will clearly demonstrate the good that has been done. +The attachment to the Crown has been greatly cemented.... The +Duke of Newcastle is rejoiced to think that this is not the only +good that has sprung out of this visit. It has done much good to +the Prince of Wales himself, and the development of his mind and +habit of thought is very perceptible. The Duke of Newcastle will +be much disappointed if your Majesty and the Prince Consort are +not pleased with the change that has been brought about by this +practical school, in which so many of the future duties of life +have been forced upon the Prince's daily attention. He has +certainly left a very favourable impression behind him."</p> + +<p>Besides laying the foundation stone of the buildings for the +Parliament House at Ottawa, the Prince performed another +memorable action in driving home the last rivet of the magnificent +Victoria Bridge at Montreal.</p> + +<p>The enthusiasm caused by the visit to the States was immense. +Chicago was the first great town reached after leaving Niagara, +and here the reception was remarkable. It was the same at +Cincinnati, and at St. Louis. In fact everywhere the friendly +spirit of the people was the same, and the courtesy of the civic +authorities, and of the educated classes, most marked. A pleasant +record of the prevailing feeling is given in a letter from a well-known +American author. "The Prince is decidedly a popular +character with us, and he may consider himself a lucky lad if he +escapes nomination for President before he reaches his home-bound +fleet. The funny part of the whole affair is to note the unwillingness +of people to be <i>shabbed</i> off with a sham title (Baron Renfrew, +under which name he travelled in the States), instead of His Royal +Highness the Prince of Wales, a real up and down and out and +out Prince, and of the right stuff too; coupled with a hope he may +long remain so; for there is not a living being more sincerely +beloved by our people than his Royal mother."</p> + +<p>Washington was reached on the 3rd of October. The most +memorable incident of his stay at the capital was an excursion, on +the 5th, in company with the President to Mount Vernon, the +home and the burial-place of George Washington. The reporter of +the Times thus speaks of the event, "Before this humble tomb the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> +Prince, the President, and all the party stood uncovered. It is +easy moralizing on this visit, for there is something grandly +suggestive of historical retribution in the reverential awe of the +Prince of Wales, the great-grandson of George III., standing bare-headed +at the foot of the coffin of Washington. For a few +moments the party stood mute and motionless, and the Prince +then proceeded to plant a chestnut by the side of the tomb. It +seemed when the Royal youth closed in the earth around the little +germ, that he was burying the last faint trace of discord between +us and our great brethren in the West."</p> + +<p>The Prince left Washington for Richmond on the following day, +and closed his American tour at Boston, after having had a +magnificent welcome at New York from the vast population of +that city. In an American paper of the day it was said, "All our +reminiscences, the history, the poetry, the romance of England for +ten centuries, are concentrated in the huzzahs with which we +greet the Prince of Wales."</p> + +<p>The Prince landed at Plymouth on the 13th of November +and the same evening arrived at Windsor. On the 18th of +January he went to Cambridge for his first term, and resumed his +studies, under his preceptors, at Madingley Hall. At the end of his +second term he went to the camp of the Curragh of Kildare during +the summer vacation.</p> + +<p>In the autumn of 1861 he went to Germany, with the intention +of meeting the Princess Alexandra of Denmark, with the view to +marriage, if the meeting should result in mutual attachment. The +meeting, which took place at Speier and at Heidelberg, led to their +engagement. The Prince returned to Madingley Hall, from +whence he was summoned to Windsor on the day before his +beloved father's death, on the 14th of December, 1861.</p> + +<p>It is not our purpose to encroach further on the office of the +future biographer of the Prince of Wales. In the 'Life of the +Prince Consort' the sad incidents of that December are described +with touching pathos. Neither do we propose to narrate the +events that occurred between the death of the Prince Consort and +the marriage of the Prince of Wales, to the Princess Alexandra, +on the 10th of March, 1863. These events are fresh in the +recollection of many to whom the incidents of the earlier life of +the Prince are less known. It is enough to say as to these years, +that he continued to be diligent in the acquirement of varied +knowledge; that he carefully attended to his military duties; +that he took active part in the volunteer movement; and in town +and country was alike popular, from his love of manly sport as +well as of the pursuits of art.</p> + +<p>The coming of age of the Prince was not celebrated with great +ceremony, for he was abroad at the time, and the shadow of sorrow +was still over the Royal household. But when the Prince brought +his bride to England the joy of the nation was unbounded. The +passage of the Prince and Princess through the streets of London<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> +was a scene of popular enthusiasm such as has seldom been +witnessed, so tumultuous was the outburst of joy. The magnificent +splendour of the marriage itself was as nothing compared with +that national demonstration. In the following pages it will be +seen how the Prince and Princess were one in public life, as they +were in heart and home.</p> + +<p>When the Prince and Princess were returning from Osborne, +where they spent the honeymoon, on arriving at Portsmouth, +<i>en route</i> to Windsor, the Mayor and Corporation presented an +address, upon the deck of the Royal yacht <i>Fairy</i>. This was the +first of a succession of "addresses," which were merely marriage +congratulations, couched in complimentary strains, and responded +to in a few grateful and gracious words. These addresses were so +numerous that they came to be merely mentioned in list, and in +that early time might have been troublesome, but for the courtesy +and good nature of the Prince. These demonstrations continued +throughout the summer, the last being at Edinburgh, where +their Royal Highnesses remained for a night on the way to +Abergeldie, their Highland home near Balmoral. They did not +go to Holyrood Palace, but to Douglas' private hotel, in St. +Andrew's Square. Here a vast crowd assembled, and the Prince +and Princess had to appear and bow their acknowledgments +from the open window, till the multitude dispersed. But before +going to the North, the Prince had already made public appearances, +and his voice had been heard, in the City of London. +The words were few, but the occasions were so important that +with them may be commenced the record of the Speeches of His +Royal Highness. The earliest appearance in a public assembly +was at the banquet of the Royal Academy of Arts, on the 2nd of +May, 1863.<br /></p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p> + +<h1>SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.</h1> +<hr /> + + +<h2>AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUET.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 2nd, 1863.</i></p> + +<p>The annual banquet given by the President and Council of the +Royal Academy of Arts, at Burlington House, is one of the chief +events of the London season, or rather, it marks the opening of the +season. It always takes place on the Saturday preceding the +first Monday in May, when the Exhibition of Pictures is opened +to the public. Seldom can a more distinguished company of men, +eminent in art, science, and literature, as well as in social position +and public life, be seen together than on these occasions. The +Prince of Wales has been a very frequent guest, and his speeches +have been so numerous, that it seems best to group them together, +at a later part of this volume. But the first speech at the Academy +banquet was so interesting an occasion that it is given under the +date of its delivery.</p> + +<p>The presence of the young Prince, and so soon after his +marriage, gave unusual <i>éclat</i> to the banquet of 1863. At that +time Sir Charles Eastlake was President, and the rooms of the +Academy were at Trafalgar Square. After the toast of "The Queen," +the President made touching reference to the loss which the +nation as well as the Royal Family had recently sustained. He +gave "The memory of the great and good Prince Consort," which +was drunk in deep silence. Then followed the toast of "The Prince +of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." "The Council of the +Royal Academy," said the President, "had that day the honour of +offering their respectful and heartfelt congratulations to His Royal +Highness on his marriage to a Princess, whose personal attractions +and gracious manners enhance the impression of Her Royal +Highness's amiable character."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p><p>The Prince, in replying, spoke (as was said at the time) +"evidently under deep emotion, but in a peculiarly clear and +pleasing tone of voice, and with great impressiveness of +manner":—</p><blockquote> +<p> +"Sir Charles Eastlake, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—It is with the most contending feelings of pleasure, +pride, and sorrow that I rise to return you thanks in the name of +myself and the Royal family for the kind terms in which you, Sir +Charles, have proposed our health, and for the very cordial way +in which this distinguished assembly has received it. I cannot on +this occasion divest my mind of the associations connected with +my beloved and lamented father. His bright example cannot fail to +stimulate my efforts to tread in his footsteps: and, whatever my +shortcomings may be, I may at least presume to participate in the +interest which he took in every institution which tended to +encourage art and science in this country, but more especially in +the prosperity of the Royal Academy. Adverting to my marriage, I +beg you to believe how grateful I feel for, and I may be +permitted to add how sincerely I appreciate, the sentiments you +have expressed with reference to the Princess. I know that I am +only speaking her mind in joining her thoughts to mine on this +occasion. We neither of us can ever forget the manner in which +our union has been celebrated throughout the nation; and I should +be more than ungrateful if I did not retain the most lasting as +well as most pleasing recollection of the kind expressions and +reception which my attendance at your anniversary meeting has +evoked this evening."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Among the speakers at this banquet of 1863 were Lord Palmerston, +Mr. Thackeray, and Sir Roderick Murchison.</p> + +<hr /> + + +<h2>FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 8th, 1863.</i></p> + +<p>The first event of importance in the public life of the Prince of +Wales, after his marriage, was the taking up the freedom of the +City of London, on the 8th of June, 1863. As far back as the +12th of March the following resolution had been passed by the +Court of Common Council:—</p> + +<p>"That His Royal Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, be +very respectfully requested to take upon himself the freedom of +the City, to which he is entitled by patrimony; and that upon +his acceding to this request His Royal Highness be presented with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> +the copy of the freedom, enclosed in a casket, in testimony of the +affection and profound respect entertained by the Court for his +person and character."</p> + +<p>Having signified his assent to the request, the 8th of June was +fixed as the day when the Prince would come to Guildhall to take +up the freedom. The Lord Mayor and the civic authorities +thought that this would be the fittest time for the official reception +of the Prince and Princess, and for an entertainment, worthy of +the occasion of the marriage, and of the ancient hospitality of the +City of London. Invitations were accordingly issued to about two +thousand guests to meet the Royal visitors, and the list included +all the most eminent persons in public life or in society, and the +ambassadors and representatives of foreign countries. Immense +and costly preparations were made, both in the decoration of the +Hall, and for the reception of the guests. Shortly after 9 p.m. +the sound of trumpets announced that the Royal party had +arrived. The Prince wore his military uniform, and the Riband +and Star of the Garter. The Princess wore a rich but simple +white dress, with coronet and brooch of diamonds, the wedding +present of her husband, and the splendid necklace of brilliants +which the City of London had presented. With them came Prince +Alfred, the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Princess Mary of +Cambridge, and other Royal personages, followed by a numerous +retinue. The Royal party were conducted to the daïs, in front of +which was a table at which the Lord Mayor (Alderman Rose, M.P.), +and the City officials took their places, and there resolved themselves +into a Court of Common Council. All wore their robes and +insignia of office, the sword and mace laid on the table before the +Lord Mayor. The resolution passed on the 12th of March having +been read, and also the official record of His Royal Highness's +title to the freedom, the Prince then read aloud and afterwards +subscribed the following declaration:—</p> + +<p>"I, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, do solemnly declare that I +will be good and true to our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria; +that I will be obedient to the Mayor of this City; that I will +maintain the franchises and customs thereof, and will keep this +City harmless, in that which in me is; that I will also keep the +Queen's peace in my own person; that I will know no gatherings +nor conspiracies made against the Queen's peace, but I will warn +the Mayor thereof, or hinder it to my power; and that all these +points and articles I will well and truly keep, according to the +laws and customs of this City, to my power.</p> + +<p> +"<span class="smcap">Albert Edward</span>."<br /> +</p> + +<p>Mr. Benjamin Scott, the Chamberlain, then read an address, at +the close of which he offered the right hand of fellowship as a +citizen of London, and presented the gold casket containing the +record of the freedom. The Prince, in reply, said: +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>—</p> +<blockquote> +<p>"My Lord Mayor, Mr. Chamberlain, and Gentlemen,—It is, +I assure you, a source of sincere gratification to me to attend +here for the purpose of being invested with a privilege which +for the reasons you have stated you are unable to confer upon +me, and which descends to me by inheritance. It is a patrimony +that I am proud to claim—this freedom of the greatest city of +the commercial world, which holds its charter from such an +ancient date. My pride is increased when I call to memory +the long list of illustrious men who have been enrolled among +the citizens of London, more especially when I connect with +that list the beloved father to whom you have adverted in such +warm terms of eulogy and respect, and through whom I am +here to claim my freedom of the City of London. My Lord +Mayor and Gentlemen, the Princess and myself heartily thank +you for the past—for your loyalty and expressions of attachment +towards the Queen, for the manifestations of this evening +towards ourselves, and for all your prayers for our future +happiness."</p> + +</blockquote><p>When the ceremony was ended, the Prince and the Royal +visitors withdrew from the Hall, but soon returned to join in the +festivities, which began with a ball. "The Lord Mayor led off in +a spirited quadrille with Her Royal Highness the Princess, and +the Prince with the Lady Mayoress." So runs the record, with +details of the dances, and the names of the dancers in the area +kept clear, in front of the daïs, for the special guests. Attempts +were occasionally made to keep up dancing in the body of the +Hall, but the crowd was so great that, till after supper, and the +retirement of the Royal party, the fête was more of a grand +assembly than a ball. Under whatever name, it was a magnificent +entertainment, and aged citizens tell us that Guildhall had never +witnessed a scene so splendid and joyous.</p> + +<hr /> + + +<h2>BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 24th, 1863.</i></p> + +<p>One of the earliest appearances of the Prince and Princess of +Wales in support of a charitable institution was when they opened +the new buildings erected at Slough for the British Orphan Asylum, +on the 24th of June, 1863. The scholars belonging to the Asylum +had so largely increased in number that the Board of Directors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> +resolved in 1862 to move the whole establishment from Clapham +Rise, its former locality, to more spacious premises at Slough. They +bought the freehold of the well-known and large Royal Hotel, +which had been closed since the old coaches had been driven off the +road by the railway. The situation was admirable, and the grounds +spacious, and by adding an additional story the building was +readily adapted to its new purpose.</p> + +<p>The fine weather and the presence of the Prince and Princess +attracted a large assemblage. On the arrival of their Royal Highnesses +the pupils sang the old Hundredth Psalm, the National +Anthem having been previously played by military bands as the +procession moved towards a daïs, beneath a marquee on the lawn. +An Address was read, concluding with the expression of a hope +that the Prince and Princess would allow their names to be enrolled +as Vice-Patron and Vice-Patroness of the Asylum, of which the +Queen is Patron. The Prince made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It has given the Princess and myself great pleasure to be +present at the opening of your most excellent Asylum, and to +have been invited to take part in so good a work. The benevolent +purposes of this widely-extended institution speak for +themselves. It is one in which the Queen and my lamented +father, the promoter of every scheme for the relief of the +miserable, evinced a warm interest, and the details which you +have given of its formation and progress furnish another appeal +for aid from those whose highest enjoyment it is to give a home +and education to the fatherless and destitute. It is a privilege, +I assure you, that the Princess and myself value greatly to have +our names associated with the British orphan Asylum."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince then formally declared the building to be for ever +dedicated to the purposes of the British orphan Asylum, and also +announced the munificent gift of £12,000 from Mr. Edward Mackenzie +to the building fund. The Bishop of Bath and Wells +offered prayer; a choral was sung, and many purses were presented +in the offertory. Trees were also planted in commemoration of +the day.</p> + +<p>Eleven years later, the Prince presided at the anniversary festival +of the Asylum. He then said that he felt a special interest in the +institution, which he had visited along with the Princess of Wales +so many years before. In his speech at that festival he spoke more +fully of the objects and merits of the Asylum, as will be seen in +the report under the date of the festival in May 1874.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT MERCERS' HALL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 8th, 1863.</i></p> + + +<p>After the visit to Guildhall, the common hall of all the City +Guilds or Companies, the civic event of most importance was +when, on the 8th of July, 1863, the Prince went to the City to +take up his freedom in the Mercers' Company, and to enroll his +name on their records.</p> + +<p>It was a fitting thing thus early to show his attachment to +ancient Guilds and Corporate Constitutions. The Mercers' +Company is the first in rank, and the most ancient of all the great +City Guilds, and its roll of members is one of the most illustrious. +Its existence as a Metropolitan Guild can be traced as far back as +the year 1172, and the Company received its incorporation in 1392 +from Richard II., who conferred upon it the honour of becoming +one of its brethren. Besides the Royal names of King Henry VIII. +and Queen Elizabeth, the Company can boast those of Sir Richard +Whittington, William Caxton the Printer, Sir Thomas Gresham, +and Dean Colet, the founder of St. Paul's School. The address to +the Prince was read by the Master Warden, the Rev. Markland +Barnard, who had the distinction of representing the fourteenth +generation of his family, who had been freemen or wardens of the +Company ever since the third year of Henry IV.</p> + +<p>To this address the Prince listened with marked attention, and +then replied, in a clear and pleasing tone, which those who heard +it said he inherited from his Royal mother:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Master and Court of Assistants,—I am glad to avail myself +of the last opportunity which my stay in London affords me of +attending here this day to receive the freedom of your ancient +and honourable company. The oldest of the city companies, +the Mercers', is hardly exceeded by any in the amount of its +charities, or in its capabilities of doing good. How these +powers have been exercised, the list of the foundations of the +company and of the distinguished persons whom you have +enumerated as benefactors and freemen tells us. Among the +latter, the great Sovereign, who was herself a sister of the +company, stands conspicuous; and commerce and science +appear equally to have lent their representatives to ennoble the +Mercers' Company. To be associated with such names in the +freedom and history of your company is an honour and privilege +I am proud to have conferred upon me. I thank you sincerely +for the terms in which you have mentioned the names of my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> +beloved mother and the Princess, and for the happiness you +desire for us both."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince then subscribed the Oath of the Company, with its +quaint old phraseology, affixing his usual signature, <span class="smcap">Albert +Edward, P.</span></p> + +<p>The Clerk then presented His Royal Highness with the formal +document which enrolled him as a Freeman, enclosed in a massive +gold casket of exquisite design and workmanship. The numerous +visitors who had witnessed the ceremony afterwards had a <i>déjeuner</i> +in the Banqueting Hall, the Prince with a small number of select +guests being at the same time entertained in the Council Room.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 18th, 1864.</i></p> + + +<p>In the last annual Report of the Royal Literary Fund, for 1888, it +is said: "The anniversary of 1864 was memorable as the first +public dinner presided over by the Prince of Wales, to whose +presence in the chair the Institution is indebted for a success +altogether unprecedented in the history of its anniversaries."</p> + +<p>The annual Report for 1864 contains a detailed account of the +proceedings at that meeting, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the +Institution. It was natural that a large number of eminent men +should assemble to support the youthful Chairman, whose illustrious +father had presided at the fifty-third anniversary, in 1842. +In the long list of Stewards, in 1864, appear the names of almost +all those most distinguished at that time, not only in Literature, +but in Art and Science, and in every department of the public +service. Upwards of four hundred attended, and the special +donations to the fund at the dinner amounted to £2328 17<i>s.</i>, a sum +then far in advance of any profit of former anniversaries. This +amount has only once since been exceeded, when the King of the +Belgians presided, in 1872.</p> + +<p>In commemoration of Prince Albert's presidency, Her Majesty +was graciously pleased to grant to this Institution the privilege of +bearing the Crown as an addition to its Armorial bearings, and the +style of the Institution was thenceforth that of "The Royal +Literary Fund." Her Majesty confers upon it the sanction of her +name as its Patron, and has shown her interest by an annual +benefaction of One Hundred Guineas, ever since the year of her +Accession.</p> + +<p>By the donations and subscriptions of members of the Corporation, +with the addition of legacies, and the profits obtained at the +anniversary festivals, the Royal Literary Fund has been enabled,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> +since its foundation in the latter part of the eighteenth century, to +dispense upwards of £105,000 to needy persons of the literary +class.</p> + +<p>The importance and the benefits of the Institution will more +clearly appear from a brief statement of the proceedings at the +Festival over which H.R.H. the Prince of Wales presided. The +dinner was served in St. James's Hall on Wednesday, May 18th. +Grace was said by the Lord Primate of Ireland. After the removal +of the cloth, and the singing of the "Deum Laudate," the Prince +rose to propose the first toast:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The first toast I have the honour to propose is 'The health of +Her Majesty the Queen, our munificent Patron;' a toast which +I feel sure will be drunk with the enthusiasm which it elicits on +all public occasions. Although the Queen is now compelled, to +a certain extent, to withdraw from public life, still her interest +in every institution of this country, and particularly in charitable +institutions, remains undiminished. Gentlemen, I give +you 'The Queen.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The next toast was proposed by the Marquis of Salisbury, +"The health of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, and +the rest of the Royal Family." The toast was drunk with all the +honours and responded to by His Royal Highness the Chairman. +"The Church" having been proposed by the Rt. Hon. Edward +Cardwell, and responded to by the Archbishop of Armagh, H.R.H. +the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Army, Navy, and +Volunteers," saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"This is a toast which it gives me especial pleasure to propose +from the circumstance of my having served for a time with both +infantry and cavalry. Short as my service was, it has been long +enough to impress me with the conviction of the efficiency of all +ranks composing the British army. I have also had an opportunity +during my voyage to America in 1860, and on many +other occasions, of witnessing the able manner in which the +duties of the navy are performed. The volunteers demand our +warmest thanks and approbation for the zeal with which they +came forward when they thought their services were required, a +zeal which they still evince on every occasion afforded to them. +I beg to couple with 'the Army and Volunteers,' the name of +my illustrious relative the Duke of Cambridge, who so ably fills +the arduous post of Commander-in-Chief entrusted to him by +the Queen, and to whose practical and liberal administration<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> +the army owes its present high state of efficiency. With 'the +Navy,' I will couple the name of Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander +Milne, who has only lately returned from the successful +discharge of the difficult duties attaching to the command of +the North American Station. Gentlemen, let us drink to the +'Army, Navy, and Volunteers.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge and Admiral Sir Alexander Milne +having responded, His Royal Highness the Chairman then gave +the toast of "The Royal Literary Fund," saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, I have +now the honour to propose the most important toast of the +evening, it is 'Prosperity to the Royal Literary Fund.' +Although the most important, it is nevertheless the toast upon +which, perhaps, I can say least, certainly I can give you no new +information, as every one here present knows better than I do +the character of this institution. Still it is right that I should +offer a few remarks on the working of this Society. You are all +aware, gentlemen, of the immense advantages which have been +derived from it in support of literature and science. One of its +principal features is that it is not limited to our own countrymen, +but is often extended to literary men of all nations; so +that we may feel proud to think that by our timely assistance, +we not only advance the literature of our own country, but that +of other nations. In this way, many eminent men who would +otherwise be incapacitated from carrying on their labours, and +from making their talents known to the world, are enabled to do +so. The second important feature is the secrecy with which this +timely aid is given,—a secrecy so sacredly observed that in the +whole number of cases, which amount to 1,645 since the +foundation of this Corporation in the year 1790, there is not a +single case of any indiscretion having been committed; and if +cases have been brought to light at all, it has only been through +the acknowledgment of the literary men thus assisted, who have +been anxious to express their gratitude. I ought here to mention +the name of an eminent man of letters, whose loss must be +deeply deplored in all literary circles. I allude to Mr. +Thackeray. I allude to him, not so much on account of his +works, for they are standard works, but because he was an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> +active member of your committee, and always ready to open his +purse for the relief of literary men struggling with difficulties.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, some of those here present do not perhaps know +that in France, since 1857, an Institution similar to ours, and +founded by M. Thenard, has been in existence for the benefit of +scientific men only, and that a few days ago M. Champfleury, a +distinguished writer, proposed to form a Literary Society +adopting some of our principles. It is to be hoped that some +day these two societies may form sister Literary Funds; and if +administered on our model, I think we may augur for the new +institution a large measure of success. We shall at all times be +most happy to enter into communication with it, and show it +the result of our long experience and of the unwearied zeal and +exertion of the Officers of this Corporation.</p> + +<p>"I will not detain you much longer, gentlemen, but I cannot +sit down without bringing back to your recollection the deep +interest which my dear and lamented father took in everything +connected with literature and science, and particularly in the +labours of this Society. Nobody has forgotten that the second +time he spoke in public in this country, was as chairman of the +Literary Fund dinner. And we all, I am convinced, deeply +regret that the speeches made on that occasion were not reported +at full length, as every word falling from those lips could not fail +to command universal admiration. Gentlemen, let us drink +'Prosperity to the Royal Literary Fund.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The list of subscriptions and donations having been read, +including a donation of £110 from the Prince of Wales, Earl +Stanhope, as President of the Institution, responded. Speeches +being delivered by Earl Russell, Mr. Anthony Trollope, Lord +Houghton, and H. E. M. Van de Weyer, Earl Stanhope proposed +the health of the Chairman, which was received with much +enthusiasm, and the Prince thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen, I thank +you most sincerely for the kind and cordial manner in which +you have drunk my health, and I feel proud to have occupied +the chair for the first time, on so interesting and important an +occasion. I must now take the opportunity to congratulate +this Corporation on the great advantage which it enjoys, in the +services of the distinguished nobleman who now fills the high<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> +office of your President, and who has contributed so much to +historical literature. I can give him no higher praise, than by +saying that he is a worthy successor of a nobleman who was for +more than twenty years your president; who throughout a long +political career never made an enemy, and who always found time +to assist in the advancement of literature and art. I allude to +the late Marquess of Lansdowne. Gentlemen, allow me to +propose one more toast. In the presence of a Society, accustomed +to cultivate with such signal success the flowers of +literature, it would be unpardonable to forget the flowers of +society. I propose the health of 'The Ladies,' who, by their +numerous attendance here this evening, evince the interest +they take in the Literary Fund."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was received with the usual honours. It should have +been mentioned that nearly 400 ladies were present, but in the +galleries, not at the tables as guests, as is the better custom at some +anniversaries.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 9th, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>The city of Dublin has seldom presented a scene of more general +joy than when the Prince of Wales opened the International +Exhibition, on the 9th of May, 1865. The weather was superb, +the loyal demonstrations in the streets were enthusiastic, and +the great Hall where the opening ceremony took place, decorated +with the flag of all nations, was densely crowded with +the most distinguished assembly that Ireland could bring to +welcome the heir of the throne, and the representative of the +Queen. There were no disloyal feelings nor discordant sounds in +the Palace that day. The Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Rosse, +and the highest and most distinguished of the nobles of Ireland +were there. The Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City +appeared in their civic robes. The Mayors of Cork and Waterford +and Londonderry walked together; and the Lord Mayors of +London and York, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, with many +official personages, joined in the procession. When His Royal +Highness took his place in the chair of State, the orchestra, 1000 +strong, performed the National Anthem, and 10,000 voices sent up +their loyal cheers at its conclusion.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Duke of Leinster read the address of the Committee, to +which the Prince replied:—</p> +<blockquote> +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I thank you for your address. +It is a source of sincere pleasure to me to discharge the duties +confided to me by Her Majesty the Queen in thus inaugurating +your Exhibition. It is not less in accordance with my own +feelings than with those of Her Majesty to assist in every +measure calculated for the happiness and welfare of the Irish +people. The example of my lamented and beloved parent +will, I trust, ever be present to my mind as a stimulus in the +encouragement of every work tending to advance international +prosperity, and to develope the powers and resources of our own +country. The cultivation of the fine arts, in itself so powerful +an auxiliary in the civilization and refinement of the human +race, has been an important object in these Exhibitions, and +seems already to have produced most satisfactory results. +Believe me very sensible of your kind wishes on behalf of the +Princess of Wales. Her regret at being unable to accompany +me equals my own, and you may rely upon her anxiety to come +among you, assured of the welcome she will receive."</p> +</blockquote> +<p>Then from the grand organ and choir rose the ever impressive +music of the Hundredth Psalm, the most Catholic of all strains of +praise and thanksgiving. At its close there was another address, +giving an account of the origin and history of the Exhibition. A +copy of the Catalogue, and the key of the building, having been +presented to the Prince, the organ and orchestra pealed forth +Handel's Coronation Anthem. Then came another address, presented +by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of Dublin, in their +civic robes. This was read and handed to His Royal Highness, +who thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the City of +Dublin,—I return you my hearty thanks for the kind welcome +you have given me, and for your loyal expressions towards Her +Majesty the Queen. I regret that circumstances should prevent +the extension of my visit to a longer period. It would have +been very gratifying to the Princess had she been able to +accompany me, and I request that you be assured that we look +forward to another occasion when she will have the opportunity +of appreciating the hearty welcome which my own experience +leads me to anticipate for her. You justly ascribe to me a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> +peculiar interest in this day's ceremony. As the son of that +revered and lamented parent to whose wisdom, energy, and +influence you truly state exhibitions such as these owe their +origin, I may well feel proud in being able to assist in the +inauguration of the one we are about to open. May your +prayers be granted that it will be the means of producing the +usual result attending well-directed labour, and conduce to the +prosperity of Ireland and to the happiness of her people."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Then followed more music, from Haydn's Creation, and the +State procession moved from the centre of the nave, and made a +tour of the Exhibition. The Committee had arranged that music +should form a notable feature of the ceremonies, for when the +Prince returned to the daïs, the orchestra gave with grand effect +Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise.' At its conclusion the Prince +rose and commanded Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King-at-Arms, to +declare the Exhibition open. This was done amidst a flourish of +trumpets, and on a rocket being sent up as a signal, salvos +of artillery were fired from the forts and batteries, and from the +ships of war off Kingstown.</p> + +<p>Such was the opening ceremony. In the evening the Lord +Mayor gave a ball at the Mansion House. The city was brilliantly +illuminated. Next day there was a review in the Phœnix +Park, the number of spectators on the ground being greater than +on any occasion since the visit of the Queen in 1849. The Prince +of Wales, who wore the uniform of the 10th Hussars, of which +regiment he is Colonel, was received with the utmost enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>This was the first State visit of the Prince of Wales to Ireland. +His second visit, along with the Princess of Wales, was a time of +even greater brilliancy, and evoked equal enthusiasm of loyalty. +If later visits were marked with less unanimity of rejoicing, the +causes of the apparent disloyalty are well understood, and the +disaffection is known to be partial and temporary. Nothing has +ever occurred to lessen the personal popularity of the Prince of +Wales, nor to give reasonable cause for the reception of any of the +Royal Family being less cordial and enthusiastic than that of +the Prince in 1865. The Exhibition of that year was held under +the patronage of the Queen, who wished every success to the +"patriotic undertaking," as she called it. They can be no true +patriots who seek to lessen the Queen's interest in the welfare +of Ireland.</p> + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p> + +<h2>INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE AGRICULTURAL HALL, ISLINGTON.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 19th, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>After the great national and international Exhibitions, in which +were seen the most advanced displays of art, fostered by wealth, +skill, and training, it is pleasant to look back upon other exhibitions, +of a humbler but not less useful kind, which were +encouraged and patronized by the Prince of Wales. One of the +most memorable of these, the pattern and parent of many local +exhibitions of similar kind, was the Reformatory Exhibition held +in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in 1865. It was to exhibit +the productions of various schools connected with the Reformatory +and Refuge Union. The articles were the veritable manufacture +of poor boys and girls of the lowest classes, many of them utterly +destitute and hopeless as to any usefulness in life, until rescued +and taught various industries, by the efforts of Christian and +philanthropic men.</p> + +<p>The good and venerated Lord Shaftesbury was the President of +the Union, of which the Prince of Wales had gladly allowed +himself to be named Patron. In an address read by Lord Shaftesbury, +it was stated that the objects exhibited were contributed by +workers in above two hundred separate institutions in London and +other great towns. An invitation had been sent out for contributions +from foreign schools of the same class, and this was responded +to by articles being sent from almost every part of Europe, and +some from Africa and America. Hence the title of international +could be fairly given to the show. The representatives of several +foreign governments were present on the occasion. The opening +of the meeting by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the sacred +choral music performed by about one thousand children from the +Reformatory and Refuge Schools, showed that moral and religious +training was associated with the industrial work of the Union.</p> + +<p>To the address of Lord Shaftesbury, the Prince replied as +follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Grace, your Excellencies, my Lords, Ladies and +Gentlemen,—I have gladly taken a part in the proceedings of +this day, and complied with your request that I should attend, +as patron of this society, with the greatest satisfaction. The +benevolent purpose of this Exhibition cannot fail to be followed +by deserved success, and claims the co-operation of every one +who has the interests of the industrious poor at heart, and who +desires to forward the object which the Reformatory and Refuge<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> +Union has in view—namely, industrial and moral training. +The Committee do me justice in believing that I cordially sympathize +in the welcome this society offers to those representatives +of foreign countries who have responded to the invitation they +have received by their presence and contributions. In doing so +they have borne testimony, in common with ourselves, to the +value of these international exhibitions in promoting the growth +of those Christian and kind feelings towards each other which +we ought to pray should animate the whole of the nations of +the world."</p> + +</blockquote><p>This reply, read in a clear, sonorous voice, was heard in every +part of the building, and at its conclusion the cheers were loud +and prolonged. Prayers were then offered up by the Archbishop +of Canterbury, after which, and the singing of a hymn composed +by the late Prince Consort, His Royal Highness declared the +Exhibition opened.</p> + +<p>The Prince then spent considerable time in examining various +parts of the Exhibition, and delighted many youthful manufacturers +by the very numerous purchases of every description, from the +girls' as well as the boys' stalls, such as lace and crochet work to +take to the Princess of Wales. The heartiness with which the +Prince entered into the spirit of the occasion charmed all who +were present.</p> + +<p>On an earlier day of the same year, on the 1st of March, the +Prince had visited an Exhibition got up by the South London +Working Classes. No formal address or speech marked this visit, +but the interest taken by the Prince, and his liberal purchases, of +which all the neighbourhood soon heard and spoke, secured the +success of the Exhibition. One exhibitor wished the Prince to +accept a toy cart, which had attracted his notice, but the Prince +good-humouredly declined such irregularity, however kindly intended, +and insisted on paying for this as for all the purchases +during the visit.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE SAILORS' HOME, LONDON DOCKS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 22nd, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>The objects and the advantages of Sailors' Homes are now so +universally known, that few words are needed for introducing a +brief report of the visit of the Prince of Wales to the Home at the +London Docks, on May 22nd, 1865. This institution has now for +above fifty years afforded protection, comfort, and instruction to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> +all classes of the mercantile marine service. With increase of the +trade and shipping of London, new accommodation was required; +and in 1863 the foundation stone of a new wing to the Sailors' +Home was laid by Lord Palmerston.</p> + +<p>It was to open this completed building that the Prince of Wales +made his visit to the east of London. The event was regarded as +a great honour by the crowded and busy population of that quarter, +and a general holiday was held on the occasion. Many distinguished +persons, including some of the Foreign Ministers, were +present. Foreign seamen in the British mercantile service are +admitted to benefits of the Home. An address having been read +by Admiral Sir William Bowles, President of the Institution, the +Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir William Bowles, your Excellencies, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—It is very gratifying to me to comply with the +invitation I have received to take a part in this day's proceedings +and to preside at the opening of the new wing of this institution. +The beneficial results attending the establishment of a Sailors' +Home for our immense mercantile navy are shown by the statements +and figures which you have now given, and which +establish in the most satisfactory manner the necessity of adding +to the original building. The interest taken by my lamented +father in the religious welfare of this institution, evinced by his +laying the foundation stone of the Seamen's Church adjoining, +will not, I trust, be less in his son, who is well aware of the +sentiments of loyalty and devotion to the Throne which distinguish +the mercantile navy of Great Britain."</p></blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 5th, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>How much the Prince of Wales has, from early life, favoured +dramatic art, and encouraged its professors, is universally known. +While enjoying the drama for his own recreation, amidst more +arduous labours, he has been always ready to support any well-devised +and well-directed scheme for the benefit of the dramatic +profession. It was with this feeling that he accepted the invitation +to inaugurate and formally open the Royal Dramatic College at +Woking.</p> + +<p>There was a great gathering on the occasion, and the hall was +well filled, principally by ladies, before the proceedings commenced.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> +Mr. Webster, the Master of the College, having presented the +Prince with a massive gold key, symbolical of the ceremony, and +having read an address describing the objects of the Institution, +His Royal Highness replied as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Gentlemen,—It is truly gratifying to my feelings to find +myself this day called on to take a part in the final completion +of a building the foundation of which was the work of my +lamented father, as it was also an object which he had much at +heart. My satisfaction is increased by finding his beneficent +plan carried out in a manner worthy of the cause and of the +profession for the benefit of which the Dramatic College has +been instituted, and that, as the inevitable hour approaches, he +who has so often administered to your amusement, blended with +instruction, will here find a retreat open for age and its infirmities, +in grateful recognition of a debt due by the world at large. +I am happy to learn that the funds are progressively increasing +towards conferring the inestimable boon of education on the +children of men who, whether by their performances or by their +writings, have themselves laboured so well in the cause of +literature, and so justly earned this provision for their offspring. +The inauguration of the building we are now in completes the +three purposes which you have enumerated as forming the +original design of this institution. After having provided for +the material wants and comforts of those who are entitled to +seek a shelter in this asylum, the last object is to cheer their +evening of life, and to embellish its closing scenes with the +books, memorials, and records of their art, that they may again +live in the past, and make their final exit in a spirit of thankfulness +to God and their fellow-creatures."</p></blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>FISHMONGERS' HALL DINNER.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 11th, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 11th of June, 1865, a banquet was given to the Prince of +Wales by the Fishmongers' Company in their hall at London +Bridge. Two years before, in 1863, the name of the Prince was +added to the roll of the Company, so that on this occasion he +appeared as a member as well as a guest. Allusion was made to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> +this by the Prime Warden, James Spicer, who, as Chairman, proposed +the health of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest +of the Royal Family. Reference was also made to the recent birth +of another infant Prince, so that there was prospect of two Royal +members, who would in due time have the right of inscribing their +names on their freemen's roll. Some of the Prime Warden's words +are worth reproducing, as showing at how early an age the Prince +had exhibited the traits of character, and the line of action, by +which he has now so long been distinguished. The Prime Warden +said that "he was not using the language of flattery, but simply +recording a fact with which the people of these realms, from one +end of the kingdom to the other, were conversant, when he said +that the esteem and the affection with which His Royal Highness +was regarded by Her Majesty's subjects were owing no less to his +amiable manners, his kindly disposition, and the condescension +which he invariably displayed in his intercourse with all the +classes of the community, than to the exalted position which he +occupied, and the relation in which he stood as heir apparent to the +British Throne. There was another circumstance which had +endeared him to the people of England, and that was that he had +followed so closely in the footsteps of his ever-to-be-lamented and +illustrious father, by lending his high sanction to the promotion of +those industrial exhibitions that tended so much to elevate and +improve the tastes and habits of the people."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging the toast, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Prime Warden, your Royal Highness, my Lords, Ladies, +and Gentlemen,—I thank you very much for the kind manner +in which my name and that of the Princess of Wales, and the +other members of the Royal family, have been proposed and +received. I need hardly tell you that it is a source of sincere +gratification to me to be present here this evening; not only as +a guest, but as a member—a freeman of this corporation. I +have not forgotten that soon after I came of age the first freedom +of any of the ancient guilds of this city with which I was presented +was that of the Fishmongers' Company in 1863. I am proud +also to think that I have been thus enrolled as a member of a +company into which so many of my relations have been admitted, +whose portraits adorn these walls. Although this is a joyous +occasion, I cannot forbear alluding to the loss of one whose name +is intimately connected with the city of London, Mr. Cubitt, who +was twice elected Lord Mayor of London, and who was your +Prime Warden three years ago when I took up my freedom in +this company. I need not recall to your memory how anxious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +he was to promote every kind of charity, and I feel sure you +will not think it unbecoming in me or inopportune to mention +his name on this occasion. In conclusion, I beg again to thank +you for the kind manner in which you have alluded to a recent +event, and the cordial wishes you have expressed for the speedy +recovery of the Princess. I can assure you my heartfelt wish +is that my two sons may learn to emulate and follow the bright +example of their revered grandfather."</p></blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SPEECH DAY AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 3rd, 1865.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 3rd of July 1865, the ceremony of distributing prizes at +Wellington College was performed by the Prince of Wales, in +presence of a distinguished company. The Governors of the +College were in attendance, the Bishop of Oxford, the Earl of +Derby, Earl Stanhope, Lord Eversley, Lord Chelmsford, Mr. +Walter, M.P., and Mr. Cox. At the luncheon, which followed the +proceedings in the large hall of the College, the head master, Mr. +Benson (now Archbishop of Canterbury), having proposed the +toast of the Prince of Wales, thanking him for his presence that +day, and for the kind favour and interest with which he had +uniformly regarded the institution, the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I am deeply sensible of the +manner in which Mr. Benson has proposed my health, and in +which it has been received by the company assembled here to-day. +I need hardly assure you that it is a source of sincere gratification +to me to find myself once more within the walls of Wellington +College, taking part in the proceedings of 'Speech Day,' and +distributing prizes to the successful competitors. Allow me, +Mr. Benson, to congratulate you, and through you the whole +college, on the highly efficient state in which I find it. I feel +convinced that my young friends have not forgotten that it +bears the name of one of the greatest soldiers England ever +knew. In the success of this institution Mr. Benson has already +mentioned, and I need hardly remind you, that the Queen takes +a strong interest; a still greater interest was taken by my father, +to whose exertions the college really owes its origin. I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> +now, my lords and gentlemen, a very pleasing task to perform, +and that is to make an announcement which I hope will not be +considered indiscreet on my part. At the last meeting of the +Governors of Wellington College, Lord Derby intimated that it +was his intention to devote the profits of his justly celebrated +translation of 'Homer' to the production of a prize to be given +annually as a reward to the foundationer who within the year of +his leaving the college should conduct himself to the entire +approbation of the Head Master—be considered, in fact, the +most industrious and well-conducted boy or young man in the +school. I feel certain that this announcement will be received +with great pleasure. It will show you the interest which the +noble lord takes in this institution, and will be a stimulus to +increased exertion on the part of those within its walls. I +thank you, Mr. Benson, for proposing, and you, my lords and +gentlemen, for drinking, my health so cordially; and I assure +you it affords me great gratification whenever I can do anything +to promote the welfare of Wellington College."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The report of the proceedings states that this speech was +"delivered with a heartiness which elicited corresponding enthusiasm +in the audience." The other speakers were Sir John +Pakington, who said he had the most gratifying proof of the +efficiency of the College in the progress made by his son as one of +the pupils; and Lord Derby, who said that no worthier and +suitable memorial of "the Great Duke" could have been erected +in his honour than this institution, which was not merely a +military school, but a college for training young Englishmen for +the Universities, and for every department of public life, although +all the foundationers are sons of deceased officers. Lord Derby +also referred to the prize instituted by him, such rewards being +usually given only to ability and successful study, while his object +was to hold forth a stimulus to general study, and persevering good +conduct. He would not have referred to the gift which it was +his happiness to make, had not the matter been mentioned by His +Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>The Prince was again at Wellington College on the 17th of +June, 1867, and he has ever since taken personal interest in the +institution, as one of its Governors.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 9th, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>The President and Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers +had the honour of entertaining the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, +as he was then styled, and a very distinguished company, at dinner, +in Willis's Rooms, on the 9th of May, 1866. Among the guests +were the veteran Sir John Burgoyne, the Dukes of Sutherland and +Buccleuch, Earl Grey, Lord Salisbury, Sir John Pakington, Sir +Edwin Landseer, Professor (Sir Richard) Owen, Baron Marochetti, +the Presidents of the Royal Society and of the Royal Institute of +British Architects, and representatives of various departments in +the public service. The members and associates of the Institution, +numbering nearly two hundred, included all the civil engineers +most eminent at that time, or who have since risen to distinction. +Some of the names recall notable events and achievements in +our time, sometimes called "the age of the engineers." Rennie, +Armstrong, Bidder, Hawkshaw, Scott Russell, Hawksley, Cubitt, +Penn, Fairbairn, Brunlees, Brassey, Samuda, Bramwell, Bessemer, +Maudsley, Rawlinson, Vignoles, are on the list of those present on +this memorable occasion. Mr. Fowler, President of the Institution, +presided at the dinner, and in proposing the loyal toasts which +are given at all such meetings, said of the Prince of Wales, +that, "notwithstanding the numerous duties of his exalted +station, His Royal Highness has always taken the greatest +interest in those works which occupy the thoughts and lives of +engineers, and therefore it is a source of peculiar gratification to +the profession that His Royal Highness has been pleased to join the +Institution of Civil Engineers, which had the honour to rank as its +most distinguished honorary member His Royal Highness the +Prince Consort."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales in returning thanks, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen, +I have indeed every reason to feel deeply flattered and +gratified at the very kind manner in which you, Mr. President, +have proposed this toast, and for the way in which it has been +received by the company present. Under any circumstances, it +would have afforded me sincere pleasure to have been present +this evening—present at a meeting of so distinguished a body +as the Civil Engineers of Great Britain; but it is still more +agreeable to me to find myself here in the position of one of +your honorary members. I thank you for the manner in which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> +you have mentioned my name regarding me as one of yourselves. +I feel proud to think that my lamented father was also an +honorary member of this distinguished Institution. Mr. President +and Gentlemen, perhaps it is a difficult task for me to +address so eminently scientific a body, more especially to eulogize +them; but I cannot forbear adverting to the names of two most +distinguished members of it—I allude to Mr. Brunel and Mr. +Stephenson, whose names will never be obliterated from our +memory. The important services they have rendered to this +country can never be forgotten. Let us look round at the vast +works which have been completed, or which are in the course of +completion in this country. Though it may, perhaps, seem +unnecessary, I think it is right I should on this occasion ask +you to look for a moment at the vast extension of our docks all +over this country—at the great improvements in the electric +telegraph, and also in our steamships, and, in fact, in the general +steam navigation on our waters. Let us look at what has been +done at home—and when I say at home, I mean in this Metropolis. +No one can walk over Westminster-bridge without being +struck by those magnificent quays which are being built on either +side of the river, and are commonly called the Thames Embankment. +These constitute the most important works of the day. I +must also refer to the Metropolitan Underground Railway, which +is owing to the continued exertions of your distinguished President, +and which, although not entirely completed, has been in +use for nearly three years, and has, I believe, to a considerable +extent diminished the traffic in our streets. Let us look also +at our colonies, and see the many important works which our engineers +have contrived there. I would allude more especially to +one—the celebrated bridge built over the St. Lawrence, called the +Victoria-bridge, which is close to Montreal, and which was constructed +by one of your most renowned engineers, Mr. Stephenson. +I had the honour of inaugurating that bridge in the name of +Her Majesty the Queen. I have to be thankful to you all in +many ways; but I have to be particularly thankful to Mr. +Stephenson for having built such a bridge, because, perhaps, I +should never have had an opportunity of visiting our North +American colonies and a portion of the United States if I had +not received an invitation to inaugurate that great work. Let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> +me thank you once more, Mr. President, for the honour done +me, and for the kind way in which the name of the Princess of +Wales has been received. And let me assure you that it affords +me the deepest gratification to have the honour of being present +this evening as one of your members."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Chairman then gave the toast of "the Army, Navy, and +Volunteers," coupling with it the names of Prince Alfred, Sir +John Burgoyne, and Colonel Erskine. The speech of Prince +Alfred, in reply, is worth recalling, as one of the earliest occasions +on which he represented the profession in which he now holds so +high a position:—</p> + +<p>"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I +need scarcely tell you with what pleasure I rise to respond to +this toast, nor how proud I feel to hear my name associated with the +Royal navy. Within the last few years the navy has become more +connected with the civil engineers than ever it was before. Many +improvements we owe—in fact, I may say all the later improvements +we owe—to the civil engineers. There is only one thing +they have not succeeded in doing, and that is making us look +more beautiful than we did before. Indeed, I am afraid they have +rather caused us to deteriorate in appearance. I need not add that +I take, and shall continue to take, the greatest interest in this +body; the more so from the fact of my father having been an +honorary member of the institution, and from my brother having +now for the first time taken his place in the same character."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 11th, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>The foundation-stone of the stately edifice in Queen Victoria +Street, the head-quarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society, +was laid by the Prince of Wales, on the 11th of June, 1866. On +the ground near St. Andrew's Hill, Doctors' Commons, a spacious +awning stretched over an area with ranges of seats for above 2000 +persons. On the platform were many good and eminent men, +most of whom—Lord Shaftesbury, Lord Teignmouth, the Archbishop +of York, the Bishops of Winchester and Carlisle, the Dean +of Westminster, Dr. Binney—are with us no more.</p> + +<p>The proceedings commenced with prayer, praise, and reading +some portions of Scripture appropriate to the occasion. An +address was then read by the Rev. S. B. Bergne, one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> +Secretaries, giving a summary of the history of the Society, and +stating its objects and operations.</p> + +<p>The Earl of Shaftesbury then formally requested His Royal +Highness "to undertake the solemn duty of laying the foundation +stone of an edifice which shall be raised for the glory of God, and +for the promotion of the best interests of the human race." The +Prince duly and formally laid the stone, and then replied to the +address that had been read:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Archbishop, my Lords and Gentlemen,—I have to +thank you for the very interesting address in which you so ably +set forth the objects of this noble Institution.</p> + +<p>"It is now sixty-three years ago since Mr. Wilberforce, the +father of the eminent prelate who now occupies so prominent a +place in the Church of England, met, with a few friends, by +candlelight, in a small room in a dingy counting-house, and +resolved upon the establishment of the Bible Society.</p> + +<p>"Contrast with this obscure beginning the scene of this day, +which, not only in England and in our colonies, but in the +United States of America, and in every nation in Europe, will +awaken the keenest interest.</p> + +<p>"Such a reward of perseverance is always a gratifying +spectacle; much more so when the work which it commemorates +is one in which all Christians can take part, and when the +object is that of enabling every man in his own tongue to read +the wonderful works of God.</p> + +<p>"I have an hereditary claim to be here upon this occasion. +My grandfather, the Duke of Kent, as you have reminded me, +warmly advocated the claims of this Society; and it is gratifying +to me to reflect that the two modern versions of the Scriptures +most widely circulated—the German and English—were both, +in their origin, connected with my family. The translation of +Martin Luther was executed under the protection of the Elector +of Saxony, the collateral ancestor of my lamented father; whilst +that of William Tyndale, the foundation of the present authorized +English version, was introduced with the sanction of the Royal +predecessor of my mother the Queen, who first desired that the +Bible 'should have free course through all Christendom, but +especially in his own realm.'</p> + +<p>"It is my hope and trust, that, under the Divine guidance, +the wider diffusion and the deeper study of the Scriptures<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> +will, in this as in every age, be at once the surest guarantee +of the progress and liberty of mankind, and the means of +multiplying in the purest form the consolations of our holy +religion."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Archbishop of York then invoked the Divine Blessing on +the work. The Bishop of Winchester, as one of the oldest living +members of the Society, expressed the grateful acknowledgments +of the Committee to the Prince, for his presence among them, and +for the act performed at their request. Two verses of the National +Anthem having been sung, and the benediction pronounced, the +meeting dispersed.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor, with true civic hospitality, invited the Prince +of Wales, the officers of the Society, and all who had taken any +part in the ceremony to luncheon at the Mansion House. On +the health of the Prince and the Princess of Wales being proposed, +the Prince acknowledged the compliment in the following +words:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am, indeed, deeply touched and gratified by the toast +which has just been proposed by the Lord Mayor, and by the +very kind and feeling manner in which you have drunk to the +health of the Princess and myself. It is to me a source of +sincere gratification to receive again the hospitality of the Chief +Magistrate of the City. I can never forget, nor can the Princess +ever forget, the manner in which she was received on her first +entry into London; and although she is not here to-day—a fact +which I most deeply regret—I can bear testimony that she has +never forgotten, and never will forget, the reception given to her +three years ago. The occasion which has brought me here to-day +has given me sincere gratification. I shall be happy on all +occasions to do any thing that may tend, as the Lord Bishop of +Winchester said this morning, 'to alleviate the sufferings of +man.' But I feel sure that the work I have been enabled to +perform, small as it may be, will bear testimony to the great +good done to the poorer classes by a Society which has existed +for so many years. Sincerely I thank you for the opportunity +you have given me in coming forward on this interesting occasion, +and I shall always be happy to render every assistance in my +power to an institution which is calculated to render such +important benefits to the world. I return my best thanks for +the greeting I received this morning at the ceremony, and also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> +for the kind manner in which I have been received on this +occasion."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Her Majesty the Queen signified her interest in the proceedings +of the day by sending £100 to the Building Fund, and £100 was +also contributed by the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>The Bible Society has, since its establishment in 1804, issued +about 113 millions of Bibles, Testaments, or portions thereof. Its +issues yearly are now about four million copies. The full income +in 1887 amounted to £116,761; and the sum received for Scriptures +sold was £104,880. The Society has aided the translation of the +Bible into 280 languages or dialects.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>FRIEND OF THE CLERGY CORPORATION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 13th, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>The sixteenth anniversary festival of this institution was celebrated +at Willis's Rooms on the 13th of June, 1866. Among the guests +were the Archbishops of Canterbury, York, and Armagh, and +numerous dignitaries in Church and State, the Marquis of Salisbury +presiding. The Prince of Wales honoured the company with his +presence, and on his health being proposed by the chairman, he +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Chairman, my Lords and Gentlemen,—I feel, +indeed, deeply flattered and gratified by the kind terms in which +you have spoken of me, and by the kind manner in which my +health has been received by the company, and I have earnestly +to thank you in my own name and in the name of the Princess +of Wales and of the other members of the Royal family. +Among the many charities in this country, I believe there are +few which demand our sympathy and support more than the +Friend of the Clergy Corporation. Its object is to assist the +orphans and unmarried daughters of clergymen of the Church +of England, and to afford temporary aid to their necessitous +parents. We have met here this evening to advocate the cause +of the institution, and I believe that at the present moment the +pensions which it distributes amount to the large sum of +£4000 per annum, and that it helps to maintain 106 pensioners, +while there are 60 more persons applying for its bounty. One +remarkable characteristic of the institution is that its pensions,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> +which never exceed £40 a year, are granted for life, and another +is that these pensions are bestowed on members of the Church +not only in England, but also in Ireland and the colonies. +Young though I am, I think I may state that I am aware from +my own personal knowledge how low are the stipends received +by many of our clergymen, and I can, therefore, support most +cordially this institution. I feel, however, some diffidence in +alluding to that subject, because I know I shall thereby be +trenching on the special province of our noble chairman. But +I believe he will forgive me for saying that I think we ought +upon this occasion to show the greatest possible liberality, and, +if I may use the expression, that we ought freely to open our +purses. I can again assure you that the Princess of Wales and +the other members of the Royal family are most ready to participate +with me in the feeling of sincere gratitude with which I +now acknowledge the compliment you have just paid us. I now +thank you, too, for the kind manner in which you have just +listened to me, however imperfectly I have expressed myself."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In giving the toast of "Prosperity to the Institution," the noble +chairman said, that after the speech which they had just heard in +its favour from His Royal Highness it was scarcely necessary for +him to say another word. He could fully confirm everything +which had been said by His Royal Highness as to its value, and +the urgent need of such an institution was proved by the fact that +there were in this kingdom no less than 10,000 clergymen who +occupied benefices of less value than £150 a year. How was it +possible for men with such incomes, who had to move in a respectable +sphere of life, to lay by anything for a period of distress or to +make a provision for their widows and orphans? He therefore +cordially concurred in the eloquent appeal made to them by His +Royal Highness.</p> + +<p>The result of the appeal was a subscription list amounting to +£1200, including 100 guineas from the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>It may be added that now (1888) there are about 100 pensioners, +besides special grants for urgent cases. Last year's receipts were +£6,000, and the invested funds are about £18,500.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERKS' SCHOOL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 18th, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>One of the earliest public functions undertaken by the Prince +(July, 1863) was laying the foundation stone of the School, near +Croydon, for children of warehousemen, clerks, and agents of +wholesale houses and manufactories, so employed in any part of +the United Kingdom. The building was not completed till the +spring of 1866, and on the 18th of June of that year, the Prince, +on being applied to, at once and cordially agreed to preside at the +inauguration or formal opening of the Asylum.</p> + +<p>The Prince was received by Earl Russell, President of the +Charity, the Bishop of Winchester, the Lord Mayor of London, the +High Sheriff of Surrey, and other official and distinguished persons +interested in the Institution. Having thoroughly inspected the +building, the arrangements of which are admirable, and having +heard an address explaining the origin and purposes of the Institution, +briefly replied as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—It is a sincere pleasure to me +to see the work which we commenced in July, 1863, brought to +a happy conclusion. Such a consummation, when we reflect on +the numerous classes of the great commercial community of our +country whose interests it promotes, cannot but be gratifying to +every one present, and will induce us all gratefully to invoke +the Divine blessing on the ultimate success of this undertaking. +The attention that has been paid to the details of the building +and to the comforts and wellbeing of the children it is destined +to shelter, I may say, without presumption, merits this success. +And if, as you have stated, 'that which is worth doing at all is +worth doing well,' be a truth requiring any corroboration, I +have only to point to this structure for the most unanswerable +argument in its support. It only remains for me to thank you, +my lords and gentlemen, for the kind expressions you have +used with reference to the part I have taken in this day's +proceedings."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Prayer was then offered by the Bishop of Winchester, and a +thanksgiving hymn sung. The ladies present then came forward +with their collection purses, and amusement was caused by the +hugeness of the heap of offerings that rose before the Prince, +exceeding even the large sum presented when the foundation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> +stone was laid. On this occasion upwards of one thousand ladies +presented the charitable gifts, and above £5000 in money or +subscriptions proved to be the gratifying result. Prayer and +thanksgiving were again offered, and the Prince, amid much +enthusiasm, declared the Asylum open.</p> + +<p>The schools, first established in 1853, had been formerly conducted +in three separate houses at New Cross, under many disadvantages. +The building inaugurated by the Prince of Wales is +one of the most commodious and beautiful structures possessed by +any charity. Its imposing appearance and picturesque site must +have been admired by many travellers on the Brighton and South +Coast Railway, near Caterham Junction. The prosperity of the +Institution has been in keeping with its auspicious beginning.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 28th, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>The object of the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum is sufficiently +indicated by its name. Founded in 1817, the institution had for +nearly fifty years been carried on with success. Upwards of 800 +children had found shelter and training, but this number represents +a very small proportion of the orphans left destitute through the +calamities of which merchant seamen are constantly in peril. This +asylum was at first located in the parish of St. George's-in-the-East, +and subsequently removed to the Borough Road, where the +first stone of a new building was, in 1861, laid by the Prince +Consort. The building was opened by Earl Russell in 1862. The +support given to the charity encouraged the building of the present +asylum, near Snaresbrook, in a healthy and beautiful part of the +country.</p> + +<p>It was for the opening ceremony of the erection of a new dining-hall +that the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Asylum, on +the 28th of June, 1866. Received by a guard of honour of the Hon. +Artillery Company, their Royal Highnesses were conducted to a +tent where luncheon was served. In proposing the health of the +Royal visitors, Lord Alfred Paget, who presided, said that "he +had known His Royal Highness almost, he might say, before he +knew himself, and that he could bear testimony to the interest he +took, not only in every manly English sport, but in everything +which tended to contribute to the advancement of such institutions +as that whose success he testified by his presence on that occasion +his desire to promote."</p> + +<p>In returning thanks the Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am, indeed, deeply sensible of and deeply grateful for the +excessively kind manner in which the noble lord has proposed +my health and that of the Princess of Wales, as well as for the +very kind manner in which you all have been good enough to +receive the toast. My presence here to-day affords me the +greatest satisfaction, because we have come to honour a work +which to me is particularly interesting, inasmuch as the foundation +stone of this asylum was laid by my lamented father in +1861. But, under any circumstances, it would be a pleasing +and a proud moment for me to be here on such an occasion as +this. We must all know how important a part our mercantile +navy plays at the present moment, and how important it is +that we should provide for the orphans of those brave men who +are exposed to so many dangers. As you are well aware, this +institution has furnished an asylum since its opening in 1862 +for upwards of 180 boys and girls at a time, and it must, I am +sure, be greatly gratifying to us that I should to-day be called +upon to lay the foundation stone of an additional room, which I +understand will embrace part of the plan of the original building. +I beg again to thank you, on my own behalf and on that of the +Princess, than whom, I assure you, nobody takes greater interest +in the work which we are assembled to promote."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Lord A. Paget next proposed the toast of "Prosperity to the +Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum," which was responded to by +Mr. Green, one of the directors.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then rose and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have to give you the health of our noble chairman, to whom, +I think, we ought all to be very grateful for the kind manner in +which he has undertaken to perform the duties of his position +on this occasion, as well as for the interest which he manifests, +not only in this great and important charity, but in the welfare +of the sailor all over the world. I felt almost inclined to blush +at the terms in which he alluded to his friendship for myself, +and I can never forget the kindness which he has shown towards +me since my early boyhood."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was very cordially drunk, and shortly after Lord A. +Paget had briefly responded to it their Royal Highnesses paid +a brief visit to the beautiful chapel, which has been endowed for +the use of the asylum at the sole cost of Lady Morrison. An<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> +address was afterwards read, expressing the gratification which the +friends of the institution derived from the presence of their Royal +Highnesses, and their thankfulness for the interest thus manifested +in its prosperity. In reply the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My part in the proceedings of the day is attended with +peculiar pleasure from the circumstance of its being the anniversary +of the inauguration of this building by my lamented father. +The call for its extension by the increased numbers applying for +admission tells its own story. The steady support which the +institution has continued to receive from its commencement encourages +us to persevere in the good work so auspiciously begun. +The interest of the Queen in its welfare is, I can assure you, +fully participated in by me, and it only remains for me now to +invoke the Divine blessing on the benevolent objects which have +led to this undertaking."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The foundation stone was then laid with the usual formalities, +and after a religious service, conducted by the Archbishop of +Armagh, the Royal visitors left, amidst the cheers of the assemblage.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL VISIT TO NORWICH IN 1866.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August, 1866.</i></p> + + +<p>From the time of making his home at Sandringham, the Prince +of Wales, like all English country gentlemen, has felt that his +county had special claims on his public spirit and personal exertions. +Norfolk has not been slow to understand these claims, and +the Prince has more than met the expectations formed of him in +regard to his county life. In the record of future years it will be +seen how heartily he has associated himself, not with the agriculture +only, but with the various occupations and industries, the +works and the sports, the schools and the charities of Norfolk.</p> + +<p>One of the earliest public appearances of the Prince and Princess +of Wales in the county chosen as their home, was at Norwich in +the autumn of 1866. The time chosen by the Mayor and Corporation +for the invitation to visit their city was that of the Norwich +musical festival of that year. Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark, +and the Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied the Prince and Princess +on this visit, which was in every way a most enjoyable and successful +one. Among the attractions of the musical festival was +the performance for the first time of Sir Michael Costa's oratorio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> +<i>Naaman</i>. The Norwich concerts of 1866 were remarkable both in +the richness of the programmes, and the rare excellence of the +performances. Seldom has opportunity been afforded of hearing +such variety of classic music, performed by the greatest vocal and +instrumental artists of the time.</p> + +<p>The musical festival was not, however, the sole attraction. +The capital of the Eastern Counties was in high festival, and +other entertainments were provided. Advantage was also taken +of the Prince's presence for the ceremony of opening the Drill-shed +recently erected for the Norwich Volunteers. Colonel Black, +the commander, in addressing the Prince, referred to the great +interest always taken by him in the organization and efficiency of +the volunteer force of the country, and they had therefore sought +the honour of his inaugurating the building erected for military +purposes, by the volunteers of the ancient and loyal city of Norwich. +The Prince replied that he had the greatest pleasure in complying +with the request; and, having complimented the commander on +the efficiency of his corps, and the suitability of the building for +its purposes, he declared the hall open. The chaplain of the +battalion then offered a brief prayer. The planting of memorial +trees, and other incidents associated with the Royal visit, will long +be remembered by the people of Norwich.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 1st, 1867.</i></p> + + +<p>In a maritime country like this, with seas crowded with shipping, +and with coasts dangerous from rocks or shoals, a lifeboat service +for preservation of life from shipwreck is a necessity. The Royal +National Life-boat Institution meets the want. It has now, in +1888, nearly 300 stations, all round the coast. The wreck chart, +which is published annually with the Society's Report, shows at a +glance where wrecks are most numerous, and there the boats of +rescue are most required. It is not only British coasting vessels +that are thus provided for, but the ships coming from foreign +seas, and of all nations, as they crowd towards our estuaries and +ports, benefit by the lifeboat service.</p> + +<p>On the 1st of March, 1867, the Prince of Wales took the chair +at the annual meeting of the Institution held, through the courtesy +of the Lord Mayor, in the Egyptian Hall of the Mansion House. +Received in the State Drawing-Room, by the chief magistrate of +London, attended by the sword and mace bearers of the Corporation, +the Prince was thence conducted to the Hall, where a +numerous and distinguished company had assembled. On taking +the chair, the Prince said:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My Lord Mayor, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—It +affords me very great pleasure to occupy the chair to-day, upon +so interesting an occasion as the present. Among the many +benevolent and charitable institutions of this country there are, +I think, few which demand our sympathy and support more, +and in which we can feel more interest, than the National +Life-boat Institution. An institution of this kind is an absolute +necessity in a great maritime country like ours. It is wholly +different in one respect from other institutions, because although +lives are to be saved, they can in those cases in which this +society operates only be saved at the risk of the loss of other +lives. I am happy to be able to congratulate the Institution +upon its high state of efficiency at the present moment, and +upon the fact that by its means very nearly one thousand lives +have been saved in the course of the past year.</p> + +<p>"Lifeboats have been given by many benevolent individuals—some +as thank-offerings from the friends of those whose lives +have been saved, and others in memory of those who are +unhappily no more. I am happy also to be able to say that +lifeboats do not only exist upon our coast, but that our great +example in this matter has been imitated by many foreign +maritime countries, and they have chosen our institution as the +model for their own. I beg upon this occasion to tender, in the +name of the Institution, our warmest thanks for the kindness +and courtesy of the Lord Mayor in allowing us to hold our +meeting in this hall. It is indeed a peculiarly fitting place in +which to hold such a meeting, closely connected as the Institution +is with the City of London. Very nearly half a century +ago the Institution originated in this city. In 1850 the late +Duke of Northumberland became its president. My lamented +father was also a vice-patron, and took the warmest interest in +its prosperity. I am happy to say the respected secretary, +Mr. Lewis, occupied that position at that time, as, indeed, he +had long before that time. He has held it ever since, and +much of the success of the Institution is owing to his long +experience, and the energetic manner in which he has directed +its working has raised the Institution to its present high state +of efficiency.</p> + +<p>"I may say that there are 174 lifeboats afloat, and that in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> +the course of the past year 33 have been called into existence, +at a cost of no less than £17,000, the whole of which has been +defrayed by benevolent individuals. Before concluding the +brief remarks which I have addressed to you, however imperfectly, +upon this occasion, I call upon you once more to offer +your support to so excellent an Institution. I am certain you +must be convinced that it is one which is really a necessity for +a great maritime nation like this. I congratulate you that it +has arrived at so efficient a state, and I feel quite sure that you +would be the last to wish it to decay from want of funds."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Secretary having read the Report, and various speeches +having been delivered, donations were announced to the amount of +£1200. At the luncheon, which was afterwards given in the Long +Parlour, the Prince hoped that the proceedings of that day would +advance the prosperity of the Institution, the benefits of which +had only to be more widely known, to be more largely supported.</p> + +<p>We may add that the receipts, as stated in last year's report +(1887), were £56,970, and the expenditure £74,162. During the +year 368 lives had been saved by the Society's boats, and ten +vessels saved from destruction. Besides medals and other testimonials, +£3345 had been granted in rewards. Since the formation +of the Society it has voted as rewards 97 gold and 996 silver +medals or clasps, 139 binocular glasses, 15 telescopes, and money +to the amount of £96,700. These statistics are furnished by the +present secretary, Mr. Charles Dibdin, a descendant of the Dibdin +whose naval songs are known to all sailors. British seamen are +always ready to risk their lives to save their fellow men, and +there is never any difficulty found in manning the lifeboats, but +it is necessary to have a permanent staff, and to keep up the +stations, while those who volunteer to imperil their own lives +ought to have reward, in order to help to provide for others +dependent on them. The Prince again presided at the Annual +Meeting in 1884.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SOCIETY OF ANCIENT BRITONS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 1st, 1867.</i></p> + + +<p>A Welsh charitable institution might claim the patronage of the +Prince of Wales, from his title, apart from the sympathy shown +by him towards benevolent works amidst all classes of the people. +On St. David's Day, March 1st, 1867, the Prince presided at the +152nd anniversary festival of this ancient and useful charity, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> +origin of which dates back from the year 1715, shortly after the +accession of George I.</p> + +<p>Caroline, the Princess of Wales, was born on the 1st of March of +that year; and as there were divisions and intrigues at the period, +many influential Welshmen combined to show their loyal attachment +to the House of Hanover.</p> + +<p>At first the combination was probably prompted by political +motives, but the Society soon took up practical work, and founded +a school for the education of poor children of Welsh parents in +London. The Scotch had already formed similar patriotic institutions, +and at a later period the Irish followed the example. On +the present anniversary the Prince was supported by a distinguished +company, including several of the most eminent and +influential natives of the Principality.</p> + +<p>The Health of the Queen having been drunk with enthusiasm, +that of the Prince and Princess of Wales was proposed by the Duke +of Cambridge, who said that every one would agree with him in +expressing the high sense which every body entertained of the +admirable way in which His Royal Highness had supported not +only the general interests of the country, but also those of individual +societies. The Prince responded in a few hearty words, saying he +would always be found ready to assist charitable objects, whether +as an onlooker, or as a participator in the proceedings, as he was +that night. Having returned warm thanks for the reception +given to the toast, and the good wishes expressed towards himself +and the Princess of Wales, he then proposed the toast of the +evening: "Prosperity to the Welsh Charity School, and Perpetuity +to the Honourable and Loyal Society of Ancient Britons."</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I feel sure, Gentlemen, I shall not have to call upon you +twice to respond most heartily to this toast. You all of you +must know, perhaps far better than I can tell you, the history +of this society; but at the same time it may be well that +I should go back and give you a brief sketch of the society +from its commencement. In 1715 it was founded on St. David's +Day, which was the birthday of Caroline, Princess of Wales. +My ancestor, George II., then Prince of Wales, became the first +patron of the society. The Princess took great interest in the +well-being of the society, independent of the fact of its having +been founded in commemoration of her natal day. The school +in those times was nothing more than a day school. It was +found to be too small, and was removed to Clerkenwell, and +there it flourished for some time. In 1771 it was removed to +Gray's-inn Lane, and in 1818, at the death of the much lamented +Princess Charlotte of Wales, whose loss the whole country most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> +deeply felt, 50 additional children were, by means of a public +subscription, sent to the school in remembrance of her name. +The school continued to flourish, but it was thought advisable, +if it could be effected, that the institution should be removed +into the country, in order, among other advantages, that the +children might derive the benefit of the fresh air. Accordingly +in 1854 the school was removed to Ashford, and on the 13th of +July, 1857, my lamented father inaugurated and opened the +school on its present site. I am happy to say that I accompanied +him on that occasion, and from that time to this you will +believe me when I assure you that I have felt the deepest +interest in the prosperity of the school. It has frequently +occurred on my journey from Windsor to London by the South-Western +line for me to notice the school as I have passed by it, +but that circumstance alone would not be required to remind +me of its claims. When the school was removed from London +to the country considerable expense was incurred; so much so +that it was rendered necessary to reduce the number of children +from 200 to 150, but I am happy to be able to inform you that +in the course of the last century and a half as many as 3000 +Welsh children have been by means of this institution clothed, +fed, and educated, and afterwards sent forth into the world provided, +to a certain extent, for their future career. This must be +a gratifying announcement, and brief and imperfect as the +sketch may have been which I have now given you, still I trust +I have said enough to call upon you most heartily to continue +that support which in past years you have given on the occasion +of these annual festivals. Gentlemen, I thank you for the kind +manner in which you have been pleased to receive these +remarks, and I beg to propose to you, in a bumper, the toast of +the evening."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Other toasts and speeches followed, and a most liberal collection +was made for the Charity, which is now generally known under +the name of "High School for Welsh Girls."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>LONDON INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 10th, 1867.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 10th of July, 1867, His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales inaugurated this institution, established under the auspices +of the International Education Society. Some years previously a +Committee, of which Mr. Cobden and M. Michael Chevalier were +members, proposed the formation of an International College, +having four principal establishments, in England, France, Germany, +and Italy. The pupils were to pursue their studies at each branch +in succession. It was to inaugurate the English branch of this +institution, at Spring Grove, under the direction of Dr. Leonard +Schmitz, formerly Rector of the High School of Edinburgh, that +they assembled this day.</p> + +<p>After inspecting the building and grounds, the visitors assembled +at luncheon, the chair being occupied by Mr. Paulton, the treasurer +of the College, having on his right the Prince of Wales, and on his +left the Duc d'Aumale. The Prince de Joinville and the Comte +de Paris were also among the guests. On the health of the Prince +of Wales being proposed, he replied as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I beg to thank you +for the kind manner in which you have drunk my health, and +for the feeling and touching sympathy you have evinced for the +Princess of Wales. I can assure you it gives me the greatest +gratification to be present to-day to inaugurate this College +under the auspices of the International Education Society. +I sincerely trust that this propitious weather and the goodly +company I see around me may be omens of the future of this +institution. The site of this College is all that can be desired, +and I know that its management will be so administered +as to fulfil to the utmost the anticipations of its promoters. +There is now room for 80 pupils within its walls, and when the +new wings are completed it will be capable of accommodating +twice, probably treble, that number. There are, I understand, +two sister institutions abroad—one in Germany, and the other +in France; and after the pupils have completed their studies +here they can avail themselves of the advantages of these institutions +to perfect themselves in modern Continental languages.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to discuss the relative claims on our attention +of the living and dead languages; but I believe it to be most<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> +important that modern languages should form one of the principal +subjects of study on grounds of practical utility. No +persons were ever more deeply impressed with this fact than +my late lamented father, and another man whose name is now +celebrated through England, Richard Cobden. I have travelled +a great deal on the Continent, and I am confident that I should +have found my sojourn in these countries far less pleasant than +it was if I had not possessed a considerable knowledge of the +vernacular of the people.</p> + +<p>"I thank you again sincerely for the manner in which you +have drunk my health, and I shall convey to the Princess the +deep sympathy you have evinced for her in her illness, the +enthusiastic affection with which you have received her name, +and your warm good wishes for her speedy restoration to health. +Before sitting down I beg to propose a toast, which I am sure +you will receive with every demonstration of approbation. It +is "Success to the London College of the International Education +Society." With that toast I beg to couple the name of Dr. +Schmitz, whose pupil, I am proud to say, I once was while +studying in the city of Edinburgh."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast having been received with great enthusiasm, Dr. Schmitz, +in reply, said he had to thank His Royal Highness for the kindness +of heart with which he had spoken of his humble name, and hoped +that the College so happily inaugurated would have a prosperous +issue. The distinctive feature of the institution was that in it the +study of modern languages and natural sciences were to be largely +pursued. The dead languages, however, were not to be ignored. +They protested only against the exclusive study of classical +literature. He had himself devoted his life to letters, but at the +same time he fully recognized the claims of the modern continental +tongues and the natural sciences, by which the civilization and +progress of the world were unquestionably advanced. Professor +Huxley then proposed the "Health of the Committee of Management," +coupling with it the name of the chairman. The Chairman +having briefly replied, the meeting broke up, and the visitors +dispersed throughout the grounds for promenade.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE VICEROY OF EGYPT, ISMAIL PASHA, AT THE MANSION HOUSE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 11th, 1867.</i></p> + + +<p>Among the many illustrious rulers of foreign nations who have +been entertained by the Lord Mayor of London, have been three +Viceroys of Egypt. On the 11th of July, 1867, at a banquet at +the Mansion House, a distinguished company assembled to meet +his Highness the Viceroy, Ismail Pasha. Twenty-one years +previously, the father, and on a subsequent occasion the brother +of the Viceroy had been similarly honoured in the capital of the +British Empire. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, +Prince Teck, Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, many of the ambassadors +of foreign powers, and the most eminent men of all shades +of political opinion were among the company.</p> + +<p>The reply of the Viceroy, to the toast, given by the Lord Mayor, +was responded to in his native tongue, and interpreted by Nubar +Pasha in French: "If Egypt had rendered services to England, +chiefly in facilitating communication with India, his country was +only acknowledging the debt due to this country for the benefits +received in promoting the material and the moral progress of his +people."</p> + +<p>The next toast was the health of the Prince and Princess of +Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family, to which the +Prince thus responded:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Mayor, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, Ladies, +and Gentlemen, I beg to thank you most warmly and sincerely +for the kind manner in which you, my Lord Mayor, have proposed +my health and that of the Princess of Wales, and the +other members of the Royal Family; and to thank the company +here present for the way in which it has been received. I need +not assure you, my Lord Mayor, that to have been invited here +this evening has been a source of great pleasure to me. Under +any circumstances I always feel it a great compliment to be +invited to the hospitable board of the Lord Mayor and the +Corporation of the city of London.</p> + +<p>"But this evening we have been invited here to do honour +to a guest, and that guest the Viceroy of Egypt. As the +Lord Mayor has very truly remarked, England and Egypt, +though far distant from one another, though very different +from one another in religion and in habits, are countries<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> +which have been, and will continue to be, closely allied to +one another. We have every reason to be grateful to the +Viceroy and to his Government for the means he has afforded +us of visiting that country, and for the great hospitality that he +has shown to us on all occasions. I myself received distinguished +marks of kindness under the rule of his brother, the late Viceroy, +in 1862. Nothing could exceed the kindness and courtesy with +which I was treated, and the facilities with which I was enabled +to visit that most interesting country. We are also indebted to +the Viceroy and the Egyptian Government for the great facilities +he has afforded our troops in their transit to India.</p> + +<p>"Egypt, as has been remarked, is a country that is fast improving +in every way. Manufactures are rising on all sides—especially +the manufacture of cotton. I myself visited a very +important sugar manufactory, and it was interesting to find that +there were English, French, and German workmen employed in +that manufactory.</p> + +<p>"I do not wish, my Lord Mayor, to take up more of your +time this evening, knowing that there are other toasts to be +proposed. I will, therefore, conclude by again thanking you +once more for the honour you have done me in drinking my +health, and for the very kind expressions you have used towards +the Princess of Wales. I know I only express her feelings +when I say that she has been deeply touched by that universal +good feeling and sympathy which has been shown to her during +her long and painful illness. Thank God she has now nearly +recovered, and I trust that in a month's time she will be able to +leave London and enjoy the benefits of fresh air."</p></blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>FESTIVAL OF ST. PATRICK.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 17th, 1868.</i></p> + + +<p>On various occasions, the Prince of Wales has shown on Irish +soil, his sympathy with the people of the Sister Isle, and has been +always welcomed with warm and loyal feeling by the mass of the +population. He has given practical proof of his good feeling for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> +the Irish nation by being a patron and supporter of the Benevolent +Society of St. Patrick, in the schools of which the children of poor +Irish parents residing in the Metropolis receive education and +other benefits.</p> + +<p>The annual festival has long been well attended and supported, +but never before was there so great and brilliant a gathering as +when the Prince of Wales, on the 17th of March, 1868, presided at +the dinner, at Willis's Rooms. Among the company were the +Archbishop of Armagh, the Bishop of Derry, and many members +of the House of Lords, and of the House of Commons, connected +with Ireland, with other distinguished persons of all classes +interested in the charity. The London Irish Volunteers formed +a guard of honour in front of the building, and the Prince on +entering, and taking his place as president, was greeted with +enthusiastic cheers.</p> + +<p>The usual loyal toasts having been given, and responded to by +the Prince, with warm appreciation of the good-will, especially +directed towards the Princess of Wales, on her health being proposed +by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Prince proposed "The +Army and Navy, the Militia and the Volunteers," saying some +suitable words as to each branch of the united services.</p> + +<p>The Earl of Longford briefly replied for the Army. Mr. Corry, +in responding for the Navy, said he believed that St. Patrick +had never been so far south as that fine harbour which was +"<i>statio bene fida carinis</i>." Complaints had been made from time to +time that the Government had not availed themselves of the facilities +which Cork harbour afforded for dockyard accommodation, +but after the works at Haulbowline were completed, he hoped that +the people of Cork would see that the Admiralty had no desire to +do any injustice to Ireland in respect of the navy. He was glad +to announce to the company that on the occasion of the forthcoming +visit of the Prince of Wales to Dublin a division of the +armour-clad vessels of the Channel fleet would be sent to the Bay +of Dublin, where, weather permitting, the ships of the division +would anchor and remain during the time His Royal Highness was +to stay in Ireland.</p> + +<p>Captain M. J. O'Connell, in returning thanks for the Volunteers, +remarked that in the London Irish there never had been any +political or polemical disputes.</p> + +<p>At this stage of the proceedings there occurred a scene +thoroughly "racy of the soil" of which most of the noblemen and +gentlemen present were natives. The children of the schools were +brought into the room, and "St. Patrick's Day" having been +struck up by the band, the boys and girls proceeded to make the +circuit of the tables. The national air of Ireland told alike on +the benefactors and the recipients of the charity. The children +looked with glistening eyes on the company, and the latter, as +the young ones passed by, loaded them with fruit and cakes to +such an extent that before the juvenile procession had made its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> +exit from the apartment the tables had been cleared of the entire +dessert, which was a very liberal one. The boys and girls raised +a loud cheer as they left the room, and the entire company, including +the illustrious President, appeared all the happier for +having made the festival the means of so unusual a treat for the +little sons and daughters of poor Irish parents struggling for their +living in London.</p> + +<p>After the performance of a selection of Irish airs, the Prince of +Wales again rose and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen.—The next toast which I shall +have the honour of proposing to you is the toast of the evening. +We are here to-night for a very excellent and charitable purpose. +The objects of the Benevolent Society of St. Patrick have been +so often stated—so many able speeches have been made at so +many successive anniversaries of this festival, that there is very +little left for me to say; but having accepted, which I did with +pleasure, the post of chairman this evening, I feel it is due to +the institution and to this company that I should make a few +observations. I may as well at once say that I am about to +call upon you to drink prosperity to the Benevolent Society of +St. Patrick. This Society was instituted in 1784, with the +object of relieving the necessitous children of Irish parents +resident in London. One of its first patrons was my grandfather, +the Duke of Kent. I have always understood that he +took a very great interest in the Society, and I may further +observe that several of my grand-uncles acted as presidents at +your annual dinners. At the present moment I believe the +schools are in what may be called a flourishing condition, +They afford education to as many as 400 children. That the +boys and girls are in good health and thriving is, I think, pretty +evident, from the appearance they presented as they passed +through the room just now. A special feature in the conduct +of the schools is that no doctrinal teaching is permitted. They +are entirely national and non-sectarian schools. At the same +time the children are strongly advised to attend the instructions +given by the ministers of the religion in which their parents +wish them to be brought up, and they are afforded an opportunity +of doing so every week. If it is thought desirable, the +children are apprenticed on leaving school. This system has +been found to work remarkably well. Inducements are held<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> +out for proficiency and good conduct by rewards given after +examination. A comparatively new feature in the management +of the institution is this—that at times when the parents are +enduring hardships and perhaps privations owing to the want +of work—when they may not have a sufficiency of daily bread +for the maintenance of their families, as, for instance, during +severe winter weather, when many poor people find it difficult +to obtain employment—a daily meal is given to children who +are in want of it. This has been found to afford much assistance +to the parents as well as the children, and may therefore be +regarded as a satisfactory addition to the arrangements of the +managers. I am informed that of late years the institution has +lost many valuable patrons and supporters, but I should hope +that any void in this way may speedily be filled up. My Lords +and Gentlemen,—though this may be called an annual festival +in aid of a charity, and in this respect it is exceedingly useful, +it has also another advantage. It has long been regarded as an +occasion when Irishmen living in London may meet together +without sectarian feelings or political allusions. Such meetings +are beneficial, and they must be all the more so when their +main object is the furtherance of a most excellent institution +like the Benevolent Society of St. Patrick, prosperity to which +I now ask you to drink."</p> + +<p>The illustrious President next gave "The Lord-Lieutenant of +Ireland," and in doing so said, "he was sure every one would +agree with him in thinking that Lord Abercorn had filled his +high office with credit to himself and benefit to the country. +His Excellency had had a very arduous task to perform. +During Lord Abercorn's administration there had been great +troubles in Ireland, but it was to be hoped that these were +almost at an end."</p></blockquote> + +<p>The Earl of Mayo, in returning thanks for the Lord-Lieutenant, +expressed his opinion that the Prince of Wales on his forthcoming +visit to Ireland would experience such a reception as would induce +His Royal Highness to go there again.</p> + +<p>The Earl of Kimberley, in proposing the health of the illustrious +President, said he thought the friends of Ireland ought to feel +much obliged to His Royal Highness for his presence there that +evening. He was convinced that good would result from it. +Having on one occasion, while filling the office of Lord-Lieutenant, +had the honour to receive the Prince of Wales at Dublin, he could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> +state from his own knowledge that His Royal Highness took the +deepest interest in all that concerned the welfare of Ireland, and +showed the greatest anxiety to make himself acquainted with her +affairs. The Prince had made himself acquainted with her affairs, +and was in a position to give an intelligent and a just opinion on +the matter. This was of great importance for Ireland. He +thought he might venture to say that the Prince of Wales felt an +affection for Ireland.</p> + +<p>The toast was drunk with all the honours, and with unusual +enthusiasm. The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am exceedingly gratified by the very kind terms in which +my noble friend has proposed my health, and the more than +cordial manner in which you, my lords and gentlemen, have +received it. I hope I need not assure you that it has been a +source of great pleasure to me to take the chair at a dinner in +aid of a society which does so much for the benefit of so many +children of the poorer Irish in London. My noble friend has +alluded to my approaching visit to Ireland. I shall only say +that I am glad to visit a portion of the United Kingdom in +which I have experienced such extensive kindness from all +parties. I agree with the noble Lord the Chief Secretary for +Ireland. If this visit should tend to give pleasure to the people +of Ireland I hope there may be a longer visit hereafter. During +the course of the last two years there has been much that has +been disagreeable to loyal Irishmen; but I am convinced that +the people of Ireland generally are thoroughly true and loyal, +and that the disaffection which has existed will only be of short +duration. It has not been engrafted on the minds of any +portion of the Irish people by the Irish people themselves. But +as we are assembled here for a purely charitable object this is +not the place for political allusions. I shall, therefore, conclude +by once more thanking you for the kind way in which +you have drunk my health, and for the manner in which you +have supported me this evening."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The amount contributed to the funds of the charity was about +£1200, which included 100 guineas from the Queen, and a similar +sum from the Prince of Wales.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>DUBLIN AND CARNARVON.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 15-25th, 1868.</i></p> + + +<p>The projected visit to Ireland, referred to in a previous article on +St. Patrick's festival, took place in April, 1868. It was a successful +and memorable visit in every way. On the 15th of April the +Prince and Princess of Wales, who had started from Holyhead at +4 <span class="smcap">A.M.</span>, arrived in Kingstown Harbour at 9.30, and landed amidst +salutes from the fleet attending the Royal yacht. On the way to +Dublin Castle they were received with enthusiasm by the crowds. +The streets and houses were profusely decorated with banners and +evergreens. "Welcome to Erin" was the burden of the mottoes. +No troops lined the way, but reliance was put on the loyal and +hospitable spirit of the people, who kept the track clear for the +cortège, and when the escort had passed the crowd closed in +behind, like the waters in the wake of a ship which has passed +through. At night the city was brilliantly illuminated. Next +day the royal party went to Punchestown races in open carriages, +and were greeted with enthusiasm as great as on the first entrance +to Dublin. On Saturday the Prince was installed, with great +ceremony, a Knight of St. Patrick, in St. Patrick's Cathedral.</p> + +<p>The Prince was belted with the same sword worn by George IV. +In the evening his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant entertained +the Knight, the Royal visitors, and a distinguished company, at +dinner in St. Patrick's Hall. In proposing the health of the +Prince and the Princess of Wales, the Lord Lieutenant said that +"the shouts of acclamation that for four successive days have rung +in our ears, will have shown to the illustrious Heir of these Kingdoms, +better than any words of mine, the kindly nature of the +Irish people, and the attachment that may be awakened in their +generous and warm hearts."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness, in returning thanks, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Excellency's, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, Ladies, +and Gentlemen,—In the name of the Princess of Wales and +myself, I beg to tender you my warmest thanks for the very +kind and flattering manner in which this toast has been proposed, +and for the cordial way in which it has been received by +the company present here this evening. Under any circumstances +I should feel it a great honour to have my health proposed +by his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, but to-night the +circumstances under which it has been proposed are peculiar, +for I appear here as a Knight of the Illustrious Order of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> +St. Patrick. I can assure you that I feel very proud to wear +this evening for the first time the star and riband of this illustrious +Order; and I am very grateful to Her Majesty the Queen +for having given it to me. On former occasions I have received +the Orders of Great Britain from Her Majesty's own hands; +and, although I cannot but regret that on this occasion she has +not been able to give this Order to me herself, still it was the +Queen's wish that I should receive it on Irish soil, from the +hands of her representative, the Lord-Lieutenant.</p> + +<p>"This Order was first founded, now more than 80 years ago, +by my great-grandfather, King George III., and was instituted +by him as a mark of his goodwill and friendship towards this +country, and it is my hope that, as his great-grandson, having +to-day received it on Irish soil, I may also be instrumental in +evincing in this country, in the name of my Sovereign and my +mother, her goodwill and friendship towards Ireland. I feel +also proud that I have been not only invested with the insignia +of this Order, but installed in the magnificent Cathedral of +St. Patrick, for the restoration of which we are indebted to the +great munificence of a private gentleman of Ireland, whose name +is so well known that I need not mention it to you, more +particularly as I have the pleasure of seeing him at this table.</p> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen, I am very glad to have this +opportunity of stating to you, on behalf of the Princess and +myself, how deeply gratified we are by the reception which has +been accorded to us in this country, not only, as the Lord-Lieutenant +has observed, by the higher classes, but by the sons +of the soil as well. After the sad times of the past year it +might, perhaps, have been thought by some that our reception +would not have been all that could have been wished. I myself +felt confident that it would, and my hopes have been indeed +realised. I beg, therefore, to offer, not only to those present +who participated more immediately in our reception, but to the +whole Irish people, our thanks for the cordial, hearty, and +friendly welcome which we have received. I will not weary +you with more words, but thank you once more for the honour +you have done us in so heartily drinking our healths."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince, we are told, spoke with an unaffected earnestness +which deepened the impression left by his words. The reference<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> +to "the sad times of the past year" included the wretched +Clerkenwell explosion affair, the perpetrators of which outrage +were on their trial in London, at the very time when the people +of Dublin were showing their loyal attachment to the throne, +and observing the most remarkable order and decorum, even in +the most crowded and poverty-stricken districts.</p> + +<p>Besides an incessant round of banquets, receptions, concerts, balls, +and what are humorously called "entertainments," the Royal +visitors devoted much time to inspecting museums, libraries, hospitals, +colleges, schools, including some sights not usually attractive +to strangers, such as the collections of preparations and +curiosities in the College of Surgeons, and the College of Physicians. +The antiquities in the Royal Hibernian Academy's rooms +were duly inspected; a conversazione at the Royal Dublin Society +attended; a flower-show at the Rotunda; The Catholic University +in Stephen's Green visited; and above all there were splendid +doings at Trinity College, where the Prince (and at the same +time, the Duke of Cambridge, and Lord Abercorn) received the +investiture of honorary Doctor of Laws. After this the Royal +LL.D. went out, unrobed, to unveil the statue of Edmund +Burke.</p> + +<p>Then there was the Cattle Show, for it happened that the usual +spring meeting of the Royal Dublin Society fell at the very time +of the Prince's visit. Of course there was also a review in Phœnix +Park, and on this occasion the military spectacle was of unusual +brilliancy.</p> + +<p>On Sunday, the 19th, His Royal Highness attended the service +in Christ Church, a cathedral exceeded by few in historic +interest.</p> + +<p>In addition to the many engagements in Dublin, visits were +paid to Lord Powerscourt's beautiful domain, with the romantic +and classical scenes of county Wicklow; and to the Duke of +Leinster at Carton, and to Maynooth College, fifteen miles off. +The President, Dr. Russell, with the officials, formally received +the Prince, while the hundreds of students gave him a cheerful +welcome in the great quadrangle.</p> + +<p>It would occupy too much space to mention all the incidents +crowded into the days of the Irish sojourn. They are all recorded +in full detail, in the newspapers of the period, and especially in the +columns of the <i>Times</i>, who sent a special correspondent to +chronicle the events, day by day. In a leading article of the +<i>Times</i>, the writer gives a summary of the proceedings, and makes +comments on what might be the result of the Royal visit. Some +sentences of this article we quote as showing what was the impression +made at the time by the Prince himself:—</p> + +<p>"Any reader of our daily correspondence could easily make out a +hundred distinct occasions during these ten days on which the +Prince, most frequently with the Princess, had to be face to face +with some portion of the people, in some ceremony or other, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> +had to perform a part requiring all the graces and gifts of Royalty. +There were presentations and receptions; receiving and answering +addresses; processions, walking, riding, and driving, in morning, +evening, military, academic, and mediĉval attire. The Prince +was invested as a Knight, robed as an LL.D., and made a Lord of +the Irish Privy Council; he had to breakfast, lunch, dine, and sup +with more or less publicity every twenty-four hours. He had to +go twice to races with fifty or a hundred thousand people about +him; to review a small army and make a tour in the Wicklow +mountains, of course everywhere receiving addresses under canopies, +and dining in state under galleries full of spectators. He visited +and inspected institutions, colleges, universities, academies, libraries, +and cattle shows. He had to take a very active part in assemblies +of from several hundred to several thousand dancers, and always +to select for his partners the most important personages. He had +to introduce the statue of Burke to the wind and rain of his +country. He had to listen to many speeches sufficiently to know +when and what to answer. He had to examine with respectful +interest pictures, books, antiquities, relics, manuscripts, specimens, +bones, fossils, prize beasts, and works of Irish art. He had never +to be unequal to the occasion, however different from the last or +however like the last, and whatever his disadvantage as to the +novelty or the dullness of the matter and the scene. He was +always before persons who were there at home, on their own +ground, and amid persons and objects familiar to them, and sometimes +in a manner made by them. Be it Cardinal, Chancellor, +Rector, Mayor, Commanding Officer, President, Chairman, or local +deputation, he had to hold his own, without even seeming to do so—that +is, without effort or self assertion. All this he had to do +continually for ten days. Now, men of common would know what +an anxious thing it is to have to do this even once, and how utterly +they may be upset by the concurrence of two or three such +occasions."</p> + +<p>All this and more the Prince had to do and to suffer during his +visit. The speeches if not long, were numerous and appropriate. +Altogether the Irish campaign of 1868 was not an easy one. Let +it be remembered with the more honour.</p> + +<p>On the 25th of April, the Royal visitors returned to Holyhead, +and stopping at Carnarvon, the birthplace of the first Prince of +Wales, received a public greeting, and an address. At a banquet +subsequently given, the Prince thus responded to the toast given +by the High Sheriff of the County:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"On behalf of the Princess and myself I return our warmest +thanks for the kind way in which our health has been proposed, +and for the manner in which it has been received. It has +afforded the Princess and myself the very greatest pleasure to +come to North Wales and visit the ancient castle of Carnarvon.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> +It is particularly interesting to us to come upon this day, the +anniversary of the birthday of the first Prince of Wales. For +a long time it had been our intention to pay a visit to Wales, +and I regret that that intention has been so long in the fulfilment; +but the cordial reception which we have received to-day +will, I am sure, lead us to look forward with great pleasure to +another visit on some future day. We deeply regret that our +stay should be so short, and that, it being necessary for us to go +homewards, we cannot remain longer with you. I thank you +once more for the kind way in which you have received the few +words I have addressed to you, and for the welcome we have +received from the people of Carnarvon."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness concluded by proposing the health of the +Lords-Lieutenant, the High Sheriffs, and the Mayors of the towns +and counties of North Wales.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF FOREIGNERS IN +DISTRESS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 5th, 1868.</i></p> + + +<p>There is no form of charity more obviously suitable and good, +than helping distressed strangers in a strange land, and especially +foreigners in London. The sixty-second anniversary of the +"Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress" was celebrated on +May 5th, 1868, at Willis's Rooms, under the presidency of H.R.H. +the Prince of Wales. The guests included many representatives +of various nations, the charity itself being cosmopolitan, and +helping the distressed of all races and regions.</p><blockquote> + +<p>In proposing the health of "The Queen, the Protectress of +the Society," the Prince observed that "Her Majesty had shown +a deep interest in the charity, ever since 1837, the year of her +accession to the throne, when she became an annual subscriber; +and his lamented father became its protector at his marriage, +and continued to subscribe to its funds."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In proposing the health of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Sir +Travers Twiss, her Majesty's Advocate-General, said that he was +not merely following the high example of his august mother and +lamented father, but was moved by his own kind disposition. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +it was not generally known, he took the liberty of mentioning, +even in his presence, that the Prince, in the course of his Eastern +travels, passed through no great city without having visited its +institutions in aid of suffering humanity; and it was still fresh in +the memory of those who were around him how much his heart +was touched at the sight of the shelter afforded by British and +American philanthropy to the unfortunate Syrian Christians, who +had been driven from their homes at Damascus, and found a temporary +asylum among the European residents at Beyrout.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness, in returning thanks, expressed the high +pleasure it was to be present in support of the institution, and +proposed the health of the "Foreign Sovereigns and Governments—protectors +and patrons of the Institution," coupling with the toast +the name of his Excellency the Prussian Ambassador; to which +Count Bernstorff responded.</p> + +<p>In proposing the principal toast of the evening, His Royal +Highness said that he was sure it would be received with enthusiasm:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The 'Society of Friends of Foreigners in Distress' was the +first of the kind established in London, and its object was to +afford assistance to deserving and necessitous foreigners in this +country, without distinction of nationality, religion, age, or sex. +This institution, which had now existed for more than sixty +years, was even at the time of its initiation thought to be a +work of necessity; how much more so had it become such since +the means of communication between country and country had +been so vastly increased, and trade, manufactures, and commerce +had so largely attracted the people of other nations to our +shores!</p> + +<p>"The charitable objects of the society were first to grant +allowances to deserving foreigners in their old age. Pensioners +were elected by the governors, and the Board of Directors paid +the pensions annually. The second object was to grant temporary +relief in time of sickness. These cases were inquired +into with the greatest care, and sums from a few shillings up to +£5 or £10 were sometimes given where the cases required it. +A third object was to afford temporary assistance to the younger +members of families when the heads of the families were by +infirmity or ill health unable to support them; but when such +relief had been once afforded to any extent a period of eight +weeks was required to elapse before any further help was +rendered, unless in cases of great emergency. The fourth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> +and last object of the society was to afford means by which +foreigners might be able to return to their native country. As +many as 243 families had been enabled to return to their +native country by the assistance rendered to them by this +society. Several of the families so assisted had been induced +to quit their native land in that unfortunate expedition to +Mexico. They had engaged in what they thought was a good +cause, but when that fell to the ground, owing to events that +occurred last year, those poor creatures were totally unprovided +for, and then it was that the society granted them the means of +returning to their native country.</p> + +<p>"There were some almshouses at Lower Norwood belonging +to the society, in which several families were comfortably +lodged and maintained. Since the origin of the society as +many as 116,000 cases had received its attention and aid. Last +year 3000 persons were assisted, not including the 243 families +that were enabled to return to their native home. Similar +societies had recently sprung up, but they all differed from the +one they were then celebrating in this respect, that they confined +their assistance to the natives of certain countries, while +this society had for its object the giving relief to foreigners of +all nations. He had one more statement to make which had +only been mentioned to him a few minutes ago. There was a +gentleman present who was well known to them, but did not +wish his name to be announced, who had already given £1000 +to the society, and who had expressed himself ready to give an +additional £100 if he could find nine other gentlemen who +would each give a like sum. He hoped the society would be +able to find those nine gentlemen to assist them. Having +made this brief statement, he begged to propose that the toast +be drunk up-standing with three times three."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The call was heartily responded to, and, after some further +complimentary and formal toasts, His Royal Highness and the +principal guests retired.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 13th, 1868.</i></p> + + +<p>As President of the Governors of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, the +Prince of Wales has always taken a warm and active interest in +the affairs of that great charitable institution. On the 13th of +May, 1868, he took the chair at what is called the annual "View" +dinner. It is the custom on that day for some of the Governors to +make a visitation of the wards and other departments of the +Hospital. On this occasion the Royal President visited six of the +wards. At the dinner he was supported by Prince Christian, +the Bishop of Oxford, and other distinguished guests, as well as +the officials of the Hospital. After dinner the Royal President +rose and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—The first toast which I have the +honour to submit to you I propose in the form in which it has +always been given at this anniversary festival; it is 'The +Church and the Queen.' I need hardly remind you that the +Queen takes the liveliest interest in the hospitals of the country, +and she has to-day evinced that interest by laying the foundation-stone +of the sister hospital of St. Thomas. Although the +Queen, as I understand, has never visited this hospital, I trust +that before long I may induce her to do so, and that I may +have the honour of showing her over it."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Bishop of Oxford responded, and in proposing the health of +"The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal +Family," said that the presence of the Royal President that day +was not only a tribute to humanity, most graceful in the heir of a +hundred kings, but it was also a tribute to the highest of human +science, a tribute as much to the noble profession of medicine, to +those who ministered to the relief of human sufferings, as to the +sufferers themselves.</p> + +<p>The Royal President said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I thank you for the toast that +has just been given by the right rev. prelate, and has been +so kindly received. In responding to the very kind words in +which my health has been proposed, I can assure you it has +given me more than ordinary pleasure to be President of this +hospital and to take the chair, for the first time, at its anniversary +festival. My only regret has been and is, that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> +many duties devolving upon me do not allow me to come +here oftener than I have done; but you may be sure I take the +greatest interest in the hospital, and the more the Treasurer +tells me of what is going on in the hospital the better I shall be +pleased. Whenever I have availed myself of an opportunity of +visiting the hospital I have found it in a condition which left +nothing to be desired. The Princess of Wales has also taken as +great an interest in it as I have done, and as soon as she could +move about after her return from abroad she accompanied me +on a visit to this hospital. In the name of the Princess of +Wales and the other members of the Royal Family I return +thanks for the manner in which this toast has been drunk."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In proposing the next toast, "The Army, Navy, Militia, and +Volunteers," the Royal President said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I always think that this is a puzzling toast for a chairman +to give, although at the same time it is an easy one, because so +many have given it, and will continue to give it, that there is, +unfortunately, little scope for originality and variety in proposing +it. On such an occasion as this, however, and in a +hospital, too, it is a most appropriate toast, because medical +departments are essential in our army and navy, and medical +science is specially invoked by their active services. Alas that +it should be so! But, fortunately, in our last campaign, in +Abyssinia, there was less call than ever for medical science on +our own side, as only one person was wounded in action."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Other customary toasts having been given, the Royal President +again rose, and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The toast I have now the honour to propose you will receive +with enthusiasm: it is, 'Prosperity to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, +and Health and Ease to the Patients.' It gives me the +greatest pleasure to propose this toast. This hospital, the +largest and most ancient of the metropolitan hospitals, was +founded in 1123 by Rahere, and was then attached to the +Priory; and on the suppression of the monasteries, in 1544, it +had a charter granted to it by Henry VIII., whose portrait +occupies the wall on my right. At that time the hospital had +only 100 beds, one physician, and three surgeons; it has now +650 beds, 12 physicians, and 12 surgeons, besides an array<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> +of lecturers, dispensers, and other officers. We may regard +this as a grand day, and those who have gone through the +wards of the hospital will have found everything in good +order; but I once took the officers by surprise, and I came +here in the winter, practically without giving notice. I can +assure you I found everything on that occasion in the same +condition as to-day—nurses and attendants in their places, +and surgeons and physicians punctiliously discharging their +duties.</p> + +<p>"I may here advert to the terrible event which occurred in +the winter—the Clerkenwell explosion. That showed how well +organized the hospital is, and how admirable its arrangements +are adapted to such an emergency. Almost immediately after +the explosion as many as 40 patients were safely housed in +the hospital, while many had their wounds dressed and were +sent away. I came here, and found that the sufferers were receiving +every possible attention. Much is, no doubt, due to the +unremitting care and supervision of the Treasurer; and if one +of the surgeons—Mr. Holden—were not present, I would +express my appreciation of his valuable services in terms +which, I am sure, many in this room would be ready to +endorse. Every one is satisfied of the thorough efficiency of +the hospital; but there is still wanting a convalescent hospital. +True, there is the Samaritan Fund, out of which you aid +patients when they are dismissed; but still, when they are +nearly well, you wish to send them into the country to recruit +their health, so that they may return to their homes thoroughly +convalescent. When this question is mooted I shall take the +greatest interest, and do all I can to promote the establishment +of the additional hospital. I have the greatest pleasure in +coupling with this toast the name of the Treasurer, and no one +will more heartily drink his health than I shall. He has been +called upon to act as Treasurer to Christ's Hospital too, and, +although he will conscientiously serve it, he will not forget his +first love—St. Bartholomew's."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. Foster White, the Treasurer, in responding, said that such +had been the demand upon the resources of the hospital during the +past year that its income had been exceeded by £4,000, which was +owing, however, chiefly to the high price of provisions. At the +time of the Clerkenwell explosion he was prepared, if it had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> +necessary, to make a ward of the dining-room, feeling sure the +Governors would have supported him. The Governors of this +hospital and the Merchant Taylors' Company were in communication, +with the object of erecting conjointly a convalescent hospital, +at an expenditure of £45,000 each corporation. In conclusion, the +Treasurer denounced with some warmth the taxation of charities.</p> + +<p>The Royal President proposed "The Medical Staff," coupling +the toast with the names of Dr. Frederic Farre and Mr. Paget. +To the latter he tendered his heartfelt recognition of the services +he had rendered during the severe illness of the Princess of Wales.</p> + +<p>Dr. Farre and Mr. Paget having responded, the "Corporation of +London" was proposed from the Chair, and responded to by Mr. +Alderman Finnis, and this terminated the proceedings.</p> + +<p>This 13th of May was a day of special interest in connection +with Metropolitan Hospitals, the Queen having in the morning, +with great state ceremony, laid the foundation stone of the new +St. Thomas's Hospital, when the Prince and Princess of Wales +were also present.</p> + +<p>The informal visit paid to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, referred +to by the Prince in his speech, was on the 17th of February of that +year, when he was accompanied by the Princess of Wales. The +Princess had long wished to see the Hospital, and attention was +then recalled to it by the announcement of the reception there of +the sufferers from the Fenian outrage at Clerkenwell. They were +conducted over the whole establishment by the Treasurer and +principal surgeons. The Royal visitors had the opportunity of +seeing all the Clerkenwell sufferers and of expressing their +sympathy with them. Before leaving, they inspected the beautiful +little church of St. Bartholomew the Less, which stands within +the walls of the Hospital, and is, in fact, the Hospital chapel. +The informal visit of their Royal Highnesses, which afforded great +gratification to the authorities of the institution, lasted about an +hour and a half.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>The visits of the Prince to St. Bartholomew's have been frequent +in subsequent years, one interesting occasion being on the presentation +of a testimonial to Sir James Paget in 1871, on retiring +from the post he had long held.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> +<h2>LAYING FOUNDATION STONE OF NEW BUILDINGS, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>October 8th, 1868.</i></p> + + +<p>Whatever else Scotland may have to boast of, she may point +with pride to her parish schools and her universities. These have +contributed largely to raise her among the nations, and laid the +foundation of much of the enterprise, energy, and success in life, +which have long characterized the Scots at home and abroad, and +given them an honourable place in letters, science, and commerce.</p> + +<p>Next to St. Andrews, and later only by a few years, Glasgow is +the oldest of the Scottish Universities. It owes its origin to the +Church in pre-Reformation times, being founded <span class="smcap">A.D.</span> 1450, and was +at first connected with the Cathedral. The buildings did not +assume their collegiate form till after the Reformation. The front +and gateway facing the High Street were not erected till 1660. +Many still remember the dingy-looking old building, with its +quaint barred windows, and projecting balconies over the gateway, +surmounted by the Royal Scottish Arms, in the style and period of +the last of the Stuarts. The visitor passed through the four open +courts, on to the handsome modern building, the Hunterian +Museum, containing the valuable collection of Dr. William Hunter, +bequeathed by him in grateful remembrance of his connection with +this University.</p> + +<p>The venerable old College, having served its purpose through +successive generations, for more than three centuries, the Senate +of the University and the citizens of Glasgow determined to +provide new buildings, upon a site and on a scale more suited to +the requirements of the time. Subscriptions, in response to the +appeal of the Senate, were obtained, to the amount of over +£160,000; and this being supplemented by the money for the sale +of the old building and the old site, with a parliamentary vote of +£120,000, gave a total of £440,000.</p> + +<p>The site chosen for the new buildings was the rising ground +called Gilmore Hill, on the west of Kelvin Grove. The plans +were prepared by Gilbert Scott, and all the world knows how the +magnificent structure in due time rose, to be the pride and ornament +of the western capital of Scotland—in wealth and population +the second city in the United Kingdom.</p> + +<p>It was an imposing spectacle when the Prince of Wales, accompanied +by the Princess of Wales, laid the foundation stone of the +new building, on the 8th of October, 1868. A vast concourse of +people witnessed the ceremony. An address was presented by the +Lord Provost and Corporation, the Prince having previously +received the freedom of the city.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p> + +<p>Another address was then presented by the Principal and +Senate of the University, in replying to which the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It affords me the highest satisfaction to become a member +and graduate of your University, and at the same time to visit +a city the close connection of which with you has been so +beneficial to both, as well as to the interests of learning and +knowledge. The presence of so many of all classes of the +citizens of Glasgow around me, and their liberal subscriptions +for the prosecution of the work, the value they attach to its +completion, and their sense of the advantages they and the +people of Scotland derive from our institutions, the interest +which my lamented father took in the advancement of every +branch of science and education, would stimulate me to follow +his example, and promote by every means in my power the +success of your University and the objects for which it has +been founded. We may confidently expect that the eminent +men educated here in times past are only the precursors of a +long train equally to be distinguished by every scientific +acquirement. The Princess of Wales rejoices in the opportunity +afforded her of taking part in this day's ceremony and cordially +thanks you for your kind wishes."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>FOREIGN TOUR, 1868-1869.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 17th, 1868-May 13th, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>There is a long break in the record of proceedings or speeches +on account of the Foreign Tour on which the Prince started in +November 1868, returning in May 1869. Of this time of travel it +is not necessary to say much here, as the chief events and incidents +are before the public in various works. Full reports appeared +in the <i>Times</i>, and other journals, during the movements of the +Royal party on the Continent, in Egypt, and Palestine. Reference +is made to this interesting and memorable tour in several of the +speeches made by the Prince after his return; and at a later time, +as when he spoke at the meeting about the neglect of the Crimean +graves, and at that for the memorial to Dean Stanley.</p> + +<p>Only one incident of the tour, and the one of greatest historical +interest, may be mentioned, the visit to the Cave of Machpelah +and the Sepulchres of the Patriarchs. In this event, not only the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> +personal interest, but the national importance of the Prince's +Eastern Tour, may be said to culminate. Never before had Christian +pilgrims, since the days of the Mohammedan conquest, or of +the Crusades, been allowed to see so much of the holy tombs of the +Patriarchs. The sanctity with which the Mussulmans have invested +the place is a living witness of the unbroken veneration +with which men of Jewish, Christian, and Mohammedan creeds have +honoured the memory of Abraham, the father of all the faithful. +Hebron is known among the native population by no other name +than El-Khalil, the Friend of God.</p> + +<p>It was the high position of the Prince of Wales, as son of Queen +Victoria, that obtained for him the rare privilege of access to this +sacred spot. Nor was it obtained for him without some difficulty. +Mr. Finn, the English Consul at Jerusalem, prepared the way by +requesting an order from the Porte; and the reply of the Grand +Vizier left the matter very much to the discretion of the Governor, +the Pasha of Jerusalem. He gave his consent on the condition +that only a small number should accompany the Prince; and precautions +were taken that the experiment should be made with as +little risk as possible. The approach to Hebron was lined with +troops, and guards were posted on the house-tops, in case of any +outbreak of fanatical opposition to entering the holy places. A +guard attended the Prince up to the entrance of the sacred enclosure. +Even then two of the Arab Sheiks were inclined to give +annoyance, but these the Governor of Hebron ordered out, or +rather escorted them out himself, and the remainder were very +courteous and complimentary to the Prince, saying that they were +glad to have the opportunity of showing any civility in their +power to one of the Princes of England, to whom their Government +and people were so much indebted for kind offices.</p> + +<p>Dr. Rosen, well known to travellers in Palestine for his knowledge +of sacred geography, was fortunately one of the party admitted, +and he was able to make a ground plan of the platform. +This, with the observations recorded by another of the Prince's +party, has given clearer knowledge of this world-renowned spot. +The existence and exact situation of the cave, the views of the +enclosure within and without, the relation of the different tombs +to each other, and the general conformity of the traditions of the +mosque to the accounts of the Bible, and of the early travellers, +were now, for the first time, clearly ascertained.</p> + +<p>The Prince's visit was on the 7th of April, 1869. The story of +the visit spread throughout the lands of Islam; and therefore this +one incident of the Prince's Eastern Tour is here referred to as +showing its national importance, and that the prestige of England +is still great in these lands. But we must resume the record +of speeches in England, where it so happens that the first of +consequence was made at a meeting of the Royal Geographical +Society.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 24th, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>Of all the "learned societies" in London, the Royal Geographical +is the most popular. Perhaps it is because there is less "book +learning" required for its membership, than that love of travel, +enterprise, and adventure, which characterizes all true Englishmen. +Professor Owen once said that in the new Hall of the Geographical +Society a statue of 'Robinson Crusoe' should be the central figure. +It was a wise and suggestive, though humorous proposal, for few +geographers have not received early impressions from Defoe's +immortal book. The whole globe is embraced in the objects of +the Society, whether in the Old World or the New, whether the +explorations are in the frozen regions of the Pole, or in the deserts +and forests of tropical Africa.</p> + +<p>The anniversary meeting of the Society was held on the +24th of May, 1869, in the Royal Institution, under the Presidency +of Sir Roderick Murchison, to whose energy and enthusiasm +geographical discoveries, and the prosperity of the Society, have +been so largely due.</p> + +<p>When the health of the Prince of Wales, as their Royal vice-patron +was given, the President referred to the appointment of +Sir Samuel Baker, the Society's medallist of the year, to the +government of Equatorial Africa. The good-will and patronage +of the Viceroy in this instance was essentially obtained through +the personal influence of the Prince of Wales. Among the guests +at their table was the young Egyptian Prince Hassan.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Roderick Murchison, your Highness, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—Under any ordinary circumstances it would have +given me great pleasure to be present at this interesting +meeting—the anniversary dinner of the Royal Geographical +Society; but I feel doubly proud to be here this evening as a +vice-patron of so useful and celebrated an institution. Sir +Roderick Murchison has had the kindness to allude to me as a +traveller; I can only say that I feel ashamed almost to stand +here with the name of a traveller, when I see around me so +many distinguished persons who have travelled, I may almost +say from one end of the world to the other. But I cannot be +too grateful that my lamented father at an early period gave me +an opportunity of travelling and seeing foreign countries; and +the same permission being granted to my brother, I feel certain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> +that we have both derived great benefit from seeing those +interesting countries which it has been our happiness to visit. +No doubt much knowledge and learning may be obtained by +reading books of foreign travel, but I feel convinced that all +those gentlemen who are members of this society will coincide +with me when I say that you cannot form so full or favourable +an idea of the countries described by reading of them in books +as you can by visiting them yourselves.</p> + +<p>"I am greatly flattered and deeply sensible of the kind manner +in which Sir Roderick Murchison has mentioned me in connexion +with the name of one whose presence we must all very +much miss this evening—I mean my late travelling companion, +Sir Samuel Baker. I cannot but regret that he was forced to +leave this country rather suddenly in order to make arrangements +for his great and important undertaking, and could not, +indeed, take farewell of all his friends. Sir Roderick has stated +that I was in some way instrumental in helping Sir Samuel +Baker to carry out the enterprise in which he is engaged. His +Highness the Viceroy of Egypt, I know, has deeply at heart the +great importance of that noble enterprise—to put down slavery +on the White Nile, and I need hardly tell you that anything I +could do in the matter was done with the utmost pleasure and +satisfaction. Such an enterprise must meet the approval not +only of every Englishman, but of every philanthropist. There +are great difficulties connected with it. These difficulties must +be great to any one, and they must still be more trying to a +European; but I know Sir Samuel Baker to be a man of energy +and perseverance, and whatever the difficulties he may have to +encounter he is certain, if it lies in his power, to attain the end +of his mission."</p> + +</blockquote><p>We may here say that when Sir Samuel Baker gave a detailed +account of his experiences, in the Hall of the London University, +the Prince moved the vote of thanks, in a speech equally +eulogistic.</p> + +<p>The Prince again rose after the toast of "The Army and Navy, +and Auxiliary Forces," had been given. He apologised for +responding for the Army, in presence of so many distinguished +officers: but he spoke by command of the President, and a soldier's +first duty is obedience.</p> + +<p>Admiral Sir George Back, the veteran Arctic explorer, and a +leading officer in the Society, returned thanks for "The Navy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> + +<p>The President next proposed the health of Professor Nordenskiold, +of Stockholm, and of Mrs. Mary Somerville. The former +received "the Founder's" Medal, for his Arctic discoveries; and +to Mrs. Somerville, then in her eighty-ninth year, had been +awarded the Patron or Victoria Medal, for her scientific and +astronomical researches, and her works on physical geography.</p> + +<p>Sir Roderick then proposed the health of Professor Owen, and +the Duke of Sutherland, and Dr. Russell, who had been companions +of the Prince in his Egyptian journey. Dr. Russell had, +through the <i>Times</i>, been the reporter and historian of the expedition. +The speech of Professor Owen was in happiest vein. +Indeed, the whole of the speeches of the meeting, including those +of Sir Francis Grant, the Duke of Sutherland, Dr. Russell, and Sir +Henry Rawlinson, who proposed the health of the President, +made this a memorable anniversary of the Society.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>EARLSWOOD ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 28th, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>All travellers on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, +have admired the palatial and splendidly situated building near +Red Hill, Surrey, known as the Earlswood Asylum. It is an +institution for the care and education of the idiot and imbecile. +Everything that can be done by kindness and skill to ameliorate +the lot of these classes, is here in exercise. By far the larger +number show some capability of improvement, and not a few have +learned some trade or industry, sufficient for their own support. +There are now nearly 600 inmates, from all parts of the kingdom. +At each half yearly election, there are about 150 applicants of whom +the Board usually can elect 30 to 35. The receipts of last year +were nearly £25,000, and the charity has £20,000 invested funds.</p> + +<p>The first stone of the Asylum was laid by the Prince Consort in +1853, and the building was opened by him in 1855. To lay the +first stone of additional buildings, on part of the 80 acres belonging +to the Asylum, the presence of the Prince of Wales was asked, +and was very cordially given. Accompanied by the Princess of +Wales, he went to Earlswood for this purpose on the 28th of June, +1869. The Mayor and the magistrates of Reigate came to the +Earlswood railway station with an address of welcome, to which +the Prince made reply.</p> + +<p>Sir Charles Reed, son of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Reed, founder of +the Institution (as he was of other important charities), conducted +the Royal visitors to the gate of the Asylum, to which they had +driven from the station. From the Board Room a procession was +formed, to the place of laying the stone. Here another address +was read, in reply to which the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I thank you for the kind expressions +contained in your address. I cannot but rejoice that my +presence should be considered an encouragement, and conducive +to the prosperity of an institution that lays claim to our warmest +support. Apart from all other considerations, the fact of my +lamented father having taken so active a part in the early +formation of the society would, in itself, be sufficient to enlist +my sympathy and interest in its welfare. The necessity for +affording more extended accommodation, in consequence of the +increased number of applicants, is the best proof of the success +which has followed your first efforts. We must all appreciate +the comprehensive principle which regulates, without regard to +social or religious distinction, the admission of all classes of our +fellow-creatures suffering under an affliction which reduces them +to one common level. Finally, I have to assure you, gentlemen, +how sincerely I feel your expressions of devotion and attachment +towards the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the Royal family. +I am persuaded they, equally with myself, will watch with +increasing interest the success of an institution this day enlarged +under such hopeful circumstances."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Treasurer then handed to the Prince a silver trowel, and +Sir Charles Reed, M.P., presented the mallet, which had been +used by the Prince Consort on laying the first stone of the "Infant +Orphan Asylum" at Wanstead, and which His Royal Highness +had afterwards given to Dr. Andrew Reed. A good supply of +mortar having been brought to the Prince of Wales in a mahogany +hod, His Royal Highness spread a sufficient quantity to make a +setting for the stone. Then, amid cheering, the stone was slowly +lowered, and the Prince tapped it with the mallet, tested it by +rule and plumb, and amid a flourish of trumpets, followed by the +National Anthem, pronounced it to be well and truly fixed. The +Archbishop of Canterbury then offered an appropriate prayer, +which was followed by a hymn, of which there was an instrumental +performance by the hand of the Grenadier Guards, while +the words were sung by the entire company.</p> + +<p>The Prince and Princess then took their seats, and, to the +March of King Christian IX., of Denmark, there was an interesting +and, for the charity, a most gratifying procession. It was +one of ladies, who to the number of 380 in single file ascended the +daïs where the Prince sat, and deposited in all 400 purses. The +Prince had previously, immediately after fixing the stone, handed +to the Treasurer, a check for a hundred guineas. A <i>déjeuner</i> +followed, and planting of memorial trees and other festivities.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ALEXANDRA DOCK AT LYNN.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 7th, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>Six centuries ago Lynn was, next to London, the chief port on the +east coast. It is nearer than any other port to Holland and North +Germany. In course of time the foreign trade of the place had +fallen into decay, and the town itself was outstripped in business +by Hull, Grimsby, Yarmouth, and other eastern seaports. A time +of revival having come, it was considered that the prosperity of +the ancient borough would be secured by the formation of docks +and accommodation for foreign trade, as the manufacturing districts +of the Midland Counties might be brought into connection with +Lynn as the shortest route to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Texel, +and Hamburg. In hope of benefiting the trade and industry of +the town, the Lynn Dock Company was formed, and obtained from +Mr. Brunlees, C.E., the plans for a great dock, which in due time +was completed, and was inaugurated by the Prince and Princess of +Wales, on the 7th of July, 1869.</p> + +<p>Arriving from London, by special train of the Great Eastern +Railway, the Royal visitors were received, with great ceremony, in +the Council Room of the Town Hall of Lynn. An address was +presented by the Recorder, in which gratification was expressed at +their Royal Highnesses having selected an abode in the neighbourhood +of the borough, and in showing their interest in its welfare +by having graciously undertaken to inaugurate their new dock.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I thank you for this address, +for the loyalty and attachment you express towards the Queen, +and for the kind welcome you offer the Princess and myself. It +is peculiarly gratifying to us to visit you on an occasion like the +present. The revolutions of time and science would have had +the same effects upon King's Lynn as upon other commercial +ports but for the energies of the inhabitants. Without them +its ancient name would have become interesting only for its +antiquity. But in the century in which we live it is permitted +neither to town nor to community to rest quiet or to stand +still. The energies I have referred to, I have learned to +appreciate from living in your neighbourhood, and, indeed, I +have been called on to participate in them as regards the navigation +of your waters. I fervently pray that the Dock we are +about to open this day, may, under the fostering auspices of a +beneficent Providence, open out new sources of wealth and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> +commerce, shedding the blessings which are derived from them +on your town, and contributing to the prosperity of our beloved +country."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Royal party then visited the Grammar School, where the +Prince received and responded to an address from the Masters and +Scholars, and presented to the successful competitor the gold +medal, given annually, through the munificence of the Prince, as +a prize for classical and modern languages in alternate years. +The Prince presented the prize, saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have great pleasure in presenting you with this medal. +On a former occasion I presented it at Sandringham, but it is +more pleasure to you to receive it among your schoolfellows. I +hope this medal will contribute to your success in future life, +and that it may be a stimulus to you for further exertion."</p> + +</blockquote><p>On arriving at the Dock, the circumference of which was +densely crowded, the Royal visitors were greeted with cheering, +bell-ringing, and every demonstration of welcome. When it came +to the ceremony of declaring the dock open, an agreeable surprise +was added by the terms in which the announcement was made:—</p> + +<p> +<span class="smcap">I declare this Dock now open, and that henceforth it is to be +called The Alexandra Dock.</span> +</p> + +<p>The announcement was received with vociferous acclamation. +The Prince's intention had been signified to the Chairman of the +Dock Company only a few minutes before, and was quite unknown +to the mass of the spectators, who expressed their delight by +repeated salvos of cheering.</p> + +<p>At a banquet afterwards given, when the toast of the Royal +visitors was given, by Mr. Jarvis the President, the Prince said +that he regarded King's Lynn as his country town, and should +always feel the deepest interest in its welfare.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>VISIT TO MANCHESTER.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>The annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society was held in +1869 at Manchester, which the Prince of Wales visited on the +29th of July, accompanied by the Princess of Wales.</p> + +<p>There are some who remember the first visit of the Queen and +Prince Consort to Manchester in 1851. The Royal party then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> +proceeded along the canal to Worsley from Patricroft, where the +wonderful engineering works of James Nasmyth were inspected. +In 1869, the Prince and Princess of Wales were conducted along +the same canal, but in reverse direction, the barge going from +Worsley, through Patricroft, to Old Trafford. The Prince and +Princess, with their host and hostess, the Earl and Countess of +Ellesmere, drove from the Hall to the stage where the royal barge +was waiting. A large flotilla of boats followed as a guard of honour, +including some of the Manchester Rowing Clubs. It was a strange +and picturesque canal scene, the barges being towed by horses +ridden by postillions, and the towing path all along the route, for +five or six miles, being kept clear by mounted patrols in livery. +It was a great gala day in those densely peopled regions.</p> + +<p>In passing through Salford an address was presented by the +Mayor, Aldermen, and burgesses of that borough, in the Reading +Room of the Royal Museum. The address expressed the great +pleasure experienced by this, the second visit of the Prince to +their town, enhanced by the presence there, for the first time, +of the Princess of Wales: "We cherish a lively and affectionate +remembrance of the visit of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen +to Peel-park in the year 1851, when she witnessed the assemblage +of 80,000 Sunday-school scholars, and listened, not unmoved, +while they sang the National Anthem. This event was commemorated +by the erection of a marble statue to Her Majesty in +the park, which was publicly inaugurated by the late and much +revered Prince Consort, who on that occasion inspected and manifested +a deep interest in the free museum and library in the park. +We deeply deplored the loss of the late Prince Consort, and erected +a marble statue to his memory, in close proximity to that of the +Queen, and near the spot where he stood when inaugurating the +statue of Her Majesty."</p> + +<p>The Prince made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—The Princess of Wales and +myself thank you very cordially for your address, and for the +sentiments you are good enough to express towards us. It is +very gratifying to us to have the opportunity of paying you a +visit, and to observe the evidences of the growing wealth and +population which have raised Salford to the position she now +occupies in the Empire. It will be highly satisfactory to the +Queen to learn how deeply engraven on your hearts is the +recollection of the visit she paid you in 1851, and how cherished +and beloved is the memory of my lamented father. On my +own part, I can but acknowledge the kindness of the terms in +which you have alluded to my past years. For those which are +to come I can only say that it will be the one effort of my life<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> +to merit the good opinion of the people I am so proud to call +my fellow-countrymen."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In driving through the park the Royal visitors had been conducted +past the white marble statues of the Queen and the Prince +Consort, and those of Richard Cobden and Joseph Brotherton. +Leaving the park, the streets and ways being everywhere densely +thronged, they reached the Manchester Town Hall, where another +address was delivered, expressing joyous welcome from the loyal +citizens, and especially the feelings of satisfaction at the presence +of the Prince, as President of the Royal Agricultural Society, +"believing the same to be an evidence of the deep interest +manifested by your Royal Highness in the success of all movements +which have for their object the advancement of art and +science and the progress and welfare of the people of this great +empire. It has been the special privilege of your Royal Highness +to an unusual extent to visit and personally to become acquainted +with other Courts and countries, and with distant portions of Her +Majesty's dominions, and we rejoice to believe that the valuable +experience thereby acquired gives to all classes of Her Majesty's +subjects an assurance that your Royal Highness will ever be foremost +in all efforts to extend true liberty and civilization, and to +develope those free institutions which are the pride and glory of +our country."</p> + +<p>To which address the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I thank you for the kind +expressions of loyalty and devotion towards the Queen, the +Princess of Wales, and myself contained in your address. I +have gladly availed myself of the opportunity afforded me, in +the fulfilment of my duties as President of the Royal Agricultural +Society, to visit a city second to none in the Empire in +commercial importance, to become better acquainted with its +history, its locality, and the sources of its prosperity. The wise +provision of my lamented father and of the Queen, my dear +mother, has secured for me at an early age the advantages of +visiting the centres of the world, the most remarkable and the +most deserving of study for their interest and for their development +of the elements of wealth. In admiring, and, I trust, +appreciating, the successful result that has distinguished foreign +exertions, I have also learnt to look with increased admiration +on those wonderful works of human ingenuity, perseverance, +and industry, the products of the heads and hands of my own +countrymen, and especially of those who now surround me. +May we all be grateful, gentlemen, to a superintending Provi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>dence, +which has blessed the efforts of our commercial enterprise +and the free institutions of our country,—themselves a pledge +of our future prosperity."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince presided at a general meeting of the Council of the +Society, and opened the proceedings by a brief speech which was +loudly applauded. He also received in his own marquee a +numerous deputation from the Agricultural Society of France. +At the close of the meeting the Royal visitors drove to a station +on the Manchester South Junction line, where a train was waiting +to take them to Brough, near Hull, viâ Normanton; the Prince +having engaged to be at Hull in the afternoon in order to +inaugurate the new Western Dock at that town.</p> + +<p>The principal object of the Prince's visit was to see the Royal +Agricultural Show, the members mustering in great force for the +occasion from all parts of England. At the midday luncheon the +Chairman, the Earl of Sefton, gave the toast of "The Queen," +who was deeply interested in the agricultural affairs of the +Kingdom, and set the practical example of being an exhibitor at +the present Show. The Chairman next proposed "The Health of +their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales." He +said the present toast should be the last. He had to ask them to +drink to the health of the President of the Royal Agricultural +Society of England, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, +coupled with the toast of Her Royal Highness the Princess of +Wales. He had looked forward to this meeting for a long time, +and it was with the greatest pride they learnt that it was to be +held under the presidency of His Royal Highness. The reception +their Royal Highnesses met with the day previous and that day +sufficiently testified to the loyalty and attachment of the people of +this country to the Crown. It was difficult to allude to the good +qualities of His Royal Highness, but he was ever foremost in the +furtherance of works of charity and usefulness. They also +experienced the warmest attachment and the truest loyalty +towards the Princess.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in replying, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind way +in which you have received this toast. My health has been +proposed twofold—first for myself, and also in my position as +President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. I can +assure you it was great honour that was conferred upon me +when I was asked to assume this presidency, and my only +regret is that this office has been a mere nominal one, and that +I have not been able to be of so much use as I should have +liked. At the same time I feel a pride in being President of a +Society which has existed for so long, and which is one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> +greatest agricultural societies anywhere, always helping forward +improvements in agriculture. It was a great satisfaction to +this Society to hold one of its annual meetings at Manchester, +one of the greatest manufacturing towns of England. It is my +duty as President of the Society to return, in the name of the +Society, our most cordial and our warmest thanks for the +extensive and liberal way in which the local committee have +made their arrangements. It is to them we owe this magnificent +entertainment in this fine tent, and also the excellent +arrangements which we see before us. Lord Sefton told us not +to make many speeches or long ones. I will, therefore, not +make any further remarks, but, before sitting down, allow me +to thank you in the name of the Princess for the kind way in +which you have received her. I can assure you it has given +her great pleasure to be present at this second visit to the Royal +Agricultural Society, and this her first visit to Manchester. We +both feel deeply grateful for the kind and hearty welcome which +we have received, not only from Manchester, but from the +inhabitants of Lancashire."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE PEABODY MEMORIAL.<br />UNVEILING OF THE STATUE IN THE CITY OF LONDON.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 23rd, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>The best memorials of George Peabody, American citizen and +philanthropist, are the piles of buildings which stand as monuments +of his generous liberality, and of his desire to advance the +physical and moral welfare of the poor of London. He received +from the Queen of England, and from many public and official +bodies, warm recognition of his beneficence. But it was also fitting +and right that in some public place a Statue should be erected, to +perpetuate his name and his likeness, as well as to commemorate +his good deeds. The citizens of London, headed by all the leading +men of the Metropolis, subscribed for the Statue, which now adorns +the site on the east of the Royal Exchange. The Prince of Wales, +having consented to perform the ceremony of unveiling the Statue, +was received at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor, where +a distinguished company had assembled. In response to the toast +of his health, the Prince said:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I thank you for the compliment you have paid me in drinking +my health. I assure you it is always a pleasure to me to be +present here at the Mansion-house. It is not, indeed, the first +time I have received the hospitality of the Lord Mayor and of +the City of London. We are assembled to take part in a great +ceremony, and I accepted with much pleasure the invitation and +the privilege of unveiling the statue of Mr. George Peabody. +After the appropriate remarks the Lord Mayor has made +concerning him I have little to say except to indorse what has +been so well expressed by his Lordship. He is a man whose +name will go down to posterity as a great philanthropist, and +you, my Lord Mayor, and the citizens of London in particular, +can never be sufficiently grateful to him for what he has done."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After the luncheon His Royal Highness was escorted to the site +of the memorial. Here Sir Benjamin Phillips, Chairman of the +Committee, addressed the Prince, concluding with these words:—"Let +us hope that this statue, erected by the sons of free England +to the honour of one of Columbia's truest and noblest citizens, may +be symbolical of the peace and goodwill that exist between the +two countries, and that a people springing from the same stock, +speaking the same language, and inspired and animated by +the same love of freedom and progress may live in uninterrupted +friendship and happiness. Your Royal Highness may remember +the language so beautifully expressed by George Peabody, in the +letter that accompanied his last noble gift, when, speaking of +America he said, 'I will pray that Almighty God will give to it a +future as happy and noble in the intelligence and virtue of its +citizens as it will be glorious in unexampled power and prosperity.' +Your Royal Highness, these are the sentiments uttered +by a man of ripe age, and alike applicable to the land of his birth +and to the country of his adoption. May they inspire us, may +they animate us, and may they find an echo throughout the length +and breadth of our own free and happy homes."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales than presented himself +to speak, and was hailed with enthusiastic cheers. He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Benjamin Phillips, my Lord Mayor, Ladies, and +Gentlemen,—I feel sure that all those who have heard the +words which have just been uttered cannot but be gratified with +what has been said. Allow me to say to you that among the +many duties which I have to perform, and which I have the +privilege of performing, none could have given me greater +pleasure than to assist and take part in the unveiling of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +statue on this occasion. The name of George Peabody is so +well known to all of you that really I feel some difficulty in +saying anything new of that remarkable man; but, at the same +time, it affords me the deepest gratification to join in paying a +mark of tribute and respect to the name of that great American +citizen and philanthropist—I may say, that citizen of the world. +England can never adequately pay the debt of gratitude which +she owes to him—London especially, where his wonderful +charity has been so liberally distributed. For a man not born +in this country to give a sum, I believe, more than a quarter of +a million of pounds sterling for purposes of benevolence is a +fact unexampled. His name will go down to posterity as one +who, as Sir Benjamin Phillips so justly remarked, has tried to +ameliorate the condition of his poorer fellow-citizens, and +especially to benefit their moral and social character. I have +not yet had the opportunity of seeing the statue which is about +to be unveiled, but having had the privilege of knowing the +sculptor, Mr. Story, for a space of now about ten years, I feel +sure it will be one worthy of his reputation, and worthy also of +the man to whom it is dedicated. Before concluding the few +imperfect remarks which I have ventured to address to you, let +me thank Mr. Motley, the American Minister, for his presence +on this occasion, and assure him what pleasure it gives me to +take part in this great and I might almost say, national +ceremonial of paying a tribute to the name of his great and +distinguished countryman. Be assured that the feelings which +I personally entertain towards America are the same as they +ever were. I can never forget the reception which I had +there nine years ago, and my earnest wish and hope is that +England and America may go hand in hand in peace and +prosperity."</p> + +</blockquote><p>At the conclusion of His Royal Highness's address the Statue was +uncovered, and at a signal from the Lord Mayor a loud and +prolonged cheer was raised on its being exposed to view.</p> + +<p>His Excellency, the American Minister, then addressed the vast +audience. He said, towards the close of his speech, "It is a delightful +thought that the tens of thousands who daily throng this +crowded mart will see him almost as accurately as if in the flesh, +and that generations after generations—that long, yet unborn, but +I fear, never ending procession of London's poor—will be almost as +familiar in the future with the form and features of their great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> +benefactor as are those of us who have enjoyed his acquaintance +and friendship in life."</p> + +<p>Mr. Story, the sculptor, having been called on, said he had no +speech to make. He added, significantly pointing to the Statue, +"That is my speech,"—a remark which occasioned much merriment +and cheering.</p> + +<p>The ceremony was then brought to a close, and the Prince took +his leave. His Royal Highness, as he did so, was repeatedly +cheered.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 30th, 1869.</i></p> + + +<p>The Scottish Corporation is commonly called the Scottish Hospital, +but this is rather misleading as to the uses of the charity. Its objects +are to assist, by pensions, poor aged natives of Scotland living in +London, to afford temporary relief to Scotchmen in distress, or to +aid them to return to their own country; and also to educate poor +Scottish children. The last-named object is also carried out by a +kindred institution, the Royal Caledonian Asylum, which receives +some children of indigent Scotchmen in London, although its main +purpose is the maintenance and education of children of soldiers, +sailors, and marines, natives of Caledonia. The Scottish Hospital +possesses funded property to the amount of £40,000, and the +annual receipts are about £5000. In trust to the Scottish Hospital +there is also attached the "Kinloch Bequest," for granting pensions +to Scottish soldiers and sailors, resident in the United Kingdom, +who have been wounded or have lost their sight in the service of +the country, and whose incomes do not exceed £20 from other +sources.</p> + +<p>The anniversary festival of the Scottish Corporation is always +held on the 30th of November, St. Andrew's day. In 1869 His +Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presided at the dinner. The +guests at this festival are mostly Scottish, and a large muster of +Highland Chiefs and Lowland Lairds, as well as prosperous +Scotchmen of London, supported the Royal chairman upon this +occasion. Prince Christian and other distinguished visitors were +also present. Many of the stewards wore the garb of old Gaul, +and the tartans, scarves, flags, and decorations made the Hall of +the Freemasons' Tavern assume a national appearance. The +"bagpipes" were also in honourable use, the Prince being conducted +to the chair to the tune of the Highland laddie, played by the +Queen's piper, the Prince's first piper, and the piper of the Royal +Caledonian Asylum. The Prince had previously been received by +a guard of honour of the London Artillery, whose band played the +National Anthem, while the band of the London Scottish Volunteers +performed a selection of Scotch music during the dinner.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> +The three pipers also, at intervals, paraded the hall, and regaled +the guests with their stirring strains.</p> + +<p>The health of the Queen was drunk with enthusiasm, specially +as the patroness of the Scottish Hospital. To the toast of "the +Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," proposed by +the Duke of Roxburghe, the Prince responded, and then gave: "The +Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," referring in his speech to +the Kinloch Bequest, which provides pensions for about 400 +disabled soldiers and sailors. A Scotch vocalist, Mr. Maclagan, +sang "Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled." Then the Prince rose to +give the toast of "Prosperity to the Scottish Hospital":—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I have +now to give you the toast of the evening: 'Prosperity to the +Scottish Hospital.' I feel assured that it is a toast which +the numerous assembly I see before me will drink in bumpers. +As you know, the Queen is patroness of this hospital; she has +been so for thirty-seven years, and she has contributed to its +funds between £3000 and £4000. At twenty different anniversaries +the late King William, as Duke of Clarence, presided. +The Duke of Kent, the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of +Cambridge also presided at various anniversaries, and contributed +largely to the funds of the hospital.</p> + +<p>"The hospital, as no doubt most of you know, was originally +founded in the reign of James I. Its first charter was given to +it by Charles II., in 1665, and a second charter of incorporation +was granted by the same Monarch, in 1676, containing +more extended privileges. It became necessary, however, to +enable the corporation to extend its relief, to obtain a new +charter, which was granted by King George I., in 1715.</p> + +<p>"By the paper which has been placed in my hands I observe +the pensions which are contributed by this ancient corporation +are very numerous. I see that a sum is set apart for the support +of five persons exceeding 65 years of age who have occupied a +respectable social position, and who have a permanent income +of not less than £15, but not more than £30 per annum; for +20 poor and infirm persons exceeding 72 years of age, to whom +a pension of £15 each per annum is allowed; for 110 above 68, +to whom a pension of £12 each is allowed. Pensions of £6 are +granted to 50 persons selected from the casual list. Monthly +casual relief to upwards of 200 is awarded by the committee, +and free passages to Scotland are given to such as require them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The charity of the Scottish Hospital is applicable to the +poor natives of Scotland and their children resident in the +Metropolis and its immediate neighbourhood, who, not being in +receipt of parochial relief in this country, would in age and +poverty, in sickness or distress, or when in want of employment, +be exposed to the utmost wretchedness, or to discreditable +beggary, but for the fostering relief afforded them by this +institution. Those natives of Scotland resident in London who +may desire to spend the remainder of their days in Scotland +have free passages granted to them by the corporation. From +the accumulation of a subscription which was raised in India +thirty years ago the corporation is also enabled to allot £120 a +year to the ministers and Kirk Sessions of the several congregations +of the Scottish churches in London and Westminster, +for the purpose of affording education to the children of Scottish +parents at the schools attached to these churches.</p> + +<p>"I am happy to say that the Scottish Hospital is in a more +prosperous state this year than at any former period. But at +the same time further demands have been made upon its funds. +The claims during the past year have been in excess of any +previous year, and several of the cases relieved have been of a +very pressing and urgent nature. Pensions of £6, £12, £15, +and £25 per annum have been granted to nearly 200 respectable +men and women, whose means of support have been greatly +increased by the timely aid afforded. Nearly 300 monthly +applicants have had sums given to them by the directors, in +several instances amounting to £5 at one time. In addition to +these, more than 1300 persons have had casual assistance at +the office of the corporation. Passages to Scotland have been +granted to about 200 deserving persons. But for the intervention +of this corporation many would have been compelled to +apply to an English parish for relief, and by doing so would +have lost that feeling of independence which every Scotsman +cherishes and desires to maintain. Upwards of 208 children of +Scottish parents resident in the Metropolis have during the +year been educated at the expense of the corporation. Soldiers +and sailors, natives of Scotland, to the number of nearly 400, +have been in receipt of pensions from the Kinloch Bequest.</p> + +<p>"Although the facts must be known to most of you, I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> +nevertheless thought it necessary to mention a few of them in +order to stimulate your generosity this evening, and induce you +to contribute as largely as you can for the benefit of this excellent +charity. I hope you will drink the toast of 'Prosperity +to the Scottish Hospital' in full bumpers. I have great pleasure +in coupling with the toast the name of the noble Duke on my +left, who has been president for four successive years."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Roxburghe, in responding to the toast, announced +that His Royal Highness had kindly consented to allow his name +to appear as that of President of the Corporation for the ensuing +year. As Duke of Rothesay he had a warm welcome that evening, +and in the name of his brother Scotchmen he gave his heartfelt +thanks for appearing among them. "Nay more, I thank him in +the name of the aged recipients of this great charity, many of +whom have seen better days, but who now, bowed down by +poverty, look to you for assistance in the hour of need. I also +thank His Royal Highness in the name of all whose sorrows have +been lessened, and whose homes have been brightened, by the +ministrations of this Society." He proposed the health of the +Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>The toast was drunk with "Highland honours." His Royal +Highness, who was loudly cheered, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—Allow +me to return you my most hearty thanks for the excessively +kind way in which my health leas been proposed and received +by you. On any ordinary occasion I should have +been deeply gratified by the kind feeling displayed towards me, +but I am deeply touched by the enthusiasm you have manifested +just now in drinking my health with Highland honours. +I can only say it has afforded me great pleasure to preside here +this evening. Although for some years past the Duke of +Roxburghe asked me to take the chair, different circumstances +unfortunately prevented me—being absent from the country +two years ago—- and again last year being on the Continent. I +feel, therefore, exceedingly happy that I have been enabled to +be present this evening, and to discharge what I have found to +be the very easy duties of chairman. My lords and gentlemen, +let me thank you once more for the honour you have done me +in drinking my health, and for the support you have given me +this evening."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness then announced that telegrams had been +received during the evening from meetings with similar objects +held in New York, Glasgow, Belfast, Ipswich, and Aberdeen, and +answers had been returned expressive of kindly feeling to the +different associations. The secretary then read a list of contributions +received, among which were 100 guineas from Her Majesty +the Queen, 100 guineas from His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales, 100 guineas from the Highland Society of London, 300 +guineas from the Caledonian Society of London—in all about +£2500, being by far the largest subscription received at any +anniversary of the Scottish Hospital.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 30th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>The seventy-second anniversary festival of this institution was +held at Freemason's Hall on the 30th of March, 1870. The Prince +of Wales presided, and was supported by Earl de Grey and Ripon, +G. M. elect, the Duke of Manchester, the Earl of Jersey, Earl +Percy, the Marquis of Hartington, and a numerous company of +above six hundred brethren, all of whom wore dress of the craft. +The galleries were crowded with ladies.</p> + +<p>After dinner His Royal Highness, in giving the toast of "The +Queen," said that Her Majesty had been patroness of the institution +since 1852, and on this occasion sent a donation of a hundred +guineas, in addition to the annual subscription.</p> + +<p>The next toast was "The health of the Earl of Zetland," the +retiring Grand Master, who had held the honourable and useful +post for more than a quarter of a century. The Grand Master +elect, the Earl of Ripon, in giving the toast of the Prince and +the Princess of Wales, said that the Prince had entered the craft +determined to discharge his duties to the fullest extent, and he +had taken the earliest opportunity of presiding at one of the +festivals of the craft. The Prince of Wales, in responding, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren, I feel deeply touched by the excessively kind +manner in which this toast has been received by you. I wish +to take this opportunity of thanking you for the kind reception +you have given me this evening, and I desire especially to express +to you the pride I feel at being so heartily received among +you as a brother Mason. I feel deeply grateful for the kind +words which have fallen from the Deputy Grand Master, and I +can assure him and you of my desire to follow the footsteps of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> +my grand uncles, who were so long connected with the craft. +Brethren, much has been said against Freemasonry by those who +do not know what it is. People naturally say they do not +approve secret societies; but I maintain that the craft is free +from the reproach of being either disloyal or irreligious; and I +am sure you will all support me in that assertion, for I am +convinced that Her Majesty has no more loyal subjects than +are the Freemasons of England. Brethren, I desire to remind +you that when, about 70 years ago, it became necessary for the +Government of that day to put down secret societies, my relative +the late Duke of Sussex urged in his place in Parliament +that Freemasons' lodges ought to be exempt from such a law, +and the force of his appeal was acknowledged. From that time +Freemasonry has been devoid of politics, its only object being +the pure and Christian one of charity. Brethren, I once more +thank you heartily for the welcome you have given me this +evening, and let me assure you that the interests of Freemasonry +shall be always upheld and respected by me."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Other toasts, usual at Masonic festivals, having been given, the +Prince of Wales proposed success to the institution, and made a +statement respecting its position and progress:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Freemasons had fully recognized the importance of education—a +subject which had of late so much occupied the public +mind—and had founded many schools. The Royal Masonic +Institution for Boys was founded in 1798, when six boys were +admitted. In 1810, when the jubilee of the reign of George III. +was celebrated, the number was increased to 50, and now there +were 110 in the school. The total cost of the new building had +been £47,000 of which £5000 was still owing, while there were +other matters which raised the total liability to £10,200. There +were now 155 candidates for admission, but there were only +nine vacancies, although 20 more boys could be admitted if the +institution was free from debt. He was sure he had only to +mention these facts to so distinguished an assemblage of +Masons to insure a response which would greatly forward the +prosperity of the institution."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 4th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>In everything pertaining to Exhibitions, national or international, +the Prince of Wales has never grown weary, even when the public +interest has seemed to flag. On the 4th of April, 1870, His Royal +Highness presided at the rooms of the Society of Arts, in connection +with the "Educational Section" of a series of proposed +International Exhibitions. On rising to open the proceedings, the +Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"We are assembled here for the purpose of organizing the +educational section of the Exhibition to be held in 1871. I +appear before you on this occasion in a double capacity, for I +hold the position of President of your Society, and I am +President of the Royal Commission of 1851, having succeeded +in this post the late lamented Lord Derby, whose name will +always be remembered among the names of our great statesmen, +and who will be greatly missed from that Commission, the +interest of which he had so much at heart.</p> + +<p>"The long-standing connection of the Society of Arts with +Exhibitions is well known, and in these very rooms the Exhibitions +of 1851 and 1862 were first planned. This Society is, I +consider, well qualified to deal with the subject before it, and I +assure you that it is a great gratification to me to preside here +and show that I am entirely alive to the great question of the +day—that of education.</p> + +<p>"I have now to state that the meeting to-day is of members +of a large Committee, of persons eminent in their various stations +for the interest they have displayed in education, and that it +has been appointed without reference to politics, party, denomination, +or social position, for the purpose of obtaining the best +possible representation in 1871 of the various materials and +apparatus used in teaching, and exhibiting, as far as practicable, +the results of the many systems of instruction which are in +operation in this country and in other nations of the world. +Under the first class we find such objects as affect the sanitary +condition of schools—the desks and stools used, maps and +globes, books, pictures, scientific diagrams, objects of natural +history, and the like. Under the second class will be shown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> +illustrations of modes of teaching, drawing, reading, writing, +music, and gymnastics, and the interesting work of educating +those whom nature has deprived of sight, speech, and hearing, +with examples of the successful results.</p> + +<p>"In this Exhibition of Education, foreigners as well as British +subjects will take their share, and I am happy to say that +Sweden has already applied for permission to exhibit a full-sized +model of one of its parish schools. The duty of this +Committee is to see that such work as I have sketched out shall +be completely accomplished, that exhibitors shall come forward +and offer their productions, that the best only shall be selected +for exhibition, and that discussions on systems of instruction +shall be organized. I indulge a sanguine hope that the labours +of this Committee may teach lessons which will lead to the +improvement of the quality of primary education, and to the +extension of that secondary instruction in science and art so +much needed for the industrial progress of this country, a +necessity proved at the Exhibition of 1851, originated and +conducted by my illustrious father, and confirmed again in +1862, and at Paris in 1867, where our own artisans showed by +their remarkable reports how strong were their convictions on +this point. Difficulties there are, as there must ever be, in the +completion of a great work, and here I am reminded how fully +the difficulties connected with this work of education were +appreciated by my father as long ago as 1851. But my visit +with the Princess of Wales to the Middle Class Schools in the +City of London on Wednesday last, and the reports on Faversham +School and the District Union Schools of the Metropolis, +which have been published by our Society, lead me on to hope +that even these difficulties may admit of solution.</p> + +<p>"By improved organization of schools and teaching power, I +think that it is shown that instruction may be so given as to +enable earning and learning to go hand-in-hand together. I +close these few remarks by bidding 'God speed' to this Committee +in the great work that is before them. Two resolutions +will be offered for your acceptance, and any explanation which +may seem necessary will be afforded."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The resolutions, moved by Sir John Pakington, and by the +Hon. W. Cowper Temple, were to the effect that the meeting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> +warmly approved of the proposed International Educational +Exhibition, which would not only receive His Royal Highness's +sanction, but his personal assistance and co-operation. It was +explained that the feature of these Exhibitions would be the +arrangement of objects illustrating the progress of art and +industry, not according to countries, but according to classes. On +the proposal of a vote of thanks to the chairman of the meeting, +the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I require and desire no thanks at all. It has given me +great pleasure to be here to open the proceedings, and I cordially +thank all the gentlemen who have so kindly supported me on +this occasion. I beg again to assure you that I take a very deep +interest in this question—that of education, and that I shall be +always ready to give my hearty co-operation on a subject of this +important bearing."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 16th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>This Fund grants relief in annuities to members of the dramatic +profession, to singers and dancers, and also to the widows and +orphans of members. At present, upwards of £2000 annually is +paid to fifty annuitants. The invested capital is about £12,000. +The institution has the merit of not being a mere charity, but is +largely supported by the actors themselves. In this respect it +holds a more honourable position than even the Royal Literary +Fund; no attempt to establish a guild for mutual help among men +of letters having, as yet, been successful.</p> + +<p>The Theatrical Fund was established as long ago as 1839 by a +few actors, and was incorporated by Royal charter in 1853. Part +of the income comes from subscribers to the fund; but it is +necessary also to appeal to the public, in the method common to +all charities; the resources of the profession not being sufficient +to maintain a mutual insurance society on financial unaided by +benevolent principles.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presided at the 25th +anniversary festival of the Fund at St. James's Hall on the 16th of +May, 1870. There was a large attendance, including the leading +members of the profession, and some zealous supporters of the +drama, among whom were the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, with his +two sons, the Princes Ali and Suleiman. Grace having been sung +after dinner the Prince gave "The Health of Her Majesty the +Queen," the patroness of this institution, and an annual subscriber +to its funds. The Duke of Sutherland, in proposing the health of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> +"The Prince and Princess of Wales, and other members of the +Royal Family," adverted to the constant support given by their +Royal Highnesses to the drama.</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in returning thanks, said "he rejoiced +that ever since his childhood he had had opportunities of going +to the theatre and witnessing some of the most excellent plays, +and appreciating the performances of some of the best actors of +the present day, many of whom he saw on either side and before +him on this occasion. The few remarks he had to make regarding +this most excellent fund must be reserved till a later period +of the evening, and therefore he would not then detain the +company; but he must observe that not only had the Princess +and himself derived considerable amusement from what they +had witnessed at the theatres, but they had given their patronage +to the drama because it was their wish to encourage a noble +profession."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The usual toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers having +been given and responded to, the Prince rose, and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The toast which he had now to propose was the so-called +toast of the evening, which was 'Prosperity to the Royal +General Theatrical Fund.' It afforded him great pleasure to +propose this toast, and when he saw the numerous assembly +before him he felt no doubt of the great interest taken by all +present in this excellent charity. What charity, he asked, could +be more deserving of support? When they considered how +much amusement and pleasure they all derived by going to the +theatre, did it ever occur to them that it was to the actors and +actresses a life of drudgery and hardship? Those same actors +and actresses who appeared in some comic character might have +near and dear relations lying sick at home. Then, also, when a +time of life arrived in the course of nature in which they were +unable longer to appear upon the stage ought they to be left to +starve? Certainly not, and it was to prevent aged actors who +were incapable of work from starving, that this fund had been +instituted.</p> + +<p>"This charity was still more meritorious, because it was +supported by the actors themselves. The charity was established +in 1839 by a few London actors, and in 1853 it was incorporated +by Royal charter. The fund was raised to provide annuities for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> +aged and decayed members of the charity, and in special cases +for granting temporary assistance to the families of deceased +members. Any member of the profession, on the payment of a +small annual subscription, ranging from 21<i>s.</i> 4<i>d.</i> to £28 9<i>s.</i> +a year, according to a special scale, provided he had been performing +three years in a theatre licensed by the Lord Chamberlain +or by the local magistrates, was eligible to receive the +benefits of the fund, but no member had a claim unless he had +been a subscriber for seven years. Should he then be incapacitated +from further work, he had the option of either receiving a +life annuity or one-half the payments made by him while a +subscriber. On his death an allowance of £10 was granted +towards defraying funeral expenses. At 60 years of age any +member was at liberty to claim an annuity if he had subscribed +to the fund for 12 years, and female members were allowed to +cease their subscriptions when 55 years old. Since the opening +of the charity 322 members of the profession had been admitted +associates. To 61 of these life pensions had been granted, +varying from £30 to £90 a year. In 1846, the first year in +which pensions were granted, the receipts amounted to £565, +and the annuities to £98. Last year the total income was +£1370, and the amount expended in pensions was £1614. The +receipts of 1869 therefore exceeded those of 1846 by £805, and +the pensions, &c., by £1516. Again, while in 1846 only seven +members received annuities, the number of annuitants had +increased to 33 in 1869. The total disbursements, however, +of last year exceeded the income by £368, and it had been +found necessary therefore to draw that sum from the reserve +fund.</p> + +<p>"These few remarks would perhaps induce those who heard +him to come forward liberally to the assistance of the charity, +and to make up the £300 which it had been necessary to draw +from the reserve fund. His Royal Highness concluded by +calling upon the company to drink 'Prosperity to the General +Theatrical Fund,' coupled with the name of one who, he was +sure, they would receive with the greatest enthusiasm, as he +was one of their oldest and ablest actors. He had known Mr. +Buckstone personally ever since his childhood, and had repeatedly +laughed and roared at his drollery and humour."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. Buckstone made a very amusing and characteristic speech, +but with good sense underlying the drollery. With regard to +the presence of the Prince in the chair, he said: "That His Royal +Highness is a constant and warm supporter of the drama is evident +from his frequent visits with the Princess to all the London +theatres, and his ready appreciation of every worthy novelty. +This taste for the drama may in some measure be attributed to +his early introduction to dramatic art at Windsor Castle, where, +on having the honour of appearing there by invitation of Her +Majesty and the lamented Prince Consort, I have frequently seen +His Royal Highness with his brothers and sisters, seated at the +feet of their father and mother, witnessing with delight the +various representations.</p> + +<p>"The members of our fund cannot be too grateful for the kindness +and goodness of heart which have induced His Royal Highness +to come here to-night, as the calls upon his time have now become +so many, and the duties he has to perform so numerous and +fatiguing, that we can only wonder how he gets through them all. +Even within these few days he has held a levée; on Saturday last +he patronized a performance at Drury-lane in aid of the Dramatic +College; then had to run away to Freemasons'-hall to be present +at the installation of the Grand Master; and now we find him in +the chair this evening; so what with <i>conversaziones</i>, laying foundation +stones, opening schools, and other calls upon his little leisure, +I think he may be looked upon as one of the hardest working men +in Her Majesty's dominions. Still, it is this ready kindness that +endears him to the nation, as the Princess, by her charming +qualities, is so firmly fixed in the heart of every Englishman and +Englishwoman.</p> + +<p>"And now, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, I must inform +you that Her Gracious Majesty has again sent us her handsome +donation of £100; and although, unfortunately, she does not now +visit our theatres, yet she does not forget us; and so, my Lords, +Ladies, and Gentlemen, with such a truly Royal example before +you, I can only conclude by hoping that, according to your +generous feelings and your worldly means, you will come and do +likewise."</p> + +<p>Lord W. Lennox proposed "The Visitors," coupling with it the +health of the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, who during his residence +in England had identified himself with the charities of this +country. The Nawab had been a liberal patron of theatrical +performances, and had, he understood, only one subject of regret +in connection with our London theatres—that the plays of Shakespeare +were not more frequently performed in them. The +subscriptions of the evening amounted to £700, including £100 +from the Prince of Wales, and £50 from the Nawab Nazim of +Bengal.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 26th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 26th of May, 1870, a public meeting was held at the +Queen's Concert Rooms, Hanover Square, in aid of the funds of +St. George's Hospital, especially with the view of enabling the +Governors to open the wards of the new wing. The meeting was +one of unusual interest, not only from the wide publicity given to +the claims of the institution, but also from the announcement that +His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales would preside, and from +the high distinction of the speakers who were to take part in the +proceedings. The Princess of Wales manifested her interest in +the charity by accompanying the Prince to the meeting. The +room was densely crowded, and a number of distinguished persons +were in the company.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness, on taking the chair, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Before opening the +proceedings of this meeting, allow me to express to you the +satisfaction I have in being able to accept the invitation to +preside at a meeting to-day which has for its aim such excellent +and important objects. We are met here to-day to discuss +whether it is expedient to open the new wing that has been +added to St. George's Hospital. Last year a meeting was held +for the same purpose for which we are met to-day, and it was +then thought that the subscriptions, although they were to a +great extent liberal subscriptions, were not sufficient in amount +to authorize the Governors of the Hospital to open the new +wing. It has also been much discussed whether it was not an +extravagance on the part of the authorities to build this new +wing. I must say—and I think I speak for those on my right +and left—that the authorities did perfectly right in building +that wing, as a piece of ground had been presented to them at a +nominal rent by the late lamented Marquis of Westminster, +who always came forward voluntarily to assist any great and +important work. Besides that, a further sum of £5000 was +given by Miss Williams to the building fund.</p> + +<p>"As regards this wing, we all know that St. George's Hospital +lies near the South-Western and Great Western districts. We +also know that it lies within the precincts of Kensington, Mayfair, +and Belgravia. One would have thought that there would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> +have been no difficulty, and that the large number of inhabitants +in those parts, who are increasing monthly, and even +weekly, would have been able to come forward and contribute +sufficiently to this excellent institution.</p> + +<p>"It has been said that the Hospital of St. George is a rich +one, but that is a great mistake. One would indeed think that +it would be rich from its important position, and when one +remembers how full its wards invariably are. To go back to +the new wing. After all, it is not a very large sum that is +required to maintain these wards. The sum only amounts to +£2500 a year. Is it not, therefore, a scandal, ladies and gentlemen, +that for the sake of this small sum we cannot use forty-eight +beds in that wing? The Hospital itself is in want of +money, as I will prove by stating that last year the expenditure +amounted to as much as £20,000, while the income was only +£15,000. In order, therefore, to make up the deficiency, £5000 +had to be sold out of capital. That will be the case this year, +and it may be the same in future years. The capital thus +diminishing, the income will naturally be smaller, and in that +way this excellent Hospital, which is most admirably cared for, +which has the very best surgeons and physicians—one of whom, +Mr. Prescott Hewett, I know personally—will sustain a yearly +diminution of its usefulness. In this way, if the public do not +come forward liberally we shall see one of the most excellent +and important hospitals in London becoming, year by year, in a +more difficult position with regard to funds.</p> + +<p>"I am here to state what I am not sure is known to all of +you, that, with the exception of one hospital, the average cost +of beds at the St. George's Hospital is less than in any other hospital +in London. The authorities of the Hospital are not even +satisfied with that, and, I believe, intend to appoint a committee +to inquire still more closely and rigidly into the expenditure, in +order to do their utmost to lessen that expenditure.</p> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—The address I have to +make to you is brief. I feel convinced that the gentlemen on +this platform will advocate the claims of the Hospital in longer, +more detailed, and more able statements than I have made; +but I am sure that none can feel more strongly than I do the +importance of this meeting. I feel certain also that the public<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> +at large, if they will only take the trouble to reflect, will come +to our aid. Only to-day I read an excellent leading article in +the <i>Times</i> in support of the objects of this meeting. I thank +you once more for the kind way in which you have received +me, but let me say before I sit down that a most excellent +example has been set us by a lady who has consented to give +the sum of £1000 for the maintenance of a ward for the space +of two years. Let this example not be lost upon us. Let us +all try to follow it, and liberally open our purses for the sake of +an institution of such value and importance to all of us who +live in this part of London."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Earl of Cadogan, one of the Treasurers, announced that the +Prince of Wales had just handed to him a cheque for two hundred +guineas. The Princess of Wales had also given a donation of fifty +guineas. Miss Read had given £500, and the Marquis of Westminster +a subscription of £200 a year. Mr. Prescott Hewett, the +surgeon, gave a hundred guineas, and other liberal donations and +subscriptions were announced, amounting to upwards of £2000.</p> + +<p>The principal speakers at the meeting were Earl Granville, the +Earl of Derby, the Earl of Carnarvon, Mr. W. H. Smith, the +Marquis of Westminster, and the Rev. H. Howarth, Rector of +St. George's, Hanover Square.</p> + +<p>The Marquis of Westminster, in his admirable speech moving +the thanks of the meeting to the Chairman, said that he happened +to be in Milan a short time ago, and, going over a great hospital +there, containing something like 3000 beds, he saw in different +rooms portraits of the benefactors of the institution—some full +length, others three-quarters, some half-length, and others only +heads. On inquiring the reason of this distinction, he was informed +that the size of the picture depended upon the amount of +the sum given by the donor. One who gave, say £4000, had his +portrait painted full length, while the others were represented +half-length, or even by a head.... It might be thought a light and +easy thing to come forward and make so excellent a speech as His +Royal Highness had done; but he was quite sure that if any who +thought thus would come forward to try, they would find themselves +mistaken. In coming forward in this work of benevolence, +His Royal Highness was fairly entitled to the warm and cordial +thanks, not only of the governors of the hospital, but of the whole +nation. He begged to include in this vote the Princess of Wales.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Allow me to return +you all my most cordial thanks for the kind way in which you +have supported me by your presence, and to my noble friend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> +for the way in which he proposed the resolution. Not wishing +to keep you here any longer, let me only urge you to be as +liberal as you can, and I hope that the excellent speeches we +have heard to-day may impress you with the importance of this +meeting, and with the feeling that those speeches have been +made not as a mere form, but as real and earnest appeals to you +to open your purses most liberally. Lord Westminster has just +alluded to the hospital at Milan and to the portraits of different +sizes, according to the amount of money subscribed by the +originals. I have but one suggestion to make to you in that +respect, and one to which I am sure you will respond—that you +should all contribute very largely that circular golden portrait +representative of the Queen which this Hospital so much needs."</p> + +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>DULWICH COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 21st, 1870.</i></p> + +<p>The old corporation of "The College of God's gift" in Dulwich, +in the county of Surrey, was founded in 1619, under letters patent +of King James I., by Edward Alleyne, player, a contemporary and +friend of Shakespeare. Those who knew Dulwich College, before +its reconstitution in recent times, must remember its being spoken +of as a notable instance of "the abuse of an ancient charity." In +1857 the old corporation was dissolved by Act of Parliament, and +a new Governing Body was established, consisting of 19 Governors, +of whom 11 were to be appointed by the Court of Chancery, and +the remainder by the parishes of Camberwell, Bishopsgate, +St. Luke, Finsbury, and St. Saviour's, Southwark, each appointing +two Governors. A further scheme for the management of the +charity was approved by Her Majesty in Council in 1882, greatly +modifying the arrangement of 1857. By the latter scheme the +management of the estate in its eleemosynary branch was wholly +separated from the educational branch, with separate governing +bodies.</p> + +<p>The great increase in the value of the estates had allowed the +establishment, in 1857, of Alleyn's School, and a large sum was +then provided for the erection of school buildings, a splendid +edifice being constructed by Mr. Charles Barry.</p> + +<p>It was to open this new school that the visit of the Prince and +Princess of Wales was made on the 21st of June, 1870. By a +singular coincidence this day was the anniversary of that on +which the charter of the College had been first signed, on the 21st<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> +of June, 1607. The Prince of Wales distributed the prizes, after +the pupils had delivered speeches, and gone through the exercises +usual in public school examinations and anniversaries. The +recitations were brought to a close with singing the National +Anthem.</p> + +<p>At the luncheon which followed, the Rev. W. Rogers presided, +and proposed the health of the Royal visitors.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness, who was loudly cheered on rising to reply, +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I feel deeply the kind +way in which you have received this toast, and I can assure +you that it is with great pleasure we have to-day made so +interesting a visit to a place which, for all of us, possesses an +historical interest. It is hardly necessary for me to refer to the +early history of the College. You all know that it was founded +in the time of Queen Elizabeth, although the charter was actually +signed by James I., and that Edward Alleyne was an eminent +actor, and that he also held, I believe, the post of bear-keeper—I +hope not bear-leader—to Queen Elizabeth. What we witness +to-day is a gratifying result of that foundation. Everybody +who has had the opportunity of seeing this splendid building +must have derived gratification from the spectacle, and also +from the proofs which have been furnished that education is by +no means neglected. These proofs we have listened to in the +English and French languages, and also in the ancient Greek, +and we have done so with very great pleasure, in spite of the +great heat which it was necessary for that purpose to encounter.</p> + +<p>"I will not detain you with further remarks. But before I +sit down let me wish thorough success and happiness to this +College, and let us hope that the success which has attended the +last ten years especially of its existence will continue and increase, +and that year by year it will advance in standing and +position and in the number of the scholars within its walls. I +have now the pleasure of proposing a toast which I am sure you +will all drink with enthusiasm—'The Health of the Master of +Dulwich College, Dr. Carver.' From the cordial way in which +his name is cheered by the boys there can be no doubt of his +popularity; and to his efforts, I believe, much of the success +which the school has attained is owing."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Rev. Dr. Carver "returned his very sincere thanks for this +compliment, which he took to be meant really for the institution<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> +of which he was at the head. The inheritance of the last five +half-centuries was a noble one, but with it they inherited many +responsibilities, resulting from the faults and failings of their +predecessors, and there was much not only to do but to redeem. +He believed that a new era for Dulwich College had been +inaugurated, and he trusted it would hereafter win and occupy a +place among the most important and valuable institutions of the +kingdom."</p> + +<p>Their Royal Highnesses then proceeded to the Library. Before +the ceremonies at the School, they had visited the magnificent +collection of paintings, known as the Dulwich Gallery. These +pictures were collected by Sir F. Bourgeois, R.A., bequeathed by +him to the College, owing to his friendship for Mr. Allen, the +Master of the College, at the time of his death, in 1810. Some of +the best pictures in this gallery were obtained in Poland, at the +time of the partition of that ancient kingdom by the three Great +Powers.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SCHOOLS FOR THE CHILDREN OF SEAMEN.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 30th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, on +the 30th of June, 1870, performed the ceremony of opening the +new schools for the children of seamen. There was a large +assembly present, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress, the +Bishop of London and Mrs. Jackson, the Sheriffs of Middlesex, +several Aldermen and public officials. The schools are situated +near the London Docks, in Wellclose Square, where for two +hundred years stood the church for Danish seamen. The site of +the buildings was the property of the Crown of Denmark, and, +with the church, was purchased from the trustees with money +granted from the Bishop of London's Fund. The newly-erected +schools afford accommodation for 600 children, and the cost was +about £5500.</p> + +<p>An address, giving the history and purpose of the institution, +was read by the vicar of St. Paul's Church for seamen of the port +of London, to which</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales responded, saying "it was a source of +infinite gratification to him to be present at the completion of a +work originated by his lamented father, and to fulfil his benevolent +design of providing for the education and religious welfare +of the children, after having secured a place of Divine Worship +for the parents. He trusted that the association of the site<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> +with its former uses would bear its fruit in the success of this +sacred work of education and religion."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After prayers were read by the Bishop of London, the ceremony +of declaring the schools open was performed, and purses were +presented, with donations to the amount of £1500, including a +hundred guineas from the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>A luncheon followed, at which the Bishop of London, in +proposing the health of the Queen, recalled a saying of George III., +who once expressed the hope that the time would come when +every man in England would possess a Bible, and be able to read +it. This sentiment was also felt by the old King's grand-daughter +who now filled the throne, and nothing was dearer to Her +Majesty's heart than the religious education of the people.</p> + +<p>In next proposing the health of the Prince and Princess of +Wales, the Bishop said that the Royal visit of this day would give +a prestige to the schools which would ensure their popularity in +the neighbourhood. There was a special interest for the Princess +of Wales in the fact that they were on the site of the old Danish +Chapel, long the only place of worship for Danish seamen in +London.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in response, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Bishop, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Allow me in the +name of the Princess of Wales and myself to tender you my +warmest thanks for the kind way in which this toast has been +proposed and responded to. I need not tell you that the proceedings +of to-day have given us great pleasure, or that we feel +a deep interest in the success of the schools which we have now +opened. When we were asked to open these schools and play-grounds +for the children of seamen and other persons living in +this neighbourhood, we at once felt that the object was excellent, +and we were anxious in coming here to-day to evince the interest +we take in the schools. They have, as has already been +mentioned, an especial interest for myself, because just twenty-four +years ago the foundation stone of the neighbouring church +for seamen was laid by my lamented father. That church, +during the twenty-four years it has been in existence, has +answered the purpose for which it was built, and I believe as +many as 240,000 seamen, together with their wives and families, +have attended divine service within its walls. Let us, then, +hope that the children also may receive the benefits of a good +education and religious training, and that these schools may +fulfil the object for which they were built.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> + +<p>"In this part of London there are so many poor that good +schools are especially needed, and as these schools are not +intended exclusively for the children of seamen, they will probably +be most beneficial to the neighbourhood at large. Allow +me to thank you for the way in which you have listened to the +few remarks I have made, and to assure you that I feel deep +gratification in being present to-day at the opening of these +schools. I have, before sitting down, to propose 'The Health of +the Lord Bishop of London,' to whom we owe our warmest +thanks for the kind way in which he has come here to take +part in the proceedings of this day, when he has so many other +and important duties to perform. As I know that he has +another pressing engagement in a short time, the fewer words +said the better. I therefore call upon you to drink the health +of the Lord Bishop of London."</p></blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL AT READING.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 1st, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>The good people of Reading are said sometimes to have grumbled +at being neglected by Royalty, their town being overshadowed by +its proximity to the Royal borough of Windsor. This notion was +effaced by the splendid events of the 1st of July, 1870. On that +day the Prince and Princess of Wales, with imposing state and +ceremony, visited the ancient town, in order to lay the foundation-stone +of a new school, which was to be the successor of the +historical Grammar School, at which Archbishop Laud was educated, +one of the masters of which, Julius Palmer, was martyred +during the Marian persecution, and which in recent times had +attained high celebrity under the scholastic reign of Dr. Valpy.</p> + +<p>The town was in high festival for the occasion, and distinguished +company assembled to meet the Royal visitors. When +the Address had been presented by the Mayor and Town Clerk, +giving a summary of the history of the school, and the purposes of +the new undertaking, the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I desire to return my cordial +thanks for your address, and to assure you, on the part of the +Princess and myself, of the pleasure it affords us to visit a town +so conspicuous in the pages of English history. It is most +gratifying to me to co-operate with you, gentlemen, in securing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> +for your town the benefits contemplated by the Royal founders +of this ancient school. In extending to Reading and its county +the advantages of a middle-class education, you are providing +an education which, if conducted on sound principles, must +conduce to the welfare and happiness of all who desire to profit +by it; and that this result is anticipated is satisfactorily indicated +by the amount of contributions already subscribed. For +myself, I sincerely trust that the good work of which we are +now assembled to lay the first stone may, under God's blessing, +prosper and accomplish its purpose. It will at least prove to a +succeeding generation that we, on our part, have striven with +all our hearts and all our means to ripen the good seed sown +by our fathers upwards of 300 years ago."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The ceremony of setting the stone then began, for the ceremony +was to be done with masonic honours, one side of the tent having +been entirely occupied by the Masons in costume. The Mayor, +having received from the Provincial Grand Master the handsome +silver trowel prepared for the occasion, now asked the Prince, in the +name of the School Trustees, to proceed with the ceremony. The +Grand Chaplain offered a prayer, the Architect presented his plans, +the Grand Secretary read the inscription on the stone, and the +Grand Treasurer deposited gold, silver, and copper coins of the +present reign in the cavity prepared for them.</p> + +<p>The Prince then proved and set the stone, saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"May the Great Architect of the Universe enable us successfully +to carry on and finish the work of which we have now laid +the principal stone, and every other undertaking which may +tend to the advantage of the borough of Reading and this neighbourhood, +and may this school be long preserved from peril +and decay, diffusing its light and influence to generations yet +unborn."</p> + +</blockquote><p>To this the Masons present answered with one accord, "So mote +it be." The Prince next spread corn on the stone, and from the +ewers handed to him poured out wine and oil, saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"May the bountiful hand of Heaven ever supply this country +with abundance of corn, wine, and oil, and all the necessaries +and comforts of life."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Brethren again responded in the Masonic formula, "So +mote it be." Then the Treasurer to the school presented to the +Senior Master Builder (Mr. Parnell) a purse of gold, saying: "It is +the pleasure of the Prince that those who have hewed the stones,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> +and those who have laid them, and all who have assisted, should +'rejoice in the light.'"</p> + +<p>Prayers by the Bishop of Oxford, and the Hallelujah Chorus, +performed by the band and choir, closed the ceremonial, which +was very quaint and impressive.</p> + +<p>At the luncheon afterwards given in the Town Hall, the Prince, +after acknowledging the usual loyal toasts, that of the Prince and +Princess of Wales having been proposed by the Mayor, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—It gives me great +pleasure to have an opportunity of expressing to all those present +the gratification it has given both to the Princess and myself to +be here this day. I am glad also to have the opportunity of +congratulating the Mayor and Corporation and the inhabitants +of Reading on the great success of all the proceedings of the +day. In passing through the town we could not fail to admire +the tasteful way in which all the houses and streets were decorated; +nor was it possible that the arrangements for laying the +foundation stone of the new schools, and the magnificent ceremony +attending it, could have gone off better. I trust we shall +all take a deep interest in the school which is to be, succeeding +as it does to one which has already existed for a great number +of years, having been founded by my ancestor Henry VII., and +receiving a Royal charter from Queen Elizabeth. I trust that +the wishes expressed by the Mayor concerning the school may +be realized, and that the children not only of the inhabitants of +Reading but of the whole county of Berkshire will have an +opportunity of receiving a thoroughly good education in it. I +will not occupy your time any longer, but before sitting down +it affords me great pleasure to propose a toast which I feel sure +you will all receive with enthusiasm. It is 'The Health of the +Mayor of Reading.' I am glad to have the opportunity of +thanking him, as the representative of this ancient and loyal +borough, for the kind and hearty reception it has given to us +on this occasion."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After the departure of the Prince, the Mayor announced that +His Royal Highness had generously handed him a cheque for a +hundred guineas towards the building fund. At night the town +was illuminated, and the people of Reading had good reason to be +pleased with the proceedings of the day.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ALBERT GOLD MEDAL TO M. DE LESSEPS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 7th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>At a meeting of the Council of the Society of Arts, on the 7th of +July, 1870, the Prince of Wales, as President of the Society, presented +the Albert Gold Medal to M. de Lesseps. This medal is +awarded for services rendered to arts, manufactures, and commerce; +and no services, to commerce at least, could have been better +rendered than by the realization of the Suez Canal.</p> + +<p>The Prince addressed M. de Lesseps in a French speech, of +which the following is a translation:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is with sincere gratification that, as President of the +Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and +Commerce, I have the honour of presenting to you to-day the +gold medal which was founded after the death of my beloved +father, and which bears his name. This medal is presented +every year to the person who has distinguished himself most +remarkably in advancing the interests of the objects for which +the Society was founded, and I am fully convinced that no +recipient has ever been more worthy than yourself of this +honourable distinction. In presenting it, I need scarcely say +that the award was unanimous, and I may perhaps be permitted +to add that I stipulated for the pleasure of placing the medal +myself in your hands. England will never forget that it was to +you the success of that great enterprise which is so much calculated +to develope the commercial interests subsisting between +herself and her Eastern Empire was due; and I trust that since +your sojourn among us the English people have evinced to you +their appreciation of the benefits which your great work has +conferred upon this country. Allow me once more to congratulate +you upon your grand achievement, and to express my +sincere hope, as it is my belief, that it will fully realise the +brilliant anticipations which you have from the first entertained +respecting it. In conclusion, I must assure you of the pleasure +I feel in presenting this medal to you, not only as President of +this Society, but as a personal friend, who has, moreover, enjoyed +the inestimable advantage of an inspection of the Canal under +your guidance."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> + +</blockquote><p>M. de Lesseps replied as follows:—</p> + +<p>"Monséigneur,—I am happy in receiving from the hands of +your Royal Highness the medal which has been awarded to me by +the Society of Arts and Manufactures. This medal, recalling the +respected memory of your august father, has a double value in my +eyes, for His Royal Highness Prince Albert, from the commencement +of the enterprise of the Suez Canal, received me with that +kindly feeling which was to him habitual, and which led him +always to encourage everything which might be useful to social +progress, to the discoveries of science, and to the development of +commerce. He received me for the first time in 1858, in his +private study, where he invited me to explain to him all the +details relating to the construction of the Canal, and he followed +with close attention upon the map and on the working plan the +course of the projected scheme as worked out by the engineers. +Since that time he continued on several occasions to testify the +interest which he felt in the enterprise for which the period of +commencing the works had arrived. I thank your Royal Highness +and the Society of Arts for having added this important manifestation +to all the evidences which I have had the good fortune to +receive from the Government of the Queen and from the people of +Great Britain. The words of your Royal Highness will remain +engraven in my heart. I have already had the good fortune of +finding myself with you, Monséigneur, when travelling in the +desert, and there, where a man, however highly he may be placed, +shows himself as he is, I have been able to appreciate the noble +character, the lofty mind, and the elevated sentiments of your +Royal Highness, and I am happy to bear this testimony in the +presence of the distinguished men who surround us. I shall ever +be, as they are, the devoted partisan of your Royal Highness. I +pray you to present to Her Majesty the homage of my respect +and of my gratitude, and to assure her that the Company which I +have the honour to direct will be able to maintain the Suez Canal +in a condition which will satisfy all the requirements of the great +commerce and of the navigation of Great Britain."</p> + +<p>It is always a pleasure to the Prince of Wales to give the Albert +Medal with his own hands, sometimes at Marlborough House, as +to Sir Henry Bessemer, and to M. Chevalier, the distinguished +French Economist. When the award was made to Mr. Doulton, +the Prince went to Lambeth to make the presentation, and said +that he would have been glad to have received Mr. Doulton at +Marlborough House, but thought it would be more gratifying to +him to have the medal presented in his own place and among his +own workpeople—an act of gracious considerateness which was +well appreciated by the vast assembly who witnessed the event.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>OPENING OF THE THAMES EMBANKMENT.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 13th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>This great work, which, for solidity of construction, durability of +material, and beauty of design, is worthy of the Metropolis of the +Empire, was commenced early in 1852, but was not completed till +the summer of 1870. Viewed in connection with the benefits to +public health and convenience, by the improvement of the course +of the Thames, and the removal of the mud banks formerly +disfiguring the shores, the Embankment may be truly said to be +the greatest public work undertaken in London in modern times. +Portions of the footway had been previously open for passengers, +and improvements have been since made in the approaches and in +laying out ornamental grounds, but the completion of the roadway, +from Westminster to Blackfriars, sufficiently justified the grand +State ceremony with which the Embankment was opened, on the +13th of July, 1870, by the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>On that day, the Prince, accompanied by the Princess Louise, +and attended by the Great Officers of the Household, opened the +Embankment on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Five Royal +carriages, with an escort of the Royal Horse Guards, proceeded +from Marlborough House, by the Mall, Whitehall, and Parliament +Street to Westminster Bridge, where they entered the embankment. +Here the procession was joined by the carriages containing +the Chairman and members of the Metropolitan Board of Works. +At Hungerford Bridge an address was presented by the Chairman, +Sir John Thwaites. The Royal procession went as far as Blackfriars +Bridge, and then returned to Westminster Bridge, when the +Prince, amidst the cheers of the multitude, and the salutes of +artillery, declared the Embankment to be open.</p> + +<p>The reply to the address read by the Prince, was as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Gentlemen,—It is a source of great regret to me, as I am +sure it cannot fail to be to you, that the Queen is unable to be +present, according to her original intention, at this interesting +ceremony. In her name I thank you for your loyal address, and +express to you the satisfaction with which she regards the completion +of this great work. We must all rejoice that while the +Embankment and the noble roadway, which I am happy this +day to open in the name of Her Majesty, add largely to the +beauty and convenience of the Metropolis, the works connected +with them may be expected materially to diminish the sources +of disease and suffering to the inhabitants of this bank of the +Thames. In no public work of this vast capital has the liberal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> +and enterprising spirit of its citizens and the genius and resources +of our civil engineers been more signally displayed. I am commanded +by the Queen to congratulate you cordially on the issue +of your labours in undertakings which promise to be so enduring +and so beneficent."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Five years before this, on the 4th of April, 1865, the Prince had +visited the great works erected at Barking, in Essex, and thence +to the Erith Marshes to perform the ceremony of starting the +great engines which lift the waters of the Southern Outfall +Sewer. In a brief speech on that occasion the Prince congratulated +Mr. Thwaites, then chairman of the Metropolitan Board of +Works, and Mr. Bazalgette, the engineer, on the completion of an +important portion of the great scheme for disposing of the sewage +of London, and purifying the water of the Thames.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 16th, 1870.</i></p> + + +<p>In the summer of 1870, while the news of impending war on the +continent stirred public feeling, preparations were being quietly +made in many a home and workshop for an international exhibition +of art and industry. The special feature of the display was +to be the encouragement of individual intelligence and skill, every +object exhibited having attached to it the name of the workman, +as well as the firm in whose employment he was, if not exercising +his art on his own account at home.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales kindly consented to open the exhibition, in +the name of the Queen. This was done on the 16th of July, 1870. +Having received an address, giving an account of the purpose of +the collection, the Prince thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Gentlemen,—I thank you for your address, and assure you +that it is with very great pleasure I undertake the duty imposed +upon me by the Queen in opening this Exhibition. The +objects proposed in it are such as cannot fail to meet with the +cordial approbation of all who are interested in the growth of +our arts and manufactures, and who wish to connect that growth +with a corresponding increase of sympathy and friendly relations +between employers and their workmen. In imparting to +this Exhibition an international character, you have sought to +extend the range of good which may result from it, and by +inviting competition between our workmen and those of foreign<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> +nations, not only to afford a wholesome stimulus to both in the +exercise of their various callings, but to contribute, as far as +you can, to that kindly intercourse between countries which +must in the end prove the principal security for the peace of +the world. The allusion which you have made to my beloved +father, who would doubtless have regarded this Exhibition with +the liveliest interest, as the natural supplement of that first one +with which his name is especially connected, will be as affecting +as it must be gratifying to the Queen. It will be my agreeable +duty to report to her the proceedings of to-day, and I have only +now, in her name, to wish success to the undertaking."</p> + +</blockquote><p>A catalogue of the collection, and a newspaper printed in the +building, were then presented to the Prince. The catalogue +showed that contributions had been sent from all the chief industrial +centres in England,—Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry, +Worcester,—and from Ireland, in bog-oak carvings, and articles of +the linen and flax industry. The foreign contributions were from +France, Austria, Italy, Holland, and other parts of the continent. +A musical piece composed for the occasion was given, and the +Old Hundredth psalm sung by the choir, after which the Prince +declared the Exhibition open.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 29th, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>The "Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences" was opened by +Her Majesty the Queen with imposing ceremony on the 29th +of March, 1871. The procession from Buckingham Palace consisted +of nine State carriages, in the last of which were the Queen, +the Princess of Wales, and the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. +In the other carriages were the Royal Family, with the great +officers of State and the Household in waiting. The Hall was +filled with nearly 8000 spectators, and the orchestra consisted +of nearly 1200 musicians and singers, Sir Michael Costa being +leader.</p> + +<p>When the Queen had taken her place on the daïs, the Prince of +Wales, who wore the uniform of Colonel of the 10th Hussars, +advanced to Her Majesty, and, as President of the Provisional +Committee, read the following address:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"May it please your Majesty,—As President of the Provisional +Committee of the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences, it is +my high privilege and gratification to report to your Majesty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> +the successful completion of this Hall, an important feature of a +long-cherished design of my beloved father, for the general +culture of your people, in whose improvement he was always +deeply interested. Encouraged by your Majesty's sympathies, +and liberally supported by your subjects, we have been enabled +to carry out the work without any aid from funds derived from +public taxation. I am warranted in expressing our confidence +that this building will justify the conviction we expressed in +the report submitted on the occasion of your Majesty's laying +its first stone, that by its erection we should be meeting a great +public want. Your Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition +of 1851 in further prosecution of my father's design for the encouragement +of the Arts and Sciences, an object which he always +had warmly at heart, are about to commence a series of Annual +International Exhibitions, to the success of which this Hall will +greatly contribute by the facilities which it will afford for the +display of objects and for the meeting of bodies interested in the +industries which will form the subjects of successive Exhibitions. +The interest shown in the Hall by the most eminent musicians +and composers of Europe strengthens our belief that it will +largely conduce to the revival among all classes of the nation of +a taste for the cultivation of music. Your Majesty will hear +with satisfaction that results have justified the original estimate +of the cost of the building, and that, aided by the liberal assistance +of your Exhibition Commissioners, the corporation will +commence its management unfettered by pecuniary liabilities, +and under conditions eminently calculated to insure success. +It is my grateful duty to return to your Majesty our humble +thanks for the additional mark of your Royal favour which is +conferred upon us by your auspicious presence on the present +occasion when our labours as a Provisional Committee are +drawing to a close. We venture to hope that when we shall +have resigned our functions into the hands of the governing +body, which will be elected under the provisions of the Royal +Charter granted to us, your Majesty will continue to the +Corporation that measure of support which has been always +graciously given to us."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Queen, who had listened to the address with the utmost +interest and attention, said, in a voice clearly heard in every part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> +of the vast building: "In handing you this answer, I wish to +express my great admiration of this beautiful Hall, and my earnest +wishes for its complete success."</p> + +<p>The written answer to the address was not read, but it is here +given to complete the record of the day's ceremony:—</p> + +<p>"I thank you for the loyal address which, as President of the +Provisional Committee of the Hall of Arts and Sciences, you have +presented to me. In opening this spacious and noble Hall, it gives +me pleasure to acknowledge the generous spirit which has been +manifested in the completion, by voluntary effort, of a work +promising so much public usefulness. I cordially concur in the +hope you have expressed, that this Hall, forming as it does part of +a plan in which I must ever take a deep and personal interest, +may largely and permanently contribute to the promotion among +my people of the love of art, as well as to the success of the annual +exhibitions, which will bring successively into instructive competition +the choicest products of the industries of all nations. +These objects could not fail to commend themselves at all times +and all places to my sympathy and interest, fraught as they are +with recollections of him to whose memory this Hall is dedicated, +and whose dearest aim was to inspire my people with a love of all +that is good and noble, and, by closer knowledge and juster appreciation +of each other, to cultivate a spirit of goodwill and concord +among the inhabitants of all regions. I gladly give the assurance +of my support to the corporation to which the Hall is about to be +entrusted, and I earnestly hope that their efforts to promote the +objects for which it has been constructed may be rewarded by a +career of abiding success."</p> + +<p>The Bishop of London, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, +offered a dedication prayer.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, after a minute's conference with Her +Majesty, then said, "<span class="smcap">The Queen declares this Hall to be now +opened</span>."</p> + +<p>The announcement was followed by immense cheering and the +sound of trumpets; and while the choir sang the National +Anthem, the Park guns boomed forth a loud accompaniment.</p> + +<p>The opening ceremony being thus accomplished, the Queen and +the Royal visitors proceeded to the Royal box, where they remained +during the performance of a selection of music. The +programme included a cantata, written for the occasion by Sir +Michael Costa, and the Prince Consort's <i>Invocazione all'Armonia</i>, +which was first performed when Her Majesty, in 1867, laid the +foundation-stone of the Hall this day opened.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1871.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 1st, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>During the twenty years that had passed since the ever-memorable +Exhibition of 1851, there had been many Exhibitions, one of +which, that of 1862, might aspire to the title of Great, and proved +fairly successful. But so numerous were the imitations of the +first great example, to which, at home or abroad, none approached +in romantic interest and universal popularity, that at length the +idea which in 1851 charmed all the world, had come to be somewhat +tiresome to the public. Inventors and manufacturers found it +troublesome and expensive to exhibit, not without doubt whether +there were not more disadvantages than advantages in such international +displays. Some of the later Exhibitions were little better +than huge bazaars or trade shows.</p> + +<p>Having regard to these conditions, the Royal Commissioners of +1851, with the Prince of Wales as President, allowed matters to +rest awhile, although still feeling under obligation to carry out +the grand purposes which gave rise to the first and grandest +display in Hyde Park.</p> + +<p>It was resolved to open at South Kensington, in 1871, an +"International Exhibition of the Fine Arts and of Industry;" to +be the first of a series, each with some definite aim, and mainly +confined to certain arts or industries, instead of forming a miscellaneous +museum of all sorts of objects. As the Queen approved of +this proposal, the opening of the Exhibition of 1871 was undertaken +by the Prince of Wales on Her Majesty's behalf, and was +made the occasion of an imposing State pageant. In the Court +Circular of May 2nd, and in the journals of the same date, a full +account is given of the ceremonies of the preceding day, with lists +of the illustrious and notable persons present, and other details. +The Prince made formal proclamation of the opening.</p> + +<p>In all his labours in connection with various exhibitions, at +home or abroad, the Prince has had most able lieutenants, such as +Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, K.C.B., but every detail of plan and of +administration has been brought before his attention, and has +received the sanction of his judgment and experience. It is no +exaggeration to say that to his presidency was mainly due the +success of the British Department of the great Paris Exhibition of +1878. This was testified in the address presented to the Prince +by Earl Granville, signed by a thousand Englishmen who had +witnessed the events of that memorable season in the Place de +Trocadero.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ARTISTS' ORPHAN FUND.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 7th, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>For the relief of distressed artists, their widows and orphans, +provision is made, as far as funds allow, by the Artists' Benevolent +Institution, which was established in 1814. In course of time it +was found that the amount available for the support and education +of the orphans of artists was very insufficient, and a separate fund +was established in 1866, under the auspices of the Council of the +Artists' Benevolent Institution. From time to time donations +were received, and in 1871 it was resolved to make a more public +appeal. The Prince of Wales cheerfully agreed to preside at a +dinner in aid of the fund, which took place on the 7th of May, +1871, in the Freemasons' Hall.</p> + +<p>The Prince was supported by a large number of artists, and of +patrons and lovers of art. The usual loyal toasts were given, and +the presence of members of the well-known "artist corps" led the +Prince to make special reference to the Volunteers.</p> + +<p>In giving "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," His +Royal Highness said:—</p> + +<p>"This is a toast which is never left out at all great public +dinners. By some it has been called a formal toast, but in my +opinion it should never be so styled. It is a toast which we +ought to drink warmly and heartily. Of that which we owe to +our army and navy I shall not speak to you at length, for this +is not a fitting occasion; but I may say that we are bound to +those services by a deep debt of gratitude, and let us hope that +we shall always have reason to be as proud of them as we are at +the present moment. We must, at the same time, never forget +that there is something wanting. Our army is small; smaller +than those of other countries; it ought, therefore to be better in +comparison. As to the navy, though a great many changes have +been made in our ships, though they have been converted from +wooden walls into iron batteries, I think we may confidently +anticipate that the fame which attaches to our old wooden walls +will be transferred to our iron fleet whenever it is called upon +to meet an enemy. The Militia, too, ought never to be omitted +from this toast, for I look upon it as our great army of reserve, +and desire to see it honoured; while as to the Volunteers, I +would remark that I think we may congratulate ourselves on +the circumstance that the movement, which has now existed for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> +eleven or twelve years, shows no sign that it is slackening. I +have the more confidence in asking you to respond to this portion +of the toast, because I see around me many members of the +Artists' Corps, which has always maintained a high position in +the Volunteer force."</p> + +<p>The Prince, in proposing the next toast, "The Artists' Orphan +Fund," said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have no doubt you will drink this toast in bumpers, +particularly as this is the first dinner which has been given in +aid of the Fund. I can assure you it has given me much +pleasure to come here and explain to you some of the chief +points connected with this excellent charity. Being a charity +in aid of orphans it is, you will agree with me, worthy of peculiar +sympathy. It recommends itself still more to our notice when +we reflect that it proposes to help the children of those who +have done so much to elevate and refine art among us, and whose +beautiful pictures have so often delighted us. Many persons +may imagine that it is not difficult to be a painter, but the +distinguished artists whom I see around me will, I am sure, agree +with me that that it is a great mistake. To be a good painter +genius is by no means all that is required. Industry and +perseverance must also be exercised just as much as in the case +of eminent clergymen, lawyers, scientific men, philosophers, or +the members of any other branch of human exertion which we +can name. Again, we must remember that, although a man +may have been a successful painter, although his genius may +have been recognized in other countries besides his own, and +although he may have accumulated money in the course of long, +laborious years, yet, being laid on a bed of sickness, that money +may have dwindled away, and his children may be left entirely +destitute. This fund, then, is destined for the support of the +orphans of such artists and for their education. No one particular +school is to be set apart for education. The guardians +of the children will be allowed to select the schools to which +they shall go and no restrictions of any kind will be imposed +upon them with respect to religion. I may add that the first +idea of this fund came from a gentleman who offered to place a +certain number of candidates in two schools which he himself +established, and that he has since given to the charity the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> +munificent donation of £900. My only regret is that, while we +must all applaud the munificence of this gentleman, I am forbidden +to mention his name. There is, however, another name +with respect to which I need not be reticent, and which is well +known to you all—I mean that of Sir W. Tite, who has given +the large sum of £1000 to the fund. Now, I feel sure you will +follow this good example, that you will support to the best of +your ability this excellent charity, and that I need not urge upon +you to sign freely the papers which have been placed before you. +I may add that I am authorized by the Council to mention that +a sum of £7000 has already been collected out of the £10,000 +which are required, a result for which they beg to return their +grateful thanks. But though the sum I have just named will +enable them to carry out the immediate object of the fund, +neither they nor any one else will have any objection to your +adding considerably to that amount. I will not detain you +longer, but while thanking you for your attention will again +ask you to drink 'Prosperity and success to this most worthy +charity.'"</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then gave "Prosperity to the Royal +Academy," stating that "the community at large took the greatest +interest in that body of gentlemen, for to them we owe the +elevated and cultivated taste with regard to painting and +sculpture which now so widely prevailed in this country. The +interests of the Royal Academy and of Art would, he felt sure, +not suffer as long as they were confided to the care of Sir F. +Grant, the distinguished President of that institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir F. Grant, in returning thanks, said the members of the +Royal Academy were very glad to have it in their power to aid so +excellent a charity, and that, in addition to the £500 which they +had given last year to the orphanage in connection with it, they +were ready to give on the present occasion a further donation of +£1000. He begged, in conclusion, to propose "Prosperity to the +other Art Societies." The toast was responded to by Mr. Clint, +President of the Society of British Artists.</p> + +<p>The Treasurer read a long list of subscriptions, amounting in +all to £12,308, including a hundred guineas from the Royal +Chairman.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 8th, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>The annual festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls was +held at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, on the 8th of May, +1871, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presiding. The +whole assembly in the hall was Masonic, the ladies being limited +to the gallery of the Temple. The Prince wore, besides his Royal +and military Orders, the insignia of a Past Grand Master of the +English craft, and around him, in full Masonic "clothing," according +to their rank in the craft, were many distinguished members.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in proposing "The +Queen," said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The first toast which I have to give is the health of the +patroness of our craft—Her Majesty the Queen, who has always +identified herself so far with our Freemasonry as to extend her +hand to all charities."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir Patrick Colquhoun, with the Grand Master's gavel, proposed +the toast of "The Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the +rest of the Royal Family." He referred in feeling and touching +terms to the loss lately sustained by the Prince and Princess, the +death of an infant son on Good Friday, April 7, and he expressed +the deep thankfulness of the brotherhood that the Princess was +recovering her health.</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in responding for +the toast, which had been received with loud applause, thanked +the brethren, and said "it gave him the greatest pleasure to be +there, surrounded by the brethren of the craft to which he was +proud to belong. He assured them that it was a proud day +indeed to him when he became a Mason, and he should always +do his utmost to be a worthy brother among them. He expressed, +too, on the part of the Princess, his personal thanks to Sir +Patrick for his touching remarks, and his thanks to the brethren +for their sympathy. He was glad to announce that the Princess +was restored to her accustomed health, and in a short time would +be among them. It might be fitting then to announce that the +Princess had consented to be the patroness of the institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast of "Earl de Grey, the Grand Master," was then proposed +by the Royal President, and Lord Clonmell proposed "The +Past Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland." "The Deputy-Grand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> +Master's Health" was proposed by Mr. C. Sykes, M.P., who dwelt +upon the great zeal and ability the Earl of Carnarvon had shown +in following Masonry.</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in proposing the +toast of the evening, said, "in general he felt diffidence in asking +for subscriptions for charities over which he sometimes presided, +but he had not such a feeling on that occasion, when he looked +round and saw on all sides the brethren of the craft, for he knew +that one of the main principles inculcated in the minds of Freemasons +was charity. He knew that the brethren composing the +vast assemblage before him had come with one object, to support +this excellent institution. A very full and able report had been +drawn up, and therefore it was not necessary for him to address +them at any length. He might say, however, that the institution +was founded for the clothing, maintenance, and education of +the daughters of decayed Freemasons, and it provided that the +daughters of trustworthy Freemasons should not be left to the +pangs of misery and ignorance. One important point was that +it was supported entirely by voluntary contributions, and since +its foundation in 1788 it had educated, clothed, and maintained +nearly 1000 girls.</p> + +<p>"It was specially interesting for him to be connected with +that institution, as his grand-uncle, George IV., when Prince of +Wales, was an earnest supporter of it, and was present at its +foundation.</p> + +<p>"It had been the great object of the committee to give the +girls a good, sound, simple, and useful education—not what it +had become the fashion to consider education, but an education +without any 'padding.' In these days education was more +thought of than it was fifty years ago, and, indeed, it was the +great topic of the day. But before this time the Freemasons +were among the first to set a good example, and having set this +good example early, it was their duty to keep it up. The committee, +in order to test the standard of education given in those +schools, entered some of the names of pupils for the Cambridge +Local Examinations, and, with very few exceptions, these girls +so entered had passed the examinations with credit to themselves +and to the institution. The institution was flourishing in every +respect. During the past year 100 girls had been received into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> +the institution, and as many had gone forth ready to take their +place in the every-day life of men and women, well instructed +in all the duties of the positions they would be called upon to +fill. He urged that it had become necessary to build afresh, and +as he had himself found that building could not be carried out +for nothing, the subscriptions of the brethren were looked for +to assist the committee."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The secretary read the list of subscriptions, which included 100 +guineas from His Royal Highness the Prince, and 25 guineas from +the Princess, and though forty lists were not given in the subscriptions +already received amounted to £5000. On a later page +will be found the record of another anniversary, when the Prince +presided, and when the subscriptions were about £50,000.</p> + +<p>The year 1888 is the centenary of the Institution, which +flourishes, at St. John's Hill, Battersea Rise. The girls are +admitted at eight years of age, and maintained until sixteen. +There are nearly 250 in the school. The annual revenue, from all +sources, is about £15,500.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>EARLSWOOD ASYLUM FESTIVAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 17th, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>In the summer of 1870 the foundation-stone of a new wing to the +splendid edifice of the Earlswood Asylum for Idiots, had been laid +by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince further showed +his interest in the institution by presiding at the anniversary +festival, held at the London Tavern on the 17th of May, 1871. +The Asylum, originally established at Highgate in 1847, was +incorporated by Royal Charter in 1862. Her Majesty is patroness +of the charity.</p> + +<p>On the removal of the cloth the Prince gave the toast of "Her +Majesty the Queen, as the Patroness of the Institution," which was +received with every mark of respect, as was also that of "The +Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family," +proposed by the Duke of Wellington.</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness, in proposing the toast of "The Army, +Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," expressed a hope that "the great +name which the Army and Navy bore in English history would +always remain unsullied in days to come. We were now at +peace, thank God, but we might never know from one day to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> +another what might occur, and, therefore, we ought always to +be prepared."</p> + +<p>Later in the evening, His Royal Highness, in proposing the +toast of the evening: "Prosperity to the Earlswood Idiot +Asylum," said, "he felt convinced there was no charity which +had a greater demand on the public sympathy and support than +it, appealing as it did on behalf of the idiot classes, afflicted by +the will of Providence, and unable for the most part to help +themselves. The institution was happily in a highly flourishing +condition, to the great praise of those who had all along interested +themselves in its prosperity. In 1853 his lamented +father, who was always ready to assist the afflicted and needy, +laid the foundation-stone of the present institution; in 1866 +the Princess of Wales and himself interested themselves in a +bazaar for raising funds for the erection of a new wing to the +building, and in 1869 Her Royal Highness and himself inaugurated +that new wing.</p> + +<p>"It was a matter of satisfaction to his family and himself +that they had connected themselves with an institution which +aimed at so much practical good, and which was now in so +flourishing a state. It was in 1847 that the late Dr. Reed +brought the state of the idiot portion of the community under +public notice; and from that time to this much had been done +to ameliorate the condition of that most unfortunate class of +our fellow creatures. Although the cases were comparatively +rare in which cures had been made, still cures had been effected, +and practical experience had shown that the mental state of +those unfortunate beings was susceptible of manifest improvement +by the exercise of care and attention well directed by +intelligent and experienced persons. Many of them were taught +music, and others some trade or handicraft, and in that way +their hands and minds were occupied. There were cases in +which patients so engaged had improved so much as to be able +to return to their families, and afterwards to follow a trade +which they had learnt in the institution. The Institution had +been very highly praised by the Lunacy Commissioners, and he +might remind the company that it was supported by voluntary +contributions. This year, he believed, the contributions had +exceeded those of any previous one, but an infirmary had become<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> +necessary, although no epidemic had hitherto occurred in the +asylum; and as that would go far to exhaust the funds, he +called upon the company to do their utmost to replenish them. +His Royal Highness made a passing allusion, by way of example, +to the fact that an anonymous benefactor had thrice contributed +the sum of £1000 to the treasury of the institution, and in +conclusion he earnestly appealed to the audience to do what in +them lay towards the relief of that grievously afflicted class of +their fellow creatures."</p> + +</blockquote><p>At the close of the festival Mr. William Nicholas, the secretary, +announced that the subscriptions in the course of the evening +amounted in all to £4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas, +under initials, which left no doubt that it was a donation by His +Royal Highness the Chairman.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 2nd, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>Among the many institutions for homeless and orphan boys, the +Cottage Homes at Farningham are less heard of than some others +which make more clamorous appeals to the public. But they have +for many years been the scene of useful and beneficent work, and +deserve larger support. At Farningham there are 300 little boys, +homeless, and in danger of falling into evil ways, who are clothed, +fed, educated, and taught some trade by which they can earn +their own living. They are then provided with outfit, and placed +in situations, where they are looked after as Old Boys. This is a +charity which was certain to awaken the sympathy and receive +the support of the Prince of Wales, when brought under his +notice.</p> + +<p>On the 2nd of June, 1871, His Royal Highness presided at a +festival at the Freemasons' Hall for the benefit of the charity. +He had already with the Princess of Wales visited the Homes at +Farningham, and then laid the foundation-stone of the new +buildings there. At the festival dinner, in giving the toast, +"Prosperity to the Home for Little Boys," the following is the +substance of what the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The object of the promoters of this excellent charity had +been to take from the highways of this vast Metropolis those +unfortunate little beings who had been deprived of their parents, +or who had no homes, and to clothe, feed, educate, and train +them so that they might be enabled to go forth into the world<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> +with a knowledge of some trade, and qualified, when they left +this admirable home, to earn their living, by being removed from +the temptations to crime, incident to the state of destitution in +which they were found. What could be more dreadful than to +see from day to day those wretched miserable little children, +who swarmed in our streets, who knew as little as we did how +or where they could live, or who were their parents and natural +protectors?</p> + +<p>"It must be felt, then, to be the duty of every good Christian +to endeavour to ameliorate the condition of that class of our +fellow-creatures. He could speak from experience of the good +that had been done by this charity, because he had, with the +Princess, visited the institution. The asylum was erected about +seven years ago near Tottenham, but as it was thought desirable +to move further into the country, about 90 acres of ground were +purchased near Farningham, in Kent, and the homes were +established there. He then described the education received by +the boys, their excellent schooling in such subjects as arithmetic +and geography, besides the industrial training, which was a +special feature of the institution. He found that they were +taught to make clothes, boots, mats, &c.; there was a carpenters' +shop and a painters' shop, and a paper-bag shop; they had a +printing establishment, a laundry, a bakehouse, a garden, a farm, +and there were means for teaching the pupils a great variety of +other useful occupations, so that they might go forth good and +honest young men, capable of gaining their own livelihood, +instead of returning to those haunts of vice from which they +had been snatched. The cost of the homes was about £9000 a +year, but he was sorry to say the institution was still about +£5000 in debt. Mentioning the munificent donation of £1000, +which had recently been received from some anonymous benefactor, +His Royal Highness concluded, amid prolonged cheers, +by urging those present to contribute liberally, and to try to +persuade others to support this excellent institution, and so to +rescue as many as possible of the poor little suffering children +of the country, who had neither father nor mother living, from +wretchedness and crime."</p> + +</blockquote><p>A list of subscriptions and donations during the dinner was +read, amounting to the sum of £3464, including £1000 obtained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> +from friends by Mr. Robert Hanbury, then the President of the +institution, and £150 from the Royal Chairman.</p> + +<p>Besides the Cottage Homes at Farningham, there are Orphan +Homes at Swanley, where 200 orphan or fatherless boys are +maintained, and receive technical education in various arts and +industries, to fit them for a working life.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 28th, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>The 56th anniversary festival of this institution was held on the +28th of June, 1871, at the Freemasons' Tavern, under the presidency +of the Prince of Wales, who wore the Highland costume, +supported by Prince Arthur and the Duke of Cambridge. About +350 sat down to dinner, a large proportion being dressed in full +Highland costume, among whom were the Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., +President; the Duke of Richmond, K.G.; the Marquis of Lorne, +M.P.; the Marquis of Huntly, the Earl of Fife, the Earl of Mar, +and the Earl of March.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Chairman, in proposing the toast of +"Her Majesty the Queen," alluded to the fact that Her Majesty +was the patroness of this institution, in which she had always +taken the warmest interest.</p> + +<p>The Duke of Buccleuch proposed "The health of His Royal +Highness the Chairman, the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the +Royal Family." Since the foundation of this institution in 1815 +the Royal Family had always responded most generously to every +appeal that had been made to them on its behalf, and he trusted +that in consequence of the presence of His Royal Highness on that +occasion the funds of the charity would be considerably increased. +He reminded his audience that among his other titles His Royal +Highness possessed that of the Duke of Rothesay.</p> + +<p>The toast was received with Highland honours, followed by the +breaking of the glasses from which it had been drunk. The +Gaelic verses timing the cheers were recited by Mr. Donald +Mackenzie.</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Chairman "expressed his sincere +thanks at the enthusiastic reception which had been given to +the toast, and his gratification that it had been drunk with +Highland honours. He was very sensible of the kindness of +the feeling that had prompted the latter act, and he begged to +be regarded on that occasion rather as the Duke of Rothesay +than as the Prince of Wales. This excellent institution had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> +been associated for so many years past with various members of +his family that he was rejoiced to be able to be there that night +to plead in its favour."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness in proposing "The Army, the Navy, and +the Reserve Forces," took occasion to refer to the changes that +were about to be effected in the organization of the army, and +"expressed a hope that those changes, whatever they might be, +would place the safety or the country upon a secure foundation, +and would enable us to prove that the author of the well-known +<i>Battle of Dorking</i> was a false prophet. The writer of that +interesting production, however, deserved our thanks, inasmuch +as he had pointed out to us the danger of being 'caught +napping.' He begged to couple with the toast the name of his +Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who had already acted +as chairman of the festivals of the charity, of Sir A. Milne, and +of Colonel Loyd Lindsay, who had given such an impetus to the +Volunteer movement, and who had taken such an active part in +promoting the fund for the relief of the sick and wounded during +the late war."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness in proposing the toast of the evening, +"Prosperity to the Royal Caledonian Asylum," referred to "the +objects of the institution which is for supporting and educating +the children of soldiers, sailors, and marines, natives of Scotland, +who have died or been disabled in the service of their country, +and of indigent Scotch parents resident in London. The charity +had been founded in 1815, a memorable year for this country, +and from that time until his death his lamented grandfather had +presided over its interests. For his own part he could only +express the satisfaction he felt at being connected with an +institution which had received the patronage of Royalty for so +long a period. On the occasion when his grandfather had presided +at one of the festivals of the institution a large sum of +money was subscribed for its support, and he trusted on that +occasion its funds would be considerably increased, so as to +enable the thirty vacancies to be filled up, in addition to providing +board, lodging, clothing, and education for the 110 boys +and girls now received within the building. The children were +given a thoroughly sound education, and many of those who had +been brought up in the establishment had subsequently dis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>tinguished +themselves in the Army, the Navy, and the Law. +This charity, which was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, +was the only one in London intended solely for the +children of Scotch parents, and, therefore, he called upon all +Scotchmen to contribute liberally in aid of its funds. It conferred +much happiness upon our soldiers and sailors that they +were able to feel assured that in the event of their death in +action their children would be brought up in decency and +comfort, and that they would not be allowed to fall victims to +want and sin."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was drunk with three times three. His Royal Highness +the Chairman then briefly proposed "The Health of his Grace +the Duke of Buccleuch, the President of the Institution," to which +his Grace responded.</p> + +<p>The donations announced amounted to about £2000.</p> + +<p>During the course of the evening, the children, headed by their +pipers, marched round the room.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 1st, 1871.</i></p> + + +<p>The Royal Agricultural Society, of which the Prince of Wales is +President, held its annual meeting at Dublin in 1871. The occasion +was taken for a royal visit to Ireland. The Prince of Wales +was accompanied by the Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lorne, +and his young brother, Prince Arthur, better known in after +years as the Duke of Connaught. Of all the Royal family, this +son of the Queen has special relation to Ireland. One of his names +he bears after the great Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, +an Irishman; another of his names is after an Irish saint, and +he sits in the House of Lords by an Irish title. Born in May 1850, +Arthur Patrick was only a little past coming of age at this time.</p> + +<p>The warm-hearted Irish people gave the royal Princes a truly +cordial welcome. On arriving at Dublin, there was not merely +official display, but the popular reception was not only friendly +but enthusiastic. Flags waved everywhere, and as it was late in +the evening, the city was illuminated, and <i>Cead mille failthe</i> shone +out in conspicuous brilliancy. From a few knots of Fenians there +were heard slight sounds of hissing, but any hostile feeling was +overborne by the general rejoicing.</p> + +<p>When the train from Kingstown arrived at Westland Row +Terminus, the Lord Mayor and Corporation met the Royal visitors,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> +and the Town Clerk read an address to which the Prince made +an appropriate reply.</p> + +<p>On the next day, August 1st, the royal visitors, having witnessed +a cricket match in College Park, and had luncheon with the +officers of the Grenadier Guards, went to the Show-yard in the +afternoon. The Prince of Wales proceeded to the Council-room, +and signed the minutes of the last meeting, in the capacity of +President of the Council. The inspection of the horses, cattle, +and sheep was then made. Among the awards, made by the +judges of the Show in the forenoon, was a prize for the best pen +of shearling ewes, exhibited by His Royal Highness.</p> + +<p>The annual banquet was given in the evening at the Exhibition +Palace. It was a brilliant and successful affair. About 450 +guests were present, and the galleries were thronged with ladies. +When the Prince entered and took his place at the head of the +table there was tumultuous applause. After dinner the Prince rose +and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—The first toast which I have the +honour of proposing to you this evening is one which I am sure +will be heartily received by you. It is 'The Health of Her +Majesty the Queen.' In proposing this toast I am convinced +that the Queen has a part in the best wishes of the Irish people. +Although, unfortunately, some time has elapsed since she has +been over in Ireland, still I hope the day will yet come when +she may again come over. I am also convinced that the reception +she has met on former occasions she will meet with again. +I will not add more, but ask you to drink the health of Her +Majesty the Queen."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was drunk with loyal fervour. After a short interval +the Prince of Wales again rose and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I have some slight difficulty in +proposing the next toast, because it relates to members of my +own family; still, as it is on the list before me, I propose 'The +Health of the rest of the Royal Family.' I am sure that it has +been the wish of my brothers not to be useless appendages of +the State, but to do all they can to serve their country. My +brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, as you are aware, has for some +time past been in the Royal Navy, and has had the advantage +of seeing many countries, and I may say of twice sailing round +the world. On my left is my brother who is serving in the +Army, and who responds to this toast. I trust that he has also +a bright career before him. He has some slight claim upon you,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> +gentlemen, as he bears the name of Patrick. Without saying +more, I beg you to drink the health of the rest of the Royal +Family, coupled with the name of Prince Arthur."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal highness Prince Arthur, on rising to respond to the +toast, was received with loud cheers, renewed during the short but +effective and well delivered speech, in which he referred to a +former visit to Ireland, when he was received with much kindness +and cordiality. "That visit was certainly but a short one, but it +was long enough to enable me to see a good deal of the country, +and to inspire in me a lasting interest in all that concerns the +welfare of Ireland."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in proposing the next toast, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—It is now my pleasing duty to +propose 'The Health of His Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and +Prosperity to Ireland.' Nothing could give me greater pleasure +than having the honour of proposing this toast. I am convinced +that all the Lords-Lieutenant that come over to Ireland do their +utmost to fulfil their duties, and sometimes they are very arduous +ones, and I feel convinced that his Excellency on my right has +the goodwill of the country. The theme before me—Prosperity +to Ireland—is one that might be enlarged upon greatly. Nobody +wishes more sincerely than I do prosperity to this country. No +one in the large assemblage which crowds this hall, and no one +outside this hall, could more largely wish for the prosperity of +Ireland which was so dear to them. I think I may say without +fear of contradiction, that at the present moment Ireland is rich +and prosperous. There has been a great decrease of pauperism +and of crime, and I may say that what will do more than anything +else towards making a country prosperous is the extension +of its agriculture. It was with great pleasure that I accepted +the position of President of the Royal Agricultural Society, and +it afforded me great pleasure to be present for a short time at +the Show to-day. My brother has already alluded in his speech +to the fine animals we saw, and I may add that I feel sure that +in no other part of the United Kingdom could a more creditable +Show be held than that which was opened near Dublin this +morning. During the last four years there has been a great +improvement in every respect in the shows of the Royal Agricultural +Societies. I believe I am not wrong in stating that in +1867 the entries in the department of horses numbered 257, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> +now, on this occasion, they are but one short of 600. That alone +shows the interest which all classes of the community take in +these Shows, and how anxious each one is to do all in his power +to promote the object it has in view."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Alluding to the interest which the Earl of Pembroke had shown +in the welfare of the country, and his liberality in granting a site +for the Showyard, His Royal Highness said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am assured that if the many gentlemen and landlords +who very often find some difficulty in leaving England, but +who have large interests and large estates in this country, could +contrive to come over here more frequently, it would do more +good than anything else I could imagine. I am certain that +they are anxious to come over, and that their relations with +their tenantry and those around them should be in every respect +good. I may also here refer to the great improvement made in +the erection of farm buildings and cottages. Beyond doubt +there has been progress in the direction of improvement there; +but still I believe much yet remains to be done. Everything +depends upon the well-being of the people, and if they are +properly lodged it tends to cleanliness, and very possibly to +moral advantage. Perhaps I may be allowed to speak of a +slight personal experience in that matter. I have a small +estate in Norfolk, and observed myself the greatest importance +of providing suitable small cottages for those resident there, +and, having done so, now reap immense advantage. I am sure +that this is a question which belongs in itself to the well-being +of Irish agriculture, and which will accordingly receive the best +consideration of this society. There are many other topics upon +which I might enlarge, but as there are still many toasts to be +proposed and responded to, time will not permit. Besides, as +you are aware, the excellent society under whose auspices we +are assembled, while endeavouring to do as much good as +possible, has no political connection whatever. You will, therefore, +I am sure, forgive me if I do not enlarge more fully on +other topics which might have some political bearing. I give +you 'The Health of his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and +Prosperity to Ireland.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Lord-Lieutenant, Earl Spencer, in responding, said that +since they last met there had been much prosperity in the country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> +It was a happy thing that they were able to mark this. The +calling out of the Irish Militia had tended to encourage the confidence +and loyalty of the people. His Excellency hoped that the +improved relations established by recent legislation between landlord +and tenant would have beneficial effects.</p> + +<p>His Excellency then proposed "The Health of the Prince of +Wales," who responded, and after several other toasts the party +separated.</p> + +<p>The Royal visitors, accompanied by the Countess Spencer and +the Princess Louise, afterwards proceeded to the Lady Mayoress's +ball at the Mansion House. The city was brilliantly illuminated +at night.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>The enthusiastic reception of the Royal Princes, and the success +of this visit to Ireland gave much public satisfaction at the time, +and is regarded with interest now, in the light of subsequent +events. There had been some misgivings, lest the Prince might +meet with an uncourteous or at least a cold and uncordial reception. +But this had never been the way of Irishmen, even under what +might seem unpropitious conditions. The most loyal and enthusiastic +greeting ever given to a Sovereign, was that which +welcomed the Queen in 1849, just after the treason of Mr. Smith +O'Brien, and at the close of a long period of agitation. Still more +remarkable was the welcome given to George IV. in 1821. There +were neither personal nor political reasons for expecting much +enthusiasm on that occasion. It was well known that the new +king, like his father before him, and the brother who then stood +next to the throne, were determined opponents of Catholic Emancipation. +But no sooner had this king set foot on Irish soil, and +left the name of Kingstown to the place where he landed, than +every political grievance, penal laws and Protestant ascendency, +were all for the time forgotten. The truth is that whatever +agitation may be at the surface, the masses of the Irish nation, like +the deep waters of the ocean, are not so disturbed as to move them +to disaffection or disloyalty. There was no Irishman more loyal +than Daniel O'Connell, and many of the Home Rulers of our own +day are not less loyal to the British Crown. There is no fear of +the Queen or any of her children being received by the mass of +the Irish people without demonstrations of joy. Rather the complaint +is that Ireland has so much less of the Royal sunshine than +Scotland enjoys, and it might be well if the sister island became +the permanent residence of a member of the reigning House.</p> + +<p>Such thoughts have no bearing on party politics, but are +naturally suggested in remembering the reception given in 1871 +to the heir to the British Crown.</p> + +<p>A succession of engagements and of entertainments took place, +as on the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1868. The +military display in the Ph[oe]nix Park was even more brilliant than +on that occasion. One notable incident in 1871 was the installa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>tion, +with great ceremony, of His Royal Highness as Grand Patron +of the Masonic Institution in Ireland. A formal address of welcome +having been read, His Royal Highness made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,—I thank you very +much for your cordial and grateful address, and for the kind +sentiments expressed in it towards myself. It was a source of +considerable satisfaction to me when I was elected a member of +the craft, and I think I may without presumption point to the +different Masonic meetings which, since my initiation, I have +fraternally attended. As a proof of the interest I take in all +that relates to Freemasonry, I can assure you that it has afforded +me great gratification to become the Patron of the Most Ancient +and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in +Ireland, and that an opportunity has been given to me by +my visit to Ireland of being installed here to-day."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Grand Master then clothed His Royal Highness with the +collar, apron, and jewel, as Patron. The Brethren then, according +to ancient custom, saluted the Prince as Patron of the Order in +Ireland, the Grand Master himself giving the word. His Royal +Highness then said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,—I have now to thank +you heartily and cordially for your fraternal reception, and for +the honour you have done me, and I beg to assure you of the +pleasure I feel on having been invited to become the Patron of +the Order of Freemasons in Ireland. It is a source of considerable +satisfaction to me to know that my visit to this country +has afforded this opportunity of meeting you, Brethren, in +Lodge, and so interchanging these frank and hearty greetings. +It is true I have not been a Mason very long. I was initiated, +as you perhaps know, in London, a few years ago, after which +I visited the Grand Original Lodge of Denmark, and a short +time afterwards I had the signal satisfaction of being elected a +Past Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. +Last year I had the honour of being elected Patron of the Order +in Scotland; and, Brethren, though last, not least, comes the +special honour you have conferred on me. I thank you for it +from the bottom of my heart. I may, I think, refer with some +pride to the number of Masonic meetings I have attended in +England since my initiation as a proof of my deep attachment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> +to your Order. I know, we all know, how good and holy a +thing Freemasonry is, how excellent are its principles, and how +perfect the doctrine it sets forth; but forgive me if I remind +you that some of our friends outside are not as well acquainted +with its merits as we are ourselves, and that a most mistaken +idea prevails in some minds that, because we are a secret +society, we meet for political purposes, or have a political bias +in what we do. I am delighted, Brethren, to have this opportunity +of proclaiming what I am satisfied you will agree with +me in—that we have as Masons no politics; that the great +object of our Order is to strengthen the bonds of fraternal affection, +and to make us live in pure and Christian love with all +men; that though a secret we are not a political body; and that +our Masonic principles and hopes are essential parts of our +attachment to the Constitution and loyalty to the Crown."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness's address was received with great applause. +The Lodge was then closed in due form.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871.</h2> + + +<p>How much the Prince of Wales had endeared himself to all classes +in the nation was attested by the deep anxiety and the universal +sorrow when he was struck down with illness in December, 1871. +Those who remember that time, can tell how, for some weeks, all +thoughts were turned to the chamber of sickness at Sandringham; +with what earnest anxiety the daily bulletins were looked for; and +with what fervent devotion the prayers of millions ascended to the +throne of grace. The "dark December" of 1861, when the good +Prince Consort lay on his deathbed, increased the ominous foreboding. +Touching incidents of that critical period are still told. The +watchful attendance of the Princess of Wales was illustrated in no +way more strikingly than in the anecdote of her request to the clergyman +at Sandringham to alter the order of the morning service so as +to let her, after joining in the public prayer for recovery, hasten +back to her husband's side. We remember, too, the affectionate +anxiety of the royal mother, and brothers and sisters; and how the +Prince himself, when he recovered consciousness, asked thoughtfully +about the condition of the servant, who died of the same fever +which nearly proved fatal to his master.</p> + +<p>Had the Prince been "taken" at this period of his life, history +would have recorded the loss in terms of tender regret, such as had +been, more than once, felt towards Princes of Wales who died<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> +before coming to the throne. The eldest son of James I., for +instance, was long remembered with deepest sorrow, so much was +he loved, and so large the hopes of the nation which had been +centered in him. Had our Prince been lost in that illness, there +would have been another instance of what inspired one of the +noblest of all passages in classic literature, the "<i>Tu Marcellus eris</i>" +of Virgil. Happily it was otherwise ordained, and the enthusiasm +of joyful thankfulness at the recovery of the Prince was as truly +national as had been the anxiety and grief at his illness. The +special Thanksgiving Collect, written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, +expressed well the universal feeling of the nation:—</p> + +<p>"O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we thank Thee +that Thou hast heard the prayers of this nation in the day of our +trial. We praise and magnify Thy glorious name for that Thou +hast raised Thy servant Albert Edward Prince of Wales from the +bed of sickness. Thou castest down and Thou liftest up, and +health and strength are Thy gifts. We pray Thee to perfect the +recovery of Thy servant, and to crown him day by day with more +abundant blessings both for body and soul; through Jesus Christ +our Lord. Amen."</p> + +<p>When the Thanksgiving day was proclaimed, it was still doubtful +whether the Prince himself would be allowed by his medical +attendants to risk the winter journey for Osborne, along with the +Queen. But his own desire to be present nerved him for the +effort, and he obtained the assent of Sir James Paget, who had +gone specially to give his opinion.</p> + +<p>The danger had increased in the end of November and the first +weeks of December. The first hopeful announcement was made on +December 17th, and on January 3rd convalescence had decidedly +begun. A public thanksgiving service was proclaimed for the +21st of January. On February 22nd the Letter of the Queen to +the nation was published, and then followed the National Thanksgiving +Service in St. Paul's on the 27th.</p> + +<p>With regard to the Royal procession, and the display inside the +Cathedral, the scene was far less imposing than on that famous +day, the 23rd of April, 1789, when King George III. and Queen +Charlotte went to St. Paul's to return public thanks for His +Majesty's restoration to health. On that occasion there was more +of heraldic pageantry, and more of official display, than accords +with modern usage. But everything was done to make this +assemblage as far as possible representative of all classes in social +and public life. Not fewer than 13,000 persons had places allocated +to them in the Cathedral. In the <i>Times</i> of Wednesday, February +28th, a full classified list of the ticket-holders will be found. About +300 Mayors and Provosts from all parts of the kingdom had places. +There were 560 places for representatives of the Army and Navy. +The Peers and Commons had 885 tickets for each house. The +Dean of St. Paul's had nearly 1300 tickets at his disposal. The +Corps Diplomatique, "distinguished foreigners," London School<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> +Board, the Board of Works, Learned Societies, Nonconformists, +and numerous other bodies figure in the catalogue. The wearers of +uniform and official dress, besides the gaudy civic corporations, +gave variety to the scene. The Judges, English, Scotch, and +Irish, with robes and wigs, gave warm tone to the Law corner. +Special state chairs were occupied by the Lord Chancellor and the +Speaker, representing Parliament. The Press had 80 places, and +the "General Public" made up the number 12,480 tickets—those +who took part in the procession—the stewards, police, firemen, and +the officials bringing up the total to about 13,000.</p> + +<p>The crowds lining the streets, for about seven miles along which +the procession passed, were innumerable; and every window and +coign of vantage, with numerous scaffoldings along the line, +appeared filled with spectators. Not even when the Princess of +Wales entered London was there such a dense multitude seen, and +it is only on rare occasions that one can see "all London in the +streets." In our time we can remember some such occasions—the +funeral of the Duke of Wellington, the reception of the Princess +of Wales, and the entrance of Garibaldi, being among them.</p> + +<p>It was not in the Metropolis alone, that the rejoicing was +universal. Every city and town had its festivities, and its services +of thanksgiving in Church and Chapel. Addresses came, by +hundreds, from all quarters, and the announcement was made of +holiday gatherings, of crowded meetings, of illuminations, and +every form of public rejoicing. The telegraph flashed news of +similar excitement throughout the whole of the Empire; and +religious services were held wherever Englishmen are found on +the Continent, in the Colonies, and in India. If ever a rejoicing +could be called national and imperial, it was this, on the Thanksgiving +Day for the recovery of the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>The service commenced with the <i>Te Deum</i>, composed expressly +for the occasion by Dr. Goss. The music of the anthem, from the +words of Psalm 118th, verses 14-21, and 28, was by the same +composer. Among other musical pieces was the choral hymn, +"Gotha," by the Prince Consort. The whole of the service, +devotional and musical, was most impressive, and the special +prayers and thanksgivings were joined in by the vast congregation +with devoutest feeling. It was noted by one who was present, +with regard to the familiar "General Thanksgiving," that "the +sublimity of the service culminated, and reached its highest and +intensest expression, during the silent pause which followed the +inserted words: "Particularly to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, +who desires now to offer up his praises and thanksgiving for Thy +late mercies vouchsafed to <a name="corr_130"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: him."">him.""</ins> The famous words which close +the poem of the Seasons: "Come then expressive silence muse His +praise," could be well understood in that perfect pause of a few +moments, almost awful in its intensity, in the service at St. Paul's +Cathedral. When the anthem had been sung, the Archbishop of +Canterbury gave a short sermon or address, from Romans xii. 5:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> +"Every one members one of another." This was followed by the +special Thanksgiving Hymn, written by the Rev. J. S. Stone, +author of "The Church's one foundation," and "Sonnets of the +Sacred year." It was sung to the good and familiar tune <i>Aurelia</i>, +by Dr. S. Wesley. Then the Archbishop pronounced the benediction. +When the organ sounded the grand notes of the National +Anthem, Her Majesty came forward and bowed twice, and the +Prince bowed also. The organ continued to play variations of the +anthem as the Royal procession moved down the nave. Thus +ended this grand and joyful service, which will be remembered in +English history.</p> + +<p>Altogether it is with the utmost gratification we can look back +upon that memorable 27th of February. A demonstration more +general and spontaneous has not been recorded even in the annals +of this loyal nation. Among high and low, rich and poor, there +was one harmonious spirit of thankful joy, in regard to the +recovery of the Prince. But apart from the special and personal +aspect of the occasion, there was much to cause national gratulation. +The combined feeling of religion and of loyalty showed +that in this England of ours, the divine precepts: "Fear God, +Honour the King," are as inseparable as they are powerful, and +that their influence pervades the nation, when circumstances call +them into exercise.</p> + +<p>The words of the "Thanksgiving Hymn" well express the +sentiment of the whole service of the day:—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O Thou our soul's salvation!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our Hope for earthly weal!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We, who in tribulation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Did for Thy mercy kneel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lift up glad hearts before Thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And eyes no longer dim,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And for Thy grace adore Thee<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In eucharistic hymn.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Forth went the nation weeping<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With precious seed of prayer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hope's awful vigil keeping<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Mid rumours of despair;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then did Thy love deliver!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And from Thy gracious hand,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Joy, like the southern river,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O'erflowed the weary land.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Bless Thou our adoration!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our gladness sanctify!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make this rejoicing nation<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Thee by joy more nigh;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span><br /></span> +<span class="i0">O be this great Thanksgiving<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Throughout the land we raise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wrought into holier living<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In all our after days!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Bless, Father, him Thou gavest<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Back to the loyal land,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O Saviour, him Thou savest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still cover with Thine Hand:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O Spirit, the Defender,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be his to guard and guide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now in life's midday splendour<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On to the eventide!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>What may be the depth of the duration of the feelings thus +alluded to, <a name="corr_132"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: it it">it is</ins> not for man to judge; but it is not as mere forms, +that in tens of thousands of churches there are still uttered, week +by week and day by day, prayers for the Queen, and for the Prince +and Princess of Wales,—expressing the faith, and the goodwill, +and the loyalty, of the people of this empire, as truly and heartily +as on that special thanksgiving day in St. Paul's.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 19th, 1872.</i></p> + + +<p>The loyal people of King's Lynn and its neighbourhood retained +pleasant remembrance of the festival time when, in 1869, the +Prince and Princess of Wales came to open the new Alexandra +Dock. In 1872 they were gladdened by the announcement that +the Royal visitors were again coming from Sandringham, on the +19th June, to visit their ancient town, at the annual exhibition of +the Norfolk Agricultural Society. At the east gate of Lynn the +Royal carriage was met by the Mayor, who, with the Town Clerk, +and two leading citizens, asked permission to conduct the Prince +and Princess through the town. The Earl of Leicester and Lord +Sondes were in the Royal carriage, a third carriage containing Lord +Sheffield and Lady Anne Coke. At the entrance of the Show, an +address was read, from the Norfolk Agricultural Association, to +which the Prince made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Gentlemen,—I thank you sincerely for this address. It +has been a source of the greatest gratification to have had it in +my power to contribute in any degree to the success of your +association and to promote the interests of agriculture in +Norfolk. It is with these feelings that I have endeavoured to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> +make myself acquainted with some of the operations of farming, +and to acquire some knowledge of stock, and if I have not +always been successful in the path of competition, I have at +least obtained prizes sufficient to encourage me to persevere, and +to indulge in the hope that I shall obtain more. The Princess +is always willing to come among you,—and to be present on +occasions like the present. We both desire to take this opportunity +of expressing the deep sense we entertain of the sympathy +and interest which were manifested towards us in our late +trials by yourselves and by every class in the county of +Norfolk."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Then followed the inspection of the Show, and the parade of the +prize animals before the Grand Stand. The Prince was a successful +exhibitor, having taken a second prize in Shorthorn heifers, a +second prize in the class of ponies not above thirteen hands high, +a first prize for the best Southdown ram, the second prize in +Southdown ewe lambs, a second prize for ten wether lambs, two +prizes (second and third) in the class of Norfolk and Suffolk red-polled +cattle.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon at a banquet attended by a large number of +guests, the Prince took the chair, with the Princess of Wales on +his right. Grace having been said by the Bishop of Norwich, the +toast of "The Queen" was received with enthusiasm, and the Earl +of Leicester then gave "The Health of the Prince and Princess of +Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." He tendered the +thanks of the society to the Prince of Wales for the aid which he +had extended to agriculture, for his liberal assistance to the local +charities, for the interest which he had displayed in county affairs, +and, last but not least, for his support to the fox-hounds. The +society was also still more indebted to Her Royal Highness the +Princess of Wales for her gracious presence that evening. Ladies +ought always to interest themselves in their husbands' pursuits, +and he believed that agriculture came quite within their province. +The Earl next alluded to the illness of the Prince of Wales in +December last, and expressed his hope that His Royal Highness's +life might long be spared, as it would be devoted to the welfare of +the people of England, and the promotion of all that was good and +noble. The toast was drunk with rounds of cheering, renewed +when the Prince rose to reply.</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness said that "he and the Princess were +deeply thankful for the reception which they had experienced +during the day. He was very glad that it had been in his +power to fulfil the promise which he gave some time since that +he would preside over the meeting. It had been a success, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> +he should ever esteem it a high compliment to have been associated +with it. During the ten years in which he had lived in +Norfolk, he had endeavoured not to lag behind those other +county landlords who so ably fulfilled their duties. It would +always be his earnest endeavour to promote the welfare of the +county, in which he was much interested. He had to thank +the meeting for the kind reception which the Princess of Wales +always experienced whenever she appeared in public. It was +most desirable that ladies should associate themselves in their +husbands' pursuits, and when the Princess did not accompany +him he always felt that there was something wanting. With +regard to his illness, he should never forget the sympathy which +had been extended towards him. He accepted that sympathy +as a token of the feeling of this great and enlightened country +towards himself and the Princess, the Queen, his mother, and +the Monarchical system which we had adopted."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After acknowledgment had been made by Lord Leicester, for +the toast of the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, and the Bishop +had responded for the Clergy, the Prince rose to give what he +called the toast of the evening: "Prosperity to the Norfolk +Agricultural Association."</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness traced "the progress of the society and +especially the rapid advance which it had made since it adopted +the principle of holding its Shows periodically in all the towns +of the county, instead of limiting its meetings to Norwich and +Swaffham only. At the present Show there were sixty more +stock entries and one hundred more implements. Norfolk had +always been held up as a great agricultural county, and was +the home of the great nobleman, better known as 'Coke of +Norfolk.' The fame of Coke of Norfolk had not been forgotten +by his son, the present Earl of Leicester. The county was a +great cattle-breeding county, the home of such men as Lord +Sondes, Mr. Brown, Mr. Aylmer, and Mr. Overman. One other +great Norfolk breeder, the late Lord Walsingham, had passed +away, but he trusted that the present Lord Walsingham would +continue to maintain the reputation of the Merton flock.</p> + +<p>"His Royal Highness expressed his own great personal interest +in the Society and in the cause of agriculture generally. His +late father, the Prince Consort, always felt the greatest interest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> +in agriculture, and used to take his children to inspect his +prize animals. It might be desirable to increase the area of the +Society on the model of the Bath and West of England Society, +by bringing in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. For his +own part, he supported such an extension of the Society. A +landlord ought to feel a pride in having the working classes +properly housed on his estate. Those who worked from morning +to night should find a comfortable house, which would promote +their moral and social wellbeing. He had endeavoured to +improve the cottages on his own estate, and he felt pride and +satisfaction in having his workmen properly housed. In conclusion, +His Royal Highness strongly supported the idea of +having a great county school for Norfolk, and said it would give +him the greatest pleasure to support the enterprise."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After various other toasts, the last being "The Ladies," proposed +by the Royal chairman, the Prince and Princess returned to +Sandringham.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT GREAT YARMOUTH.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 5th, 1872.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales visited Yarmouth on Thursday, the 5th of +July, 1872, and remained till Saturday as the guest of Mr. Cuddon +at Shadingfield-lodge. The object of the visit was to open the +New Grammar School, and more especially the official inspection +of the Norfolk Artillery Militia, of which the Prince is Honorary +Colonel. The good people of Yarmouth, however, were resolved +to make the visit a general holiday, and great preparations were +made for giving a loyal and enthusiastic reception. The town +was gay with decorations, and the passage through the streets +was like a triumphal procession. In replying to the Address of +the Mayor and Corporation, the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It was most gratifying to me to receive in February last the +congratulations you offered me on my recovery from illness, and +my gratification is increased at having it now in my power to +thank you personally for your kindness and sympathy."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Reference was made to the same subject, in a feeling speech, in +which the Prince responded to the toast of his health, at a banquet +given by the Mayor:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Allow me to thank you, Mr. Mayor, for the very kind and +touching manner in which you have proposed my health, and +to return you all my sincere thanks for the cordial manner in +which you have drunk it. I assure you it gives me more than +ordinary pleasure to be here to-day. This is the first occasion +since my return from abroad that I have met with an official +reception, and my pleasure is increased from the fact that I +regard myself as a Norfolk man. I have also to acknowledge +the very high honour conferred upon me last year in my having +been appointed Honorary Colonel of the Norfolk Militia Artillery, +and to say how glad I am to find on coming to inspect +them that they have their head-quarters at Yarmouth, for +although my residence is not very near you, still you will +believe me when I assure you that I entertain the same sentiments +with regard to your borough of Great Yarmouth as I do +towards Lynn, and all the other towns of Norfolk. I have also +again to thank you for your sympathy during my illness. It is +difficult for me now to speak upon that subject, but as it has +pleased Almighty God to preserve me to my country I hope I +may not be ungrateful for the feeling which has been shown +towards me, and that I may do all that I can to be of use to my +countrymen. I will not detain you much longer, but before +sitting down it affords me great pleasure to propose to you a +toast which I am sure you will all drink most heartily, and +that is the health of the Mayor. I regard him as the representative +of the people of Yarmouth, and tender to him my +warmest thanks for the cordial and impressive welcome I have +received. I feel convinced that, although my stay among you +will unfortunately be short, it will be agreeable; and I trust +that the sun which shines so brilliantly at present will continue +to favour us during the next two days."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness was loudly cheered throughout his speech, +especially upon his declaration that he was a Norfolk man, and +still more so upon referring to his recovery.</p> + +<p>The Mayor having responded, the Prince rose and proceeded to +his carriage, and drove at a slow pace by a circuitous route through +the town and along the Marine Parade to the Grammar School. +Here he was received by the Head Master, and an Address was +presented by Sir <a name="corr_136"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Edmond Laeon (unclear)">Edmund Lacon</ins>, Chairman of the Trustees of the +School, to which the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I thank you sincerely for the expressions of your kind feeling +at my recovery. It is a source of the greatest satisfaction +to me to have an opportunity of assisting, in whatever form it +may be, in the great work of education. It is gratifying to see +the schools of Edward VI. revived and devoted to the purpose +for which they were founded, and those who are actively engaged +in the work deserve the hearty thanks of the people to +whom they extend the benefit which a practical religious +education always confers. Success tells its own tale, and the +numbers of the boys present in the school, together with those +whom you expect to be added to it, enable me to congratulate +the people of Yarmouth on your having revived an institution +so calculated to promote their best interests."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness then declared the school open, and, with +the permission of the authorities, prayed that the boys be +granted an extra week's holiday at Midsummer in remembrance +of his visit.</p> + +</blockquote><p>On the next day the Prince made the official inspection of the +Artillery; afterwards dining with the officers of his regiment.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>The Prince of Wales being Colonel of the Norfolk Artillery +Militia, has occasion to visit Great Yarmouth more frequently than +he might otherwise do. At the time of the inspection in 1887, +advantage was taken of his presence for laying the foundation of +the new hospital, the old one having been in use since 1838, and +being too small, and unsuitable for the increased requirements of +the borough. The foundation stone of the new edifice was laid +with masonic ceremony on the 18th of May, 1887. The Prince +was accompanied by Lord Charles Beresford, and a large muster of +the brethren of the Craft assembled to meet the Grand Master. +An imposing procession proceeded from the Town Hall to the site +of the Hospital. The crowds in the streets were great, and the +ceremony excited much interest in the town. To an address from +the Corporation, the Prince replied in gracious terms; expressing +his gratification at being able again to visit the ancient borough, +and to assist in so good a work; adding, that though it was his +sixth visit, he hoped it would not be the last, as he always looked +forward with the greatest pleasure to coming to Great Yarmouth.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE SCHOOL DRILL REVIEW.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 25th, 1872.</i></p> + + +<p>The Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington had seen many +vicissitudes, and been turned to many uses, before it ceased to be +the head-quarters of the science and art of gardening. But the +ground was never turned to better use than when it was lent for +the Annual Review of the thousands of boys belonging to the +Training Ships and the Pauper Schools of the Metropolitan District +Unions. Two of these annual reviews had been held, under the +auspices of the Society of Arts, when in 1872, on the 25th of July, +the Prince of Wales was asked, as President of that Society, to +take the leading part in the proceedings of the day.</p> + +<p>About 4000 boys in all mustered, each little regiment marching +on the ground with its own band playing and banner flying. The +Greenwich Royal Naval School, of 700 boys, were conspicuous in +their nest sailor uniforms. The lads of the <i>Warspite</i>, <i>Goliath</i>, +and <i>Chichester</i> training ships also made a good appearance. The +Greenwich boys, having the advantage of more thorough training +and instruction, were excluded from the competition in the drill +exercises for which other schools entered.</p> + +<p>Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar watched each school at drill +under its own inspector, and adjudged the prizes to be afterwards +distributed by the Prince of Wales. A Serjeant-major of the +Guards was in charge of the parade, and of the march past the +saluting point. The arrangements of the day had been chiefly +organized by Major Donelly, R.E., to whom great praise was due.</p> + +<p>The boys had been at work for some hours, when at 4 <span class="smcap">P.M.</span>, the +Prince and Princess of Wales arrived on the ground, accompanied +by their two eldest boys in sailors' costume. The prizes were distributed +in the Royal Albert Hall. The Princess went to the +Royal box, but the Royal princes went with their father to the +daïs, where they were welcomed with great clapping of hands, by +the thousands of boys, and the thousand adult spectators of the +scene. Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar had adjudged the first +prize to the boys of the <i>Goliath</i>; the second to the boys of the +Shoreditch School at Brentford; and the third to the Lambeth +School at Lower Norwood.</p> + +<p>After a short address by General Sir Eardley Wilmot, speaking +in the name of the Council of the Society of Arts,—</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales rose, and in an excellent impromptu +speech "assured the members of the Council and the boys +(addressing the latter in kindly way as 'you, my young friends'), +of the pleasure it gave the Princess, his two sons, and himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> +to be present. Congratulating the schools on their excellent +marching, and on the favourable report just read, His Royal +Highness added that he hoped the boys had been up to the +mark in their studies as well as their drill."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Two boys of each prize school came in succession to the daïs, and +received the prize banners from the Prince's hand. The Prince +and his sons then joined the Princess in her box, and it was a +striking scene when, after some bars of prelude, the words of 'God +Bless the Prince of Wales' were taken up by a thousand young +and clear voices, the Prince and Princess and the two lads standing +in the front of the box while it was sung. The last of the programme +was then fulfilled by the bands playing a selection of +music.</p> + +<p>The sight altogether was most gratifying. Here were 4000 boys, +most of them paupers, many of them orphans, receiving an excellent +education, a training in physical aptitudes and habits of obedience +as well as in mental studies. The Greenwich School is composed +of the children of seamen being educated for the sea, but the three +thousand and more boys of the other schools must in large part be +looked upon as so much material reclaimed to humanity. In fact, +these three thousand and more boys may, in the words of a paper +put forth by the Society of Arts, "be beheld with confident satisfaction +as victims rescued from 'the bad,' and preserved for the +good as honest, self-supporting producers, and worthy members of +the community."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>WEYMOUTH AND THE PORTLAND BREAKWATER.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 11th, 1872.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 11th of August, 1872, the Prince of Wales went from +Osborne in the Royal yacht <i>Victoria and Albert</i>, to inaugurate the +completed Breakwater and Harbour of Refuge at Portland, and to +pay a visit to Weymouth, the favourite resort of the Prince's great-grandfather, +George III. A magnificent fleet of ironclads, headed +by the <i>Minotaur</i>, bearing the flag of Admiral Hornby, and many +other vessels, were in attendance for the ceremony, of which +fifteen were first-rate ironclad ships of war.</p> + +<p>The weather was stormy, and the sea had been too disturbed for +the comfort of the Civil Lords of the Admiralty; but the Prince +showed no signs of suffering from the rough voyage, and manfully +went through the proceedings of the day. The stone being laid, +prayers were said by a clergyman, plaster was spread on the surface +on which the last of seven million tons of Portland stone +was to find a firm resting-place, the usual glass bottle containing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> +newspapers, coins, and a chart of the island and the breakwater +was laid in the groove prepared, and, when the Prince himself had +spread some mortar, the great block was lowered into its place. +His Royal Highness then struck three blows upon it with an ivory +mallet, tested it with a silver level, and completed a very short but +sufficient ceremony, by saying, "I now declare this stone to be +well and truly laid and this great work to be complete." At the +concerted signal of a lowered colour, the guns of the fort began to +fire a salute, and the spectators raised a cheer. The inscription on +the stone read as follows, the concluding quotation having been +added, it is stated, by the Prince himself:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"From this spot, on the 25th of July, 1849, His Royal Highness +Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria, deposited the +first stone of this breakwater. Upon the same spot, on the +10th of August, 1872, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, laid this +last stone, and declared the work complete."</p> + +<p> +"'These are imperial works, and worthy Kings.'"<br /> +</p> + +</blockquote><p>At the end of the ceremony the Royal yacht steamed towards +Weymouth, and after a rather uncomfortable passage, through a +choppy sea and over the bar, in the Royal barge, the Prince landed +at the end of the pier. Here the Mayor and Corporation presented +an address, which declared that "His Royal Highness had added +one more link to the golden chain of favours already conferred by +Royalty on this ancient borough." A luncheon was given by +Mr. Hambro, the senior member for Weymouth. The streets were +gaily decorated, and the people were loud in their loyal and joyful +demonstrations. The Royal yacht returned to Osborne late in the +evening.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>VISIT TO DERBY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>December 17th, 1872.</i></p> + + +<p>The tidings that the Prince and Princess of Wales were coming +to Derby from Chatsworth, where they were on a visit to the +Duke of Devonshire, caused great excitement in the district. +Trains brought crowds from Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, +Nottingham, and Chesterfield, to swell the populace of Derby.</p> + +<p>It was on the 17th of December, 1872, not far from the anniversary +of the gloomiest time of the illness of the previous year, that +the visit to Derby was made. There were several loyal addresses—from +civic, municipal, and other bodies, including one from the +Freemasons of Derbyshire. The object of the Royal visit was +mainly to present the prizes at the Derby Grammar School, one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +the most flourishing of provincial middle-class schools. The procession +of carriages passed through streets crowded with people, +with brilliant escort of troops, and decorations everywhere on the +route. On arriving at the school Lord Belper delivered an address +referring to the foundation and history of the institution, and the +high scholastic standard aimed at. The Head Master, the Rev. W. +Clark, having thanked the Prince and the Princess for coming, +added that His Royal Highness had kindly said he would write his +name in each of the prize-books in remembrance of the occasion:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>His Royal Highness, on rising, said,—"Mr. Clark, Ladies, +and Gentlemen,—I beg you to accept from the Princess, as well +as myself, our cordial thanks for the very kind words that have +been addressed to us. I can assure you that I have come here +with feelings of the greatest pleasure, and we are glad we +accepted the kind invitation of the noble duke to visit Chatsworth, +and that we have had the pleasure and advantage of +visiting the ancient town of Derby. I have had great pleasure +in presiding to-day and distributing the prizes to the successful +competitors of the Derby school. This school, as you know, is +one of the oldest in the kingdom, though I am afraid one of the +poorest endowed. Still it has always borne the highest reputation, +which I feel convinced it will continue to maintain. To +the young men to whom I have had the pleasure of distributing +prizes allow me to offer my most hearty congratulations, and I +trust they may continue to go on as they are doing now. If +they do so they will be successful in whatever profession they +enter. I will not detain you longer, but thank you once more +for the kind reception you have given us this day, and also +tender to the Mayor our cordial thanks for the hearty reception +we have received in our progress through Derby."</p> + +</blockquote><p>It may be added that the invitation to Derby was first suggested +by the Trustees of the Grammar School, who in their petition, +sent to Chatsworth, represented that this school, reputed to be one +of the oldest in the kingdom, was also one of the most poorly +endowed. This was an appeal which at once secured the goodwill +of the Prince. Nor has he forgotten the school. On the 14th of +November, 1888, he went to see "the Prince of Wales's Class +Rooms," erected as a memorial of his visit in 1872. In response +to a petition presented by the captain of the school, the Prince +obtained from the Head Master a promise of making November 14 +a perpetual holiday in remembrance of this visit.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>RAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 27th, 1873.</i></p> + + +<p>On the evening of March 27, 1873, His Royal Highness the Prince +of Wales, who had in the morning visited several artists' studios, +and in the afternoon went to the House of Lords, presided at the +annual dinner in aid of the Railway Benevolent Institution, at +Willis's Rooms. After dinner and grace the Royal Chairman gave +the usual first toast, the health of Her Majesty the Queen, +Patroness of the Railway Benevolent Institution. The Duke of +Buckingham then proposed the health of the Prince and Princess +of Wales; and in so doing took occasion to say that it was not the +first time His Royal Highness had taken interest in the Institution, +and now he had done it the honour to preside at its annual +festival. The toast being duly welcomed, the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—Although it is very unusual on +a public occasion of this kind for the health of the Chairman to +be given so early in the evening, yet mine has been proposed so +kindly by the noble Duke and so well received, and has, moreover, +been so kindly coupled with that of the Princess and the +rest of my family, that I think it my duty to rise at once and +respond to the toast. The noble Duke has been kind enough to +say that my family and myself do what we can for the support +of the great charitable Institutions of the country. I am very +much flattered by those remarks. I can only assure you—and +I think I may speak for the other members of my family—that +it is one of our chief objects to come forward as often as we +possibly can in support of Institutions which are so beneficial +and so necessary to the well-being of the country, and which +are always so munificently supported by all classes of the +community. I thank you once more for the honour you have +done me, and assure you that it is a great pleasure and gratification +to me to take the chair here this evening."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Other toasts being proposed and acknowledged, the Prince rose +and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—The toast I have now the honour +to propose is a bumper toast, and I know it will be received as +such. It is that of 'Prosperity to the Railway Benevolent +Institution and Board of Management.' When I look around<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> +me this evening and see how numerous is the assemblage before +me, I feel convinced that you have come here intending to do +honour to that toast, and to do your utmost in every way to +support the Institution which to-day has reached its fifteenth +anniversary. It is difficult for me, especially before you, who +are so well acquainted with the merits of the Institution, to say +anything new concerning it. Still I think it my duty, as your +chairman, to mention a few facts by way of an appeal to your +consideration.</p> + +<p>"The objects of the Railway Benevolent Institution may be +briefly mentioned under six heads. First, it has for its object +the granting of annuities of from £10 to £25 to the distressed +railway officers and servants incapacitated through age, sickness, +or accident; second, to grant small pensions to distressed +widows; third, to educate and maintain orphan children; +fourth, to grant temporary relief until permanent relief can be +afforded; fifth, to induce railway officers and servants to insure +their lives by dividing the payment of the premium into small +periodical sums, and by granting a reversionary bonus of 10 per +cent. out of the funds of the institution; sixth and lastly, to +grant small sums not exceeding £10 to the families of those who +are injured or killed in the performance of their duties.</p> + +<p>"When I look at the list before me I must say it is indeed a +sad one; but at the same time it must be a gratification to us, +who wish well to the Institution, to see that from the 16th of +November, 1871, to the 16th of November last as many as 1067 +cases were relieved out of the casualty fund. I may also +mention that the officers of the railway companies subscribe +half a guinea and the servants 8<i>s.</i> a year. In fact, I may say +that the railway companies give this Institution in every way +their official support, and they may indeed well do so, because +there is no institution which more heartily deserves our support +than this.</p> + +<p>"There is, however, one curious fact which I should like to +mention. I believe I am correct in saying that the number of +officers and servants employed on railways in the United +Kingdom amounts to something like 300,000, but only 35,000 +of them are subscribers; and in Ireland there is not a single +subscriber. I am sorry to have to make this fact known; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> +all the more reason is there that we this evening should be +liberal with our purses, as I am sure we shall all be when we +consider how often we travel by railway. Not a day goes by but +most of you travel once—probably twice. In stepping into a +railway carriage, do you not think of the risks you may run? +An accident may happen to anybody, though every possible +security and guarantee may be given that no accident shall +occur.</p> + +<p>"Well, if we as passengers run risks, how much more so the +officers and servants of the companies; and that not every day, +but every hour and minute of their lives? We may be sure it +is the earnest desire of the managers and directors—many of +whom are here this evening—to do all in their power to +guarantee the safety of the passengers and of those to whom +are entrusted the care and management of the trains. I feel +sure I cannot impress on them too strongly the necessity for +their still using every effort in their power to prevent accidents, +which are, unfortunately, too frequent. It is not for me in the +presence of so many great railway authorities to say what plan +may be best devised to lessen accidents—whether it may be +that there are too many railways, whether the immense network +which exists in this country comes too closely together at +different stations, or the trains follow each other at intervals +too short. These are questions with which I do not feel myself +competent to deal; but at the same time I feel that the question +of railways, and especially the frequency of accidents, are brought +more distinctly under our notice when we consider the claims +of the Institution we are brought together this evening to promote. +This is a theme about which one might talk for a long +time; and I know, on occasions of this kind, it would be out of +place on my part to give you a long oration; yet, though I but +feebly express what others would much better have laid before +you, I hope you will believe that nobody feels more deeply for +this Institution than I do, that nobody advocates its claims more +ardently than I, and nobody will continue to take a greater +interest in everything connected with our great railways.</p> + +<p>"To show you that I am not using mere stereotyped phrases, +I may tell you that no week elapses without my travelling once +or twice at least by train. I have therefore the opportunity of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> +seeing, as well as anybody can see, how admirably our railway +system is worked; not only the managers and directors, but the +officers and servants have my warmest admiration for doing +their utmost in the execution of their duty, and also for their +unvarying courtesy and attention. I will now ask you once +more, in conclusion, to open your purses as freely as you can in +support of the Railway Benevolent Institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Secretary afterwards announced subscriptions to the handsome +amount of £5000, which included a second donation by His +Royal Highness of 100 guineas.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>UNVEILING THE ALBERT STATUE ON HOLBORN VIADUCT.</h2> + +<p><i>January 9th, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 9th of January, 1874, the Prince of Wales visited the City +for unveiling the equestrian statue erected at the western entrance +of the Holborn Viaduct, in memory of the late Prince Consort. At +the site an address was read, containing a description of the +memorial, and an account of its origin. The ceremony of unveiling +over, the Prince was driven in the state carriage of the Lord +Mayor to the Guildhall, where between 700 and 800 guests, +including many distinguished persons, were invited to luncheon. +After the first loyal toast, "The Queen," had been received with all +honours, the Lord Mayor said: "I now raise my glass to the +memory of the late Prince Consort. 'He being dead yet speaketh.'" +The words were spoken with emotion, and the company rising in +a body, drank the toast in silence and with every mark of respect.</p> + +<p>The health of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the other +members of the Royal Family—including the Duke of Cambridge, +who was present—having been given, the Prince responded.</p> + +<p>He expressed his grateful sense of the cordiality of his reception, +and the satisfaction he had in coming for such a purpose as the +inauguration and unveiling of a statue to his lamented father. +He also acknowledged the debt of thanks to the donor of the +statue, whose name he knew, but who wished it not to be made +public. "To the Corporation of London I have to express my +thanks for having contributed a part of the statue—namely, the +pedestal; and I am sure that the work which we have inaugurated +to-day will long be an ornament to the City of London."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 25th, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>The number of institutions for helping fatherless and orphan +children is considerable, but the purpose of the British Orphan +Asylum, at Slough, is distinct from most charities of the class. +The orphan children here admitted are the sons and daughters of +persons once in prosperous circumstances, but who have been +unable to make provision for their families. Clergymen, naval +and military officers, members of the legal and medical profession, +are often in this position. Commercial men are also liable to +sudden misfortune, and children are afterwards left in poverty, +who were once accustomed to ease and prosperity. The frequency +of such cases led to the establishment, in 1827, of a special Asylum +for the orphans of such persons. The honorary secretary at present +is the Rev. Canon James Fleming, whose name is alone sufficient +guarantee for the excellent object and good management of the +Asylum.</p> + +<p>At the anniversary festival, in 1874, held at Willis's Rooms, on +March 25th, the Prince of Wales presided. After the toast of +"The Queen," proposed by the Chairman, the Marquis of Hertford +gave the health of "The Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, +and the rest of the Royal Family," among whom was now included +the Duchess of Edinburgh. The Marquis said: "It gives us all +the greatest pleasure to see His Royal Highness again among us as +one of the Royal Family taking part in the sacred cause of charity. +We who belong to the British Orphan Asylum have the greatest +reason to be pleased and thankful to His Royal Highness for +having come among us this evening."</p> + +<p>Other toasts having been disposed of, the Prince rose and +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is now my duty, as your Chairman, to call upon you to +drink the toast of 'Prosperity to the British Orphan Asylum.' +I am satisfied you will do so most heartily, when I see around +me so numerous an assembly prepared to do honour to the +occasion, and to assist us in our work. I feel some diffidence in +proposing this toast in the presence of so many who know far +better than I do the excellence of this institution, and understand +its working. At the same time it gives me the greatest +pleasure to propose the toast, and to be here this evening advocating +so excellent a cause. It is always a pleasure to advocate +the cause of charity, and there is no other appeal that comes so +home to the hearts of all classes of the community.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have a special interest in this Asylum. It is now nearly +eleven years since the Princess and myself visited and inaugurated +the present building near Slough; and when I pass by +Slough, as I frequently have to do in the course of the year, it +always gives me pleasure to look at that building, and to think +how many children are here provided for and educated. It is +now very nearly half a century since this institution was +founded, and it is different from all others in this respect, that +children of parents who were once in prosperous circumstances +are there educated. In it there are children of officers of the +Army, of the legal, medical, and naval professions, and the +proof of its usefulness is that after they have grown up they +frequently write letters to the managers of the Asylum expressing +their gratitude for the excellence of the practical education +they have received, and which has been so profitable to them in +their different avocations.</p> + +<p>"To show how prosperous this Asylum is, I may state that in +January last it contained within four of 200 children. You +will perhaps ask, if this institution is in so prosperous a condition, +why have this dinner? Why call so many people +together? And why am I to ask you, in as civil a manner as I +possibly can, to subscribe towards its support? My answer is, +that the net income of the Asylum is £3000 a year, but that +the increase in prices of all the necessaries of life is so enormous, +that to meet the deficiency that exists as much as £1500 has +been sold out of their funds; and I feel that in order to make +that deficiency good, I shall not call upon you this evening in +vain. There are points which I might bring before your notice, +but I think that on this occasion brevity is best, for you all +know what a good institution it is, and I am sure you will +drink with me 'Prosperity to the Institution,' and try to make +it still more prosperous for the future. I beg to couple with the +toast the health of the treasurer, the directors, the hon. secretaries, +and medical officers of the institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The subscriptions announced during the evening amounted to +upwards of £2400.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>BANQUET TO SIR GARNET WOLSELEY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 31st, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>The Lord Mayor of London, as chief magistrate of the City, has +always been ready to honour men distinguished for naval and +military service rendered to the country. A grand State Banquet +was given on the 31st of March, 1874, to Lord Wolseley, then +Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley, on his return to England +after the triumphant Ashantee Expedition. The dinner was served +in the Egyptian Hall at the Mansion House. Covers were laid for +260 guests, among whom were His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales, Prince Arthur, and the Duke of Cambridge. All the officers +of the Staff, and others who had taken part in the Expedition, +with many eminent persons in civic or official life, were present.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor, having given the usual loyal toasts, the Prince +of Wales rose to respond to that of the Royal Family, saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Mayor, your Royal Highness, my Lords, Ladies, +and Gentlemen,—I beg to tender you my very warmest thanks +for the kind way in which the Lord Mayor proposed this toast, +and for the cordial manner in which the company now assembled +have received it. This is not the first time I have had the +honour of an invitation to be present at the Mansion House and +receive the hospitality of the Lord Mayor of the City of London. +But I can assure him that however much pleased I may have +been to be present on former occasions, on no occasion did it +afford me greater pleasure to be here than on this evening, when +he has given a banquet to welcome back those gallant officers +who have so lately returned from the Gold Coast to England. +The gallant officers and men of that Expedition had the opportunity +yesterday of seeing the Queen, and the Queen had the +opportunity of seeing them, and of expressing her approval +of everything that has occurred. Yesterday afternoon, also, +both Houses of Parliament unanimously accorded a vote of +thanks for the manner in which that difficult though short +campaign was conducted. This evening, again, the Lord Mayor +takes the opportunity of welcoming those gentlemen who are +here as the representatives of the troops that formed that +Expedition, in the hospitable manner which is so well known in +this Hall. On a question of this kind it would be unbecoming +in me and out of place to make any remarks with regard to that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> +Expedition which has been so successfully closed. But I cannot +sit down without taking the opportunity of saying how much I +rejoice—if I may say so as a soldier and a comrade of those I +see around me—that this Expedition has ended in so successful +a manner. English officers and English troops have kept up +their reputation. They have not only displayed great courage—that +they have done on all occasions—but they displayed +extraordinary endurance, owing to the fearful climate and +country they had to contend with. I am glad to have the +opportunity of welcoming home the gallant General on my +right, and congratulating him on the great success of his expedition. +Once more I thank you for the honour you have done +me in drinking my health, and on the part of the members of +my family, for the kind way in which you have spoken of them."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In responding to the toast of "The Army and Navy," the Duke +of Cambridge referred to the review of the troops of the Expedition +on the previous day, at Windsor, before the Queen. "The +distinguished officer who conducted this war knew the task he +undertook, and how to undertake it; and he was well backed by +the officers and men placed at his disposal." The speech of Sir +Garnet Wolseley was admirable in tone and feeling, and with clear +soldier-like statement of the chief events and results of the +Expedition. He thus concluded: "The military world has learnt +many military lessons in recent years, but the most valuable to us +as a nation that has been taught us by the Abyssinian and Ashantee +Wars is that when you have to appoint an English General to +command any military undertaking it is necessary to trust him; to +supply him with all he asks for; and, above all things, to avoid +the error of severing the military command from the diplomacy +necessarily connected with the operations. I have no hesitation +in saying that had my operations been encumbered by the presence +with me of a Civil Governor, or of an Ambassador authorised to +give me orders, I do not think I should ever have reached Coomassie. +Upon my arrival at Cape Coast Castle, at the beginning of last +October, I found it in a state of siege. A large Ashantee army +threatened both it and Elmina; a panic and demoralisation had +seized upon all classes; the people from the surrounding districts +had flooded into the towns on the Coast, where they soon suffered +from disease, owing to their crowded condition; trade had almost +ceased altogether, and a large proportion of the people depended +upon the Government for their support. When I left Cape Coast +Castle, at the beginning of this month, I left there a prosperous +population, enjoying the blessings of peace and the mercantile +advantages attendant thereon. I found upon my arrival on the +Coast the <i>prestige</i> of England at its lowest ebb, but before I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> +departed, I left our military fame firmly established on a secure +base, consequent on the victories so gallantly won by the troops +under my command. My Lord Mayor, I have to thank you most +sincerely for the manner in which you have alluded to me personally +and to my military services, and I have to thank you, in +the name of all ranks composing the expeditionary force, for the +warm reception and the noble hospitality you have accorded to us +this evening."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL MEDICAL BENEVOLENT COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 22nd, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>The Royal Medical Benevolent College, at Epsom, was founded in +1851, for the education of sons of medical men. There are at +present about two hundred boys, fifty of whom, on the foundation, +are educated, boarded, and entirely maintained at the expense of +the institution. The education is of the highest class, and the +charge, to those not on the foundation, is fifty guineas, if the pupils +are above fourteen, with slight reduction for those under that age. +There is accommodation in the College for twenty-four pensioners, +who have comfortable quarters, and a pension of twenty guineas a +year. There are also twenty-six non-resident pensioners, with the +same annuity of twenty guineas.</p> + +<p>In support of the funds of the College, the eighteenth festival, at +Willis's Rooms, was presided over by the Prince of Wales, supported +by the Duke of Teck, Earl Granville, as President of the College, +and a large number of the leading men of the profession. The +usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been given, the Royal +Chairman gave the toast of the evening, saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I feel both some difficulty and +some diffidence in proposing the toast of 'Success to the Royal +Medical College,' because, in the first place, I wish the task had +fallen into abler hands than mine, and, in the second place, +many of you must in any event know more upon the subject +than I do. It may not be out of place, however, on this +occasion for me to give you a few statistics connected with the +Royal Medical College. No doubt many of you will be well up +in the subject, but others will be reminded or informed. This +College was founded by Mr. Propert, a medical gentleman of +high eminence; and its object is, in the first place, to assist +aged medical men and the widows of qualified practitioners, +and, in the next place, to educate the children of such persons. +In 1853 the first stone was laid at Epsom; in 1855 the institu<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>tion +was opened by my lamented father, who took the deepest +interest in its welfare; and I had the opportunity, as a boy, of +accompanying him on that occasion. I have therefore been +acquainted with the institution, which we have come here to do +honour to, for nineteen years. There were then five pensioners' +houses and a school for 150 boys. There are now, including the +three about to be elected, fifty pensioners, each of whom receives +£21 a year, and twenty-four of whom are also resident in the +College. The school contains 200 resident pupils, the sons of +medical men, fifty of whom, being foundation scholars, are +educated, boarded, clothed, and maintained at the expense of +the institution, while the remainder are charged from £48 to £51 +a year.</p> + +<p>"A gentleman who is present (Sir Erasmus Wilson) has just +built a house to hold forty more boys. I offer him our sincere +thanks for the great benefit he has conferred upon the institution. +The school has always been full, but we are anxious to +increase its funds, and, as each foundationer costs £60 a year, +you will see that we want money.</p> + +<p>"It will not be out of place for me to remind you what a +difficult profession is that of medicine—what uphill work it is +to some, unlike those whom I see around. Some who would +have attained high positions may be struck down by illness or +by some great sorrow, and for them provision should be made. +There is also the case of the eminent man making a large +income, but cut off suddenly, before he has made provision for +a wife and family now left destitute, though the husband and +father may have led a life of usefulness in his profession. Our +object is not to make long speeches, nor, I hope, to bore any of +those who are assembled here, but you may be assured that, +however imperfectly I may have spoken, what I have said I +mean most heartily, and when I call upon you this evening to +give your support—your liberal support—to this charity I feel +sure I shall not call in vain. I now propose 'Success to the +Royal Medical Benevolent College.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The subscriptions and donations announced by the secretary +amounted to £1780, the list being headed by the Prince of Wales +with 100 guineas.</p> + +<p>Sir James Paget, in proposing the health of the president, officers, +and members of the Council of the College, said that they were to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> +be congratulated on the prospects of the institution, and on their +having "induced His Royal Highness to leave Sandringham at this +season, to add grace and dignity to the celebration of the twenty-first +year of the College."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, it may be added, besides his kindly interest +in all charitable institutions, has uniformly shown courtesy and +respect to the medical profession, members of which he has from +early life honoured with his personal friendship.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT THE MIDDLE AND THE INNER TEMPLE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 11th, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>On the opening of the new Library in 1862, His Royal Highness +the Prince of Wales was made a Bencher of the Middle Temple. +On the 11th of June, 1874, the Treasurer and Benchers of the +Middle Temple entertained the members of the Inn, and a large +number of distinguished guests, at dinner, according to ancient +custom, on "the great grand day" of Trinity Term. The Prince +of Wales, being a Bencher, was present not as a guest, but as one +of the hosts, in the grand old historical Hall. This Hall, the +erection of which commenced in 1562, was completed in 1572, and +is one of the most famous relics of old London. This was the +second time of the Prince of Wales visiting it. On three prior +occasions, at least, it has been visited by Royalty—namely, by +Queen Henrietta, the consort of Charles I., Peter the Great of +Russia, and William III. There is also a tradition of the Inn +that Queen Elizabeth was present at a rehearsal there of the <i>Midsummer +Night's Dream</i>, in which Shakespeare himself took part, and +that in the course of the revel Her Majesty danced with her +Chancellor, Sir Christopher Hatton. The splendid oak screen +and music gallery at the eastern end were erected in 1572. The +Hall is graced by one of the three genuine paintings by Vandyck +of Charles I.—the other two being at Windsor and Warwick +Castles—and by portraits of Charles II., James II., William III., +Queen Anne, and George III. A bust of the Prince of Wales is +also conspicuous, and a portrait of His Royal Highness, by +Mr. Watts R.A., has since been added.</p> + +<p>The Treasurer, Mr. Runyon, Q.C., presided at the dinner, when +no less than 430 members of the Inn, Benchers, Barristers, or +Students were present, and many illustrious guests. On the right +of the chair was the Master of the Temple (the Rev. Dr. Vaughan), +and next to him the Archbishop of Canterbury; on the left the +Prince of Wales, and next to him the Lord Chief Justice. The +Prince wore the silk gown of a Queen's Counsel, and the riband of +the Garter. On his health being proposed, after that of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> +Queen, it was to give "respectful and hearty welcome to Master +His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales."</p> + +<p>The Prince on rising to respond was loudly cheered, and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Master Treasurer, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I beg to +tender to you and to my brother Benchers my sincere thanks +for the kind, hearty, and cordial manner in which you have +received this toast. I cannot feel that I am quite a stranger +among you, although it is now nearly thirteen years since I had +the honour of being enrolled as a member of this Inn. My +relations with you are, unfortunately, of an almost entirely +honorary character, but I can assure you that I consider it a very +high honour to be connected with this Inn. It is, I am sure, a +good thing for the profession at large and for the public in +general that I have never been called to the Bar, for I must say +that I could never have been a brilliant ornament of it. I can +assure you that I esteem most highly the honour of dining with +you and my brother Benchers this evening, and with those distinguished +men whom I see around me right and left. I +entirely agree with every word that has fallen from the lips of +our Master Treasurer, and I sincerely hope that this gathering +may tend to much good and to bring forward those important +results in legal education which you, Sir, have advocated so +admirably. I thank you for the kind way in which you have +received me, and I can only assure you that it has afforded me +the greatest pleasure and satisfaction to meet you here this +evening in this ancient Hall, where, I am told, Queen Elizabeth +once danced with Chancellor Hatton. I am afraid that now-a-days +the duties of the Chancellor are more arduous than +they were then, and that they do not allow him much time +to acquire the art of dancing. I cannot help thus reminding +you of one of the great historical events which this Hall has +witnessed, and I thank you once more for the great honour you +have done me in proposing my health and for the cordial +reception you have given me."</p> + +</blockquote><p>"The Queen" and "The Prince of Wales" were the only two +toasts given at the banquet.</p> + +<p>The Treasurer and Benchers of the Inner Temple, on the 18th +of May, 1870, had entertained with much splendour His Royal +Highness the Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness the Prince +Christian, the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>mons, +the Lord Chief Justice of England, the Judges in Equity +and at Common Law, the Queen's Counsel, the Chancellor of the +Exchequer, and a very distinguished company, to celebrate the +inauguration of the new Hall, which had been formally opened by +Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise a few days before.</p> + +<p>The two Royal visitors sat at the right and left hand of the +Treasurer, Mr. Percival Pickering. Grace was said by the Master +of the Temple, Dr. Vaughan. After due justice had been done to +the dinner, the Treasurer humorously described some of the +strange scenes which had been enacted in the old Hall, which had +been removed to make room for the present magnificent structure. +He then proposed "The Health of the Queen," which was received +with loyal enthusiasm. That of "The Prince of Wales and the +other members of the Royal Family" was felicitously acknowledged +by the Prince of Wales. The Archbishop of York returned +thanks for the Church, Sir William Codrington for the Army, +and the Colonel of the "Devil's Own" for the Volunteers. +Mr. Gladstone proposed "The Health of the Treasurer," whose +speeches throughout the evening had been seasoned with an +amount of humour which rescued even those proposing the conventional +toasts from the imputation of being commonplace. +"The Health of the Architect," Mr. Smirke, concluded the +proceedings; and the principal portion of the company then +adjourned to the drawing-room, where not only was coffee served, +but—strange novelty in such an assemblage—cigars were introduced—an +innovation which did not seem unwelcome.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COURTS, PLYMOUTH.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 13th, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>The new Guildhall, Municipal Offices, and Law Courts at Plymouth +were opened by the Prince of Wales, on the 13th of August, 1874. +On landing at the Royal Victualling Yard, the Prince proceeded in +a State carriage for Plymouth. At the entrance to the borough +he was received by the Mayor and Corporation; the procession +proceeding through dense crowds to the Guildhall square, where +the Prince was formally received as Lord High Steward of the +Borough, and presented with his rod of office. An address having +been read by the Recorder, the Prince made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I rejoice at again being able to +renew my acquaintance with your ancient borough, and I return +you my grateful thanks for the expressions of goodwill which +you have paid me. The sentiments of loyalty conveyed in your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> +address are most gratifying proofs of the feelings which animate +the inhabitants of Plymouth towards Her Majesty the Queen +and the members of the Royal family. I have frequently visited +your borough, but never on so important an occasion as the +present, when a work of no ordinary magnitude has been completed. +As High Steward of the Borough, I cannot but take an +especial interest in all that relates to its welfare or adds to its +embellishment, and it gave me peculiar pleasure to accede to +the request that was made to me that I should open this +magnificent building. In conclusion, let me congratulate most +heartily all those who have been concerned in the undertaking +on the success which has attended their labours, and, connected +as I am with your town, I feel proud to think it has been the +result of local genius, perseverance, and energy."</p> + +</blockquote><p>An elegant silver key was then presented by the Mayor with +which the Prince opened the new Guildhall. A banquet followed, +at which, in response to the toast of the Prince and Princess of +Wales, His Royal Highness spoke as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I beg to +return you, Mr. Mayor, my most cordial thanks for the manner +in which you have been kind enough to propose my health, and +to you, ladies and gentlemen, for the kind way in which you +have been pleased to receive it. This is by no means my first +visit to your ancient town. I have on frequent occasions spent +some very agreeable days here; but among all the different +visits that I have paid none will have been more interesting to +me than the present one, nor more vividly impressed on my +memory. I assure the Mayor and citizens of this town that +great pleasure and gratification was afforded me in opening this +magnificent hall, all the more so as my name is connected +with your town as your High Steward. I esteem it a great +honour to have that title, though the duties are certainly very +slight; and if those duties consist only in coming here and being +so kindly and cordially received by you all, I think I have every +reason to congratulate myself. I congratulate those gentlemen +who have built this hall, and who, I think, have every reason +to feel satisfaction with its appearance and its prospects of +future success. To you, Mr. Mayor, who have taken such pains +during the last five years, as Chairman of the Guildhall Com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>mittee, +it must be very gratifying; and allow me also to have +the pleasure of offering my sincere congratulations to the Mayor +of Devonport, as one of the architects of this Guildhall. I +again beg to thank you for the kind reception which you have +given me to-day, and, in conclusion, I beg also to thank you, +Mr. Mayor, for the kind way in which you have proposed the +Princess of Wales's health, and to assure you how deeply she +regrets that she was unable to accompany me on the present +occasion. She is now on her way to Scotland to meet her +father, the King of Denmark, who is returning that way from +his visit to Iceland."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Afterwards the Prince proposed the health of the Mayor, thanking +him for his reception, congratulating him upon the good order +maintained in the streets, and requesting him to convey to the +citizens his sense of the pleasure and gratification afforded him by +the artistic decorations of the town.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IN 1874.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 3rd, 1874.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their first visit to Birmingham +on the 3rd of November, 1874. When the Mayor and +Corporation of the midland capital heard of the intended visit, +they resolved to give their Royal Highnesses a right loyal and +hearty reception. Those who remember, or have read of the early +visits of the Queen and of the Prince Consort to the town, will not +be surprised at the enthusiasm with which the Prince and Princess +of Wales were welcomed on this occasion. Prince Albert came to +Birmingham for the first time in 1844. He was a guest of Sir +Robert Peel at Tamworth, and expressed a wish, as he was so near, +to see the place so famous in various arts and industries. But the +town was at that time as famous for its political independence, +to use the mildest term. In fact it was regarded as the centre and +seat of democratic radicalism, and the turbulence of Chartist times +was yet fresh in remembrance. Fears were entertained that +Prince Albert might have a cool if not hostile reception. The +result proved how groundless were these suspicions. The young +Prince was welcomed with the utmost enthusiasm, not only as the +husband of the Queen, but on account of his own moral and +intellectual excellence. He was there again in 1849, to inspect +the exhibition of arts and manufactures held in Bingley Hall; and +a third time in 1855 to lay the foundation stone of the Midland<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> +Institute. In 1858 the Queen herself came to open the public +Park and Hall at Aston. Nor was this the only visit. Few places +in her dominions have been more favoured, and nowhere has there +been shown more devoted loyalty.</p> + +<p>The advanced radicalism of Birmingham was not less marked at +the time of the Prince of Wales's visit, and the Mayor of that year, +Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, had the reputation of holding not merely +democratic but republican views. All this made the more marked +the cordial reception of the Royal visitors, both by the authorities +of the town, and by the masses of the people. The words of the +<i>Times</i> of November 4th, in its record of the visit are worthy of +being recalled, especially in what it said of the Mayor: "Whatever +Mr. Chamberlain's views may be, his speeches of yesterday +appear to us to have been admirably worthy of the occasion, and +to have done the highest credit to himself. We have heard and +chronicled a great many Mayors' speeches, but we do not know +that we ever heard or chronicled speeches made before Royal +personages by Mayors, whether they were Tories, or Whigs, or +Liberals, or Radicals, which were couched in such a tone at once of +courteous homage, manly independence, and gentlemanly feeling, +which were so perfectly becoming and so much the right thing in +every way as those of Mr. Chamberlain."</p> + +<p>To the address of the Corporation, read in the Town Hall, by +the Recorder, the Prince made the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—In the name of the Princess +of Wales and in my own, I thank you for your address and for +the kind terms in which you refer to our visit to your town. It +has long been our wish to come to Birmingham, a city so +celebrated not only in England, but throughout the world, as one +of the chief centres of our manufacturing energy. It will be, I +am persuaded, a source of satisfaction to the Queen to hear that +the loyal inhabitants of this borough still retain so lively a +recollection of the visits which with my lamented father she +paid to Birmingham. Since that time the progress which has +been made in the varied industries of this town has been most +remarkable, and I trust that the condition of its working population, +on whose exertions its prosperity so much depends, has +improved in a still greater degree. In conclusion, gentlemen, +I have only to express our earnest wish that Birmingham may +long continue to enjoy that pre-eminence which it has so justly +earned."</p> + +</blockquote><p>At the luncheon subsequently given, the Mayor proposed the +health of the Queen, as "having established claims to the admiration +of Her people by the loyal fulfilment of the responsible duties<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> +of her high station, and at the same time the nobility of her +domestic life has endeared her to the nation. The care and +solicitude she has manifested in the happiness of her subjects +causes her name to be honoured at all times, and among all classes +and ranks of society."</p> + +<p>In proposing the health of the Royal guest, the Mayor said, +"This town has been long distinguished, not without cause, for +the independence of its citizens and the freedom and outspokenness +in which all opinions are discussed, and this fact gives value to +the welcome which has been offered, and stamps the sincerity of +the wishes which are everywhere expressed for the continued +health of their Royal Highnesses."</p> + +<p>The replies of the Prince were confined to a few brief but appropriate +sentences, and after proposing the health of the Mayor, the +Royal party proceeded to visit some of the most famous manufactories +of the district. The following letter was received next day +by the Mayor, from the Secretary of the Prince of Wales, Sir +Francis Knollys, K.C.M.G.:—</p> + +<p>"Packington Hall, Coventry, November 4, 1874.</p> + +<p>"Sir,—I have received the commands of the Prince and Princess +of Wales to make known through you to the inhabitants of the +borough of Birmingham the satisfaction they derived from their +visit to that town yesterday. They can never forget the reception +they met with nor the welcome given to them by all classes of the +community. Their Royal Highnesses have also to thank not only +the authorities who made such excellent arrangements, but likewise +the people themselves, without whose cordial co-operation the +good order which was preserved throughout the day in so wonderful +a manner could hardly have been maintained. The opportunity +which was afforded them of visiting some of the manufactures of +your great town gave their Royal Highnesses sincere pleasure, and +it was matter of regret to them that the time at their disposal did +not allow them to make a closer inspection of works of so much +interest. I may further congratulate you and the other members +of the reception committee on the happy result of your labours. +Nothing could have been more successful, and their Royal Highnesses +will ever entertain most agreeable recollections of their visit +to Birmingham. I am desired, in conclusion, to state that the Prince +of Wales, being anxious to contribute £100 in aid of the funds of one +of the charitable institutions of your town, requests that you will +have the goodness to acquaint him with the name of the institution +which you may consider to be the most deserving, and to be at the +same time the most in want of support.—I have the honour to be, +Sir, your most obedient servant,</p> + +<p> +"<span class="smcap">Francis Knollys</span>.<br /> +</p> + +<p>"To the Mayor of Birmingham."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 13th, 1875.</i></p> + + +<p>At the seventh triennial festival of this Institution the Prince of +Wales presided. The Duke of Cambridge, Prince Christian, Prince +Edward of Saxe-Weimar, and the Duke of Teck were also present. +The company included the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs of London and +Middlesex, and a large number of distinguished officers of nearly +all ranks in the Army.</p> + +<p>After the toast of "The Queen," proposed by the Royal chairman, +the Lord Mayor, in giving the next toast, spoke of "the pride +with which the nation at large regarded the Royal Family, not +only on account of the admirable way in which they performed the +important duties connected with their high position, but also +because of their readiness on all occasions to promote and aid the +various charitable institutions of the country, and to extend their +sympathy to all who were in distress, not simply in this great +metropolis, but in all parts of the kingdom."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am sure I have every reason to be grateful to the Lord +Mayor for the very kind manner in which he has proposed my +health and that of the Princess of Wales and the other members +of the Royal Family, and to the company here assembled for +the very kind manner in which they have received the toast. +Nothing is more disagreeable, I think, than to have at an +early stage of the evening to rise to return thanks for one's own +health; but, at the same time, I should be very ungrateful to +you if I were not to thank you for the cordial manner in which +you acceded to the request of the Lord Mayor. I can assure +him—and I believe I can speak also for the rest of the Royal +Family—that it is always our earnest endeavour to do our +duty, and to assist in all good and charitable objects, which in +this country are so numerous and so necessary. It will be my +duty to address you again, so I will now only thank you once +more for the kind manner in which you have received this +toast."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince of Wales, after a brief interval, again rose and +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The toast I have now to offer to you is also one of those +which are always given, and which are always heartily received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> +at gatherings like the present. It is that of 'The Army and +the Navy.' I find some difficulty on this occasion in proposing +that toast, because when I look around me and see the Commander-in-Chief, +the greater portion of the Head Quarters' +Staff, and so many distinguished generals and officers, I feel it +would be very presumptuous on my part were I to dilate on +the subject. I think Englishmen have every reason to be +proud of possessing such an Army and Navy as ours. Of +course we don't pretend that they are perfection, but I am sure +that every endeavour is used year after year to make our land +and sea forces as efficient as possible for our defence and for +the maintenance of peace both in this country and in our vast +possessions abroad. In connection with the Army, it gives me +the greatest pleasure to propose the health of my illustrious +relative, the Commander-in-Chief. It would ill become me to +make those remarks in his presence which it would afford me +sincere satisfaction to offer were he absent; but I am sure that +you, as brother officers, know the great interest the Commander-in-Chief +takes in the Army, and I know you will drink his +health most cordially on this occasion. I am not able to couple +any name with the Navy, for the very sufficient reason that +there is no naval officer present to respond to it. I regret that +our gallant sea forces are not represented, but the toast will not +on that account, I am sure, be less cordially received."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge, who was loudly cheered, said: "I personally +am much gratified by the kind reception which has been +given to my name in conjunction with this toast. His Royal +Highness, with a modesty which is delightful in one in his position, +has expressed diffidence in proposing it; but there is no ground for +such diffidence on his part, for there is no officer in the Army that +I know of who takes a more lively interest in the efficiency of the +service, even in its every detail, or who, whenever the opportunity +offers, shows a greater aptitude than does His Royal Highness. He +has proved a most worthy spokesman for the Army on this and on +many other occasions, and I am sure officers of the Army are always +flattered and gratified when His Royal Highness has the opportunity +of speaking of them as he has done this evening. I feel particular +interest in being present here, and I beg to express to His +Royal Highness, who has many and constant duties to attend to, +my thanks and those of my mother, who is, unfortunately, in a +very suffering state, for having, on the mere expression of a wish +on her part, at once consented to preside on this occasion. I beg<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> +also to thank you for the compliment which you have paid me and +my family by your attendance, for I cannot forget that this institution +was originally founded in memory of my father, who had +many opportunities of showing the deep interest he took in the +charitable institutions of the country. On that account many of +his friends were anxious that some testimonial should be established +to his memory, and instead of a statue I am happy to think, as I +am sure he would have been glad to know, that it took the form of +the useful and necessary institution we have met here to assist. +But for its aid the recipients of its benefits would have to drag out +a miserable existence either in the workhouse or under even still +worse circumstances. We must all feel gratified that these old +women are, thanks to the benevolence of yourselves and the public, +enabled to pass their last days in the comparative comfort that +they find in the Asylum at Kingston. As head of the Army, I may +say that a higher compliment could not possibly have been paid to +it than to establish an institution such as this, and I am gratified +to think that the support it has received leads us to the hope that +it is now established on a solid and valuable foundation. I beg +again to thank you, in the name of the Army, and to say that the +service feels the deepest interest in the prosperity of the Asylum."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales next rose and said;—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is now my pleasing duty to bring before you the toast of +the evening, 'Prosperity to the Royal Cambridge Asylum for +Soldiers' Widows.' When I see how I am surrounded and +how large a gathering is present, I feel sure I shall not call on +you in vain in the interest of those whom we are concerned in +benefiting on this occasion. As my illustrious relative has +mentioned to you, this institution was established as a memorial +to his illustrious father, the late Duke of Cambridge. The +object was to provide a home for the widows of privates and +non-commissioned officers of the Army. No such institution +previously existed, and it is still the only one of its kind in the +country. In it the widows are provided with a furnished room +and an allowance of 6<i>s.</i> a week, besides a grant of 2<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i> per +month for coals. While the expenditure is great, exceeding +£2000, the funded income, including £50 a year, called the +Princess Mary Fund for Nurses, amounts to little over £500 a +year. It was originally intended to have, if possible, 130 +inmates, but at the present moment there are only 57, for +there is no room for more, and our great object is to make the +institution a success by increasing the numbers. On philanthropic +grounds alone it is almost unnecessary to say a word as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> +to its excellence. But when one thinks of the soldier, who has +not only to expose his life in battle, but to run the risk of +sickness and disease in a variety of different climates, away +from home, often leaving his wife for many years behind him, +it is impossible not to see that it must be a comfort to him, +especially if ill or dying, to think there is an institution where +his wife, if he succumbs, has a chance of being provided for. +Among soldiers there can be but one feeling on this subject, +and I am sure that on this occasion I shall not appeal to those +who are present in vain.</p> + +<p>"I regret very much that one who has taken a deep interest +in this institution—its chairman, Sir Edward Cust—is not here +on this occasion, and I fear on account of illness. But it is +some gratification to be able to read to you an extract from a +letter of his, dated the 1st of March, to Colonel Stewart, the +secretary, in which he says—"I think I intimated to you last +year that I should make a disposition by my will of all my +copyright and interest in my military histories for the benefit +of the Asylum. As I am unable to support the Prince of Wales +in the chair, may I beg the favour of His Royal Highness +making this donation in my name as evidence of my sympathy +for the institution?" Those who are present know so +thoroughly well all the merits of the institution that it would +be unnecessary for me to make a lengthened speech. I will +therefore wind up by once more asking you to do all in your +power to assist in accomplishing the great object we have in +view of extending the building so as to accommodate more +widows. With the toast which I have given you, I beg, in the +absence of Sir E. Cust, to couple the name of Colonel Liddell."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Colonel Liddell, who responded, said it was the desire to provide +accommodation for one widow from each regiment in the service, +which, of course, as there were only fifty-seven inmates, left a great +deal still to be done.</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales: "I have now to propose a toast which, +I am sure, of all those I have given none will have been received +with greater cordiality, for it is that of the 'Lady Patron.' +You all, I know, wish as sincerely as I do that her health—which +is not good just at present—may be restored, and that +she may be among us for some years yet to come. One of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> +reasons why this institution has prospered so much, and why +so many are here to-night, is the regard which is felt for the +kind and good lady who is its president. It is not surprising +that she should take a deep interest in an asylum intended indirectly +for the benefit of soldiers, seeing that her husband was +a soldier and that her son is a soldier."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast having been cordially drunk, was responded to by the +Duke of Cambridge, who then proposed "The Health of the Lord +Mayor and the Sheriffs," thanking them for the liberality with +which they had subscribed to the funds of the Asylum. The total +amount of the subscriptions received was announced by the Prince +of Wales to be £1635 17<i>s.</i> 10<i>d.</i></p> + +<p>The present number of inmates (1888) is sixty-nine. The +receipts of the previous year were £2700; the invested funds nearly +£23,000. The festival dinner is triennial, but additional sums +have been obtained by military <i>fêtes</i> and other ways. In 1872 the +Prince and Princess of Wales were present at a grand military +concert in the Royal Albert Hall, when Madame Titiens and +other artists volunteered their assistance, and many of the proprietors +placed their boxes and stalls at the disposal of the Duke of +Edinburgh, who was Chairman of the Committee for carrying out +the arrangements. We trust that the Duke of Cambridge may be +gratified by witnessing a large increase of the numbers benefited +by an institution in which he takes so zealous and kindly interest.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 6th, 1875.</i></p> + + +<p>When the Charterhouse School was removed from its ancient +historic site to the more remote and rural site at Godalming, +arrangements were made for installing Merchant Taylors' School +in the Charterhouse. There was ample accommodation for the +400 or 500 boys. Portions of the old structure remain, and these +with the new buildings give room for the numerous classes, with +large halls, library, lecture rooms, and a magnificent assembly +room, for morning and evening prayers, and on grand days for +speeches and prize festivals. The poor Brethren, pensioners on +the foundation, remain in their old quarters, and their chapel, +with its services, continues as before.</p> + +<p>The installation of the Merchant Taylors' School in the Charterhouse +was an event of sufficient importance to justify the request +for the ceremony being honoured by the presence of the Prince<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> +and Princess of Wales, who came on 6th of April, 1875, accompanied +by the Princess Mary and Duke of Teck, and other +illustrious visitors. Service having been performed in the old +Carthusian chapel; and an address having been read by the clerk, +and presented by the Master of the Company; the Prince declared +the Merchant Taylors' School open. An ode in Latin Alcaics was +then declaimed by the head monitor of the School, the Archbishop +of Canterbury offered a prayer for the Divine blessing, and the +service closed with the Lord's Prayer and the Benediction.</p> + +<p>Luncheon was afterwards served in the assembly hall. The +Master of the Company gave a brief account of the origin and +history of the School, introducing references to former Princes of +Wales, who had been benefactors of the Company, from the time +of Edward I., the first Prince of Wales, to that of King James I., +who with his son, the Prince of Wales, dined in this hall. It was +for that occasion, in 1607, that Dr. John Bull composed the music +of "God Save the Queen." The Queen of James I. was Anne of +Denmark. "History repeats itself," continued the Master, "for +you, Sire, have entwined the flower of Denmark in the wreath of +England."</p> + +<p>The Prince, responding to the toast then given, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"For the excessively kind and flattering manner in which this +toast has been proposed from the chair, and received by you all, +I beg to return my warmest and most sincere thanks. I need +hardly assure the Master and all those assembled here to-day +what pleasure it has given to the Princess and myself to be +present on this occasion. The numerous guilds of the City of +London are well known for their hospitality, and especially +distinguished is the Merchant Taylors' Company. At the same +time, although they kindly and cordially receive their guests, +they do all they can to make themselves useful in this great +city. I will not recapitulate what we have heard in another +room, and also from the lips of the Master, of the prosperity of +this School. I hope it will continue to flourish; and that the +sun which is now shining will bring prosperity to a School which +has so long flourished and which is now moved to other buildings. +I must say we cannot but congratulate the Master and +the Guild on the beautiful building in which we are assembled +at the present moment. In conclusion let me propose a toast +I am sure you will all drink with enthusiasm—'Success to +the Merchant Taylors' School.' It affords me great pleasure +to couple with it the name of the head master, the Rev. Dr. +Baker."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> + +</blockquote><p>After the luncheon the Royal visitors inspected the buildings, +and walked through the playground, which is of considerable size +for a city school. The cheers of the boys on the departure of the +Prince and Princess were the more vehement, as they had asked +and obtained from the Master an extra week's holiday.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE GERMAN HOSPITAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 16th, 1875.</i></p> + + +<p>The German Hospital, at Dalston, is one of the most useful and +well-managed charities in the Metropolis. It is for the reception +of natives of Germany, and others speaking the German language; +also for English in case of accident. There are now 125 beds for +in-patients, with a sanatarium for the benefit of those who can pay +a moderate sum weekly for their maintenance during illness. +There is also a Convalescent Home, with about twenty beds. +During the past year there were 1663 in-patients, 23,210 out-patients, +and 1163 dental cases. The Hamburg Church is connected +with the Hospital by a corridor. The yearly receipts +average now about £10,000, and there is funded property amounting +to £55,000.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales presided at the thirtieth anniversary +festival, at Willis's Rooms, on the 16th of April, 1875. About three +hundred were present, including some Ambassadors and Consuls of +Continental States, and other distinguished foreigners.</p> + +<p>The Prince, in proposing the health of "The Queen," said that +Her Majesty took the greatest interest in the welfare of the +Hospital, of which she was a protector, and a donor to its funds.</p> + +<p>Count Beust, the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador, gave the toast +of "The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Royal Family." He +said that he spoke the sentiments of the representatives of all +German-speaking countries, when he said that the "Royal Chairman +had always shown for the German Hospital a feeling German +heart and an open English hand. When he brought under the +notice of his Sovereign, the Emperor of Austria, that the Prince +was to preside at the festival, he was immediately instructed by +His Majesty to announce the donation from him of £100 to the +funds. Let us, one and all, drink to our illustrious Chairman, +whom the people of England know not only as a gracious and +popular Prince, but also as a high-minded, generous gentleman, +who takes a deep and active interest in all that contributes to +the greatness and the welfare of the country, and to the relief +of the sufferers among the less fortunate of the community, in the +fulfilment of which noble task he is well supported by his gracious +Princess."</p> + +<p>The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I can hardly find words adequate enough to express my +deep thanks to his Excellency the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador +for the exceedingly kind and flattering manner in which +he has proposed this toast, and to you all for the hearty way in +which it was received. I can assure you that it affords me the +greatest pleasure and gratification to be your chairman on the +present occasion. The members of my family have now for +some years taken a deep interest in this charity, and I take the +same interest. This is not at all to be wondered at, considering +that we have German blood running in our veins. We have +the greatest sympathy with the foreigners who live in our +country, and we gladly join in an attempt like this to alleviate +their sufferings in every possible way. The President of the +German Hospital, the Duke of Cambridge, as did his father +before him, takes a warm interest in this institution, and I +sincerely hope that our family will always remain connected +with so excellent and admirable a charity. I thank you once +more for the hearty reception you have accorded to the toast."</p> + +<p>The Prince, again rising, proposed in cordial terms: "The +Foreign Sovereigns and Princes, Protectors and Patrons of the +Institution, and their Representatives who had honoured them +with their presence." He stated that "the Emperor of Germany +gave an annual donation of £200 to the charity, and that the +Emperors of Russia and Austria, and the Kings of Würtemberg, +Bavaria, Saxony, and the Netherlands, had also evinced a +practical interest in the institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Count Münster, the German Ambassador, whose name was +coupled with the toast, said he agreed with his friend and colleague, +Count Beust, that it was one of the most pleasant duties of +diplomatists to be present on occasions of that kind, and he felt it, +indeed, a great honour to return thanks for the kind and gracious +manner in which His Royal Highness had proposed the health of +the foreign Sovereigns and their representatives. He was quite +sure that the interest which their Majesties had taken in that fine, +benevolent institution would be much strengthened when they +became aware that the first gentleman in England—the heir to the +British Throne—had shown his practical sympathy with it by presiding +that evening. Benevolence and hospitality had always +been the characteristics of the English people, but how could it be +otherwise when the Royal Family invariably set them, on every +possible occasion, the noblest and best example? In the name of +his fellow-countrymen he tendered to His Royal Highness their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> +most hearty thanks for the gracious part he was taking at that +gathering.</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales next gave "The Army, Navy, and +Reserve Forces," saying, in doing so, that every Englishman +was proud of the land and sea forces of his country, and he +always hoped they were in a highly efficient state. At the +same time the Prince sincerely trusted that the occasion might +never arise in which the Army and Navy might be called forth +to battle with those countries so many of whose representatives +were present that evening.</p> + +</blockquote><p>General Sir William Knollys made a brief reply. The Prince +of Wales then gave as the toast of the evening: "Prosperity to the +German Hospital." He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I can only regret that a toast of so much importance as this +is has not fallen into better hands than mine, but, whatever +my shortcomings, I am sure you will take the will for the deed. +This toast has been given for a great many successive years, +and the few remarks that I have to make to you will not be +new to the great portion of the vast assembly who are gathered +here this evening. At the same time, as I am your chairman, +I think it my duty to make a few observations in connexion +with the German Hospital.</p> + +<p>"As most of you are doubtless aware, it has 103 beds generally +full, and last year the total in-and out-patients amounted +to about 18,000. Of these there were 1300 in-patients, of whom +240 were English. Besides the hospital there is a sanitarium, +to which 42 persons were admitted. The rooms there are +unfortunately limited in number, but the occupants are rather +of a well-to-do class, such as professors, governesses, clerks, and +others, who, in return for the services rendered to them, give a +small sum of money towards defraying the necessary costs. +Last year the expenses of the hospital were very heavy, +amounting to £6500, exclusive of £600 for improvements. +This, I hear, is likely to be increased considerably in the next +accounts, owing to the continuous rise of prices. Fortunately, +I am able to announce to you that the receipts nearly covered +the expenditure. The fixed income, however, can only be put +down at £1200 or £1300 a year, and the authorities of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> +hospital, to carry it on successfully and to keep it out of debt, +have to collect annually between £4000 and £5000.</p> + +<p>"I think every Englishman and every foreigner will agree as +to the necessity for a hospital founded as this is. We who +are Englishmen must all feel what a terrible position we should +be in if we found ourselves weary and sick in a country where +it was impossible to make ourselves understood. When, therefore, +we are told that in this London of ours all who speak +German are instantly admitted to this institution, we can +readily imagine the enormous benefits which foreigners and +Germans especially derive from it. There are, I am told, as +many as 50,000 Germans living in London, many of whom have +to work in unhealthy trades, such as sugar-baking. They are +mostly confined indoors all day long, and, but for this hospital, +they would not know where to go to find comfort and succour.</p> + +<p>"A great merit, in my mind, of this institution is that it is a +free one. It is not at all necessary to obtain a letter of recommendation +before admission. Sick people have only to present +themselves there and speak German to insure that the doors +will be immediately thrown open to them, and that they will +be tended and cared for in the most admirable manner. The +nurses there are all trained in Elizabethan-stift at Darmstadt, +and they do their work admirably under the care of the excellent +chaplain (Dr. Walbaum), who has taken so deep an interest in +the welfare of the hospital. They are thus found most important +to the working of the hospital.</p> + +<p>"As so many Englishmen derive benefit from the institution, +I am sure I can appeal to my fellow-countrymen to do all in +their power, and I ask the company generally to see if they +cannot collect a sum larger than on any previous occasion. At +the last annual dinner, at which the Duke of Cambridge presided, +a sum of £500 in excess of any former collection was +obtained, and I hope to-night we may even exceed the sum +subscribed then. I may tell you that a distinguished guest +among us to-night, Baron von Diergadt, of Bonn, sent us a few +years ago the magnificent donation of £10,000. I do not ask +you, gentlemen, to give quite so large a sum as the Baron, but +I am sure that all that is in your power to give you will. I +desire to tender our thanks to the Emperor of Austria for his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> +munificent donation, announced by his Ambassador this evening, +and I will now ask you all most cordially to assist me in supporting +this excellent charity. I give you as the toast of the +evening: 'Prosperity to the German Hospital.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Secretary (Mr. Feldmann) afterwards announced the receipt +of donations (including £105 from the Prince of Wales, £200 from +the Emperor of Germany, and £100 from the Emperor of Austria) +to the amount of over £5000, being £1200 in excess of any previous +collection. Other toasts, including "The health of Baron von +Diergadt, of Bonn," followed. During dinner, Mr. Marriott's +band played a selection of operatic music, and afterward, at intervals, +a choir, under the direction of Sir Julius Benedict and Herr +Ganz (all of whom gave their services gratuitously), sang some +German songs by Schubert, Schumann, Seidl, and other composers.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF ENGLISH FREEMASONS.</h2> + +<p><i>April 28th, 1875.</i></p> + + +<p>In the history of Freemasonry there has never occurred an event +more memorable, or a scene more imposing than the Installation +of the Prince of Wales as Grand Master of English Freemasons, at +the Royal Albert Hall, on the 28th of April, 1875. The vast Hall +was filled with nearly ten thousand members of the craft, of all +ranks and degrees, and in costume proper to their masonic conditions. +An open space, in front of the organ, had been reserved +for the Grand Officers, and for distinguished visitors, including +deputations from various foreign lodges.</p> + +<p>The Earl of Carnarvon, the Pro-Grand Master, having taken his +seat on the throne, performed the ceremonies necessary for to convert +the assemblage into a meeting of the Grand Lodge, and the +Minute of the Prince's election as Grand Master having been read +and confirmed, Garter King-at-Arms formed and headed a procession +to meet His Royal Highness. The Duke of Connaught had +already seated himself near the Pro-Grand Master, and had been +warmly received; but when the Prince entered the Hall, the vast +assemblage rose as one man, and, regardless for the moment alike +of Masonic order and of the ceremonies of the craft, greeted him +with such applause as even his experience at public assemblages +could seldom have heard equalled. The Prince was conducted up +the arena to a chair on the left of the Pro-Grand Master, and +before seating himself he bowed repeatedly in response to the +plaudits of the brethren. He then went through the forms pre<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>scribed +by the Masonic ritual, and was duly inducted into his +throne, the enthusiasm of the assembled Freemasons once again +outstripping the proper order of the ceremonial, and finding vent +in cheers with which the building rang again.</p> + +<p>Garter King-at-Arms, who holds also the high Masonic office of +Grand Director of Ceremonies, then proclaimed His Royal Highness +in due form, and called upon the brethren to salute him in +Masonic fashion. This being done, the Earl of Carnarvon rose +from the seat to which he had retired, and, according to ancient +custom, addressed the new Grand Master on the duties of his office. +He thus concluded his address:—</p> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness is not the first by many of your illustrious +family who have sat in that chair. It is, no doubt, by the +lustre of your great name and position you will reflect honour on +the craft to-day; but it is also something to be at the head of +such a body as is represented here. I may truly say that never +in the whole history of Freemasonry has such a Grand Lodge been +convened as that on which my eye rests at this moment, and +there is further an inner view to be taken, that so far as my eyes +can carry me over these serried ranks of white and blue, the gold +and purple, I recognise in them men who have solemnly taken +obligations of worth and morality—men who have undertaken +the duties of citizens and the loyalty of subjects. I am expressing +but very feebly the feelings and aspirations of this great +assemblage when I say that I trust the connexion of your Royal +Highness with the craft may be lasting, and that you may never +have occasion for one moment's regret or anxiety when you look +back upon the events of to-day."</p> + +<p>The Prince, who was again greeted with loud and prolonged +cheering, replied in the following terms:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren, I am deeply grateful to the Most Worshipful the +Pro-Grand Master for the excessively kind words he has just +spoken to you, and for the cordial reception which you have +given me. It has been your unanimous wish that I should +occupy this chair as your Grand Master, and you have this day +installed me. It is difficult for me to find words adequate to +express my deep thanks for the honour which has already been +bestowed upon me—an honour which has, as history bears +testimony, been bestowed upon several members of my family, +my predecessors; and, brethren, it will always be my most +ardent and sincere wish to walk in the footsteps of good men +who have preceded me, and, with God's help, to fulfil the +duties which I have been called upon to occupy to-day.</p> + +<p>"The Pro-Grand Master has told you, brethren, and I feel +convinced, that such an assemblage as this has never been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> +known; and when I look round me on this vast and spacious +Hall, and see those who have come from the north and south, +from the east and the west, it is, I trust, an omen which will +prove on this auspicious occasion an omen of good. The various +duties which I have to perform will frequently, I am afraid, not +permit me to attend so much to the duties of the craft as I +should desire; but you may be assured that when I have the +time I shall do the utmost to maintain this high position, and +do my duty by the craft, and by you on every possible occasion. +Brethren, it would be useless for me to recapitulate everything +which has been told you by the Pro-Grand Master relative to +Freemasonry. Every Englishman knows that the two great +watchwords of the craft are Loyalty and Charity. These are +their watchwords, and as long as Freemasons do not, as Freemasons, +mix themselves up in politics so long I am sure this +high and noble order will flourish, and will maintain the +integrity of our great Empire.</p> + +<p>"I thank you once more, brethren, for your cordial reception +of me to-day, and I thank you for having come such immense +distances to welcome me on this occasion. I assure you I shall +never forget to-day—never!"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince resumed his seat amid loud cheers, which were +long continued. His Royal Highness spoke with a perfect elocution +which rendered every syllable audible to the whole of the +vast assemblage; but when (adds the reporter of the scene) in +conclusion, he uttered a manifest impromptu in saying that the +reception which had been accorded to him, and the spectacle which +he witnessed, were things which to the last day of his life he +"should never forget—never!" there was just so much tremor of +his voice as seemed to show that even the trained self-possession +of Royalty was somewhat shaken, as indeed it well might be, by +the magnitude and the splendour of the spectacle.</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of the Prince's address the march from "Eli" +was performed upon the organ, and then, a telegraphic address of +congratulation from the Grand Lodge at Genoa having previously +been read, deputations from the Grand Lodges of Scotland, Ireland, +Sweden, and Denmark were successively introduced. The Grand +Master next appointed the Earl of Carnarvon to be Pro-Grand +Master, Lord Skelmersdale to be Deputy Grand Master, and the +Marquis of Hamilton and the Lord Mayor to fill two chief offices in +Grand Lodge. The nomination of the Lord Mayor appeared to +give especial pleasure to the brethren, and his Lordship, as he took +his official seat, was greeted by loud and prolonged applause. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> +other grand officers were then appointed, and at five o'clock the +Lodge was formally closed. The Prince was conducted to his +retiring-room by a procession of the principal brethren, and the +assembly dispersed.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>In the evening there was a banquet in the Freemasons' Hall, in +Great Queen Street, which was thronged as it was never thronged +before. The Prince of Wales, Most Worshipful Grand Master, +presided; on his right being the Duke of Connaught, and on his +left Lord Skelmersdale, the Deputy Grand Master. Distinguished +officers and members of lodges from all parts of the United Kingdom +were present.</p> + +<p>The Grand Master proposed the health of "The Queen," in these +words:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren, the first toast I shall have the honour to propose +to you this evening is one which I know will require as few +words as possible, as it is always drunk with enthusiasm at all +great meetings of Englishmen, more especially at meetings of +the craft. I propose 'The Health of Her Majesty the Queen, +the Patroness of our Order.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Manchester, in proposing the health of "The Princess +of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," said: "We have +for the first time among us as Most Worshipful Grand Master, the +eldest son of Her Majesty, and his brother, the Duke of Connaught, +whom we all highly esteem and love as the sons of a father whose +memory we all so fondly cherish, and whom we so much regret."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught responded, and +proposed "The health of the Most Worshipful the Grand <a name="corr_172"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Master.'"">Master."</ins></p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren, I beg to return my most sincere and my most +grateful thanks to the Junior Master Mason of England for the +kind way in which he has proposed my health, and to you, +brethren, for the cordial manner in which you have received it. +This is the first time, brethren, that I have had the honour of +presiding at the grand festival. I can assure you I am very +grateful for your kind reception of me this evening, and I +sincerely hope that we may have the pleasure of meeting +together on these festive occasions many, many long years to +come. I shall never forget, brethren, the ceremony of to-day +and the reception which you gave me. I only hope that you +may never regret the choice you have made of your Grand +Master. Brethren, I assure you on all occasions I shall do my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> +utmost to do my duty in the position in which you have so +kindly placed me.</p> + +<p>"Before sitting down, brethren, I have a toast to propose, +which I feel sure you will all drink with cordiality, and which +to me is a specially gratifying toast—that is, the health of our +illustrious brother the King of Sweden and Norway. It affords +me especial pleasure to propose this toast, as seven years ago I +became a member of this craft, initiated by the late King, the +brother of the present one. Thereby I consider I have a more +special interest in Sweden; and I hope that the Grand Lodges +of Sweden and of England may always be bound together in +goodwill and fraternal feeling. Our illustrious brother the +King has been especially pleased to send over five distinguished +brethren to take part in my installation. Therefore it affords +me special gratification to drink to the health of one who I +know is such a keen Freemason at heart, and so keen an +Englishman, that he has frequently visited our shores. Most +cordially and heartily do I call upon you, brethren, to drink to +'The health of our illustrious brother the Most Worshipful +Grand Master of Sweden, His Majesty the King of Sweden and +Norway.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>Count Salcza responded, and, speaking in French, he passed a +high eulogium on Freemasonry, and expressed his great gratification +at the magnificent ceremony that had been witnessed in the +afternoon, laying especial stress upon the Masonic good feeling +between Sweden and Great Britain. He spoke of himself as +feeling that he stood among friends and brothers, and he thanked +them for their cordial reception.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Grand Master then said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren, we are honoured here this evening by the representatives +of the Grand Lodges of Scotland, of Ireland, and of +Sweden, and I feel convinced that you will all drink with me +most cordially and most heartily to their health. The Grand +Lodge of England is always most desirous of being on the best +possible terms with the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland. +Although separate through having other Grand Masters, still +those three Grand Lodges may consider one another more or +less as one. I have great pleasure in proposing the health of +my noble friend and brother, Lord Rosslyn, as representative of +the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and I cannot forget the kind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> +reception I met with at Edinburgh some years ago when he was +Deputy Grand Master, and I received the rank of Patron of +Scotch Freemasons at the hands of the late Earl Dalhousie. It +also gives me great pleasure to propose the health of the representative +of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, coupled with the name +of Brother Shekleton, Deputy Grand Master. I have also the +great privilege of being Patron of the Irish Grand Lodge, which +honour I also remember, a few years ago, receiving from the +late Duke of Leinster, who was the popular Grand Master of +Ireland at that time, and the reception I met with I shall not +easily forget. As the representative of the Grand Lodge of +Sweden it affords the great pleasure to couple with this toast +the name of the Admiral on my left. As my earliest associations +in Freemasonry have been with the Grand Lodge of +Sweden, I know when I address those gentlemen I see before me +they will appreciate the pleasure it affords me in proposing this +toast. Brethren, I give you the toast of 'The Grand Lodges of +Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden, coupled with the names of Lord +Rosslyn, Brother Shekleton, and Admiral Oscar Dickson.' I +also include in this toast all the other Grand Lodges."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast having been drunk, Lord Rosslyn said:—</p> + +<p>"Most Worshipful Grand Master and brethren, the honour that +your Royal Highness has done the deputation of the Grand Lodge +of Scotland is warmly appreciated by them. I am glad, indeed, +to have the opportunity after so many years' connexion with the +Grand Lodge of Scotland—no less than twenty-five years—of +congratulating the craft of England and your Royal Highness +also, upon the most magnificent scene I have ever witnessed in +my life.</p> + +<p>"I am glad also to think that the splendour, and, I must add, +admirable management of the display to-day, does not quite efface +from your Royal Highness's recollection, the scene upon a similar +scale which we endeavoured to offer you when we had the honour +of having your name as Patron of the Scottish craft. Your Royal +Highness has been good enough to say that you have not forgotten +the occasion. I can assure your Royal Highness no Scotchman +will ever forget it, and I can speak on behalf of the Grand Lodge +of Scotland, with which I have been so long connected, having +served every office in it, from Junior Deacon up to Grand Master, +having been not quite a holiday Freemason, but worked my way +from the ranks up to the position I have the honour to hold now.</p> + +<p>"His Royal Highness has this day told us what the duties of +Freemasonry are, and there is no doubt he has summed them up in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> +two words—loyalty and charity—which includes mercy, a quality +that has been described by the greatest of poets as becoming 'the +throned Monarch better than his crown.' There can be no doubt +that under the auspices of the Most Worshipful Grand Master the +Grand Lodge of England will flourish, and will continue to be a +standard for Masonry all over the world."</p> + +<p>Brother R. W. Shekleton, Deputy Grand Master of Ireland, +spoke of the loyalty of Irish Masons, who are, he said, "remarkable +for fear of God, fealty to the Sovereign, love to the brotherhood, +and friendship to all classes and creeds."</p> + +<p>Brother Admiral Oscar Dickson returned thanks in the name +of the Swedish Grand Lodge for the honour conferred upon them.</p> + +<p>The Most Worshipful Grand Master then proposed the toast of +various Grand Officers and Brethren, according to custom. Sir +Erasmus Wilson replied for the Stewards, whose special duty it +was, with the aid of their good Brother Francatelli (the Master +Cook), to see to the humble but necessary ceremonies consequent +on our sublunary existence; or, in the beautiful words of our +Ritual: "to lead them to unite in the grand design of being happy +and communicating happiness."</p> + +<p>As long before as the 1st of December, 1869, the Prince of +Wales had been received, at Freemasons' Hall, as a Past Grand +Master, at a meeting of the United Grand Lodge of England; and +in a brief speech replied to the address delivered by Lord Zetland, +who was at that time Grand Master.</p> + +<p>One of the first appointments made by the Prince of Wales as +Grand Master was that of Colonel Shadwell Clerke, to the +Secretaryship of the Grand Lodge of England, an office the duties +of which he performs with great efficiency and courtesy.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 5th, 1875.</i></p> + + +<p>The object of this Institution is to provide pensions for Farmers, +their wives, widows, and unmarried orphan daughters. The Queen +is patron, the Duke of Richmond is President, and the Earl of +Northbrook, Chairman of the Executive Council. At the present +time (1888), 647 persons are maintained at an annual cost of nearly +£14,000. The Prince of Wales has always been a generous friend +and supporter of the charity. At the Royal Agricultural Show at +Sandringham, in July, 1886, he called special attention to it, and +pleaded for increased support, as is necessary from the continued +and increasing depression of agriculture. At the present moment +above 400 persons, who have cultivated holdings varying from +2000 to 100 acres, are candidates for pensions, having been ruined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> +through the various causes of agricultural failure. During the +past twenty-eight years, about 1300 persons have been granted +annuities, at a total expenditure of £165,821.</p> + +<p>At the fifteenth anniversary festival of the Institution, at +Willis's Rooms, on the 5th of June, 1875, the Prince of Wales +presided. After "The Queen," the patron of the charity, "The +health of the Prince with that of the Princess of Wales and the +Royal Family," was proposed by the Earl of Hardwicke, who said +that the Prince of Wales had done them great honour in presiding +that evening. "It was only another testimony of that interest +which he takes in the welfare of every portion of the community. +The position of the Prince of Wales was not one of the easiest. +He has no definite duties, but the duty he has laid down for himself +is of a very definite nature. It is to benefit to the best of his +power all his fellow-creatures. He himself was not going to pass +any eulogiums on the Prince of Wales, although he had intimate +knowledge of his character and the privilege of his friendship. +He would only say that the Prince does credit to the very high +position in which he is placed, and that so long as he lays himself +out to associate with English people of all classes, and to faithfully +discharge duties which, if not in themselves very agreeable, are +beneficial to the English race, he will be a popular and able +Prince. A duty more wrapt up with sympathy than that which +the Prince that evening undertook could not be conceived. He +tells the whole agricultural class of this country that he places +himself at their disposal to further their interests and to help +them in their distress. So long as the Royal Family cling to the +soil of this country, and mix with its life and its sports and +amusements, they will never fail to receive the support of their +countrymen in all times of trial."</p> + +<p>The toast was received with cheers, and the Prince of Wales +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is difficult for me, gentlemen, to find words to express my +gratitude for the excessively kind manner in which my noble +friend has proposed this toast, and the cordial way in which you +have been kind enough to receive it. I need hardly tell you +that it affords me the greatest pleasure and satisfaction to occupy +the chair this evening. When I know those gentlemen who +have preceded me as your Chairmen, such as Mr. Disraeli, Lord +Lytton, the present Lord Derby, or the Duke of Richmond, I +feel some diffidence in addressing you this evening. At the +same time I think the proceedings of this evening will, as I +hope, be short, yet I trust they may be satisfactory to all here +present.</p> + +<p>"I sincerely say that I do take a great interest in all that is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> +connected with agriculture. I may call myself a colleague of +many of you present as a farmer on a small scale, and I only +hope that I may never have occasion to be a pensioner of this +institution. It is impossible, I think, for any British gentleman +to live at his country place without taking an interest in agriculture, +and in all those things which concern the farmers of +this great country. I thank you also for the very kind way in +which you have mentioned the health of the Princess of Wales +and the rest of the Royal Family.</p> + +<p>"Before I sit down I beg to propose a toast—one which is +never left out at great gatherings of Englishmen, and which here +ought to be brought most prominently before your notice—'The +Army, Navy, Militia, and Reserve Forces.' The very +backbone of the country, the best recruits of the Army and +Navy, come from the agricultural districts. Since we know, +also, that our commercial and agricultural interests depend +upon the valour and efficiency of our land and sea forces, you +will, I think, agree with me that it is a toast especially for this +meeting, one most suitable for this agricultural feast. It is a +toast which I feel sure you all, gentlemen, will drink most +heartily. With the Army it gives me great pleasure to couple +the name of General Sir W. Knollys, and with the Navy that of +Sir J. Heron Maxwell."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir W. Knollys, in responding for the profession to which he +belongs, including the Militia, the Volunteers, and the Reserve +Forces, dwelt upon the habits, the physical well-being, and powers +of endurance which fit the agricultural population of this country +for the profession of arms. They bring with them also that contentment +and discipline which till recent events particularly +distinguished the agricultural labourer, and are always ready to +fight for country and Queen.</p> + +<p>Sir J. Heron Maxwell having replied for the Navy, the toast-master, +Mr. Goodchild, announced a bumper toast, and the Prince +of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The toast which I now have the honour of proposing to you +is that of 'Success to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.' +Gentlemen, this excellent and charitable institution has +been only in existence for the space of fifteen years, and its +object is the relief of farmers who have been reduced by failure +of crops, loss of stock, bad seasons, and other reasons. It has +been founded, as I say, for that purpose, but there is one thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> +which is absolutely necessary to entitle to relief, and that is +that the recipient of the pension must have, as his exclusive +means of support, cultivated at least fifty acres, or rented land +at £100 a year at least for twenty years. And those farmers +who receive pensions must prove to the society that they do not +possess an income from other sources of more than £20 a year. +Among those, also, who are benefited by the society are the +widows and children or orphans of farmers and their unmarried +daughters.</p> + +<p>"One main object of the managers of the institution is to +maintain in their own districts those who have not the means +of providing for themselves, so that, instead of their going to +the workhouse, or having to remove to distant parts of the +kingdom, they may be kept as much as possible in the counties +where they were born and bred. Pensions varying from £20 to +£40 a year are granted, and since the foundation of this society +as many as 432 pensioners have been elected, and 53 children +have been educated and maintained at a cost of not far from +£40,000. At present there are 302 pensioners and 41 children +on the books of the charity, and these numbers will, I understand, +be augmented during the present month by the election +of 51 pensioners. The total cost of the year will be nearly +£8500, and I am sorry to say the donations and annual sums +received amount to little over £6800. Therefore, you see that +although this institution is in a highly prosperous state, at the +same time the funds are not as great as we could wish. It +is for that reason that we assemble here—to augment those funds.</p> + +<p>"When I look around and see so large a number of gentlemen, +who have come great distances to support me on this occasion, +I feel I shall not ask them in vain to extend their support to so +excellent an institution. You were kind enough just now to +drink in a cordial manner my health, but I think if I had put +myself before you as a surgeon whose health you were going to +drink you might not have received me so cordially. On this +occasion I hope you will look upon me as a surgeon. The few +words I have to say to you are my lancet, with which I have to +bleed you—and you will all feel much the better for it.</p> + +<p>"Many may think, 'Why should we give money to those who +possibly by their own fault may have got into distress?' But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> +that is not the object mentioned. All will agree that the +cleverest agriculturists who thoroughly understand their business +may, through bad seasons, failures of crops, and a variety of +other causes which you know, gentlemen, far better than I do, +have found themselves suddenly in the most abject want. It is +a great pity that the farmers' clubs and agricultural societies do +not do so much as they ought in support of so excellent an +institution.</p> + +<p>"I see by your applause it is only too true, and I must call +upon you this evening to show that you have supported this +charity in the most material manner. I thank you once more +for the kind and attentive manner in which you have listened +to the few words which I have uttered. I only regret that it +has not fallen to the lot of another than myself to bring the +subject before you, and I am sure that you will take the will +for the deed. 'Prosperity to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent +Institution!'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was drunk with all the honours, and the Secretary, +Mr. C. Bousfield Shaw, read a list of subscriptions headed by the +Queen with £25. The Prince of Wales gave, in addition to his +annual subscription of ten guineas, a donation of 100 guineas. +The largest list of collections was Mr. Naish's, of £465. The total +amount was no less than £8000.</p> + +<p>Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., then proposed the toast of "The Executive +Council, the Secretary, and the Honorary Local Secretaries." +In the course of his speech, he remarked that it had been well said +by His Royal Highness that agriculture is exposed to more vicissitudes +and difficulties than almost any other industry, and it was +surprising that it should have existed so long without any benevolent +institution. They must not forget in that room that they +owed the fact that such an institution now exists to the kind and +generous heart of their old friend, Mr. Mechi, the founder of this +society; and the tenant-farmers of England would never forget +the day when the Heir Apparent to the Throne of England condescended +to preside at their annual banquet.</p> + +<p>The Marquis of Huntly responded, and said as an example of the +good done by active local energy, that in Cheshire they only had +last year a donation of ten guineas, and subscribers of thirty-one, +while from Norfolk, the Prince's county, with a smaller agricultural +population, they had donations of £826.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The list of toasts which we all have before us has now come +to an end, but I shall take the liberty of proposing one more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> +toast, the last, but by no means the least. We have been +honoured on this occasion by fair ladies, and I think it would +be very wrong if we were to separate without cordially drinking +their health. We see especially how much the comfort, the +well-being, prosperity, and happiness of farmers and agriculturists +depend upon a kind wife to cheer them by the fireside at the +end of their day's work, and to lighten by female influence the +load of difficulties. It affords me the most sincere pleasure to +couple with this toast the name of one to whom this institution +is so much indebted—Mr. Mechi. Lord Huntly has been +mentioning to you the word 'energy'; and if it had not been +for the energy of Mr. Mechi this society would never have +existed. Let me also say, it would not be so prosperous as it is +now if it were not for those energies and the assistance which +he has given it. I hope the words and expressions which the +noble marquis has lately made use of will not be lost by this +company, and that all those who wish to further the work so +worthily begun by Mr. Mechi will continue it, so that it may +never decrease in funds for the excellent object for which it is +designed. I beg to propose the toast of 'The Ladies,' coupled +with the name of Mr. Mechi."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. Mechi, in the course of his reply, said that the help of +His Royal Highness would be of the greatest importance to the +institution.</p> + +<p>The way in which the Prince introduced the toast of the founder +of the Institution was in his happiest vein. Mr. Mechi's death +was a great loss to the agricultural community, for no one more +efficiently brought their claims before the public. It may be added, +that the tenant-farmers of the kingdom have no truer friend than +the Prince of Wales.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE INDIAN EMBASSY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 1875-May 1876.</i></p> + + +<p>The visit of the Prince of Wales to India, apart from what it +brought of personal information or amusement, must be regarded +as one of the most important services he has yet rendered to the +Empire. This is why we call it an embassy rather than a tour or a +journey. It appears that as far back as the year 1858, the idea of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> +a tour in the Eastern possessions of the Crown was suggested by +Lord Canning to the Prince Consort, as part of the education of +the Heir Apparent. But he was then only seventeen, and the +proposal was made merely as an incident of foreign travel. A +succession of events, both at home and in the East, caused the +scheme to be postponed, nor was it seriously renewed till the +Prince had attained an age, and acquired an experience in affairs, +which would secure for the expedition high consideration for +political and imperial, as well as personal, purposes.</p> + +<p>In the beginning of the year 1875 it was rumoured that the +project was seriously entertained, and on the 16th of March the +Marquis of Salisbury made an official announcement to the Indian +Council of the intended visit. Many arrangements, however, had +to be made, and many difficulties surmounted, before actual +preparations for the journey commenced. All these are recounted +in detail by Dr. W. H. Russell, in the introduction to his book on +the 'Prince of Wales's Tour,' a reprint in expanded and permanent +form of his letters as the special correspondent of the <i>Times</i>. +Dr. Russell had the advantage of accompanying the Prince as one +of his personal suite, under the title of Honorary Private Secretary. +It is fortunate that the journey had such a historian. The work +not only gives a Diary of the tour in India, with a full record of +the proceedings of the Prince, but is in itself a most interesting +and instructive book of travel, full of information, conveyed in the +graphic and bright style which has made the author famous as a +man of letters. To this book the reader of these pages is referred +for the story of the Royal expedition, both in India and in the +countries through which he passed on the outward and homeward +journey.<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> 'The Prince of Wales's Tour: a Diary in India, with some accounts of the +visits to the Courts of Greece, Egypt, Spain, and Portugal.' By William Howard +Russell, LL.D. With illustrations by Sydney <a name="corr_181"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: E.">P.</ins> Hall. Sampson Low & Co.</p></div> + +<p>The Prince was fortunate in the companions of his journey, +even to the humbler and useful attendants. It is greatly to the +credit of his judgment and his right feeling that the first to whom +he expressed a wish to accompany him was Sir Bartle Frere, a +wise and good man, and whose Indian experience would be of +immense value. In the suite there were, of his own household, +Lord Suffield, Sir Dighton Probyn, Colonel Ellis, and Sir Francis +Knollys. The Duke of Sutherland, Lord Alfred Paget, Lord +Aylesford, Lord Carington, Colonel Owen Williams, Lord Charles +Beresford, Captain Fitz George, were invited to join the expedition. +Canon Duckworth was selected as chaplain, and Sir +Joseph Phayrer as physician; Mr. Albert Grey, secretary to Sir +Bartle Frere, Dr. Russell, and Mr. S. P. Hall as artist, completed +the list of those who formed the suite of His Royal Highness. +Several of these—General Probyn, Colonel Ellis, and Dr. Phayrer—had +long Indian experience; and Lord Charles Beresford had +accompanied the Duke of Edinburgh in his Indian tour the +year before.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p> +<p>The route to be laid down required much consultation, partly +from public considerations and partly from questions of climate +and care for the Prince's health. The best time of starting had +also to be considered. At last all was arranged, and on the 11th of +November the Prince started. The route was to be viâ Brindisi, +to Greece, Egypt, Bombay, Ceylon, Madras, Calcutta, Lucknow, +Delhi, Lahore, Agra, Gwalior, Nepal, Bareilly, Allahabad, Indore, +Bombay, and home by Egypt, Malta, Gibraltar, Spain, Portugal. +The departure from Lisbon was on the 7th of May, and on the +11th the <i>Serapis</i> anchored off the Isle of Wight, where the Princess +of Wales and the children, in the <i>Enchantress</i> yacht, awaited the +arrival. "The scene at the landing at Portsmouth," says +Dr. Russell, "was a becoming prelude to the greeting which the +whole country gave the Prince of Wales on his return from the +visit to India, which will be for ever a great landmark in the +history of the Empire."</p> + +<p>The numerous and diverse events and incidents of the months +in India—the sight-seeing, the adventures (some of them strange +and perilous), the shooting parties and hunting expeditions, the +manifold amusements and excitements of travel—all these were +enjoyed by the Prince as much as if he were only the most light-hearted +tourist or keenest sportsman. But at the same time, so +far as official ceremony and public affairs were concerned, he bore +himself all through with a thoughtfulness and dignity worthy of +his high position, and of the important mission with which he +was entrusted as representing Royalty and the British nation.</p> + +<p>There was ceremonial reception at Athens, and again in +Egypt in the court of the Khedive, but the first official and formal +event of the Prince's mission was the investiture of Prince Tewfik, +the Viceroy's eldest son, with the Order of the Star of India. +This was done in the palace, with imposing ceremony.</p> + +<p>The next official event was the reception of an address from the +inhabitants of Aden, which was presented by a Parsee merchant, +on behalf of the community. The address of the Parsee showed +very clearly how well the object of the Prince's visit was understood +throughout the East. The Prince made an appropriate +reply, which no doubt was speedily wired to Bombay, and read in +the native newspapers all over India.</p> + +<p>On arriving at Bombay it was again a Parsee who headed the +first deputation and read the first address to the Prince on +landing in India. It was from the Corporation of Bombay, the +second city in the British Empire, in population if not in wealth. +The address set forth in glowing terms the historical and +commercial claims of the city to distinction, and expressed the +pleasure of seeing among them the heir to the Crown, whom the +Queen had sent to become personally acquainted with the people +of India. The Prince replied in the following words:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is a great pleasure to me to begin my travels in India at +a place so long associated with the Royal Family of England, +and to find that during so many generations of British rule this +great port has steadily prospered. Your natural advantages +would have insured a large amount of commerce under any +strong Government, but in your various and industrious population +I gladly recognize the traces of a rule which gives +shelter to all who obey the laws; which recognizes no invidious +distinctions of race; which affords to all perfect liberty in +matters of religious opinion and belief; and freedom in the +pursuit of trade and of all lawful callings. I note with satisfaction +the assurance I derive from your address, that under +British rule men of varied creeds and nations live in harmony +among themselves, and develop to the utmost those energies +which they inherit from widely separate families of mankind, +whilst all join in loyal attachment to the British Crown, and +take their part, as in my native country, in the management of +their own local affairs.</p> + +<p>"I shall gladly communicate to Her Majesty what you so +loyally and kindly say regarding the pleasure which the people +of India derive from Her Majesty's gracious permission to me +to visit this part of Her Majesty's Empire. I assure you that +the Princess of Wales has never ceased to share my regret that +she was unable to accompany me. She has from her earliest +years taken the most lively interest in this great country, and +the cordiality of your greeting this day will make her yet more +regret the impossibility of her sharing in person the pleasure +your welcome afforded me."</p> + +</blockquote><p>This reply, so happily conceived, and delivered with quiet +earnestness, delighted all who heard it. But the echoes of it +would soon reach every part of India, and the chiefs and rulers, and +also the leaders of opinion in the native press, would from these +words of the Prince receive a lesson of true statesmanship and +constitutional government.</p> + +<p>The greatest event at Bombay was the reception of the Rulers +and Chiefs of Western India, a scene of truly Oriental magnificence, +the description of which forms one of the most brilliant +chapters in Dr. Russell's book. All the established forms of Indian +ceremony were observed. The greatest rulers were saluted with the +largest number of guns, the Maharajah of Mysore, for instance, having +a salute of twenty-one guns, while others were fifteen-gun chiefs or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> +eleven-gun rajahs, as the case might be, according to the population +and wealth of the territories over which they ruled. Their dresses, +and jewels, and retinues, and the modes of reception, as well as +their personal characteristics, are all duly recorded. The Viceroy +of India, Lord Northbrook, was with the Prince of Wales at one +grand Durbar, and his position in regard to the Royal Envoy from +the Queen, the arrangement of which had caused some difficulty in +anticipation, was gracefully managed by the Viceroy and the +Prince themselves. The Bombay Durbar passed off admirably. It +was the Prince's birthday, the 9th of November, and no such scene +as on that day can he expect again to witness. The "Carpet," which +takes an important place in Oriental durbars, the nuzzars or gifts +of homage, and other points of ceremonial, as well as the number +of guns in the salute, had all been arranged by official notices to +the political officers attached to the native courts. But the cordial +bearing of the Prince, and his kindly words when he was told that +any visitors knew the English tongue, gave more satisfaction than +the formal ceremonials.</p> + +<p>A State banquet was given by the Governor in honour of the +Prince's birthday. In returning thanks for his health, proposed +by the Governor, the Prince made a short but telling speech. He +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It has long been my earnest wish—the dream of my life—to +visit India; and now that my desire has been gratified, I +can only say, Sir Philip Wodehouse, how much pleased I am to +have spent my thirty-fourth birthday under your roof in +Bombay. I shall remember with satisfaction the hospitable +reception I have had from the Governor, and all here, as long +as I live, and I believe that I may regard what I have experienced +in Bombay as a guarantee of the future of my progress +through this great Empire, which forms so important a part of +the dominions of the Queen."</p> + +</blockquote><p>These last words were a true forecast of the Royal progress +throughout India. What has been said of Bombay, must serve to +give an idea of what everywhere had to be recorded. But we +must refrain from further details of what occurred at other Presidencies, +and only add that the crowning public event of the whole +tour, the chief ceremony of the mission of the Prince, the holding +the Chapter of the Order of the Star of India, came off, at Calcutta, +on New Year's Day, 1876, with brilliant <i>éclat</i>.</p> + +<p>This only may be said, that no more successful embassy than +that undertaken by the Prince ever went forth from England. It +may be added that the great ends accomplished by it cost to the +British Exchequer less than £60,000; and this, although no expense +was spared in carrying out the mission with due display and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> +munificence. Nor ought it to be omitted that the Prince was most +generous, as he is at home, in his gifts to useful and charitable +institutions, visited by him in the course of his journey. But we +must leave the fascinating story of the Indian visit, to resume the +record of the humbler, but not less honourable duties, undertaken +by the Prince after his return to England.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 7th, 1877.</i></p> + + +<p>The "Licensed Victuallers," as might be expected from so numerous, +wealthy, and ancient a Corporation, possess several charitable +institutions. They have a "Permanent Fund," founded as far back +as 1794, and incorporated in 1836, which grants weekly allowances +to about two hundred and sixty persons, at an annual outlay of +£4770; grants £300 yearly for the maintenance of twelve children +in the Society's School; and dispenses temporary relief amounting +to £500. The School just named, founded in 1803, situated in +Kennington Lane, Lambeth, wholly maintains and educates 200 +children of deceased or distressed members of the Incorporated +Society of Licensed Victuallers. Its income from all sources +averages £6000. Besides these charitable operations, there is the +Licensed Victuallers' Asylum, in the Old Kent Road, founded in +1827, and incorporated in 1836, for the reception and maintenance +of decayed aged licensed victuallers, their wives or widows, +and for granting weekly allowances of money to fifty candidates, +while waiting for the more substantial benefits of the Society. +The Asylum comprises 170 distinct houses, with a common library, +a chapel and resident chaplain. The property covers six acres of +freehold land, and the annual expense is about £8500.</p> + +<p>In support of this useful and well-managed Asylum, the Prince +of Wales presided, at a special jubilee festival held on May the +7th, 1877. The Duke of Sussex was its first patron in 1827, and +he was succeeded by the Prince Consort, on whose death the +Prince of Wales assumed the office. A large number of influential +persons accepted the invitation to be present, including Earl +Granville, several members of the House of Peers, many members +of the House of Commons, and three Bishops, in all about 300 +supporters of the institution.</p> + +<p>After grace by the Bishop of Winchester, in whose diocese the +Asylum is situated, the Chairman rose to propose the usual opening +toast of "The Queen," saying that Her Majesty had always taken +deep interest in this Asylum, and had sent £50 to its funds at one +of its annual festivals. Earl Granville, in a genial and humorous +speech, proposed the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> +and the rest of the Royal Family." The noble Lord said he considered +it a fortunate circumstance that he was there that evening, +because in the afternoon he met a friend, who said to him: "You +really don't mean to say you are going to dine with those wicked +people the licensed victuallers?" Now, in arguing the case with +his friend, he did not go into the abstruse question whether all +persons who dealt in articles of general demand and great consumption, +useful in themselves, and capable of being misapplied or +abused, such as food, or drink, or money, or physic, or a great many +other things which, excellent in themselves in a small quantity, +might be most deleterious, when misapplied—were monsters. He +satisfied himself with a much shorter answer, which was that, as a +study in human nature, it would be rather interesting to see 300 +monsters of iniquity assembled cordially to promote the work of +genuine charity and benevolence. Having justified his presence, +he ventured to say that the toast he proposed would be received +with the most unfeigned and genuine pleasure, since he had to +give "The Health of the Prince, of the Princess of Wales, and the +rest of the Royal Family." He might recommend it on the score +of the high position of the Chairman, which enabled him to +influence so many for good, or on the ground that the Prince and +Princess are the most popular couple in the country, and in all the +vast dependencies of the British Crown. He might put it on the +ground that the Prince shows that genial and cordial energy in +anything which he undertakes, whether in protecting the interests +of British exhibitors on the Champs de Mars at Paris, or in presiding +in a work of charity and kindliness. He might also recommend +it in consequence of His Royal Highness being the very best +chairman of a public dinner. Instead of long speeches, His Royal +Highness made addresses that were, to use a homely expression, as +full of meat as an egg. But without using any arguments whatever, +he would give them "The Health of the Prince and Princess, +and the rest of the Royal Family," and he was sure it would be +received with enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>The band of the Grenadier Guards, under Mr. Dan Godfrey, +played "God Bless the Prince of Wales," after which the Prince rose +and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I am excessively grateful to the +noble Earl for the most kind and flattering—I may say far too +flattering—terms in which he has been kind enough to propose +my health, that of the Princess, and the other members of my +family, and for the excessively cordial manner in which you +have been kind enough to receive it this evening. It is, no +doubt, somewhat unusual that the health of the Chairman +should be given at so early a period, but I am very grateful to +the noble Earl for the kind manner in which he has given it,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> +and to you for the way in which you have received it. Lord +Granville has just mentioned to you that this afternoon he was +accosted by a friend, who asked him why he was coming to-night, +and expressed some surprise at his doing so. Lord +Granville was asked by one friend. During the last three or +four days I have received as many as 200 petitions from bodies +in all parts of the United Kingdom begging me on no account +to be present here this evening. Of course, I do not wish in +any way to disparage those temperance societies, which have, no +doubt, excellent objects in view. But I think this time they +have rather overshot the mark, because the object of the meeting +to-night is not to encourage the love of drink, but to support +a good and excellent charity. I can only say, and I am sure all +those here will agree with me, that no one had the interest of +all those in his adopted country more at heart than my lamented +father, and I feel perfectly convinced that he would never have +been the patron of the society unless he was sure that it was +one that was likely to do good, and that it was deserving of his +support. Lord Granville has made far too flattering allusion to +me as a Chairman, but as he has been kind enough to say—giving +me certainly a broad hint—that speeches of this kind +should be short, I am only too happy to avail myself of it; and +if brevity is the soul of wit, I shall be the wittiest of chairmen.</p> + +<p>"Before sitting down I wish to bring to your notice a toast +which is always honoured with enthusiasm at every assemblage +of Englishmen. The toast is given, indeed, so often that it is +difficult to vary the manner of giving it, and especially at the +present moment I feel it would be unbecoming in me to dilate +in any way on the Army or the Navy. But at the present +moment, when the political horizon far away is so obscure, I feel +sure that, whatever may happen, it is the wish of all Englishmen +that our Army, though small, should be in the highest +state of efficiency, and that our Navy should be, as it ought to +be, the best in the world. I have lately returned from a short +trip in the Mediterranean, where I had the pleasure of spending +ten days in one of the finest men-of-war in Her Majesty's +service; and though the captain of that vessel is my own +brother, I feel I may say that there are few vessels which are in +a better state of order and discipline. And I think that if all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> +the rest of the Fleet are in the same state we shall have no +cause to complain of our Naval Service. With the Army and +Reserve Forces I beg to couple the name of General Sir W. +Knollys, and with the Navy that of Admiral Sir A. Milne, who +for so long a time has given his valuable services to the +Admiralty."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir W. Knollys, in returning thanks, said that, in addition to +intemperance in drink, there was such a thing as intemperance of +the brain and pen, and he had observed marks of that in some of +the communications which, as a member of the Prince's household, +he had had under his notice during the last few days. Sir Alexander +Milne also returned thanks. The Prince of Wales then rose and +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—The toast which I now give +you is the toast of the evening—'Renewed Prosperity to the +Licensed Victuallers' Asylum.' We are met here together +to-night for the purpose of doing honour to its 50th anniversary, +and when I look round me and see so numerous an assembly, I +feel sure that we shall have in every respect reason to be grateful +for the bounty of these gentlemen, who are prepared to do +much towards benefiting this excellent charitable institution. +As everybody is aware, it was founded as a refuge for the aged +and decayed members of the trade, so that they might be spared +from dying of hunger, or being thrown on the poor-rates as +recipients of parish relief.</p> + +<p>"The first stone of this Asylum was laid by my grand uncle, +the Duke of Sussex, and forty-three houses were then erected. +Up to the year 1835 lodging only was provided; but the Board +of Management then originated a fund which enabled them to +maintain the inmates as well. A weekly allowance in money +and coals was granted to these poor people.</p> + +<p>"In the year 1849 the applicants had become so numerous +that it was determined to erect an additional building. The +first stone of that building was laid by my lamented father, +who again performed a similar service when it was found +necessary, nineteen years ago, to enlarge still further this +Asylum. In the year 1866 my brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, +laid the foundation stone of another wing.</p> + +<p>"In the year 1863 I had the pleasure of becoming the Patron +of this Society, although in sad circumstances, in succession to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> +my father. I had great satisfaction also in assisting in the +ceremony of unveiling the statue which has been erected to the +memory of my father in the grounds of the Asylum. I believe +I am correct in stating that the institution now consists of +about 170 separate habitations. The number of inmates is +about 210, who receive, the married couples, 10<i>s.</i>, and the +others, 8<i>s.</i> per week, besides coals, medical assistance, &c. +The annual expenses are very large, as they amount to upwards +of £8000, and as for the greater amount of that expenditure +the Asylum is dependent upon voluntary contributions, the +Governors are most anxious to collect now a sum which may be +added to their capital in order that they may feel that they +have more certain sources of income. I feel sure you will aid +them, and I call upon you once more to give most liberally all +that is in your power to give, and to show that you are anxious +by pecuniary means as well as by your presence here this +evening to benefit the institution. I will not weary you with +any more words, because no doubt at many other dinners the +main facts of the case have been brought before your notice. I +will only say that it has given me the greatest pleasure to take +the chair this evening. I thank you again for the cordial +support which you have been kind enough to give me, and I +feel that now again I may call upon you once more to do all +in your power for the prosperity of the Licensed Victuallers' +Asylum."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Lord G. Hamilton, M.P., proposed the toast of "The Stewards," +Mr. E. N. Buxton, M.P., in acknowledging the toast, said they +had no desire to claim from His Royal Highness in any sense any +appearance of taking sides on a question by his presence there that +night. The kind words he had spoken only showed his approval +of the great principle that every trade should provide for its poor +and disabled members.</p> + +<p>The Secretary of the Institution read a list of subscriptions, +headed with an additional donation of 100 guineas from His Royal +Highness, which was followed by large subscriptions from Messrs. +Bass, Allsopp, Huggins, Mr. C. Sykes, M.P., and other gentlemen. +The whole list amounted to £5000.</p> + +<p>In recent years the subject of intemperance has attracted more +attention, and the crime and poverty resulting from drink has led +to a general consent of opinion that some greater regulation of the +trade is necessary.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>UNVEILING ALBERT STATUE AT CAMBRIDGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>January 22nd, 1878.</i></p> + + +<p>The election of His Royal Highness Prince Albert to the Chancellorship +of the University of Cambridge, was one of the honours of +which he was most justly proud. He was only twenty-eight years +of age, and had not yet been eight years in England. But during +these years he had won the respect and admiration of all that was +highest and best in the nation. When the Chancellorship of Cambridge +became vacant by the death of the Duke of Northumberland, +on the 12th of February, 1847, application was made to the Prince, +on the next day, by Dr. Whewell, the Master of Trinity, to allow +himself to be put in nomination for the office. The request was +separately made by the Marquis of Lansdowne on the same day. +A letter from the Bishop of London (Blomfield) conveyed the +assurance that the Prince's acceptance of the office would be +regarded by many of the leading members of the University, with +whom he had conferred, as "honourable and advantageous to the +University." The Prince replied, through Mr. Anson, to whom +the bishop's letter was addressed, that he would be gratified +by such a distinction, if it was the unanimous desire of the +University.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately there was another candidate proposed, and an +election took place, the Prince obtaining a large majority. Of 24 +Professors who voted, 16 gave their votes for the Prince; of 30 +Senior Wranglers, 19 were on his side; while of the resident members +3 to 1 voted for him. Notwithstanding this strong expression +of opinion, the Prince felt inclined to refuse the office, but was +induced to accept it, on the reasons of the opposition being explained +to him, and on the assurance that the contest would be forgotten +after a few months, and that he might then count on the confidence +and goodwill of the whole Academical body.</p> + +<p>Fortunately he accepted, and the assurances of his supporters +were more than verified. On the 24th of March the ceremony of +inauguration was gone through at Buckingham Palace, when the +Letters-Patent ware presented to the Prince by the Vice-Chancellor, +accompanied by the most distinguished officials, and about one +hundred and thirty members of the University. How soon and +how powerfully his influence was felt in advancing education at +Cambridge, is matter of history. The following simple entry in +his Diary, on the 1st of November, 1848, shows the result of his +first efforts: "My plan for a reform of the studies at Cambridge is +carried by a large majority." To the enlightened and judicious +plans of the Prince the subsequent advances and extension of +education in England have been largely due. Nowhere was this +more gratefully acknowledged than at Cambridge.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> + +<p>During his life he was honoured, and after his death a statue +was erected to his memory, chiefly by subscriptions from the +University. The site chosen was in the <a name="corr_191a"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: FitzWilliam">Fitzwilliam</ins> Museum, a +memorial worthy of the noble benefactor, who bequeathed to the +University his valuable collection of pictures and books, with a +sum of £100,000 to be spent in providing a building suitable for +their reception. The statue of Prince Albert was here fittingly +placed. It was one of the best works of Mr. Foley, in his later +years, and is universally admired as a striking and worthy representation +of the illustrious Chancellor.</p> + +<p>It was for the ceremony of unveiling this statue that the Prince +of Wales visited Cambridge on the 22nd of January, 1878. He +was met at the gate of the Museum by the Chancellor, the Duke of +Devonshire, the Lord High Steward, the Vice-Chancellor, and a +distinguished company. On entering the vestibule an address was +read by the Chancellor, <a name="corr_191b"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: seting">setting</ins> forth the services to the University +of the Prince Consort, during his fifteen years' tenure of office. +The address thus concluded:—</p> + +<p>"This memorial of the Prince Consort cannot but serve to remind +us also as Englishmen of the signal benefits conferred by His +Royal Highness upon our Queen and country by his wise and far-seeing +counsels, his never-wearying vigilance and attention to the +public welfare, and his entire devotion to the duties of his exalted +station at the sacrifice of all personal interests and objects.</p> + +<p>"We thank your Royal Highness for the distinguished honour +conferred upon the University by your presence among us this day. +It remains only for us to prefer our request that your Royal Highness +will now be graciously pleased to uncover the statue. To no +one does this honourable office more appropriately belong."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales returned the following reply:—</p> +<blockquote> +<p>"My Lord Duke, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Members of the Senate, +and Gentlemen,—I thank you for your address. I feel that it is +hardly necessary for me to assure you what pleasure it affords +me to be present on this occasion for the purpose of unveiling +the statue of my illustrious father and your late Chancellor, in +compliance with the special desire and invitation of the Chancellor +and the Members of the Senate of the University. But, +apart from the performance of this duty, I must express my +great satisfaction at having an opportunity of revisiting Cambridge +as a member of your University, and recalling to my +mind the agreeable recollections which I have always retained +of my undergraduate's days. The interest which the Prince +Consort took in everything relating to the welfare of the University +is well known to us all, and it is a source of deep gratification +to me to witness the respect which the members of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> +University show to his memory by the erection of this fine +statue. I will now proceed to execute the task imposed upon +me of unveiling the statue."</p></blockquote> + +<p>The Prince then walked up to the Statue, and having pulled a +string, it stood unveiled before the assembly, who contemplated it +for a few moments in silence.</p> + +<p>The Chancellor again addressing the Prince, thanked him for +the honour which he had done the University in being present on +so interesting an occasion. It was, however, a source of regret to +him that so many had passed away who had the best means of +becoming acquainted with the views and thoughts of the Prince +Consort—such as Professor Sedgwick and Dr. Whewell—who, if +they were alive, would gladly have borne testimony to his great +virtues that day. There were, however, many now in that hall +who, he had no doubt, entertained the liveliest recollections of the +deep interest which was taken by His Royal Highness in the work +in which the University was engaged.</p> + +<p>The Earl of Powis also bore testimony to the unwearied interest +which was taken by the Prince Consort in the development of new +studies in the University, even amid the weighty cares of State.</p> + +<p>Dr. G. Paget, Regius Professor of Physic, spoke in highly +eulogistic terms of the Prince Consort's love of science and art, +observing that it was under his auspices that the Moral and +Natural Science Triposes had been established, to the great advantage +of teaching in the University.</p> + +<p>The ceremony in the entrance-hall was thus brought to a close, +and the Prince of Wales, the Chancellor, and their respective +suites proceeded to the picture gallery, where His Royal Highness +held a <i>levée</i>, which was very numerously attended. After the <i>levée</i> +he returned to Trinity College. It was several years since the +Prince of Wales had paid a visit to Cambridge of any duration. He +spent some time there as an under-graduate, and made with the +Princess of Wales a stay of three days in 1864, when he had the +degree of LL.D. conferred upon him.</p> + +<p>Another memorable visit was paid on the 9th of June, 1888, +when the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess and their +three daughters, witnessed the conferring of an honorary degree +on Prince Albert Victor. Other notable graduates <i>honoris causâ</i> +were on the list that day, including the Marquis of Salisbury, the +Earl of Rosebery, Lord Selborne, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Goscheu, and +Professor Stokes. At the luncheon afterwards given in the Fitzwilliam +Museum, the Prince of Wales said it was seven and +twenty years since he was first connected with the University. +"They were happy days," he added, "and I always look back to +them with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction."</p> + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> + +<h2>INFANT ORPHAN ASYLUM, WANSTEAD.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 28th, 1878.</i></p> + +<p>This institution maintains and educates the orphans of persons +once in prosperity, from earliest infancy till fourteen or fifteen +years of age. About 60 children are now (1888) annually elected. +Nearly the whole of the income depends on voluntary contributions. +Subscribers have votes, according to the amount of their +subscriptions. There are now nearly 600 in the Asylum, which is +open to children from all parts of the British dominions. The +Asylum stands in beautifully wooded grounds, at Wanstead, on +the outskirts of Epping Forest.</p> + +<p>The Prince, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, presided at +the anniversary festival, on June 28th, 1878. They drove to +Wanstead, and were received at the Asylum by the Bishop of +St. Albans, in whose diocese it is, and by the officers of the institution. +They were conducted to the Examination Room, where, +Dagmar Mary Petersen, a little orphan girl, eight years old, +daughter of a Dane, who settled in London as a commercial clerk, +herself admitted just eighteen months ago by the loyalty of a lady +of the Society of Friends, who wished thus to honour the Princess, +commenced the proceedings with a pretty speech which she had +got perfectly by heart and recited very clearly. In her childish +voice she gave those assembled a distinct account of the asylum. +"She had been told that it was the largest of the kind in England. +When the boys, girls, officers, and servants are all there, 700 +persons sleep in the building. The schools are in three divisions, +senior, infants, and nursery children. In the two large senior +schools there are about 400 boys and girls. They learn grammar, +history, geography, arithmetic, French, music, and drawing, and +the girls learn needlework besides. In the two infant schools they +do not learn quite so much. In the nursery they learn just a very +little and play a good deal. And being little children they learn +about the Bible." The little girl who spoke this simple address +presented a bouquet to the gracious Princess after the ceremony, +and was kissed, praised, and otherwise gratified.</p> + +<p>"God bless the Prince of Wales" was excellently sung at the +conclusion of the speech; the children came up to the Princess and +took their prizes from her hands; and marched out of the room, +keeping time to lively music. The Royal party inspected the +school-rooms, play-rooms, and dormitories, cheerful and well-ventilated +halls; and the Princess carried toys to the children in +the nursery.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales took the chair at luncheon, supported by +the Princess of Wales, and their suite, the Duke and Duchess of +Manchester, the Bishop of St. Albans and Hon. Mrs. Claughton,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +and a large assembly. After grace the Prince of Wales rose and +proposed "The Health of Her Majesty the Queen." The toast-master +next announced a bumper toast, and the Duke of Manchester +gave "The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales, and the Princess of Wales," "a toast which is never more +heartily honoured than on these fortunately frequent occasions, +when their Royal Highnesses patronize and encourage well-organized +charitable institutions, among which this was perhaps +one of the best he knew."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said, in reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—On the part of the Princess and +myself, we beg to return our warmest thanks to the noble duke +for the kind way in which he has proposed this toast, and to +you, ladies and gentlemen, for the cordial manner in which you +have received it. It has afforded both the Princess and myself +the greatest possible pleasure and the greatest possible gratification +to come here to-day and to inaugurate the fifty-first anniversary +of this excellent and commendable institution. What +we have seen ourselves, and what the most part of the company +have witnessed on their own part, I think will do more than +anything I can say to show you what an excellent institution +this is, and how worthy it is of support in every way. The +manner in which the children sang, the discipline under which +they are evidently kept, the clean and healthy appearance of all +of them, is a matter of sincere congratulation to all those who +take interest in this institution or have the trouble of its +management. I may say that there is one little girl who perfectly +astonished us by the elocution which she possessed—well +worthy of many a distinguished member of Parliament.</p> + +<p>"It was highly interesting to the Princess, as well as to myself, +to have been here to-day, the fortieth anniversary of the Queen's +Coronation. The first stone of the building in which we are +now was laid by my lamented father a few months before I was +born; and I hold in my hand the mallet which was used by +him on that occasion, and which has been sent to me by Sir +Charles Reed, the chairman of the London School Board, whose +father, Dr. Andrew Reed, was, I understand, one of the promoters +of this institution, and always took the warmest interest +in its welfare. This day seventeen years ago the Prince Consort +visited this institution, and this day exactly twelve years ago +was the last time the Princess and I were here.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am sure there is but little more for me to say in commending +so admirable an institution to you, which has now existed +for half a century, which maintains 600 children during the +course of the year, and has educated and sent forth into the +world as many as 3000 up to the present time. But a well-managed +institution like this, with the spacious rooms which +we have seen, will naturally convince you that it must cost a +considerable sum, and I believe I am not incorrect in stating +that it requires at least £18,000 a year to maintain this asylum. +And as it is almost entirely supported by voluntary contributions +I feel sure that all those present will do all they can to +support this institution, and to tell their friends when they go +home how worthy it is of support. I have now, in conclusion, +only to propose—a toast which I give most heartily—'Prosperity +to the Infant Orphan Asylum.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince of Wales then left the chair, resigning it to the +Bishop of St. Albans, who gave the other usual toasts.</p> + +<p>The secretary read a list of subscriptions. The Queen had sent +her annual donation of 10 guineas; the Prince of Wales before +leaving placed in the hands of the secretary a cheque for 100 +guineas; the Duke of Edinburgh gave 10 guineas; H. S. C. (who +had long been an anonymous benefactress), 100 guineas; country +friends, £462. In all, about £1600.</p> + +<p>This concluded the formal proceedings, but the summer weather +tempted many of the visitors to prolong their stay in the pleasant +gardens of the asylum.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE TRAINING SHIP 'BRITANNIA.'</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 24th, 1878.</i></p> + + +<p>In the autumn of 1877, the Prince of Wales went to Dartmouth, to +place his sons, Prince Edward (as he was then usually called) and +Prince George, on the training ship <i>Britannia</i>, under the care of +Captain Fairfax, R.N. At the end of the summer term, in the +following year, the Prince consented to preside at the distribution +of prizes on the <i>Britannia</i>, and graciously announced that the +successful pupils should receive their medals and books from the +hands of the Princess of Wales.</p> + +<p>The Mayor and Corporation of the ancient borough of Dartmouth +took advantage of the occasion to give official welcome to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> +Royal visitors, and to present an address, which the Prince +signified his readiness to receive on board the Royal yacht, <i>Osborne</i>. +Thither the magistrates repaired in the forenoon. The picturesque +estuary of the river Dart never had displayed so festive an appearance. +The <i>Britannia</i>, and her attendant yacht the <i>Sirius</i>, the Royal +yacht, the Admiralty yacht, which had brought the Lords of the +Admiralty, several ships of the Plymouth fleet, under Admiral Sir +Thomas Symonds, besides a large flotilla of yachts, steam launches, +and all sorts of boats, were covered with gay bunting, while flags +floated from every point of the shore and the town.</p> + +<p>The Town Clerk having read the Address from the ancient +borough, which was first incorporated by a charter of Edward III., +in 1342, and had figured in subsequent history, especially at the +time of the Spanish Armada, the Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"On behalf of the Princess of Wales, as well as on my own +behalf, I offer my sincere thanks to you for your address and +for your cordial welcome to us on our visit to this ancient and +beautiful town. The salubrity of the climate of Dartmouth and +the excellence of your sanitary arrangements have long been +known to me, and I can appeal to no better proof of my entire +confidence in them than that afforded by the step I have taken +in sending our two sons to be educated on board the <i>Britannia</i>. +I beg to assure you that with that step both the Princess and +myself are perfectly satisfied. I trust you will continue to +devote your attention as you have done in the past to the improvement +of the sanitary arrangements of the town. I thank +you again for the kind wishes you have expressed towards the +Princess, myself, and our family."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince also congratulated the Mayor, Sir Henry Seale, on +the splendid effect of the illuminations of the previous evening. +Accompanied by the Municipal authorities, and by the Duke of +Connaught, Prince Louis of Battenberg, and a numerous retinue, +the Prince and Princess then proceeded to the <i>Britannia</i> for the +distribution of the prizes. They were received by Mr. W. H. Smith, +then First Lord of the Admiralty, and the other Lords; by the +Commander-in-Chief of the Plymouth division of the Channel +Fleet; and Captain Fairfax of the <i>Britannia</i>. Between 500 and +600 of the friends or relatives of the cadets, and other invited +guests, among whom were Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, Sir +Samuel and Lady Baker, were assembled on the quarter-deck, +sheltered from the sun by a canopy of flags, surmounted by the +flag of Denmark, and the white ensign of England.</p> + +<p>The distribution of the prizes took place, a report on the state of +the training having been previously read by Dr. Hirst, director of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> +studies at the Greenwich Naval College, who had superintended +the examination of the cadets.</p> + +<p>After the distribution, the Prince of Wales, standing on the deck +in the uniform of a captain of the Royal Naval Reserve, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Permit me to express to +you the great pleasure it has given the Princess to present the +cadets who are about to leave the <i>Britannia</i> the prizes which +they have so successfully won, and to express to you on my +own part as well as on that of the Princess the very great +pleasure it has given us to be here to witness and take part in +these interesting proceedings. From Dr. Hirst we heard a most +interesting and exhaustive speech regarding the studies of the +cadets and their merits. I can only wish those who are about to +leave the <i>Britannia</i>, and who have now fairly entered that +noble service for which they have been trained, all possible +success. Let me hope that the tuition they have received here +will not be thrown away upon them, and that they may all +emulate those bright examples to be found in English history +and of which every naval officer must be proud. To those +cadets who still remain on board this ship I can only recommend +strict assiduity to their studies and strict obedience to discipline, +and all of them to try to pass out of the <i>Britannia</i> as highly as +they can, remembering, above all, that saying which one of our +greatest admirals has handed down to posterity—'England +expects every man will do his duty.' A personal interest +which the Princess and myself take in this ship and the confidence +we have of its being an excellent practical school for +boys have been testified by the fact that we have sent our two +sons among you to be educated. For myself, my only hope +and trust is that they may do credit to the ship and to their +country."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. W. H. Smith, M.P., First Lord of the Admiralty, thanked +their Royal Highnesses for their welcome presence, and called +upon the cadets to give three cheers for the Prince and Princess of +Wales. The cheers were prolonged to three times three, caught +up in row-boats around, and echoed by the high banks of the Dart. +The chief captains of the cadets, who are mainly responsible for +discipline and occupy a place of honour in the ship's mess-room on +the main deck, were presented to the Prince and Princess, and the +proceedings came to an end. Captain and Mrs. Fairfax had the +honour of entertaining the Royal personages and a select party at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> +luncheon. Later in the day the Prince of Wales paid a visit to +Captain Zirzow, on the German Imperial frigate <i>Niobe</i>, and drank +a glass of wine to the health of the Emperor of Germany. Captain +Zirzow telegraphed at once to the Emperor that the Prince of +Wales had called a health to him.</p> + +<p>When the Prince and Princess arrived at Dartmouth on Tuesday +they were rowed to the <i>Britannia</i>, one of their sons steering and +the other pulling the second bow oar. They left the ship in a +boat rowed by full-grown sailors, and with their two sons, who +were going home for their holidays, sitting in the stern sheets. +From the <i>Britannia</i> to the landing-place, which was brightly +draped with crimson cloth, hawsers were stretched and thus a +clear lane was kept among the crowd of craft for the passage of +the Royal boat. Tho cadets of the <i>Britannia</i> sat in their blue coats +with tossed oars, and cheers were raised by those on the boats, +yachts, the many little steam launches, and the shore. Little +girls threw flowers before the Princess as she stepped upon the +landing stage. A special train was waiting to meet the ordinary +mail from Penzance and Plymouth.</p> + +<p>So ended a visit which formed an interesting incident in the +family life of the Prince, and the events of which will long be +remembered in South Devon.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CABDRIVERS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 5th, 1879.</i></p> + + +<p>The objects of the Cabdrivers Benevolent Association are: 1, to +give annuities of £20 a year; 2, to grant small loans; 3, to give +temporary assistance in cases of urgent distress; 4, to assist the +widows and orphans of cabmen. This is an institution the +benefits of which are so obvious, and for the help of a class of men +so hard-worked, so uncertainly paid, and so useful to the public, +that we are not surprised at the readiness with which the Prince +of Wales assented to preside at one of its annual festivals, and at +the hearty earnestness in which he made an appeal on its behalf. +It was at the festival dinner on the 5th of May, 1879. On +coming to the toast of the evening His Royal Highness said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"There is, I think, no class of our fellow-countrymen that +deserve more of our consideration than the cabdrivers of this +great city, and it has already been truly expressed to you that +one cannot think without pity of those poor men sitting on +their cabs in the cold east winds with which we are, alas! so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> +well acquainted, and in the rain and snow which have been our +lot now for so many months.</p> + +<p>"They are as a rule, I believe, a class honest, persevering, +and industrious. For them I have to plead to-night, and for +this excellent institution, which has for the last nine years +rendered to them such great benefits.</p> + +<p>"The objects of this Cabdrivers' Benevolent Association are, +as you are aware, threefold—first, to give annuities at the rate +of £12 each to aged cabdrivers or to those who from infirmity +are unable to earn their living; secondly, to grant loans without +interest to members requiring such aid, and to give temporary +assistance to those who may be in distress through unavoidable +causes; and, thirdly, to give legal assistance to members who +may be unjustly summoned to the police courts. It is hardly +possible to conceive that any benevolent institution of this kind +is more deserving of support, not only by the large assembly +who are gathered here, but by the inhabitants generally of our +great Metropolis. There are a thousand cabmen who are +members of this Association, and they pay 5<i>s.</i> a year. Pensions +of £12 are granted now to old and indigent cabdrivers, but it is +our great wish to augment that sum to £16" (now £20). "The +system of loans seems to have answered admirably in every +respect; £600 has been granted to the members without interest, +and these loans have, I understand, been always most +regularly and most punctually repaid. Two hundred and thirty-three +cabmen or their families have been assisted by this society +in various years since its formation, and its existing capital is +more than £3000; but this we hope to augment still further.</p> + +<p>"One statement I may make which may be of interest to +those present here this evening. I mentioned that as a class +the cabmen are thoroughly honest. As a proof of that I have +statistics here before me which state that last year there were +between 16,000 and 17,000 articles left in cabs, amounting in +value to about £20,000, which have been punctually returned. +I believe, at least it is the popular belief, that there is only one +article a cabman never returns, and this is an umbrella, and I +think that is, we may consider, quite fair. A gentleman having +an umbrella may not want a cab, but without an umbrella he +will be compelled to take a cab if the rain comes on!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There are now between 11,000 and 12,000 cabmen, and the +amount of the expense in cab fares comes to a most colossal +sum, something between £4,000,000 and £5,000,000 sterling. +With regard to the remark I made as to the honesty of cabmen, +it may perhaps be not out of place if I mention an anecdote +which was told me to-day. A gentleman drove in a cab to a +shop, left the cab, and entered the shop. On coming out of the +shop, he was not in so quiet a frame of mind as when he entered +it; it was evident to the passers-by that he was dissatisfied +with the shopman; he left the shop and went away. The +shopman threw a case into the cab. The gentleman had forgotten +it. But the cabman immediately drove to Scotland +Yard and delivered the case, which was found to contain +jewellery worth £2300. This will give you some idea of the +honesty of these men, for whom we are endeavouring to do +much. Some considerable good was done only four years ago +by a philanthropic and noble lord whose name is known to you, +who started cabmen's shelters. There are now twenty of these, +and they shelter 2000 cabmen, doing much to alleviate the +discomfort of the men, who sit so many hours of the night +suffering from the inclemency of the seasons.</p> + +<p>"When I see this large assemblage I feel I shall not call in +vain, and I call upon you to augment the capital which already +exists. With this toast I have great pleasure in associating one +who is treasurer of the Association, Lord Richard Grosvenor +(now Lord Stalbridge), member of a family well known in works +of charity and philanthropy. I thank you for the kind way in +which you have listened to my imperfect remarks, and now I +must ask you to drink with enthusiasm 'Success to the Cabdrivers' +Benevolent Association!'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>It is pleasant to find from the latest published report that the +Institution, which the Prince of Wales so warmly commended, is +in a prosperous condition. The annuities have been raised to £20, +and there are 40 annuitants now on the books. The receipts in +1887 were £2191, and the funded property was £10,000. Temporary +relief was given to upwards of 200 cabmen. Upwards of +1200 members contribute 5<i>s.</i> annually, but this is a small +proportion of the whole number of cabdrivers, more of whom +ought to be persuaded to join as members, as they alone receive +the benefits of the Association. The applicants for loans, on +the prescribed terms, were 89. The cabmen have been fortunate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> +in the chairmen at the festivals and annual general meetings. +The Prince of Wales is patron of the Association. The honorary +secretary is G. Stormont Murphy, Esq., and the office is at +15, Soho Square.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE PRINCESS HELENA COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 23rd, 1880.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales presided at Willis's Rooms at a dinner in +aid of the funds of the Princess Helena College, on the 23rd of +May, 1880.</p> + +<p>After the customary proceedings and toasts of the evening, and +speeches by the Duke of Cambridge and Lord Sydney, the Prince +rose and proposed the toast of "Prosperity to the Princess Helena +College." He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"At many of the dinners at which I have the pleasure of +taking the chair, the charities in support of which they are +given require more words to bring them to the notice of those +who attend than the present one does. But though the specific +nature of this institution relieves me from the necessity of +entering upon any lengthened advocacy of its claims, it is not +the less deserving of your hearty support in every respect. As +you are aware, the Princess Helena College was formerly called +the Adult Orphan Institution, and it has for its object the +bringing up of daughters of officers of the Army and Navy and +of clergymen. Its first meeting took place as far back as 1818, +and in 1820 the institution was built. As Lord Sydney told +you, it originated with a relative of his own. It was founded +by her, and by my grand-aunt, Princess Augusta of Gloucester. +King George IV. also took great interest in its welfare, allotting +the plot of ground in the Regent's Park where the College now +stands.</p> + +<p>"The object of the institution is not only to provide a +thoroughly good education for the daughters of officers and +clergymen, but to send them forth into the world in a useful +capacity; and I think you will agree with me that in the +capacity of well-qualified governesses they go forth in the most +useful manner. In the days when it was first instituted so +much attention was not given to education as in our time, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> +you can therefore easily understand that as more highly efficient +education is needed now for these young ladies there is a +proportionate increase of expense. Like many other institutions, +its expenditure has been greater than its receipts, and, as a +consequence, it has been found necessary to somewhat alter its +rules by admitting a certain number of paying students as +boarders, and also by establishing day classes for the daughters +of gentlemen. In order to fit the institution for this new +sphere of operations it has been necessary to enlarge the +building, and though, no doubt, the effect of this arrangement +will be to increase receipts, the enlargement of the building has +naturally entailed great cost, and in order to meet that charge +I have to call upon you, gentlemen, to do all you can, by a most +liberal contribution to-night, to enable the committee to meet +their pecuniary difficulties. The best proof you can give me +of the real interest you take in the welfare of this excellent +institution will be to subscribe as handsomely as it is in your +power to do. I am informed that a distinguished naval officer +is acting as steward here to-night in gratitude for the benefit +his daughters have derived in their education from a governess +who was brought up at the Princess Helena College. I have +mentioned before that the Queen is its patron. Her Majesty +subscribes £50 a year to its funds, and on this special occasion +she presents 100 guineas. The interest taken by my sister, the +Princess, in its welfare is sufficiently proved by the fact that +she is President of the Council of the College, and I have great +pleasure in stating to you that it is by her express wish and +recommendation that I am here to-night. I will, in conclusion, +again ask you to let me feel by the liberality of your +contributions that I have not failed in my duty as your +Chairman."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Secretary then read a list of donations and subscriptions, +which, including those from the Queen and 100 guineas from the +Prince of Wales, amounted to over £2060.</p> + +<p>The College still flourishes at Ealing, a populous district, where +day boarders are also admitted to the classes of the institution.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW HARBOUR AT HOLYHEAD.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 17th, 1880.</i></p> + + +<p>To possess the best possible packet service between England and +Ireland is a matter of national importance. In the old days of +sailing ships the perils and uncertainties of the passage across the +Channel were notorious. When steamships carried mails and +passengers, and when the bridging of the Menai Straits for railway +traffic had been achieved, it was necessary to provide improved +harbour accommodation, and other works, both for convenience +and safety, at Holyhead. These works included a spacious harbour, +and a breakwater securing the additional space of a sheltered +roadstead. The length of the North Breakwater is nearly 8000 +feet. The harbour and deep-water sheltered roadstead are together +between six and seven hundred acres in extent. It took twenty-five +years to carry out the design, at a cost of about £1,500,000. +This outlay included the works and buildings for Government +use in the postal service. The engineer-in-chief was Mr. James +Rennel, and on his death, in 1856, Mr. afterwards Sir John +Hawkshaw.</p> + +<p>To celebrate the completion of the works, the Prince of Wales +visited Holyhead on the 19th of August, 1873, when he declared +the Breakwater complete and the Harbour of Refuge open. The +Duke of Edinburgh, Master of the Trinity House, Sir Frederick +Arrow, Deputy Master, and many distinguished representatives of +various departments of the public service assisted at the ceremony. +Near the Lighthouse a gun-metal plate records the fact that the +Breakwater, "commenced in 1845, was on August 19th, 1873, +declared complete, by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales," in +whose public life the proceedings of the day form a memorable +event.</p> + +<p>But there was yet much to be done for the Anglo-Irish route, viâ +Holyhead. The communication had so increased that the North +Western Railway Company found enlarged harbour accommodation +a necessity for the benefit of their own traffic.</p> + +<p>It is not often that Royal sanction is given to the undertakings of +shareholding companies; but the new harbour at Holyhead, while +it was constructed at the cost and for the benefit of the London +and North Western Railway Company, has so much importance +for commerce and traffic, as to make it a national object. The +Prince of Wales was accordingly asked to inaugurate the new +harbour, and a large number of distinguished and official persons +were invited by the Directors to be present on the occasion. At +the luncheon, the Chairman of the Company proposed the usual +loyal toasts, and the Prince of Wales responded in the following +terms:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I am deeply +flattered by the kind manner in which this toast has been +proposed and received in this large and distinguished assemblage. +I feel it a matter of the greatest pleasure, and at the +same time the greatest pride, to be among you here to-day. +It is a matter of pride, ladies and gentlemen, to be connected +with this Principality, and it has afforded me the greatest +pleasure to accept the invitation of the Chairman and Directors +of the London and North Western Company to inaugurate this +new harbour. It is not the first time, as you are aware, that I +have had occasion to come to Holyhead. Seven years ago I +had the pleasure of inaugurating your breakwater, which I am +glad to see is now successfully terminated and is of the greatest +possible utility. The sunshine we have enjoyed to-day may be +taken as a good augury for the success of the London and +North Western Railway Company in their new undertaking. +This undertaking has cost them a very large sum of money, +but it will, I am sure, be of the greatest benefit to commerce, +and will tend to make the Holyhead route still more than it is +a connecting link between England and Ireland. Before sitting +down I have a toast to propose, which I feel sure you will +drink with the greatest pleasure; it is 'The Health of the +Chairman, Mr. Moon, and Success and Prosperity to the London +and North Western Railway Company.' I also desire to declare +the new harbour open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Both on land and water there were many loyal demonstrations; +and gentlemen representing all the leading railway companies, +French and Irish, as well as English and Welsh, were entertained +by the Directors of the London and North Western.</p> + +<p>The opening sentences of a leading article in the <i>Times</i> on the +following day, form a tribute due to the Prince for his part in the +ceremony:—</p> + +<p>"The representative duties of Royalty in this country are +heavier than the private functions the hardest-worked Englishman +has to perform. Only the other day we were recording the part +played by the Prince of Wales in an ecclesiastical pageant in +Cornwall. On Wednesday he was introducing a foreign Sovereign +to the Corporation of London. Straight from that ceremonial he had +to take flight across the island to open formally the new harbour +at Holyhead. In these scenes and a hundred like them a Prince's +functions cannot be discharged satisfactorily unless he be at once +an impersonation of Royal State and, what is harder still, his own<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> +individual self. He must act his public character as if he enjoyed +the festival as much as any of the spectators. He must be able +to stamp a national impress upon the solemnity, yet mark its +local and particular significance. In presenting a King of the +Hellenes to the citizens at the Guildhall the Prince of Wales had +to remember that his guest and the guest of the City was both a +near and dear relative and the embodiment of an illustrious cause. +In laying the first stone of a cathedral at Truro he had to be both +Duke of Cornwall and the Heir of England. In presiding +yesterday at Holyhead he had to recollect the provincial associations +connected with the title he bears, and not forget the imperial +importance of a work which creates a new link between two great +divisions of the United Kingdom. That he achieved his task +successfully was a matter of course. No apprehension ever touches +those who are present at a scene of which the Prince of Wales is +the centre, that he may chance to chill by lack of interest, to +choose his words of admiration inopportunely, or to praise without +sympathy. The work he came, as it were, to sanction by national +approbation is a grand engineering undertaking, and is grander +yet in its probable moral consequences. The Prince of Wales +understood and expressed its significance from both aspects."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW COLOURS TO THE ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 16th, 1880.</i></p> + + +<p>The Royal Welsh Fusiliers (or Twenty-third Regiment of Foot in +the old Army Lists) received the more familiar name from having +been first raised in Wales in 1714, and in honour of the Prince of +Wales of that day. Their nationality is further betokened by the +Prince of Wales's plume, with the motto "Ich Dien," which, +together with the Rising Sun, the Red Dragon, the White Horse, +and the Sphinx, they bear on their colours. The regiment is one +of the oldest and most famous in the Army, and the proud words, +"Nec aspera terrent," which are emblazoned on its regimental +silk, it has amply justified by its gallant conduct from the Battle +of the Boyne, in 1690, to the Indian Mutiny, in 1858, including +Egypt, Corunna, Martinique, Albuera, Badajoz, Salamanca, the +Pyrenees, Nivelle, Orthes, Toulouse, Waterloo, Alma, Inkerman, +Sebastopol, and nearly fifty other engagements which are not +recorded on its colours.</p> + +<p>It was peculiarly fitting that the duty of presenting new colours +to this brave and distinguished Welsh regiment should be undertaken +by the Prince of Wales. This he did on the 16th of August, +1880, coming from Osborne for the purpose, when the 1st Battalion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> +of the Welsh Fusiliers, above nine hundred strong, including +officers, was embarking for India from Portsmouth.</p> + +<p>The colours, exchanged for new ones on that day, had been presented +in 1849 by the late Prince Consort, the battalion at the +same time receiving from the Queen the first of those Royal goats, +which have always since marched at the head of the regiment. +When the gallant "Nanny Goats," as the Twenty-third are nick-named, +first had the regimental pet is not exactly known, but +since 1849 a Royal goat has been received from Windsor whenever +a vacancy occurs.</p> + +<p>The colours replaced by the new ones in 1880 had a history of +their own, and the regiment took pride in them, although in such +a tattered condition that they could not be unfurled. The Queen's +colour was that which was carried by Lieutenant Anstruther, who +was killed when planting it on the Great Redoubt at Sebastopol. +Twelve officers and half the rank and file fell in that terrible rush, +but the Royal Welsh had the honour of first entering the enemy's +stronghold. No fewer than seventy-five bullets passed through the +colours, and the pole of one of them was shot in two, and had to +be tied up with a cord. Sergeant O'Connor, though dangerously +wounded, carried the Queen's colours till the end of the battle, and +was rewarded by a commission in the regiment, receiving the +Victoria Cross at the close of the war. He rose to be Colonel of +the 2nd Battalion, and was present, with his breast covered with +well-earned decorations, when the Prince of Wales came to +present the new colours at Portsmouth. The colours were afterwards +carried through the Indian Mutiny, where Colonel Elgee +and several of the officers had the honour of serving under them. +The ragged relics were relegated to the honourable obscurity of +Wrexham Church.</p> + +<p>The ceremony of removing the old colours and presenting the +new was an imposing spectacle, witnessed by an immense assemblage, +and amidst great enthusiasm. The old colours having been +placed in front of the saluting post, were afterwards sent to the +rear, the band playing "Auld Lang Syne." Then the new colours +were presented by the Prince, with whom was the Princess of +Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar. +Having received the colours from the Majors, the Prince presented +them separately to the Lieutenants, and then turning to the +Colonel, spoke as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Colonel Elgee, officers, and non-commissioned officers and +men of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers,—I consider it a very great +privilege to have been asked to present your regiment with new +colours on the eve of its departure for India. It occurs to me +in presenting these colours that they are to replace those which +were given to you about thirty-one years ago by my lamented +father, and which through three campaigns your regiment has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> +carried with honour and success. You will in a few years +celebrate your 200th anniversary, and during that time your +regiment has served in nearly every quarter of the globe, and +seen as much or more service than any regiment in the Army. +You have served at Corunna, Salamanca, the Peninsula, Waterloo, +Alma, Inkerman, Sebastopol, Lucknow, and, coming down +to more recent times, Ashantee. I feel sure that there will +always be the same emulation among those who serve in your +ranks as there has been in the past, and that the good name of +your regiment will always be maintained as prominently as it +is now. You are now on the eve of departure for India, and +nobody wishes you 'God-speed' more sincerely than I do. I +feel sure that, whatever your services may be, they will be such +as will bring credit to your regiment, and will add additional +proofs of the valour for which it is so justly celebrated."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Colonel Elgee made a suitable and soldierly reply, thus concluding: +"I am sure that wherever the colours are carried—whether +before an enemy or in the performance of our duties +at home in times of peace—the regiment will always maintain +the high reputation it has won. On the eve of our departure +for India, we beg to express our heartiest wishes for the health +and happiness of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, your +Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales, and the remainder of the +Royal Family."</p> + +<p>The line having been reformed, His Royal Highness had the +whole of the officers drawn up on each side of the drums, and as +they saluted and passed to their posts, each was individually presented +to the Prince and Princess by the Colonel. A few more +movements, and the ranks were closed, the line broke into +columns to the right, and marched past to the jetty, where they +embarked on board the <i>Malabar</i>. After luncheon, the whole party +from the Royal yacht, including the Princess Beatrice, who had +arrived in the <i>Alberta</i> to receive the Empress Eugénie and take her +to Osborne on a visit to the Queen, proceeded on board the <i>Malabar</i>, +where they stayed three-quarters of an hour and made a thorough +inspection of the ship, where they were welcomed with much +enthusiasm. When at length the ship drew away into the stream, +followed by the Royal yacht <i>Osborne</i>, the band of the Royal +Marines ashore played "The March of the Men of Harlech," and +"Cheer, Boys, Cheer," while the troops responded by singing +"Auld Lang Syne."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 24th, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>This Hospital, which is the oldest of its kind in London, is situated +in Waterloo Bridge Road, in a populous and poor district. It +contains now about 50 beds. The number of out-patient attendances +averages 3000 a month, and upwards of 250 visits each month are +paid by the house-surgeon to sick children at their own homes. +The ordinary receipts are about £3000, and the funded property +£6500. It is a well-managed and useful charity, and just such a +one as would gain the good will of the Prince of Wales, who presided +at the festival dinner, in Willis's Rooms, on the Queen's +Birthday, May 24th, 1881.</p> + +<p>After the customary loyal and patriotic toasts, the Royal Chairman +briefly but earnestly pleaded the cause of the charity. He +said that—</p><blockquote> + +<p>The largeness of the gathering on that occasion was evidence +of the interest taken in this great and important charity. +During the last few years, he remarked, we had suffered from +both agricultural and commercial depression, and institutions +of a charitable kind, especially those which owed their existence +and maintenance to voluntary contributions, must naturally +feel a depression, which prevented many persons from coming +forward to their support; but still he did not despair of the +results of the appeal which he had to make that evening. This +institution had now been in existence for seventy-one years. +It was situated in a very populous and very poor district, its +object being the cure of sick children and women. He might +remark that many of his family had taken considerable interest +in this hospital. His grandfather, the Duke of Kent, presided +at the first anniversary dinner, and his great-uncle, the Duke of +Sussex, took a deep interest in it. Only four years ago his +sister, the Princess Louise, visited the institution, and, being +much gratified with what she saw, gave her name to one of the +wards. Unfortunately, the institution was not so flourishing +financially as it ought to be. The ordinary income was £2000 +a year less than was required to meet the expenditure. It was +also most important that the hospital should be enlarged. The +freehold of the surrounding property had been obtained from +the Duchy of Cornwall at an expense of £3000. Several years<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> +ago that great philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury, presided at a +dinner in aid of this charity, when a sum of nearly £3000 was +raised. If the same amount could be made up that evening all +who were interested in the institution would be deeply gratified. +Mentioning that since the foundation of the Hospital as many +as 400,000 children had been relieved, His Royal Highness +said that patients were received not only from all parts of this +country, but also from the Continent, and medical and surgical +treatment was afforded them gratuitously. The report of the +Hospital Saturday Fund stated that the institution stood among +the first for efficiency and economy.</p> + +</blockquote><p>Before concluding his speech the Prince of Wales proposed the +health of the Lord Mayor, who is by virtue of his office President +of the institution. Mr. Kestin, the Secretary, read a list of donations +and subscriptions which, including 100 guineas from the +chairman, exceeded £2000.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT KING'S COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 2nd, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess, distributed the +principal prizes of the year at King's College, London, on the 2nd +of July, 1881. The Rev. Canon Barry, D.D., the Principal, received +the Royal visitors, and at the opening of the proceedings, said: "it +will always be a day in the annals of the College to be marked +with a white stone, when the Prince and Princess of Wales had +come for the first time among them, and on the jubilee day of the +institution." After the distribution of the prizes and decorations, +the Prince acknowledging a vote of thanks for his presence, proposed +by the Duke of Cambridge, and seconded by the Bishop of +Gloucester, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Principal Barry, Ladies and Gentlemen,—For the very +kind words in which the illustrious Duke has proposed the vote +of thanks, the kind way in which it has been seconded by the +Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol, and the cordial manner in +which you have all been good enough to receive this vote, I ask +you to accept my most sincere thanks, and also the thanks of +the Princess of Wales for the kind way in which her name has +been alluded to to-day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It would have been a gratification to me on any day to come +to this college and present the prizes to the successful competitors, +but as this day is your jubilee day, your fiftieth anniversary, +it makes it still more interesting to me to come here +to-day and give away the prizes. After all that has fallen +from the lips of your Principal, and after perusing, though I +admit somewhat cursorily, the annual report, but little is left +for me to say; but all those who take an interest in the success +of this college will have every reason to be satisfied with the +state of the college, and with the report which I hold in my +hands. Everything connected with this institution is on a +most satisfactory and excellent footing.</p> + +<p>"In these days, when education is so much thought of, and +when meetings in every part of the kingdom are continually +taking place for the purpose of getting still higher standards of +education, it is naturally difficult for institutions of old date to +keep up with the times; but I do not think or fear that this +college will have any reason to fear competition from others, as +it already stands as one of the second or third great educational +colleges in the kingdom. The prizes which have been given to-day +for the different subjects in this list embrace nearly every +possible subject of education which may be of use to those +young men who are going out into the world.</p> + +<p>"This college justly claims to be one which has done very +much for the higher education of men; and it affords me, and I +know it affords also the Princess of Wales, great gratification to +learn that it will be extended also towards the education of +women. This year, since the Principal and the Council received +a memorial signed by various distinguished persons, they have +very wisely adopted that memorial, by enabling women already +to receive education by way of listening to lectures from distinguished +teachers and professors in this college.</p> + +<p>"It has been already stated that some of our children have +received education from some of the professors of this college. +It is very gratifying to us that such has been the case, and we +have every hope that they will derive benefit from the instruction +they have received.</p> + +<p>"Before concluding I wish to congratulate those young gentlemen +to whom I have presented these prizes to-day on having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> +received these proofs that the education they have received here +has not been thrown away. As most of them are about to +leave the college, I sincerely hope they will allow me to offer +them my best wishes, and to trust that in their future career +they will continue to do credit to themselves and those by whom +they have been educated. I again express the pleasure which +both the Princess and myself have felt in coming here to-day, +and say that we most cordially wish continued and lasting +prosperity to King's College."</p> +</blockquote> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>COLONIAL BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 16th, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>The Lord Mayor of London entertained the Prince of Wales, President +of the Colonial Institute, and a large company of representatives +of the Colonies, with other distinguished guests, at dinner, +at the Mansion House, on July the 16th, 1881. Seldom has there +been such an assemblage in the Capital of the British Empire. +Governors, Premiers, and Administrators of so many countries +were present, that one might almost wonder how affairs went on in +their absence. But rulers as well as subjects must have holiday +rest, and the facility and rapidity of travel allow easy access from +all parts of the world to "the mother country."</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor (Sir William McArthur, M.P.), after the toast +of "The Queen," said that they were honoured with the presence +of an unexpected but very distinguished guest, the King of the +Sandwich Islands. It was the first time that His Majesty had +visited Europe, and he naturally wished to visit the land which +first made known to the world the islands of the Pacific. "Having +once visited the Sandwich Islands," said the Lord Mayor, "I was +charmed not only with the beauty of the scenery and the fertility +of the soil, but with the good order which everywhere prevailed. +His Majesty reigns over a very prosperous and a very happy people."</p> + +<p>The toast being duly honoured, the King of the Sandwich +Islands expressed his high sense of the graciousness of the Queen, +the Prince of Wales, and the other Royal and distinguished persons +he had met, and would carry back to his country the most grateful +and pleasant recollections of his visit.</p> + +<p>Tho Lord Mayor next gave "The health of the Prince of Wales, +the Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family." +In response to the toast, the Prince arose amidst great cheering, +and said:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My Lord Mayor, your Majesty, my Lords and Gentlemen,—For +the kind and remarkably flattering way in which you, my +Lord Mayor, have been good enough to propose this toast, and +you, my lords and gentlemen, for the kind and hearty way in +which you have received it, I beg to offer you my most sincere +thanks. It is a peculiar pleasure to me to come to the City, +because I have the honour of being one of its freemen. But this +is, indeed, a very special dinner, one of a kind that I do not +suppose has ever been given before; for we have here this +evening representatives of probably every Colony in the Empire. +We have not only the Secretary of the Colonies, but Governors +past and present, ministers, administrators, and agents are all, +I think, to be found here this <a name="corr_212"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: evening,">evening.</ins> I regret that it has not +been possible for me to see half or one-third of the colonies +which it has been the good fortune of my brother the Duke of +Edinburgh to visit. In his voyages round the world he has had +opportunities more than once of seeing all our great colonies. +Though I have not been able personally to see them, or only a +small portion of them, you may rest assured it does not diminish +in any way the interest I take in them.</p> + +<p>"It is, I am sorry to say, now going on for twenty-one years +since I visited our large North American colonies. Still, though +I was very young at the time, the remembrance of that visit is +as deeply imprinted on my memory now as it was at that time. +I shall never forget the public receptions which were accorded +to me in Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince +Edward Island, and if it were possible for me at any time to +repeat that visit, I need not tell you, gentlemen, who now represent +here those great North American colonies, of the great +pleasure it would give me to do so. It affords me great gratification +to see an old friend, Sir John Macdonald, the Premier of +Canada, here this evening.</p> + +<p>"It was a most pressing invitation, certainly, that I received +two years ago to visit the great Australasian Colonies, and +though at the time I was unable to give an answer, in the +affirmative or in the negative, still it soon became apparent that +my many duties here in England would prevent my accomplishing +what would have been a long, though a most interesting +voyage. I regret that such has been the case, and that I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> +not able to accept the kind invitation I received to visit the +Exhibitions at Sydney and at Melbourne. I am glad, however, +to know that they have proved a great success, as has been +testified to me only this evening by the noble Duke (Manchester) +by my side, who has so lately returned. Though, my lords +and gentlemen, I have, as I have said before, not had the +opportunity of seeing these great Australasian Colonies, which +every day and every year are making such immense development, +still, at the International Exhibitions of London, Paris, +and Vienna, I had not only an opportunity of seeing their +various products there exhibited, but I had the pleasure of +making the personal acquaintance of many colonists—a fact +which has been a matter of great importance and great benefit +to myself.</p> + +<p>"It is now thirty years since the first International Exhibition +took place in London, and then for the first time colonial exhibits +were shown to the world. Since that time, from the +Exhibitions which have followed our first great gathering in +1851, the improvements that have been made are manifest. +That in itself is a clear proof of the way in which the colonies +have been exerting themselves to make their vast territories of +the great importance that they are at the present moment. +But though, my Lord Mayor, I have not been to Australasia, +as you have mentioned, I have sent my two sons on a visit +there; and it has been a matter of great gratification, not only +to myself and to the Princess, but to the Queen, to hear of the +kindly reception they have met with everywhere. They are +but young, but I feel confident that their visit to the Antipodes +will do them an incalculable amount of good. On their way +out they visited a colony in which, unfortunately, the condition +of affairs was not quite as satisfactory as we could wish, and as +a consequence they did not extend their visits in that part of +South Africa quite so far inland as might otherwise have been +the case. I must thank you once more, my Lord Mayor, for +the kind way in which you have proposed this toast.</p> + +<p>"I thank you, in the name of the Princess and the other +members of the Royal Family, for the kind reception their +names have met with from all here to-night, and I beg again to +assure you most cordially and heartily of the great pleasure it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> +has given me to be present here among so many distinguished +colonists and gentlemen connected with the colonies, and to +have had an opportunity of meeting your distinguished guest, +the King of the Sandwich Islands. If your lordship's visit to +his dominions remains impressed on your mind, I think your +lordship's kindly reception of His Majesty here to-night is not +likely soon to be forgotten by him."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Manchester, in responding to the toast of "The +House of Lords," said that he took much less part in the proceedings +of that august body than many of its members. He had, +however, lately visited some of our colonies—and that was, perhaps, +the reason why he was called upon to respond to that toast. +Having given some remarkable statistics of progress in Australia, +he said, "It was calculated that Australians and New Zealanders, per +head, man, woman, and child, consumed £8 10s.-worth of British +goods, while France only rated at 7s. 8d. per head, and the United +States at 7s. per head. These were facts showing that, if for no +other reason, there were very forcible financial reasons why we +should consolidate, encourage, and promote in every way the +prosperity of the British Colonies."</p> + +<p>The Speaker, in returning thanks on behalf of the House of +Commons, said he was one of those who had a great faith in the future +of the English people throughout the world. Wherever Englishmen +set their foot they grew and prospered; they had learnt the +habit of self-government, and were well acquainted with the forms +of government, and they carried with them English customs, +English habits, English institutions. Thus we had a great Colonial +Empire firmly compacted together of colonists from the old country, +all loyal subjects of the Crown. He trusted and believed that that +state of things would long continue, and he hoped that the bonds +between those colonies and the mother country would become +closer and closer from generation to generation.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor then proposed the toast of the evening, "The +British Colonies," to which the Earl of Kimberley replied, concluding +with these words: "This is a representative assembly, +and one of the most remarkable ever gathered together in this +Metropolis. I congratulate you, my Lord Mayor, on the happy +notion of bringing together this assembly, which must have an +equally happy effect in promoting good feeling both here and in +the Colonies, inasmuch as it is a type of the union which ought to +bind us together."</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then proposed the Lord Mayor's health +in a brief speech, in the course of which he said that it must +be especially gratifying to his lordship to preside at such a +dinner, seeing that he was well acquainted with the colonies,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> +being a colonial merchant of high repute, and having visited, if +not all, at any rate most of our great colonies.</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Lord Mayor briefly acknowledged the compliment, and said +this meeting was one of the most gratifying incidents of his year +of office.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 18th, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>Of many movements originated by the late Prince Consort, and +carried forward by the Prince of Wales, the advancement of +technical education is one of the highest national importance. +Without going into past history, it is sufficient to say that of late +years some of the Guilds of the City of London have been awakened +to a sense of their duties in training artisans, for which purpose +they were at first mainly founded. The Corporation of London +has aided the movement, but in a more limited way. At first the +efforts were directed to the encouragement of technical education +in existing schools and colleges by pecuniary grants. But subsequently +the Institute has been enabled to establish schools of its +own, and to assist in development of technical instruction, not in +London only, but in many large provincial towns.</p> + +<p>The Institute had been incorporated in 1880, and in May of that +year the late Duke of Albany laid the foundation stone of the +Finsbury Technical College, the first building in the Metropolis +exclusively devoted to this practical training. In Lambeth and +other districts similar schools have been instituted; but it was +thought advisable to found a Central Institute for systematic +teaching the practical applications of science and art to the trades +and industries of the country. Hitherto the training of artisans +has been mainly dependent on the customs of apprenticeship in +the various handicrafts; upwards of twenty of the City Companies, +including nine out of the twelve greater Guilds, had subscribed +largely, and had entered the associated Institute, when the Prince +of Wales was invited to become the President. By the influence +of the Prince, as President of the Royal Commissioners of 1851, a +site for the proposed central College was granted at a nominal rent, +on the estate at South Kensington. To lay the foundation stone +of this building, the Prince, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, +came on the 18th of July, 1881.</p> + +<p>An address having been delivered by the Lord Chancellor, Lord +Selborne, Chairman of the Committee of the Institute, the Prince +of Wales delivered the following speech, which more clearly presents +the whole subject, and brings out its national importance:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>—</p> + +<blockquote><p>"My Lord Chancellor, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I +thank you for your address, and beg leave to assure you that it +gives me much satisfaction to attend here to-day to lay the +foundation stone of an institution which gives such forcible +expression to one of the most important needs in the education +of persons who are destined to take part in the productive +history of this country.</p> + +<p>"Hitherto English teaching has chiefly relied on training the +intellectual faculties, so as to adapt men to apply their +intelligence in any occupation of life to which they may be +called; and this general discipline of the mind has on the whole +been found sufficient until recent times; but during the last +thirty years the competition of other nations, even in manufactures +which once were exclusively carried on in this kingdom, +has been very severe. The great progress that has been made +in the means of locomotion as well as in the application of +steam for the purposes of life has distributed the raw materials +of industry all over the world, and has economized time and +labour in their conversion to objects of utility. Other nations +which did not possess in such abundance as Great Britain coal, +the source of power, and iron, the essence of strength, compensated +for the want of raw material by the technical education +of their industrial classes, and this country has, therefore, seen +manufactures springing up everywhere, guided by the trained +intelligence thus created. Both in Europe and in America +technical colleges for teaching, not the practice, but the +principles of science and art involved in particular industries, +had been organized in all the leading centres of industry.</p> + +<p>"England is now thoroughly aware of the necessity for +supplementing her educational institutions by colleges of a like +nature. Most of our great manufacturing towns have either +started or have already erected their colleges of science and art. +In only a few instances, however, have they become developed +into schools for systematic technical instruction. This building, +which is to be erected by the City and Guilds of London, will +be of considerable benefit to the whole kingdom, not only as an +example of the institute devoting itself to technical training, +but as a focus likewise for uniting the different technical +schools in the Metropolis already in existence, and a central<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> +establishment also to which promising students from the +provinces may, by the aid of scholarships, he brought to benefit +by the superior instruction which London can command. +While studying at your institution, they will have the further +advantages that the treasures of the South Kensington Museum +and the numerous collections in the City may bring to bear +on the artistic and scientific education of future manufacturers.</p> + +<p>"Let me remind you that the realization of this idea was one +of the most cherished objects which my lamented father had in +view. After the Exhibition of 1851, he recognized the need +of technical education in the future, and he foresaw how +difficult it would be in London to find space for such museums +and colleges as those which now surround the spot on which we +stand. It is, therefore, to me a peculiar pleasure that the +Commissioners of the Exhibition, of which I am the President, +have been able to contribute to your present important undertaking, +by giving to you the ground upon which the present +college is to be erected, with a sufficient reserve of land to insure +its future development.</p> + +<p>"Allow me, in conclusion, to express the great satisfaction +which I experience in seeing the ancient guilds of the City of +London so warmly co-operating in the advancement of technical +instruction. I am aware that several of them have for some +time past in various ways separately encouraged the study +of science and art in the Metropolis, as well as in the provinces; +and it is a noble effort on their part when they join together +to establish a united institute with the view of making still +greater and more systematic endeavours for the promotion of +this branch of special education. By consenting at your +request to become the President of this Institute I hope it may +be in my power to benefit the good work, and that our joint +exertions, aided, I trust, by the continued liberality of the City +and Guilds of London, may prove to be an example to the rest +of the country to train the intelligence of industrial communities, +so that, with the increasing competition of the world, +England may retain her proud pre-eminence as a manufacturing +nation."</p></blockquote> + +<p>After this address, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> +was completed. A medal to commemorate the event had previously +been struck at the Royal Mint.</p> + +<p>It is stated in the Times of October 20th, 1888, that "in the +last ten years several of the Companies, in conjunction with the +City Corporation, have together given something like a quarter of +a million to the City Guilds of London Institute—the amount +including gifts of £46,000 from the Goldsmiths, of £43,000 from +the Drapers, of £37,000 from the Clothworkers, of £34,000 from the +Fishmongers, of £22,000 from the Mercers, of £10,000 from the +Grocers, and of £11,000 from the City Corporation. Besides this, to +mention the more salient examples, the Drapers have given some +£60,000 to the People's Palace, the Goldsmiths have promised an +annuity of £2,500, equivalent to a capital sum of £85,000, to the +New Cross Technical Institute, the Mercers propose to devote +£60,000 to the establishment of an agricultural college in Wiltshire, +and the Shipwrights' Company is taking the lead in a movement +for the formation of a college of shipbuilding in connection with a +Technical Institute at the East-end."</p> + +<p>Besides all this, the people of South London are preparing to +establish three Technical Institutes, with the help of the Charity +Commissioners; and, if possible, to secure the Albert Palace for +a Battersea Institute. A similar movement has begun in North +London. These local Technical Schools are independent of the +City Guilds of London Institute at Kensington, but the impulse +was given by its establishment.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 3rd, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>THE seventh meeting of the International Medical Congress was +formally opened by the Prince of Wales, on the 3rd of August, +1881. It was the first time the Congress had been held in +England. The great room of St. James's Hall was nearly filled, +3000 members being present. No lady practitioners were admitted, +although at least 25 women, practising medicine, were then on the +English Medical Register, and a protest against the decision of the +Council had been signed by 43 duly qualified medical women. At +previous meetings of the Congress in foreign countries women +were not excluded.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, on his arrival, was received by Sir W. +Jenner, Sir William Gull, Sir James Paget, Sir J. Risdon Bennett, +and other members of the Committee. The Honorary Secretary +having read the report of the Executive Committee, the Prince of +Wales, who was accompanied by the Crown Prince of Prussia, the +late Emperor "Frederick the Noble," rose and said:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>—</p> +<blockquote> +<p>"Your Imperial Highness and Gentlemen,—I gladly complied +with the request that I should be patron of the International +Medical Congress of 1881, and among many reasons for +so doing was my conviction that few things can tend more to +the welfare of mankind than that educated men of all nations +should from time to time meet together for the promotion of +the branches of knowledge to which they devote themselves. +The intercourse and the mutual esteem of nations have often +been advanced by great international exhibitions, and I look +back with pleasure to those with which I have been connected; +but when conferences are held among those who in all parts of +the world apply themselves to the study of science, even greater +international benefits may, I think, be confidently anticipated, +more especially in the study of medicine and surgery, for in +these the effects of climate and of national habits must give to +the practitioners of each nation opportunities, not only of acquiring +knowledge, but of imparting knowledge to those of +their <i>confrères</i> whom they meet in Congress.</p> + +<p>"I venture to think, gentlemen, that the Executive Committee +have acted wisely in instituting sections for the discussion of a +very wide range of subjects, including not only the sciences on +which medical knowledge is founded, but many of its most +practical applications, and I am very happy to see that so great +scope will be granted for the discussion of important questions +relating to the public health, to the cure of the sick in hospitals +and in the houses of the poor, and to the welfare of the +Army and Navy. The devotion with which many members of +the medical profession readily share the dangers of climate and +the fatigues and dangers of war, and the many risks which must +be encountered in the study of means, not only for the remedy, +but for the prevention of disease, deserves the warmest acknowledgment +from the public.</p> + +<p>"I have great satisfaction in believing, in seeing this crowded +hall, that I may already regard the Congress as successful in +having attracted a number never hitherto equalled of medical +men from all parts of this kingdom, as well as from every +country in Europe, from the United States, and from other parts +of the world. The list of officers of the Congress, including as +it does the names of those distinguished in every branch of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> +medical science, shows how heartily the proposal to hold the +meeting in London has been received. I think it speaks well +for the good feeling of the profession that there should have +been so warm a response to the invitations. How cordially the +proposal has been received may be seen not only in the large +number of visitors, but in the fact that they include a large +proportion of those who enjoy a high reputation not only in +their own countries, but throughout the world. I sincerely +congratulate the reception committee on this good promise of +complete success, and I trust that at the close of the Congress +they will feel rewarded for the labour they have bestowed upon +it. The report which the secretary-general, Mr. MacCormack, +has read will have explained how great have been his labours. +He will hereafter he well repaid, and I am sure Mr. MacCormack +is sensible that he will be recompensed even for his great +exertions by the assurance that the progress of the important +science of medicine has been materially promoted, for any +addition to the knowledge of medicine must always be followed +by an increase in the happiness of mankind."</p> + +</blockquote> +<p>There was general cheering at the close of the speech, and Sir +James Paget, as President of the Congress, then read the inaugural +address; after which the meeting resolved itself into sections for +special subjects. Professor Virchow, of Berlin, delivered an address +in German at one of the sections.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>MEMORIAL TO DEAN STANLEY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>December 13th, 1881.</i></p> + + +<p>In the ancient Chapter-house, Westminster Abbey, a meeting was +held on the 13th of December, 1881, for promoting a scheme for +raising a fitting memorial to the lamented Dean Stanley. The +Very Rev. Dr. Bradley, the new Dean, presided, and was supported +by the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Marquis +of Salisbury, Earl Granville, the Duke of Westminster, and many +eminent persons in Church and State. There were also some ladies, +and the representatives of Working Men's Clubs and Institutes, +the purpose being to honour the memory of Dean Stanley, not +merely as a high ecclesiastic, but as the helper of many good and +beneficent objects in social life. The proposed tribute was to +take the form first of a monumental memorial in the Abbey to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> +Dean, and also to his wife, Lady Augusta Stanley, and to establish +a Home for Training Nurses at Westminster, an object in which +Lady Augusta had taken deep interest. The present meeting, +however, was only to set on foot the movement, and the first resolution +was: "That the genius, the character, and the public +services of the late Dean of Westminster eminently entitle him to +a national memorial." This was moved by the Prince of Wales, +who said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Dean, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—In proposing the +first resolution, which has been committed to my care, I desire +to express the very sincere pleasure, though I must call it the +sad pleasure, which I feel in being asked to move this resolution. +I do so with feelings of sorrow, owing to the long friendship +and acquaintance which I had with the late Dean of Westminster; +and yet with pleasure, as I have the satisfaction of +proposing to you a national memorial to which I am convinced +the late Dean was so thoroughly entitled. The loss which the +death of that eminent man has caused to this, and, I may say +also, to other countries, is indeed great. That loss was deeply +felt by my beloved mother the Queen, who bore for the late +Dean the greatest possible friendship and affection, and also by +all the members of her family.</p> + +<p>"If I may be allowed to speak about myself, I had the great +advantage of knowing most intimately Arthur Stanley for a +period of twenty-two years. Not only had I the advantage of +being his pupil during my residence at the University of Oxford, +but I was also his fellow-traveller in the East when we visited +Egypt and the Holy Land together; and I am not likely to +forget the charm of his companionship and all the knowledge +that he imparted to me during that tour. The many virtues +and many great qualities of the Dean are so well known to all +of you, and are so well appreciated throughout the length and +breadth of the land, that it is almost superfluous in me, and +would be almost out of taste, were I now to go through the long +list of all that he has done from the day in which his name +came into prominence. Still, as the churchman, as the scholar, +as the man of letters, as the philanthropist, and, above all, as +the true friend, his name must always go down to posterity as +a great and good man, and as one who will have made his mark +on the chapter of his country's history. To all classes he felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> +alike—to rich and poor, to high and low—he was, I may say, +the friend of all; and it is most gratifying on this occasion to +see here present the representatives of all classes of the community, +and especially of the great labouring class to whom he +was so devoted, and who, I think, owe him so much.</p> + +<p>"It is also deeply gratifying, I am sure, to the Dean and those +who take a deep interest in this meeting that we have the +advantage of the presence to-day of the Minister of the United +States. As I was saying, not only was the late Dean appreciated +and looked up to in this country and in Europe, but also +by that kindred country across the Atlantic to which he so +lately paid a visit, and where we know that he received so much +kindness and hospitality. I heard from his own lips on his +return from America the expression of the great gratification he +derived from his visit, and of the hope—of what, alas! was not +to be—that he might on some future occasion be able to +repeat it.</p> + +<p>"There is much more that I should wish to say in regard to +one whom I so deeply deplore, and to whom I bore so great an +affection. But I am sure it is not the object of this meeting to +make long speeches, and as many speakers have to follow me, +I will only again express the gratification I feel in being here +to propose the resolution which I now have the honour of +bringing before you."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The resolution was seconded by Earl Granville. The Hon. +J. Russell Lowell bore testimony to the honour in which the +memory of Dean Stanley was held in America, and said he felt +sure that many of his countrymen would be delighted, as some +already had done, to share the privilege of helping this memorial.</p> + +<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr. Tait) moved the next +resolution, as to the placing of the recumbent statue in the +Abbey, and also completing the windows in the Chapter-house, in +accordance with plans proposed and partly executed by the Dean. +After speeches by the Marquis of Salisbury, Mr. S. Morley. M.P., +the Marquis of Lorne, and Lord Chief Justice Coleridge, Mr. Gardiner, +representing the Working Men's Club and Institute Union, +spoke of the constant efforts of the late Dean to help and elevate +the classes who lived by manual labour. He was President of +their Union, and he was honoured by the working men of Westminster +and London.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 1st, 1882.</i></p> + + +<p>The 21st anniversary dinner of the Civil Service Volunteers, on +the 1st of March, 1882, at Willis's Rooms, was presided over by +the Prince of Wales, honorary Colonel of the Corps. In replying +to the toast of his health, proposed by the Duke of Manchester, the +Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen and Brother Volunteers,—For +the kind manner in which the Duke of Manchester has proposed +this toast, and for the cordial welcome given to it by you, +gentlemen and brother Volunteers, allow me to return you my +most sincere thanks. I can assure you that it affords me great +satisfaction to preside here to-night on what I may call the +twenty-second anniversary of the existence of this regiment. +The twenty-first anniversary of the Rifle Volunteers was celebrated +last year, and it will, I am sure, not be forgotten through +the length and breadth of the land that the Queen reviewed the +English Volunteers in Windsor Park in the summer, and the +Scotch Volunteers afterwards at Edinburgh.</p> + +<p>"I remember, gentlemen, as though it were only yesterday, +when I was an undergraduate at the University of Oxford in +1859, the commencement of the Volunteer movement. I remember +the interest which all the townspeople of Oxford took +in that movement, and also the interest it excited among the +undergraduates. I confess I thought at that time, and many +others shared my opinion, that to a certain extent the commencement +of that movement was an inclination on the part +of the citizens of our country to play at soldiers. Many thought +that the movement would not last. However, I am glad to +find, as you all will have been equally glad to find, that we +were entirely mistaken in that opinion. Twenty-two years ago, +when, I may say, the movement had begun to ripen, I am not +wrong, I think, in stating that the number of Volunteers was +very nearly 100,000 men. The force has since gone through +certain vicissitudes, but I think I may say that at the present +moment it never was in a more flourishing condition, and it +now numbers not far short of 200,000 men. Most sincerely do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> +I hope that the occasion may not arise when their services +might be required for the defence of their country, but I feel +convinced that, should that occasion ever arise, the Rifle Volunteers +of the United Kingdom will go to the front and stand to +their guns in every sense of the word.</p> + +<p>"One great inducement to join the force has been, I think, the +Wimbledon camp and rifle shooting, and I feel convinced that +in no country are there better rifle shots than in this, and few +better than in the Volunteer force. No doubt a great stimulus +has been given to that force by their being called on to take +part in manœuvres, reviews, and sham fights, and of late years +from their being frequently brigaded with regular troops. I +am sure there is nothing they like better, and I am sure that +for the Regular Army, as well as for the Militia, it is most +desirable this should continue.</p> + +<p>"With regard to this regiment with which my name has been +now associated for twenty-two years, I can only say that from +all the accounts I have heard it is in a high state of efficiency. +Since the time of their formation in 1860, 2177 men have +passed through their ranks, and last year the regiment had a +strength of 518 men. Nearly all their officers, I believe, have +passed through the school, and attained the distinction of the +letter P in the Army List—a distinction of which I know they +are justly proud. I had an opportunity of reviewing them in +1863 in London, and again at Wimbledon in 1870; I saw them +at the Review at Windsor last year, and I sincerely hope, if it +may not be inconvenient to those members of the corps who +have so many avocations, to see them before many weeks are +over at the Review at Portsmouth.</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, let me thank you also for the kind way in which +you have received the name of the Princess of Wales and the +names of my brothers and my sons. I am happy to be able +to announce to you that I received a telegram just before dinner +informing me of the arrival of the <i>Bacchante</i> at Suez. My +sons are now, therefore, rapidly approaching the termination of +their cruise, which has been round the world. I thank you +once more for your kind reception of me to-night, and it affords +me the greatest pleasure now to propose the toast of 'Prosperity +to the Civil Service Rifle Volunteers,' coupled with the name of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> +your Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Bury. I know that in +his presence it would be disagreeable to him if I were to mete +out any praise which I feel is his due, but I know how much +he has at heart the prosperity and the efficiency of his regiment, +and, being now the oldest serving Lieutenant-Colonel in the +Volunteer force, that you would all deeply regret the day when +he should leave you. I call upon you, and upon the distinguished +guests here to-night, to drink prosperity to the +regiment, and couple the toast with the name of Lord Bury."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Viscount Bury, in responding to the toast, said that in looking +at the first list of the officers of the regiment, he found only three +names of those now in active service, those of His Royal Highness, +of himself, and Major Mills. About 350 members of the corps sat +down to dinner on this, its 21st anniversary. The Duke of +Portland, Lord Elcho, now the Earl of Wemyss, Colonel Loyd-Lindsay, +Colonel Grenfell, Governor of the Bank of England, +Colonel Du Plat Taylor, and many veterans of the Force, were +present.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>BRITISH GRAVES IN THE CRIMEA.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 10th, 1883.</i></p> + + +<p>Attention had from time to time been directed, by reports of +travellers and others, to the neglected state of the burial-places in +the Crimea, and the ruinous condition of monumental memorials +over the graves. An allowance of £90 a year had been made by +the Government for maintaining the different cemeteries, but this +was utterly insufficient for the purpose. The Consul-General at +Odessa had recently reported that there were at least eleven +graveyards or cemeteries scattered between Balaclava and +Sebastopol, and there were many others in different places where +the dead had been laid. The scandal of neglect was so great that +the Duke of Cambridge called a meeting at the United Service +Institution, Whitehall, to consider what ought to be done. A +large number of distinguished men, including many of those who +had passed through the Crimean War, responded to the invitation, +and letters were received from others throughout the country +who were unable to be present.</p> + +<p>The Duke of Cambridge made a clear statement of the condition +of affairs, and mentioned various suggestions for putting a stop to +the desecration of the burial-places, and for preserving the +memorials from further injury. The Prince of Wales had come to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> +the meeting, and as he had seen the places referred to, during +his Eastern travels, he was asked by the Chairman to move the +first resolution, which was to the effect that immediate steps should +be taken to remedy the existing state of the Crimean graves.</p> + +<p>The Prince, who was warmly received, rose, and said:</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I was +not aware until I arrived in this room that I should be called +upon to move the first resolution. But I need hardly tell you +the great interest the subject we are discussing here to-day has +for me, and the great pleasure it gives me to propose the +following resolution:—'That the present condition of the +British cemeteries in the Crimea is not creditable to this +country, and that endeavours should be made to raise the +necessary funds to have them restored, and to preserve them +from further desecration.' In 1869 I had occasion to visit the +Crimea, and to go over all those spots so familiar to most of +the gentlemen I see opposite me, who took a part in the +campaign. And it was a matter of particular interest to me to +visit those different spots where our brave soldiers were buried. +I confess that it was with deep regret that I saw the manner in +which the tombs were kept. The condition of the graves was +not creditable to us, and not creditable to a great country like +ours, for I am sure we are the very first to do honour to the +dead who fought in the name of their country.</p> + +<p>"It struck me at the time that one of the great faults lay in +there being so many different cemeteries. The French had a +much simpler and a better system—that which they call the +<i>ossuaire</i>. I was told at the time that to the feelings of Englishmen—on +religious, and possibly, I may also say, on sentimental +grounds—it was repugnant to disturb the remains of those who +were interred in the Crimea as was done by the French, and +that to collect them and put them into one large building was +not what was consonant with our feelings generally. But I +cannot help thinking, as considerable time has elapsed since our +comrades fell, and also as we are, in every sense of the word, a +thoroughly practical nation—I feel myself strongly, although I +cannot say how far that feeling may be shared by the meeting +to-day—that it would be far better, and in the long run far +cheaper, if we were to build a kind of mausoleum, collecting +the remains of our comrades who fell in the Crimean War, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> +putting them into such a mausoleum. It was really sad to see +the neglected condition of the tombs. There was one especially +with which I was struck—that of Sir Robert Newman, who was +in the Grenadier Guards, and fell in the Battle of Inkerman. +His tomb was a most elaborate and expensive one, and was +built with a dark stone, a kind of porphyry. This was broken +almost entirely to pieces. Upon inquiry of some Russian +authorities who accompanied me on that occasion, I discovered +a curious fact. The idea was not merely that of disturbing and +breaking open the tombs; but, as most of you are aware, the +Crim Tartars—who are <a name="corr_227"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Mahomedans">Mohammedans</ins> by religion—had an idea +that treasures were to be found in the tombs. Therefore, the +disturbing of them was not merely for the sake of disturbing +the dead, but with the hope of finding some treasures there. It +is needless to say that their investigations were not satisfied in +that respect.</p> + +<p>"Of course, gentlemen, with regard to the pecuniary part of +the question, it is not for me to go into that; but I hope that, +as so many distinguished military and naval men are present, +they cannot but have a strong feeling with me that it will ever +be a living disgrace to us unless we adopt some means to-day by +which the tombs of our comrades who fell in the Crimea are +kept in a proper state of preservation. I have merely suggested +the idea of an <i>ossuaire</i>, because it seems to me the simplest form +to adopt. But it would involve, what many object to, disturbing +the remains of some who fell. I only hope that before the +meeting separates to-day we may have arrived at some satisfactory +conclusion that the graves of our comrades shall in +some way be respected and maintained in a manner creditable +to ourselves and to our country. Therefore, it is with the +greatest pleasure that I move the first resolution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The resolution was seconded by General Sir W. Codrington, +who said that the Russian Government had given additional land +at Cathcart's Hill; and that the grave-stones and other memorials +should be removed there. He did not think there should be any +removal of the remains of the dead.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales again rose, and said—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I wish to add that when I went over the different places of +interest in the Crimea, and inspected all our burial-places, I +was accompanied by one of the most courteous gentlemen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> +General Kotzebue, the Governor-General of Odessa; and I need +only say that, as far as the Russian Government represented by +him was concerned, everything was done to keep the graves +from desecration. But he told me that, unfortunately, they +were powerless to prevent it; and it was his opinion, and he +strongly advised me, that the only way in which to prevent a +repetition of a desecration of the tombs would be, as I mentioned +before, to collect the remains and place them in a mausoleum—in +the same way, in fact, as the French had done. I wish also +to say that, on my return in the summer from my visit to the +Crimea, I brought the whole matter most strongly before the +late Lord Clarendon, who was then Secretary of State for +Foreign Affairs."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After conversation and remarks by Admiral Sir H. Keppel, +General Sir L. A. Simmons, Lord Wolseley, and others, resolutions +were carried for the concentration of the memorials in one central +place, without removing the remains of the dead; and for applying +to the Government and to the nation for larger funds to pay +additional guardians of the cemeteries. The Duke of Cambridge +was warmly commended for having called the meeting, which was +justified by the large attendance, and the Prince of Wales for his +advocacy of the object in view. Tho interest of their Royal +Highnesses was practically attested by the gift of £50 from the +Prince of Wales and £25 from the Duke of Cambridge toward the +necessary funds. It was stated in the course of the proceedings +that the French Government granted yearly more than double +what the British Government did, for protecting the Crimean +graves.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE FISHERIES EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>1883.</i></p> + + +<p>In the preface to the Official Catalogue of the International +Fisheries Exhibition, the compiler, Mr. Trendell, gives an interesting +account of the origin and gradual development of that +successful undertaking. It was not till some years after the great +Exhibition of 1851 that attention was given to this special department +of industry and commerce. At Boulogne, Havre, and other +maritime places, there were local expositions; but the first international +exhibition on a large scale was that of Berlin in 1880. +Norwich was the first town in England to follow the Continental +example. The local character of the undertaking soon expanded +into a national enterprise, the Corporation of London and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> +Fishmongers' Company lending their influence. Chiefly through +the agency of Mr. Birkbeck, one of the Norfolk County members, +the official sanction of the Government was obtained, with permission +to grant medals and diplomas of merit, as in other national +exhibitions. The Prince of Wales took a lively interest in the +success of this Norwich project, and he secured the co-operation of +Mr. Birkbeck for holding an International Exhibition in London.</p> + +<p>In July 1881 a meeting was held at the Hall of the Fishmongers' +Company, when a formal resolution was passed for +carrying out the proposal, and a Committee formed for arranging +the general plan of the Exhibition. In February 1882 a second +meeting was held at Willis's Rooms, when the Duke of Richmond +read the report of the proceedings of the Committee formed in the +previous year. The sanction of the Queen was obtained as Patron, +and the Prince of Wales as President, the Duke of Edinburgh and +the other Royal Dukes being named Vice-Presidents, with the +Duke of Richmond as Chairman of the General Committee. The +sentiments and motives of the promoters of the undertaking were +well expressed in words spoken by the Prince of Wales at the +inaugural banquet at Norwich. He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is particularly gratifying to see that at last an interest is +being taken not only in our fisheries, but in our fishermen, +whose lives are so frequently exposed to risk through the +severity of weather and the dangerous character of the Eastern +coast. Among a very interesting display of specimens, I +especially observed the apparatus for saving life, and a variety +of models of lifeboats, which cannot fail to bring before the +public generally their duty in regard to the protection of the +fishing interests of our country. Whilst thinking over the +probable results that may attend this Exhibition, I could not +fail to reflect upon the labour it has cost more minds than one; +and I do trust, having regard to the importance of our national +fishing interest, and the value of our fishermen's lives, that a +sort of National Society may be instituted which will maintain +those who are unfortunately in want, and help to assuage the +grief and misery of the widows and orphans of those who perish +at sea. I believe it is only necessary to throw out the hint to +see established in this country a National Fishermen's Aid +Society, which shall command the support not only of those +living upon the line of our fishing coast here, but of all concerned +in fishery throughout our dominions."</p> + +</blockquote><p>It thus appears that at the time of the Norwich Exhibition, and +much more after the greater show at South Kensington, the Prince<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> +of Wales had in view the welfare of the fishing folk as well as the +benefit of the fisheries. What is an exhibition—with its display +of exhibits, its prizes, awards, conferences, and its whole visible +organisation—compared with the safety of our fishermen's lives, +and the improvement of their homes? For some departments of +this beneficent work there are special agencies at work—such as +the Lifeboat Association, the Deep-Sea Mission, Sailors' Homes, +and Seamen's Hospitals—but the idea of the Prince was that a +great central society, analogous to the Royal Agricultural Society +for the cultivation of the soil, might be established, attending to +all matters bearing on the social and moral, as well as the +material, benefits of the fishing population of these islands. It is +said that the Government has resolved tardily to have a Department +of Agriculture; it is equally needful to have a Department +for all matters connected with the "harvests of the sea."</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>OPENING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 12th, 1883.</i></p> + + +<p>The International Fisheries Exhibition was opened with great +ceremony on the 12th of May, 1883, by the Prince of Wales, "by +command of Her Majesty, and on Her Majesty's behalf." Most of +the members of the Royal Family were present, the Foreign +Ambassadors and Ministers, Her Majesty's Ministers, and other +distinguished persons. The Prince was accompanied by the +Princess of Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and Prince George of +Wales. The Duke of Richmond, Chairman of the General Committee, +having read a statement of the object and the contents of +the Exhibition, the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Duke, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—It gives me +great pleasure to open this International Fisheries Exhibition +on behalf of the Queen, although I feel assured that it is a +matter of sincere regret to all present that Her Majesty finds +herself unable to undertake a duty which it would have +afforded her much gratification to have performed. In view of +the rapid increase of the population in all civilized countries, +and especially in these sea-girt kingdoms, a profound interest +attaches to every industry which affects the supply of food; +and, in this respect, the harvest of the sea is hardly less +important than that of the land. I share your hope that the +Exhibition now about to open may afford the means of enabling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> +practical fishermen to acquaint themselves with the latest +improvements which have been made in their craft in all parts +of the world; so that without needless destruction, or avoidable +waste of any kind, mankind may derive the fullest possible +advantage from the bounty of the waters. I am glad to hear +that your attention has been directed to the condition of the +fishing population. It is a subject in which my brother, the +Duke of Edinburgh, was led to take a particular interest +during his tenure of office as Admiral Superintendent of the +Naval Reserve; and, as he is compelled to be absent during the +sittings of the Congress to which you allude, I shall have the +pleasure of reading a paper on this topic which he has prepared +at its first meeting. Lifeboats and life-saving apparatus undoubtedly +fall strictly within the province of a fishery exhibition; +but I may congratulate you on the circumstance that, +without overstepping your proper limits, you have been able to +confer a benefit, not only on all fishermen and all sailors by +profession, but also on all who travel by sea; and in these days +of rapid and extensive locomotion this means a large proportion +of civilized mankind. On behalf of the Queen, I add my +thanks to those which you tender to the Governments of foreign +nations and of our colonies for their generous co-operation. +And to their representatives whose untiring exertions you so +justly acknowledge, I offer not only thanks, but an English +welcome."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury having offered a prayer, the +Prince declared the Exhibition open.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>October 31st, 1883.</i></p> + + +<p>If there ever had been any doubt as to the success of the International +Fisheries Exhibition, it had been thoroughly removed +long before the end of the season drew near. The popular interest +had been shown from the beginning, and the number of visitors +exceeded all expectations. The total number of visitors was +2,703,051. The daily average of visitors, including Wednesday, +when half-a-crown was the price of admission, was 18,388. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> +financial result was sure to be satisfactory when such vast numbers +had been attracted.</p> + +<p>On the 31st of October, the day appointed for closing, Mr. +Edward Birkbeck, M.P., Chairman of the Executive Committee, +read to His Royal Highness the President an address, presenting +the chief statistical and other official reports of the undertaking. +One novel feature was the report on "the fish dinners" supplied +with the co-operation of the National School of Cookery. No less +than 209,673 dinners were supplied, at sixpence a head, and with +satisfactory pecuniary results.</p> + +<p>A Report as to the work of the Juries having been presented by +the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales thus replied to the +address of the Executive Committee:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have listened with great pleasure to the Report of the +Executive Committee.</p> + +<p>"Her Majesty has followed with much interest the success +which has so signally attended this Exhibition, and I have had +the gratification of receiving, this morning, a telegram from the +Queen, begging me to inform you of these sentiments, and +likewise to express Her Majesty's fervent hope that lasting +benefit to the fishing population may be the reward of those +who have shown so much interest in the welfare of this Exhibition. +And it is as much a matter of satisfaction to my brothers +as to myself to have contributed towards the success of an +enterprise, respecting which, at the outset, nothing was certain +but the heavy responsibility of those who had engaged in it.</p> + +<p>"I am well aware that Her Majesty's Government, the +Governments of Foreign Countries, and of our Colonies, through +their respective Commissioners, and the various public bodies +and private persons to whom you have alluded, have afforded +most valuable and indeed indispensable aid to our undertaking; +and I desire to add my own thanks to yours for their very +important assistance.</p> + +<p>"But it is just that I should supply the only deficiency +which I observe in your Report, by pointing out that without +the administrative capacity and unremitting toil of the Members +of the Executive Committee, and especially of its Chairman, the +eminently satisfactory results which you have reported to me +could not have been attained.</p> + +<p>"I learn with much pleasure that, after all expenses are +defrayed, a substantial surplus will remain in your hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The best method of disposing of that surplus is a matter +which will need careful consideration. It would be premature +to allude to any of the various suggestions which have already +been put forward; but I am of opinion that no proposal will be +satisfactory to the public, unless it is immediately directed +towards the carrying out of the objects of the Exhibition from +which the fund is derived; namely, the promotion of the welfare +of Fishermen, Fisheries, and the Fishing Industry in general.</p> + +<p>"And I think our duty towards the supporters of the Exhibition +will not be discharged until we have done something +towards the alleviation of the calamities fatally incidental to +the Fisherman's calling; and until we have also done something +towards the promotion of that application of Science to +practice from which the Fishing Industry, like all other +industries, can alone look for improvement.</p> + +<p>"I believe, that apart from what may be effected by the +judicious use of the Surplus Fund, the latter end may best be +attained by the formation of a Society, having for its object the +collection of statistics and other information relative to +Fisheries; the diffusion among the fishing population of a +knowledge of all improvements in the methods and appliances +of their calling; the discussion of questions bearing upon +Fishing Interests; and the elucidation of those problems of +Natural History which bear upon the subject. Such a Society, +as the representative of the interests of the Fisheries, would +naturally take charge of the scientific investigations which +bear upon those interests, and would, no doubt, be brought into +relation with the Aquarium which you wisely propose to offer +to the Government, and with the already existing Fishery +Museum of the Department of Science and Art, which is +founded on the Collection bequeathed to the nation by the late +Mr. Buckland, but which has been immensely enlarged and +enriched by the liberality of many of our exhibitors.</p> + +<p>"You have rightly divined that it is a source of great gratification +to me to be able to continue the work commenced by my +father in 1851; and, by giving scope for the peaceful emulation +of the leaders of industry of all nationalities in public Exhibitions, +to divert the minds of men from those international +rivalries by which all suffer, to those by which all gain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The evidence of the public interest in such Exhibitions, +afforded by the vast concourse of visitors from all parts of the +realm to that which is now closed, has led me to hope that the +buildings which have been erected at so much cost, and which +have so admirably served their purpose, shall continue for the +next three years to be employed for Exhibitions of a similarly +comprehensive character.</p> + +<p>"In considering what shall be the subject-matter of these +Exhibitions, three topics of paramount interest to our community +have presented themselves to my mind. These are +Health, both bodily and mental; Industrial Inventions; and +the rapidly-growing resources of our Colonies and of our Indian +Empire.</p> + +<p>"I have expressed a desire that the Exhibition of 1884 will +embrace the conditions of health, in so far as, like food, clothes, +and dwellings, they fall under the head of Hygiene, or, like +appliances for general and technical teaching, gymnasia and +schools, under that of Education.</p> + +<p>"The question of the Patent Laws has for many years +engaged the attention of all those interested in the progress of +invention and the just reward of the inventor. I am advised +that the Patent Act of last Session will afford a satisfactory +solution of the difficulties which beset this subject, and will be +especially useful to the poor inventor by enabling him to obtain +protection for his invention at a considerably reduced rate, and +in a manner which will be more advantageous to him.</p> + +<p>"Under these circumstances, it has appeared to me that much +good may result from an Exhibition in the year 1885, showing +the Progress of Invention, especially in labour-saving machinery, +since 1862; that is to say, since the last great International +Exhibition held in this country.</p> + +<p>"At the close of the Paris Exhibition of 1868, I had the +satisfaction of receiving from the Colonial Commissioners an +address, in which great stress was laid on the desirability of +establishing a permanent Colonial Museum in London, as a +powerful means of diffusing throughout the Mother Country a +better knowledge of the nature and importance of the several +Dependencies of the Empire, of facilitating commercial relations, +marking progress, and aiding the researches of men of science,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> +and also of affording valuable information to intending emigrants.</p> + +<p>"At that time I was able to do little more than to assure the +Commissioners of my readiness to promote such a scheme, and +to recommend the respective Governments to give it their full +consideration.</p> + +<p>"I trust that the British Colonial Exhibition which I propose +to hold in 1886, may result in the foundation of such a Museum—the +institution of which would secure for the people of this +country a permanent record of the resources and development +of Her Majesty's Colonies; and I hope that an important +section of the proposed Exhibition of that year may result from +the co-operation of our fellow-subjects, the people of India, in a +suitable representation of the industrial arts of that Empire.</p> + +<p>"In conclusion, I desire, as President of these Exhibitions, to +thank the Special Commissioners, the Members of the General +Committee, and the Jurors, for the time and labour they have +devoted to the business of the Exhibition; and to express my +high approbation of the cheerfulness and assiduity with which +the members of the Executive Staff have discharged their very +onerous duties.</p> + +<p>"And I must finally signalize, as especially deserving of our +gratitude, my brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the other +foreign and English gentlemen, to whom we are indebted for +the bestowal of much time and thought upon the papers which +have been brought before those Conferences, which have formed +so interesting and so useful a feature of the Exhibition. I am +glad to hear that the value of the contribution to Fishery +Literature, effected by the publication of these papers and the +discussions to which they gave rise, has received authoritative +recognition."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>FINANCIAL RESULTS OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION, AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS.</h2> + + +<p>After all the affairs of the Exhibition of 1883 had been wound +up, including the financial accounts, a meeting of the General +Committee was held on Saturday, March 22nd, 1884, to receive +the Report of the Executive Committee. Details of receipts +and outlay were presented. Reference was made to the wide<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> +interest awakened by the Exhibition, the attendance of fishermen +from many lands, as well as from all parts of the United Kingdom, +and the success of the attempt to sell fish at prices hitherto unknown +in our great towns. The Report and Balance Sheet +having been presented, the Prince of Wales thus spoke:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"You have all listened, I am sure, with great interest to the +report that has been read to you by the Chairman of the +Executive Committee. From what we have heard, I think it is +patent to all that the late Fisheries Exhibition has in every +point of view been a success. It has been a financial success, +and it has also been a success as regards the enormous number +of people who have visited it, not only of our own countrymen +and those from our colonies, but from every part of the globe. +It is unnecessary for me on an occasion of this kind to +enumerate the objects of this Exhibition, but I maintain that +its two salient objects—viz., the scientific and practical ones—have +fully justified its existence: its scientific object by the +display of every possible kind of modern appliance, thus showing +the great improvements that have been made in the fishing +industry of the world; and its practical object because it not +only showed to our own countrymen, but to all the world, what +a valuable means of subsistence fish is. Many, I believe, had +no idea of its value; while the existence of varieties of fish was +made known which had not even been heard of by the great +majority of people. Well, gentlemen, you have all heard that +there is a surplus amounting to £15,243, and the question is +naturally how to employ that sum. In the address that I read +to you at the closing of the Exhibition I held out some hope +that this might be applied in a useful and practical manner, and +I would therefore now suggest to the General Committee that +one of the best objects by which to perpetuate the results of +this successful Exhibition would be to appropriate, say, about +£10,000 to alleviate the distress of widows and orphans of sea +fishermen. I use the words 'alleviate the distress' because I +do not wish to bind any of you to our erecting an orphanage. +That would cost a great deal of money, and, I think, would +possibly be a mistake. If we were to embark in any great +building enterprise of that kind, and in future find ourselves in +debt, we should have frustrated the very object we have in +view, viz., supporting the widows and orphans of those brave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> +men who peril their lives at sea. I would also suggest that +£3000 should be given as an endowment to a society, which +might be called the Royal Fisheries Society. What shape that +might take will be for your future consideration; but possibly +some society might be founded under such a name or character, +similar to the Royal Agricultural Society. We shall then have +a surplus of about £2000 left, which, I think you will all agree, +will be a good thing to keep in reserve. It would be for the +general public in future to show their interest in this scheme by +supporting it to the best of their ability. I beg, therefore, to +move the following resolution:—'That a sum of £10,000 be +invested, with a view to applying the proceeds to the assistance +of families who have suffered the loss of a father or husband in +the prosecution of his calling as a sea fisherman; and that a +further sum of £3000 be applied to the formation of a Fisheries +Society, such as was suggested by His Royal Highness the +President in his reply to the report of the Executive Committee +on the 31st of October, 1883.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>That suggestion was that a society should be formed, having +for its object the collection of statistics and other information +relative to Fisheries; the diffusing among the fishing population +of a knowledge of all improvements in the methods and appliances +of their calling; the discussion of questions bearing upon +fishing interests: we wish we could add, "the interests of the +public," in obtaining more and cheaper fish!</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>December 12th, 1882.</i></p> + + +<p>The large and commodious building on the Embankment, which +is the new seat of the old "City of London School," was formally +opened by the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess of +Wales, on the 12th of December, 1882. The Lord Mayor, in state, +the masters of the principal City Companies, and a large assembly +of civic and educational notables were present. The Lord Mayor +having given an address on the history of the school, and the +work done by the Corporation in connection with it, asked the +Prince to declare the new building open.</p> + +<p>The Prince, after expressing the gratification it gave to himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> +and the Princess to take part in the proceedings of the day, and, +having thanked the Lord Mayor for the historical address, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"After what you have all heard with regard to the existence +of this school, it will be hardly necessary for me to add more +than a very few words. I also express my fervent hope that a +school such as this one, which has flourished for a space of +between forty and fifty years, will continue ever to do so. It is +a palpable fact that many pupils have gone up to the Universities, +and taken high degrees, both in Classics at Oxford and in +Mathematics at Cambridge. The present Head Master is one +of those who took high honours at Cambridge. Last, but not +least, the Lord Mayor himself was educated in this school, and +is the first boy who has reached that high position.</p> + +<p>"I must congratulate the architect, and all those who have +designed and built this school. I feel convinced from what we +have seen that it is an admirably suited building for all educational +purposes. Its site, close to the Thames, where it will +get fresh air, and the admirable manner in which all the rooms +are constructed, promise well for the future. Let me once +again express a fervent hope that, under the blessing of God, it +will continue to flourish and prosper. I now declare the new +buildings open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The announcement was received with great cheering, with a +flourish of trumpets. The present Head Master, Dr. Abbott, +worthily sustains the reputation which the school held under +Dr. Mortimer.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE NORTHBROOK CLUB.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 21st, 1883.</i></p> + + +<p>The opening of the club, in Whitehall Gardens, named after the +Earl of Northbrook, for the use of native gentlemen from the East +Indies and their friends, attracted a large and influential assemblage. +By the request of Lord Northbrook the Prince of Wales +declared the club open. He said that, after the clear and full +statement by Lord Northbrook, he had little to say about the +objects and advantages of the club. After expressing his gratification +at being invited to be present, he said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have not forgotten—and I address this especially to those<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> +gentlemen who come from India—nor am I likely ever to forget, +the magnificent reception I met with in India, not only from the +Native Princes, but from every class in India; and the interest +I take in all that concerns Her Majesty's Indian empire I +assure you will ever continue. I think it highly desirable that +a club of this nature should have been formed, so as to bring +natives of India into direct communication with our own +countrymen, and that facilities should be afforded them to find +a comfortable place where they can meet together for the interchange +of ideas, and where they can seek relaxation after their +labours in the professions which they have come here to study. +That it will be found in every respect desirable, I am sure, and +I have not the smallest doubt that it will be successful. I am +glad to hear from Lord Northbrook of the money which has +come from India. It is gratifying to know that the Indian +Princes have been magnanimous in their subscriptions, and have +shown the great interest they take in the success of the undertaking. +I heartily wish prosperity to the Northbrook Club."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Some letters from India having been read, and several native +gentlemen having been presented, the Prince made a tour of the +club with the committee.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE IN MOORFIELDS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 8th, 1883.</i></p> + + +<p>The City of London College, which has spacious premises in +White Street, Moorfields, is intended for giving educational +advantages to young men, chiefly by means of evening classes for +those engaged in business or work during the day. It was +originally established, in 1848, at Crosby Hall, moving from there +to Sussex Hall, Leadenhall Street, and finally settled in the new +building in Moorfields, the cost of which was £16,000. To +inaugurate this new College, the Prince of Wales, accompanied +by the Princess, went to the City. After being shown over the +building their Royal Highnesses were conducted by the Lord +Mayor to the great hall, which is capable of holding about 1000 +persons, and which was densely filled.</p> + +<p>The Reverend Prebendary Whittington, Principal of the +College, read an address thanking the Prince for his presence, and +stating the objects of the College. He mentioned that in 1858 the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> +Prince Consort paid a visit to Crosby Hall, and testified his +approval of the work done for the intellectual, social, and moral +improvement of the young men of London, by consenting to +become the first patron, an office which had since his death been +filled by the Queen. Her Majesty had testified her continued +approval by a generous donation to the new building fund.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—It is with sincere pleasure that I +thank you on behalf of the Princess of Wales, as well as on my +own, for the loyal address of welcome which has just been +presented to us, and for being given this <a name="corr_240"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: opportuntity">opportunity</ins> of expressing +to you our approval of your efforts for the improvement +of the intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual condition of the +young men of this vast metropolis. Such occasions are always +fraught with the deepest interest to me, recalling as they do +the memory of my beloved father, the Prince Consort, who +devoted his time, his experience, and his great abilities to the +promotion of undertakings such as the one you now have in +hand, to which he lent his countenance by becoming its first +patron, and which the Queen still encourages by her patronage. +We sincerely trust our presence here to-day may encourage +others to take an interest in this great undertaking, and we +rejoice to be able to declare your new building open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>A prayer for the continued success of the institution was then +offered up by Bishop Claughton, and the Old Hundredth Psalm +was sung.</p> + +<p>The Secretary then read a list of subscriptions, including fifty +guineas from the Prince of Wales. The Lord Mayor said that the +Prince always showed his interest in education, and he had lately +been present at the opening of the City of London School. This +College gave more advanced and practical teaching than was given +at that School.</p> + +<p>Mr. Clarke, Q.C., M.P., said he had been a student of the +College twenty-six or twenty-seven years ago, and the education he +there received had been most valuable to him. Mr. Prebendary +Mackenzie having supported the resolution of a vote of thanks to +their Royal Highnesses, the Prince returned his warm thanks and +added:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"So much has been said with regard to this College that I +should only be taking up your time if I were to allude to it +further than to say that I feel convinced—and it is our earnest +hope—that this College, which has been so successful hitherto,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> +will continue to prosper in the new building. Most cordially +do we wish it all success. A greater proof cannot be given of +the excellent character of the education which the students +here receive than that given by the seconder of the resolution, +Mr. Clarke, who has not only attained a high position in the +profession he has adopted, but who has also become a member +of Parliament. I thank you again for your kind reception of +us to-day, and for the pleasure it has given us to inaugurate +this very handsome building."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>HOUSING OF THE POOR AND THE WORKING CLASSES.</h2> + +<p><i>February 22nd, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is not infrequent in his +attendance in the House of Lords, but he has very rarely addressed +the House. It is natural that he should avoid even the appearance +of being mixed up with political controversies, or touching points +that might bear a party construction. But on questions of a +social or patriotic bearing to which he is known to have given +personal attention, the voice of the Prince would be always heard +with pleasure, and his opinions carry due weight. It was so in +the matter of the Housing of the Poor, which was brought before +the House on the 22nd of February, 1884.</p> + +<p>The Marquis of Salisbury moved an Address to Her Majesty for +the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the housing +of the working classes. Lord Carington seconded the motion, after +which the Prince of Wales rose, amidst cheers from both sides of +the House. He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords,—The speeches which have fallen from the lips +of the noble Marquis who introduced this subject, and from +the noble Lord who has just sat down, cannot fail to have been +heard with the deepest interest by your Lordships. I feel also +convinced that your Lordships, in common with all classes of +Her Majesty's subjects, will be gratified to learn that the noble +Marquis has asked for a searching inquiry to be made into that +great and momentous question with regard to the housing, and +the amelioration of the dwellings, of the poor and the working, +classes, and that Her Majesty's Government have already +appointed a Commission for that purpose.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My Lords, it is not my intention to trouble your Lordships +with many remarks, though I take the keenest and +liveliest interest in this great question. Still, I confess I have +not gone sufficiently into the matter for me to venture on +giving an opinion, especially after what has fallen from the +noble Marquis and the noble Lord. At the same time, I can +assure you, my Lords, that I am deeply flattered at having been +appointed a member of the Royal Commission. The subject of +the housing of the poor is not entirely unknown to me, as +having acquired a property in Norfolk now for twenty years, I +have had something to do in building fresh dwellings for the +poor and working classes. On arriving there I found the +dwellings in the most deplorable condition, but I hope now +that there is hardly one on the estate who can complain of not +being adequately housed.</p> + +<p>"I quite endorse what has fallen from the noble Marquis and +the quotation which he made from the letter of Mr. Williams +which appeared in to-day's newspapers. A few days ago I +visited two of the poorest courts in the district of St. Pancras +and Holborn, where, I can assure you, my Lords, that the condition +of the people, or rather of their dwellings, was perfectly +disgraceful. This in itself proves to me how important it is +that there should be a thoroughly searching inquiry. As your +Lordships are aware, there have existed now for some short +space of time several private societies organised for the purpose +of inquiring into this very question. I am sure that we ought +all to be grateful to these gentlemen for giving up their time to +so important a subject, and I feel that the Royal Commission +can in nowise clash with the efforts of these private individuals.</p> + +<p>"In conclusion, my Lords, I wish to say that I cherish an +earnest hope, which I feel will be shared by your Lordships, +that the result of this Royal Commission will be a recommendation +to Parliament of measures of a drastic and thorough kind, +which may be the means of not only improving the dwellings of +the poor, but of ameliorating their condition generally."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness was followed by Lord Shaftesbury, the +Bishop of London, and others, but nothing was added in the debate +of a practical nature, and the motion of Lord Salisbury was +unanimously carried.</p> + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE GUARDS' INDUSTRIAL HOME AT CHELSEA BARRACKS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>February 25th, 1884.</i></p> + +<p>The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Princess +Louise, Marchioness of Lorne, and the Princesses Louise, Victoria, +and Maude of Wales, visited Chelsea <a name="corr_243"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Baracks">Barracks</ins> on Monday, the 25th +of February, 1884, for the distribution of prizes to the girls at the +Guards' Industrial Home. It is very honourable to the officers of +the Guards, that they provide as far as they can for the welfare of +the wives and families of the soldiers, as well as of the men of +their regiments. The boys educated in the regimental schools +were easily provided for, but for the training of the girls for +useful occupations it had been advisable to establish this +Industrial Home in the neighbourhood of the barracks. This was +explained by General Higginson, commanding the brigade of +Guards in the Home district, and a report of the state of the +institution during the past year was read by Colonel Cockran, the +honorary secretary.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then distributed the prizes to the girls, in +his usual kindly manner. General Higginson, in the name of the +brigade, thanked their Royal Highnesses for the proof they had +given of their favour and good will. The Prince replied—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"General Higginson, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—The Princess +begs me to return her warmest thanks for the very kind words +in which you have expressed your thanks to her on behalf of +the brigade for taking part in the ceremony which we have just +witnessed. I know I am only expressing her views when I +state that it has given her sincere pleasure to be here, and that +she shares with me an interest in everything which concerns +the brigade of Guards. After what has fallen from you, General +Higginson, and after the reading of the report, there is little +left for me to say beyond congratulating those who founded this +institution and those who so ably maintain it, upon the highly +satisfactory way in which it is managed and upon the creditable +manner in which, as we know, every detail connected with its +working is conducted. We sincerely hope that those young +ladies who have to-day received prizes will go forth to pursue +their avocations in life with credit both to themselves and to the +instruction they have received in this institution. We trust +that having reached its 21st anniversary—the coming of age of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> +the Guards' Industrial Home—the institution will ever continue +to flourish. For my own part, I may say, General Higginson, +that I think all the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men +of the Household Brigade are aware of the deep feeling which I +entertain towards them, and that I have not forgotten my +association with them three-and-twenty years ago. That feeling +of kindliness towards them, and of interest in all that concerns +them, will continue to the day of my death."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After the ceremony was over, there was an amateur theatrical +performance, to the great amusement not only of the young folk, +but of the crowd of spectators who filled the hall.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 15th, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales presided, not for the first time, at the annual +meeting of the Lifeboat Institution, which was held at Willis's +Rooms on the 15th of March, 1884. The Secretary, Mr. C. Dibdin, +having read the report, the Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—Before calling upon the noble +duke (the Duke of Argyll) to move the first resolution, I wish +to say a few words. You have all of you, I feel convinced, +heard with the greatest interest the report which has just been +read by the secretary, and I think we must all be unanimous +in the opinion that that report is highly satisfactory as regards +everything connected with this institution.</p> + +<p>"The National Lifeboat Institution, having been founded in +1824, has now reached its sixtieth anniversary, and I think you +will all agree with me that there is no institution throughout +our country which is of greater importance or more demands +our sympathy and assistance. From our geographical position +as a sea-girt isle, and from the immense colonies which we +have acquired, the mass of ships that travel to and fro and +reach our islands is almost too vast to enable us even to realize +what their number can actually be. Those vessels naturally +encounter tempests, the results of which are shipwrecks and +loss of life. The risks especially which that valuable and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> +important community, the fishermen on our coasts, have to run +from the beginning to the end of the year must be well known +to you all. It is especially to save their lives, and not only +theirs, but the lives of all who travel on the sea, that this great +national institution has been founded. Strange to say that +notwithstanding the great improvements which have been +effected in navigation and in the different scientific inventions +which have been made, there is no doubt that an increase of +shipwrecks annually occurs.</p> + +<p>"I may mention that it must have been of interest to those +of you who visited the Fisheries Exhibition last year to notice +all the models of boats, contrivances for fishing, and apparatus +for saving life which were there shown to you. It must be +patent to everybody that a society of this kind is an absolute +necessity. Look at what it has done. Since its foundation +nearly 31,000 lives have been saved by its instrumentality. +Already this year up to now—the middle of March—300 lives +have been saved, and last year the total number was nearly +1000. The institution has now 274 lifeboats, and no doubt you +are fully aware, through the medium of the Press, of the +gallantry which has been displayed by the coxswains and crews +of those boats. This is so well known to you, I am sure, that +I need not engross your attention by dwelling upon the topic. +Of one thing, however, I must remind you. I must impress +upon your minds the fact that, although we admit this to be a +national and most important institution, it is at the same time +entirely supported by voluntary contributions. Therefore I +most urgently ask you to ponder well over this fact, and impress +upon you the great necessity which exists for keeping it +up and maintaining it in a state of efficiency with adequate +funds. A large annual income is, of course, required for this +purpose. To maintain a lifeboat station in a good state £70 +per annum is needed.</p> + +<p>"Allusion has been made in the report to the fact that the +Princess of Wales has become a vice-patroness of this institution, +and I need hardly tell you that she shares with me all the +views that I hold in relation to it. It was a great gratification +to her quite recently to present medals to two of the most +deserving coxswains who had distinguished themselves in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> +saving lives. Upon the utility and merits of this institution +one might speak for hours, but our meeting to-day is for +business, and not merely for the purpose of delivering addresses; +so I will now call upon the Duke of Argyll to move +the first resolution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Speeches having been made by the Duke of Argyll, Admiral Sir +H. Keppell, Lord Charles Beresford, and the Lord Mayor (Fowler), +and resolutions passed, the Duke of Northumberland proposed +a vote of thanks to the Prince of Wales for presiding, who in +responding said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I assure you it has been a source of sincere gratification to +me to take the chair on this occasion. I assure you also that +nobody more cordially wishes this institution continued success +and prosperity than I do. It is a thoroughly national and +useful institution, and if it is only as ably managed and conducted +in the future as it has been in the past, I feel convinced +it will continue to flourish. I know how much we ought to +feel grateful to those who have undertaken the arduous duty of +managing this institution, for giving their valuable time and +assistance, and bow much our hearts ought always to go with +those I brave and gallant men who seek to rescue the lives of +their fellow-countrymen in all weathers, and in all times by +day or night."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE HEALTH EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 17th, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>The lamented death of the Duke of Albany on the 28th of March, +1884, prevented the Prince of Wales from taking active part in the +preparations for the Health Exhibition of that summer. He had +before arranged, along with the Executive Council, of which the +Duke of Buckingham was Chairman, the general plan of the +Exhibition, in the designs of which Prince Leopold had taken deep +interest. On the 17th of June the Prince formally inaugurated +the work of the international juries, a necessary and important +part of the whole undertaking. It was the first occasion in +which His Royal Highness had taken part in public affairs since +the death of his brother. The meeting took place in the Albert +Hall, and a great assembly had gathered, including many distinguished +foreigners.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Duke of Buckingham, on behalf of the Executive Council, +expressed the great gratification they felt at the appearance of +His Royal Highness among them, as to him was due the inception +of the undertaking. Sir James Paget, the Vice-Chairman of the +Council, delivered an elaborate and eloquent address on the +purposes and the importance of the Exhibition. He was followed +by Sir Lyon Playfair. After these addresses Lord Reay presented +to His Royal Highness, the Foreign Commissioners, and the +Chairmen and Jurors for the different sections. The Prince then +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Excellencies, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—Owing to a very +sad cause I was unable to open the Health Exhibition. But I +am particularly glad to have had this opportunity of being present +to preside here to-day on the occasion of the assembling of +the international juries. It has given me great pleasure to have +made the personal acquaintance of all those distinguished gentlemen +who have come from the Continent, and who, no doubt at +considerable inconvenience to themselves, have so kindly consented +to come over here to decide on matters appertaining to the +Health Exhibition. It is particularly gratifying to me to have +been here to receive them, and I sincerely hope that their +labours will be crowned with success. That the Exhibition has +up to the present time been successful so far as numbers are +concerned we have evidence to show, but I hope at the same +time that for scientific and educational purposes the public at +large may derive even greater benefit from it than they can get +by merely coming here to enjoy the Exhibition as a place of +recreation.</p> + +<p>"After the address from the Duke of Buckingham, and the +long, able, and most interesting one from Sir James Paget, +which was commented upon by Sir Lyon Playfair, it would be +perfectly superfluous for me to detain you but for a few moments +on any subject relating to health. These addresses, which you +have all listened to with such great interest, will, I trust, have +proved to you what an important consideration the matter of +health is. This Exhibition, under the able chairmanship of the +Duke of Buckingham and those gentlemen of the Executive +Council who have worked under him, has, I think, been brought +to a remarkable degree of perfection. They have done everything +they can do to make it pleasing to the eye; but still I +hope that those who visit the Exhibition will remember that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> +there are greater and more important objects at stake—that +they will go home impressed by the study of those objects as +well as by the pleasure they may have derived from the wonderful +inventions and methods of showing them. I wish to +tender my thanks to the Lord Mayor and the great City Companies +for their kind co-operation in this Exhibition, and I am +sure we are all much gratified at the success of what is called +Old London. Before concluding I would beg to ask the Chairmen +and Jurors at the close of the proceedings to constitute +their juries and select their secretaries."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The French Ambassador, in moving a vote of thanks to the +Prince of Wales for presiding, referred to His Royal Highness's +readiness on all occasions to give his time and to devote his +energies to any cause which might advance the welfare of the +people of this country. He called on them to thank His Royal +Highness, not only in the name of those present and of the +foreigners who had contributed to the Exhibition, and more +particularly those of France, but in the name of thousands upon +thousands of the poor and disinherited of the earth, of children +and the helpless, whose benefit would ultimately be promoted by +this Exhibition.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor seconded the motion, which was agreed to with +acclamation. The Prince, in closing the proceedings, tendered his +warmest thanks to the French Ambassador and his colleagues for +their presence on that occasion and for their continued co-operation +in the Exhibitions with which he had been connected. His +Royal Highness, in concluding, thanked the Lord Mayor, as +representative of the City of London, for all that the City and the +Guilds of London had done to promote the success of the +Exhibition.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>OPENING OF GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 25th, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>The building, of which the foundation was laid nearly three years +before, was completed within the time originally contracted for, and +the Prince of Wales came to open it on the 25th of June, 1884. +Again the Lord Chancellor read the report, and on behalf of the +Governors and Council of the City and Guilds of London Institute, +thanked His Royal Highness for his continued interest, and his +presence that day. Touching allusion was made to the death of the +Duke of Albany, who had laid the foundation stone of the Finsbury +Technical College in May 1881. "As years roll by, and when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> +connection between the technical education of the people and the +commercial prosperity of the country becomes as well understood +and appreciated here as it is abroad, the year 1880, in which the +City and Guilds of London Institute was incorporated, and the +year 1884, in which this central institution was opened, will stand +out as epochs in what we hope may be an unbroken record of +industrial progress; and we sincerely trust that the remembrance +of this day's proceedings may ever furnish to your Royal Highness +a pleasing and satisfactory thought, enabling you to associate +the endeavours of your illustrious father, dating back more than +thirty years, to improve the arts and manufactures of the country, +with the work of this Technical Institute, over which your Royal +Highness so graciously presides."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Chancellor, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I have +listened with attention to your address, and I assure you it +gives me great pleasure to be able to preside at the opening of +this important institution, the first pillar of which, in company +with her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, I set nearly +three years since. I thank you for your very feeling reference +to the severe loss which the Queen, and each member of Her +Majesty's family, has sustained by the untimely death of my +late brother. His interest in every movement calculated to +humanize and to elevate the people of this country will, I am +quite sure, cause his loss to be felt far beyond the circle of +his immediate friends.</p> + +<p>"I have been gratified that the City and the Livery Companies +of London have so generously responded to the letter which, as +President of the Institute, I addressed some few months since to +the Lord Mayor and to the Worshipful Masters of the Livery +Companies of London. This Institute, which owes its origin to +the liberality of the City and of the Guilds of London, is an +illustration of the excellent work that may be done by united +action, which could not possibly be accomplished by individual +efforts. Conformably with the traditions of these ancient Guilds, +there is, perhaps, no purpose to which they could more appropriately +devote their surplus funds, and none which would be +of more practical advantage to the country at large than the +promotion of technical education. The altered conditions of +apprenticeship, and the almost general substitution of machine +for hand labour have made the teaching of science, in its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> +application to productive industry, a necessary part of the +training of all classes of persons engaged in manufacturing +pursuits.</p> + +<p>"There never was a time, perhaps, when the importance of +technical education was more generally recognized than now, +and I am gratified to learn from the report of the Royal Commissioners +appointed to inquire into the subject to which your +lordship has referred, that, although we are still behind many +of our foreign neighbours in the provision of technical schools +of different grades, the encouragement afforded by the State to +the teaching of science and of art, supplemented as it now is by +the Institute's assistance to the teaching of technology, has placed +within reach of our artizan population facilities for technical +instruction which have already influenced, and which promise +to influence still more in the future, the progress of our manufacturing +industry.</p> + +<p>"As president of this Institute, I have noted with much +satisfaction the rapid development of the work which the +Council have initiated, and which they so successfully control. +I am anxious to take this opportunity of expressing in public +what is already known to you, my Lord Chancellor, and to the +members of the Council, the obligations which we are all under +to Mr. Philip Magnus, our able director and secretary, for his +unwearied exertions in having so successfully accomplished the +organization of the practical work of the institution. I have no +doubt that the opportunities for advanced instruction, which +will be afforded in the well-arranged laboratories and workshops +of this building, will enable the managers and superintendents +of our manufacturing works to obtain more readily than hitherto +that higher technical instruction which is so essential to the +development of our trade and commerce.</p> + +<p>"But it is especially as a training college for teachers that +this institution will occupy an important place in the educational +establishments of this country. The demand for technical +instruction has increased so rapidly during the last few years +that the supply of teachers has not kept pace with it, and I have +noticed with satisfaction that in the scheme for the organization +of this school due prominence is given to the provision of +gratuitous courses of instruction for technical teachers from all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> +parts of the kingdom. I shall be glad to see other corporations +and individuals follow the example of the Clothworkers' Company, +by establishing scholarships which shall serve to connect +the elementary schools of this country with this institution. +Hitherto, all schools have led up to the Universities, and literary +training has been encouraged to the disadvantage of scientific +instruction. Manufacturing industry has, consequently, not +been able to attract to its pursuits its fair proportion of the best +intellect of the country. The foundation of scholarships in +connection with this institution will enable selected pupils from +elementary schools to enter schools of a higher grade, and to +complete their education within these walls.</p> + +<p>"As president of the International Health Exhibition, I am +glad that the Council of this Institute have been able to place +at the disposal of the Council of the Health Exhibition a portion +of this building for the exhibition of apparatus and appliances +used in technical and other schools. I have no doubt that we +shall find in that exhibition, which I hope to be able presently +to visit, much that is generally instructive, and that the foreign +sections will contain exhibits which will prove of great interest +to the educational authorities of this country. To the Corporation +and to the Livery Companies of London, the Council of the +International Health Exhibition are indebted for much valuable +assistance, and I thank them for it.</p> + +<p>"It now only remains for me to declare the Central Institution +of the City and Guilds of London Institute to be open, and to +express the warmest hope that the important educational work +to be carried on in this great national school of technical science +and art will help to promote the development of our leading +industries, and that the City and Guilds of London, which have +so liberally subscribed funds for the erection and equipment of +this institution, will maintain it with efficiency, and will at the +same time continue their support to all other parts of the +Institute's operations."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After short speeches by Lord Carlingford, Mr. Mundella, and +the Lord Mayor, the Prince inspected the various parts of the +Institute, including the rooms where specimens of the work of +students of the Finsbury College, and where exhibits from foreign +technical schools were displayed.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>August 1st, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>One of the most important meetings presided over by the Prince +of Wales, and one of the most memorable gatherings for many a +year past seen in the City of London, was that held in the Guildhall, +on the 1st of August, 1884. The object was to celebrate the +Jubilee of the Abolition of Slavery in the British Colonies, to +recall the work of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society +during the last half-century, and to consider the position and +prospects of the slavery question at the present time throughout +the world.</p> + +<p>It was in every respect a most remarkable meeting. The great +Hall was densely crowded from end to end. On the platform +were assembled large numbers of distinguished persons, of different +creeds, and opposite political parties, but all united in the cause +which had brought them together that day. The names of a few +of those present will show how various were the classes thus +represented. The Lord Mayor (Alderman Fowler, M.P.), and the +Chief Magistrates of London, the Archbishop of Canterbury and +Cardinal Manning, Earl Granville and the Earl of Derby, Sir +Stafford Northcote and Mr. W. E. Forster, Mr. Sergeant Simon. +Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Mr. T. R. Potter, Mr. Henry Richard, and +many other leading members of Parliament, sat together on the +same platform. There were present a few of the veterans who +had taken part in the anti-slavery struggles fifty years before, +such as Joseph Sturge and Sir Harry Verney, M.P. Descendants +of the early champions of the cause, bearing the honoured names +of Wilberforce, Lushington, Buxton, Pease, Forster, showed that +the spirit of their fathers was maintained in a new generation. +Among the ladies on the platform were the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, +Miss Gordon, the sister of General Gordon, of Khartoum, +and some members of the Society of Friends, always abounding in +good works.</p> + +<p>The Secretary of the Society read a list of names of those +unable to be present, but expressing warm sympathy with the +purpose of the meeting. There were letters from the Chief Rabbi, +from Lord Salisbury, the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Sutherland, +the Duke of Argyll, Lord Carnarvon, and other men of +distinction. The most touching communication was from the +venerated Earl of Shaftesbury, who had promised to attend, but +was obliged to dictate a letter from a sick-bed, in which he +expressed the satisfaction he felt in having lived to see such +changes in regard to slavery during the past fifty years. On the +daïs behind the platform were busts of Granville Sharp, and of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> +Clarkson, decorated with flowers, and in front were exhibited +massive wooden yokes and iron chains, such as are used for the +gangs of slaves in the journey to the coast of Africa.</p> + +<p>Well might Lord Granville express his delight on "looking at +this assembly of eminent men in all the walks of life in this +country, of different professions, of different pursuits, of different +religious denominations, of different political parties, all absorbed +by one philanthropic idea, and presided over by the illustrious +Prince, the Heir-Apparent to the Throne." How the Prince came +to occupy this position, it may interest many readers to know. +Mr. Allen, the Secretary of the Society, and Mr. W. E. Forster, +went to ask him to preside at the meeting. Mr. Forster, for +whom the Prince had high personal esteem, reminded him that +his father had made his first public appearance as chairman of a +meeting of the Anti-Slavery Society. The Prince did not need to +be reminded of this, but at once most cordially assented to preside +from his own interest in the subject, and if Mr. Allen would give +a few necessary dates and facts he would do the best he could. +With this assurance the success of the meeting was secured.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor, according to civic custom, having taken the +chair for an instant, then vacated it, and invited His Royal +Highness to preside over the meeting. The Prince then rose, +amidst enthusiastic cheers, and said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—At the express wish of +the Lord Mayor I am asked to preside on this auspicious occasion. +I need hardly tell you that in such a cause it gives me +more than ordinary pleasure to occupy the chair at so great and +influential a meeting as this. I confess I had some reluctance +in presiding to-day, feeling that others could accomplish the +task far better than I should. But I also felt that possibly I +might have some slight claim to occupy the chair on such an +occasion, as so many members of my family have presided over +former meetings in connection with Anti-Slavery movements. +In the years 1825 and 1828, my uncle the late Duke of +Gloucester presided at meetings of the Society, which were +numerously attended. The Duke of Sussex did so in 1840; +and you are well aware of the interest they took in promoting +the objects of the Society by bringing forward questions concerning +it in Parliament. In the same year my lamented father +occupied the chair at a very large and crowded meeting at +Exeter Hall; and I believe that occasion was the very first on +which he occupied the chair at any public meeting in this +country. Let me say that my excuse for standing before you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> +to-day may be given in words used by him forty-four years +ago. They were these—'I have been induced to preside at the +meeting of this Society from the conviction of its paramount +importance to the greatest interests of humanity and +justice.'</p> + +<p>"This is a great and important anniversary. To-day we celebrate +the jubilee of the emancipation of Slavery throughout our +colonies; and it is also a day which has been looked forward +to with pleasure and satisfaction by this excellent Society, which +has worked so hard in this great cause of humanity.</p> + +<p>"We may be all proud, ladies and gentlemen, that England +was the first country which abolished negro Slavery. Parliament +voted, and the nation paid, twenty million pounds to facilitate +this object. Our example was followed by many other countries, +though I regret to say that in Brazil and Cuba slavery still +exists, as well as in Mohammedan and heathen countries. It is +a very natural temptation that, in newly-peopled countries, and +especially when the climate prevents Europeans from working, +forced labour should be introduced. The Duke of Gloucester +very properly said that 'The Slave-trade can only be thoroughly +abolished by the abolition of Slavery; that while there is a +demand, there will be a supply; this is the keynote of the +Society during its existence.'</p> + +<p>"Principally owing to the indefatigable exertions of the undaunted +Thomas Clarkson and his great Parliamentary coadjutor, +William Wilberforce, the Slave-trade and the untold horrors of +the Middle Passage were, as far as Great Britain was concerned, +put an end to in the year 1807. The majority, therefore, of the +Slaves in the West Indian Islands who received the benefit of +the Emancipation Act were descendants of those Africans who +had been originally torn from the forests of Africa. Speaking +of the proclamation of the emancipation of the Slaves in the +colonies, Mr. Buxton said:—'Throughout the colonies the +churches and chapels had been thrown open, and the Slaves +had crowded into them on the evening of the 31st of July, 1834. +As the hour of midnight approached they fell upon their knees, +and awaited the solemn moment, all hushed, silent, and prepared. +When twelve o'clock sounded from the chapel bells they sprang +upon their feet, and through every island rang glad sounds of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> +thanksgiving to the Father of all, for the chains were broken +and the Slaves were free.'</p> + +<p>"I may mention that I have within a short time ago received +a telegram from the President of the Wesleyan Methodist Conference +in session at Burslem, congratulating me and you on the +meeting of to-day, and stating that it was during the session of +the Conference in 1834 that the abolition of Slavery in the +West Indian Colonies became an accomplished fact—a consummation +for which, as Wesleyan Methodists, they had universally +prayed and laboured. They cannot therefore, but profoundly +rejoice at the jubilee of the great event, with its incalculable +benefits, not only to the West Indies, but to all other peoples +throughout the world.</p> + +<p>"It may not, perhaps, be generally known to you that +Slavery was abolished in India in 1843 by the simple passing +of an Act destroying its legal status, and putting the freeman +and Slave on the same footing before the law. The natural +result took place, and millions of Slaves gratuitously procured +their own freedom without any sudden dislocation of the rights +claimed by their masters. A plan similar to this would be +found a most effectual one in Egypt and other Mohammedan +countries. This example was followed by Lord Carnarvon in +1874 on the Gold Coast of Western Africa, where he was able +to abolish Slavery without any serious interference with the +habits and customs of the people. Under the influence of +England, the Bey of Tunis issued a decree in 1846, abolishing +Slavery and the Slave-trade throughout his dominions, which +concluded in the following simple and forcible terms:—'Know +that all Slaves that shall touch our territory by sea or by land +shall become free.'</p> + +<p>"In connection with this there are two names which I cannot +do otherwise than allude to to-day—that of Sir Samuel Baker, +and one which is on everybody's lips—that of General Gordon. +You are well aware that during the term of five or six years +that they were governors of the Soudan their great object was +to put down the Slave-trade on the White Nile. They were +successful to a great extent, but I fear they had great difficulties +to contend with, and when their backs were turned much of the +evil came out again which they had found on their arrival.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I will now turn to Europe. The great Republic of France +in 1848, under the guidance of the veteran Abolitionist M. Victor +Schœlcher and his colleagues, passed a short Act abolishing +Slavery throughout the French dominions: 'La République +n'admet plus d'esclaves sur le territoire Français.' In Russia +the emancipation of twenty millions of serfs in 1861 by the late +Emperor of Russia must not pass unchronicled in a review of +the history of emancipation, although, strictly speaking, this +form of Slavery can scarcely be classed with that resulting from +the African Slave-trade. In the United States of America in +1865 the fetters of six millions of Slaves in the Southern States +were melted in the hot fires of the most terrible civil war of +modern times. Passing on to South America, and looking to +Brazil, it may be noted with satisfaction that all of the small +republics formerly under the rule of Spain put an end to +Slavery at the time they threw off the yoke of the mother +country. The great Empire of Brazil has alone, I regret to say, +retained the curse which she inherited from her Portuguese +rulers. At the present moment she possesses nearly a million +and a half of Slaves on her vast plantations, but arrangements +are made for their gradual emancipation.</p> + +<p>"Now, having taken this glance at the condition of Slavery +to-day, I will add, in the words of the Society, that 'the chief +object of this jubilee meeting is to rekindle the enthusiasm of +England, and to assist her to carry on this civilising torch of +freedom until its beneficent light shall be shed over all the +earth.' The place in which this meeting is held, the character +of this great meeting, and the reception these words have received, +assure me that I have not done wrong in stating freely +these objects. One of the objects of the Society is to circulate +at home and abroad accurate information on the enormities of +the Slave-trade and of Slavery, to give evidence—if evidence, +indeed, be wanting—to the inhabitants of Slave-holding countries +of the pecuniary advantages of free labour, and to diffuse authentic +information respecting the beneficial result to the +countries of emancipation. The late Duke of Gloucester, in +the course of a speech made by him in 1825, said that 'his +family had been brought to this country for the protection of +the rights and liberties of its subjects, and as a member of that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> +family he should not be discharging his duty towards them if +he did not recommend the sacred principles of freedom by +every means in his power.' Most heartily and most cordially +do I endorse his words.</p> + +<p>"I rejoice that we have on the platform the eminent sons of +two eminent fathers in the work of abolishing the Slave-trade +and Slavery. Lord Derby and Mr. Forster, whom I rejoice to +see here, have a hereditary connection with emancipation. The +late Lord Derby, then Mr. Stanley, was Colonial Secretary to +the Liberal Government of that day, which had set before it +the task of carrying through Parliament a measure which was +to put a term to Slavery in all the dependencies of the United +Kingdom. Mr. Forster's father, having taken his full share of +the agitation which led to the abolition of colonial Slavery, +went to Tennessee on an Anti-Slavery errand and died in that +State. There are glimpses, ladies and gentlemen, in Mr. +Trevelyan's 'Life of Macaulay,' of the devotion with which this +great movement was carried on. Zachary Macaulay, father of +our great historian, was one of the chief workers in the cause, +and it is said of him that for forty years he was ever burdened +with the thought that he was called upon to wage war with this +gigantic evil. In some of the West India islands the apprenticeship +system produced worse evils than the servitude of the +Slave. The negroes were theoretically free, but practically +Slaves. The masters had been paid for their emancipation, but +still held them to service. In a year or two the term of apprenticeship +was shortened, and soon afterwards public opinion +at home demanded and effected its complete abolition. There +were four years of disappointment, trouble, dispute, and suffering +in all the West Indies, except the island of Antigua, where +the planters had preferred to make the change from Slavery to +freedom at a single step. Full emancipation of the colonies had +to be enforced in 1838 by another Act, which abolished the +transition stage, and proclaimed universal and complete emancipation. +This Act Only completed the work which 1833 began. +The battle in which so many noble spirits had been engaged +was practically won when the name of Slavery was abolished. +The negroes of the West Indies look back to the 1st August, +1834, as the birthday of their race. The Emancipation Act,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> +which on that day came into force, spoke the doom of Slavery +all round the world.</p> + +<p>"I have ventured on this occasion to touch on different topics +and dates which I thought would be of interest, but it is not my +wish to weary you with longer details. Allow me to thank you +for the kind way in which you have listened to the remarks I +have made, and to assure you how deeply I am with you on +this occasion, both heart and soul."</p> + +</blockquote><p>It was no formal compliment when Earl Granville, who followed +the President, said, that "the illustrious Prince, following the +example of his noble father, and of other members of the Royal +Family, not only presided on this occasion with dignity and grace, +but had spoken with earnestness and power on this great question." +He also paid a generous tribute to the memory of Lord +Palmerston, under whom he had begun his own official life, and +who had laboured long and zealously in the anti-slavery cause.</p> + +<p>The speakers who succeeded, without exception, rose to the +height of the great argument. Sir Stafford Northcote, the Lord +Iddesleigh of after years, closed his speech with a noble peroration: +"They had deep reason to be thankful for the position which +England had been allowed to take in this great controversy. +They knew what that great position was; they knew how it +astonished the world, and how it astonished ourselves, that this +island had spread itself in its intentions and designs over so large +a portion of the world's surface, and what responsibility it had +taken upon itself in consequence. This position had brought us +into communication with every portion of the globe where Slavery +prevailed. It gave us great opportunities, and we must see that +they are not neglected. England's mission was not to magnify +herself and speak of the greatness she had achieved: it was rather +to look to the happiness and the advancement of the world. There +were lines written by a great poet which were originally applied +to the great Empire of Rome, but which were applicable to +England. They spoke of that which became an Imperial race, +and of the aptitude of other nations for other arts and pursuits. +It was the Imperial position and the boast of England to release +the captive, and set free the Slave; and, in the words of the poet +to whom he had referred, he would say: 'These are Imperial +arts, and worthy thee.'"</p> + +<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of the duty of the clergy +to promote and direct public feeling on this question. Lord +Derby, then Foreign Secretary, in referring to direct action by +England, said that international diplomacy set limits to carrying +out all that they might wish in regard to foreign slavery. "The +English Act of 1834 had practically given the death-blow to slavery +throughout the world. I do not think this is saying too much, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> +we know the force of public opinion." He concluded by saying +that "the slave trade, although somewhat checked, will never be +thoroughly got rid of till Slavery dies out in Asia, and in partially +civilized countries. How this is to be effected, when it can be +done, and through what agencies, are questions not to be settled +by an off-hand sentence at a public meeting. But that it ought to +be done—that it can be done, and that in time it will be done—are +matters about which I entertain no doubt; and, that being so, +I have much pleasure in proposing this resolution."</p> + +<p>The resolution ran as follows:—"That this meeting, while fully +recognising the great steps made by nearly all civilised nations in +the path of human freedom, has yet to contemplate with feelings +of the deepest sorrow the vast extent of Slavery still maintained +among Mohammedan and heathen nations, producing, as its consequence, +the indescribable horrors of the Central and East African +Slave-trade, as fatal to human life on shore as the dreadful Middle +Passage formerly was at sea; in view of this appalling state of +things, this meeting pledges itself to support the British and +Foreign Anti-Slavery Society in its efforts to urge the Governments +of all Slave-holding countries to put an end to Slavery as the only +certain method of stopping the Slave-trade."</p> + +<p>Mr. Forster said that this resolution had been drawn with a +temperance of language which he feared he would not have been +able to command. He thought that the services which England +had rendered to some nations still encouraging Slavery and the +Slave-trade, entitled her voice to be raised with great authority. +But he recognised the difficulties, which should nerve them to +greater earnestness in strengthening public opinion in this +country on the subject. "I greatly rejoice," said Mr. Forster, +"to see this meeting, and I believe this means a new departure, +and a determination to carry on the work, and to strengthen the +hands of this Society for what it has yet to do."</p> + +<p>Cardinal Manning, in an earnest and eloquent appeal, also +urged the claims of the Society. "The reports published by it, as +to the actual state of Slavery and the Slave-trade, are too sadly +true. We are told that Livingstone, whose name cannot be mentioned +in this hall or anywhere without awaking the sympathy of +all Christian men, has left it on record as his belief that half-a-million +of human lives are annually sacrificed by this African +Slave-trade. This horrible traffic runs in three tracks, marked by +skeletons, from the centre of Africa towards Madagascar, towards +Zanzibar, and towards the Red Sea. Also, we are told, that of +those who are carried away by force, some are so worn by fatigue +as to die, others falling by the way are slaughtered by the sword, +so that of this great multitude only one-third ever reaches the +end of their horrible destination. It would seem to me that never +in the Middle Passage was murder and misery so great."</p> + +<p>What was thus said by Cardinal Manning has been since confirmed +by his Eminence Cardinal Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> +and Carthage, when recently in London, engaged in a righteous +crusade to be preached by him in all the Capitals of Europe. +This African prelate, from his own knowledge, during the last +thirty years, as missionary and as prelate, gave terrible details of +the slave trade, as the curse of that dark continent. The Cardinal +says that the traffic can never be stopped, except by force, and if +the Governments of Europe cannot effect this, he advocates a +voluntary crusade of men, ready to form armed colonies of blacks +to protect the missionaries of religion and civilization, and to +defend the slave regions from the murderous raiders who invade +them. The success of Emin Pasha who has for ten years kept the +whole of his great Equatorial province free from the ravages of +the slave-hunters shows what can be done. But for the shameful +abandonment of Gordon at Khartoum, the slave trade would at +this time have been almost at an end, and the grand desires of +Livingstone for the peace and welfare of Africa would have been +accomplished. Let us hope that Cardinal Lavigerie's visit may +not be in vain so far as England is concerned. He came quietly +and went quietly, only paying two visits after his public appearance +at Prince's Hall, one to the Marquis of Salisbury, and the +other to the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>To return to the Guildhall, the loyal and hearty thanks of the +meeting were offered to His Royal Highness, on the motion of the +Lord Mayor, seconded by Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, and carried +by acclamation. The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am not likely to forget this important day, and most +sincerely do I hope that important results may accrue from it. +We have to-day celebrated the past, but we have the future to +look to, as many speakers have said, and I cannot do better +than agree with my right hon. friend on my left (Mr. Forster) +that we must act with caution. But with due caution, and +with the advice and good example which have been set, I feel +sure that in time all countries will follow in the footsteps of +England. The best chance of a complete abolition of Slavery +will lie in civilisation, in opening up those great countries, Asia +and Africa, many parts of which are now known to but few +Europeans, and in disseminating education. In time people +will see that they have derived no benefit from having Slaves, +that the freeman will do his work far better than the one who +is forced to labour. I mentioned, in first speaking, the names of +many men connected with the subject on which we have met +to-day. I will now add the name of one who was taken from +us a few months ago, and who always had the deepest interest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> +in this Society—I allude to the eminent and much regretted +statesman, Sir Bartle Frere. And on this occasion his widow, +Lady Frere, has sent to us these slave irons [pointing to the +chains in front], which were brought some years ago from +Zanzibar by Sir Bartle Frere, and you will, by looking at these +implements of the slavers, be convinced more, perhaps, than by +anything else, of the cruelty and hardships which slaves in this +part of Africa had to undergo. I will not detain you longer, +but I must thank you once more for the kind support you have +given me to-day, and also those gentlemen, many of them old +and valued friends of my own, who have addressed you in such +eloquent and exhaustive speeches."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince vacated the chair, which was then taken by the +Lord Mayor, and His Royal Highness left, amid loud cheers. His +Royal Highness afterwards graciously consented to become Patron +of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 9th-17th.</i></p> + + +<p>Seventeen years had passed since the Prince and Princess of +Wales had been in Ireland, and had been received with generous +and loyal enthusiasm. It was feared by many that the spirit of +loyalty in the Irish people had died away and could never be +revived. The selfish and treasonable agitators who had long +stirred up hostile and disloyal feelings were vexed and angry when +they heard of another Royal visit. They used every means that +a malign ingenuity could suggest to repress the generous +impulses of the Irish race, and did all in their power to prepare +for the Prince and Princess of Wales a reception different from +that which had been given on their former visits. When they +found that the mass of the people looked forward with joyful +anticipation to the coming of the Prince and Princess among them, +they recommended, on the part of what they called the national +party, to maintain a "dignified neutrality," and to abstain from +joining in the loyal demonstration with which it was evident the +Royal visitors would be welcomed. The design proved a failure. +From the moment of landing at Kingstown to the day of their +departure, not in Dublin only, but in the progress through the +south of Ireland, the feeling of disaffection and disloyalty was +overborne by the spontaneous and hearty enthusiasm of the people.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> + +<p>The first manifestation of loyal feeling was displayed at Kingstown, +when an address was presented by the Commissioners of the +township. The reply of the Prince shows how the spirit of the +address was appreciated:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Chairman and Town Commissioners of Kingstown,—It +has given me great pleasure to receive the address with which +you have greeted me on my first landing in Ireland after some +absence from your shores, and I am grateful to you for the +welcome which you have accorded to the Princess of Wales and +myself. I value, I can assure you, very highly the expression +of loyalty and attachment to the Crown which your address +contains, and I will not fail to communicate to the Queen the +sentiments of loyalty and of devotion which you express towards +Her Majesty. Most certainly do I hope that this may +not be the last visit which we shall pay to a country where we +have always been welcomed by kindness, and where the hospitality +which we have invariably received on all former occasions +has left so many pleasant recollections impressed on our minds."</p> + +</blockquote><p>On arriving at Dublin the first address was presented by the +City Reception Committee, the citizens having, with the hearty +co-operation of all classes, undertaken to pay the common +courtesies of welcome, which rightly should have been done, and +on former occasions were done, by the Lord Mayor and Corporation. +An address was at the same time presented by the Chamber of +Commerce. To both addresses the Prince thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Martin, Mr. Guinness, and Gentlemen,—On behalf of +the Princess of Wales and myself, I thank you heartily for the +address you have read to me, and I am very grateful to the +citizens of Dublin who through you have welcomed me to their +city. It gives the Princess and myself much gratification once +more to visit a country where we have received so much kindness, +and I regret the length of the interval which has elapsed +since we last were in Ireland, and fully appreciate your sentiments +of loyalty to the Throne and Constitution, and I will take +care to communicate to the Queen your expressions of devotion +and attachment to Her Majesty. It will give me much pleasure +to renew my acquaintance with Dublin and see the results of +the civic and private enterprise to which you refer. The +furtherance of the welfare of all classes of the realm is an object +which is dear to me, and I trust that the efforts of the Commis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>sion +of which I am a member will tend to the improvement of +the dwellings of those who contribute by their labour to the +prosperity of our great towns, and will thus add to their public +utility as citizens as well as to their private and domestic +happiness. I hope to visit many parts of Ireland and see much +of the work, as well as share some of the amusements, of the +Irish people. The kindness with which you have greeted me +encourages me to look forward with pleasure to my visit to a +country where courtesy and hospitality have ever been the +characteristics of the people."</p> + +</blockquote><p>One passage in the address of the Chamber of Commerce the +Prince did not refer to, but it is of great importance. After the +warm expressions of loyalty to the Throne and the Constitution, +and of devotion to the Queen and the Royal Family, the address +continued, "We earnestly desire that your present visit may be +productive of so much pleasure to your Royal Highnesses that you +may feel encouraged to honour Ireland hereafter by visits of more +frequent occurrence and of longer duration. We venture to assure +you that it would be a great gratification to Her Majesty's loyal +subjects in Ireland if a permanent Royal residence should be +established in our country, and if some members of the Royal +Family should see fit to make their home among us for some part +of every year." About the permanent Royal residence in Ireland, +the Prince kept a judicious silence, for it is a point which involves +financial as well as political questions. But the opinion of the +best Irish, of all classes, may well be considered, if the proposal is +brought before Parliament.</p> + +<p>The address of the Royal Dublin Society when the Royal party +visited the Agricultural Show elicited another appropriate speech +from the Prince. After acknowledging the expressions of loyalty +to the Throne, and of personal kindness in the welcome given, the +Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"The proceedings of your society have ever been a matter of +deep interest to me, as they were to my lamented father; and, +having been fortunate enough on many occasions to be a successful +exhibitor at agricultural shows, I am able to appreciate +the service rendered to agriculture generally, and to the rearing +of cattle and horses especially, by your labours. In your attitude +towards the geographical survey I rejoice to see a determination +which proves to me that the promotion of those objects which +you consider to be for the best interests of your country is +paramount in your minds. I most sincerely trust that success +may attend each and all of your important undertakings, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> +they are designed to promote the prosperity of a people who, +quick to grapple with the difficulties of science and always +ready to take advantage of the benefits of commerce, are necessarily +dependent to a large extent on highly taught and scientific +agriculture."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Later in the day the Prince went to see for himself the condition +of some of the poorest parts of the city. His kindly sympathetic, +manners towards the poor, and the minute acquaintance which he +showed with the whole subject of the housing of the labouring +classes, in all the details of construction and sanitation, were the +theme of universal surprise and admiration. Of this inspection of +the "slums" a reporter at the time said, "The visit of the Prince +to these parts of the city was not publicly announced. But the +people were not long in discovering who their visitor was. He +had come among them with his eldest son, unattended by any +guard, and the event showed that his confidence was not misplaced. +Cheers and welcomes and every outward demonstration +of loyal good feeling attended him along his whole course. It +was a reception which had been well earned, and it will certainly +not be the least pleasant recollection which the Prince will carry +back when his Irish visit is at an end."</p> + +<p>The proceedings on the 10th of April were as many and as +laborious as those of the preceding day. The first duty was the +reception of addresses from various public bodies. There were no +fewer than thirty different addresses, presented by deputations of +five persons for each. They were received by the Prince, who +wore the Order of St. Patrick. The Princess of Wales was on his +left, and Prince Albert Victor on her left. All the addresses were +handed in succession to the Prince, without being read, which +would have occupied too much time, and then the deputations were +requested to approach the daïs, when the Prince, in dear expressive +tones, read the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Graces, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I have thought +it more for your convenience, as well as more within the compass +of my ability, that I should, with your permission, make a +general reply to the many kind addresses with which you have +honoured me, and copies of which have already by your courtesy +been before me, than that I should attempt a separate reply to +each. I feel myself highly honoured by having been welcomed +in this historic hall by so many bodies representing so many +and so varied interests as you do. Leaders of local administrations, +heads of religious communities, representatives of +learning and art, philanthropy and education, you have one and +all greeted me with the kindness and good will which has made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> +a deep impression upon me, and which I never shall forget. +You have alluded in terms of loyalty, which have much gratified +me, to your attachment to the Constitution, and have +expressed in a manner which I will not fail to communicate to +the Queen your devotion to Her Majesty.</p> + +<p>"In varied capacities, and by widely different paths, you +pursue those great objects which, dear to you, are, believe me, +dear also to me—the prosperity and progress of Ireland, the +welfare and happiness of her people. That many difficulties +from time to time impede you I can well understand. Such is +the natural course of events. But I am glad to be able to +gather from your addresses that you are advancing steadily +towards the goal which you have in view. From my heart I +wish you success, and I would that time and my own powers +would permit me to explain fully and in detail the deep interest +which I feel not only in the welfare of this great Empire at +large, but in the true happiness of those several classes of the +community on whose behalf you have come here to-day. You +have referred to the Princess of Wales, who has accompanied +me on this occasion, and for her I thank you for your welcome +to a country, of the past visits to which we have pleasant recollections, +and where we hope in future, as we have in the +past, to spend happy days."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The several deputations listened with great interest to the +reply, and at the close gave expression to their pleasure in cordial +acclamations.</p> + +<p>The next event set down in the programme of the day was one +to which great national importance is attached—namely, that of +laying the foundation stone of the new Museum of Science and Art +in connection with South Kensington. Elaborate preparations had +been made for it, and the grounds at each side of Leinster House, +which is to be the central building, were adorned with gay flags +and fitted up with stands, from which the entry of the Royal +party and the ceremonial itself could be seen. A guard of honour, +contributed by the Cornwall Regiment, with their band, was +stationed on Leinster Lawn, opening upon Merrion Square, through +which the Royal party entered. On the route from the Castle to +Leinster House, the streets were everywhere densely crowded, and +the houses decorated. An open passage for the procession was +kept by the police without any difficulty, the populace behaving +with exemplary decorum. The Prince and Princess acknowledged +most graciously the enthusiastic greetings of the crowds, which +were largely composed of the working classes. The first stone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> +having been duly laid, and a statement having been made by Professor +Ball of the objects of the new "Museum of Science and Art, +and of the National Library of Ireland," the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Ball, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I thank you heartily +on behalf of the Princess of Wales and myself for the very cordial +welcome which you leave given us to-day. It is peculiarly +satisfactory to me to have been able to take part in the interesting +ceremony of laying the foundation stone upon which the +superstructure of the new museum will, I hope, before long be +built. It gratified me to learn of the action which the Science +and Art Department had taken in reference to this museum +and to observe the support which that action received both +from the Royal Dublin Society and from the Royal Irish +Academy. It is by a united movement such as this that difficulties +are overcome and success made possible of attainment. +I am glad to think that the two great societies I have named +have combined to smooth the way for an institute which will, I +trust, be useful to a large number of the people of Ireland. I +hope some day to see in full working order the institution of +which the first stone has been laid this afternoon. When this +is so, the magnificent collections, which have obtained a wide +reputation, will be open to a public thoroughly capable of +appreciating their merit and deriving advantages from their +amalgamation under one roof. The Museum will worthily face +the great library, where the efforts of a State Department have +been successfully combined with a movement originated by the +the citizens, and supported out of the rates, the object of which +is to give free facilities for reading and study to the people of +this metropolis. I am glad to have been assisted to-day by the +councils of the great societies to which I have referred. To +them, as well as to the visitors of the Museum, and the trustees +of the National Library, I offer my warm thanks for the kindness +of their reception, as well as for the opportunity they have +given me for sharing in a movement calculated to make +Leinster House even more worthy than heretofore of the pride +of the Irish nation, and the admiration of literary and scientific +bodies throughout the world."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After leaving the Leinster House the Royal and Viceregal +parties drove to the Royal University, where another interesting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> +ceremony was performed. The hall of the University was crowded +with a brilliant concourse of graduates and spectators. Their +Royal Highnesses and the Lord Lieutenant and Countess Spencer +were met by the Chancellor, the Duke of Abercorn, and the Vice-Chancellor, +Lord Emly. After their Royal Highnesses had robed +they were conducted to the hall. After all had taken their seats +in the hall, a formal announcement was made by Dr. Meredith +that the Senate had resolved to confer the degree of Doctor of Laws +<i>honoris causâ</i> upon His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince of +Wales, and also the degree of Doctor of Music <i>honoris causâ</i> upon +Her Royal Highness Alexandra Princess of Wales, and that their +Royal Highnesses had been graciously pleased to intimate that +they would accept those degrees. The announcement was received +with loud applause by the assembly. The Chancellor then read +and presented an address to the Prince, offering a respectful +welcome and homage to His Royal Highness and his august +consort. It also referred to the success of the University.</p> + +<p>The degrees having been conferred, the Prince rose and +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Duke, my Lords, and Gentlemen of the Senate of +the Royal University,—I am very grateful to you for the +manner in which you have received us in this hall, and on +behalf of the Princess of Wales and myself I thank you for the +kind welcome with which you have greeted us. The higher +education of the people is a subject in which I learnt from my +lamented father to take a great interest. It is a question to +the solution of which your labours, I am happy to think, have +contributed much. Though no considerable time has elapsed +since the foundation of the Royal University, it has already had +a marked effect among those people of this country who are +especially open to the influence of a University career. I shall +value the degree which you have conferred upon me, and I am +proud to rank myself among the graduates of a University, the +advantages of which I am happy to hear from you that all +classes of the community avail themselves of.</p> + +<p>"By the admission of women to your degrees you have supported +the view that the gentler sex are capable, not only of +severe competition in science, but of enjoying the benefits and +using the power which a well-considered scientific education +bestows. It gratified me to learn that you were willing to +confer upon the Princess of Wales the degree of Doctor of +Music, which, Her Royal Highness wishes me to state on her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> +behalf, she has received with pleasure not only because she felt +that it was an honour to herself, but because she wished to show +her approval of her action of the ladies of Ireland in accepting +the facilities and advantages which you have offered to them. +In Her Royal Highness's name and in my own, I thank you +for the honour you have done me, and for the kindness with +which you have received us to-day."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince's speech was received with great cheering. The +proceedings concluded with the National Anthem. The Royal +and Viceregal parties returned to Dublin Castle amid renewed +greetings from the citizens who still waited in the streets to +see them.</p> + +<p>Some of the incidents of the Royal visit must be passed over +with simple mention, the Levée held by the Prince, the Drawing-room +held by the Princess, and the State Ball given by the Lord +Lieutenant, of which it was said at the time that "no scene so +animated and attractive has been witnessed in Dublin Castle +since the former visit of their Royal Highnesses to Ireland." The +opening of the new dock at the extremity of the North Wall +attested the progress that has been made in the Port of Dublin, +accommodation being now provided for shipping of the largest class. +The Prince congratulated the "Port and Docks Board" on the +completion of this work, and the Princess performed the ceremony +of opening and christening the new basin, which is called the +Alexandra Basin in commemoration of the event.</p> + +<p>This took place on Saturday, the 11th of April. On the same +day the Royal visitors inspected the Artane Industrial School, +with its workshops and farms, and its probationary institution for +the very young, a truly beneficent work carried on by the +Christian Brothers. The Artane institution is one of the best of +its class. The Government contribute 5<i>s.</i> a week for each boy +trained there, the rest of the cost being provided by charitable +donations, and the profits of the workshops.</p> + +<p>Having described the visit to the Royal University, that to +Trinity College must not be omitted. The reception was one of +most enthusiastic loyalty. In the hall a vast assembly awaited +the entrance of their Royal Highnesses, consisting of the members +of the Senate, Fellows, Professors, and invited visitors. An +address was read by the Vice-Chancellor, in which reference was +made to the former visit of the Prince, when his name was enrolled +among those of adopted sons of the <i>alma mater</i>. The Prince made +appropriate reply for himself and for the Princess, and at the close +of his speech asked the Provost, Dr. Jellett, to grant the undergraduates +a term. "I cannot," added the Prince, "ask for the +degree examination, but perhaps you will grant the college +examination." To the request so graciously made, the Provost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> +said that the Board of Trinity College acceded. The cheers from +the undergraduates as the Royal visitors passed into the hall had +been enthusiastic, and were if possible more fervent as they +left the College.</p> + +<p>The last function performed by the Prince before leaving +Dublin was presenting new colours to the Cornwall Regiment, +then in garrison at Dublin. The ceremony took place in the +Castle Gardens. The corps mustered 800 strong, under Colonel +Stabb, the commanding officer. The Prince wore his Field +Marshal's uniform, and his son that of the Norfolk Artillery +Volunteers. The usual routine on such occasions was followed, +after which the Prince addressed the regiment which had formed +up close around the group of officers among whom he stood.</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Colonel Stabb, Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and +Men of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry,—I consider it +a high honour to be permitted to present new colours to such a +distinguished regiment as that under your command—one which +ever since it was raised in 1704 has had as brilliant a record of +services in the field as any regiment in Her Majesty's service. +You first served with the great Duke of Marlborough in +Flanders, and then in America. Dettingen is the first name +inscribed on your colours. In the great Peninsular War you +especially distinguished yourselves, and suffered heavy losses +at Corunna and Salamanca. At Quatre Bras and Waterloo +you lost more than any other corps engaged, and the gallant +Sir Thomas Picton was killed at the head of your regiment. +Your next service was in India, where you took part in the +Punjab campaign. Later, in 1857, you gallantly distinguished +yourselves in the suppression of the Indian Mutiny, and +gallantly held the Residency of Lucknow during its defence +from June till November. You were on that occasion commanded +by Brigadier-General Inglis, who for those services was +created a Major-General and a Knight Commander of the Bath, +while you received the honour of being made Light Infantry. +You, Colonel Stabb, are, I believe, the only officer of the regiment +present who served during the Mutiny. When some years ago +I visited the remains of the Residency of Lucknow, my attention +was especially called to the services of this regiment. On your +return the Queen and my father inspected the regiment and +personally thanked the officers, non-commissioned officers and +men for their gallant conduct at Lucknow, and I feel doubly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> +proud as their son to have the honour of presenting these new +colours to you to-day. The latest records on your colours are +Egypt and Tel-el-Kebir. A second battalion, at this moment +serving in the Soudan, has recently been added to you, which, +with the Royal Cornwall Rangers Militia, of which I am the +honorary Colonel, and the two Volunteer battalions, make up +the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. From the title I bear +I am simply proud to be thus connected with this fine regiment. +In confiding these colours to your care I feel that the honour +of your Sovereign and your country will ever be before you as +on former occasions, and that in the future, as in the past, +the roll of honourable distinction of your colours will ever +increase."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Colonel Stabb, in the name of all the officers and men of the +regiment, thanked His Royal Highness for the great honour he +had done them in presenting the colours, and said he could not do +better than express a fervent hope, which he did with a great deal +of confidence, that the regiment would as faithfully defend the +new colours as they did their colours at Waterloo and Lucknow. +He was sure the honour would be appreciated by the battalions of +the regiment, and he tendered to His Royal Highness their +grateful thanks.</p> + +<p>On the afternoon of the 13th the Prince and Princess started +from the Kingsbridge Station for Cork. At Mallow there were +signs that the visit to the South might not be without unpleasant +incidents. A loyal address was presented at the station, but +Mr. O'Brien and other Home Rule leaders had brought a number +of Nationalists with bands, to disturb the unanimity of welcome. +The rioters had to be ejected by the Constabulary. At Cork there +were similar attempts at hostile demonstration, but it was shown +only by the lowest rabble, and at the instigation of the political +agitators. The patriots of the present time are of immeasurably +lower type than Daniel O'Connell, even when he was most zealous +for Repeal of the Union. He was always loyal as well as patriotic, +and however bitter in words, he was always a gentleman in his +actions. Whatever may be the views as to politics, the men who +could incite their followers to insult the Prince and Princess of +Wales, whose hearts are full of sympathy and love for Ireland, are +unworthy the name of Irishmen. At Cork, several of the Home +Rule members urged the people to resent the visit of the Royal +party as a degradation to their city. At Dundalk on the same +day, Mr. Redmond, M.P., addressing a meeting of the National +League, "expressed his joy at the difficulty of England with the +Soudan and Afghanistan. He hoped that the Russian bear would +soon stick his claw into the British lion. He was sorry that this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> +Prince of Wales was not there to see what the real feeling of the +Irish people was, instead of scampering about the country attended +by military and police and bloody Earl Spencer."</p> + +<p>In spite of a few jarring notes of this kind, the reception of +the Prince and Princess in Ireland was worthy of the warm and +hospitable character of the Irish Nation. Another proof was +given that the disaffection is only temporary and partial, and due +to the malignant influence of those who delude the ignorant with +false representations. No one understands this better than the +Prince of Wales, than whom the people of Ireland have no truer +friend.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE DARWIN MEMORIAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 9th, 1885.</i></p> + + +<p>As one of the Trustees of the British Museum, the Prince of Wales +was requested to represent them on the occasion of the unveiling of +the statue of Charles Darwin, in the entrance-hall of the Museum of +Natural History, now at South Kensington. The ceremony of unveiling +was performed by Professor Huxley, whose address, after +brief reference to the high claims of the author of 'The Origin of +Species,' and other works of enduring fame, gave a statement as to +the history of the memorial statue. Then addressing the Prince +as representing the Trustees, he was requested to accept the +statue from the Darwin Memorial Committee.</p> + +<p>The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I consider it to be a high privilege to have been deputed +by the unanimous wish of my colleagues, the Trustees of the +British Museum, to accept, in their names, the gift which you +have offered us on behalf of the Committee of the Darwin +Memorial. The Committee and subscribers may rest assured +that we have most willingly assigned this honourable place to +the statue of the great Englishman who has exerted so vast an +influence upon the progress of those branches of natural knowledge, +the advancement of which is the object of the vast collection +gathered here. It has given me much pleasure to learn +that the memorial has received so much support in foreign +countries, and it may be regarded as cosmopolitan rather than +merely national; while the fact that persons of every condition +of life have contributed to it affords remarkable evidence of the +popular interest in the discussion of scientific problems. A<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> +memorial to which all nations and all classes of society have +contributed cannot be more fitly lodged than in our Museum, +which though national is open to all the world, and the resources +of which are at the disposal of every student of Nature, whatever +his condition or his country, who enters our doors."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE BIRKBECK INSTITUTION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 4th, 1885.</i></p> + + +<p>This institution was founded in 1825, by Dr. Birkbeck, a zealous +educationist of that time, for promoting learning, chiefly among +the middle and working classes, by opening evening classes, and +establishing lectures and other means of instruction. The old +building having become insufficient in its accommodation, a new +edifice was erected near Chancery Lane, of which the foundation +stone was laid, in 1883, by the late Duke of Albany. To open +this new building the Prince and Princess of Wales came, on the +4th of July, 1885.</p> + +<p>A loyal address having been presented by Mr. Birkbeck, M.P., +one of the trustees, the Prince thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I thank you for the loyal address which you have presented +to me, and would express the heartfelt satisfaction which I +experience in visiting an institution with which my lamented +brother's name will ever be associated. You have referred to +his touching words when laying the foundation stone of this +building, and I am reminded that on that memorable occasion +he stated that he had lent his aid to an enterprise on the +accomplishment of which he would be able to look back with +feelings of satisfaction and pride! It was not permitted to him +to see this noble structure in its finished state, but I rejoice to +know that prior to the great calamity which befell us he had +received an intimation that the building was approaching +completion.</p> + +<p>"I observe with pleasure the names of the distinguished +contributors to the building fund, and I rejoice that the Queen +has shown her interest in an institution which met with the +warm support of my revered father. Sixty years ago the Duke +of Sussex performed the inaugural ceremony of your old building; +and it speaks much for the vitality of your institution<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> +that after so lengthened a period a member of my family should +be again invited to declare a building open so extensive as this +one, the erection of which has been absolutely demanded by +the expansion of your work. An institution in which provision +is made for 6000 students, and to which both sexes are +invited, must exert a very beneficial influence on the young +men and women of the Metropolis, for whose mental advancement +it has been erected. Many of the students in the old +building have worthily distinguished themselves, and it behoves +those who partake of the greater advantages of the new institution +to emulate the noble examples which have been set by +their predecessors.</p> + +<p>"The movement initiated by Dr. George Birkbeck was a +very remarkable one, and the foundation of the old institution +was an event of historic importance. We are informed that +this movement has spread not only throughout the Kingdom, +but that its ramifications have extended to different parts of the +world, and the presence to-day of representatives of our Colonies +is to me one of the most interesting features of the proceedings. +The success of Dr. Birkbeck's work is to be traced in the fact +that, in the words of Professor Tyndall, 'it responded at the +proper time to a national need, and to a need of human nature.'</p> + +<p>"This institution has anticipated some of the beneficent +movements of the age, and by its technical instruction, and +the admission of both sexes to its advantages, has exerted a very +powerful influence for good. With a vitality so potent we may +look forward to the time when even this extensive building will +be insufficient for your needs. It is a subject for congratulation +that the institutions which by the establishment of the +Birkbeck Institution have been called into existence are being +so wisely adapted to the requirements of the age, and are exerting +by their development such a beneficent influence among +the people at large. I desire to thank you most heartily for +the kind welcome you have given us here this afternoon, and I +earnestly hope that this great institution will continue to +flourish, and that we may hear from time to time of its increasing +prosperity.</p> + +<p>"This building, which will be regarded as a memorial of my +dear brother's devotion to the great cause of education, I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> +now the gratification to declare open, and, in his words, 'to +dedicate it to those noble uses which it is intended to serve.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>The thanks of the audience to the Prince were proposed by the +Lord Mayor, and seconded by Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner +for Canada.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>RAILWAY GUARDS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 5th, 1884.</i></p> + + +<p>At the ninth triennial festival of the Railway Guards' Universal +Friendly Society, held at Willis's Rooms, July 5th, 1884, the +Prince of Wales presided. A large number of directors and leading +men connected with the railway companies were among the +company. In giving or responding to the usual loyal toasts, His +Royal Highness, in a very grateful and gracious way, took the +opportunity of expressing his warm sense of the uniform attention +shown to the Queen, and also to himself and the Princess of +Wales, during their very frequent journeys, by the directors and +all the officials and servants of the various railway companies. +Everything was done for their safety and comfort, and he wished +thus publicly to acknowledge his appreciation of what was done.</p> + +<p>In giving the toast of the evening, "Prosperity to the Railway +Guards' Universal Friendly Society," the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"We are to-day celebrating the ninth triennial festival of this +Society, in aid of the 'Permanent Sick and Injured, and +Widows and Orphans' Fund,' and I think all will agree with +me that there is no charity which better deserves the attention +and support of the public than this one. That it has already +received such support is apparent to us from the length of time +it has existed, but like all other great institutions of the kind +in our country, the money which is required is, also, greatly in +excess of that which is at their disposal to meet the actual +necessities which arise.</p> + +<p>"No public servants, I think, more deserve our sincere sympathy +and support than the guards of our railway trains. It is +obvious to all of us who have to travel constantly on railways +how much our safety depends on their industry, their vigilance, +their sobriety, and their discipline; and it is very gratifying to +know that we may confidently rely on finding these qualities in +them. Knowing what they have to go through, their exposure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> +to all weathers and to risks of all kinds; remembering how +much they have to be away from their homes and their families, +it seems to me that we have hardly the right to expect to +obtain from them their valuable services unless we in some +measure mitigate their sufferings in sickness and from accident, +and unless in case of death we do something for the maintenance +of their widows and orphans. The Society was founded +in June, 1849, and is one of the oldest societies in existence +designed for the benefit of railway <i>employés</i>, and may be said +to represent every line in the United Kingdom. It consists of +forty-eight districts at the present time, situated at the principal +railway stations throughout the country, from London to +Inverness. In addition to the usual advantages offered by +friendly societies—the ordinary sick and death benefits—this +society possesses two special features adapted to the requirements +of railway guards, who are exposed to very great risks +from accidents. These objects are: 1st, a liberal provision for life +for all those members who may become permanently disabled, +either from injuries or constitutional causes; 2nd, annuities for +the widows and orphans of deceased members. Other institutions, +if they attempt to provide these exceptional benefits, +only do so to a limited extent, and the members to whom they +are granted are elected as vacancies occur; but the policy of +this society has always been to provide these great blessings for +all who are so unfortunate as to require them; and, notwithstanding +that statistics show that guards run greater risks than +other classes of railway servants, the contributions of the +members themselves have been so largely supplemented by the +generous support accorded by the public generally, that the +society up to the present time has been able to carry out this +fundamental principle."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The greater portion of the speech of His Royal Highness consisted +of statistics of a most interesting kind, both as to the vast +extent of railway travelling, the number of trains, of passengers, +of railway <i>employés</i>, at that time numbering 357,650. All these +statistics, as obtained from the returns of the Board of Trade, and +also the number of persons killed or injured, especially those +employed on the lines, were presented with admirable clearness to +the audience, and were heard with great interest; but the +statistics are not the same now, and are therefore not here given.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> +The Prince concluded with an earnest appeal for help to the +institution for which he pleaded. The appeal was liberally +responded to, the subscriptions amounting to £3383, including a +hundred guineas from the Royal Chairman, which has been his +generous custom at the close of most of the charitable meetings +for objects which have had the advantage of his support and +advocacy.</p> + +<p>It ought to be added that the Prince had already presided at a +festival of the "Railway Benevolent Association," where he spoke +with equal warmth and sympathy for all classes of railway servants. +There are now other institutions with similar objects, partly +provident and partly benevolent, and it is an excellent kind of +charity. The directors of companies do their part, and, where +there is any just cause, can be made to do more, under the +Employers' Liability Act. For unavoidable accidents the men +themselves contribute their money, on the principle of mutual +insurance, but there is need also for more of the benevolent gifts +of those who travel by rail.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CONVALESCENT HOME AT SWANLEY.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 13th, 1885.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 8th of July, 1872, the Prince of Wales, as President of +St. Bartholomew's Hospital, formally opened a new Convalescent +Home, in connection with that Hospital. This was an institution +much needed at the time, and its advantages had long been urged +on the Governors by Mr. Foster White, the Treasurer. At several +existing Homes, such as at Walton-on-Thames, and Bognor, +patients from St. Bartholomew's had been received, but it was +desirable to have an establishment of its own, and conducted by +its own officers. The carrying out of this scheme would require +large expenditure, and a suitable building could not be provided +for a considerable time. A temporary home was obtained at +Highgate, through the generous munificence of Sir Sydney +Waterlow, one of the Governors of the Hospital. He presented as +a free gift the lease, for several years, of Lauderdale House, a +mansion with many historical associations, somewhat old, but with +every convenience for use as a temporary home for convalescent +patients, and so it continued for thirteen years. On the 13th of +July, 1885, the Prince, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, +and the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maude, visited Swanley, +in Kent, to open the permanent Home, erected through the +generosity of Mr. Charles T. Kettlewell, one of the Governors of +the Hospital. It is a spacious building, with accommodation +for forty-five male and twenty-five female patients, standing in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> +the middle of beautiful grounds, comprising an area of fifteen +acres.</p> + +<p>Their Royal Highnesses having taken their places on the daïs at +the end of a tent, Sir Sydney Waterlow, who had for several years +given the use of Lauderdale House at Highgate, read an address, +which gave a summary of the facts relating to the new institution. +Besides the gift of £15,000 by Mr. Kettlewell for the building, an +anonymous donor, a governor of the Hospital, contributed £500 for +the site; Mr. Homan, another governor, and Mrs. Homan had built +a chapel and provided its furniture and communion plate; and +Sir James Tyler had given an organ to the chapel, and built the +lodge at the entrance of the grounds.</p> + +<p>Sir Sydney having finished his address, the Prince of Wales +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Sydney Waterlow, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—You have +given us a most interesting account of the history of the institution +you wish me to open. I can only say on behalf of the +Princess of Wales and myself that we are extremely happy to +have an opportunity of assisting at the inauguration of an institution +such as this, where the patients ought to feel very +grateful for the manner in which every plan for their comfort +has been carried out through the munificence of Mr. Kettlewell. +Nothing can be of greater importance than that convalescent +homes such as this should exist, especially in connection with +large hospitals such as St. Bartholomew's. The spot now +chosen, with its healthy aspect and beautiful scenery, will, I am +sure, meet all requirements. It affords me great pleasure to be +here to-day, and I feel proud to be the president of such an +institution as St. Bartholomew's, and to be able to assist Sir +Sydney Waterlow, who takes such interest in, and devotes so +much of his time and energies to, the prosperity of the hospital. +I have great satisfaction in declaring the home to be now open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The ceremony over, the Rev. S. Kettlewell, who had offered the +dedicatory prayer, and his son, Mr. C. T. Kettlewell, donor of the +building, were presented to the Prince of Wales by Sir Sydney +Waterlow. Before leaving, the Royal party visited the home, and +also inspected the adjacent laundry buildings which have been +erected for use as a washing establishment for St. Bartholomew's +Hospital.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE YORKSHIRE COLLEGE AT LEEDS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 15th, 1885.</i></p> + + +<p>The Yorkshire College at Leeds is one of the most important and +useful of the educational institutions that have in recent times been +established. Commencing in 1874 on a comparatively small scale, +it has gradually grown to be a great school, not for technical and +scientific training only, but for all departments of study. The +staff of the College includes professors of mathematics, physics, chemistry, +engineering, and various branches of industrial teaching; +and also of classics, history, and modern literature, and languages. +The celebrated Leeds School of Medicine has been affiliated to the +College. For special departments of practical instruction provision +has been made, the Clothworkers' Company of London undertaking +to support that which pertains to textile industries, and the +Drapers' Company that of colliery management and mining engineering. +Workshops, laboratories, lecture rooms, and other premises, +are connected with the College, the buildings of which were +designed by Sir Alfred Waterhouse, and commenced in 1877, when +the foundation stone was laid by the Archbishop of York. The +friends of the College have contributed not less than £200,000 to +bring it to its present condition. To inaugurate this great institution +the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Leeds on the 15th of +July, 1885.</p> + +<p>On arriving at Leeds from Studley, the seat of Lord Ripon, their +Royal Highnesses were received by the Mayor and Corporation, and +conducted to the Town Hall, which was opened by the Queen and +the Prince Consort in 1858. An address being read by the Town +Clerk, the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I receive with the greatest +pleasure the address which you have just presented to me, and +the Princess of Wales joins me in thanking you most sincerely +for your kind words of welcome. Coming from the civic +authorities of one of our greatest industrial centres these +expressions are a proof, if any were required, that the population +of this country remains true in its appreciation of the +value of our time-honoured institutions, in devotion to the +Queen, and in attachment to the Royal Family. I rejoice to +learn from your address that the visits of the members of my +family at various times to this great city have been attended +with beneficial results, and have contributed in some degree to +its welfare and prosperity, and to the development of the many<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> +useful institutions for which Leeds is so justly famous. Although +it has pleased the Almighty to remove some of my +dearest and most gifted relations from the scene of their labours, +I can assure you that their survivors will always be ready to +encourage by their presence and assistance the foundation and +advancement of such institutions as the one which we are +brought together to-day to inaugurate. It will be a source of +sincere gratification to me to convey to the Queen your expressions +of loyal devotion, and I can assure you that they will +be highly appreciated by Her Majesty."</p> + +</blockquote><p>An address from the Leeds Masonic lodges was also received and +responded to, after which their Royal Highnesses proceeded to the +Yorkshire College. Here they were received, in the Clothworkers' +Court, by the Marquis of Ripon, President of the College and +Chairman of the Council, Sir Edward Baines, Sir Andrew Fairbairn, +Mr. Beckett Denison, and other distinguished persons. Deputations +of the London Companies, the Mayors of several Yorkshire +boroughs, and Yorkshire Members of Parliament; the Principal +and Professors of the College; and a numerous company had +assembled. Prayer was offered by the Archbishop of York; an +address was read by Professor Bodington, the Principal. Sir +Edward Baines made a statement as to the origin and growth of +the College, in which he said that he must mention a feature of the +College which, so far as he knew, was original and highly useful. +Their professors had always been ready to deliver popular scientific +lectures on extremely moderate terms, and those lectures had +proved very attractive, but recently they had undertaken, in addition, +to give scientific instruction to the numerous teachers of +elementary schools on Saturdays and several evenings of the week, +and thus they not only conferred a boon on the teachers, but qualified +them to impart the elements of science to their scholars. A +double advantage was realized to several hundreds of teachers and +to thousands of scholars of elementary schools. The scholars were +by these means introduced to such a knowledge of the elements of +science as would qualify them to become useful members of +mechanics' institutes, and might in many cases implant a taste for +higher attainments than had been looked for either in the school or +the institute.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales replied as follows to the address read by +the Principal:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—We have received your addresses +with feelings of extreme gratification, and it affords us +sincere pleasure to be present here to-day, and to be able to +take a part in the inaugural ceremony in connection with this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> +important and useful institution. I have for a long time been +deeply impressed with the advisability of establishing in our +great centres of population colleges and schools, not only for +promoting the intellectual advancement of the people, but also, +as you have very justly observed, for increasing their prosperity +by furthering the application of scientific knowledge to the +industrial arts. I rejoice to hear that your laudable endeavours +have been duly appreciated, and have received liberal support +from various quarters, and I beg to offer my most hearty congratulations +to the great company of the Clothworkers of the +City of London for their judicious and liberal encouragement +of your College—an example which, I trust, will ere long find +many ready followers. We have inspected with considerable +interest the various lecture-rooms and laboratories over which +you have conducted us, and we have had much satisfaction in +acceding to your request to declare this valuable addition to +the science and art of the country open. I thank you, in conclusion, +for your expressions of loyalty and devotion to the +Queen, which I will not fail to communicate to Her Majesty. +I declare the Yorkshire College now open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>This concluded the proceedings in this part of the day's programme, +and the company then dispersed. The Royal visitors +accepted an invitation from the authorities of the College to luncheon +in the Coliseum, which is a newly-erected edifice affording +much larger and better accommodation than any other building in +the town for great public gatherings. Besides the invited guests, +the two tiers of galleries were overcrowded with spectators. The +Marquis of Ripon, who presided, having proposed the usual loyal +toasts, the Prince replied as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"In the name of the Princess and in my own, I beg to +tender to you, Lord Ripon, our warmest thanks and acknowledgments +for the very kind terms in which you have proposed this +toast, and to you, ladies and gentlemen, for the way in which +you have received it. I am anxious to tender to the mayor, as +the representative of the citizens of this large and important +town, our thanks also for the magnificent and cordial reception +we have met with to-day, one which we are not likely to forget. +This is certainly not the first visit I have paid to Leeds, as I +did so some seventeen years ago, but the pleasure on this +occasion is enhanced in my eyes as the Princess has been able<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> +to accompany me. The mayor also alluded to the fact that the +visit of the Queen and of my lamented father had not been +forgotten, and we were glad to visit that very Town Hall which +they opened some twenty-six or twenty-seven years ago. I +consider that the object of our visit here is connected in some +respects with the visit of the Queen and my lamented father, +as he alluded at that time to the great importance of scientific +and technical education, and of a great town like this if possible +taking up the matter. In opening to-day that important and +useful building, the Yorkshire College, I feel I may in some +way have followed in his footsteps, by having been the means +of promoting what is of the greatest importance to our country, +and what is also of the greatest importance to the success of +our great commercial enterprises—viz., technical and scientific +education.</p> + +<p>"The building which we have visited to-day will always be +in our recollection one of great interest, and we feel sure that it +is likely to flourish and be of the greatest importance, and to +set an example to all the other great towns of the kingdom. +The rooms we visited, and all the arrangements for learning in +a scientific and technical manner not only the industries themselves, +but their scientific principles, cannot but be productive +of the greatest good not only now, but in years to come. The +College has received many great and munificent donations, which +will be read out later on, but I may mention the names of Sir +Andrew Fairbairn, the Duke of Devonshire, and Lord Ripon, +your President, as having contributed largely to the funds of +the institution. I must say also that those who are interested +in the College owe a deep debt of gratitude to the Clothworkers' +Company of the City of London, for the magnificent donations +which they have given are a proof of the importance of this +institution. They have also shown their interest in it, and +their belief that it is certain to be successful."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness then referred to the importance attached +to music in Yorkshire, and to the great interest he had taken +in the Royal College of Music. He remarked that he thought +the promotion of that art would materially benefit all classes +in this country. Towards that College he knew nearly £1000 +was collected in Leeds, but that unfortunately was insufficient<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span> +to endow a scholarship, but if the president and directors of the +Yorkshire College could see their way at some future time to +add music to the list of subjects taught he felt sure they would +not in years to come regret it, and that it would be of great +benefit to the people of Leeds.</p> + +<p>Before proceeding with the toast he had the privilege to +propose, "Prosperity to the Yorkshire College," with which he +could not help feeling that he must associate the health of Lord +Ripon. He felt that they would wish him to say a word with +regard to its former president, one who was distinguished and +lovable in every sense of the word, and who was carried off by +the hand of the assassin in the midst of health and life. That +was indeed matter for thought and reflection, and he felt sure +that every Yorkshireman deeply regretted the death of Lord +Frederick Cavendish. In his successor, however, they had +found one who had occupied some of the most important offices +which could be held under the Crown, and who, having himself +been President of the Council on Education, was well fitted to +hold the high office which he now did. He therefore called on +them to drink with him, "Prosperity to the Yorkshire College," +with which he had the greatest pleasure in coupling the name +of their president, Lord Ripon.</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Chairman, in acknowledging the warmth with which the +toast was honoured, alluded with pride to the position the College +had in ten years won. He hoped they would place the crown upon +their work by coming into union with the Victoria University at +Manchester.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE GORDON BOYS' HOME.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>January 12th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>After the sad tidings of the death of General Gordon at Khartoum +had been confirmed, there was a universal desire to connect his +name with some national memorial. Tributes of honour were +paid to him by the leaders of both parties in Parliament, and a +grant was voted for a public monument, in the form of a statue, +which is now seen in Trafalgar Square. But a desire was felt for +some other memorial, and after much consideration the most +suitable was thought to be an institution for training boys of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> +class in whose welfare he took deep personal interest. This was +the origin of the Gordon Boys' Home, first located at Fort +Wallington, Fareham, and now having its permanent site at West +End, Chobham.</p> + +<p>From the time of the first suggestion of a memorial the Prince +of Wales took the most active interest in the matter. He attended +the early meetings of the committee formed to carry out the +proposal, and moved the first resolution for a memorial at the +Mansion House on May 30th, 1885. At that time the idea was to +found a hospital at Port Said, but this scheme was not carried +out. There seemed to be difficulty in agreeing about some fitter +memorial, but the committee finally resolved on the establishment +of the Boys' Home, and the War Office granted the use of Fort +Wallington to commence the undertaking, for which the funds +had to be provided by public subscription. In support of this +fund the Prince of Wales summoned a meeting at Marlborough +House on the 12th of January, 1886. At this meeting he said +that "having had the honour of presiding at the meeting of the +Gordon Memorial Committee in the summer of 1885, he thought it +desirable, at the beginning of another year, to summon a meeting +to hear what progress had been made." He told of the appointment +of Major-General Tyndall, C.B., as commandant, and of his +commencing the work with a few boys at Fort Wallington, the +number gradually rising to fifty. The Prince called on Lord +Napier of Magdala to say a few words in addition to the formal +report which was read.</p> + +<p>Lord Napier of Magdala, as Chairman of the Executive Committee, +then presented the report of the progress made in the +establishment of the Gordon Memorial Home. He said that on +visiting the institution a few days ago he found the boys on parade +in a neat and appropriate uniform. They looked clean, smart, and +steady. The dormitories were like soldiers' barrack-rooms, in +perfect order. The lavatories gave every facility for cleanliness. +In the kitchen the boys all took a turn in cooking. In the workshops +the pupil teachers were undergoing instruction in carpentry +work. The school was well arranged and the teaching effective. +In short, the progress of the institution was remarkable, considering +the short time it had been established, and this was due +to the organization of General Higginson and the administration +of General Tyndall and his staff. Nor had the necessity for +amusement been left unprovided for. The work was done in the +spirit of the great soldier and Christian whom the institution commemorated, +and the results were most gratifying.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I feel sure it must be gratifying to all of us to hear the +statements made by Lord Napier of Magdala of the satisfactory +manner in which the Gordon Boys' Home is progressing. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> +may also say that all of us are indebted to the great energy +which Generals Higginson and Tyndall have displayed."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Royal Highness then called on General Higginson, who +pointed out the special advantages to be obtained by the institution, +where the training would fit the boys for any calling which +they might choose, if they do not go into the army. He said that +"this was a national memorial to a great man. It would be more +than pitiful if an institution like this were allowed to languish or +to be cramped in its development. That would lead the world +to believe that Gordon's memory was forgotten. The one great +object Gordon had was to help the distressed, and he could not +imagine that when it was known what work was being done the +institution would fail for want of funds."</p> + +<p>The Duke of Cambridge made a very earnest and generous +appeal, and ended by telling the meeting that it was to the Prince +of Wales that the success of the movement would be mainly due. +"Gentlemen," said the Duke, "we have had great praise bestowed, +and justly bestowed, upon my gallant friend Field-Marshal Lord +Napier of Magdala and upon General Higginson, who have taken +up this interesting charge; but allow me to remark that there is +nobody to whom we owe so much as His Royal Highness the Prince +of Wales. I do not wish to flatter him, but I must say that when +the Prince takes up a subject he always does so thoroughly and +well. I do not think there has ever been a subject which he +has taken up more feelingly and thoroughly than he has taken up +this Gordon Memorial, and having done honour to those who have +assisted in the way they have, I think we should do equal honour +to His Royal Highness, and I therefore beg to move a vote of +thanks to him for the kind and gracious manner in which he has +taken up this subject and has presided at this and other meetings."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"After the kind and flattering remarks which have fallen +from my illustrious relative I regret to be under the painful +necessity of calling him to order, but there is a motion which +has not yet been put to the meeting. At the same time I thank +him beforehand most sincerely for what he has been good +enough to say. You all know the very great interest I take in +this important matter, and I feel sure it is right we should +bring before the public as much as possible the name of that +great and distinguished officer and Englishman who is now no +more. He is not forgotten, but as months and years go by so +many important events come before the public that sometimes +other matters naturally are considered more prominent, and +even a name like General Gordon's might be forgotten for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> +time. I am inclined to think there is nothing that could +perpetuate his memory in a more satisfactory form in regard to +his own relations, and what they think he would have wished, +than this boys' home. I cannot help thinking 'The Gordon +Boys' Home' will be ever associated with the name of General +Charles Gordon.</p> + +<p>"To obtain money is always a difficulty. I do not doubt the +willingness of the public to give money, but their ability is not +always so great, and I have a suggestion to make to you which +may find favour in your eyes. If it is thought desirable that we +should have a public dinner, I should be happy to take the +chair. We could invite many to attend and give as much as +they were able, and I have great hopes that in that way, and +from speeches that may be made, the subject will be brought +still more prominently before the public, and that we may do +more good than by advertising." The resolution "That the +Institution cannot be developed without larger funds, and it is +resolved that further effort be made to obtain them," was then +put to the meeting by His Royal Highness and carried.</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge said: "Having made my speech, I will +not repeat it. I admit I was out of order, but I now beg to move +a vote of thanks to His Royal Highness for his kindness in +presiding on this occasion." The motion was seconded by the +Duke of Norfolk.</p> + +<p>The leading article in the <i>Times</i> on the following day thus +closed: "There are few benevolent institutions which offer fairer +promise of good results than the Gordon Boys' Home. But the +care with which it has been organized and the special sphere +which it seeks to fill enable us to press with greater confidence its +peculiar claim to the support of the English public, founded +upon the fact that it forms a national monument to the memory of +a great Englishman. The heroism of General Gordon, his betrayal +by those who utilized his rare personal qualities in the hour of +their need, and the tragic end of a life of simple devotion to duty +have been somewhat obscured by the ephemeral contests of the +passing hour. Looking back over the records of the last few +months, we are almost reduced to the sad and savage mood of +Hamlet—'then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive +his life half a year.' But the memory of Gordon's life and death +will be a point of light in the history of the Victorian age long +after the strenuous trifling of our politicians has sunk into +forgetfulness. In honouring this man of antique mould, this +Englishman who in a somewhat tricky and small-minded age<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> +'could do and dared not lie,' we shall far more honour ourselves; +and in munificently endowing a work such as he loved to carry +out the nation will find itself twice blessed."</p> + +<p>The London office of the Gordon Boys' Home is at 20, Cockspur +Street, within sight of the statue in Trafalgar Square.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>OPENING OF THE MERSEY TUNNEL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>January 20th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>For more than half a century, in fact ever since the opening of +the first English railway, it has been the dream of engineers to +obtain direct communication between Liverpool and Birkenhead, +and the Welsh lines. The ferry-boat traffic had been enormous +and ever increasing, but it little helped the transit of minerals and +heavy goods. Even since the construction of the great Runcorn +bridge the land route had been found long and troublesome. It +was not till 1870 that parliamentary sanction could be obtained to +make a direct route by tunnelling under the Mersey, but attempts +to carry out the scheme were not then successful. At length, +towards the close of 1879, an arrangement was made with Major +Isaac, and from that time the work was unceasing, above 3000 men +having been constantly employed. In 1886 the work was +completed. The importance of the undertaking was recognized, and +the Prince of Wales was invited to open "The Mersey Tunnel." +The Princess of Wales was unable to be present, but on the 20th +of January, 1886, the Prince, with his sons Prince Albert Victor +and Prince George, came from Eaton Hall, where they were the +guests of the Duke of Westminster.</p> + +<p>On his arrival at Birkenhead the Prince was escorted to a daïs, +and an address was read by Mr. Knight, the secretary, on behalf +of the chairman. Mr. Cecil Raikes, M.P., and the directors, engineers, +contractors, and officers of "The Mersey Railway Company." In +reply His Royal Highness said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Raikes and Gentlemen,—I thank you for your address +and for the cordial and loyal terms in which you have welcomed +me here to-day. I experience at all times sincere pleasure +when circumstances permit me to associate my name with any +undertaking tending to advance the welfare and convenience of +the community, and I accepted, therefore, with much satisfaction +your invitation to be present on this interesting occasion to +assist in the inauguration of a national work of such vast +importance. An enterprise of this nature is always deserving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> +of the warmest support and encouragement, as it not only completes +the railway system of the district, and thus provides +constant and easy means of communication between towns of +such prominence as Liverpool and Birkenhead, but it cannot +fail also before long to afford material benefit to the millions of +hands in the neighbouring industrial centres by aiding the more +rapid development of commercial intercourse. The heartiest +commendation should, therefore, be bestowed on all engaged in +the promotion of so great and worthy an object. I fervently +trust that well-merited success may be the result of your +labours, and that an ever-increasing prosperity may be your +reward for the difficulties which you have encountered, and +which have been mainly overcome by the admirable skill, the +indomitable patience, and the unceasing and unwearied energy +which have been displayed by all those who have contributed to +bring this work to a happy and a triumphant termination. Let +me convey to you, in conclusion, gentlemen, at the special +request of the Princess of Wales, the expression of her deep and +unfeigned regret at having been unavoidably prevented from +accompanying me here to-day. She begs me to assure you that +nothing but the imperative orders of the physicians would have +precluded her from sharing the gratification which I experience +at taking part in the proceedings which celebrate the consummation +of your most arduous task."</p> + +</blockquote><p>When the cheers which greeted the Prince's speech had +subsided, the Mayor of Birkenhead, Mr. John Laird, was introduced +to His Royal Highness, whom he asked to receive an +address from the Corporation of that town. The Recorder then +read the address, which remarked—"The communication between +Birkenhead and Liverpool has hitherto been by a ferry, one of the +most ancient and important in the kingdom, first established at a +very early period, and conferred by King Edward III., in the year +1332, on the Prior and Convent of Birkenhead. It is a happy +coincidence that your Royal Highness should be present to open +this new connecting link between the county from which your +Royal Highness derives the title of Earl of Chester and the Royal +Duchy of Lancaster."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness made an appropriate reply, in which he +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—It has given me, I assure you, +unfeigned pleasure to have been able to comply with your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> +request to receive an address from the Mayor, Aldermen, and +Burgesses of the borough of Birkenhead, and I am confident that +though you may be one of the youngest of the corporate bodies, +you equal the oldest in loyalty and in devotion to the Queen +and the Royal Family. The completion of the work which I +am about to declare open will mark an important era in the +history of this district, for it will not only afford an improved +line of communication between two towns of so much consequence +and increasing prosperity as Birkenhead and Liverpool, +but it will likewise supply the means of easy and ready access +to the principality of Wales, with its places of picturesque +beauty and interest, and its numerous health resorts. The +utility of the undertaking cannot therefore be over-estimated."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Royal party then re-entered the train, and after inspecting +the works at the station the train entered the tunnel, and in four +minutes reached the James Street Station on the Liverpool side. +They were raised to the street level by a hydraulic lift, and the +Prince being conducted to a daïs in the waiting hall, said, "I +declare this station opened." Prolonged cheering greeted the +announcement, which was continued throughout the route as the +Princes drove to the Town Hall. In the Council-chamber an +address was read by the Town Clerk from the Corporation, to +which the Prince replied, acknowledging cordially the welcome +given to him, and the kind references to his family, adding:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"You rightly observe that I am deeply interested in every +movement that is calculated to tend to the advantage and well-being +of the people of this country, and it is a great satisfaction +to me to think that my name will be associated with the +memorable enterprise which by completing a connecting link +in our railway system supplies a want that has been long felt +in this part of the kingdom."</p> + +</blockquote><p>At the luncheon afterwards given in the ball-room, where +about 250 guests had been invited, responding to the toast of his +health, the Prince said that he had received, since his arrival +in Liverpool, a telegram from the Princess, regretting her +absence, and saying how deeply she was interested in the purpose +of his visit. He also expressed his thanks for the reference to his +sons, who were much gratified by the opportunity of visiting this +great town.</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have been engaged to-day, Mr. Mayor, on an interesting +and important work, which I feel convinced will be a very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> +great benefit, not only to the town of Liverpool, but to the vast +commercial resources of this and surrounding towns. The +difficulties in making a subterranean or subaqueous railway +are only too clear. You have hitherto had means of taking +passengers and goods over the river by steam ferries. I am +aware that this right has existed a long time—I believe as far +back as the 11th century. But it is a remarkable fact that in +the last year you conveyed across the Mersey, from Birkenhead +to Liverpool, on the steam ferries 26,000,000 passengers, and +750,000 tons of goods. You may say, such being the case, why +do you require to have this tunnel, and to have your railway to +connect Liverpool and Birkenhead? The answer is that you +have to encounter storms, you have to encounter fogs, and you +have to encounter ice. Both your passengers and your goods +are very frequently imperilled. Therefore, a great engineering +scheme of this kind, which will be a very great boon, is one +deserving of encouragement. Not only will it benefit the +commerce of the north-west of England, but it will also open up +a railway system to Wales and that beautiful picturesque +country with all its health-giving resorts. Great praise is due +to Major Isaac for the indefatigable manner in which he has +carried out this work and has found the capital, and we have +also to recognize the indomitable energies of Mr. Brunlees and +Mr. Fox, the engineers, and I must not forget to mention the +name of Mr. Waddell, the contractor. At the head of this +company we find my right hon. friend, Mr. Cecil Raikes, who +has had a long experience in railways. Before sitting down, as +I know there is no time for long speeches, I wish most cordially +to drink 'Prosperity to the Mersey Railway,' which I am sure +you will drink most heartily, and to connect with the toast the +name of its chairman, Mr. Cecil Raikes."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. Raikes, in responding, said he held it as a most happy omen +for that great undertaking whose completion they celebrated, that +the heir to the throne should have come there to take part in +completing an enterprise which would, he believed, be reckoned as +one of the most important and interesting of Her Majesty's reign. +His Royal Highness had been good enough to refer especially to +the connection which was now to be established between +Liverpool and his principality of Wales. As a resident in that +principality he could assure His Royal Highness that the ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>pression +of interest would be cordially appreciated and treasured +by the people of Wales.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—Although the toast list is closed, I +have the permission of the Mayor to propose one more toast, +and I feel sure it is one which will recommend itself to you all, +as it is the health of the chairman of this entertainment, the +Mayor. You are aware of the Mayor's great popularity, and +his deserved popularity; for have you not re-elected him for a +second term of office as your Mayor? I feel that it is difficult +to praise him in his presence, but at the same time he will +forgive me if I say that I know how the inhabitants of Liverpool +have been grateful to him for the great kindness, generosity, +and philanthropy he lately evinced at Christmas, when he gave +that well-known and popular Lancashire dish, the hotchpotch, +to the poor inhabitants of your town. That kindness will not +be forgotten by them, and it will be gratifying to him to know +the good he did and the pleasure he gave on that occasion. As +for myself, this is not my first visit to Liverpool, and I hope by +no means it may be my last. I have always been received here +with the greatest kindness, and I have always looked back to +my different visits with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction. +The fact that 100 years ago this town numbered only 40,000 +people, and now, with its suburbs, numbers close upon 700,000, +speaks for its prosperity. Most cordially do I propose this +toast, Mr. Mayor, and most sincerely do I wish long life to you, +and prosperity to your town."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Mayor briefly replied, and the proceedings terminated; the +Prince and his sons drove in an open carriage to the station, great +crowds in the streets cheering them, and returned to London.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 27th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>Not for the first, nor the second time, the Prince of Wales was +entertained at the Annual Dinner of the Institution of Civil +Engineers, on the 27th of March, 1886. The banquet was held on +this occasion in the hall of Lincoln's Inn, the use of which was +kindly granted by the Benchers. The Prince was accompanied by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> +Prince Albert Victor and the Duke of Cambridge. A very large +company of distinguished men in various walks of life, as well as the +leading engineers of the day, were present, about two hundred in all.</p> + +<p>The President, Sir Frederick Bramwell (the President of the +British Association at Bath in 1888), in giving the usual loyal +toasts, took occasion to mention that of the Royal guests, two, the +Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, were honorary +members of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and he hoped that +the third would before long be added to the list.</p> + +<p>In responding to the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales +and the rest of the Royal Family," after expressing his grateful +thanks, the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"In coming here this evening among you I feel that I am +not a stranger, as you have paid me the high compliment of +enrolling me as an honorary member of your Institution. At +the same time I consider it a high privilege, and I may say a +high honour, to dine here at this your annual banquet, as I am +sure no one will gainsay me when I assert that an Institution +like this is one of the most important in this country, and one +for which we have the highest respect. I do not know what +we should do without the civil engineers. How could we cross +rivers? How could we go under them? Where would be the +roads? Where would be the railways? And, perhaps, most +important of all, where would be those great works of sanitation, +which are of such vital concern to all countries and to all +towns? For all these things are left in your hands.</p> + +<p>"Some years have elapsed since I last had the pleasure of +dining here, and in the interval I well know that civil engineers +have not been idle. I may just mention a few works which +have come under my own observation, not only in this country +but in India, works which have been carried out by civil engineers, +though all may not, perhaps, be members of this Institution. +The first that occurs to me is the new Eddystone Lighthouse, +of which I myself had the pleasure to assist in placing +the first stone. Then there are those great works which will +be handed down to posterity and of which civil engineers will +ever be proud—I refer to the Mersey and Severn Tunnels. The +former work I had the great pleasure of opening two months +ago. Then comes the Forth Bridge, not yet completed; I visited +the works two years ago, and I hope in two, or at most three +years we may see the great bridge in working order. While<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> +referring to these great works, which will always remain mementoes +of the ability of the civil engineers of our time, I must +not forget to allude to a more distant evidence of engineering +skill—viz., the Alexandra Bridge in India, which was built +over the River Chenab, and which I had the good fortune to +open now ten years ago.</p> + +<p>"I might speak for a long time if I detailed all the important +works constructed by civil engineers that I have seen, and +especially if I were to mention also a string of illustrious names +familiar to every one. But I shall abstain from doing so now, +first because, as you hear, my voice is not very good, and in the +second place because it has been agreed upon that there are not +to be any very long speeches. It is my satisfaction now before +sitting down to propose a toast which I am sure will be most +gratefully and sympathetically received by the company, and +that is 'The Health of your President, Sir Frederick Bramwell.' +I cannot allude to him in the manner I should like, or enumerate +all the distinguished services which he has rendered to his +country; but one thing I will venture to say, and that is that +his name will always be honourably connected with the advancement +of technical education. The interest he has taken +in that great subject, and the labour he has bestowed on it, +have gained for him the high honour, conferred by his Sovereign, +of the order of knighthood, and I am sure he will still continue +to devote his time and energies to a measure which is of the +greatest importance to this country. For myself I may say +that I also owe him a deep debt of gratitude for the services he +has rendered as chairman of the executive committee of the +recent Inventions Exhibition. I have now the great pleasure +of proposing the toast of 'Prosperity to the Institution of Civil +Engineers,' coupled with the name of your President Sir +Frederick Bramwell."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir Frederick Bramwell made an amusing speech, in which he +highly magnified the office of the Civil Engineer as contrasted with +every other profession. The Duke of Cambridge spoke well, as +usual, for the Army, and Lord Charles Beresford gave a supplementary +speech, in response to loud calls, after Admiral Le Hunte +Ward had responded for the Navy. The improvements in both +military and naval armaments due to civil engineers were duly +recognized by all the speakers.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 29th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>Sir Henry Holland (now Lord Knutsford), as Secretary of State +for the Colonies, entertained the representatives at the Colonial +Conference, and various gentlemen connected with the Crown +Colonies, at a dinner at the Colonial Office, on the 29th of April, +1886. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Abercorn, the Marquis of +Lorne, the Earl of Carnarvon, and the Earl of Rosebery were +among those present. The loyal toasts being given, Sir Henry +Holland said that to the hard work and warm sympathy of the +Prince of Wales the success of the Colonial Exhibition was largely +due. The Prince, in acknowledging the toast, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Henry Holland, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—When Sir +Henry Holland was kind enough to invite me here this evening +to meet the colonial delegates I was under the impression that it +was a private dinner, in so far that I should not be called upon +to make a speech. In this respect he has sprung a mine upon me. +But, notwithstanding, I beg to thank him for the very kind way +in which he has proposed this toast, and to thank you for the +cordial manner in which you have received it. I can only +assure him and you of the very great pleasure it gives me to +meet you here this evening.</p> + +<p>"In this large gathering there are many gentlemen connected +with the colonies whom I have had the pleasure of knowing +personally, and it affords me especial pleasure to make the +acquaintance of others who have come over in connection with +this occasion. I am aware that the proceedings of the conferences +which have taken place have been kept secret from the +public in a most marvellous way, which is not an easy matter +in these days. But from the words which have fallen from Sir +Henry Holland I am glad to hear that everything has been so +prosperous, and I hope that the important and difficult questions +which have been discussed during the last few weeks will bear +fruit. Nobody wishes more sincerely than I do that the good +feeling, or, as the French say, the <i>entente cordiale</i>, between the +mother country and our great colonies may be established on a +still firmer basis. Far be it from us, and far distant may the +day be, when we shall see the colonies separated from us in +any way.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You have been kind enough to allude to the Colonial Exhibition, +which is now a matter of the past. I feel sure that in +that Exhibition, during the few months that it lasted, our own +countrymen learnt perhaps more of the colonies than they could +in any other way except by visiting them. No better means +could have been adopted for bringing the colonies more prominently +before us. Most sincerely do I hope that that Exhibition +may bear fruit. I most sincerely trust that the end of the +Conference may also be successful, and that it may realise all +that we could wish. It is true, as you have observed, that I +have not yet had an opportunity of visiting the distant colonies, +especially the Australian colonies and those of the Cape. Much +as I may desire to go out to those distant colonies, I fear that +my duties at home may prevent my doing so. However, I +assure you that it is my wish to do so, and though I am unable, +it is through circumstances over which I have no control."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Lord Rosebery, in giving the toast of their Colonial guests, said, +that whatever questions of home policy divided Englishmen, party +feeling never interfered in those greater Imperial questions. It +was a happy innovation to invite representatives of the colonies +to meet in conference, and he trusted that the result of that +meeting would hasten the welding and uniting of the Empire.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF MARK MASONS.</h2> + +<p><i>July 1st, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>A large and most imposing gathering, held in connexion with the +Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, took place at the Freemasons' +Hall on the 1st of July, 1886. His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales, whose installation as Grand Master of English Freemasons, +at the Albert Hall, in April 1875, has been already narrated, was now +installed as Grand Mark Master. There were upwards of 1000 +Grand, Past, and Provincial Grand Officers present, including many +distinguished representatives from India and the Colonies, as well +as from all parts of the United Kingdom. The Earl of Kintore, +Grand Master, presided at the ceremony.</p> + +<p>When the Prince entered the Grand Lodge, which had been +opened by Lord Kintore, he was accompanied by a large and representative +body of Mark Masons deputed to conduct His Royal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> +Highness to the throne. He then took the customary obligation, +having been proclaimed and saluted on the throne, to which he +was conducted by Lord Kintore. Addressing the Prince, Lord Kintore +expressed the feelings of loyal devotion felt by every Mark +Mason in Great Britain, and in the Greater Britain beyond the +seas, at the step which the Prince was pleased to take that day. +He then gave a few statistics to show the progress of Mark Masonry. +In 1876 there were but 5 time-immemorial lodges, and 18 Provincial +Grand Lodges. In 1886 there were 13 time-immemorial +lodges, and 375 warranted lodges, divided into 44 Provincial Grand +Lodges, including those in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, +India, and other parts of the globe. The consent of the Prince of +Wales to be Grand Mark Master was proof of his zealous personal +efforts to unite the Colonies and Dependencies of the empire with +the mother country. The Prince, in his reply, said that—</p><blockquote> + +<p>He thanked the Past Grand Master most heartily and sincerely +for the address he had just delivered. He feared that +Lord Kintore had referred to him in terms far too kind and +flattering. He assured the brethren he considered it a high +honour and compliment which had been paid him that day, and +he accepted the distinguished position of Grand Master of Mark +Master Masons with a deep feeling of gratitude, and as a high +honour to himself. He assured the brethren that anything he +could do to further the interest and welfare of the Mark Degree +would be done with sincere pleasure. He was most thankful +and grateful for the kind feeling the brethren had manifested +towards him, and he appreciated very highly the compliment +which had been paid by the Mark Masons who had attended +from distant parts of the kingdom. Lord Kintore had spoken +in kind and feeling terms of his beloved mother the Queen. It +would afford Her Majesty sincere gratification to know the +kind terms in which her name had been mentioned, and the +hearty manner in which it was invariably received, especially +in a meeting of this description. Personally he thanked them +from his heart, and he desired to assure them that all he could +do for the welfare of Mark Masonry would always be done with +very great pleasure.</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Grand Master then appointed the Grand Officers for the +ensuing year, beginning with Lord Kintore as Pro-Grand Master, +Lord Egerton of Tatton Deputy Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught +Senior Grand Warden, and numerous others to the usual +offices. The Pro-Grand Master presented the Prince with a jewel,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> +which he accepted with pleasure, and said it would be a gratifying +memento of the pleasant proceedings of the day.</p> + +<p>After the conclusion of the Grand Lodge proceedings, there was +a luncheon at the Holborn Restaurant, at which the Prince presided. +After the customary loyal toasts had been proposed, the Prince +regretted that he had to leave, having to fulfil an engagement at +the East-end of London.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PEOPLE'S PALACE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 28th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>There are few who do not know the history, and have not rejoiced +in the success of the People's Palace for East London. The +magnificent spectacle when the Queen went in state, on the 14th +of May, 1887, to open "The Queen's Hall" at the Palace, will long +be remembered by the multitudes who witnessed the ceremony, or +who saw the Royal progress through the crowded streets.</p> + +<p>The foundation stone had been laid, with almost equal pomp, +and amidst as great popular enthusiasm, by the Prince and +Princess of Wales on the 28th of June in the previous year. On +that occasion nearly 10,000 people were assembled within the +space set apart for the ceremony, including 1000 delegates from +the various trade, friendly, and temperance societies in East +London, with 2000 or 3000 school-children.</p> + +<p>The Lord Mayor in his robes of office, and attended by the +officers and many members of the Corporation, and a vast number +of distinguished persons—among whom were the Chief Rabbi, Dr. +Adler, the Bishop of Bedford, and many of the Clergy of the +neighbouring districts, Cardinal Manning, and Mr. Walter Besant—awaited +the arrival of the Royal visitors. This was announced +by a salute by the guard of honour of the Tower Hamlets Engineers +and the 24th Middlesex Volunteers. They were received by Sir +Edmund Hay Currie and the Beaumont Trustees, the Master and +Wardens of the Drapers' Company, and delegates from various +Committees. From the old and well-known "Beaumont Trust," +and the munificent donations of the Drapers' Company, supplemented +by public contributions, the large funds necessary for the +People's Palace had been derived.</p> + +<p>The ceremony began by the Archbishop of Canterbury offering +a special prayer, followed by the Lord's Prayer, and the singing of +the Old Hundredth Psalm. Sir E. H. Currie, Chairman of the +Committee, then read and presented an address, to which the +Prince replied as follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Edmund Hay Currie and Gentlemen,—I thank you, on +behalf of the Princess of Wales and myself, for your address,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> +and I can assure you that we heartily rejoice that an opportunity +has been afforded us of again visiting this important +district of the Metropolis. We thoroughly appreciate the +endeavour of the trustees to promote a scheme which, from the +comprehensiveness and liberality of its scope, should not fail to +prove advantageous to the population of the near neighbourhood +in which the Palace is to be erected, and to the inhabitants of +the Metropolis at large. We do not doubt that the opportunities +for healthy recreation so essential in a population that is comprised +mainly of artisans and mechanics and their families will +be promptly and properly appreciated by those for whom the +People's Palace had been provided. The facilities which will be +afforded for continuous education of all kinds will, we are convinced, +materially tend to still further develop and perfect the +various handicrafts of this neighbourhood, and should therefore +prove of the greatest importance, not only to the inhabitants of +East London, but to the nation at large, and should enable +Englishmen to continue to maintain in the future, as they have +in the past, that supremacy in the arts of peace at home which, +among civilized nations, must be the invariable and necessary +accompaniment of power and prosperity abroad. We congratulate +the trustees upon the success which has already attended +their efforts in having secured £75,000 of the £100,000 required, +and we sincerely trust that the munificent donations of the +Drapers' Company, Mr. Dyer Edwardes, Lord Rosebery, and +the Duke of Westminster will influence others to follow so +excellent an example. The 'Queen's Hall,' of which I am about +to lay the first stone, will, I understand from the architect, Mr. +Robson, be capable of accommodating more than 3000 persons, +and will be so constructed as to serve the purpose of a winter +garden, affording a resort for social intercourse and entertainment +at a period of the year when the summer garden will not +be available. We humbly join in the prayer of the Archbishop +of Canterbury that God's blessing may rest upon this great +work, and that, in the years to come, benefits both material and +moral will result to the thousands who, we trust, will not fail +to avail themselves of the facilities which the scheme will +afford."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p></blockquote><p>The stone was then laid with the usual ceremonies, the Prince's +declaration that it was "well and truly" laid being received with +general cheers. The proceedings were concluded with the benediction, +pronounced by the Archbishop.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>Long before the time of the People's Palace, visits to the East of +London had not unfrequently been made by members of the Royal +Family. On the 24th of June, 1880, the Prince and Princess of +Wales, accompanied by their sons, Prince Albert Victor and Prince +George, went to open a Recreation Ground in Whitechapel, for the +benefit of the people of that parish, and of Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, +and other adjacent districts. The ground, above an acre in +extent, had formerly been a burial-ground of the Society of Friends, +some of the members of which had contributed towards its being +laid out as a pleasure-garden. The Rev. J. F. Kitto and the Rev. +S. A. Barnett, whose names have long been associated with good +deeds in East London, hoped that the presence of the Prince and +Princess of Wales that day would give new impetus to the movement +for obtaining open spaces in crowded parts of the Metropolis. +The Prince expressed his gratification at being present, and said he +was desired by the Princess to say that she declared the Recreation +Ground now open.</p><blockquote> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT SANDRINGHAM.</h2> + +<p><i>July 15th, 1886.</i></p> + + +</blockquote><p>To be "President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England" is +an honour which the Prince of Wales gained not merely from his +high position, but from his genuine love and practical knowledge +of agriculture. Old King George III. was proud to be known as +"Farmer George," but his great-grandson, the "Norfolk farmer," +knows vastly more about the subject, and turns his knowledge to +more profitable account. This was shown at the great sale of +Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep which the Prince held at +Sandringham, at the time of the Royal Agricultural Show at +Norwich, in July 1886.</p> + +<p>The idea of holding the sale at that time was a fortunate one, for +the Show had brought to Norwich breeders of stock from every +part of the kingdom, and some from foreign countries. Many of +the leading members of the Royal Agricultural Society were the +guests of the Prince at Sandringham during the week of the Show. +Special trains were run to Wolferton Station from Norwich, so that +there had never been seen such crowds at Sandringham, as on +Thursday, the 15th of July, the day of the sale. Ample provision +had been made for their reception, a large marquee capable of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> +seating 1500 persons being erected in a field adjacent to the +homestead. Among those who sat down to the luncheon were +almost all the agricultural celebrities of England, and some of the +most noted breeders of cattle and sheep in France. The entrance +of the Prince and his family to the tent was received with +immense enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>After luncheon the Prince proposed the health of the Queen, +which was duly honoured, and then the Duke of Richmond and +Gordon gave the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales." +He said that two days before it had fallen to his lot to move a +vote of thanks to the Prince in his capacity as President of the +Royal Agricultural Society of England, which might be deemed +the Royal Academy of farming. Now he had to speak of him in +his capacity of a Norfolk farmer. Amid much cheering, the Duke +went on to say that it would be well for Norfolk farmers if all of +them had such a wife as it was the good fortune of the Prince to +possess, and that the high qualities of the Princess had endeared +her not less to the people of Norfolk than to the other inhabitants +of her future realm. In speaking of the sale itself, the Duke said +that the quality of the stock, all of which he had personally +examined, was remarkably level and good, and that the Prince was +conferring a distinct benefit upon the agricultural community in +the eastern counties by giving them an opportunity of obtaining +such grand strains of blood as were to be found in the Sandringham +Shorthorns and Southdowns. It is needless to add that this +toast was received with the most enthusiastic cheering, and the +plaudits were so sustained that the Prince had to wait some time +before beginning his reply. He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Grace, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—The kind +way in which this toast has been proposed by the Duke of +Richmond and Gordon and received by you all cannot but give +the greatest possible pleasure both to the Princess and myself. +We derive the most genuine satisfaction at seeing so many of +the inhabitants of Norfolk here in our country home, for I can +assure you that we take the deepest interest in all that concerns +the welfare of this county. This has been a week of great +agricultural interest for the county of Norfolk, and we have +among us many men eminent as breeders and farmers from +other parts of the kingdom, and to them also I extend a cordial +welcome. As we have a busy afternoon before us, I will not +detain you long, but before sitting down I should like to say a +few words with respect to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent +Institution, which has urgent need of support, as, owing to the +recent depression in agriculture, the demands upon it have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> +so heavy that it is unable to do as much as it could a few years +ago. In conclusion, let me bid you heartily welcome to Sandringham, +and ask you to bid well at the sale."</p> + +</blockquote><p>This genial speech was received with applause, and its closing +words with cheerful laughter. The Duke of Manchester next +proposed the health of Mr. John Thornton, the auctioneer, who +may be regarded as the Tattersall of the Shorthorn world, and +who, in responding, said that he was more anxious to hear others +than others would be to hear him. The company then broke up, +the Prince and Princess of Wales leading the way to the sale-ring, +which had been pitched close to the homestead, with three +covered stands for the Royal party, the auctioneer and his chief +customers, and for the county people, who mustered in great +force.</p> + +<p>The auctioneer gave much interesting information as to the +establishment of the herd of Shorthorns and the flock of Southdowns +at Sandringham. Since the herd of Shorthorns was formed +the Prince of Wales has been in the habit of exhibiting at the +Royal and other shows held within easy reach of home, and the +animals selected for exhibition, but not forced into extreme +condition, as is so often done, have been very successful, for they +have taken sixteen first prizes, twelve seconds, four thirds, and +four special prizes, while it is interesting to note that at the Royal +Agricultural Show at York three years ago the Prince obtained +what is generally regarded as the highest honour of the showyard—viz., +the prize for a family group consisting of mother and +several daughters.</p> + +<p>The Prince has been not less conspicuously successful with his +Southdown sheep, as this flock, first formed in 1886 by the +selection of sheep from the flocks of the Duke of Richmond at +Goodwood, Lord Walsingham at Merton, Mr. Webb at Babraham, +and Mr. Gorringe at Kingston, has won sixty-eight first and sixty-two +second prizes, to say nothing of minor distinctions, bringing the +total of prizes up to 183, while at the Smithfield Show last winter +three Southdowns from Sandringham won the £50 champion cup +and the gold medal as the best pen of sheep in the hall. These +facts being well known to all those who attended the sale, while +they had the further assurance that all the lots offered would be +sold without any of those reservations which mar so many auctions, +the bidding was very brisk; but in spite of this the number of +lots was so great that the sale, commencing at two o'clock, lasted +until nearly six.</p> + +<p>The detail of the sale only concern those who have to do +with buying or breeding: and the records of the pedigree stock, +and the prices obtained, and other particulars, will be found in the +reports of the meeting. To the general reader of this book the +whole proceedings are full of interest, as being a scene of genuine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> +English country life, and the Prince of Wales was thoroughly in +his element as the centre of the grand agricultural assemblage. +How Washington Irving would have rejoiced to be there, and +what a description he would have given of the scene!</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SION COLLEGE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>December 15th, 1886.</i></p> + + +<p>Sion College was founded by the Rev. Dr. White, Vicar of St. +Dunstan's in the West, in the time of Charles I. He held several +other preferments, but we forgive him for being a notable +pluralist because he made such good use of his money. By his +will he left £3000 for the purchase of a site in the City of London, +for erecting a hospital, consisting of twenty almshouses, and a +college, which he endowed, with an annual revenue, not large, but +sufficient in those times. Dr. White's intention was to enable the +clergy of the City of London, and the incumbents of outlying +parishes, to obtain corporate existence, like other crafts and +professions, and so be legally qualified to hold and to administer +property. This was well carried out by the Rev. Dr. Simpson, +Rector of St. Olave's, Hart Street, one of the executors, who gave +special attention to the library, now so important a feature of the +College.</p> + +<p>The College was established by Charter in 1630, and confirmed +in 1664 by Charles II. The site selected was that of the Priory of +Elsing Spital, London Wall, where a spacious building was afterwards +erected, and continued in use till our own day. The library +gradually became an important one, especially after 1710, when +the Government conferred upon it the privilege of being one of +the libraries entitled to receive copies of all books entered at +Stationers' Hall. In 1843 this privilege was commuted for an +annual grant, which barely sufficed for the maintenance of the +library and other expenses. At length it was determined to sell +the site in London Wall, the value of which was great for business +purposes, and to remove to a better site, on which more commodious +buildings might be erected. By Acts of Parliament +authority was obtained to sell the old site, which realized thirty-three +times the amount given for it in 1627. Another Act of +Parliament authorized the purchase of a site on the Thames +Embankment, the freehold of which cost £31,625, and on this, at a +cost of £25,000, the present magnificent building, designed by +Mr. A. W. Blomfield, was erected. To open this new Sion +College, the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, +went to the City on the 15th of December, 1886.</p> + +<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, and several Bishops, the Lord<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> +Mayor and Sheriffs of London, the Lord Chancellor, and many +distinguished persons were present, and a numerous body of the +Clergy. The President of the College (who is elected annually by +the Fellows), the Rev. Richard Whittington, a name of good omen, +read an address, the Archbishop having previously conducted a +short religious service. To the address the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. President and Gentlemen,—I thank you for your address, +and for the kind terms in which you allude to the Princess of +Wales and my children. I experience the greatest satisfaction +at being present on this interesting occasion, when your ancient +corporation may be said to take a new departure. I are gratified +to learn that the words of advice which I uttered two or +three years ago have borne good fruit and have helped on the +removal of your College from the comparative obscurity of +London Wall to this central and eligible spot. I congratulate +you on the completion without any serious drawback of a work +which from its nature could not but be surrounded by many +administrative and financial difficulties, only to be overcome by +much tenacity of purpose, energy, and hard work. Many of +you will probably look back with some feeling of lingering +regret upon a spot hallowed by the memories of two centuries +and a half, and by the recollection that in the same place, for +many years before Sion College existed, the Augustinian canons +devoted themselves to the alleviation of suffering, and providing +a refuge for the homeless and the outcast. Yet, if Sion +College was to continue its work in the future as it has carried +it on in the past, such a change as I inaugurate to-day was +essential. On this site and with this building, upon the beauty +and convenience of which your architect may well come in for +his share of congratulation and praise, Sion College may become +more than ever a centre where the London clergy may meet +together to exchange experiences and learn by personal intercourse +how substantial is the tie which results from devotion to +one high purpose. Of your library I need say little. The high +place which it occupies among similar institutions is well known, +and the extent and excellence of its contents are universally +acknowledged. I have to congratulate the clergy of London +upon having at their command such a varied collection of the +best literature of all ages to stimulate their studies and enrich +their minds. I will only add an expression of my satisfaction<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> +at learning that those poor persons for whose temporal wants +your benevolent founder, Dr. Thomas White, made provision +have reason to claim a full share in the gratification which +attends the proceedings to-day."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Lord Mayor said it was a great privilege for him to be +called on, as Lord Mayor, to say a few words on that most +interesting occasion. He congratulated the President and Fellows +that Sion College was rebuilt under such favourable auspices and +so happily placed between those seminaries of the law, the ancient +and honourable societies of the Temple, of which His Royal +Highness was so distinguished a member, and the more modern +institution, on which he thought the Corporation might justly +pride itself, the City of London School for the classical and +commercial training of our younger citizens, which His Royal +Highness graciously inaugurated just four years ago.</p> + +<p>The Lord Chancellor said there were no words of his which +would adequately express the gratitude and affection which all +those present felt towards His Royal Highness and the Princess. +This was only one of a series of acts by which their Royal Highnesses +had exhibited their sympathy with the people, and there +was nothing good, high, and noble that was not from time to time +graced by their presence.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then, amid loud cheers, declared the library +to be open.</p> + +<p>The procession, having been re-formed, left the library and +descended to the hall, which was also filled with spectators. Here +the President pointed out the ancient panels, the pictures, +including portrait of the founder, and other treasures removed from +the old building. The Prince declared the Hall open, and their +Royal Highnesses signed their names in the Register of Benefactors.</p> + +<p>It may be added that it was a hint from the Prince of Wales +that hastened the decision to remove from London Wall. He was +viewing from the roof of the old library the fire in Wood Street, +Cheapside, when he said to the Rev. W. H. Milman (the librarian, +son of Dean Milman) that he thought it was the duty of the +Governors to remove their valuable library to a safer locality.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886.</h2> + + +<p>On the 10th of November, 1884, the Queen issued a Royal Commission +to arrange for holding an Exhibition of the products, +manufactures, and arts of Her Majesty's Colonial and Indian +Dominions, in the year 1886. Of this Commission the Prince of +Wales was President, and Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen Secretary. +The first meeting took place at Marlborough House on the 30th of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> +March, 1885. In opening the proceedings His Royal Highness +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"In addressing you for the first time, I would remind you +that the objects for which Her Majesty has been pleased to +appoint this Commission are, briefly, to organise and carry out +an Exhibition by which the reproductive resources of our +Colonies and of the Indian Empire may be brought before the +people of Great Britain, and by which also the distant portions +of Her Majesty's Dominions may be enabled to compare the +advance made by each other in trade, manufactures, and general +material progress.</p> + +<p>"This project, to the realisation of which I have looked +forward for some years, is essentially one of a National and +Imperial character, differing in this respect front former Exhibitions, +in which the elements of trade rivalry and profit largely +existed.</p> + +<p>"No such opportunity of becoming practically acquainted +with the economic condition of our Colonies and the Indian +Empire has ever been afforded in this country. The attractive +display in the Indian and Colonial Courts at the Paris Exhibition +of 1878 could only be witnessed by a comparatively small +number of the population of these Islands, millions of whom +may be expected to view and profit by the evidence which the +Exhibition of 1886 will afford of the marvellous progress made +by their fellow-countrymen beyond the seas.</p> + +<p>"I also trust that this gathering may serve even a higher +purpose, and be the means not only of giving a stimulus to +commercial interests and intercourse, but of strengthening that +Bond of Union between Her Majesty's subjects in all parts of +the Empire, the growth and manifestation of which are most +sincerely appreciated by us all.</p> + +<p>"Whilst Her Majesty's Government have given their hearty +approval to the objects for which the Commission has been +appointed, they have not so far found it desirable to make any +definite grant towards it. The Commission have, therefore, to +rely entirely upon the public support of the great purposes +which the Exhibition is intended to promote; and on the attractive +form which it will be the endeavour of all concerned to +give to it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I cannot doubt but that, under such conditions, should no +untoward events occur, the project will be more than self-sustaining.</p> + +<p>"At the same time, it has been thought prudent not to +dispense with the usual provision of a Guarantee Fund, though +I trust no circumstances may arise rendering it necessary to +make any call on the guarantors. To this Fund the Indian and +Colonial Governments have made liberal contributions, amounting +to £51,000."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince then gave detailed announcements of the responses +made to appeals addressed to corporations, firms, and individuals +in Great Britain, and in the Colonies and India. He also explained +the arrangements for administrative and financial affairs, and +for the reception of foreign representatives.</p><blockquote> + +<p>"In conclusion, let me express the hope that this great +undertaking, and the many occasions for friendly intercourse +with our fellow-subjects from India and the Colonies which it +will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we +are deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately +shown in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the +country, we on our part wish to participate in every effort to +further and develop their material interests—interests which +we feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the +Empire. We must remember that, as regards the Colonies, +they are the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the +more adventurous and energetic portion of the population of +these Islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all +that makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, +but be a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards +India, the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire and the +rapid and easy means of communication to all parts of it which +now exist, render its remarkable and varied products and its +social and political condition a source of yearly increasing +interest and importance to us.</p> + +<p>"For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, I am +sure I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, +in your several localities, and within the sphere of your individual +influence. Although it has been impossible from the +pressure of their duties elsewhere for some members of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> +Commission to be present at this meeting, I am gratified by +the assurance from them that we may none the less rely on +their practical and earnest assistance on every occasion in +furthering the work which has been entrusted to us, and +achieving the important ends which I trust may flow from its +successful accomplishment."</p> +</blockquote> + +<p><i>May 3rd, 1886.</i></p> + +<p>A meeting of the Royal Commission was again held on the +3rd of May, in the Durbar Hall of the Indian Palace, when the +Prince of Wales, as the Executive President, addressed the audience. +He gave an interesting report on all the chief matters that +had engaged the attention of the Royal Commissioners; and referred +to the co-operation received from the Colonies and India. +He stated that the guarantee fund had reached the amount of +£218,430, of which the City of London had voted £10,000. A +vote of thanks was proposed by the Duke of Cambridge, seconded +by Lord Granville, to the Prince of Wales for the able and +energetic manner in which he acted on behalf of the Commission +as their President. "It is not the first time that His Royal +Highness has acted as President in undertakings of this nature, +and it is very difficult for any individual to praise him in his +presence without appearing fulsome, but it is not fulsome to say +that he has always devoted his whole energies to bringing everything +to a successful issue with which he is connected."</p> + +<p>The Prince, in his reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>He hoped that the Exhibition would be not only entertaining +to the eye, and that it will prove of material benefit to our own +countrymen, but that it will also tend to strengthen the bond +of brotherly love between ourselves and the rest of Her +Majesty's subjects.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p><i>April 30th, 1887.</i></p> + +<p>At the final meeting of the Royal Commission, held at Marlborough +House on the 30th of April, 1887, the minutes of the +previous meeting, held on the 3rd of May, 1886, having been +read, the Prince of Wales addressed the meeting:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen,—I have +asked you to meet me to-day, in order that I might submit for +your approval a Report which I have drawn up upon the work +of the Royal Commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>tion, +a draft of which has already been forwarded to each of you +for consideration.</p> + +<p>"The contents of this Report are so exhaustive, and the +information afforded so full and complete, that it seems scarcely +necessary that I should detain you with many explanatory +remarks.</p> + +<p>"You will remember that the last occasion on which I had +the pleasure of meeting you was on the eve of the opening +of the Exhibition by Her Majesty the Queen. You are all +aware of the success of that opening, and you, I am sure, +appreciated the keen interest which the Queen took in the +Exhibition, both by performing that imposing ceremony, and +by the frequent visits which Her Majesty afterwards paid to +the various Sections.</p> + +<p>"The great importance attached to the objects of this Exhibition +was evidenced by the striking manner in which it was +visited by the public. You will have seen by the Report that +it was attended by no fewer than 5,550,745 persons. Of this +number, a large proportion were admitted under schemes in +which I took a deep personal interest, by means of which +admission was granted to provincial and metropolitan artisans, +with their wives and families, at greatly reduced rates.</p> + +<p>"It may safely be asserted that a vast amount of public good +has arisen from the holding of this Exhibition. No one can +have failed to notice the earnest attention paid by all classes of +the visitors to the contents of the Exhibition; and the instruction +which was derived from an examination of the varied +objects displayed therein cannot but tend to a better knowledge +of the outlying portions of the Empire, among the inhabitants +of the mother country.</p> + +<p>"At a previous Meeting I referred to the appointment of the +Finance Committee, to its enlargement, and to the manner in +which its labours were being conducted, and I would now +specially draw your attention to the Report they have presented +to me. The accounts now before you, which have been +circulated for your information, have been subject to a continuous +and careful audit. They have been made up at the +earliest possible day consistent with the proper realization of +the assets belonging to the Royal Commission, and with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> +settlement of the many and varied claims presented after the +close of the Exhibition, and which the Finance Committee had +necessarily to adjust. You will see that the fullest information +in ample detail is given under appropriate heads of the entire +receipts and expenditure of the Royal Commission up to the +23rd April, and I am sure that you will share my satisfaction +at the gratifying result of a substantial surplus of £35,235 7<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> +remaining in the hands of the Royal Commission.</p> + +<p>"I am anxious that the appropriation of this surplus, and the +objects to which it should be devoted, should be in harmony +with the wishes of the entire body of the Royal Commission. +I desire, therefore, to draw your attention to a paragraph in the +Report of the Finance Committee, to the effect that in view of +the fact that this Exhibition, and those which preceded it, have +to a certain extent been considered as one series, consideration +might be given to the requirements of any former Exhibition, +the financial results of which have been less satisfactory than +those of the present undertaking. In this recommendation +I entirely concur, and a Resolution in that sense will be +submitted for your approval.</p> + +<p>"I would also suggest to you the advisability of retaining +for the present a certain sum for the purpose of meeting any +unforeseen contingencies; which sum should for the next few +years remain vested in the names of trustees, but should +ultimately be applied to the same purpose as that to which the +residue is devoted.</p> + +<p>"As regards the balance of the surplus, I would commend to +your consideration the propriety of transferring it to the funds +of the Imperial Institute of the United Kingdom, the Colonies, +and India (in the promotion of which the Queen and I both +take so warm an interest), the more especially as we may +regard the Institute, to a certain extent, as the outcome of the +Exhibition which was closed in November last.</p> + +<p>"Before moving resolutions to this effect, I would wish to +express to you my deep gratitude for the support which you +have at all times given to me in the duties which I, as your +Executive President, have had so much pleasure in performing; +and I am sure you will join with me at this our last Meeting in +expressing most heartily our appreciation of the co-operation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> +which the Royal Commission received from the Colonies and +India, and of the exertions of the gentlemen representing these +Governments, which tended in so marked a degree to the +success of the past Exhibition.</p> + +<p>"The enthusiastic manner in which the proposal for holding +this Exhibition was received in all portions of Her Majesty's +Empire, the energy displayed in realising the views of the +Royal Commission, and the continued support rendered to us +by the Colonial and Indian Governments and their representatives +in London, resulted in the achievement of a work of +which all those who participated in it may be justly proud, and +which formed a fitting prelude to an undertaking intended to +commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign, by permanently +gathering together in one building the varied productions +of the whole of the British Empire, in the interchange of +which its past prosperity is so much due, and by which its +future development may be promoted.</p> + +<p>"In closing these observations, I would desire to convey to +the gentlemen composing the Finance Committee, my warm +personal acknowledgments for their unremitting attention, and +the great services they have rendered, at so much sacrifice to +their time and convenience. I equally desire to acknowledge +the admirable and efficient arrangements made throughout by +the Executive Secretary, and to return my thanks to the whole +staff employed on the Exhibition. Their zeal and readiness at +all times to promote its success demand special recognition +at our hands. In all this, I feel assured I give expression to +the sentiments of every member of the Royal Commission."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In the speeches of those who moved and seconded the resolutions +submitted to the meeting, reference was repeatedly made to +the permanent Imperial Institute, of which the Indo-Colonial +Exhibition seemed the precursor. The Prince, in acknowledging +the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the meeting, said:—"I +most truly hope that the words which fell from Lord Derby +and Lord Kimberley with respect to the Imperial Institute may +come true. If I may use the allegory, now that we have, as it +were, burnt the late Exhibition to-day, I hope the Imperial +Institute may be a Phœnix arising out of its ashes. I trust that +it may be a lasting memorial, not only of that but of the Jubilee +of Her Majesty the Queen."</p> + +<p>The Exhibition was opened by Her Majesty on the 4th of May,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> +and those who were present will not readily forget the impressive +nature of the proceedings on that memorable day. The Official +Report of the Royal Commission (printed and published, as all +the Exhibition Reports have been, by W. Clowes & Sons) is a +most valuable manual on all matters relating to the Exhibition—the +most imposing and interesting of any since that of 1851. It +was also the most successful as to finance, there being a surplus of +no less than £35,285 7<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> Of this £25,000 was voted to the +Imperial Institute fund, and the remainder applied to liquidate +the debt remaining from the Inventions Exhibition, and the +formation of a reserve fund connected with other Exhibitions.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>January 12th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The Imperial Institute, while it will be the grandest and most +enduring memorial of the Queen's Jubilee, will also be associated +in history with the name of the Prince of Wales. It was by him +that the idea was first entertained, and the proposal first made; +and to his zealous and persevering efforts the successful carrying +out of the project is due. There had been various circumstances +preparing this way for the great undertaking, but it was the +success of the Indo-Colonial Exhibition, held in 1886, that led +to the proposal of a permanent Imperial Institute. It would be a +visible emblem of the unity of the Empire, and a place for illustrating +its vast resources; a museum for exhibiting its manifold +products and industries; a centre of information and communication +for all the countries throughout the world under the British +sovereignty; and be helpful to the increase and the distribution of +the wealth of the nation. It would co-operate and not conflict +with older institutions of tried utility, such as Colonial museums +and exchanges, emigration societies, technical colleges, and other +organizations for the welfare of the people. The scheme was +worthy of being adopted as a national memorial of the Jubilee of +the Queen's reign, and was fittingly inaugurated by the heir apparent +to the throne.</p> + +<p>Of the progress of the movement, and of the home for the Institute +at South Kensington, it is not necessary here to speak, but +the following speech of the Prince of Wales, at St. James's Palace, +on the 12th of January, 1887, gives the best summary of all that is +designed and expected in regard to the Imperial Institute.</p> + +<p>Letters had been sent out inviting many influential persons to +meet His Royal Highness as chairman, and the members of the +organizing committee of the Institute. The banqueting room at +the old Palace was filled with an audience such as has rarely been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> +brought together on any occasion in recent years. Many of the +most distinguished men in all departments of public life, the Lord +Mayors of London and York, with nearly 200 Mayors, Provosts, +and Chief Magistrates of English and Scottish boroughs, Masters +and Wardens of City Companies, and Directors of great corporate +bodies and societies were present. The Prince of Wales, on entering +the room, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor, was warmly +received; and thus he addressed the meeting:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—You are doubtless aware of the +general feeling on the part of the public that some signal proof +of the love and loyalty of Her Majesty's subjects throughout her +widely extended Empire should be given to the Queen when she +celebrates the fiftieth year of her happy reign. In order to +afford to the Queen the fullest satisfaction, the proposed +memorial should not be merely personal in its character, but +should tend to serve the interests of the entire Empire and to +promote a feeling of unity among the whole of Her Majesty's +subjects. The desire to find fitting means of drawing our +colonies and India into closer bonds with the mother country, +a desire which of late has been clearly expressed, meets, I am +sure, with the Queen's warmest sympathy. It occurred to me +that the recent Colonial and Indian Exhibition, which presented +a most successful display of the material resources of the +colonies and India, might suggest the basis for an institute +which should afford a permanent representation of the products +and manufactures of the whole of the Queen's dominions. I +therefore appointed a committee of eminent men to consider +and report to me upon the best means of carrying out this +idea.</p> + +<p>"Upon the report of the committee being submitted to me, +and after giving every clause my full consideration, it so entirely +met with my approval that I accepted all its suggestions, and I +therefore directed that a copy of that report should be sent to +each of you. As I trust you have mastered the suggestions of +that report, I do not purpose re-stating them to you in detail, +but I would remind you that I propose that the memorial should +bear the name of the Imperial Institute of the United Kingdom, +the Colonies, and India, and that it must find its home within +buildings of a character worthy to commemorate the Jubilee year +of the Queen's reign.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My proposals also are that the Imperial Institute should be +an emblem of the unity of the Empire, and should illustrate the +resources and capabilities of every section of her Majesty's +dominions. By these means every one may become acquainted +with the marvellous growth of the Queen's colonial and Indian +possessions during her reign, and will be enabled to mark by the +opportunities afforded for contrast how steadily these possessions +have advanced in manufacturing skill and enterprise step by +step with the mother country. A representative institute of +this kind must necessarily be situated in London, but its organization +will, I trust, be such that benefits will be equally conferred +upon our provincial communities as well as upon the colonial +and Indian subjects of the Crown. It is my hope that the +institute will form a practical means of communication between +our colonial settlers and those persons at home who may benefit +by emigration. Much information and even instruction may +beneficially be imparted to those who need guidance in respect +to emigration.</p> + +<p>"You are aware that the competition of industry all over the +world has become keen, while commerce and manufactures have +been profoundly affected by the recent rapid progress of science +and the increased facilities of inter-communication offered by +steam and the electric telegraph. In consequence of these +changes all nations are using strenuous efforts to produce a +trained intelligence among their people. The working classes +of this country have not been slow to show their desire for improvement +in this direction. They wish to place themselves in +a position of intellectual power by using all opportunities offered +to them to secure an understanding of the principles as well as +of the practice of the work in which they are engaged. No less +than 16,000,000 persons from all parts of the kingdom have +attended the four exhibitions over which I presided, representing +fisheries, public health, inventions, and the colonies and India, +and I assure you I would not have undertaken the labour +attending their administration had I not felt a deep conviction +that such exhibitions added to the knowledge of the people and +stimulated the industries of the country.</p> + +<p>"I have on more than one occasion expressed my own views, +founded upon those so often enunciated by my lamented father,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> +that it is of the greatest importance to do everything within our +power to advance the knowledge as well as the practical skill of +the productive classes of the Empire. I therefore commend to +you as the leading idea I entertain that the institute should be +regarded as a centre for extending knowledge in relation to the +industrial resources and commerce of the Queen's dominions. +With this view it should be in constant touch, not only with the +chief manufacturing districts of this country, but also with all +the colonies and India. Such objects are large in their scope, +and must necessarily be so, if this institute is worthily to represent +the unity of the Empire.</p> + +<p>"To some minds the scheme may not be sufficiently comprehensive, +because it does not provide for systematic courses of +technical instruction in connection with the collections and +libraries of the proposed institute. I would be the last person +to undervalue this suggestion. I am well aware that the +advantages we have enjoyed in the competition of the world by +the possession of fuel, combined with large mineral resources and +by the maritime habits of our people, are now becoming of less +importance, as trained intellect has in other countries been more +and more applied to productive industry. But I know that this +truth has already penetrated our centres of manufacturing +activity, for many of the large towns have founded colleges and +schools of science and art to increase the intellectual factor of +production. London, also, has taken important steps in the +same direction. The Imperial Institute should be a supplement +to, and not a competitor with, other institutions for technical +education in science and art both at home and in the colonies. +At the same time, I trust that the institute will be able to +stimulate and aid local efforts by directing scholarships for the +working-classes into suitable channels, and by other similar +means.</p> + +<p>"Though the institute does not engage in the direct object of +systematic technical education, it may well be the means of +promoting it, as its purpose is to extend an exact knowledge of +the industrial resources of the Empire. It will be a place of +study and resort for producers and consumers from the colonies +and India when they visit this country for business or pleasure, +and they, as well as the merchants and manufacturers of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> +United Kingdom, will find in its collections, libraries, conference +and intelligence rooms, the means of extending the commerce +and of improving the manufacturing industries of the Empire. +I trust, too, that colonial and Indian subjects visiting this +country will find some sort of social welcome within the proposed +building. This institute will thus be an emblem, as well +as a practical exponent, of the community of interests and the +unity of feeling throughout the extended dominions of the +Queen.</p> + +<p>"From the close relation in which I stand to the Queen, +there can be no impropriety in my stating that if her subjects +desire, on the occasion of the celebration of her fiftieth year as +Sovereign of this great Empire, to offer her a memorial of their +love and loyalty, she would specially value one which would +promote the industrial and commercial resources of her dominions +in various parts of the world, and which would be expressive of +that unity and co-operation which Her Majesty desires should +prevail among all classes and races of her extended Empire.</p> + +<p>"My lords and gentlemen, I have invited you to meet on this +occasion in order that I may appeal to you to give me your +assistance in establishing and maintaining the Imperial Institute. +If you approve of the views I have expressed, I am certain I +may rely upon your strenuous co-operation to carry them into +effect. I admit that it has not been without anxiety that I +resolved to make the propositions I submitted to you, but confidence +and support have come to me in the knowledge that +I can appeal to you, and through you to the whole country, to +give your aid to a work which I believe will be of lasting benefit +to this and future generations."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Resolutions were proposed and speeches made by Earl Spencer, +the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Viscount Hampden, the Lord +Mayor of London, the Mayor of Newcastle, and the Marquis of +Lorne, approving the scheme, and promising hearty support. The +Lord Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to the Prince, who tendered +his thanks for the attendance at the meeting, and the approval +given to the proposal.</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I am glad, gentlemen, to have this opportunity of expressing +to you collectively and individually my deep feelings of gratitude, +in seeing you all here to-day at a time of year when travelling +is neither easy nor pleasant, considering the distances which you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> +have had to come; and also for the kind response which you +have made to my appeal. It augurs well for the future, and I +feel convinced you will do all in your power to assist me in +making this Imperial Institute worthy of the name of our Queen +and of her Empire. The promotion of this scheme is with me +a labour of love, and it must, I am sure, strike you all that, +apart from wishing to do honour to the name of my beloved +mother, nobody is more desirous than I am that a monument, +if I may use the term, may be erected worthy of her +Empire."</p> + +</blockquote><p>A public meeting was held the same day at the Mansion House, +attended by a large number of the most influential men in the City. +The Lord Mayor (Sir Reginald Hanson), Earl Granville, Mr. Plunket, +M.P., Mr. Mundella, M.P., Mr. Goschen, M.P., and Lord Rothschild, +were among the speakers, and resolutions were passed with +an enthusiasm which gave good augury for the success of the +Imperial Institute.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE LONDON ORPHAN ASYLUM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 12th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The London Orphan Asylum, for the maintenance, clothing, and +education of Fatherless Children, is one of the oldest and best +charities of its class. The Prince of Wales presided at the Jubilee +Festival, at the Hôtel Métropole, on the 12th of March, 1887. +Among the numerous friends of the charity present were the Duke +of Abercorn, the Earl of Clarendon, Sir Donald Stewart, Sir +Dighton Probyn, and many distinguished men. The Prince, in +giving the toast of "The Queen," said it was the first public +dinner at which he had presided in the Jubilee year of the Queen, +and this was also the jubilee of her connection with the London +Orphan Asylum, of which she had been for fifty years its patron. +The toast was received with more than usual enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>Alderman Sir R. N. Fowler, M.P., in giving the next loyal toast +said that the charity had been already deeply indebted to the +Prince of Wales, who had, along with the Princess of Wales, laid +the foundation stone of this Asylum at Watford.</p> + +<p>Other loyal and patriotic toasts having been given, the Prince +rose to propose the toast of the evening. He said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—The London Orphan Asylum +is an old institution; it was founded in 1813, two years before +the battle of Waterloo; and it owed its origin to a distinguished<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> +philanthropist of the time, Dr. Andrew Reed. Of course it +began on a very small scale, for the old proverb applied in this +as in so many other cases that you must cut your coat according +to your cloth. It commenced in the first year of its organization +with only three children; but in 1822 there were as +many as 126 children in the school. Twenty years later there +were as many as 326; twenty years later still there were 414; +and now it affords me the greatest pleasure to announce to you +that we have upwards of 500 children.</p> + +<p>"The first subscription list contained the names of 255 subscribers, +and among them was my grandfather. He was the +first patron and headed the list with 50 guineas; and in 1823 +my grand-uncle, the late Duke of York, laid the foundation +stone of the institution at Clapton; while two years later the +late Duke of Cambridge, who was always foremost in all great +charitable undertakings in this country, presided at its annual +festival. The institution continued to grow and more children +had to be admitted, until at last there was not sufficient room +in the old home. A new one was, therefore, instituted at +Watford, and in 1869 the Princess and myself were asked to +lay the foundation stone of your present home. Having taken +part in that ceremony, it gives me much gratification to learn in +what a flourishing condition the institution now is, which is +exemplified by the presence of upwards of 500 in the home. +And when I look at the young ladies and the boys before us I +think you will come to the conclusion that the management of +the institution is thoroughly good. During the 74 years of the +existence of the asylum something over 5000 orphan children +have been maintained, clothed, and educated.</p> + +<p>"The great Duke of Wellington took very great interest in the +institution, and I believe I am not wrong in stating that he +presided at its festivals on five different occasions. A remarkable +and very important fact in connection with the institution +is that those who have received education and aid from the +society are those who do all they can to give it support at the +present time, and part of the institution at Watford was built +by subscriptions of the old scholars, and I am told that there are +as many as ten old pupils of the institution in one commercial +house in the City, while many are present here to-night who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> +are prepared to give liberal donations. The education they +receive is a thoroughly sound and practical one, and when they +leave every effort is made to find them situations, and they are +sent out with proper clothing. As a proof that it is managed +on economical principles I need only say that the cost per head +in the past year amounted to little over £30. The amount disbursed +in the 74 years since its foundation has reached the +large sum of £700,000—all of this large sum, with the exception +of £1000 a year which you can rely upon, having been +derived from voluntary contributions.</p> + +<p>"This year being the Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign the +managers are most anxious to mark the epoch in some manner +which will benefit the institution, and they have resolved to +add 100 scholars, of whom 50 were admitted in January and +50 more will be admitted in June. The cost of this will, undoubtedly, +be very great, the ultimate amount being between +£18,000 and £20,000. I am here, therefore, as your chairman, +to ask you to contribute as liberally as you can for the maintenance +of this ancient and most creditable institution. I am +well aware that now and for some years past there has been +both agricultural and commercial depression, but I feel convinced +that in the cause of charity—and what greater charity +can there be than providing for orphan children?—I shall not +appeal in vain to my countrymen to do all in their power as +philanthropists to support an institution which has been carried +out on the best and most economical principles."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was drunk with much enthusiasm, and acknowledged +by Mr. Capell (the treasurer). The total amount of the subscriptions +announced during the evening was £5000, including an +annual subscription of 20 guineas from the Queen and 100 guineas +from the Prince of Wales.</p> + +<p>When the foundation-stone was laid by the Prince and Princess +of Wales, in 1869, 250 purses were laid on it, containing in all +about £8000. For the chapel £5000 was given by one whose +early days were spent in the Asylum. The Grocers' Company +contributed £3000 to build one house; the Countess of Verulam +and the Countess of Essex raised another sum of £3000, as a kind +of welcome to the county. The income in 1887 was £15,000, but +the invested funds give little more than £1000, so that there is +constant need of new "voluntary contributions," to maintain the +550 orphans now in the houses.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 30th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The associated teachers who, under the name of the College of +Preceptors, have for above forty years laboured to raise the standard +of middle-class education, deserve praise and honour for what they +have accomplished. Without Government aid or grant, and +unpatronized by dignitaries of Church or State, these learned and +patriotic men have succeeded, by training teachers, establishing +examinations, and granting certificates, in acquiring a reputation +and influence now very generally recognized. Their work is truly +of national importance, and this His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales declared when he readily assented to formally open the new +building of the College, in Bloomsbury Square, on the 30th of +March, 1887. This College is self-supporting, and the cost of the +erection and equipment of the new building was defrayed out of +savings that had accumulated in the hands of the treasurer during +the previous seven years.</p> + +<p>A very large number of persons interested in education assembled +in the lecture-hall to witness the ceremony, among whom were Sir +Lyon Playfair, Sir Richard Temple, Mr. Lyulph Stanley, the +Dowager Lady Stanley of Alderley, the Presidents of several +societies, and the Head Masters of Harrow, Charterhouse, and Merchant +Taylors' Schools, of Marlborough and Dulwich Colleges, and +of Christ's Hospital.</p> + +<p>On the arrival of the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess +of Wales, and their daughters Princesses Victoria and Maud, +an address was presented by the Rev. Dr. T. W. Jex-Blake, President +of the Council. The Prince, in replying, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Dr. Jex-Blake, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—It gives the +Princess of Wales and myself great satisfaction to have been +able to accede to the request of the council, and to open the new +building of the College of Preceptors. I am reminded, by your +reference to the circumstances that this building is opened +during the year of the Queen's jubilee, of the many and important +improvements that have taken place in Her Majesty's +dominions during the last fifty years, and especially in the +advancement of education among all classes of the people, a +share of which progress is due to the excellent work undertaken +by this self-supported institution.</p> + +<p>"For over forty years the College of Preceptors has exercised a +marked and growing influence for good upon the education given<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> +in some of our endowed schools, and more particularly in the +numerous private schools for boys and girls which are an important +feature in the educational system of this country. The +value of your work is sufficiently shown by the high reputation +of your examinations and by the constantly increasing number +of your candidates, and I sincerely congratulate you on the +results you have achieved. In the further development of the +work of training teachers you have before you a future of great +usefulness, for there can be no doubt that the provision of +properly-trained teachers for middle and higher schools is +almost, if not quite, as necessary as for our public elementary +schools.</p> + +<p>"The key of the building which you have presented to me I +shall retain as a memento of this ceremony, and in declaring +this building open I fervently hope that the influence and +teaching which will go forth from it may tend to improve and +to raise to a yet higher standard the education given in the +private and secondary schools of our country. I declare this +building now open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Royal party were afterwards conducted through the building, +the arrangements of which are justly admired. The entrance +corridor is wide and lofty. On one side of it there is a club-room +for members, and on the other the secretary's and clerks' offices. +The council-room is large and handsome, and the lecture-room +occupies the whole of the second story, and is surrounded by book-cases +capable of holding 10,000 volumes.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 3rd, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The great Exhibition at Manchester during the Queen's Jubilee +year is too recent an event to need any remark prefatory to the +statement that it was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales +on the 3rd of May, 1887. Their Royal Highnesses, who were +guests at Tatton Hall, drove with Lord Egerton through the park +to Knutsford, where they stopped to witness the crowning of the +May Queen, and other old English May Day customs which have +been revived in that quaint little town. The Prince gave the +permission asked by the Committee to add the title of Royal to +the Knutsford May Day Sports. They then travelled in a saloon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> +carriage to Manchester, accompanied by Lady Sefton and Lord +Egerton.</p> + +<p>On arriving at the Town Hall an address was presented, to +which the Prince read the following reply:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It gives me sincere pleasure to be permitted on behalf of the +Queen, my dear mother, to visit the city of Manchester for the +purpose of opening the extensive and interesting Exhibition +which the inhabitants of Manchester have organized with such +admirable zeal and energy, particularly as it is associated with +your congratulations on Her Majesty's attaining the fiftieth +year of her reign. In her name I thank you for your loyal and +dutiful address. It has been a source of much gratification to +the Queen to receive assurance of unfaltering attachment to her +throne and person from all parts of the Empire on the occasion. +The Princess of Wales and I desire to express our admiration +of the noble building which you have provided for the conduct +of your municipal affairs, and we think it worthy of the vast +wealth and importance of the city of Manchester. It gives us +great satisfaction to be able to promote and encourage all +charitable works and institutions designed for the social and +educational improvement of the community. We thank you +for your good wishes for the welfare of ourselves and our +children, and we hope that prosperity and happiness may ever +attend on the labours of the loyal and industrious inhabitants +of this great city."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The route of the procession from the Town Hall to the Exhibition +was a very long one, being chosen by the Prince in preference +to a shorter one submitted to him, on the ground that he would +rather afford pleasure to a larger number of people than see the +finer edifices on the shorter route. In the Palm House of the +gardens luncheon was served, and then the opening ceremony +took place in the nave of the building, in the position known as +the Music Room. Mr. Hallé's orchestra was in front of the organ, +and the National Anthem was performed with fine effect, the vocal +rendering being also given by Madame Albani and the full chorus. +The Bishop of Manchester offered prayer, and the choir sang the +Old Hundredth Psalm. To the address read by Sir Joseph Lee, +the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I receive with great satisfaction your address on the +opening of this large and instructive Exhibition. On behalf +of Her Majesty I declare it open from this day. The illustra<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span>tions +which you have collected on engineering and chemical +industry, and the products of manufacture and useful toil, +afford ample testimony to the skill and ingenuity and steady +perseverance of the inhabitants of this district, and prove how +justly they hold a high and an honourable place in the industrial +ranks of the Empire. The collection of natural products +and manufactures of Ireland, and the gratifying display of +English works of art, add much to the interest and value of +this Exhibition, in which I recognise a worthy mark of your +desire to do honour to an occasion so auspicious as the celebration +of the fiftieth year of Her Majesty's reign. The Princess +and I desire to thank you heartily for your good wishes on +our behalf, and for the cordial welcome which you have +given us."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince, in the name of the Queen, declared the Exhibition +open. A fanfare of trumpets was then given and a <i>feu de joie</i> +fired. The proceedings closed with a procession through the +different departments, while the "Lobgesang" or "Hymn of +Praise" was rendered by the full orchestra and chorus. At the +Exhibition station a special train was waiting to take the Royal +party back to Tatton Hall.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 22nd, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The London Hospital has many and special claims on public +sympathy and support. Its position, in Whitechapel, surrounded +by poor and crowded parts of East London; its small endowments +compared with some of the other great hospitals; the vast number +of patients annually relieved, both in the house and as out-patients; +and its being virtually a "free" hospital, nearly three-fourths +of the in-patients being received without letter or recommendation; +all these circumstances appeal to liberal charity. In +1887 there were 8863 in-patients admitted, of which 6019 were +freely received, without letters of subscribers. There are children's +wards where, during the same time, 1717 were admitted; and +Hebrew wards, where 623 received treatment. The total number +of out-patients, treated either at the Hospital or at their homes, +was nearly 100,000, including relief given in less serious and +protracted illness. The income from endowments is little more +than £15,000 a year, while the annual cost of maintenance is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span> +£50,000. The Medical School is supported by the fees of pupils, +but for the general maintenance of the Hospital appeal must be +made to the public for voluntary subscriptions and contributions.</p> + +<p>A Nursing Home, to accommodate 100 nurses, a new Library, +and other buildings having been recently added, the Prince and +Princess of Wales were invited by the Governors, of whom the +Duke of Cambridge is President, to inaugurate these additions +to the institution. This was done, with suitable ceremony, on +Saturday, the 21st of May, 1887. The Princesses Louise and +Victoria of Wales, and the Crown Prince of Denmark were also +present. The Governors and officers of the Hospital, with many +distinguished persons, were in attendance, and great interest was +shown by the crowds of people who thronged the streets on the +occasion. The Royal party visited several of the wards, where +the Princess of Wales showed kindly sympathy with many of the +poor patients, especially in the children's wards. On arriving at +the dining-hall of the nurses and sisters, who wear a plain and +tasteful uniform, a hymn was sung, and a prayer offered by the +Bishop of Bedford, after which, at the request of the Duke of +Cambridge, the Princess of Wales formally declared the Nursing +Home to be open.</p> + +<p>The Medical College was then visited, and in the new library +an address was presented by the President. The Prince of Wales, +in acknowledging the address, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highness and Gentlemen,—The Princess and +myself thank you for your address, and can assure you that we +have much pleasure in coming here to-day to open the nursing +home and college buildings of this important institution. The +Hospital, which is the largest civil one in the United Kingdom, +which contains 800 beds and which supplied medical and +surgical assistance to 80,000 out-patients last year, may be +regarded almost in the light of a national institution, as every +description of case, excepting those of an infectious or incurable +nature, is admitted. Such a Hospital cannot fail to be of +inestimable value to the population of over a million persons +residing in its vicinity, and especially to the labouring class, +who are so extensively employed in connection with the railways +and docks. But it has other and additional claims upon +public sympathy and assistance. First, although its annual +expenditure amounts to nearly £50,000, it is mainly supported +by voluntary contributions; secondly, it has undertaken the +difficult task of improving the system of nursing and of providing +a higher class of nurses, with better discipline and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> +superior training and instruction. To effect this object house +accommodation was essential, and instead of closely-packed +dormitories the new home provides separate rooms, a cheerful +dining hall, and other advantages, all tending to brighten the +lives of the inmates, while reserving for them the necessary +quiet and rest.</p> + +<p>"The new library and buildings which I am now about to +declare open belong to a college over 100 years old. It was +the first in the Metropolis in which a complete curriculum +was established, and being attached to the largest Hospital in +the country, and situated in the midst of the most populous +artisan neighbourhood in London, it offers greater facilities for +the acquirement of medical and surgical knowledge than +perhaps any other college of a scientific character. I understand +that among the important duties which the students perform +are those of dressers, clinical clerks, maternity pupils, and +other assistants, and from their number the resident officers are +selected after having become qualified practitioners. The +Princess and I most earnestly pray that every blessing may +attend the labours and efforts of all those who are working +among the sufferers in the Hospital, and you may rest assured +that we shall always take the warmest interest in the welfare +and prosperity of your noble institution."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Dr. Langdon Down, the senior physician, in thanking His Royal +Highness on behalf of his colleagues and the students, explained +that the new buildings did not diminish the funds of the Hospital, +as a rent was paid for them by the teaching staff of the medical +school. The Prince then declared the new buildings and the +library to be open. The Duke of Cambridge then called for three +cheers for the Prince and Princess, which were given with great +heartiness, followed by "one cheer more for the Duke," who has +always been a zealous and generous friend of the London Hospital.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span></p> +<h2>DEACONESSES' INSTITUTION AND HOSPITAL AT TOTTENHAM.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 28th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The object of the Deaconesses' Institution at Tottenham is "the +training of Christian women to serve as deaconesses"—that is to +say, as sisters trained for working, teaching, and nursing, without +being subject to any obligation or vow of celibacy, as is usual in +the sisterhoods of Roman Catholic communities. The training of +nurses is one of the chief purposes sought, following in this the +example of the celebrated institution of Kaiserwerth, where, under +Pastor Fliedner, Florence Nightingale and other English as well +as German nurses were trained. In fact the full title of the +establishment at the Green, Tottenham, is the "Evangelical +Protestant Deaconesses' Institution and Training Hospital." The +Hospital contains 100 beds for the sick poor, and there are also a +few private rooms for paying patients. Thousands of the poor +are also attended every year in the neighbourhood.</p> + +<p>From the commencement of the work, in 1867, the late Samuel +Morley, M.P., took warm interest in it, and at his death two of his +sons, Howard and Charles Morley, erected a new wing to the +building, as a memorial of their father. It was to open the +"Samuel Morley" memorial wing that the Princess of Wales, +accompanied by the Prince and their three daughters, visited +Tottenham on the 29th of May, 1887. A large number of persons +were assembled, including deputations from foreign countries, +Pastor Fliedner from Kaiserwerth, Pastor Nehmitz from Berlin, +and other Pastors, Lady Superintendents, and Deaconesses from +German and Danish institutions.</p> + +<p>When the Royal party had been conducted to the marquee +where the ceremony was to take place an address was read to the +Princess of Wales by Dr. Laseron, the medical director. The +Prince, in replying on behalf of the Princess, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Dr. Laseron, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—The Princess of +Wales desires me to express her sincerest thanks for the address +which has just been read to her, and to express to all who take +an interest in this institution the great pleasure and gratification +it affords her to take part in to-day's proceedings. There can +be, I am sure, nothing more noble or more praiseworthy than +an institution like this, in which women give up their lives to +the object of philanthropy in order to heal and mitigate the +sufferings of the sick. An institution like the Deaconesses' +Institution is one well worthy of the support of all. I am sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span> +that the proceeding of to-day, in opening a fresh wing of this +hospital, is a sincere gratification to the Princess, and especially +that it should be called after the name of one whom I have had +the privilege of knowing, and whom you all knew, at any rate +by name, and whose loss we must all deeply deplore—the late +Samuel Morley. I am sure no more fitting name could be +given to the new wing than that it should be called after him +who, with the members of his family—one of whom I am glad +to see here to-day—has contributed so much to the prosperity +of this institution. In the name of the Princess I beg to +express to you the pleasure it gives us to be present here +to-day."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Purses were then presented to the Princess by many girls, as +gifts to the funds, and Dr. Laseron handed to her Royal Highness +a key to unlock the new wing. The Royal party were then +conducted to the hall, where the Princess unveiled the "Samuel +Morley Tablet," bearing an inscription commemorative of the +occasion.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE FREEMASONS AND THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 13th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>Her Gracious Majesty being the chief patroness of the Order of +Freemasons, and of the Masonic charities, it was deemed fitting +that an address should be presented to her on the occasion of her +Jubilee. Accordingly, the Prince of Wales, with the Duke of Connaught +and Prince Albert Victor, and a vast company of officers +and members of the Order, representatives chosen by lodges in +different parts of the empire, assembled in the Royal Albert Hall +on the 13th of June, 1887. The number present was about 7000. +No such scene has been witnessed since that day, twelve years +before, when the Prince was installed as Grand Master of English +Freemasons. The procession which received the Grand Master +and conducted him to the throne was a magnificent affair. The +assemblage, we are told, although "tyled," was not held as a lodge. +The business of the meeting being opened, his Royal Highness the +Grand Master said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Brethren,—This is, I think, one of the greatest gatherings of +Freemasons I have ever seen, with the exception of the occasion +when, after election by the craft, I received the honour of +installation as your Grand Master. It is most gratifying to me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span> +as I feel sure it will be to the Queen, that so large a gathering +has assembled here to-day to do her honour on the fiftieth anniversary +of her reign—the Jubilee of her accession. This gathering +will be a proof to her, as it is also to me, of the great +devotion and loyalty of the craft to the Throne—a devotion and +loyalty which have ever animated the Free and Accepted Masons +of England. We are here, brethren, as you are aware, for the +purpose of moving an address to the Queen, congratulating her +upon having attained the fiftieth anniversary of her reign. You +are well aware that my ancestors—some of them former +Sovereigns of this nation—did much in support of Freemasonry, +and, though they well knew it to be a secret society, they were +well assured that it was in no wise a dangerous one. Among +our tenets of motives 'loyalty' and 'philanthropy' stand out +prominently, and we are proud of the fact. I assure you, +brethren, that it is most gratifying to me to receive so large, +important, and influential a gathering as this to-day, and I am +rejoiced that in the many events which are to be the signs of +the people's rejoicing at the Jubilee of the Queen, this meeting, +at the Royal Albert Hall, of the Free and Accepted Masons of +England will be first on the list. I will now call upon Grand +Secretary, Colonel Shadwell E. Clerke, to read the proposed +address, and then our worshipful brother the Earl of Carnarven +will move its adoption."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Address and the Speech were on the same lines as most of +the Jubilee addresses, but of course with special reference to the +loyalty and the devotion of Freemasons. The great company +having chanted the National Anthem, the ceremony of giving +Jubilee honours was performed, among the numerous recipients of +which were the Maharajah of Kuch-Behar, the Lord Mayor of +London, Sir Francis Knollys, Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, and Sir +Charles Warren.</p> + +<p>The Grand Master announced that the amount paid by the members +that day amounted to upwards of £6000, the whole of which +would go to the Masonic charities for children and the aged, under +the rules of the Order.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p> + +<p><i>June 17th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by Prince George +and Princess Louise of Wales, went on the 17th of June, 1887, to +lay the foundation stone of a central building for the "National +Refuges for Homeless and Destitute Children." There are many +institutions in London for similar objects, but this charity is one +of old standing, and one of the most important and best. It was +established in 1843 under the patronage of Lord Shaftesbury, in +Great Queen Street. The income of the Society was only £180 in +the first year, and all that could be attempted was to shelter and +teach a few poor children in a "Ragged School," open two evenings +a week. The efforts of Mr. W. Williams, the Secretary, and zealous +coadjutors, were successful in gradually increasing the operations +of the Society, till, in the year of the Queen's Jubilee, the Committee +had the satisfaction of managing seven industrial homes, in +town and country, with more than 1000 children, and two training +ships, the <i>Chichester</i> and the <i>Arethusa</i>, with an annual income of +about £20,000. The good work in its various departments continues +to prosper. All this and more was stated in an address by +the Earl of Jersey, Chairman of the Reception Committee. Among +the friends of the Society who had witnessed its progress, and +helped it from the beginning, was Mr. John MacGregor, the founder +of the Shoe-black Brigade, and the chief helper of the Secretary in +bringing the <i>Chichester</i> to its high excellence as a training-ship.</p> + +<p>The ceremony was performed in a tent erected on the site of the +new Home, in Shaftesbury Avenue, close to the once notorious +Seven Dials. The building is intended to provide shelter for 100 +homeless boys, a home for 35 working lads, a club for "old boys" +trained in the institution, and the central offices of the Society. +After the address had been read, the Prince of Wales thus spoke:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Lord Jersey, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—In thanking you for +the address which you have just read, allow me to express to +you, and to this great assemblage, the very great gratification it +gives both the Princess and myself to be here to-day, to take +part in so interesting and what I may also call a most important +ceremony. You are well aware of the deep interest and +solicitude we take with regard to all classes of the community +in this great Metropolis, but we claim that we take especial +interest in what concerns the well-being and the welfare of the +working classes and of the poor of London. It is therefore a great +gratification to us that I should be afforded the opportunity to-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>day +of laying the foundation stone of a home to be called 'The +Jubilee Memorial Home,' in commemoration of the fiftieth year +of the Queen's reign, and, at the same time, I rejoice to think +that this building is to be named 'The Shaftesbury House,' as a +memorial of the great and distinguished philanthropist whose +loss we must always and shall ever deeply deplore. Most +sincerely do we hope that this home may be the means of +bringing many of those waifs and strays always existing in so +great a metropolis as ours; we trust, too, that they may have +such an education and training that, as they grow older, they +may be able to go out into the world honest and respectable +citizens, and have an opportunity of gaining their livelihood. I +thank you again, Lord Jersey, for this address, and assure you +that it gives us the greatest pleasure to be here to-day."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The stone was then well and truly laid, and his Royal Highness +was presented with the trowel. A paper was laid by the Prince +upon the stone, and Lord Jersey announced the gift of £50 from his +Royal Highness, £30 from Sir Robert Carden, and other donations. +"God bless the Prince of Wales," and the "National Anthem" were +then chanted. The Royal party left amidst enthusiastic cheering. +A large number of the boys from the country homes were present, +and from the training-ships in their sailor costumes.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>CONSECRATION OF TRURO CATHEDRAL.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 3rd, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The foundation stone of Truro Cathedral was laid in 1879 by the +Prince of Wales, with Masonic ceremony. He was accompanied by +the Princess of Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and Prince George. +The Prince was again asked to be present at the Consecration, +when the building was completed. The ceremony took place on +the 3rd of November, 1887. On arriving at the station, the Mayor +of Truro presented an Address, to which the Prince thus replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I thank you for your loyal address and for the kind words +with which you receive me on this memorable occasion. It +affords me the most unfeigned satisfaction to be able to attend +the great religious service which is held here to-day, and to be +present at the consummation of the important ceremony in +which I took a leading part more than seven years ago. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> +interest which the Duchess of Cornwall and I have felt in the +progress of the work has continued unabated since that period, +and she commissions me to assure you how deep is her regret +and disappointment that unavoidable causes prevent her from +accompanying me to the consecration of the first Protestant +cathedral erected in England since St. Paul's in London. I +join most heartily in the expression of your hopes that the +western part of the building may ere long be completed, and I +trust that circumstances will then allow me once more to visit +a town which can boast of having been mentioned in Domesday +Book 800 years ago. Let me in conclusion, gentlemen, express +my warm acknowledgments to you for the loyal and cordial +terms in which you allude to the Queen and the Duchess of +Cornwall."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, the predecessor of the present +Bishop, and a large number of the Episcopal body, with many of +the clergy and laity of the diocese, were present in the Cathedral. +The service, including the administration of the Holy Communion, +occupied nearly four hours. After the service the Prince drove to +the Truro Public Rooms, where about four hundred of the principal +residents of Cornwall assembled for luncheon, Lord St. Germans, +Lord Lieutenant of the County, presiding.</p> + +<p>The noble Chairman, after proposing the toast of "The Queen," +gave that of "Their Royal Guest," who, he trusted, felt at home +in his ancient Duchy. The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Lord Mount-Edgcumbe, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I am +deeply touched by the very kind manner in which this toast +has been proposed by our Lord Lieutenant and by the way in +which it has been received. Although it has not been my good +fortune to come as often to this ancient Duchy as I could have +wished, still among the different visits which I have been able +to pay you none has given me greater pleasure and satisfaction +than that which I am paying at the present moment. You may +rest assured that I feel proud of the ancient title that I bear. +The interest that I take in the welfare of the county will never +be diminished. Seven years and a half ago I was enabled to +lay the foundation stone of this cathedral with Masonic honours. +To-day I have been present at its consecration. The most +interesting service and religious ceremony at which we have +assisted to-day are not likely to be forgotten by me, nor by any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> +of you. It is the event of a lifetime, and I congratulate you, +the Duchy, the county, and all connected with it, on the erection +of so noble an edifice, and I trust that before long we may +see the completion of the building. It is a real sorrow to me +that the Princess of Wales and some of my children should not +have accompanied me on this occasion as they did when the +foundation stone was laid. Although they are far away, you +may feel sure that they take a great interest in what is being +done here to-day. Time is short and we have to leave. If, +therefore, the words I have uttered to you to-day are few, you +must not question their sincerity and heartiness. I thank you +for the kind reception that you always give me when I come +among you. Before sitting down I wish to give one toast, +which I am sure you will drink with pleasure. It is 'The +Health of our Lord Lieutenant.' You know how much is due +to him and to your Bishop. I am sure that it is a source of +great satisfaction to them to see so many distinguished prelates +around them on this great occasion and so large a body of the +laity."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the company would +have remained standing while the air "God bless the Prince of +Wales" was being played upon the organ, had not the Prince +motioned to them to resume their seats.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW COLOURS TO THE OLD 46<span class="smcap">th</span> REGIMENT.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>November 4th, 1887.</i></p> + + +<p>The visit of the Prince of Wales to the West of England closed +with the ceremony of presenting new colours to the 2nd Battalion +Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at Devonport. On his arrival, +an address was presented by the Corporation. The Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have had much satisfaction in receiving your address, and +I thank you for your kind welcome to a borough in which on +more than one occasion I have experienced a very cordial +reception. I have a perfect recollection of the circumstances of +my departure for Canada to which you allude. It is hardly +necessary for me to remind you of the many important events +which have occurred in the history of this kingdom, and in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> +own life, since the day on which I embarked for North America +from your port, twenty-seven years ago. Let me express to +you my warm acknowledgments for your gratifying recognition +of my earnest endeavours to encourage all undertakings tending +to promote the welfare of this great country. I am well aware +that the position which I occupy as the eldest son of the +Sovereign entails upon me the performance of duties which it +always has been my most earnest desire to fulfil to the utmost +of my ability, and I can assure my fellow-countrymen that in +the future, as in the past, they will at all times find me anxious +to respond to any call which they may make upon me to aid +them in the advancement of any object either of charity or of +public utility."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince then drove to the Raglan Barracks, where the +regiment awaited his arrival.</p> + +<p>The usual ceremonies on such occasions were proceeded with, +and the old colours, which had been borne by the 46th, or South +Devon Regiment, as it was formerly called, through the Crimean +War and in Egypt, were taken to the rear to the music of "Auld +Lang Syne." The new colours, after the prayer of consecration +by the chaplain of the garrison, were presented to the lieutenants. +The Prince then addressed the troops:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Colonel Grieve, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and +Men of the 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry,—You +have conferred a great pleasure and satisfaction upon me +in having asked me to give your efficient regiment new colours. +I do so with the greatest pleasure, because I know that, in +giving these new colours, I intrust them to the care of a regiment +which has distinguished itself for many years in every +part of the globe, and that they are certain to be in safe hands, +and will continue to do honour to their Sovereign and country +as heretofore. I am proud to be associated with your regiment +as Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Battalion. I am aware that, +perhaps, the old name of the 46th is more dear to you; but I +feel sure that, whether under that name or under the present +one, you will continue to bear the high state of efficiency which +has always existed ever since the regiment was raised.</p> + +<p><a name="corr_331"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Your">"Your</ins> regiment was raised, as I am aware, in 1741, and you +distinguished yourselves in the War of Independence. In consequence, +in 1777, of your Light Company at Dominica having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> +gallantly defended General Wayns, you were awarded the +privilege of wearing red feathers, a distinction which you still +bear in the shape of red cloth on your helmets, and of which +you feel very proud. I am also aware that your regiment +served with distinction in the Crimea, and these old colours, +which are to be carried by the old regiment no more, were given +to you on board ship, prior to landing in the Crimea, and have +been used for many years. You have since served in different +parts of the Empire, and especially in the recent campaign in +Egypt and in the Nile Expedition, under the command of the +late gallant and lamented General Earle. There is much more +that I could say in connection with your distinguished services, +but, owing to the want of time and the unfortunate inclemency +of the weather, I do not wish to detain the regiment longer +than is necessary on parade. Let me congratulate you, Colonel +Grieve, on the smart appearance of your regiment and the +admirable way in which they look. I sincerely hope the regiment, +as opportunities offer, though I hope they may not, +whether in the defensive or offensive, will continue as it always +has to distinguish itself. I can congratulate you, Colonel +Grieve, upon the honour of commanding so fine and efficient a +regiment."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 8th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>On the 8th of May, 1888, the Exhibition at Glasgow was opened by +the Prince and Princess of Wales. There have been many Exhibitions, +international and national, since the famous "World's +Fair" of 1851, but few of them have surpassed, in variety of +interest, that which the Glasgow people have successfully carried +out, in the spacious and picturesque building in Kelvin Grove +Park. Certainly, not one of the national Exhibitions has offered so +wonderful a display of the wealth, enterprise, and versatility in +productive industry, of the subjects of the British Crown. There +was at Manchester an unrivalled collection of art-treasures, and at +other places there have been special features of distinction. But, +on the whole, the Exhibition at Glasgow has been one of most +varied excellence, worthy of the Queen's Jubilee year, when the +preparations were made for it, and worthy of the silver-wedding +year of the Prince and Princess, whose presence was welcomed on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> +the opening day. The experience of other Exhibitions has not +been lost, and one of the most interesting portions of the show has +been the antiquarian and historical collection displayed in the Old +"Bishop's Palace," after the manner of the artificial constructions +first made familiar in the streets of "Old London" at South +Kensington.</p> + +<p>Before opening the Exhibition, the Prince and Princess were +received in the Corporation Chambers by the Lord Provost, +magistrates, and a distinguished assembly. An address of welcome +was read by Dr. Marwick, the Town Clerk, some of the points of +which may be gathered from the reply of the Prince, which was as +follows:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lord Provost and Gentlemen,—I have received your +address with feelings of sincere satisfaction, and I thank you on +behalf of the Princess of Wales and myself for your cordial +words of welcome and your kind reference to our Silver Wedding. +We have come here to-day to celebrate, in one of the most +prosperous cities of the United Kingdom, the inauguration of a +great national work of the highest and most varied interest, and +one altogether worthy of your important city. I can assure you +I thoroughly understand and appreciate the anxious desire +which has prevailed among you that an Industrial Exhibition +should be held this year in Glasgow, and I consider that with +the commercial, manufacturing, and mercantile eminence which +she enjoys, such a desire is not only right and proper in the +highest degree, but natural and commendable. We warmly +sympathise with you in this feeling, and I would that my +lamented father were alive now to witness the development of +the general idea of which he was the originator. The relations +of this city with all the markets of the civilised world have long +been well known, but they have been immensely extended +during the present century by the energy and enterprise of those +merchants and citizens, who, by deepening the Clyde and providing +the extensive harbour and dock accommodation which now +exists, have overcome the natural disadvantages of its position, +and given it a permanent place among the shipping ports and +commercial centres of the Kingdom. Let me, my Lord Provost +and Gentlemen, sincerely thank you for the loyal terms in which +you alluded to the Queen. I shall have much pleasure in communicating +to Her Majesty the hope that you have expressed +that she will visit your magnificent Exhibition, and I will not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> +fail to acquaint her likewise with your words of devotion to her +throne and person."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Royal party left the Council Chamber for the Lord Provost's +residence, where they partook of luncheon. After the luncheon +the Royal party passed under a triumphal arch at the West-end +Park main entrance, and over the Prince of Wales Bridge, +opposite the Exhibition gate. Sir Archibald Campbell, President +of the Executive Committee, here met the Prince, and a number of +gentlemen who have been instrumental in promoting the Exhibition +were introduced to his Royal Highness. Sir A. Campbell +handed to the Prince a gold key, and his Royal Highness, amidst +cheers, opened the east door of the vestibule, and entered the +Exhibition. The Prince and Princess walked to the front of the +platform of the Grand Hall, the Glasgow Choral Union meanwhile +singing the National Anthem, and the Artillery on the neighbouring +heights firing a salute of twenty-one guns. After their Royal +Highnesses were seated and prayers had been read by the Rev. +Dr. D. M'Leod, Sir A. Campbell presented an address.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, accepting the address, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Archibald Campbell, my Lords and Gentlemen,—I thank +you for your address, and I can assure you that it affords the +Princess of Wales and myself very sincere pleasure to be present +on this important occasion. That gratification is increased by +the sense of the connection which you have recognised as existing +between this International Exhibition and that in which my +revered father took so deep an interest and so active a part. +The various Exhibitions which have been held since 1851 have +undoubtedly done much, not only to enlist the sympathy of the +nations of the world and to engage them in friendly rivalries of +industrial competition, but largely to extend our knowledge of +every branch of manufacture, and to afford pleasure to all ranks +and classes of society in every country in which these Exhibitions +have been held. Recognising the benefits which they have +thus conferred, such Exhibitions can never fail to enlist the +sympathy of the Queen and command the support of the Princess +and myself. We are here to-day to give personal testimony to +that feeling, and to express our satisfaction not only with the +public spirit with which the undertaking has been supported +financially, but with the enthusiasm with which exhibitors from +all parts of the world have enriched the collections of science, +art, and industry gathered within these buildings.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nor is it possible to overlook the special appropriateness of +such an Exhibition in this city, in which the researches and +discoveries of Black, of Watt, and, in our own day, of Thomson, +have been productive of world-wide benefits to mankind. In +the application of science also, Glasgow can point with just pride +to Bell, whose 'Comet' is still preserved as a memorial of the +first attempt to apply the forces of steam to the propulsion of +ships, and to the multifarious industries which have here found +a home. To the widely different character of these industries, +which secure to the population of this district immunity from +many of the risks which necessarily attend devotion to one +special department of labour, it is only possible to allude in +general terms. Here there exist and flourish side by side great +establishments for shipbuilding, the production of marine +machinery, locomotives, mill machinery, and mechanical appliances +for the working of iron and coal for the production of +mineral oil, the manufacture of thread, glass, and pottery, carpet-weaving, +dyeing and printing. It must not likewise be over-looked +that Glasgow was the cradle of the steam-carrying trade +with America and the great mercantile centres of the world. +It is gratifying to me to learn that, in the comprehensive collection +to be found here, due regard has been paid to the +exhibition of works of art, and that the walls of your galleries +are enriched by many and valuable paintings and works of +sculpture. Here, as in the Exhibition at Manchester, are to be +found evidences of the fact that the successful prosecution of +trade, manufacture, and commerce afford not only the means of +gratifying, but of developing the taste for art.</p> + +<p>"Not the least interesting of all is the section in which an +honourable place has been given to the works of artisan +exhibitors. In every industrial community, and nowhere more +so than in Glasgow, the development of the taste, skill, and +handicraft of its operatives must always command a respectful +consideration and interest. To the Women's Industry Section +we shall also look with special sympathy, recognising the importance +of encouraging every means by which women's work +may be made productive.</p> + +<p>"It is also a gratification to us to observe that the artistic +building in which the Exhibition is contained occupies an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span> +appropriate position within, I may almost say, the shadow of +the University of Glasgow, the second in antiquity of the old +Universities of Scotland. The site of the University is no +doubt modern; but it is satisfactory to see the Institution which +was founded through the influence of King James II. in 1450 +in a more flourishing state at present than at any previous +period of its history. It only remains now for the Princess and +myself to express our earnest hope that this great Exhibition +may prove an immense success, and that the thousands who, we +trust, will visit it may derive such instruction from an examination +of its various sections as will prove of material advantage +to them for years to come."</p> + +</blockquote><p>After an Inauguration Ode had been sung, the Prince declared +the Exhibition open, amid much enthusiasm. The Hallelujah +Chorus was then given by the choir. The Royal party spent considerable +time in inspecting various parts of the Exhibition, the +Princess being specially interested in the "Women's Industries" +Section; after which they returned to the Central Railway +Station, <i>en route</i> to Hamilton Palace.</p> + +<p>On the same day, May 8, the Queen, accompanied by the Princess +Christian, and other members of the Royal family, honoured by +her presence the performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan's <i>Golden +Legend</i>, given by command at the Royal Albert Hall. Later in +the year, on the 22nd August, she gratified the citizens of Glasgow +by visiting the Exhibition, in response to the loyal invitation from +the Corporation and the Committee given to the Prince on the +opening day. The Queen honoured Sir Archibald Campbell, of +Blythswood, Chairman of the Committee, by being his guest on +that occasion. The opportunity of this Royal visit was taken for +opening the new municipal buildings in George Square. It was +nearly forty years since Her Majesty, along with the lamented +Prince Consort, had visited the western capital of Scotland. No +city in her Majesty's dominions has made more wonderful progress +than Glasgow, or made more eager use of its natural advantages. +The visit of the Prince of Wales at the opening of the Exhibition, +and the subsequent visit of the Queen will make the year 1888 +ever memorable in the annals of Glasgow.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 5th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>Among the memorials of illustrious men in the gardens of the +Thames Embankment, no one will be honoured more than the +statue to Sir Bartle Frere. It was erected by public subscription, +in memory of his private virtues and of his public services. The +grand bronze figure of the patriotic Englishman is much admired. +The likeness is good, and the whole monument, with its pedestal of +Cornish granite, imposing. Many distinguished men were present +to witness the unveiling of the statue by the Prince of Wales on +the 5th of June, 1888. He was accompanied by the Princess, and +their two daughters, the Princesses Maud and Victoria. Among +the company were the Duke of Cambridge, the Archbishop of +Canterbury, Lord Napier of Magdala, and Sir Richard Temple, +M.P., who asked the Prince of Wales to perform the ceremony. +The Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Richard Temple, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—It gave me +great pleasure, after the lamented death of Sir Bartle Frere, to +accept the post of President of the Committee, especially when +we found that a Memorial like this statue was to be erected to +the memory of a great and valued public servant of the Crown, +and at the same time to a highly esteemed and dear friend of +myself." His Royal Highness then briefly recounted the chief +points in Sir Bartle Frere's long and distinguished career in +India and Africa, a career with which all present were doubtless +acquainted. Continuing, His Royal Highness remarked:—"For +his services in India, whither he first went in the year +1834, in the service of the East India Company, Sir Bartle +Frere twice received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. +On his return home he successfully conducted negotiations +with the Sultan of Zanzibar for the suppression of the slave +trade, and, later, I had the good fortune to have his services +during my journey to India in 1876. The last, but no means +the least, important of Sir Bartle Frere's duties was as Governor-General +of the Cape of Good Hope and Lord High Commissioner +to South Africa. There is much more that I might say, but the +facts are known to history, and I will, therefore, in conclusion, +merely express my thanks for having been asked to perform<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span> +this ceremony, and remind those present that, on this very day +four years ago, when the late Sir Bartle Frere was laid to his +rest, the procession passed by the spot where the statue now +stands."</p> +</blockquote> + + +<hr /> +<h2>NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 6th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor, opened +the new gymnasium connected with the Central Young Men's +Christian Association, on the 6th of July, 1888. The gymnasium is +in Long Acre, in what was formerly the Queen's Theatre. The +King of Sweden and Norway, Lord Aberdeen, President of the +Gymnastic Club, Mr. J. Herbert Tritton, President of the Young +Men's Christian Association, Lord Charles Beresford, Lord +Kinnaird, the Earl of Meath, the Bishop of London, Lord Brassey, +Lord Harris, and other distinguished persons were present. The +Bishop of London offered a dedicatory prayer. The Earl of +Aberdeen read an address, in which it was stated that the Young +Men's Christian Association, which had its head-quarters at Exeter +Hall, was founded forty-four years ago, and had at the present +time nearly 4000 affiliated branches scattered throughout the +Colonies and the civilised world (seventy-seven of which are in +London), with an aggregate membership of 250,000. It formed +a rendezvous for young men, and a centre for the development of +a strong, healthy, religious life among them. In recent years the +value of athletics had been more fully recognised, and the Committee +of the Central Association had availed themselves of that valuable +adjunct in the work. The Exeter Hall Gymnasium Team having +won (in open competition) the 200-guinea Challenge Shield and +Gold Medals offered by the National Physical Recreation Society, +it would be deemed a circumstance of the utmost honour by the +recipients to have received their medals at the hands of the Prince +of Wales. Moreover, the Gymnasium was able to supply +voluntary teachers who instructed children and others of the +poorer classes in the exercises which they had acquired in +that place.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Majesty, Lord Aberdeen, my Lords, Ladies, and +Gentlemen,—I am most grateful to you, indeed, Lord Aberdeen, +for the address which you have just read to me. I can assure +you all that by coming here I receive very great satisfaction, +and I am glad to take part in a work in which so many of you +are interested. From the account you, Lord Aberdeen, have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> +given us of the Young Men's Christian Association, I have little +doubt but that it is an association founded upon excellent and +practical principles, and that it is an association likely not only +long to continue in existence, but likely to be greatly augmented +in its usefulness, as well as in the numbers benefited by +it. I am glad that you combine with Christian education +healthy recreation, which must, no doubt, tend to be of the +greatest benefit to the community at large, and especially to +young men who are exposed to so many temptations in a great +city like this. It is a great advantage to all young men to +have the opportunity of enjoying healthy and useful recreation. +Thank you for asking me to take part in the proceedings of +the day. And we must all tender our thanks to the King of +Sweden and Norway for coming here to-day, knowing, as we all +do, how deeply interested his Majesty must be in work of this +kind, and of the important part drill has played amongst his +people. I have now great pleasure in declaring this gymnasium +open."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P., President of the National Physical +Recreation Society, informed the King and Prince that the +200-guinea challenge shield offered by that Society had this +year been won by the team of eight sent from Exeter Hall +Club to the contest in Dundee, and he asked the Prince of Wales +to do them the honour of presenting the shield and gold medals to +the winners. Thereupon Mr. E. Sully, the instructor, at the head +of the victorious team, advanced up the room, and, after receiving +a gold medal each from the Prince, they shouldered the handsome +and massive shield, and, at a run, raced away with the trophy.</p> + +<p>Then followed an exhibition of drill by thirty members chosen +out of 400 members of the Club. These were clad in flannels, and +wore red or black stockings. They went through an exposition +of musical drill, accompanied by the piano, the exercises consisting +of those with dumb-bells, clubs, and bars, Mr. Sully giving the +word of command. Occasionally the athletes sang as they drilled, +at other moments they whistled as they swung their clubs or +poles about.</p> + +<p>At the close of the exercises the King rose and said:—"Your +Royal Highnesses, I cannot leave this hall without expressing the +satisfaction I have had in witnessing the exercises here. I wish +also to add my good wishes for the progress and prosperity of this +Association. I feel great satisfaction in witnessing the execution +of the gymnastic exercises this morning—exercises which are very +highly appreciated in my country."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales summoned Mr. Sully, shook hands with +him, and congratulated him upon the admirable display made by +his pupils. The King of Sweden did the same, very highly +praising the manner in which the drill had been executed.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and the King of +Sweden then left the hall amid the cheers of those assembled. +The heartiness with which the Prince spoke, and the interest +which he showed in the whole proceedings, greatly delighted all +who were present.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 6th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>The centenary festival of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls +was held on the 6th of July, 1888, in the Royal Albert Hall, the +Prince of Wales, Grand Master, presiding. Between two and three +thousand members of the Craft were present, amongst them being +the King of Sweden and Norway, Prince Albert Victor, the Earl of +Carnarvon, the Earl of Lathom, the Earl of Zetland, Lord Egerton +of Tatton, Lord Leigh, and many other eminent Masons. The galleries +were filled by a large number of ladies.</p> + +<p>After dinner, the Prince of Wales gave the first toast, which was +that of "The Queen and the Craft," and was received with the +greatest enthusiasm, the whole of the vast audience rising and +joining in singing the National Anthem.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales then said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Majesty and Brethren,—A very high honour and a +very high compliment has been conferred upon us this night. +At this great and important gathering, probably the largest +meeting for a charitable object that has ever taken place anywhere, +we have as our guest his Majesty the King of Sweden. +I little doubted the manner in which you would receive this +toast, because not only are we honouring a distinguished guest, +but also a brave ally of ours, and we are further honouring the +Grand Master of the Freemasons of Sweden. We all know the +deep interest which his Majesty takes in our Craft, and what +excellent Masons the Swedes are. In proposing this toast it is +specially gratifying to me, for I have looked forward to this +occasion for many years, because it was through the King and +his late brother that, twenty years ago, I was initiated into the +mysteries of the Craft, and I am proud to be one of you, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> +still more, to be at your head. I am grateful to the King for +having made me one of us. Brethren, I know you will drink +this toast with cordiality, and at the same time I feel that it +will be right to give this toast Masonically, for in doing so we +do honour to our guest and to ourselves."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.</p> + +<p>The King of Sweden, who was loudly cheered on rising, said:—"Most +Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren,—The toast I have +the honour of replying to I acknowledge, not only on my own +behalf, but on behalf of all the foreign Lodges and Masonic congregations +whose principles and constitution are in conformity with +yours. On their behalf I would also express the great satisfaction +I feel at the honour and distinction to-day conferred upon me by +your Grand Master and by you in constituting me a member of +your honoured body. I feel much satisfaction in being present at +such an enormous gathering as this, and one assembled for purposes +of so noble a kind. Patriotic feelings are always noble and +honourable, and nowhere have they taken deeper root than in this +country, for whose people, ever since my young days, I have felt +the most profound esteem. But there is one feeling still more +noble than patriotism, and that is the feeling which has its foundation +in the Word of God, and unites us in love and charity to mankind. +As we sing at Masonic gatherings in my own country, +'There is one God, our Father, so be His sons then, brethren.' +This is the bond which exists between us, the rallying cry which +unites us, and the lasting tie which binds us. I have the greatest +pleasure in giving you 'The Health of our Grand Master, the +Prince of Wales.'"</p> + +<p>The toast was drunk with full Masonic honours. The Prince of +Wales, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Majesty and Brethren,—You are well aware that +during the fourteen years I have held the high office of Grand +Master I have striven not to be unmindful of your interests and +of those of the Craft, and, though I am prevented by my many +duties from meeting you as often as I should like, still I hope +that you are convinced that your interests are none the less +dear to me. We have heard an address from the King of +Sweden this evening which none of us are likely to forget, and +I think, if he will allow me to say so, that we Englishmen +have reason to envy his facility in speaking our language. It +is, I believe, the first time that a foreign Sovereign has honoured +a gathering of this kind. I think that we may look upon this +as a red-letter day, and we are not likely to forget the King's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span> +presence, or the kind and useful words which he has spoken. +Our watchword, 'Religion and Charity,' is one which has been +inculcated in us ever since we belonged to the Craft, and it is +one which we shall do well to remember. If we uphold those +principles, and, above all, that idea of patriotism of which the +King has spoken, there is little doubt that the Craft will +remain as prosperous as it is now, and that our lodges and +members will increase. I do not wish to allude to foreign +lodges with whom we are not in accord; but I would ask that +at any rate we should strive to pick out what is good in them, +and remember that we are not only English Freemasons, but +Freemasons of the entire universe. I trust that as long as I +live, or as long as I may be permitted to hold the high office of +your Grand Master, I may continue to do my duty to the Craft +and to my country. I wish now to ask his Majesty the King +of Sweden to accept the Steward's badge of this festival."</p> + +</blockquote><p>His Majesty was then invested with the badge, amidst loud +cheers. The Grand Master then said he had much pleasure in +reading a telegram from New York to the following effect:—"Grand +Lodge in annual communication congratulates the fraternity +in England on the one-hundredth anniversary of the foundation +of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls."</p> + +<p>Again rising, the Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Majesty and Brethren,—I have now the honour to +give you the last toast, though it may be safely called the most +important, as the object with which we have met at this +enormous and unprecedented gathering is to celebrate the +centenary of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls. That an +institution should have existed a hundred years is one proof +that it is a good one, and we have every reason to be grateful to +those who, from the commencement up to the present time, +have given their energy and their labours to keep going so +thoroughly Masonic an Institution.</p> + +<p>"As you are aware, the Institution was founded by the +Chevalier Ruspini. King George IV. and King William IV. +were patrons, besides many members of the Royal Family, and +Her Majesty the Queen is patroness now. The school at first +contained only fifteen children; it now contains 243, and they +are educated up to a high religious standard, combined with +education of a general character, including music. Particular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span> +attention is paid to needlework and cooking and domestic +duties. Only a few days ago I was present here and saw the +girls go through their marching exercise, and I never saw +anything more satisfactory. There are many commanding +officers who would be proud to see their men march and go +through their exercise as we saw them performed. I may +state the system was established by Miss Davis, who was +appointed head governess in 1861, and I am glad to think that +at this moment she retains her post. She has been eminently +successful, as is manifest by the Cambridge Local, College of +Preceptors, and the Science and Art Examinations. It is also +satisfactory to notice that, with the exception of Miss Davis, +every member of the staff has been educated at the Institution. +The Head Governess of the Female Masonic School at Dublin +and the Head Governess of the British Orphan Asylum were +educated at our school, and during a period of eighty-four years +there have been but two matrons, one of whom held the +appointment over fifty-two years.</p> + +<p>"As you are aware, the object we have in view in meeting +here to-night is to make important additions to the present +buildings, and provide accommodation for an increased number +of children. These additions will cost at least £20,000. In +1838, on the occasion of the jubilee of the Institution, £1000 +was subscribed at the annual festival, and in 1871, when I had +the honour of presiding, as much as £5200 was collected. But +I have now an announcement to make which I think will +interest you beyond measure, and that is that I have received +the assurance of the Secretary that we have obtained at this +centenary festival over £50,000. I may safely challenge anybody +to dispute the statement that so large a sum has never +been subscribed at a charity dinner. It now affords me great +pleasure to propose 'Success to the Institution,' coupled with +the name of the Deputy Grand Master, the Earl of Lathom, +Chairman of the Executive Committee, and an old and personal +friend of my own."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Earl of Lathom replied, and the proceedings terminated. +The grand total of the subscription was £50,472, of which London +contributed £22,454, and the Provinces, India, and the Colonies +£28,018.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>WEST NORFOLK HUNT.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>April 9th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>Among the many memorial gifts of the Silver Wedding of the +Prince and Princess of Wales was one which would have delighted +Sir Roger de Coverley or the Squire of Bracebridge Hall. The +members of the West Norfolk Fox Hunt presented a handsome +silver figure of Reynard in full gallop, mounted on a dark +mahogany stand. A beautifully bound morocco album contained +the names of the subscribers. The presentation was made on the +8th of April, the day of the Annual Steeplechase at East Winch, +near Lynn. A marquee had been erected, and a large company +assembled. The Prince and Princess of Wales and all the family +were present.</p> + +<p>Mr. Hamond, for many years Master of the Hunt, made the +presentation, he having been the Chairman of the Committee who +had carried on the Hunt during the past two years, in the temporary +absence of the Master, Mr. A. C. Fountaine. He believed that the +West Norfolk were the first pack of hounds that the Princess +hunted with when she came to England. The Prince and Princess +had entered into the sports and recreations of all classes of Her +Majesty's subjects, and the sport which the members of the Hunt +had enjoyed with their Royal Highnesses and their sons and +daughters would long be remembered. He asked the acceptance +of their gift by the Prince and Princess.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Hamond, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—I can assure you that +no present which has been offered for our acceptance has been +received by us with more pleasure than the one which you have +given us to-day—- a model of the wily animal that we are all to +fond of following. Norfolk has always been considered to be a +shooting county; that may be so to a great extent, but I feel +convinced that the hunting is quite as popular, and I sincerely +hope that it will long remain so. There may be difficulties in +preserving foxes, but I feel sure that where there's a will there's +a way. For twenty-five years we have enjoyed hunting with +the West Norfolk Hunt—both the Princess and myself; and +our children have been brought up to follow that Hunt. I +sincerely hope that for many long years we may be able to +continue to do so. We have grateful memories of the mastership +of one whose loss we all regretted, the late Mr. Villebois, +and also of Mr. Hamond, then Mr. Fountaine, and next of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span> +gentlemen of the Committee who have of late ably carried on +the Hunt, whilst Mr. Fountaine was unfortunately away. Most +sincerely do I thank you again, in the name of the Princess and +myself, for the kind terms in which you have presented us with +this handsome and appropriate gift, and most sincerely do I +wish prosperity to the West Norfolk Foxhounds, which, I trust, +may long continue to exist in this county."</p> + +</blockquote> + +<hr /> +<h2>AT BLACKBURN.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 9th, 1888.</i></p> + +<p>On the return from opening the Exhibition at Glasgow, it was +arranged that the Prince and Princess of Wales should visit Blackburn, +for laying the foundation-stone of the new Technical and +Trades School in that flourishing Lancashire town. The borough +was in high festival, the more so as it was the first time on record +that it had been honoured with the presence of royalty. At the +entrance of the town, the Mayor and Corporation met the Royal +party, and conducted them to the marquee which was to be the +scene of the ceremony. Here the Prince was presented with the +freedom of the borough—being the first honorary freeman—and +with an address, to which he replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,—I can assure you that the +Princess of Wales and myself feel very great pleasure in accepting +your address, and we thank you warmly for the kind and +cordial words of welcome with which you have received us on +the occasion of our first visit to the important borough of +Blackburn. We thank you most sincerely for your congratulations +on our Silver Wedding, and we desire to take this opportunity +of publicly stating how infinitely we have been touched +by the affectionate tokens of attachment and regard which have +universally been shown towards us throughout the whole country +on the occasion of that event. We appreciate very highly your +allusions to the interest which we take in all things related to +the progress and welfare of the kingdom, and more especially to +the interest we have taken in the subject of technical education; +and I rejoice, therefore, to find that I am able to come +here to-day to lay the foundation-stone of an institution which +I trust will afford material assistance in maintaining and ad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span>vancing +the industries and commercial enterprise of your town. +I have very much gratification in complying with your request +that I would accept the honorary freedom of your borough, and +I shall experience a feeling of pride in signing my name as the +first honorary freeman of a town so loyal and prosperous, and +that, I am persuaded, has so great a future before it as Blackburn."</p> + +</blockquote><p>To another address by the Freemasons of Blackburn the Grand +Master expressed his sense of the compliment paid him by their +words of fraternal friendship, and gladly acceded to the wish that the +first stone of so important and useful an institution should be laid +with Masonic honours,—which was done accordingly.</p> + +<p>The Mayoress of Blackburn then, on behalf of the ladies of +Blackburn, presented the Princess of Wales with a magnificent +diamond brooch representing Industry. Her Royal Highness said +a few happy words in acknowledgment. The Prince, it should +have been mentioned, received the roll of freedom enclosed in a +very handsome gold casket. The Royal visitors wore afterwards +entertained at luncheon in the Town Hall, where numerous guests +were present. In responding to the loyal toasts the Prince said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"You may be assured that we are not likely to forget our +visit to Blackburn. The cordial and enthusiastic manner in +which you have received us, the beautiful way in which your +streets and houses have been decorated, and the wonderful order +that was kept throughout will not be forgotten by us. It will +afford me, also, great gratification and pleasure to acquaint the +Queen with the loyalty which has been shown to the Princess +and myself, who are the first members of the Royal families of +England who have visited your borough. The objects we have +had in view in coming here are, we are sure, excellent ones; +and we rejoice that there has been afforded to us the opportunity +of laying the foundation-stone of an institution which is +likely to do so much good. As the Mayor has said, I do take a +sincere interest in all that concerns technical instruction, because +I feel convinced that, in a vast country like ours, where +so many trades and different manufactures exist, nothing is of +such great importance to the well-being of its manufactures and +trades as a good sound technical education. We cannot erect +too many schools or institutions of the kind in the various parts +of the country. The school the foundation-stone of which we +have laid to-day has been properly started as a remembrance of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span> +the Queen's Jubilee, and, as the special object of it is for the +technical education of the operative classes, I sincerely hope +that they also will show that they take a great interest in it, +and will thoroughly support it. I am glad to hear that there is +already existing in this borough a Technical and Art School, +which for two years has been in existence. I am told that there +are as many as 300 students, and those students who have gone +up to London to be examined by the Technical Institute have, +I understand, passed the very highest and best examinations. +The interest which this town takes in the subject of technical +education is a very gratifying one. You must remember that +improved talent for the production of more varied and artistic +designs in the staple manufacture is essential for the continued +prosperity of the town, and the more artisans learn what is +necessary to beautify the trade to which they belong, and vary +the different specimens which they bring forward, the more +likely the town is to flourish. Before sitting down I have a +toast to propose to you, 'The Mayor and Corporation of Blackburn, +and success to the Blackburn Technical School.' In proposing +this toast I am glad to have this opportunity of thanking +the Mayor for his kind hospitality and the cordial welcome he +has afforded us. He may be assured we shall never forget the +kind reception we have received at Blackburn."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Mayor briefly responded to the toast. The Royal party +afterwards proceeded to the Blackburn Railway Station, and left +for London.</p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE ANGLO-DANISH EXHIBITION.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 14th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>The Anglo-Danish Exhibition at South Kensington had not the +official origin of some other similar displays, but the nationality of +the scheme, and the promise of its proceeds being applied to a +charitable object, secured the patronage of the Prince and Princess +of Wales at its opening. This ceremony took place in the Albert +Hall, on the 14th of May, 1888.</p> + +<p>Their Royal Highnesses were accompanied by the Princesses +Louise, Maud, and Victoria of Wales, the Princess Mary of Cambridge +and her daughter the Princess Victoria, Prince Karl of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> +Denmark, Prince George of Greece, the Danish Minister, and many +distinguished persons. They were received by Lord Amherst, +Chairman of the Committee, who presented an address, to which—after +the musical and other ceremonies, and the formal opening of +the Exhibition by the Princess of Wales—the Prince replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Lord Amherst, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—In your address you +have expressed the hope that the Exhibition will be a success. +We most sincerely hope it will be a success in every sense of +the word. The objects, as you are well aware, are, first, to pay +a compliment to us in respect of the twenty-fifth anniversary of +our wedding-day; and, secondly, to aid an institution which is +much in need of funds, and one which is most meritorious and +useful. You are anxious that money should be obtained in +order to build a new Home for Incurables. Very appropriately +this Exhibition has been connected with the institution which +was the first with which the Princess became connected when +she came to this country. I sincerely hope that the endeavours +you have made will be successful, and that the Exhibition will +be instructive, agreeable, and useful. It must be gratifying to +you to see that the King of Denmark has sent over one of his +war ships, manned by all those fine young men who are around +us, and it is gratifying to all of us, I am sure, to welcome these +ladies whose costumes lend such picturesqueness to the scene. +We thank you for your very kind reception of us, and I can +only assure you that it has given us the greatest pleasure to +take part in this very interesting ceremony, and that we wish +the Exhibition the most thorough success."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In the evening, the Duke of Cambridge presided at a special +festival, in aid of rebuilding the British Home for Incurables at +Clapham, which was held in the Conservatory of the Anglo-Danish +Exhibition. There was a numerous attendance, and the donations +to the building fund amounted to nearly £5000. This Institution, +founded in 1861, provides home with every comfort for +hopelessly incurable sufferers (except the idiotic, insane, and the +blind, for whom there are other asylums), and also gives pensions +to out-patients of £20 per annum.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL, HOLLOWAY ROAD.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>July 17th, 1888.</i></p> + + +<p>The Prince of Wales performed the ceremony of opening the new +buildings of the Great Northern Hospital, at Islington, on the 17th +of July, 1888. He was accompanied by the Princess of Wales, and +by the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maude. The event caused +much interest in the northern part of London, and vast crowds +filled the streets and roads. The Rev. W. H. Barlow, Vicar of +Islington, and many of the clergy, Mr. Murdoch, M.P., Chairman +of the Hospital, and other official persons, received the Royal +visitors in a gaily decorated tent. Their Royal Highnesses, however, +were attired in deep mourning, on account of the death of +the Emperor Frederick of Germany. An address was read, in +which it was stated that Islington is the largest parish in England +in population. At the beginning of the reign of the Queen it had +40,000 inhabitants, now it has 320,000. The Great Northern Hospital +was established in 1857, but in 1882 it was resolved to erect +a building more suitable for the increased population. The wish +was to make the new hospital a thanksgiving memorial of the +Jubilee year.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in replying to the address, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Ladies and Gentlemen,—I am most anxious, in my own +name, and also in that of the Princess, to acknowledge the most +cordial and kind words of the address which we have just heard +read by the Vestry Clerk, and also for the kind expressions +which have fallen from Mr. Murdoch. We are very glad to be +able to take part in so interesting a ceremony as this, and we +are glad to think that in so large and ever-increasing a population +as this in the North of London is, the project of commemorating +the Queen's Jubilee should have been so appropriately +celebrated by the building of a hospital. We shall +shortly have an opportunity of visiting the wards, and I have +little doubt that we shall find everything in the most admirable +and efficient state. Amongst the many duties we have to +perform, none, I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, gives us +greater gratification and pleasure than such a function as this, +where we come to give our assistance and support to a philanthropic +object, and to a cause the object of which is to alleviate +the sufferings of our fellow-creatures. I can only express the +pleasure it has given us to have it in our power to open this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span> +hospital to-day. You are well aware how much we regretted +that it was not in our power to come here and open the hospital +on the date originally fixed. You are also aware of the cause, +and I well know how much you all sympathise with us and the +other members of our family in our sorrow and grief. I am glad +to have the opportunity of saying, on this public occasion, that +my sister has felt deeply that, although thirty years have elapsed +since she left this country, her compatriots have not forgotten +her, and that they have sympathised with her, that they have +felt for her, in the great and overwhelming sorrow which it has +pleased God to inflict upon her, I beg to thank you once more +for your kind reception of us to-day, and again to assure you of +the sincere gratification it has given us to be <a name="corr_350"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: present.">present."</ins></p> + +</blockquote><p>The Prince resumed his seat amidst loud cheers, and a number of +children and young ladies then presented purses to the Princess, the +names of the donors being announced by the Secretary. The total +of these subscriptions was £1050. This ceremony being finished, +their Royal Highnesses left the pavilion to visit the hospital.</p> + +<hr style="width: 25%; margin-top:1em;" /> + +<p>The opening of the new Northern hospital in London was the +last public function performed by the Prince of Wales before his +autumn visit to Austria and other regions of Southern Europe. +With it our record of his presence at charitable institutions must +close. It has been necessary to make only a selection of his speeches +on such occasions. The Hospital for Sick Children, the Chelsea +Hospital for Women, Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, Hospital +for Diseases of the Chest, the Holloway Sanatorium at Virginia +Water, the Cottage Homes at Weybridge, St. Mary's Hospital, +University and King's College Hospitals, the Fever Hospital; +these, and many other institutions for the help of the poor or the +suffering, have had the advantage of the Prince's advocacy.</p> + +<p>There have been also many occasions where he has assisted by his +presence or his voice other institutions for educational and philanthropic +objects, such as the Marine Society's ship "Warspite," and +the training-ship "Worcester," the Windsor and Eton Albert +Institute, the Church for the Deaf and Dumb, the Dwelling Houses +for working people in Soho, the Alexandra Home at Kensington +for Pupils at the Schools of Art and Music; besides more important +educational and charitable establishments, such as the St. Anne's +Schools at Redhill, for children of the Clergy, and of others whose +means are not equal to their position in life. To have given an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span> +account of the proceedings, and reports of the speeches on all these +occasions would have required the space of two volumes instead +of one.</p> + +<p>For the same reason it is with regret that the Editor has to +omit descriptions of many important and interesting functions +both in the Metropolis and throughout the country. The truth is +there are few parts of England, certainly few of the great centres of +population and industry, which have not been visited by the Prince, +generally accompanied by the Princess of Wales, for some purpose +of local and often of national utility. Now it is at Birmingham, to +open a new Hospital or an Art Gallery. Now it is at Sheffield to +open the Park, which was the munificent gift of its Mayor, Mark +Firth. Now it is at York, for opening the New Institute. Now it +is at Leeds, for inaugurating the Art Exhibition; and at Leeds the +Prince addressed an audience which included the Lord Mayors of +London and York, and the Mayors of almost every town in Yorkshire, +in the Town Hall, opened many years before by the Queen +and the Prince Consort. Another year there was a Royal visit to +Lancashire, where a new Infirmary was opened at Wigan, an +institution praised by the Prince as due as much to the gifts of the +working classes as to the liberality of the employers of labour in +that great mining district. At Bolton, for the first time in its +history honoured by a Royal visit, the Prince opened the Town +Hall, one of the finest edifices of the kind in the provinces. At +Hull the new Albert Dock was opened, and new docks at Grimsby. +Another time the Prince is among the agricultural people, at +Dorchester for a Cattle Show, or at Hunstanton for opening a +Convalescent Hospital. Or he is at Newcastle, opening the Coble +Dene Dock for the Tyne Commission. Or he is at Southampton +laying the foundation-stone of a new church for Canon Wilberforce. +Another time he is at Worcester, admiring with the Princess of +Wales the splendid Porcelain Works, as well as the Cathedral and +antiquities of the loyal city. Many other expeditions have been +made during these twenty-five years, and it is noteworthy that in +places supposed to be the most democratic and independent, as +Birmingham and at Sheffield, the reception of the Royal visitors +was the most hearty and enthusiastic. Opening the Victoria +Hall at Ealing on December the 15th was the occasion of the +latest public appearance in 1888. It adjoins the Parish building, +and the Free Library, to which the Prince alluded in his brief +speech.</p> + +<p>Reference has not been made to occasions of a private kind, such +as Regimental and Club Dinners, where the presence of the Prince +is always welcomed, and what he says is remembered, though not +reported. Perhaps it is right to mention the Savage Club, of +which many Press reporters are members, and where the Prince +made one of his genial addresses, and drew from the Club very +acceptable aid towards founding the Musical Scholarships in +which he was then interested.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span></p> + +<p>Any one who could see the engagement book of the Prince of +Wales during a season would think there is little exaggeration +when it is said he is one of the most busy and hard-working of +public men. If it cannot be said <i>nulla dies sine lineâ</i>, there are few +days on which some important business has not to be attended to, +besides his personal or private affairs in town and country. In +one of his early addresses, he said that, being excluded by his +position from taking active part in political life, he would devote +his time to "duties connected with works of charity and of public +utility." How far this resolution has been carried out, the readers +of this volume have the means of judging.</p> + +<p>In many of his speeches the Prince has, in grateful and touching +terms, referred to the useful and beneficent services rendered by +his revered and lamented father, whose example he desires to +follow. That example also influenced the character and the life +of the late Emperor of Germany, "Frederick the Noble." In the +introduction to the brief biographical memoir of 'Frederick, Crown +Prince and Emperor,' recently published by Mr. Rennell Rodd, +the widowed Empress—our own Princess Royal—expresses a hope +that the book will make his name better known to the English +public, and give him a place in their affections beside that of her +father, the Prince Consort, "for whom he had so great love, +admiration, and veneration." The words of Lord Tennyson are +thus recalled with new power:—</p> + +<p> +"Dear to thy land and ours; a Prince indeed<br /> +Beyond all titles, and a household name<br /> +Hereafter through all times—<span class="smcap">Albert The Good</span>."<br /> +</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span></p> +<h1>SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS.</h1> + +<p> <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span></p> + + + +<h2>SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS.</h2> + + +<p>The first appearance of the Prince of Wales at the annual dinner +of the Royal Academy, with the short speech made on the occasion, +has been given under the date, May 4th, 1863. In many subsequent +years the Prince has been a welcome and honoured guest, +and has been called to address the company. Instead of giving +these speeches in the years when they were delivered, it seems +better to group them together. The guests at the banquet are in +the main the same year by year. After the Royal and official +personages, and notable public men always present, and the +Academicians and their friends, there remains not much room for +variety in the invitations. If any very distinguished stranger is +in London at the time, or some hero of the day, he is pretty certain +to be invited, and the speech of such a guest is a distinctive +feature in the yearly record of the banquets. There is also effort +made to secure some eloquent speakers to reply to some of the +toasts given from the Chair. But on the whole there is considerable +sameness in the reports, the same toasts being always given, +and often the same speakers responding. The Prince of Wales +has been more than once complimented for his being able to find +fresh material for his speeches at these dinners. The simple art +in effecting this is that he takes some topic which is before the +public at the time, or refers to his own public acts, which interest +the audience on account of his personal popularity. We cannot +give all the speeches on these occasions, but the following show +the general spirit of them, and the variety of subjects touched +by him.</p> + + +<h3><i>1866.</i></h3> + +<p>At the banquet of 1866, on the 5th of May, the President, Sir +Francis Grant, then recently elected, for the first time occupied +the chair. In proposing the health of the Prince of Wales, Sir +Francis wished to his Royal guest, "amidst the cares and labours +of his exalted station, all the soothing influences of a love of art. +He inherits the enlightened appreciation of art, which had distinguished +both his illustrious parents. But the title of artist is +not confined to the subjects which occupy the Royal Academicians.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> +In England, especially in the Midland counties, a gentleman who +particularly distinguishes himself in riding across country after +hounds is popularly called an artist. Gentlemen," continued the +President, himself an artist of high repute in both senses of the +word, "I am able to assure you from my own personal observation, +and I feel sure his Grace the Duke of Rutland will bear +me out, that His Royal Highness in his recent visit to Leicestershire, +in two very severe runs across the Vale of Belvoir, proved +himself a first-rate artist in that particular department of art. +Since His Royal Highness has proved himself in one sense an +artist, may I, if His Royal Highness will forgive my boldness, +claim his sympathy for his brother artists of the brush? Allow +me to add, the brush is an important element in both departments +of art. I beg to say on the occasion alluded to His Royal Highness +was most deservedly presented with the brush. I have the +honour to propose 'The health of their Royal Highnesses the +Prince and Princess of Wales and the other members of the Royal +Family."</p> + +<p>The Prince, in responding, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Francis Grant, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—I thank you most sincerely for the very kind +manner in which you have proposed my health, that of the +Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family, +and for the cordial manner in which it has been received. I +need hardly assure you that it is a source of sincere gratification +for me to be present a second time at the annual dinner of the +Royal Academy, more especially as I am enabled to have the +opportunity of supporting you, Sir Francis, on the first occasion +that you take the chair as President of the Royal Academy. +Although we are assembled on a festive occasion, I cannot omit +referring to the memory of one whose loss we must all deeply +deplore. I allude to your late President, Sir Charles Eastlake. +You Royal Academicians all knew him so well, and how justly +popular he was for his many distinguished qualities, that it +would be superfluous for me to pass any eulogy on his name. +But I cannot forbear offering my small tribute to his merits, +having always considered him as an old friend, and having +known him, indeed, since my childhood. I now take the +opportunity of thanking you, Sir Francis, for the very kind +manner in which you have adverted to me in connection with +art. I need not assure you that I shall always be most ready +to do my little best in assisting to promote the welfare of art<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> +and science, and thus following the bright example of the +Queen and my lamented father. I thank you, also, for the +allusion you made to me as a brother of the 'brush.' Although, +as I observed before, I will do my utmost to support art, still I +am afraid I shall never be able to compete with you as a +painter, but at the same time I shall always be ready to enter +the lists with you in the hunting field as long as you do not +attempt to ride over me at the first fence. With respect to the +present Exhibition, it may, I think, be said that the pictures in +a great measure not only show the progress of art, but record +the times in which we live. Taken as a whole, the Exhibition +is one of a peaceful character, and indicative of peace. There +is only one picture to which I would refer which, at the present +moment, bears anything of a warlike character—I mean +'Volunteers at a firing point,' in which there is a picture of a +distinguished Highlander (Mr. Ross), a countryman of your +own, who is represented as shooting for a prize. That is a very +interesting picture, and it reminds us forcibly that the Volunteers +who came forward for the protection of their country have +not been required in that capacity, and are now employing their +time usefully in the art of rifle shooting. Without further +trespassing on your time, permit me once more to thank you +for the manner in which you have proposed and drunk my +health."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge, in responding to the toast of the Army, +referred to the distinction in art attained by the President, the +brother of one already highly distinguished in arms, his friend +Sir Hope Grant. Prince Alfred responded for the Navy.</p> + +<p>An interesting fact, not generally known, was mentioned by Sir +Francis Grant, who had been called the successor of Sir Charles +Eastlake. Sir Edwin Landseer had been elected; and, although +he could be only persuaded to retain the office for one week, the +Academy had the proud satisfaction of knowing that his name is +registered among its Presidents.</p> + +<p>The other speeches at this banquet were of unusual interest, +from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Earl Russell, and the Earl of +Derby. Allusions were made to the loss of Lord Palmerston, and +of Mr. Gibson, the sculptor, and also to the approaching marriage +of the Princess Mary of Cambridge, for whom the Duke of Teck +responded. The Earl of Derby made special reference to the +National Exhibition of Portraits at South Kensington, interesting +alike to the artist and to the student of history.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span></p> + + +<h3><i>1867.</i></h3> + +<p>After dinner, the customary loyal toasts were proposed and +responded to, the President making special reference to the severe +and protracted illness of the Princess of Wales, which they all +deplored, with the trust that it would please God soon to restore +her to perfect health. The Prince, on rising, was loudly applauded, +and spoke with evident emotion, in witnessing the warm sympathy +shown by the assembly:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Francis Grant, your Royal Highness, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—I beg to tender you my warmest thanks for the +very kind manner in which you have proposed and received the +health of the Princess of Wales and myself. I feel sure she +will be deeply gratified for the kind words you have this evening +uttered, and I am glad to say that, although she has now for +very nearly two months been kept to her room by a long and +tedious illness, she is now progressing towards recovery. I +know I can have no more pleasing announcement to make to +her Royal Highness than to tell her of the very kind feeling +which has always been exhibited to her since her first coming +to this country. I beg also, Sir Francis, to thank you for the +very kind manner in which you have alluded to the interest I +take with regard to science and art. I need not tell you that +I do take such an interest. If I may say so, I take the same +interest which my parents have always taken, although I may +not have the same experience or knowledge; still, I hope I +shall always tread in their footsteps in that respect.</p> + +<p>"I am flattered, Sir Francis, by your statement that I have +shown an appreciation of art in becoming the possessor of a +work by so celebrated an artist as Sir Edwin Landseer. I think +it would be impossible to find at this table any one who would +not feel the same appreciation of so admirable a work of art. I +obtained the picture under somewhat peculiar circumstances. +It had been painted for a private person who was kind enough +to give it up to me. Sir Edwin Landseer, although he has +been before the public for many years as a painter, has within +the last two months achieved great distinction as a sculptor, +and has produced one of the finest monuments of art that exist +in this country. He kept us perhaps some time in waiting for +his lions, but the result has certainly been a most magnificent one.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span></p> + +<p>"With reference to the Exhibition now before us, I think I +may say that for many years we have not seen a finer exhibition. +The names of Grant, Watts, Millais, and others I need not +particularise. Last year we had to mourn the loss of Sir C. +Eastlake, and now we have to lament the departure from among +us of another Royal Academician, Mr. Philip, to the vivid +truthfulness of whose pictures from Spanish life I myself, from +having been in Spain, can amply testify. I beg, my lords and +gentlemen, again to thank you for the kind manner in which +you have proposed and received my health, and the still kinder +manner in which you have received the health of the Princess +of Wales."</p> +</blockquote> + +<h3><i>1870.</i></h3> + +<p>The Royal Academy banquet for 1870 fell on the 30th of April.</p> + +<p>Sir Francis Grant, the President, in proposing "The Health of +the Queen," stated that Her Majesty had, in May of the previous +year, conferred on the Academy the honour of visiting the new +galleries in state, and was pleased to express her high approval. +At that visit she gave commissions for pictures to several young +artists of rising fame; and she presented to the Academy the beautiful +marble bust of herself, executed by her accomplished daughter +the Princess Louise.</p> + +<p>In next proposing "The Health of the Prince and Princess of +Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," the President said that they +were all glad to welcome the Prince, for the first time, in the new galleries. +"Last year His Royal Highness was well employed elsewhere +visiting the historic wonders of ancient Egypt, accompanied by the +Princess of Wales, whom we must all rejoice to see returned to +this country in perfect health. It must be a gratifying circumstance +to all Her Majesty's loyal subjects that the Royal Princes, +her sons, are not too delicately reared, as Princes were of old, but +are all manly English gentlemen and great travellers, who seek to +elevate and enlarge their minds by studying the customs and +policy of foreign nations, and to strengthen the cords of sympathy +and loyalty which bind our colonies to the mother country. I read +with pleasure of His Royal Highness recently presiding at a meeting +of the Society of Arts, and the able sentiments he then expressed +on the subject of education. I am glad also to learn that the +Prince has succeeded the late lamented Lord Derby as President of +the Royal Commission of 1851—an institution, if I may so call it, +which has done such great things for the progress of art, especially +in connection with manufactures, and which owes so much, I might +say entirely its great success, to the enlightened genius and active +support of the Prince's illustrious father."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span></p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who was received with +much cheering, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I +beg to tender you my warmest thanks for the kind +way in which this toast has been proposed and received. It +has afforded me great gratification once more to attend the +hospitable board of the Royal Academy, and especially as I +have this evening for the first time had the pleasure of dining +in these new rooms. As the President has remarked, he was +kind enough last year to invite me to inaugurate these rooms, +but, being abroad, I was unfortunately unable to do so. I regret +it, especially as that was the one hundredth anniversary of the +Royal Academy. I think I may be allowed to congratulate +the President and all the Royal Academicians on the Exhibition +of this year. Of course, every artist strives each succeeding +year to produce still better pictures and statues, and I think +the Academicians have no reason to complain on the present +occasion. We must regret, as I am sure all Academicians +will, the death of Mr. Maclise, and it is with feelings of sorrow +that we shall now for the last time see a picture of his adorn +these walls. The President has kindly alluded to me as having +recently presided at a meeting of the Society of Arts, and I +cannot but thank him for the compliment he has paid me in +connection with the observations I made upon that occasion. It +afforded me great pleasure to preside at that meeting, and, +although my position as President of the Society is to a certain +extent an honorary one, I promise that I shall be ready on every +occasion to come forward and give as much time as I can in +promoting any of its very important objects. I beg also to thank +the President for having alluded to me as President of the +Commission of 1851. It is with deep regret that I have had to +succeed one whose presence we must all miss on occasions like +these—one whose name can never be forgotten in the country's +history, and who always took the highest interest in the welfare +of all our great institutions, and more especially those connected +with art—I allude to the late lamented Lord Derby. My lords +and gentlemen, I assure you the Princess of Wales will be +highly gratified to hear how kindly on this, as on every other +public occasion, you have received her name and health, and I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span> +beg to thank you for the kind manner in which you have +listened to the few remarks I have made."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The usual toasts were afterwards given, and responded to by +eminent men, including Mr. Motley, the American Minister, and +Charles Dickens.</p> + + +<h3><i>1871.</i></h3> + +<p>At the Royal Academy banquet of 1871, the President, Sir +Francis Grant, in proposing "The Health of Her Majesty the Queen," +referred to the recent opening of the Albert Hall, a proceeding +which, in some degree, tended towards the realisation of the late +Prince Consort's constant efforts for the promotion of Science and +Art in this kingdom.</p> + +<p>In proposing "The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales +and the rest of the Royal family," Sir Francis referred to the zeal +of the Prince in the encouragement of Art, and said that he was +shortly to preside on two different occasions in connection with +Art, at the opening of the International Exhibition, and at the +dinner of the Artists' General Benevolent Institution.</p> + +<p>The Prince, in responding, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I feel very much touched by the kind way in which you, +Sir Francis, proposed my health, and this company received it, +and I beg also to thank you for the very kind terms in which +you alluded to the name of the Princess, who, I am confident, +will be deeply gratified by the kind way in which you alluded +to her name and the company have received this toast. You +have referred to the opening of the International Exhibition +next Monday, and I sincerely trust that the opening of that +series of Exhibitions may be as successful as the others which +preceded it, and that the promotion of science and art may be +carried forward by the means of these numerous Exhibitions. +It is always a great pleasure for me to meet you here at this +annual gathering, to see so many distinguished and celebrated +persons, and to be surrounded on all sides by the pictures of +the most celebrated artists of our own country, and also, by the +permission of the Academicians, by the pictures of the most +distinguished foreign artists. I feel sure that the artists of +this country take it as a great compliment that these pictures +should be sent here for exhibition. With respect to the present +Exhibition, it must strike all of us on looking around these +walls that some pictures are wanting—pictures from an artist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span> +whose health, I fear, is failing, although I am sure we all hope +most heartily he may yet be spared to us; still we do miss the +pictures of Sir Edwin Landseer. Gratifying as it must be for +distinguished artists to see their pictures exhibited, and to hear +the remarks made on them by critics and others, there are two +beautiful drawings in this Exhibition of which, alas! the artists +will never hear the praise that may be bestowed upon them, +and I feel sure that it will not be considered out of place if on +this occasion I offer my condolence to the Royal Academicians +for the absence of one of their number, and the cause of it in +the terrible bereavement he has sustained (alluding to the death +of the son of Mr. Goodall, R.A.). My lords and gentlemen, I +thank you for listening to these few remarks, and as many +speeches have to be made I will not trespass further upon your +attention than by again thanking you for the very kind manner +in which my health and that of the Princess have been received +by this distinguished assembly."</p> +</blockquote> + +<h3><i>1874.</i></h3> + +<p>The chief interest of the evening was in the speech of Sir Garnet +Wolseley, the "hero of Coomassie." His health was proposed by +the Prince of Wales, who said he would have preferred that the +toast should have been given by some one better qualified, but that +he felt it a pleasure and honour to fulfil the duty laid on him by +the President.</p> + +<p>The Duke of Cambridge, in responding for the Army and Navy, +had in very happy terms also referred to the services of Sir Garnet +Wolseley, who in his speech gave well-merited praise to the Commander-in-Chief, +for his efforts to raise the standard of military education.</p> + +<p>Returning to earlier proceedings of the evening, the President of +the Academy, Sir Francis Grant, in proposing "The Health of the +Prince and the Princess of Wales and the other members of the +Royal Family," said:—"It is a subject of infinite satisfaction to the +members of the Royal Academy to observe the unmistakable and +earnest love of art which His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales +manifests on all occasions. Notwithstanding the numerous calls +that are made on the time of His Royal Highness, to which he +assiduously responds, we learn through the Press of his occasionally +visiting the studios of some of our leading artists, thus honouring +and encouraging Art in the most gratifying manner. We have +also to thank the Prince for the active assistance he gave us in +promoting the success of the Landseer Exhibition. It was owing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363" id="Page_363">[Pg 363]</a></span> +to his personal influence that we are enabled to thank his Majesty +the King of the Belgians for two beautiful pictures sent from the +royal collection at Brussels, and also his Serene Highness the +Duke of Coburg, who sent from Coburg one work of great interest, +and besides several other valuable pictures, one of Van Amburgh +and the Lions, the property of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, +a picture that possesses this special interest, that the subject was +suggested and the picture commissioned by the Duke's illustrious +father. I am glad to be able to announce that the Prince and +Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh +and the other members of the Royal Family, honoured the +Exhibition with their presence on Thursday. I hope the Prince +will forgive me for the liberty I take, if I venture to mention that +we members of the Academy always witness with pleasure the +honest and zealous way in which both the Prince and Princess go +over the Exhibition, beginning catalogue with pencil in hand, +at No. 1, and working steadily through all the galleries. It cannot +but be gratifying, even to the humblest artist who is so fortunate +as to obtain a place on these walls, to know that he has good reason +to hope that his labours will not escape the observation of the +Prince and Princess of Wales."</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who was received with +much cheering, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I +beg to thank you for the very kind manner in which +you, Sir Francis, have proposed my health with that of the +Princess of Wales and the other members of the Royal Family, +and for the cordial way in which you, my lords and gentlemen, +have been pleased to receive it. I can assure you, Sir Francis, +and the members of the Royal Academy, that it affords me the +greatest pleasure and satisfaction to have been able to accept +your kind invitation. It is now two years since I had the +opportunity of partaking of your hospitality, and you may be +sure that whenever I am able to come to the Royal Academy +it will always give me the greatest pleasure. Sir Francis Grant +has been kind enough to allude to me with reference to the +Exhibition at the Royal Academy of pictures by his late distinguished +and never-to-be-surpassed colleague, Sir Edwin +Landseer. I will only say that any efforts of mine—the efforts +were but small, but such as they were, any efforts I could make—were +most cheerfully devoted to give the country the opportunity +of seeing those magnificent works, some of which, having +for many years been in the possession of their proprietors, had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364" id="Page_364">[Pg 364]</a></span> +not been placed before the eyes of the public. It gave me very +great pleasure to help in any way such an exhibition. Thanks +to the efforts of the President and the members of the Royal +Academy, that exhibition was a great success, and afforded the +utmost interest and pleasure to all who saw it. I feel assured +that you must all deeply deplore the loss of that great man. +Last year he was still living, though, alas! his health was such +that it was impossible for him to come among his colleagues as +he used to do. At any rate, he lived to render his name illustrious, +and we can never hope to see his fame excelled. Sir +Francis, I hope you will allow me to congratulate you on this +most excellent Exhibition. When we see these walls surrounded +with pictures—when we look at the catalogue and see +the names of yourself, of Messrs. Millais, Leighton, Prinsep, +Watts, Ward, Frith, Graves, Calderon, Sant, Alma-Tadema, and +many others I might mention, it is unnecessary to say that we +have here a collection of pictures of the greatest artists which +this country can produce. I am glad to take this opportunity +of saying that I hope those gentlemen who have come +to the Royal Academy on this occasion have not forgotten to look +at one picture in the next room, which I think well deserves +attention. It is numbered 142 in the catalogue, and is entitled +'Calling the Roll after an Engagement in the Crimea.' This +picture, painted by a young lady who, I am given to understand, +is not yet twenty-three, is deserving of the highest admiration, +and I am sure she has before her a great future as an artist. +In the next room, the Lecture Room, is a statue of 'A Horse +and his Master,' by Boehm, which I am confident all who take +an interest in sculpture will agree with me is one of the finest +pieces of sculpture of modern times. The name of the artist is +so well known that it is superfluous for me to make any +remarks upon it. I only hope that at no very distant day he +will have the privilege of writing R.A. after his name. My +lords and gentlemen, I beg to thank you for the very kind way +in which this toast has been proposed and accepted by this +distinguished company."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The marked way in which the Prince called attention to the now +celebrated picture of "The Roll Call" was a generous tribute +to rising merit. The young artist thus signalised has more than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365" id="Page_365">[Pg 365]</a></span> +fulfilled the anticipations formed of her. The name of Elizabeth +Thompson soon became distinguished in Art, and she continues +to excel in depicting military scenes, now that her name, Lady +Butler, is associated with that of a most gallant and distinguished +officer, Sir William Butler, K.C.B. The praise bestowed on "The +Roll Call" by the Duke of Cambridge was equally hearty, and was +a high compliment as coming from the head of the British Army.</p> + + +<h3><i>May, 1875.</i></h3> + +<p>The President, Sir Francis Grant, in proposing "The Health of the +Queen," referred to Her Majesty's constant and cordial encouragement +of Art. "In carrying out our Winter Exhibition of the +Ancient Masters, Her Majesty has always given us her cordial +support; and I hope I may be allowed to remind you that last +year, when we held an exhibition exclusively of the works of the +late Sir Edwin Landseer, the Queen was so kind as to contribute +no fewer than sixty works by that eminent artist. For that and +other gracious acts the Academy desire to record their grateful +acknowledgments."</p> + +<p>On giving the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales and +the other members of the Royal Family," Sir Francis Grant said:—"I +beg to assure His Royal Highness that the members of the Royal +Academy are very sensible of the honour he confers on us by his +presence on this as on many former occasions. They especially +value the compliment as an additional proof of the interest His +Royal Highness has at all times manifested in the promotion and +encouragement of Art. I am glad to say the Prince and Princess +of Wales, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh +and other members of the Royal Family, honoured the Exhibition +with their presence on Thursday, and after their usual careful +examination of the works of Art were pleased to express their +approbation. We cannot but be impressed by the cordial and +zealous manner in which both the Princess and the Prince fulfil +the many onerous duties which devolve on their exalted position. +We can scarcely take up a newspaper without reading of their Royal +Highnesses performing some public duty or lending their presence +for the support of some charitable institution, combining as they +do this honourable desire to do good with the most gracious +manner—a graciousness which, I venture to say, does not proceed +from mere courtly education, but from the genuine impulses of +good and noble natures."</p> + +<p>The toast was drunk with all the honours, and His Royal +Highness, who was received with much cheering, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—For the exceedingly kind +manner in which my health and that of the Princess of Wales +have been proposed by you, Sir Francis, and received by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366" id="Page_366">[Pg 366]</a></span> +company here present allow me to return my most sincere +thanks. The President of the Royal Academy and the Royal +Academicians may be assured that it affords us the greatest +pleasure on all occasions to come to the Royal Academy, to +attend their annual Exhibition. I am sure, Sir Francis, that +you and your brother Academicians have no cause to complain +of the Exhibition this year. I am certain that all who have any +knowledge of Art will agree with me that this is a very fine +Exhibition, in no way inferior to any of its predecessors. For +myself, I will only say that it affords me the greatest gratification +to be present on an occasion when one meets with the most +distinguished men—men of the highest position and talent, +surrounded by all that is most beautiful in Art. I beg to return +my best acknowledgments for the kind manner in which you +have received the health of the Princess of Wales, of myself, and +of the other members of the Royal Family, and I sincerely hope, +that on many future occasions I may have the happiness to be +present at the annual gatherings of the Royal Academy."</p> + +</blockquote><p>In responding for the Army, the Duke of Cambridge referred +with high praise to the picture of "The Last Muster," and also to +that of the young lady who has again distinguished herself by a +military picture, "The Square of the 28th Regiment at the Battle +of Quatre Bras," and also the picture by a foreign artist in another +room delineating an historic "Charge at Waterloo."</p> + +<p>In speaking of the Navy, the President said that Mr. Brassey +had presented to the nation the fine picture of the <i>Devastation</i>. +"I believe," said Sir Francis, "this is the first representation of +an ironclad that has found a place on these walls—a picture of the +<i>Devastation</i>—of which the genius of the talented artist has made +quite a picturesque object by concealing more than half the vessel +in smoke, and adorning what remains with a variety of flags."</p> + + +<h3><i>1879.</i></h3> + +<p>After having missed the anniversary festival at Burlington +House for four years, mainly on account of pressing work, partly +in connection with Art, the Prince of Wales honoured the +President and Council by his presence on the 3rd of May, 1879. +There was the customary number of Royal and distinguished guests, +but another President now filled the Chair, and other changes were +witnessed among the Academicians.</p> + +<p>Sir Frederick Leighton, in proposing "The Health of the Queen," +said that, "as members of the Royal Academy, we acclaim in this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367" id="Page_367">[Pg 367]</a></span> +toast the head and immediate patron of this institution—a +patron whose patronage has been for forty years not formal +merely, but whose interest in its well-being has constantly shown +and still shows itself in acts of gracious and enlightened generosity +and high examples of support, a generosity and support the fruits +of which were but a few weeks ago again magnificently evident +on our walls. Deep gratitude, therefore, mingles with loyalty in +the toast which I have now the honour to propose—'The Health of +Her Majesty the Queen.'"</p> + +<p>The President said of the Prince of Wales, that "his absence for +a time had not been caused by any diminution of the interest +which he has ever evinced in this Academy and in the arts which +are its care, but, on the two last occasions at least, by the +performance of self-imposed and onerous duties in which the +furtherance of English Art had no small share. Those who had +the honour to co-operate with His Royal Highness in the work to +which I allude—and not a few are seated at this table—know by +experience with what steadfast zeal and devotion and with what +inexhaustible kindness in his dealings with all he carried it out; +but no one, perhaps, so well as myself knows how desirous the +Prince of Wales has been throughout that English Art should +receive at the International Exhibition that recognition and +honour which in his view it deserved, and which in the event was +measured out to it by the opinion of Europe." The Princess of +Wales, as all knew, co-operated with never-failing grace with the +Prince in fulfilling the duties of their high station. As to the +other members of the Royal Family, "all had grown up in the +love of arts, and several of them practise one or other of those arts +with enthusiasm and with marked success. I give 'The Prince +and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family.'"</p> + +<p>The Prince, in responding, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Sir Frederick Leighton, your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and +Gentlemen,—I am very grateful for the excessively kind manner +in which this toast has been proposed and received by this large +and distinguished company. As the President, Sir Frederick +Leighton, has said, it is four years since I last had the advantage +of being present at your annual celebration. It was a matter +of great regret to me that so long a time should elapse, but it +has given me great pleasure to come here to-night and take part +in your proceedings. During those four years events have +occurred in the history of the Royal Academy which have +awakened deep regret. The members of the Royal Academy—I +may say all who sit at these tables—feel that they lost a +friend in the death of Sir Francis Grant, who so long presided +with so much geniality and kindness at these anniversaries.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368" id="Page_368">[Pg 368]</a></span> +But of the Academy, as of Royalty, it may be said, '<i>Le Roi est +mort! Vive le Roi!</i>' The President is dead; another President +is elected. Sir Frederick Leighton is an old friend of mine—a +friend of upwards of twenty years' standing. I congratulate him +most cordially and sincerely on the high office he now holds. I +may also congratulate the Royal Academy on having such a +man to preside over their meetings.</p> + +<p>"I have to return my thanks, and those of my colleagues, to +Sir F. Leighton for the able assistance he has rendered during +the recent International Exhibition in Paris. Your President +was unanimously elected chairman of the Section of Fine Arts, +and he presided over a jury of at least forty members, and I think +we have every reason to congratulate ourselves on the results.</p> + +<p>"Let me now congratulate you, Sir Frederick, and the Royal +Academy generally, on the magnificent Exhibition which we see +before us this evening. I have not yet had sufficient time to +enable me to speak to its merits, but I hope on some future +occasion to have the opportunity of going over it more carefully. +I thank you again for the kind way in which my health and +that of the Princess of Wales have been proposed and for the +very warm reception you have given me."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge, in responding for the Army, referred +to wars now being carried on in different parts of the world. He +also spoke with praise of two pictures in this year's Exhibition by +Miss Thompson. Mr. W. H. Smith spoke for the Navy. Lord +Beaconsfield responded for Her Majesty's Ministers, Mr. Froude +for Literature, the Lord Chief Justice for the Guests, and the +Lord Mayor for the Corporation of London. The Lord Chief +Justice (Sir Alexander Cockburn) gave an eloquent description +of the chief works of Sir Frederick Leighton, beginning with the +"Procession of Cimabue," nearly a quarter of a century ago, from +which men felt that "a new genius had arisen who was to add to +the lustre and renown of British Art." Sir Frederick Leighton, in +his concluding speech, paid a generous tribute to the memory of +Sir Francis Grant, and also of Mr. E. M. Ward, in whom the +Academy had lost "one of the few artists who made the history +of our country a constant subject for study."</p> + + +<h3><i>1880.</i></h3> + +<p>At the annual banquet in 1880, the President, Sir Frederick +Leighton, paid to the Prince of Wales a handsome compliment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369" id="Page_369">[Pg 369]</a></span> +when he said: "Sir, of the graces by which your Royal Highness +has won and firmly retains the affectionate attachment of Englishmen, +none has operated more strongly than the width of your +sympathies; for there is no honourable sphere in which Englishmen +move, no path of life in which they tread, wherein your +Royal Highness has not, at some time, by graceful word or deed, +evinced an enlightened interest." Coming from Sir Frederick +Leighton, this was not the mere language of flattery.</p> + +<p>In replying, the Prince, after expressing his sincerest thanks, +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Year by year the members of my family and myself receive +invitations to take part in the proceedings at this anniversary +banquet. You can therefore well understand that I find some +difficulty in replying to the toast. At the same time I can +assure the President and the members of the Academy that, +though year by year we visit these exhibitions and take part at +these banquets, the interest we take in them does not in any +way diminish. I may be allowed to congratulate him and his +colleagues on the very great success of this Exhibition. I had +the opportunity two or three days ago of going through these +rooms, and, though I do not profess to be in any way an art +critic, I am quite sure they have no reason to fear any criticism +upon the works of art which adorn these walls.</p> + +<p>"I have been charged by my brothers, who generally take +part in this day's proceedings, to express their great regret that +they have not been able to be present. My brother, the Duke +of Edinburgh, has been for the last five or six weeks absent on +duty in Ireland, where he is employed on an important and, I +trust, useful mission, not only as Admiral Superintendent of +the Naval Reserve, but in doing what he can to relieve the +distress which exists in Ireland. He has lately had the opportunity +of taking the supplies for distribution on the West +Coast from that gallant ship the <i>Constitution</i>, sent over by our +American cousins, so nobly and generously, to afford relief to +their distressed brethren in Ireland. In a letter I received +from him two days ago he says the distress still exists, and +both food and clothing are much wanted; in many instances +the corn is not yet sown. I will not touch more upon this +topic, and I should not have mentioned it had I not been particularly +requested to do so."</p></blockquote> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370" id="Page_370">[Pg 370]</a></span></p> + +<h3><i>1881.</i></h3> + +<p>At the banquet of 1881, the most notable incident was the +special toast in honour of Sir Frederick Roberts. The President, +Sir Frederick Leighton, said that "it was unusual at that table to +single out a guest, however distinguished, when the profession to +which he belongs has already been made the subject of a toast. +But the brilliant achievements of Sir Frederick Roberts, especially +the now famous march from Cabul to Candahar, had stirred all +hearts." Sir Frederick, while grateful for the hearty welcome, +spoke of the services of Sir Donald Stewart, and said that officers +and men were all animated by one spirit—to do their duty, and to +uphold the honour of their Queen and country.</p> + +<p>Other events, that had occurred since their last assembly, were +touched upon by the Prince of Wales, in responding to the toast +with which his name is usually associated at these banquets. He +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is always a great gratification to myself and any other +members of our family who may be present to come to this +annual gathering of the Royal Academy, and we greatly regret +when any cause arises to prevent us being present. It is a +matter of great interest not only to be surrounded by all that is +finest in modern art, but also to meet so distinguished an +assembly, although we who come year by year find that gaps +are made which we must all deeply regret. One of the most +recent of these has been occasioned by the death of the great +statesman just taken from us, who but two years ago made in +this room one of his most eloquent speeches, which must be in +the memory of all who were then present, many of whom are +here to-night. I will not allude to the late Earl of Beaconsfield +further than to say how gratifying it is to see that fine +portrait of him in the next room, executed by one of our first +artists, Mr. Millais. I might also allude to the removal from +among us of the late Lord Chief Justice of England, opposite to +whom I had often the pleasure of sitting at this table. The +Academy, I am sure, also deplores the loss of Mr. Elmore, and +Mr. Knight, who was many years Secretary, and we must all +sympathise with the Academy for the loss they have thus +sustained.</p> + +<p>"It is not for me on this occasion to offer any criticism on +the pictures which adorn these walls. I have only had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371" id="Page_371">[Pg 371]</a></span> +opportunity of taking a very cursory glance at them, and even +if I were able I should not indulge in any critical remarks. +But I will say this—neither the President nor the members of +the Academy have any reason to deprecate fair and just +criticism. One of the greatest pictures in the Exhibition is the +portrait of the President, painted by himself. In this he has +only followed the example of some of the great masters, who +painted their own portraits. As there are so many more +speeches to be made—some of the greatest possible interest—I +will not weary you with more words. I will only again thank +you, in my own name, in the name of the Princess, and of my +brothers who are present, for your very kind reception."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge said the Artists' Corps was one of the +smartest and most efficient in the Volunteer Army, and he was +glad of the opportunity of paying this tribute to them.</p> + + +<h3><i>1885.</i></h3> + +<p>At the banquet of 1885, the Prince of Wales was accompanied +for the first time by Prince Albert Victor. In the speech in reply +to the usual toast from the Chair, the Prince referred to his being +accompanied by his son in a very different place from the Academy +of Art.</p><blockquote> + +<p>"You, sir" (addressing the President), "have kindly alluded +to our late visit to Ireland. I can only assure you that, if that +visit was a labour at all, it was a labour of love. We had for a +long time past looked forward to a fitting opportunity for once +more visiting Ireland, and we were glad to avail ourselves of +the opportunity recently afforded us. I was sure that on going +there we should meet with a kind and hearty reception, and +such was the case with very few exceptions. We received as +kind and loyal a reception as it could be the good fortune of +any one to meet with. You, sir, have touched upon a subject +of interest to us. My son and I had the opportunity of visiting, +although the time allowed us was too short to do all that we +could have wished to do, those districts of the town of Dublin +in which the houses, although they might have picturesqueness, +were certainly not calculated to promote the happiness and +welfare of their inhabitants. This reminds me that I have had +the honour of serving for upwards of a year on the Commission<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372" id="Page_372">[Pg 372]</a></span> +which has for its object the improvement of the dwellings of +the poorer classes of this country. I will not anticipate our +first report, which will be shortly issued. I will only say before +sitting down that not only has it been to me a sincere pleasure +and satisfaction to have aided so important and valuable a +work, but I have had the advantage of working with some of +the most distinguished of my countrymen, some of whom are +here to-night."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge made touching reference to the death +of General Gordon. "I feel that the remarks of the President +call for a sympathetic sentiment on my part and that of the +Army. The allusion to General Gordon is one that touches the +heart of every English soldier, from myself down to the youngest +soldier of us all. I can only deplore the fact that he is no longer +among us, and that his brilliant career is now over."</p> + + +<h3><i>1888.</i></h3> + +<p>At the banquet of 1888, the President, Sir Frederick Leighton, +after the toast of "The Queen," in proposing "The Prince and +Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," referred to +this year being the "Silver Wedding," and also alluded to the +anxiety then darkening the home of "the Princess Royal of +England," the Empress of Germany.</p> + +<p>The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Mr. President, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—This toast has +been proposed in far too flattering terms, but the words which +have fallen from Sir Frederick Leighton have not failed to touch +me deeply, as they also will touch the Princess. I thank you, +therefore, Mr. President, for the kind manner in which you have +given the toast, and you, gentlemen, for the way in which you +have received it. My coming here this evening marks, as it +were, a double anniversary. This is not only the year of my +silver wedding, which your President has kindly referred to, +but it is now just a quarter of a century ago since I first had +the pleasure and gratification of accepting the kind hospitality +of this great Academy. There have, no doubt, been many +changes during that interval in this body. Many illustrious +and distinguished members of the Academy have passed away; +but, while we cannot but regret them, we know that there has +been no lack of others to fill their places. When one thinks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373" id="Page_373">[Pg 373]</a></span> +the old buildings in which we used to assemble, which are now +devoted to the purposes of the National Gallery, and when one +sees this new edifice, which has existed now for nineteen years, +and the beautiful objects that adorn its walls, one can form +some idea of the great progress that has been made in art in +this country. It is a remarkable fact that, although many new +galleries are constantly springing up, there appears to be no +difficulty in adorning their walls and filling them with pictures +and sculpture. In 1869, 3000 works of art were offered for +acceptance by this Academy; but this year, I am told, no less +than 9300 were sent in. Unfortunately, of that number +upwards of 7000 had to be returned, because you have only +room for 2000 odd. The responsibility which rests upon the +President, and especially upon that most hard-working and +perhaps I may say also best-abused body, the hanging committee, +is very great, and their labours increase as years go on. +They, of course, cannot give satisfaction to everybody; but +those distinguished artists who must be disappointed at not +seeing their works upon these walls may perhaps find some +consolation in observing how very high is the general standard +of excellence attained by their more fortunate brethren whose +works have been accepted.</p> + +<p>"Before sitting down I wish to acknowledge on behalf of my +sister and her husband the kind sympathy which you, sir, have +expressed to-night in such feeling words. I wish it were +possible for me to give on this occasion greater hopes of the life +of one so near and dear to me, of one of such value, not only to +his own country, but, I maintain, to the world at large. The +recent news which we have received has been rather more +favourable, and God grant that such news may continue. At +any rate, as long as there is life there is hope. I thank you +once more, Mr. President, for the cordial terms in which you +have proposed my health and the kind way in which you have +alluded to the members of my family."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Cambridge, who has the pleasurable duty every +year of responding to the toast of the Army, must naturally feel +increasing difficulty in varying the subject of his discourses. He +was, however, never more happy in his remarks than at the +banquet of 1888. "Every year that I come here," said the Duke, +"I feel more at home among you, and for this reason, because I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374" id="Page_374">[Pg 374]</a></span> +believe that there is great sympathy between artists and military +men. It has been said that the services seem to some extent out +of place in a company composed of artists, because artists are +concerned with art and science and peaceful pursuits; but I +believe, on the other hand, that artists derive a great advantage +from observing our profession, because it supplies them with many +subjects which they love to portray. And the military sentiment +among artists is by no means to be considered as effaced. When I +see what a splendid corps of Volunteers the artists supply, I think +I may claim them as one of the elements of strength which we +should use should any emergency arise. God forbid that it +should ever arise; but, if it should, may the services be in a condition +to prevent danger from approaching this country." These +last words form the burden of most of the wise and patriotic +speeches which the Duke of Cambridge delivers at the Academy +and elsewhere.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375" id="Page_375">[Pg 375]</a></span></p> +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376" id="Page_376">[Pg 376]</a></span></p> +<h1>ROYAL BANQUETS AT TRINITY HOUSE.</h1> +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377" id="Page_377">[Pg 377]</a></span></p> + +<h2>ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE.</h2> + +<h3><i>July 2nd, <a name="corr_377"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: 1866">1866.</ins></i></h3> + +<p>The Corporation of the Trinity House received its first charter in +1514, from King Henry VIII. It was then a guild or brotherhood +for the encouragement of the science and art of navigation, and +was first empowered to build lighthouses and erect beacons by an +Act passed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This has gradually +come to be the chief duty of the Corporation, and a very important +one it is to a nation with such vast commerce. The Scottish coasts +are under a separate Board, but all others are under the charge of +the Trinity House. The Mastership of the Company has in recent +times been an honourable post, held by Princes and Statesmen. +Lord Liverpool was Master in 1816, and was followed by the +Marquis Camden, the Duke of Clarence, afterwards William IV., +the Duke of Wellington, the Prince Consort, and Lord Palmerston, +since whose death the office has been held by the Duke of Edinburgh. +The post was offered to the Prince of Wales, but was declined by +him, in behalf of his sailor brother, "with graceful delicacy and +characteristic manliness," as Sir Frederick Arrow, the Deputy-Master +said, in proposing his health at the first banquet where he +was a guest.</p> + +<p>This first festival meeting after the election of the Duke of +Edinburgh as Master took place on the 2nd of July, 1866. +Among the guests were the King of the Belgians, the Prince of +Wales, the Premier and several members of the Cabinet, the Lord +Chief Justice, the Lord Mayor, and other distinguished persons. +The guests were received by the Elder Brethren in the Court Room +of the Corporation, a stately apartment, adorned with portraits of +Royal personages and of former Masters.</p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Master proposed the health of "Her +Majesty the Queen," and then that of the "King of the Belgians," +who in his reply warmly thanked a Corporation which rendered important +services to all maritime and commercial nations. In giving +the toast of "The Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the +other members of the Royal Family," the Master said: "It has +never before been my pleasing duty to propose the health of my +brother in his presence, and I should feel very shy if I were to +make any remarks farther than that, as Master of your Corporation, +and as his brother, I beg you to give him a most hearty welcome."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378" id="Page_378">[Pg 378]</a></span></p> + +<p>His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"May it please your Majesty, your Royal Highness, my Lords, +and Gentlemen,—Under any circumstances it would have been +a source of gratification to me to be present on such an occasion +as this, but more especially when I have been invited by my +own brother and have the pleasure of supporting him on the +first occasion of his taking the chair as Master of this Company. +Perhaps you will allow me on this occasion merely to mention +that, after the death of that distinguished and lamented statesman +whose loss we must always deplore, the office of Master +was most kindly offered to me by the Brethren of this Company. +I begged to decline—at least, I begged to offer the suggestion +that the office should be offered to my brother, who was far +more fit to undertake its duties. Among the distinguished +personages who are present on this occasion it is, you will allow +me to say, very gratifying to have the honour of the presence of +his Majesty the King of the Belgians. After the very kind +manner in which he has spoken of his attachment to this +country, which I know is a real attachment, and not merely a +form of words, because I have often heard the same sentiment +expressed by him in private—after such expressions from his +Majesty I think I may say that we as Englishmen feel a strong +attachment to his country—a country distinguished in its own +position among the nations of the Continent, and a country +for which his ever lamented father did so much. I beg to +thank you for the honour you have done me in drinking my +own health in connection with the health of her Royal Highness +the Princess of Wales and the other members of the Royal +Family."</p> +</blockquote> + +<h3><i>July 20th, 1868.</i></h3> + +<p>At the banquet of 1868, on the 20th of July, the Prince was +formally installed as one of the "Younger Brethren" of the +Trinity House, the oaths having been administered by the Duke +of Edinburgh, as Master. In proposing the usual loyal toasts, the +Master said it gave him much satisfaction to be supported by his +brother, who, however, on this occasion was present as a member +of the Corporation. The Prince, on speaking to the toast, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I return +my best thanks to my illustrious relative for the kind way in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379" id="Page_379">[Pg 379]</a></span> +which he has proposed this toast, and for coupling with it the +health of the Princess of Wales and that of the other members +of the Royal Family. I am very grateful for the reception which +has been accorded him in this room, and I have great pleasure +in being here this evening. This is not the first time I have +been present at the hospitable board of the Trinity House. It +is the second time I have supported my brother, and I come +here now in a double capacity, for I have the honour of being +present to-day as a member of this Corporation and as his +'younger brother.' I am sure I may say even in his presence +that it is a source of the greatest satisfaction to me to be present +at the first dinner at which he has presided since his return from +Australia. I know I am only speaking his wishes when I say +that, although the season is now far advanced, he thought, consistently +with the duties he had to perform on board the <i>Galatea</i>, +now off Osborne, he could not refrain from taking the chair at +the anniversary dinner of this ancient Corporation, of which he +has the honour of being the Master. I thank you for the kind +way in which this toast has been received."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Richmond, as President of the Board of Trade, +acknowledged the great services to the Mercantile Marine rendered +by the Trinity House. Lord Napier of Magdala, in response to +the toast of "The Visitors," spoke of the efficient manner in which +the Transport Service had been carried out during the Abyssinian +Expedition.</p> + + +<h3><i>July 4th, 1869.</i></h3> + +<p>In 1869 the Duke of Edinburgh was absent, and the Prince of +Wales undertook the office of presiding at the dinner on the 4th of +July. Sir Frederick Arrow, Deputy Master, and the Elder +Brethren, among whom were Mr. Disraeli and Mr. Gladstone, +honorary Brethren, received the invited guests, among whom were +Prince Arthur, Prince Christian, Prince Teck, Prince Edward of +Saxe Weimar, and numerous men of high distinction in public life.</p> + +<p>The Prince having proposed "The Health of The Queen, the +protectress of this ancient Corporation," Sir Frederick Arrow gave +"The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of +the Royal Family." The Deputy Master referred to the sympathy +of the Prince with naval service in all departments, and especially +his love of yachting. He also referred to his tour in the East, +since they last assembled at their annual festival. The Prince +replied:—</p><blockquote><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380" id="Page_380">[Pg 380]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I am +gratified by the honour you have done me in drinking my health +and that of the Princess of Wales and the other members of the +Royal Family. I can assure you it has given me great pleasure +to be present on this occasion, but I feel I have hardly any right +to occupy this chair. The last time I was here I was elected a +younger member of your Corporation. To-day I have become +an elder member, and Sir Frederick Arrow asked me to take +the chair in place of my brother, the Master, who is now in a +far distant land. You may be sure that I shall always be ready +to assist in every way I can to promote the good of this +excellent institution. Sir Frederick Arrow has been pleased to +allude to my yachting. It is true I am fond of yachting, but I +cannot claim to be either a nautical or a naval man. You may, +however, always reckon upon any services I can render in any +way in which you may think I can be useful to your Corporation."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Other customary toasts were then given, and responded to. To +the toast of "The Master of the Corporation," his Royal Highness +the Duke of Edinburgh, "wishing him a happy, prosperous, +and safe voyage from the Southern hemisphere, and a quick return +home," the Prince of Wales replied:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I feel +I am in rather a difficult position in having to return thanks for +one who is absent. At the same time, I feel assured my brother +would be gratified by my thanking you for the manner in which +his health has been proposed and welcomed. According to the +French proverb, '<i>Les absens ont toujours tort</i>.' But I hope you +will think differently, seeing that my brother is a post captain +in Her Majesty's Navy, and is visiting one of Her Majesty's far +distant colonies. I am sure if he knew you were drinking his +health at this time his heart would be with you. Before I sit +down I have the honour of proposing to you a toast—the +principal toast of the evening. I call upon you to drink, +'Prosperity to the Corporation of Trinity House.' It would be +almost superfluous in me to make any remarks on the Corporation +or its present or future development. It has existed since +the time of Henry VIII., and ever since that time to the present +the community has taken the deepest interest in its prosperity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381" id="Page_381">[Pg 381]</a></span> +It has also been connected through its honorary Brethren with +some of the most distinguished men, and many of those honorary +Brethren are present here this evening. Its object is to protect +our ships and our sailors, and that object is never forgotten. As +the First Lord of the Admiralty has just said, while the Navy is +called upon to protect our commerce, the Corporation of Trinity +House is called upon to protect our sailors and our ships. The +first electric light put up in this country was that at Dungeness, +and the great Wolf Rock, which has long been the terror of our +sailors, will before long cease to be so. This will show you that +the Trinity House authorities are anxious to do their duty and +to maintain their great name, which I am sure is honoured here +and in other countries. Before I resume my seat I give you +'The Health of Sir Frederick Arrow, the Deputy Master,' and +I am sure you will drink it with enthusiasm, knowing as you do +how justly he merits your applause. He has done his duty in +every way to maintain the interests of the Corporation, and I +think the honour was eminently due which his Sovereign conferred +in making him Sir Frederick Arrow. I call upon you to +drink 'Prosperity to the ancient Corporation of Trinity House,' +coupling with the toast the name of Sir Frederick Arrow."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Sir Frederick Arrow, having briefly responded, gave the toast of +"Her Majesty's Ministers," saying that, although politics are +unknown at the Trinity House, it was their duty to mark their +respect for the Government of the day. Mr. Gladstone responded. +The toast of "The Maritime and Commercial Interests of the +Country," was coupled with the name of Mr. Bright, as President +of the Board of Trade. Mr. Bright made an eloquent reply, discoursing +on the benefits to this nation, and to all nations, of the +works of the Trinity House Corporation. He said that he believed +that "at this time the merchant ships of England are equal, or +nearly equal—I have heard it said they surpass—in number and +tonnage the seagoing merchant ships of all other countries in the +world. This is an extraordinary thing, if it be true. But, whether +it be exactly true or not, there can be no doubt with regard to +foreign commerce—with regard to ships on the ocean—this country +has a position at this moment which I believe it never held before, +and one I think we may fairly be proud of. I delight, therefore, to +dilate on the grandeur of our merchant navy, and I agree with +Mr. Cardwell in hoping that the time is coming when the resources +of this country may not be expended to an extravagant extent in +maintaining our military establishments."</p> + +<p>In dilating on the magnitude of British commerce and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382" id="Page_382">[Pg 382]</a></span> +number of British merchant ships, it probably never occurred to +Mr. Bright that in case of war, a few swift armed cruisers would +make these ships fly, like doves before hawks, and the seas be cleared +of our now countless merchant steamers. The <i>Alabama</i> and a few +swift rovers speedily swept all the commerce of the United States +from the sea; and the same would be the fate of the vaster commerce +of Great Britain, if there are not armed vessels, swift, +powerful, and numerous, to protect our mercantile navy in every +region of the globe. There is no political question in this, but the +common prudential principle of insurance against possible peril +and disaster. Our coasts may be adequately defended, but there +is need of a naval volunteer service as well as of volunteer riflemen +and gunners on land. It may be one of the future national +services rendered by the Prince of Wales to get the yachting men +of the day to form themselves into naval volunteers, in case of the +protection of swift armed cruisers being needed for protecting the +fleets of merchantmen on which the people of England depend for +supplies.</p> + +<p>After Mr. Bright's speech, the toast of "The Honorary Brethren" +was responded to by Mr. Disraeli, who was followed by Sir Stafford +Northcote, Sir R. Phillimore, and Sir John Burgoyne. Seldom has +the banqueting hall of the Trinity House been honoured by the +presence of so many illustrious and eloquent guests.</p> + + +<h3><i>June 24th, 1871.</i></h3> + + +<p>In 1871, the Duke of Edinburgh, Master of the Trinity House, had +returned to England, and on the 24th of June took his place as +President at the annual banquet. The Prince of Wales was +present, and a distinguished company.</p> + +<p>In proposing the health of the Prince of Wales, the Master +thanked him for having performed the duties of the Mastership +during his absence. Three years before he had jocularly called the +Prince his younger Brother. He had since become an Elder +Brother, but, in respect of the Trinity House, he, as Master, was +still the eldest brother. The Prince, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"It is a great pleasure to me to have my health proposed by +my brother in the kind manner in which he has proposed it. +He has been pleased to allude to what I call the small duties +which I have had to perform at the Trinity House in his absence. +I think all the Brethren are well aware that it gave me great +satisfaction to be able to do anything during my brother's +absence; and I only regret that I had not more to do; but the +real duties were, in fact, performed by a gentleman who now +sits on my right (the Deputy Master), and I have to thank him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383" id="Page_383">[Pg 383]</a></span> +and all the Brethren for the assistance they rendered during the +interregnum. My brother is now on half-pay, but the time +may come when he will again have an important command. In +that event I shall be glad again to be of any service during his +absence, and the Trinity House may always count upon my +placing myself at their disposal."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The usual toasts were given, and responded to. His Royal +Highness the Prince of Wales gave Her Majesty's Ministers, +saying:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"To whatever party they belonged, so long as they performed +their duty to the Crown and upheld the dignity and honour of +the country, they were entitled to the compliment he now asked +the company to pay to them, and he had great pleasure in coupling +the toast with the name of his noble and learned friend the +Lord Chancellor."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Lord Chancellor responded, saying that there was not +among the methods of preserving peace any greater or more +effective means than that of maintaining in its full force and +activity the great Navy of England, which must be looked upon +by every Government with unmixed admiration; and he trusted, +whatever differences might exist on other subjects, Her Majesty's +Government would show that they had one common object, the +maintenance of the maritime reputation, honour, and dignity of +the country.</p> + +<p>Mr. Milner Gibson, by command of the Master, proposed a toast +always given at the Trinity House anniversaries: "The maritime +and commercial interests of the country, and the President of the +Board of Trade." Having himself long held the office of President +of the Board of Trade, Mr. Milner Gibson bore testimony to the +efficient administration by the Trinity House of the funds placed +at their disposal. As the funds came from a tax on the shipping +and trade of the country, it is a right and constitutional thing +that the expenditure should be controlled by the Minister of +Commerce, responsible to Parliament. He could say that the +lights on the coast of the United Kingdom were equal, if not +superior, to the lights which existed in any other country in the +world. Under the control of the Board of Trade we had made +great improvement in the system of lighting our coasts, coupled +with a reduced charge upon the trade of the country.</p> + +<p>It might have been added that it was when the Prince Consort +was Master that more constitutional relations between the Trinity +House and the Government came into operation, the funds being +supplied by the Board of Trade, and administered by the Corporation, +who then had what they called "new Sailing Orders" for their +guidance.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384" id="Page_384">[Pg 384]</a></span></p> + +<h3><i>June 27th, 1874.</i></h3> + +<p>The banquet at the Corporation Hall on June 27, 1874, was +presided over by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in the +absence of the Master, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Deputy +Master Sir Frederick Arrow, after the usual loyal and patriotic +toasts, gave "The Health of the Prince of Wales," who responded in +brief and appropriate terms, and afterwards proposed the toast +of "Prosperity to the Corporation of the Trinity House." He +said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"Your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen,—I have +now the honour of proposing to you a toast which I only wish +had been placed in better hands than mine. Although I have +the honour of being connected with this ancient Guild, I do not +feel that I possess that nautical knowledge which a person ought +to have who proposes a toast like 'Prosperity to the Corporation +of Trinity House'; but I am sure it is a toast which will meet +with your approval this evening. I will begin by stating that +the few remarks with which I shall preface the toast are not of +my own knowledge, the facts having been supplied to me by the +kindness of the Deputy Master, and if I get out of my depth or +among the quicksands I must trust you will excuse me. I speak +with sincerity when I say that since we met here last year the +duties of the Trinity House have been carried on as successfully +as on any previous occasion, and that the whole of its proceedings +have been of a highly satisfactory character. There have +been several new lighthouses built—one, I believe, has been +completed to-day, and is to be opened on the 1st of July. It is +on Hartland Point, and, with reference to our commercial +interests, is considered to be of great importance. It will do +much to facilitate our trade with the Welsh coal ports. The +Goodwin Sands is a name which fills every sailor with alarm; +and, although everything has been done to prevent the fearful +wrecks with which the name is associated, we have only to read +the daily newspapers to be aware of the fearful disasters that +often occur at sea outside those terrible sands. The Trinity +House has lately put a second lighthouse eastward of Beachy +Head.</p> + +<p>"There is another subject in connection with which the +Trinity House has taken a very active part, and it is one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385" id="Page_385">[Pg 385]</a></span> +great importance, especially to nautical men. I mean the subject +of sound-signals in foggy weather. The Trinity House has +every reason to feel deeply indebted to Professor Tyndall, who, I +regret to say, could not be with us upon this occasion owing to +his absence from England. Some most interesting experiments +in connection with sound-signals have been carried out by him, +and a most able report has been written by him on the subject. +I am sure you will all agree with me in thinking this a most +important matter, and one in which it is natural that the Trinity +House should take a prominent interest. At a great many +stations it has been determined to place these fog-signals where +lights can be of no avail.</p> + +<p>"There is another matter in connection with which the Trinity +House has every reason for congratulation. I mean the reduction +of dues to the amount of £80,000, in addition to the +reduction of £60,000 in 1872. There are many other important +facts connected with the Trinity House which the Deputy +Master has been kind enough to place at my disposal, but which +I need not now detain you by mentioning. In proposing the +toast of 'Prosperity to the Corporation of the Trinity House,' it +is my pleasing duty to connect it with the health of one who +not only does everything to make our annual gatherings here +most agreeable, but who performs the arduous and responsible +duties which he has to discharge in a most praiseworthy and +effective manner. I am sure that you will drink most cordially +the health of the Deputy Master. My Lords and gentlemen, +I give you 'Prosperity to the Corporation of the Trinity House, +coupled with the name of Sir Frederick Arrow, the Deputy +Master.'"</p> + +</blockquote><p>At a later period of the evening His Royal Highness proposed the +toasts of "Her Majesty's Ministers," to which the Lord Chancellor +responded, and the "Distinguished Visitors," coupling with it the +name of the Lord Chief Justice of England (Sir Alexander +Cockburn).</p> + + +<h3><i>June 2nd, 1875.</i></h3> + +<p>In 1875 the Duke of Edinburgh was not abroad, and presided at +the annual dinner on the 2nd of June. The seamen of the <i>Galatea</i> +lined the way to the Hall, on Tower Hill, in honour of the +occasion, and of the presence of their captain. In the room where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386" id="Page_386">[Pg 386]</a></span> +the guests were received was a portrait of the Master, painted as +a companion picture to those already on the walls, by a Russian +artist, G. Koberwein. Count Shouvaloff, the Russian Ambassador, +was among the guests. In responding to the customary toast of +"The Royal Family," the Prince of Wales expressed his gratification +at his brother Prince Leopold having become a member of the +Corporation. The Duke of Cambridge responded for the Army.</p> + + +<h3><i>1877.</i></h3> + +<p>The banquet of 1877 was again presided over by the Prince of +Wales, in the absence of the Master, the Duke of Edinburgh. +There was the usual select company, including Royal and other +distinguished guests, especially General Grant, who, in his travels +throughout the old world, was received with as great honour as +any king could be.</p> + +<p>In proposing the health of the Prince of Wales, the Earl of +Derby said:—"No one particularly likes to listen to his own +panegyric, even at a public dinner, and therefore I will say nothing +with regard to the illustrious subject of my toast beyond that +which you all know to be the simple and literal truth. His Royal +Highness has not only now, but for many years past, done all that +is in the power of man to do, by genial courtesies towards men of +every class, and by his indefatigable assiduity in the performance +of every social duty, to secure at once that public respect which is +due to his exalted position and that social sympathy and personal +popularity which no position, however exalted, can of itself be +sufficient to secure. We regret the absence of the illustrious +Master of the Corporation, the Duke of Edinburgh, but we regret +it the less because he is doing what each of us in our humble +spheres desires and endeavours to do—he is serving his country. +I give you "The Health of His Royal Highness the Prince of +Wales and the rest of the Royal Family."</p> + +<p>The toast was drunk with all the accustomed honours, and the +Prince in reply said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I return you my sincere thanks +for the kind way in which the toast of my health has been proposed +and the manner in which it has been received. I can +assure the whole company that I feel it a great honour to be +present on this occasion, especially connected as I have the +honour to be with your Master. I regret that my brother is +not here this evening. It is now two years since I was present +at this annual gathering, and I regret to say I miss the kind +and genial face of the late Deputy Master, Sir Frederick +Arrow; but in Admiral Collinson we have an excellent substi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387" id="Page_387">[Pg 387]</a></span>tute. +On the present occasion it is a matter of peculiar gratification +to us as Englishmen to receive as our guest General +Grant. I can assure him, for myself and for all the loyal +subjects of the Queen, that it has given us the greatest pleasure +to see him as a guest in this country. My lords and gentlemen, +before resuming my seat, it is my privilege to propose to you +another toast—one which always recommends itself most +heartily to the public, and that is 'The Army, Navy, and Reserve +Forces,' connecting with it on this occasion the name of a distinguished +officer, Lord Strathnairn, and that of the Hon. Sir +Henry Keppel."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The toast was received with three times three. Lord Strathnairn +and Sir H. Keppel replied to the compliment, and the Chancellor +of the Exchequer responded to the toast of "Her Majesty's +Ministers," proposed by His Royal Highness the Chairman. Other +toasts having been given and acknowledged, the Earl of Carnarvon +proposed "The Health of the Guests," coupled with the name of +General Grant; saying that "there never has been one to +whom we willingly accord a freer, a fuller, a heartier welcome +than we do to General Grant on this occasion. We accord it to +him, not merely because we believe he has performed the part of +a distinguished General in many a 'well-foughten field,' nor +because he has twice filled the highest office which the citizens of +his great country can fill, but because we look upon him here +present to-night as representing, so to speak, that good-will and +that affection which ought to subsist between us and the United +States of America. It is not a century since there befell this +country what we believe to have been the greatest misfortune +that her pages record. Not a hundred years ago the States of +America separated from us; and, great as the loss was, I do not +think that the separation was the greatest part of the calamity. +The disaster lay in this, that the separation on each side was +effected amid the storms of passion, resentment, and animosity. +Yet not a century has rolled by, and I believe, and thank God for +believing, that in a great measure that animosity and resentment +have passed away, and we are entering on a new stage of mutual +trust, of mutual sympathy, and of mutual support and strength. +I have had, perhaps, special opportunities of observing this in the +office I have the honour to hold. It has been my duty to be +connected with the great dominion of Canada, stretching, as it +does, several thousand miles along the frontier of the United +States, and during the last three or four years I can truthfully +say that nothing impressed me more or gave me livelier satisfaction +than the interchange of friendly and good offices between the +two countries under the auspices of President <a name="corr_387"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: Grant.">Grant."</ins></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388" id="Page_388">[Pg 388]</a></span></p> + +<p>General Grant was loudly cheered on rising to respond. He +spoke in such a low voice as not to be heard distinctly, but he was +understood to say that he felt more impressed than possibly he +had ever felt before on any occasion. He came there under the +impression that this was the Trinity House, and that the trinity +consisted of the Army, the Navy, and Peace. He therefore thought +it was a place of quietude, where there would be no talk or toasts. +He had been therefore naturally surprised at hearing both one and +the other. He had heard some remarks from His Royal Highness +the President of the evening which compelled him to say one word +in response to them. The remarks he referred to were complimentary +to him. He begged to thank His Royal Highness for +those remarks. There had been other things said during the +evening highly gratifying to him. Not the least gratifying +among them was to hear that there were occasionally in this +country party fights as well as in America. He had seen before +now as much as a war between the three departments of the +State—the executive, the judicial, and the legislative departments. +He had not seen the political parties of England go so far as that +since he had come to this country. He would imitate their +Chairman, who had set the good example of oratory—that was +brevity—and say no more than simply to thank His Royal +Highness and the company for the visitors.</p> + +<p>This is one of the longest speeches ever made by General Grant, +whose allusion to party fights was suggested by what had been +said by the Chancellor of the Exchequer: "There have been +reports and rumours of dissensions in the Cabinet, and of them I +do not mean to say anything but this—there is one subject on +which there is no dissension. Among all the ministers who have +ever dined at the Trinity House there is no dissension as to the +manner in which they have been received in this hospitable hall."</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389" id="Page_389">[Pg 389]</a></span></p> + +<p> </p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390" id="Page_390">[Pg 390]</a></span></p> +<h1>THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.</h1> +<p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391" id="Page_391">[Pg 391]</a></span></p> + +<h2>THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.</h2> + + +<p>The Royal College of Music has occupied so much of the time and +labour of the Prince of Wales, and promises to be an institution +of so great national importance, that it seems well to present in +order the various movements that led up to the foundation of the +College, and to group together the successive speeches of the +Prince on this subject.</p> + +<hr /> +<h2>NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR MUSIC.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>June 15th, 1875.</i></p> + +<p>The need for extending musical education, and for improving +musical taste in England, has long been felt. That there is no +lack of musical genius or skill in our country is sufficiently +attested by the great array of eminent composers and distinguished +performers, whether in vocal or instrumental music, both in former +and in recent times. Nor has the love of the art, and delight in +its exercise, ever been wanting. There was a time when what we +now call "old English" rounds and catches, glees and madrigals, +and all kinds of choral compositions, were popular, in the widest +sense of the word. The love of orchestral harmony has also been +great in England, where Handel found his home, and the best +field for his wonderful powers. In those days Ireland was truly +one with England, in appreciation of high classical music. It +was in Dublin that the <i>Messiah</i> was first heard, and best appreciated. +Even in the depressed period of music, in the early +decades of this century, there were always competitions of well-trained +choirs and bands, which showed the love and practice of +musical art to be still widely diffused and ardently cultivated.</p> + +<p>Notwithstanding all this, it had come to be necessary to take +some measures for advancing musical art throughout the country, +where great towns and busy centres of industry had multiplied, +without the civilising influence of music being to a corresponding +degree diffused. No one felt this more strongly than the Prince +Consort, but the opportunity of carrying out his ideas did not +arise in his lifetime. The Royal Academy of Music, founded in +1822, and incorporated in 1830, did good service in its limited<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392" id="Page_392">[Pg 392]</a></span> +way, for training its pupils and awarding a few scholarships; but +some institution was needed, with larger expansiveness, and +capable of diffusing the love and the practice of music more +widely among the people.</p> + +<p>It was in furtherance of this national purpose that the Prince +of Wales, who put himself at the head of the movement, held +a conference at Marlborough House, on the 15th of June, 1875.</p> + +<p>The immediate object was to promote the establishment of free +scholarships, to be held in the National Training Schools for +Music, then being erected, close to the Royal Albert Hall, at +Kensington Gore. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Christian +and the Duke of Teck were present; and representatives of many +public bodies in Church and State, including the Archbishops and +several Bishops, the Lord Mayor of London and the Mayors of +many provincial towns, the Masters or Prime Wardens of the +City Companies, the head masters of public schools, the Chairman +and members of the London School Board, the Parliamentary +representatives of the Metropolitan boroughs, and a very numerous +company, of the most distinguished name and position.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in opening the proceedings, expressed his +gratification at the large attendance, which augured well for the +object they all had in view. He then called on the Duke of Edinburgh +to move the first resolution, in introducing which he gave a +lucid and interesting statement of the history of the movement.</p> + +<p>In 1854, the Royal Academy of Music made an application to the +Commissioners of the Exhibition of 1851 to grant a site upon their +estate for a building in which they could carry on their labours. +The negotiations were not successful, and matters remained in +abeyance until 1865, when the Society of Arts appointed a Committee +to consider and report on the whole subject of musical +education in this country. Of this committee the Prince of Wales +consented to act as chairman. Inquiries were made as to the +methods employed in the management of musical academies in +Paris, Berlin, Munich, Milan, and other Continental schools. +Reports were drawn up, one of the main points in which dealt +with the necessity for instituting scholarships to be competed for +openly, so as to draw out the best musical talent throughout the +country. Assistance should be given in cases where the scholars +were unable to provide education for themselves.</p> + +<p>In 1872 negotiations were reopened with the Royal Academy, +with the idea of removing the head-quarters of the Academy from +Tenderden Street to South Kensington. It became more evident +that the purposes contemplated by the Committee of the Society +of Arts could be better accomplished by the establishment of a +new and independent institution as a National Training School +for Music. The foundation-stone of the new institution had been +laid in 1873, at which time a member of the Council, Mr. Freake, +had liberally offered to undertake the whole cost of the building. +At first Mr. Freake intended to give the use only of the building<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393" id="Page_393">[Pg 393]</a></span> +for some years, but he now requested the acceptance of it as a free +gift. It was further stated by the Duke of Edinburgh that there +was ample accommodation for above 300 students. It only +remained to obtain the foundation of Scholarships in sufficient +numbers for the appointment of a permanent Staff of Professors, +and other arrangements for efficiently carrying on the new training +school.</p> + +<p>The Duke of Edinburgh then moved a resolution for the appointment +of a Committee for taking steps to found Free Scholarships +for the City of London and the Metropolitan districts. This +resolution was seconded by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and +supported by the Lord Mayor and the Archbishop of York.</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in responding to a vote of thanks for +having convened and presiding over the meeting, said, "he +thought the initiative in this matter was really due to his brother, +the Duke of Edinburgh, who had taken great interest in music +since his childhood. The same was the case with their father, +the late Prince Consort, whose name would always be remembered +with gratitude for the powerful influence he had exercised +on the intellectual advancement of the country, and to whose +efforts might be traced in great measure the important place +which music now held in the estimation of all classes.</p> + +<p>"On the whole, they had reason to congratulate themselves on +the success of the meeting, and he was glad to have the opportunity +of returning his thanks to the Lord Mayor and to all the +gentlemen representing the great City Companies for their co-operation +on this occasion, feeling that that meeting would be +the commencement of a movement which he trusted would be +a success. In conclusion, he wished to move a resolution conveying +a vote of thanks to Mr. Freake for the handsome and +liberal manner in which he had so kindly behaved in giving the +building for the National Training School of Music. It was +already a great exercise of liberality to offer the use of it rent +free for five years, and certainly he was sure none present could +have expected that he would have made them a present of it. +He was therefore anxious that they should on that occasion +record a unanimous vote of thanks to him for his great liberality, +and for the interest he had taken in the welfare of that which +they had so much at heart."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The Duke of Edinburgh seconded the resolution, which was +carried unanimously.</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394" id="Page_394">[Pg 394]</a></span></p> + +<hr /> +<h2>FOUNDING THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>February 28th, 1882.</i></p> + +<p>As far back as June, 1875, the Prince of Wales, we have seen, had +taken steps to secure improvement of musical education throughout +the kingdom. With this purpose he had invited many influential +persons to a Conference at Marlborough House, which was held on +the 15th of June of that year, and which resulted in the establishment +of the National Training School of Music, with Sir Arthur +Sullivan as its Principal. Ten years earlier, in 1865, the Prince +had induced the Society of Arts to appoint a Committee to consider +and report on the whole subject of musical education in this +country, and of this Committee he gladly consented to act as +President.</p> + +<p>In 1878 the Prince summoned a number of gentlemen to a +meeting at Marlborough House, where the proposal to found a +National College of Music, uniting the Academy and the Training +School, was first mooted. A committee was appointed, and the +assent both of the Academy and the School had been obtained, +when the Academy withdrew, and declined to accept the proposals +of union. It was not till after the lapse of several years that the +way was clear for the establishment of a new and truly national +institution.</p> + +<p>On the 28th of February, 1882, the Prince of Wales presided at +a meeting held in the Banqueting Hall, St. James's Palace, for the +purpose of soliciting public support for founding a "Royal College +of Music." This meeting is destined to be a memorable event, not +only in musical annals, but in the history of the nation. What +was the character and influence of that meeting was stated in +eloquent terms by Sir George Grove, in his speech at the inauguration +of the Royal College in the following year. This statement +will be given in full on a subsequent page, the following words +being sufficient to quote here: "A meeting so truly national in its +aspect gave, if I may use a not inappropriate figure, the key-note +of the movement; and the key-note thus struck at St. James's +Palace resounded through the country, and met with a ready and +harmonious response."</p> + +<p>Larger meetings the Prince has frequently addressed, but never +one more broadly representative of all the most distinguished and +influential classes in the kingdom. The Ambassadors and Ministers +of most of the Continental Powers were also among the audience.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, who on rising was most cordially greeted, +opened the proceedings by reading letters from the Duke of Connaught +and Prince Christian, expressing regret that circumstances +prevented them from being present, and their hearty sympathy +with the objects of the meeting. Prince Christian in his letter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395" id="Page_395">[Pg 395]</a></span> +briefly recounted the history of the fruitless attempt which had +been made to induce Professor Macfarren and the directors of the +Royal Academy of Music to consent to a union of their institution +with the National Training School of Music, with a view to form +a Royal College of Music on a more extended basis. The Prince +of Wales then said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"My Lords and Gentlemen,—I have called you together to-day, +the representatives of the counties and towns in England, +the dignitaries of the Church and other religious and educational +bodies, distinguished colonists now resident in England, and the +representatives of foreign Powers, to aid me in the promotion of +a national object by obtaining contributions for the establishment +of a Royal College of Music. Were the object less than +of national importance, I should not have troubled you—the +heads of social life—to meet me here to-day, and I should not +myself have undertaken the responsibility of acting as the +leader and organiser of the movement. I have invited to meet +you the leading musicians and publishers of music, the most +eminent musical instrument makers, the most influential +amateurs and patrons of music, and I trust that by the co-operation +and union of some of the most powerful elements of +society, we may succeed in establishing a Royal College of +Music on a more extended basis than any existing institution in +the United Kingdom; worthy alike of this meeting and of this +country, for whose benefit you are asked to give your time, your +money, and your influence.</p> + +<p>"I do not propose to trouble you with any proofs of the +advantages that would be derived from the establishment of a +National College of Music. That subject has been fully discussed +by the Duke of Albany at Manchester, and his address +is before the world. He showed that relatively to foreign +countries England occupied three centuries ago a higher place in +the musical world than she does at the present time, and he +proved that the almost universal establishment of central and +national musical institutions abroad, and the want of such an +institution in England, had been one cause why musical progress +has not in this country kept pace with the increase of wealth +and population and the corresponding development of science +and art.</p> + +<p>"Again, the necessity of public aid formed the groundwork of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396" id="Page_396">[Pg 396]</a></span> +the appeal made at Manchester by the Duke of Edinburgh and +Prince Christian. Music, as they showed, is far more expensive +to teach than other arts, and the natural capacity for instruction +in music is more rare than in almost any other art. You are +compelled, then, if you would have good musicians, to provide +means by which those to whom nature has been bountiful in +giving good ears and good voices, but niggardly in giving worldly +wealth, may be sought out in their obscurity and brought up to +distinction by a proper course of instruction.</p> + +<p>"What I have said naturally leads me to deal with free +education in music, coupled in certain cases with free maintenance +of the pupil as the first branch of the subject on which +I desire to engage your sympathies and ask your aid. This +system of gratuitous education is one of the principal features +which will distinguish the new college from the Royal Academy +and other excellent existing schools of music. I do not mean to +say that we intend to exclude paying pupils. To adopt such a +course would be to deprive musical ability in the upper classes +of any means of access to the college, and would stamp it with +a narrow and contracted character, which is above all to be +avoided in a national institution intended to include in its +corporate character all classes throughout the United Kingdom. +What I seek to create is an institution bearing the same relation +to the art of music as that which our great public schools—Eton +and Winchester, for example—bear to general education. On +the one side you have scholars who are on the foundation and +educated by means of endowments; on the other side, pupils +who derive no direct benefit from the foundation. Both classes +of pupils follow the same course of study; their teachers are the +same, their rewards are the same. They differ only in the fact +that the collegers derive aid from the college, while those who +are not on the foundation pay for the whole of their education. +I lay great stress on this combination of the two systems of +education—that by endowment and that by payment. Financially, +it enables us to have salaried teachers of the greatest +eminence, who will give so much of their time as they devote to +teaching exclusively to the instruction of pupils at the college. +But, more than all, a union of different classes in a common and +elevating pursuit is the best mode of binding in one tie of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397" id="Page_397">[Pg 397]</a></span> +common enthusiasm the different grades of society, varying +alike in wealth and social influence. Each has much to learn +from the other, and this learning is best acquired in an institution +where all meet on common ground, and on a footing of +artistic equality. A further object, and one most material, is +sought to be attained by including in our college persons who do +not intend to make music their profession. To advance music +as an art in its highest aspects, resort must be had to those who +possess the best opportunities for general mental culture. The +most highly educated classes are those who have the greatest +power of disseminating the influence of art throughout the +country. They are the sources from which the civilising stream +proceeds downwards, and penetrates through every channel of +our complex social life.</p> + +<p>"I will now proceed to explain the details of the scheme for +which I ask your support, beginning with the foundation, as +being that branch of the college for which public money will be +required. The least number of scholars which would be worthy +to constitute a foundation for the college would be 100. Of +these, 50 should have their education free and 50 should be +maintained as well as educated. These scholars will be selected +by open competition throughout the United Kingdom. A +system of examination will be organised by which every town—nay, +every village—in the kingdom may be afforded a chance +of participating in the public benefaction. Only let eminent +ability be found in the village choir, the pupil will be brought +to London and may, if he do but possess the requisite ability, +become a Beethoven or a Mendelssohn, and any school of music +may put forward its best pupil as a candidate for collegiate +honours. The expense of maintenance and education of pupils +I estimate at about £80 a year; that of education alone at +about £40 a year. I should hope also that your liberality will +grant me means to found at least two fellowships, in order +that rising musicians, who have acquired distinction at the +college, may not be tempted on commencing their professional +career to sacrifice the higher aspirations of their art to the +necessity of providing immediate means of subsistence.</p> + +<p>"Having settled the number of our foundationers, where are +we to place them? In London, I need not say, land is sold by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398" id="Page_398">[Pg 398]</a></span> +the yard, and not by the acre, and a square yard in a good +locality is often equal in value to a square acre in a remote +district. Yet, for the health of a young community, we must +have open space and pure air, and space is particularly necessary +in a music school, for, as the Duke of Edinburgh showed +in his address at Manchester, pupils in an ordinary school may +be grouped and classified, but musical pupils require space for +the performance either of vocal or instrumental music, and the +individual attention of their masters to an extent quite unknown +in the education of pupils in other branches of knowledge. +Again, the locality in which a school is placed must be easy of +access in order to accommodate the staff of teachers, for, though +I hope to have a resident staff to a greater extent than has yet +been tried in any other musical school, yet undoubtedly extraneous +teaching must form a considerable portion of our +instruction. Now, on the point of site, I am happy to say I +can give the meeting the most satisfactory assurances without +making any calls on their liberality. It is due to the foresight +of my father, the Prince Consort, that at a time when South +Kensington was comparatively remote from London, the large +estate held by the Exhibition Commissioners was purchased +with a view to furnish sites for future public buildings. In +the few years that have elapsed since that purchase a suburb +has been converted into a city. The estate lies between two +stations of the Metropolitan District Railway, and is skirted on +the north by one of the most frequented roads in the Metropolis. +Here already we have a nucleus for the college in the building +constructed by the great liberality of Mr. Freake, and I am +enabled to state, as Chairman of the Commission of 1851, that +in proportion as the public contributions enable us to construct +our buildings, in the same proportion will the Commissioners +be prepared to grant a sufficiency of site on which to erect them. +The Commissioners have also a considerable portion of the +Albert Hall under their control, and, by connecting that hall +with the new college by a tunnel or a bridge, practising rooms, +sitting-rooms, dining-rooms, and two small theatres will be immediately +at the disposal of the college. The Commissioners +will also be prepared to assist the college with an annual grant +of money. To maintain the college with 100 pupils on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399" id="Page_399">[Pg 399]</a></span> +foundation apart from the expense of buildings an income of +not less than from £10,000 to £12,000 a year will be required. +The plan will admit of any degree of development in proportion +as the munificence of the public or the Government supplies +the requisite funds. A charter for incorporating the college has +already been prepared and laid before the Privy Council. I +have myself undertaken to be President. The governing body +consist of a council, intrusted with the function of making by-laws +for the regulation of the college, and of an executive committee +charged with the details of the administration. The +names of the gentlemen who form the council and the executive +committee will be published, and will, I am satisfied, command +the confidence alike of the public and of the musical world.</p> + +<p>"I have now laid my plan before you. I commend it to your +favourable consideration. A few words I would fain add to +prevent any misunderstanding of my intentions. I have not +brought you here to ask your aid for the support only of a school +calculated to advance music by giving the best instruction +continued over a course of years. This might be done by +strengthening existing schools. I have not brought you here +for the sole purpose of asking for assistance whereby to educate +young and deserving musicians. Such an institution is but a +branch of what I desire to found. My object is above and +beyond all this. I wish to establish an institution having a +wider basis and a more extended influence than any existing +school or college of music in this country. It will teach music +of the highest class; it will have a foundation for the education, +and in some cases for the free maintenance, of scholars who +have obtained by merit the right to such privileges. But it +will do more than this. It will be to England what the Berlin +Conservatoire is to Germany, what the Paris Conservatoire is to +France, or the Vienna Conservatoire to Austria—the recognised +centre and head of the musical world. Why is it that Germany, +France, Italy have national styles of music? Why is it that +England has no music recognised as national? It has able +composers, but nothing indicative of the national life or national +feeling. The reason is not far to seek. There is no centre of +music to which English musicians may resort with confidence +and thence derive instruction, counsel, and inspiration. I hope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400" id="Page_400">[Pg 400]</a></span> +by the breadth of my plan to interest all present in its success. +You who are musicians must desire to improve your art, and +such will be the object of the Royal College. You who are +only lovers of music must wish well to a plan which provides +for all classes of Her Majesty's subjects a pleasure which you +yourselves enjoy so keenly. To those who are deaf to music, +as practical men I would say thus much—to raise the people, +you must purify their emotions and cultivate their imaginations. +To satisfy the natural craving for excitement, you must +substitute an innocent and healthy mode of acting on the +passions for the fierce thirst for drink and eager pursuit of other +unworthy objects. Music acts directly on the emotions, and it +cannot be abused, for no excess in music is injurious.</p> + +<p>"In laying this great national question before you, I have +followed the example of my father, by offering to place myself +at the head of a great social movement. I have asked you for +assistance, I await your answer with confidence. I am sure +that it will be worthy of the nation of which you are representatives. +To you, my Lords-Lieutenant, I would address +myself with an intimation that I trust you will assemble +meetings throughout your counties, for it is desirable that +contributions should be received from all parts of the country +as showing the interest taken by the people in music. My +Lord Mayor of London and other Mayors who are here,—I am +sure I may hope that you will assist me by presiding at assemblies +of your fellow-townsmen, and will urge them to contribute +to so national an institution. I may, I doubt not, look with +confidence to the representatives of the Church and of other +religious and educational denominations who have been good +enough to attend here, to remind their choirs and their flocks +that any contributions will be a grateful testimony that the +population of England are interested in improving an art which, +more than others, excites devotional feelings, and inspires with +enthusiasm public and private worship. From those who are +directly interested in music, either professionally or as amateurs, +I trust I have a right to expect the greatest measure of assistance +which they can afford; for on their behalf, and with a +view to extend the influence of the science to which they are +devoted, we are met here to-day for the purpose of establishing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401" id="Page_401">[Pg 401]</a></span> +a national central musical institution. I know the loyalty of +our Colonial brethren; they will not be behindhand in aiding the +mother country. From foreign countries I have ever received +so many tokens of regard and sympathy, that I may look with +confidence to them to give their support to an institution the +doors of which will be thrown open to all nations. One practical +observation in conclusion. I trust that those present here +to-day will each and every one of them from time to time +communicate to me the steps they are taking to procure contributions, +and will forward to the honorary secretaries the +amount of contributions they may receive. For my part, I will +take care, as soon as I am enabled to form some judgment of +the extent to which the nation will support this demand, to +communicate to the contributories and to the public the details +of the foundation and establishment of the College, of which I +have only set forth in my address the general outline."</p> + +</blockquote><p>The first resolution was proposed to the meeting by the Duke of +Edinburgh, and seconded by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The +speech of the Duke of Edinburgh was so clear and practical, +supplementing and confirming that of the Prince of Wales, who +has always generously attributed to his brother the initiation in +this great national movement, which, however, could not have +been carried out without the personal aid and influence of the +Prince. He thus concluded:—</p> + +<p>"I wish to express my own personal hope that the Royal College +will not be a mere teaching institution, but will become a centre +for groups of affiliated colleges, the members of which will, with +the Council of the Royal College, form a musical senate, to which +all questions of importance relating to music and musicians may +be referred for determination. This may perhaps be deemed +somewhat Utopian, but I do not despair of a time when the +musical colleges throughout the country will ally themselves with +the Royal College, and form a body united by a common tie and a +general system. I will go one step further, though I do not +conceal from myself that I am treading on somewhat delicate +ground, and possibly trenching on the honoured privileges of the +Universities; yet I will express my personal hope that, as London +is the chief City of the United Kingdom, so the Royal College +should be the chief musical college, invested with the power of +conferring musical degrees, and the source from which all musical +honours should legitimately flow.</p> + +<p>"In proposing the first resolution, it only remains, my lords and +gentlemen, for me to express my hope that the Prince of Wales +will be supported on the present occasion earnestly and faithfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402" id="Page_402">[Pg 402]</a></span> +A large sum of money is required for our enterprise. England is +rich, and ready at all times to forward a worthy national undertaking. +Why should I say England only, when we are assured of +the generous support of our Colonial brethren, and when we trust +that our American cousins will not be behind in furthering the +foundation of an establishment which may act as a home to their +musical students on this side of the Atlantic? The representatives +of many foreign countries are here also. We look to them in +many cases as examples in our new enterprise, and I feel sure that +their kind advice and co-operation will not be wanting when we +have occasion to seek them. I will now read the resolution +intrusted to me:—</p> + +<p>"'That this meeting approves of the proposal to establish a +Royal College of Music as a national institution, and undertakes +that meetings shall be called throughout the country, and the +utmost exertions used, individually and collectively, to forward +the movement by obtaining the necessary funds for founding and +endowing a College of Music for the British Empire.'"</p> + +<p>The speeches of the Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Earl of +Rosebery, the Lord Mayor, and of Mr. Gladstone all touched upon +points illustrating the importance of the movement, and the +national benefits to be expected from it.</p> + +<p>It is a wonder that no reference in this matter has been made +to the great German reformer and patriot, Martin Luther, who +was a strenuous advocate of State education, including music. He +placed music as next to religion in the training of the young. He +would have every schoolmaster a lover of music, and capable of +teaching it. This training of teachers is one of the most important +functions of the College, and should be steadily kept in mind.</p> + +<p>When the thanks of the meeting had been moved, by Sir Stafford +Northcote, to the Royal Chairman, and carried with acclamation,—</p><blockquote> + +<p>The Prince of Wales mentioned, in his reply, that "he had +received a touching letter from some one who had anonymously +sent £50 for the Royal College of Music—one whose earliest +recollection was the singing of the National Anthem on the +Coronation of the Queen, when as a poor lad he joined in the +procession of Sunday-school children."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Many munificent donations and subscriptions were announced, +but none more touching and interesting than this.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403" id="Page_403">[Pg 403]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr /> +<h2>THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>March 23rd, 1882.</i></p> + +<p>The meeting at St. James's Palace on the 28th of February, 1882, +was followed up by other important, though subsidiary meetings, +at the instance of the Prince of Wales, who was now fully set on +the success of his grand scheme. As, formerly, he had been ably +supported by the speeches of the Duke of Edinburgh, the lamented +Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, and Prince Christian, at influential +meetings in Manchester, so now he enlisted the Duke of +Connaught in the cause, who addressed, with great ability and +tact, a meeting of Merchants, Bankers, and leading men in the +City, at the Mansion House, on the 20th of March, the Lord Mayor +in the Chair.</p> + +<p>Not satisfied with this, the Prince of Wales invited a large +number of influential gentlemen connected with the Colonial +Empire to meet him at Marlborough House, on Thursday, the +23rd of March, 1882, to consider what steps could be taken to +secure the benefits of the Royal College of Music for all parts of +the Empire. The record of the origin of this great institution +would not be complete without giving the speech of His Royal +Highness on that occasion. The following is the address delivered +at that meeting:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"You are, doubtless, aware of the efforts at present being +made to establish a Royal College of Music—a work which, +I venture to think, is one of national importance.</p> + +<p>"It is intended to place the institution on a broad and liberal +basis; that its advantages shall not be confined to residents of +the United Kingdom, but be open to our fellow-subjects in all +parts of the Empire; and the gratuitous education of scholars, +selected by competition on the claim of merit only, will be one +of its principal features.</p> + +<p>"The scheme has been received with marked favour throughout +the United Kingdom, but I should consider it wanting in one +of its main objects if I did not succeed in enlisting the sympathy +and co-operation of our fellow-subjects residing in the +Colonial portions of the Empire.</p> + +<p>"I have on so many occasions experienced the advantages of +their ready and earnest concert in promoting schemes of public +utility in relation to material progress, that I have some confidence +they will exhibit the like friendly rivalry in furthering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404" id="Page_404">[Pg 404]</a></span> +our efforts in favour of an elevating pursuit, which in all ages +and among all communities has exercised no slight influence on +national character, and the promotion of which may constitute +a bond tending to unite us as strongly in sentiment and feeling +as we now are in loyalty and material interest.</p> + +<p>"For these reasons I was anxious to meet as many of the +leading gentlemen connected with the Colonies as might now be +temporarily in London, as well as those who permanently reside +here; and I am gratified at the readiness with which so many +of you have acceded to my invitation.</p> + +<p>"My object is partly to make it understood how much importance +I attach to the element of Colonial co-operation and +sympathy, not only as affecting the immediate success of the +work, but bearing on the higher objects of national unity, by +inspiring among our fellow-subjects in every part of the Empire +those emotions of patriotism which national music is calculated +so powerfully to evoke.</p> + +<p>"I further desired to apprise you of the steps which had been +and were being taken to carry out this purpose.</p> + +<p>"Immediately after the Meeting at St. James's Palace I +directed that full reports of the proceedings should be prepared, +with the view of transmitting them to Lord Kimberley, the +Secretary of State for the Colonies, to be forwarded by him for +the information of the Governments of the various Colonies, in +the hope that the good-will of these Governments might be +attracted in our favour, and such public encouragement afforded +as they might feel it becoming to extend.</p> + +<p>"It seemed doubtful, however, whether an official communication +of this character was calculated to accomplish the full +object we had in view, viz. to stimulate popular feeling and +sympathy among our Colonial fellow-subjects. It was thought +that such an end might be better attained by a direct appeal to +themselves and by a more general distribution of the reports of +our proceedings among the various institutions, religious bodies, +heads of municipalities, and leading persons in the Colonies.</p> + +<p>"I accordingly propose to supplement this communication by +a further letter, and to send a sufficient number of copies of our +proceedings to meet the necessary requirements, for transmission +to the Colonies.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405" id="Page_405">[Pg 405]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am not insensible to the engrossing nature of the pursuits +of Colonial life, nor to the claims which material interests have +on young communities. We must all recognise with pride and +admiration how much the enlightened enterprise and perseverance +of our Colonial fellow-subjects have already contributed +to the greatness and wealth of the Empire; and I am far from +suggesting any relaxation of these efforts.</p> + +<p>"My purpose is to provide for the leisure hours which must +come to the busiest among us—no matter where we live or what +sphere of life we occupy—an elevating source of enjoyment, +which is at the same time calculated to strengthen those emotions +that have so much influence in perpetuating a common love of +country.</p> + +<p>"I have endeavoured in my further letter to Lord Kimberley +to convey fully the object I have at heart; and, although its +terms are in some measure a repetition of what I have now +stated to you, I think it well you should be apprised of its +contents:—</p> + +<p>"'<span class="smcap">My Lord</span>,—I am anxious that no possible steps should be +omitted which may be calculated to bring the proposal to found +a Royal College of Music under the favourable notice of Her +Majesty's subjects in the Colonies.</p> + +<p>"'It appears to me that the communication which I request +you in the accompanying letter to be good enough to transmit +for the information of the Governments of the various Colonies +might advantageously be supplemented by a somewhat more +general distribution within these Colonies of the proceedings +which have taken place here in connection with the movement.</p> + +<p>"'The objects of such distribution would be to awaken public +interest among all classes of Her Majesty's subjects more +thoroughly than even proposals on the part of any of the Colonial +Governments to extend their practical aid are calculated to do.</p> + +<p>"'I have therefore directed further copies of these proceedings +to be transmitted to you, and would again request that you will +be good enough to forward these further copies, for distribution +among such religious or educational institutions, Municipal or +other Public Bodies, or private persons in the various Colonies, +as may be thought most likely to help the project.</p> + +<p>"'I trust that the efforts now being made here may meet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406" id="Page_406">[Pg 406]</a></span> +with general support on the part of the Clergy of all denominations +in the Colonies, and that they, as well as the Heads of +Colleges and Municipal Bodies, may interest themselves in their +several localities to make known the advantages offered by the +establishment of the Royal College of Music, and especially that +all these advantages (including free instruction) will be open +as unreservedly to Her Majesty's Colonial subjects as to those +residing in the United Kingdom.</p> + +<p>"'Her Majesty's Colonial subjects have indeed already shown +that the possession of musical talent exists among them in as +great a degree as in any other nation, for they may claim with +pride that they have produced one of the most accomplished +vocalists of the present age.</p> + +<p>"'I have in past years had occasion in many ways—especially +through the medium of the various International Exhibitions +over which I have presided—to notice the manifold benefits +which have resulted from the combined action of the Colonies +and the Mother Country in the development of commerce and +the advancement of industrial and other material interests, and +I cannot but think that the friendly rivalry of all portions of +the Empire will not now be wanting in the effort to cultivate a +refined and elevating pursuit which in all ages and among all +nations has exercised so important an influence on national +character, and done so much to strengthen the common love of +country.</p> + +<p>"'I have the more confidence in making this appeal, from +the readiness and public spirit which the Colonies have always +evinced to promote every object tending to strengthen the ties +that now so happily unite us.</p> + +<p>"'Your Lordship will, I am sure, be glad to learn that I have +had the advantage of communicating with a number of gentlemen +resident in several of the Colonies, who are temporarily in +England, as well as with former Colonists permanently residing +here, and they have kindly undertaken by their individual +exertions to further the present more extended movement, which +I trust will also meet with your Lordship's encouragement and +approval.</p> + +<p> +"'I have the honour, &c.,<br /> +<br /> +"'ALBERT EDWARD, P.'<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407" id="Page_407">[Pg 407]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have no doubt but that the different Colonial Governments +will exercise a judicious discretion in the use of these papers, +and that we may rely on their hearty co-operation and support +in applying them to the best advantage.</p> + +<p>"If there are any gentlemen present who may think themselves +warranted by their connections with the Colonies in +aiding to insure a friendly reception of my communication there, +it will be a source of gratification both to me and my colleagues +to view such efforts, so entirely in unison with our own, and to +welcome them as fellow-workers in the same cause.</p> + +<p>"I have thus endeavoured to place before you the object we +have in view, and the means by which we hope to accomplish +it, and I trust you will find both worthy of your support.</p> + +<p>"I do not, therefore, presume to indicate the precise course +which it might be expedient to adopt in any of the Colonies, +believing that this had better be left to the practical sagacity +and zeal of our friends there, who must be considered to have +the best knowledge of what plans are most calculated to insure +local success. I have, however, thought that a brief reference +to some of the steps which are contributing to our success here, +as well as an enumeration, in a comprehensive form, of some of +the advantages which the College offers to Colonists, might be +attended with advantage, and, at all events, serve as a groundwork +for their operations.</p> + +<p>"I have, accordingly, directed a memorandum in that sense +to be prepared, which will be forwarded, with the other papers, +to the proper quarter.</p> + +<p>"In conclusion, I cannot but again express my cordial thanks +to the many gentlemen connected with the Colonies who have +favoured me with their attendance to-day, and repeat the expression +of my hope, not unmixed with a large measure of +confidence, that your encouragement and help may not be with-held +from an undertaking which may, I trust, in the fulness of +time prove to be one more of the many fibres in the silken cord +that binds the Mother Country to her Colonial offspring.</p> + +<p>"I would finally say that we shall be most happy to receive +any practical suggestion from our Colonial friends either here +or resident in the Colonies."</p> + +</blockquote><p>Lord Kimberley said that, as Colonial Minister, he would give +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408" id="Page_408">[Pg 408]</a></span>every assistance in his power, by forwarding papers and information. +Private individuals in the Colonies might be willing to +found scholarships, and have the nomination of students; but any +response on the part of the Colonial Governments must be from +their free and spontaneous action.</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales said, at the opening of his speech, that he +deemed this work as "one of national importance." It is because +of the high "imperial" tone and spirit of the address, a spirit +which it is pleasant to witness in all the Prince's public actions, +that there is especial interest attached to this meeting at Marlborough +House in 1882.</p> + +<hr /> + +<h2>INAUGURATION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE +OF MUSIC.</h2> + +<p class="subhead"><i>May 7th, 1883.</i></p> + +<p>The ceremony of inaugurating the Royal College of Music took +place on the 7th of May, 1883, in the presence of a small but +select company. The building, hitherto used by the National +Training School of Music, has rooms amply sufficient for teaching +purposes, but not large enough for a large assembly. By permission +of Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of +1851, the use of rooms in the Albert Hall for choral and instrumental +practice was granted to the College.</p> + +<p>The Prince, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, the Duke +and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Christian, was +received by the Trustees, the Duke of Westminster, Lord Charles +Bruce, Sir Richard Wallace, M.P., Sir John Rose, Sir George +Grove, and the honorary secretary, Mr. Charles Morley. Among +the company were many distinguished persons and eminent +musicians. The Archbishop of Canterbury offered the following +special prayer: "O God, who art the only author of order and +beauty, Bless, we beseech Thee, this College to the perfecting of +science and skill in Thy pure gift of Music; and grant that the +good intent of its Founders may be so answered in the diligence +and virtue of its students, that both the restful delight of man, +and the glory of the Divine worship may be enhanced ever more +and more; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen."</p> + +<p>The collect, "Prevent us, O Lord," and the Lord's Prayer, closed +the religious service. Sir George Grove, Director, then said: "It +is now almost exactly fourteen months since your Royal Highness +held the remarkable meeting which assembled at St. James's +Palace on the 28th of February, 1882, and in which your proposition +of the Royal College of Music was launched on the country.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409" id="Page_409">[Pg 409]</a></span> +It may well be called remarkable—first, because of the place in +which it was held; secondly, because of the lucid and exhaustive +statement which your Royal Highness vouchsafed to address to it; +thirdly, because for the first time in English history music was +taken out of the domain of personal and professional questions to +which it is too often relegated, and placed upon that national +basis which its social and civilising powers entitle it to demand. +Your Royal Highness's hearers embraced many of the most distinguished +English musicians of the day, but these were not the +main constituents of the meeting. The bulk of your audience +consisted of the representatives of the counties, cities, and towns +of England, the lords lieutenant, mayors, and town clerks of the +United Kingdom, while surrounding your Royal Highness on the +platform were His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the +leader of the Government, the leader of the Opposition, the head +of the Established Church, an eminent Scotch peer, and the Lord +Mayor of London. A meeting so truly national in its aspect gave, +if I may use a not inappropriate figure, the key-note of the movement.</p> + +<p>"The hope so long entertained by your Royal Highness, and your +advisers, that the chief existing musical institution of the country +would join your movement, was unfortunately dissipated. But +the absence of the Royal Academy of Music from your Royal +Highness's project was counterbalanced by the active adherence of +the towns and cities of the country which through their municipal +officers, with hardly an exception, rallied as if by instinct round a +movement so boldly conceived and so happily inaugurated. The +key-note thus struck at St. James's Palace resounded through the +country, and met with a ready and harmonious response. Meetings +were speedily organised by the lords lieutenant and mayors +in the provinces. In the short period of fourteen months forty-four +meetings have been held—from Exeter, Plymouth, and +Hastings, in the South, to Newcastle-on-Tyne in the North; from +Swansea and Shrewsbury, on the one hand, to Lincoln and +Norwich on the other; while the great manufacturing and commercial +centres of Nottingham, Leicester, Leeds, Bradford, Liverpool, +and Blackburn, have all testified their interest in your Royal +Highness's new institution. In the City of London several +meetings were held at the Mansion House, and a remarkable +gathering of provincial mayors, under the sympathetic presidency +of Sir. J. Whittaker Ellis, the then Lord Mayor, gave your Royal +Highness an opportunity of again enforcing your views upon your +audience. By these meetings, and by the personal exertions of +your Royal Highness and your illustrious brothers, a sum of +money, amounting to over £110,000, has been raised, of which +nearly £5000 was due to the gracious action of Her Royal Highness +the Princess of Wales."</p> + +<p>Sir George Grove announced "the foundation already of many +scholarships for tuition, fifteen of which include maintenance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410" id="Page_410">[Pg 410]</a></span> +Four of the scholarships were founded by private liberality, and +two by Australian benefactors." He then announced "the names of +the professors selected by the Prince of Wales for the teaching of +the College, who were such as to give assurance as in the quality +and range of the instruction. The piano is in the hands of Mr. +Pauer, Madame Arabella Goddard, Mr. Franklin Taylor, and Mr. +John Francis Barnett. To forward our interests, Madame Lind-Goldschmidt +has emerged from her retirement, and singing will be +taught by her, Mr. Deacon, and Signor Visetti. The violin is in +the charge of Mr. Henry Holmes and Mr. Gompertz; the organ of +Mr. Walter Parratt. Counterpoint and composition are taught by +Dr. Bridge, Mr. Villiers Stanford, and Dr. Hubert Parry; while +among the professors of other instruments are the honoured names +of Harper, Lazarus, Thomas, and other ornaments of the English +school. Declamation will be specially cared for, and for this the +names of Mrs. Kendal and Mrs. Arthur Stirling are sufficient +guarantee.</p> + +<p>"The competition," continued Sir George Grove, "which has taken +place throughout the country for the fifty scholarships is in itself +an ample proof, if proof were needed, of the justness of your Royal +Highness's idea. Following the method adopted in launching the +institution, your Royal Highness appealed to the mayors, corporations, +and Local Boards throughout the country, and in the Metropolitan +districts to the Vestries, to make known the fact of the +competition, and to organise the preliminary examinations, selecting +the examiners from the must eminent local musicians. The +result was as successful as might have been anticipated. The +municipal buildings were put at the disposal of the College, and +the best musicians were prompt to give their services as honorary +local examiners to a task which in many cases involved great +labour and severe sacrifice. Throughout the United Kingdom and +Ireland 1588 candidates sent in their names as competitors. Of +these 480 were sent up to the final examination, which was conducted +personally in this building by the various professors in +sections; and, lastly, before the entire Board of Professors and +myself as Director. The result was the unanimous election of +seventeen scholars for the pianoforte, thirteen for singing, eight +for the violin, six for composition, two for the violoncello, one for +the organ, one for the clarionet, one for the flute, and one for the +harp. In addition to the fifty scholars, forty-two persons have +entered their names as paying students in the College. Time will +not allow me more than an allusion to various acts of private +generosity by which the College has benefited. Prominent among +them is the gift of the library of the late Sacred Harmonic Society, +through Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, and various other gifts of pianos, +furniture, &c., by Sir Charles Freake, Messrs. Broadwood, Messrs. +Erard, Messrs. Chappell, Messrs. Holland, Feetham, and others. +The professors, scholars, and students are awaiting your Royal +Highness's notice at the close of these proceedings, and I trust<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411" id="Page_411">[Pg 411]</a></span> +your Royal Highness will believe that we are all alike animated +by a sincere and enthusiastic desire to carry out to the full those +wise and gracious designs which have brought us to this first step +in our career. That your Royal Highness may long live to preside +over us and guide us in the right path is, Sir, our humble and +earnest hope and prayer."</p> + +<p>The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:—</p><blockquote> + +<p>"I have heard your address with pleasure, and I feel great +gratification in opening to-day the Royal College of Music, in the +promotion of which I have taken so deep an interest. I avail +myself of this, the first public opportunity that has offered +itself, of expressing the deep personal gratification I feel at the +manner in which the country has replied to my appeal for aid +in establishing the College. There is no class of Her Majesty's +subjects capable of affording assistance to which I have addressed +myself in vain. The Corporation of London and the London +companies have led the way in giving pecuniary assistance; and +I owe a debt of gratitude to the Mayors throughout the kingdom +for the valuable aid they have afforded by granting facilities for +holding local examinations essential to the proper selection of +scholars. I thank these great bodies for their services, and I +trust that I may yet expect from them further help in completing +the task so auspiciously begun. I thank the donors of +scholarships for their liberality. I thank the general public for +the sums they have subscribed at a time when agriculture has +been depressed and the prospects of trade have not been +encouraging; and, above all, I thank the many kind friends +who have responded so cordially and liberally to my appeal for +assistance. I have noticed also with the greatest pleasure the +contributions for Colonial scholarships that have been given by +two eminent colonists, the one on behalf of the colony of Victoria, +and the other on behalf of the colony of South Australia. The +object I have in view is essentially Imperial as well as national, +and I trust that ere long there will be no colony of any importance +which is not represented by a scholar at the Royal College.</p> + +<p>"Much, indeed, has been done, but I am aware that much +remains to be done. I am conscious that I may be thought to +have taken a bold step in beginning so great an enterprise with +only the resources at present at my command. But I am unwilling +that any delay should take place in giving effect to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412" id="Page_412">[Pg 412]</a></span> +generous intentions of those who have already contributed so +liberally. I am sanguine enough to think that the example set +during the last year by corporate bodies, representatives of the +colonies, private donors, and the general public will be followed +in ensuing years. Ours is an institution which admits of almost +indefinite extension, for, wherever a scholarship is founded, we +know now that we shall find a deserving candidate to hold it.</p> + +<p>"Let me now pass to an account of what has been actually +accomplished. Fifty scholarships have been established, of +which thirty-five confer a free education in music, and fifteen +provide not only a free education, but also maintenance for the +scholars. Of these scholarships half are held by boys and half +by girls. I observe with pleasure that the various districts +from which the scholars are drawn indicate the widespread distribution +of a taste for music, and an adequate cultivation of +music throughout the United Kingdom. London, with its vast +population, sends only twelve out of the fifty. The remaining +thirty-eight come as follows:—twenty-eight from fourteen +different counties in England, two from Scotland, six from +Ireland, one from Wales, and one from Jersey. The occupations +of the scholars are as various as the places from which they +come. I find that a mill-girl, the daughter of a brickmaker, and +the son of a blacksmith take high places in singing, and the +son of a labourer in violin playing.</p> + +<p>"The capacity of these candidates has been tested by an +examination of unusual severity. Each of these scholars who +returns to his native place furnished with the highest instruction +in music will form a centre from which good musical education +will spread around; while those who obtain musical engagements +elsewhere will stimulate and encourage by their success +the cultivation of music in the places whence they have come. +Surely, then, it is not too much to expect that many years will not +pass away before our College has so popularised music as to place +England on a par with those countries on the Continent which +have acquired the distinction of being called musical people.</p> + +<p>"I feel, then, that one great object of a College of Music has +been secured—namely, the discovery of latent musical ability and +the extension to those who, with great natural gifts, have been +blessed with little of this world's goods, of the opportunity of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413" id="Page_413">[Pg 413]</a></span> +obtaining instruction in music, to say the least, not inferior to +any which this kingdom can afford. That these words are not +the language of exaggeration will be apparent to those who read +the names of the eminent staff who have placed their services +at the disposal of the College. Side by side with these scholars +will be educated a group of paying pupils, who think that music +is an art which, if worth studying at all, is worth studying well. +They are, then, prepared to enter on a systematic course of instruction, +of less severity and continuance than that of the +scholars, but still far removed from the musical dilettantism of +those who, induced by fashion, not by taste, to study music, make +progress enough to torment themselves and distract their friends.</p> + +<p>"I lay great store by the meeting of the various classes of +society in pursuit of a common yet elevating study. Such a +union softens asperities, inspires kindly feeling between various +classes, and proves that all mankind are akin when engaged in +an art which gives the highest expression to some of the best +and purest feelings of the human heart.</p> + +<p>"The observations I have hitherto made relate only to the +Royal College of Music in its character of a teaching body. It +is not proposed, however, that the functions of the College should +be restricted to teaching. The charter under which we are +incorporated provides that the council are to cause examinations +to be held of pupils of the College, and of other persons who may +present themselves for examination, and after examination to +confer on those who deserve such distinctions the degrees of +Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Music, +certificates of proficiency, and other rewards. I propose that +this power should be exercised by an independent board of +examiners chosen by the Royal College in conjunction with the +Universities, and after consultation with the great musical +authorities of the United Kingdom. I trust thus to secure an +examining body whose impartiality will be above suspicion and +capacity beyond all question. I hope thus, through the instrumentality +of the Royal College, to raise the standard of music +throughout the United Kingdom and to create a central influence +which may be beneficially exercised over all music-teaching +bodies who recognise the advantage of a common system of +examination.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_414" id="Page_414">[Pg 414]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Beyond and above all this I trust, as I stated on a previous +occasion, that the College will become the recognised centre and +head of the musical world in this country. It has been a +reproach to England that, with her vast resources, her large +benevolence, her eagerness to instruct all classes of society in +other branches of knowledge, one thing has hitherto been +wanting—a national institution for music. Yet music is in +the best sense the most popular of all arts. If that government +be the best which provides for the happiness of the greatest +number, that art must be the best which at the least expense +pleases the greatest number. I trust that to-day we have +removed the reproach. England, by a national subscription, has +acquired an institution worthy to be called national, and with +the establishment of such an institution we may look forward +with confidence to the creation of a national school of music. +England has the composers already; all she wants is a general +centre, such as a Royal College of Music, to which they may +resort for mutual aid and common inspiration.</p> + +<p>"Such are the aims, not mean nor ignoble aims, proposed for +the College which we open to-day. It remains for you, gentlemen +of the council, to be careful that the aims are fully realised. A +young institution requires fostering care and constant supervision. +You must not relax your efforts, no pains must be +spared to gain fresh support and obtain the establishment of +new scholarships. We want much; we are, I trust, entitled to +ask for much of the public. In addition to scholarships we +want more extended premises, a music-hall, lodgings for our +scholars, houses for masters, and all the appurtenances of a +great College. I am sure I may trust to the generosity of the +public to supply these wants; but you, gentlemen, must by your +careful supervision make our institution worthy of support, and +no efforts of mine shall be wanting to secure the objects we +have in view.</p> + +<p>"I will say only one word in conclusion. The establishment +of an institution such as I open to-day is not the mere creation +of a new musical society. The time has come when class can no +longer stand aloof from class, and that man does his duty best +who works most earnestly in bridging over the gulf between +different classes which it is the tendency of increased wealth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_415" id="Page_415">[Pg 415]</a></span> +and increased civilisation to widen. I claim for music the +merit that it has a voice which speaks, in different tones, +perhaps, but with equal force, to the cultivated and the ignorant, +to the peer and the peasant. I claim for music a variety of +expression which belongs to no other art, and therefore adapts +it more than any other art to produce that union of feeling +which I much desire to promote. Lastly, I claim for music the +distinction which is awarded to it by Addison—that it is the +only sensuous pleasure in which excess cannot be injurious. +What, more, gentlemen, can I say on behalf of the art for the +promotion of which we are to-day opening this institution—an +institution which I trust will give to music a new impulse, a +glorious future, and a national life? Before I quit this room a +further duty devolves on me—a most gratifying one, I admit. +I am called upon to announce a most gracious act by which the +Queen has been pleased to mark her interest in the opening of +the Royal College. Her Majesty authorises me to say that she +proposes to confer the honour of knighthood on Professor +Macfarren and Dr. Sullivan. If anything could add to my +satisfaction in making this statement it is this, that these +honours are bestowed by the advice of the Prime Minister, who +has taken so kind an interest in the promotion of the Royal +College, and who could have devised no better mode of celebrating +its opening than by recommending that honour should +be done on this occasion to music by conferring knighthood on +men so celebrated in their art as Professor Macfarren and +Dr. Sullivan, and that honour should be done to our college by +awarding a like distinction to its director, Dr. Grove, who, +eminent in general literature, has specially devoted himself to +the preparation and publication of a dictionary of music, and has +earned our gratitude by the skill and success with which he has +worked in the difficult task of organising the Royal College. +I have only to add that the Prime Minister (Mr. Gladstone) +by his presence to-day proves that neither the cares of State, +nor the overwhelming press of business by which he is surrounded, +prevents him from giving personal countenance to a +national undertaking which, if I am right in what I have said, +is calculated to advance the happiness and elevate the character +of the English people."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_416" id="Page_416">[Pg 416]</a></span></p> + +</blockquote><p>The Royal College of Music, incorporated by Royal Charter in +1883, is now one of the established institutions of the Empire. +There lies before us the Report of the Fifth Annual Meeting of +the Corporation, with Report of the Council and other official +documents and statements. This meeting was held at the Concert +Hall of the Alexandra House, adjoining the College, on Tuesday, +July 24th, 1888, Prince Christian, K.G., one of the Vice-Presidents, +in the chair. There was a very large attendance of the Council, +members of the Corporation, teachers and pupils of the College. +The Report of the Council was of the most satisfactory nature. +The progress of the pupils has been very encouraging, and the +discipline and efficiency of the College thoroughly well maintained. +The number of foundation scholars at the end of April, 1888, was +fifty-nine. Its number of paying students on the books at the +same date, was 170, an increase of 24, during the preceding twelve +months. These students were in various years of their training. +The total number of pupils was 229.</p> + +<p>The Examiners, Mr. W. G. Cusins, Sir Charles Hallé, Mr. C. H. +Lloyd, Mr. A. Randegger, Mr. Carl Rosa, and Mr. Prosper Sainton, +gave a most favourable report of steady progress, especially by the +students of stringed instruments, piano, and organ. As an educational +institution, the Royal College has already proved itself able +to exert a powerful influence on the condition of musical art in +this country.</p> + +<p>The results of examinations and competitions were then given +in detail, and various incidents of the year were recorded, including +visits of Dr. Joachim and Dr. Hans Richter, who delighted the +pupils by their presence and their performing. Various changes +in the teaching staff were announced. The finances of the College +are in good state, the available balance at the close of the year +being nearly £2484, a clear increase during the past year of nearly +£470. Various donations and benefactions were reported, but +the great event of the meeting—which H.R.H. Prince Christian +announced with a cheerful emphasis, in keeping with the warm +interest he has always taken in the College—this was the generous +gift of £30,000 by Mr. Samson Fox, for a building worthy of the +institution; met by Her Majesty's Commissioners of 1851 by the +grant of a site on their estate at South Kensington.</p> + +<p>We must not give more space to this subject of the Royal College +of Music. Those who wish further information must apply to the +Secretary or Director of the College. In connection with the +present volume it only remains to congratulate His Royal Highness +the Prince of Wales on the successful accomplishment of a +work, which is an honour to the reign of Queen Victoria, and will +be of perennial benefit to the British Empire.</p> + + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_417" id="Page_417">[Pg 417]</a></span></p> +<h2>GENERAL INDEX.</h2> + +<hr style="width:25%;margin-top:1em;" /> +<p> +A.<br /> +<br /> +Aberdeen, Earl of, <a href="#Page_338">338</a><br /> +<br /> +Abolition of Slavery, Jubilee of the, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Adult Orphan Institution, <a href="#Page_201">201</a><br /> +<br /> +Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Royal, <a href="#Page_175">175</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Society of England, Royal, <a href="#Page_298">298</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Society of Norfolk, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Show at Dublin, <a href="#Page_122">122</a><br /> +<br /> +Albany, The Duke of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_272">272</a><br /> +<br /> +Albert Hall, Opening of the Royal, <a href="#Page_107">107</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Medal, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Statue at Cambridge, Unveiling, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Statue, Unveiling the Holborn, <a href="#Page_145">145</a><br /> +<br /> +Alexandra Dock at Lynn, Inauguration of, <a href="#Page_73">73</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Home, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +America, Visit to, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a><br /> +<br /> +Ancient Britons, Society of, Annual Dinner, 1867, <a href="#Page_44">44</a><br /> +<br /> +Anglo-Danish Exhibition, <a href="#Page_347">347</a><br /> +<br /> +Anti-Slavery Society, Meeting in Guildhall, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Argyll, The Duke of, <a href="#Page_244">244</a><br /> +<br /> +Arrow, Sir Frederick, <a href="#Page_377">377</a>, <a href="#Page_381">381</a><br /> +<br /> +Arthur, Prince, <a href="#Page_122">122</a><br /> +<br /> +Artists' Benevolent Institution, <a href="#Page_111">111</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Orphan Fund, <a href="#Page_111">111</a><br /> +<br /> +Art Treasures, Manchester, 1857, <a href="#Page_4">4</a><br /> +<br /> +Ashantee Expedition, The return of the, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br /> +<br /> +Australasian Colonies, <a href="#Page_212">212</a><br /> +<br /> +Austria, The Emperor of, <a href="#Page_165">165</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +B.<br /> +<br /> +Baker, Sir Samuel, <a href="#Page_69">69</a><br /> +<br /> +Battle of Dorking, <a href="#Page_121">121</a><br /> +<br /> +Beaumont Trustees, <a href="#Page_296">296</a><br /> +<br /> +"Belgians," The "King of the," <a href="#Page_377">377</a><br /> +<br /> +Benson, Mr. (now Archbishop), <a href="#Page_29">29</a><br /> +<br /> +Beresford, Lord Charles, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a><br /> +<br /> +Boust, Count, <a href="#Page_165">165</a><br /> +<br /> +Birkbeck Institution, opening of the new building, <a href="#Page_272">272</a><br /> +<br /> +Birkbeck, Sir Edward, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a><br /> +<br /> +Birkenhead, <a href="#Page_286">286</a><br /> +<br /> +Birmingham, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Visit to, in 1874, <a href="#Page_156">156</a><br /> +<br /> +Bingley Hall, Exhibition at, <a href="#Page_156">156</a><br /> +<br /> +Blackburn, New Technical and Trades' School, <a href="#Page_345">345</a><br /> +<br /> +Bolton Town Hall, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Bombay Durbar, The, <a href="#Page_184">184</a><br /> +<br /> +Bramwell, Sir F., <a href="#Page_291">291</a><br /> +<br /> +Bright, Mr., <a href="#Page_381">381</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Britannia</i>, The training ship, <a href="#Page_195">195</a><br /> +<br /> +British and Foreign Bible Society, The Laying of the Foundation Stone, <a href="#Page_33">33</a><br /> +<br /> +British Orphan Anniversary Festival, <a href="#Page_15">15</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_418" id="Page_418">[Pg 418]</a></span><br /> +British Orphan Asylum Festival, The, <a href="#Page_146">146</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— ——, speech, <a href="#Page_14">14</a><br /> +<br /> +Bruce, General, <a href="#Page_5">5</a><br /> +<br /> +Buccleuch, The Duke of, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br /> +<br /> +Buckingham, Duke of, <a href="#Page_247">247</a><br /> +<br /> +Buckland, Frank, <a href="#Page_233">233</a><br /> +<br /> +Buckstone. Mr., <a href="#Page_92">92</a><br /> +<br /> +Buxton, M.P., Mr. E. N., <a href="#Page_189">189</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +C.<br /> +<br /> +Cabdrivers', Benevolent Association, <a href="#Page_198">198</a><br /> +<br /> +Caledonian Asylum, The Royal, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br /> +<br /> +Cambridge Asylum, The Royal, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br /> +<br /> +Cambridge, The Duke of, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_374">374</a><br /> +<br /> +Cambridge University, Election of Prince Albert to the Chancellorship of, <a href="#Page_190">190</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_192">192</a><br /> +<br /> +Campbell, Sir Archibald, <a href="#Page_332">332</a><br /> +<br /> +Canadian tour, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br /> +<br /> +Canning, Lord, <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> +<br /> +Carnarvon, Earl of, <a href="#Page_170">170</a><br /> +<br /> +Caxton, William, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> +<br /> +Chamberlain, Mr. Joseph, <a href="#Page_157">157</a><br /> +<br /> +Charterhouse School, <a href="#Page_163">163</a><br /> +<br /> +Chelsea Hospital for Women, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Christian, Prince, <a href="#Page_416">416</a><br /> +<br /> +City and Guilds of London Institute, <a href="#Page_215">215</a><br /> +<br /> +City of London College in Moorfields, <a href="#Page_239">239</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— School, The New, <a href="#Page_237">237</a><br /> +<br /> +Civil Engineers, Institution of, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a><br /> +<br /> +Clerkenwell explosion sufferers, <a href="#Page_65">65</a><br /> +<br /> +Clowes & Sons, Messrs. Wm., <a href="#Page_310">310</a><br /> +<br /> +Coble Dene Dock at Newcastle, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +"Coke of Norfolk," <a href="#Page_134">134</a><br /> +<br /> +Colet, Dean, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> +<br /> +"College of God's Gift," "The," <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br /> +<br /> +Colonial and Indian Exhibition, Meeting of the Royal Commission, <a href="#Page_303">303</a><br /> +<br /> +Colonial Institute Banquet, <a href="#Page_211">211</a><br /> +<br /> +Colonial Office, At the, <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br /> +<br /> +Colquhoun, Sir Patrick, <a href="#Page_114">114</a><br /> +<br /> +Companions of the Prince on his Indian Tour, <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> +<br /> +Connaught, Duke of, <a href="#Page_124">124</a><br /> +<br /> +Convalescent Home at Swanley, <a href="#Page_276">276</a><br /> +<br /> +Cork, The Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_270">270</a><br /> +<br /> +Cornwall Regiment, The, <a href="#Page_269">269</a><br /> +<br /> +Costa, Sir Michael, <a href="#Page_41">41</a><br /> +<br /> +Cottage Homes at Weybridge, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Crimea, British Graves in the, <a href="#Page_225">225</a><br /> +<br /> +Cunliffe-Owen, Sir Philip, <a href="#Page_303">303</a><br /> +<br /> +Currie, Sir E. H., <a href="#Page_206">206</a><br /> +<br /> +Cust, Sir Edward, <a href="#Page_162">162</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +D.<br /> +<br /> +'Dark December' of 1861, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> +<br /> +Darwin Memorial, The, <a href="#Page_271">271</a><br /> +<br /> +Deaconesses' Institution, The, <a href="#Page_324">324</a><br /> +<br /> +Deaf and Dumb, Church for, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Denmark, King of, <a href="#Page_348">348</a><br /> +<br /> +Derby, Earl of, <a href="#Page_258">258</a><br /> +<br /> +Derby Grammar School, <a href="#Page_140">140</a><br /> +<br /> +Derby, Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_140">140</a><br /> +<br /> +Dibdin, Mr. C., <a href="#Page_244">244</a><br /> +<br /> +Dickens, Charles, <a href="#Page_361">361</a><br /> +<br /> +Diseases of the Chest, Hospital for, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Disraeli, Mr., <a href="#Page_382">382</a><br /> +<br /> +Dorchester Cattle Show, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Dramatic College, Royal, <a href="#Page_26">26</a><br /> +<br /> +Dublin, Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> +<br /> +—— in 1868, The Prince of Wales in, <a href="#Page_55">55</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Chamber of Commerce, <a href="#Page_262">262</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Demonstrations at, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Agricultural Show, <a href="#Page_122">122</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Speeches of the Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_22">22</a><br /> +<br /> +Dulwich College, <a href="#Page_96">96</a><br /> +<br /> +Dwelling-Houses for Working People, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +E.<br /> +<br /> +Earlswood Asylum, <a href="#Page_71">71</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— Festival, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br /> +<br /> +East End of London, At the, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Eastlake, Sir Charles, <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_419" id="Page_419">[Pg 419]</a></span><br /> +Edinburgh, Master of Trinity House, <a href="#Page_377">377</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Speech of the Duke of, on College of Music, <a href="#Page_401">401</a><br /> +<br /> +Educational Exhibition, International, <a href="#Page_87">87</a><br /> +<br /> +Education, The Prince of Wales on, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a><br /> +<br /> +Egypt and Palestine, <a href="#Page_67">67</a><br /> +<br /> +Elizabeth (Queen) and Sir Christopher Hatton, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +F.<br /> +<br /> +Fairfax, Captain, <a href="#Page_196">196</a><br /> +<br /> +Furningham, Cottage Homes at, <a href="#Page_118">118</a><br /> +<br /> +Fenians, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a><br /> +<br /> +Fever Hospital, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +'First Ironclad' on the Academy walls, <a href="#Page_366">366</a><br /> +<br /> +First public speech, <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br /> +<br /> +Fisheries Exhibition, The International, <a href="#Page_228">228</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, The opening of the, <a href="#Page_230">230</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, The closing of the, <a href="#Page_231">231</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, The surplus fund, <a href="#Page_233">233</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, Financial results, <a href="#Page_235">235</a><br /> +<br /> +Fishmongers' Company's dinner, <a href="#Page_27">27</a><br /> +<br /> +Fitzwilliam Museum, <a href="#Page_191">191</a><br /> +<br /> +Foreign tour, 1868-9, <a href="#Page_67">67</a><br /> +<br /> +Foreigners in Distress, Society of Friends of, <a href="#Page_59">59</a><br /> +<br /> +Forster, Mr. W. E., <a href="#Page_253">253</a><br /> +<br /> +Freake, Sir C., <a href="#Page_393">393</a><br /> +<br /> +"Frederick the Noble," <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_352">352</a><br /> +<br /> +Freedom of the City of London, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> +<br /> +Freemasonry, Duties of, <a href="#Page_171">171</a><br /> +<br /> +Freemasons and the Queen's Jubilee, The, <a href="#Page_325">325</a><br /> +<br /> +French Ambassador, <a href="#Page_248">248</a><br /> +<br /> +Frere, Sir Bartle, <a href="#Page_261">261</a><br /> +<br /> +Frere's Statue, Sir Bartle, <a href="#Page_337">337</a><br /> +<br /> +Friend of the Clergy Corporation, Sixteenth annual festival, <a href="#Page_36">36</a><br /> +<br /> +Fusiliers, Royal Welsh, Presenting new colours, <a href="#Page_205">205</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +G.<br /> +<br /> +Geographical Society, The Royal, <a href="#Page_69">69</a><br /> +<br /> +German Hospital, The, <a href="#Page_165">165</a><br /> +<br /> +Gladstone, Mr., <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_381">381</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Mr. Herbert, <a href="#Page_339">339</a><br /> +<br /> +Glasgow Exhibition, Inauguration of, <a href="#Page_332">332</a><br /> +<br /> +—— University, Laying foundation-stone of, <a href="#Page_66">66</a><br /> +<br /> +Gordon Boys' Home, <a href="#Page_282">282</a><br /> +<br /> +——, General, <a href="#Page_285">285</a><br /> +<br /> +Grammar School at Yarmouth, New, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br /> +<br /> +Grand Master, The Prince of Wales installed as, <a href="#Page_169">169</a><br /> +<br /> +Grant, Sir Francis, <a href="#Page_355">355</a>, <a href="#Page_362">362</a><br /> +<br /> +——, General, <a href="#Page_386">386</a><br /> +<br /> +Granville, Earl, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a><br /> +<br /> +Graves of soldiers in the Crimea, <a href="#Page_225">225</a><br /> +<br /> +Great Northern Hospital, Opening of new buildings, <a href="#Page_349">349</a><br /> +<br /> +Gresham, Sir Thomas, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> +<br /> +Grimsby, New docks, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Grove, Sir George, <a href="#Page_394">394</a>, <a href="#Page_408">408</a><br /> +<br /> +Guards' Industrial Home, <a href="#Page_243">243</a><br /> +<br /> +Guildhall and Law Courts, Plymouth, The new, <a href="#Page_154">154</a><br /> +<br /> +Guilds of London Institute, Opening of the, <a href="#Page_248">248</a><br /> +<br /> +Gymnasium in Long Acre, New, <a href="#Page_338">338</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +H.<br /> +<br /> +Hartland Point, New Lighthouse, <a name="corr_419"></a><ins class="mycorr" title="Original: page number missing."><a href="#Page_384">384</a></ins><br /> +<br /> +Health Exhibition, The, <a href="#Page_246">246</a><br /> +<br /> +Higginson, General, <a href="#Page_243">243</a><br /> +<br /> +Highland honours, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br /> +<br /> +Holland, Sir Henry, <a href="#Page_293">293</a><br /> +<br /> +Holloway Sanitorium, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Holyhead, New Harbour at, <a href="#Page_203">203</a><br /> +<br /> +Homeless and Destitute Children, National Refuges for, <a href="#Page_327">327</a><br /> +<br /> +Homes for Little Boys, <a href="#Page_118">118</a><br /> +<br /> +House of Lords, Speech of the Prince of Wales, in the, on the Housing of the Poor, <a href="#Page_241">241</a><br /> +<br /> +Housing of the Poor, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_420" id="Page_420">[Pg 420]</a></span><br /> +Hull, The Albert Dock, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Hunstanton Convalescent Hospital, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Huntly, Marquis of, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br /> +<br /> +Huxley, Professor, <a href="#Page_271">271</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +I.<br /> +<br /> +Idiots, Earlswood Asylum for, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br /> +<br /> +Illness of December, 1871, The, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> +<br /> +Imperial Institute, <a href="#Page_310">310</a><br /> +<br /> +Imperial Policy, The Prince of Wales on, <a href="#Page_311">311</a><br /> +<br /> +Indian Embassy, The, <a href="#Page_180">180</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Tour, Places and Courts visited by the Prince of Wales, <a href="#Page_182">182</a><br /> +<br /> +Infant Orphan Asylum, Wanstead, <a href="#Page_193">193</a><br /> +<br /> +Installation as Grand Master of English Freemasons, <a href="#Page_169">169</a><br /> +<br /> +Institution for Girls, Royal Masonic, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a><br /> +<br /> +—— of Civil Engineers, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a><br /> +<br /> +International Education Society, <a href="#Page_47">47</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Exhibition of 1871, <a href="#Page_110">110</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Reformatory Exhibition, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> +<br /> +Inventions Exhibition, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a><br /> +<br /> +Ireland, Visit to, in 1885, <a href="#Page_261">261</a><br /> +<br /> +Irish International Exhibition of 1865, <a href="#Page_21">21</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Militia, <a href="#Page_126">126</a><br /> +<br /> +Ismail Pasha, Reception at the Mansion House, <a href="#Page_49">49</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +J.<br /> +<br /> +Jenner, Sir W., <a href="#Page_218">218</a><br /> +<br /> +Jersey, Lord, <a href="#Page_327">327</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +K.<br /> +<br /> +Kimberley, Earl of, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_214">214</a><br /> +<br /> +King George III., <a href="#Page_298">298</a><br /> +<br /> +King's College, <a href="#Page_209">209</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— Hospital, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Kintore, Lord, <a href="#Page_295">295</a><br /> +<br /> +Knight of St. Patrick, Prince of Wales made, <a href="#Page_55">55</a><br /> +<br /> +Knollys, General Sir W., <a href="#Page_177">177</a>, <a href="#Page_188">188</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Sir Francis, K.C.M.G., <a href="#Page_158">158</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +L.<br /> +<br /> +Lambeth, and Doulton Works, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br /> +<br /> +Landseer, Sir Edwin, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_357">357</a>, <a href="#Page_363">363</a><br /> +<br /> +Lawson, Sir Wilfrid, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Leeds Art Exhibition, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Leighton, Sir Frederick, <a href="#Page_366">366</a>, <a href="#Page_368">368</a><br /> +<br /> +Leopold, Prince, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>, <a href="#Page_386">386</a><br /> +<br /> +Lesseps, M. de, <a href="#Page_104">104</a><br /> +<br /> +Letter of the Queen, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> +<br /> +Licensed Victuallers' Asylum, <a href="#Page_185">185</a><br /> +<br /> +Lifeboat Institution, R. National, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a><br /> +<br /> +Lindsay, Colonel Loyd, <a href="#Page_121">121</a><br /> +<br /> +Liverpool, <a href="#Page_288">288</a><br /> +<br /> +Livingstone and Gordon, <a href="#Page_259">259</a>, <a href="#Page_260">260</a><br /> +<br /> +London Hospital New Buildings, <a href="#Page_321">321</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Institute, City and Guilds of, Laying the Foundation Stone, <a href="#Page_215">215</a><br /> +<br /> +—— International College, <a href="#Page_47">47</a><br /> +<br /> +Lorne, Marquis of, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_314">314</a><br /> +<br /> +Lowell, the Hon. J. Russell, <a href="#Page_222">222</a><br /> +<br /> +Luther, Martin, <a href="#Page_402">402</a><br /> +<br /> +Lynn, The Grammar School at, <a href="#Page_71">71</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +M.<br /> +<br /> +Macaulay, Zachary, and Lord, <a href="#Page_257">257</a><br /> +<br /> +Macfarren, Professor, <a href="#Page_395">395</a><br /> +<br /> +MacGregor, Mr. John, <a href="#Page_327">327</a><br /> +<br /> +Machpelah, Cave of, <a href="#Page_67">67</a><br /> +<br /> +Magdala, Lord Napier, <a href="#Page_283">283</a><br /> +<br /> +Manchester Exhibition of 1887, Opening of the, <a href="#Page_319">319</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Royal Agricultural Society at, <a href="#Page_74">74</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Visit to, <a href="#Page_74">74</a><br /> +<br /> +Manning, Cardinal, <a href="#Page_259">259</a><br /> +<br /> +Mark Masons, Installation of Grand Master of, <a href="#Page_294">294</a><br /> +<br /> +Martin, Sir Theodore, <a href="#Page_9">9</a><br /> +<br /> +Masonic Institution in Ireland, Prince of Wales as Grand Patron, <a href="#Page_127">127</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Gathering, Great, <a href="#Page_325">325</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Institution for Boys, Royal, <a href="#Page_85">85</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_421" id="Page_421">[Pg 421]</a></span><br /> +Masonic Institution for Girls, <a href="#Page_340">340</a><br /> +<br /> +Maxwell, Sir J. Heron, <a href="#Page_177">177</a><br /> +<br /> +Mayors, Meeting of <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_311">311</a><br /> +<br /> +McArthur, M.P., Sir William, <a href="#Page_211">211</a><br /> +<br /> +Mechi, Mr., <a href="#Page_180">180</a><br /> +<br /> +Medical Benevolent College, The Royal, <a href="#Page_150">150</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Congress, The International, <a href="#Page_218">218</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Register, The English, <a href="#Page_218">218</a><br /> +<br /> +M. de Lesseps, Presentation of the Albert Gold Medal to, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br /> +<br /> +Mercers' Company, Freedom of the, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> +<br /> +Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum, Opening of New Dining Hall, <a href="#Page_39">39</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Taylors' School, at, <a href="#Page_163">163</a><br /> +<br /> +Mersey Tunnel, Opening of the, <a href="#Page_286">286</a><br /> +<br /> +Middle and the Inner Temple, at the Opening of the New Library, <a href="#Page_152">152</a><br /> +<br /> +Milne, Sir A., <a href="#Page_121">121</a><br /> +<br /> +Morley, Samuel, <a href="#Page_324">324</a><br /> +<br /> +Morrison, Lady, <a href="#Page_40">40</a><br /> +<br /> +Motley, Mr., U.S. Minister, <a href="#Page_80">80</a><br /> +<br /> +Münster, Count, <a href="#Page_166">166</a><br /> +<br /> +Murchison, Sir Roderick, <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> +<br /> +Museum of Science and Art of Dublin, <a href="#Page_265">265</a><br /> +<br /> +Music, free Education in, <a href="#Page_396">396</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Free Scholarships, <a href="#Page_393">393</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Inauguration of the Royal College of, <a href="#Page_408">408</a><br /> +<br /> +——, National Training School for, <a href="#Page_391">391</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Royal Academy of, <a href="#Page_392">392</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Scheme for the College of, <a href="#Page_396">396</a><br /> +<br /> +——, The Colonies and College of, <a href="#Page_403">403</a><br /> +<br /> +——, The Power of, <a href="#Page_414">414</a><br /> +<br /> +——, The Royal College of, <a href="#Page_389">389</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +N.<br /> +<br /> +Napier of Magdala, Lord, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a><br /> +<br /> +National Training School for Music, <a href="#Page_391">391</a><br /> +<br /> +Newcastle, Duke of, <a href="#Page_7">7</a><br /> +<br /> +Nightingale, Florence, <a href="#Page_324">324</a><br /> +<br /> +Nile Expedition, <a href="#Page_332">332</a><br /> +<br /> +Norfolk Agricultural Society, <a href="#Page_132">132</a><br /> +<br /> +Norfolk Artillery Militia, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br /> +<br /> +North Breakwater at Holyhead, <a href="#Page_203">203</a><br /> +<br /> +Northbrook Club, The, <a href="#Page_238">238</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Lord, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a><br /> +<br /> +Northcote, Sir Stafford, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Norwich Musical Festival, <a href="#Page_41">41</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Opening of Drill Hall, <a href="#Page_42">42</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Royal Visit to, <a href="#Page_41">41</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +O.<br /> +<br /> +O'Connell, Daniel, <a href="#Page_128">128</a><br /> +<br /> +O'Connor, Colonel, <a href="#Page_206">206</a><br /> +<br /> +Old 46th Regiment, New Colours to, <a href="#Page_330">330</a><br /> +<br /> +Orphan Asylum, The London, <a href="#Page_315">315</a><br /> +<br /> +Owen, Prof. (Sir Richard), <a href="#Page_31">31</a><br /> +<br /> +Oxford, At, <a href="#Page_7">7</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +P.<br /> +<br /> +Paget, Sir James, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a><br /> +<br /> +Palmerston, Lord, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_258">258</a><br /> +<br /> +Pauper Schools, Review of the Boys of the, <a href="#Page_138">138</a><br /> +<br /> +Peabody Memorial, Unveiling the, <a href="#Page_78">78</a><br /> +<br /> +Pembroke, Earl of, <a href="#Page_125">125</a><br /> +<br /> +People's Palace, Laying the foundation stone of the, <a href="#Page_296">296</a><br /> +<br /> +Phillips, Sir Benjamin, <a href="#Page_79">79</a><br /> +<br /> +Phœnix Park, Review at, <a href="#Page_23">23</a><br /> +<br /> +Playfair, Sir Lyon, <a href="#Page_6">6</a><br /> +<br /> +Porcelain Works at Worcester, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Portland Breakwater, The, <a href="#Page_139">139</a><br /> +<br /> +Preceptors, The College of, <a href="#Page_318">318</a><br /> +<br /> +Prince Albert Victor, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>, <a href="#Page_371">371</a><br /> +<br /> +Prince George of Wales, <a href="#Page_195">195</a><br /> +<br /> +Prince of Wales, early years of, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>-<a href="#Page_10">10</a><br /> +<br /> +Princess Helena College, <a href="#Page_201">201</a><br /> +<br /> +Princess of Wales, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Probyn, Sir Dighton, K.C.B., V.C., <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> +<br /> +"Prosperity to Ireland," <a href="#Page_124">124</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Q.<br /> +<br /> +Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_422" id="Page_422">[Pg 422]</a></span><br /> +<br /> +R.<br /> +<br /> +Raikes, Mr. Cecil, <a href="#Page_286">286</a><br /> +<br /> +Railway Benevolent Institution, <a href="#Page_142">142</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Guards' Friendly Society, <a href="#Page_274">274</a><br /> +<br /> +Reading, New Grammar School at, Laying foundation stone, <a href="#Page_100">100</a><br /> +<br /> +Recovery of the Prince of Wales, National rejoicing at the, <a href="#Page_130">130</a><br /> +<br /> +Reed, Dr. Andrew, and Sir Charles, <a href="#Page_71">71</a><br /> +<br /> +Refuge Union, <a href="#Page_24">24</a><br /> +<br /> +Richard, Mr. Henry, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Richmond, the Duke of, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a><br /> +<br /> +Rifle Volunteers, <a href="#Page_223">223</a><br /> +<br /> +Roberts, Sir Frederick, <a href="#Page_370">370</a><br /> +<br /> +Rosebery, Earl of, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_402">402</a><br /> +<br /> +Rosslyn, Lord, <a href="#Page_174">174</a><br /> +<br /> +Royal Academy Banquets, The speeches at, <a href="#Page_353">353</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— Banquet, First speech at a, <a href="#Page_11">11</a><br /> +<br /> +Royal Albert Hall, Great Masonic gathering, <a href="#Page_325">325</a><br /> +<br /> +—— College of Music, Founding the, <a href="#Page_394">394</a><br /> +<br /> +—— —— —— ——, <a href="#Page_384">384</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Family, The, <a href="#Page_159">159</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Literary Fund, The, <a href="#Page_17">17</a><br /> +<br /> +—— National Lifeboat Institution, Annual Meeting, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a><br /> +<br /> +Russell, Dr. W. II., <a href="#Page_181">181</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +S.<br /> +<br /> +Sailors' Home, London Docks, The, <a href="#Page_25">25</a><br /> +<br /> +Salford, At, <a href="#Page_75">75</a><br /> +<br /> +Salisbury, Lord, <a href="#Page_31">31</a><br /> +<br /> +——, The Marquis of, <a href="#Page_181">181</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a><br /> +<br /> +Sandringham, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a><br /> +<br /> +Sandwich Islands, The King of the, <a href="#Page_211">211</a><br /> +<br /> +Savage Club, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Saxe-Weimar, Prince Edward of, <a href="#Page_138">138</a><br /> +<br /> +School Drill Review, The, <a href="#Page_138">138</a><br /> +<br /> +Scottish Corporation, Anniversary of the, <a href="#Page_81">81</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Hospital, The, <a href="#Page_81">81</a><br /> +<br /> +Seamen, Schools for the Children of, <a href="#Page_98">98</a><br /> +<br /> +Selborne, Lord, <a href="#Page_215">215</a><br /> +<br /> +Shaftesbury House, The, <a href="#Page_32">32</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Lord, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_327">327</a><br /> +<br /> +——, The Earl of, <a href="#Page_252">252</a><br /> +<br /> +Sheffield, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Shorthorns, Sale of, at Sandringham, <a href="#Page_298">298</a><br /> +<br /> +Shouvaloff, Count, <a href="#Page_386">386</a><br /> +<br /> +Sick Children, Hospital for, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Sion College, Opening of, <a href="#Page_301">301</a><br /> +<br /> +Slavery, The Prince of Wales on, <a href="#Page_253">253</a><br /> +<br /> +Smith, Mr. W. H., <a href="#Page_197">197</a><br /> +<br /> +Society of Arts, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a><br /> +<br /> +Soldiers' Widows, Royal Cambridge Asylum for, <a href="#Page_161">161</a><br /> +<br /> +Southampton, New Church, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +South Devon Regiment or Old 46th, <a href="#Page_331">331</a><br /> +<br /> +Southdown, Sale of, at Sandringham, <a href="#Page_298">298</a><br /> +<br /> +Spencer, The Earl, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a><br /> +<br /> +Spicer, Mr. James, <a href="#Page_28">28</a><br /> +<br /> +Stanley, Memorial to Dean, <a href="#Page_220">220</a><br /> +<br /> +St. Anne's School at Redhill, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +St. Bartholomew's Hospital, <a href="#Page_62">62</a><br /> +<br /> +St. George's Hospital, <a href="#Page_93">93</a><br /> +<br /> +St. Mary's Hospital, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +St. Patrick, Festival of, <a href="#Page_50">50</a><br /> +<br /> +St. Paul's, Thanksgiving Service in, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> +<br /> +Sullivan, Sir Arthur, <a href="#Page_394">394</a><br /> +<br /> +Swanley Convalescent Home, <a href="#Page_276">276</a><br /> +<br /> +Swanley, Orphan Homes at, <a href="#Page_120">120</a><br /> +<br /> +Sweden, The King of, <a href="#Page_338">338</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341</a><br /> +<br /> +Sydney, Lord, <a href="#Page_201">201</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +T.<br /> +<br /> +Tait, Dr. (Archbishop of Canterbury), <a href="#Page_222">222</a><br /> +<br /> +Technical instruction, <a href="#Page_313">313</a><br /> +<br /> +Teck, Duke of, <a href="#Page_164">164</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Princess Mary of, <a href="#Page_164">164</a><br /> +<br /> +Temple, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>, <a href="#Page_337">337</a><br /> +<br /> +Thackeray, Mr., <a href="#Page_12">12</a><br /> +<br /> +Thames Embankment, Opening of the, <a href="#Page_105">105</a><br /> +<br /> +Thanksgiving Collect, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_423" id="Page_423">[Pg 423]</a></span><br /> +Thanksgiving Day, <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> +<br /> +—— Hymn, <a href="#Page_131">131</a><br /> +<br /> +Theatrical Fund, Royal General, <a href="#Page_91">91</a><br /> +<br /> +"The Roll Call," <a href="#Page_364">364</a><br /> +<br /> +Thompson, Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_365">365</a><br /> +<br /> +Thwaites, Sir John, <a href="#Page_105">105</a><br /> +<br /> +'Times,' The, on the Irish visit, <a href="#Page_57">57</a><br /> +<br /> +Tite, Sir W., <a href="#Page_113">113</a><br /> +<br /> +Tower Bridge, The new, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Training ship <i>Britannia</i>, <a href="#Page_195">195</a><br /> +<br /> +Training ships, Review of the boys of the, <a href="#Page_138">138</a><br /> +<br /> +Trinity College, Prince of Wales made LL.D. at, <a href="#Page_57">57</a><br /> +<br /> +—— House banquets, <a href="#Page_375">375</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, Past Masters of, <a href="#Page_377">377</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, The Corporation of, <a href="#Page_377">377</a><br /> +<br /> +—— ——, The Prince of Wales installed as a "Younger Brother," <a href="#Page_378">378</a><br /> +<br /> +Truro Cathedral, Consecration of, <a href="#Page_328">328</a><br /> +<br /> +"<i>Tu Marcellus eris</i>," <a href="#Page_129">129</a><br /> +<br /> +Tyndall, Professor, <a href="#Page_385">385</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +U.<br /> +<br /> +University Hospital, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +—— of Dublin, <a href="#Page_267">267</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +V.<br /> +<br /> +Virchow, Professor, <a href="#Page_220">220</a><br /> +<br /> +Volunteers, Civil Service, <a href="#Page_223">223</a><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +W.<br /> +<br /> +Warehousemen and Clerks' School, Formal opening, <a href="#Page_38">38</a><br /> +<br /> +Warehousemen and Clerks' School, The laying of the foundation-stone, <a href="#Page_38">38</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Warspite</i> training ship, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Washington, At the tomb of, <a href="#Page_8">8</a><br /> +<br /> +Waterlow, Sir Sydney, <a href="#Page_277">277</a><br /> +<br /> +Wellington College, Speech day at, <a href="#Page_29">29</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Duke of, <a href="#Page_116">116</a><br /> +<br /> +——, "The great" Duke of, <a href="#Page_316">316</a><br /> +<br /> +West Norfolk Hunt, <a href="#Page_344">344</a><br /> +<br /> +Weymouth, Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_139">139</a><br /> +<br /> +Whittington, Sir Richard, <a href="#Page_16">16</a><br /> +<br /> +Wigan Infirmary, <a href="#Page_351">351</a><br /> +<br /> +Wilberforce, William, <a href="#Page_254">254</a><br /> +<br /> +Wilson, Sir Erasmus, <a href="#Page_151">151</a><br /> +<br /> +Windsor and Eton Institute, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Wodehouse, Sir Philip, <a href="#Page_184">184</a><br /> +<br /> +Wolseley, Banquet to Sir Garnet, <a href="#Page_148">148</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Sir Garnet, <a href="#Page_362">362</a><br /> +<br /> +Women and Children, Royal Hospital for, <a href="#Page_208">208</a><br /> +<br /> +<i>Worcester</i> training ship, <a href="#Page_350">350</a><br /> +<br /> +Working classes, The, <a href="#Page_241">241</a><br /> +<br /> +Workmen's International Exhibition, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +Y.<br /> +<br /> +Yarmouth Hospital, Laying foundation-stone, <a href="#Page_137">137</a><br /> +<br /> +——, Prince of Wales at, <a href="#Page_135">135</a><br /> +<br /> +Yorkshire College at Leeds, Inauguration of the, <a href="#Page_278">278</a><br /> +<br /> +Young Men's Christian Association, Opening of the gymnasium, <a href="#Page_338">338</a><br /> +<br /> +</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_424" id="Page_424">[Pg 424]</a></span></p> +<p class="center"><br />LONDON:<br /> +<br /> +PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, <span class="smcap">Limited</span>.<br /> +<br /> +STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.<br /><br /> +</p> + + +<div class="tnote"> +<a name="corrections" id="corrections"></a> +<h3>Transcriber's Note.</h3> +<p>Corrections to the original text have been made as follows:</p> + +<table id="correctionlist" summary="List of transcriber corrections"> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_ix">ix</a></td><td style="width:45%;">It is the variety of subjects that will strike most readers.</td><td>Punctuation after 'readers' changed from comma to period.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_2">2</a></td><td>seemed delighted with him."</td><td>Closing quote added.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_130">130</a></td><td>late mercies vouchsafed to him.""</td><td>Closing quote added in most likely place.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_132">132</a></td><td>alluded to, it is not for man to judge;</td><td>Original: 'to, it it not.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_136">136</a></td><td>Sir Edmund Lacon, Chairman of the Trustees</td><td>Original unclear, appears to read 'Edmond Laeon,' however it is most +probable that the passage refers to Sir Edmund Henry Knowles +Lacon, 3rd Baronet, MP for Great Yarmouth 1852-1857, 1859-1868 +and Norfolk North 1868-1885.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_172">172</a></td><td>"The health of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master."</td><td>Superfluous +single quote removed after 'Master.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_181">181</a></td><td>In footnote A: With illustrations by Sydney P. Hall.</td><td>Original: 'Sydney E. Hall.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_191a">191</a></td><td>The site chosen was in the Fitzwilliam Museum</td><td>Original: 'FitzWilliam.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_191b">191</a></td><td>read by the Chancellor, setting forth the services</td><td>Original: 'seting.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_212">212</a></td><td>I think, to be found here this evening. I regret that</td><td>Punctuation after 'evening' changed from comma to period.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_227">227</a></td><td>who are Mohammedans by religion</td><td>Original: 'Mahomedans'; 'Mohammedans' +appears 5 other times in the book.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_240">240</a></td><td>for being given this opportunity of expressing</td><td>Original: 'opportuntity.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_243">243</a></td><td>Maude of Wales, visited Chelsea Barracks</td><td>Original: 'Baracks.'</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_331">331</a></td><td>"Your regiment was raised</td><td>Opening quotation mark added.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_350">350</a></td><td>gratification it has given us to be present."</td><td>Closing quotation mark added.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_377">377</a></td><td>July 2nd, 1866.</td><td>Section heading; ending period added.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_387">387</a></td><td>auspices of President Grant."</td><td>Closing quotation mark added.</td></tr> +<tr><td>Pg <a href="#corr_419">419</a></td><td>Hartland Point, New Lighthouse, 384</td><td>Index entry; page number added.</td></tr> +</table> +<p>Missing punctuation in the Index has been corrected without note.</p> + +<p>Inconsistent use of :— ,— and — at the start of quotations has been +retained.</p> + +<p>Variant spellings: sanatorium, sanatarium, sanitorium, sanitarium, +appear once each in the text and have been retained.</p> + +<p>Hypenation of some words is inconsistent and has been retained: +life-boat, key-note, good-will, re-formed (in both +cases used of parades that broke up and formed again) and under-graduate +all appear with and without hyphens. Other words that were originally +hyphenated at line ends have been made consistent with the rest of the +text.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the +Prince of Wales: 1863-1888, by Edward VII + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SPEECHES OF PRINCE OF WALES, 1863-88 *** + +***** This file should be named 32848-h.htm or 32848-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/8/4/32848/ + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Louise Pattison and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This +book was produced from scanned images of public domain +material from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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