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+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: ASCII
+
+*** 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.)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+
+In the original, the speeches of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales are set in a
+larger type face. In this e-text the larger type sections are represented
+by indentation. Corrections are listed at the end of the book.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+                SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES
+
+                         OF
+
+              H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES:
+
+                     1863-1888.
+
+
+            [Illustration: Albert Edward P.]
+
+
+
+
+                SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES
+
+                         OF
+
+              H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES:
+
+                     1863-1888.
+
+
+                     EDITED BY
+
+          JAMES MACAULAY, A.M., M.D. EDIN.,
+
+    AUTHOR OF "VICTORIA R.I., HER LIFE AND REIGN."
+
+
+                 _WITH A PORTRAIT._
+
+
+                      LONDON:
+           JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
+                       1889.
+
+
+                      LONDON:
+    PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
+         STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
+
+
+                  To the Memory of
+
+                 HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS
+
+         T H E  P R I N C E  C O N S O R T,
+
+       THE "NOBLE FATHER OF OUR KINGS TO BE,"
+
+              ALBERT THE WISE AND GOOD.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+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.
+
+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 which Royalty was worthily
+represented by the Prince of Wales, and the important and arduous duties
+voluntarily and cheerfully undertaken by him.
+
+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."
+
+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 what he has said; and therefore some important occasions are
+included when no speech was made.
+
+It is the variety of subjects that will strike most readers. 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.
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[***symbol] _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._
+
+
+
+
+TABLE OF CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                                              PAGE
+  THE EARLY YEARS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES                         1
+
+  AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUET OF 1863                          11
+  FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON                                 12
+  BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM                                         14
+  AT MERCERS' HALL                                              16
+  THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND DINNER                                17
+  IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865                        21
+  INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE
+      AGRICULTURAL HALL, ISLINGTON                              24
+  THE SAILORS' HOME, LONDON DOCKS                               25
+  ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE                                        26
+  FISHMONGERS' HALL DINNER                                      27
+  SPEECH DAY AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE                              29
+  INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS                                31
+  THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY                         33
+  FRIEND OF THE CLERGY CORPORATION                              36
+  WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERKS' SCHOOL                               38
+  MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM                               39
+  ROYAL VISIT TO NORWICH IN 1866                                41
+  ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION                          42
+  SOCIETY OF ANCIENT BRITONS                                    44
+  LONDON INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE                                  47
+  THE VICEROY OF EGYPT, ISMAIL PASHA, AT THE MANSION HOUSE      49
+  FESTIVAL OF ST. PATRICK                                       50
+  DUBLIN AND CARNARVON                                          55
+  SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF FOREIGNERS IN DISTRESS                  59
+  ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL                                    62
+  LAYING FOUNDATION-STONE OF NEW BUILDINGS, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY  66
+  FOREIGN TOUR, 1868-1869                                       67
+  THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY                                69
+  EARLSWOOD ASYLUM                                              71
+  THE ALEXANDRA DOCK AT LYNN                                    73
+  VISIT TO MANCHESTER                                           74
+  THE PEABODY MEMORIAL, UNVEILING OF THE STATUE IN THE CITY OF
+      LONDON                                                    78
+  THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL                                         81
+  ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS                            85
+  INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION                          87
+  ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND                                 89
+  ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL                                         93
+  DULWICH COLLEGE                                               96
+  SCHOOLS FOR THE CHILDREN OF SEAMEN                            98
+  NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL AT READING                                100
+  ALBERT GOLD MEDAL TO M. DE LESSEPS                           103
+  OPENING OF THE THAMES EMBANKMENT                             105
+  WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION                           106
+  THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL                                        107
+  THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1871                         110
+  ARTISTS' ORPHAN FUND                                         111
+  ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS                          114
+  EARLSWOOD ASYLUM FESTIVAL                                    116
+  HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS                                        118
+  THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM                                  120
+  DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW                                     122
+  THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871                                128
+  NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY                                 132
+  AT GREAT YARMOUTH                                            135
+  THE SCHOOL DRILL REVIEW                                      138
+  WEYMOUTH AND THE PORTLAND BREAKWATER                         139
+  VISIT TO DERBY                                               140
+  RAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION                               142
+  UNVEILING THE ALBERT STATUE ON HOLBORN VIADUCT               145
+  THE BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL                           146
+  BANQUET TO SIR GARNET WOLSELEY                               148
+  ROYAL MEDICAL BENEVOLENT COLLEGE                             150
+  AT THE MIDDLE AND THE INNER TEMPLE                           152
+  NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COURTS, PLYMOUTH                       154
+  VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IN 1874                                  156
+  THE ROYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM                                   159
+  AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL                                  163
+  THE GERMAN HOSPITAL                                          165
+  INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF ENGLISH FREEMASONS           169
+  ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION                    175
+  THE INDIAN EMBASSY, 1875-76                                  180
+  LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASYLUM                                 185
+  UNVEILING ALBERT STATUE AT CAMBRIDGE                         190
+  INFANT ORPHAN ASYLUM, WANSTEAD                               193
+  THE TRAINING SHIP 'BRITANNIA'                                195
+  CABDRIVERS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION                           198
+  THE PRINCESS HELENA COLLEGE                                  201
+  NEW HARBOUR AT HOLYHEAD                                      203
+  NEW COLOURS TO THE ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS                     205
+  THE ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN                    208
+  AT KING'S COLLEGE                                            209
+  COLONIAL BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE                        211
+  CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE                          215
+  THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS                           218
+  MEMORIAL TO DEAN STANLEY                                     220
+  RIFLE VOLUNTEERS                                             223
+  BRITISH GRAVES IN THE CRIMEA                                 225
+  THE FISHERIES EXHIBITION                                     228
+  OPENING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION                              230
+  CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION                              231
+  FINANCIAL RESULTS OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION, AND DISPOSAL
+      OF SURPLUS                                               235
+  NEW CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL                                    237
+  THE NORTHBROOK CLUB                                          238
+  CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE IN MOORFIELDS                         239
+  HOUSING OF THE POOR AND THE WORKING CLASSES                  241
+  THE GUARDS' INDUSTRIAL HOME AT CHELSEA BARRACKS              243
+  ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION                         244
+  THE HEALTH EXHIBITION                                        246
+  OPENING OF GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE                        248
+  ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL                    252
+  VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885                                     261
+  THE DARWIN MEMORIAL                                          271
+  THE BIRKBECK INSTITUTION                                     272
+  RAILWAY GUARDS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY                             274
+  CONVALESCENT HOME AT SWANLEY                                 276
+  THE YORKSHIRE COLLEGE AT LEEDS                               278
+  THE GORDON BOYS' HOME                                        282
+  OPENING OF THE MERSEY TUNNEL                                 286
+  INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS                               290
+  AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE                                       293
+  INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF MARK MASONS                  294
+  FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PEOPLE'S PALACE                      296
+  SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT SANDRINGHAM             298
+  SION COLLEGE                                                 301
+  COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886                       303
+  THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE                                       310
+  THE LONDON ORPHAN ASYLUM                                     315
+  THE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS                                    318
+  THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION                                    319
+  THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS                            321
+  DEACONESSES' INSTITUTION AND HOSPITAL AT TOTTENHAM           324
+  THE FREEMASONS AND THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE                       325
+  THE SHAFTESBURY HOUSE                                        327
+  CONSECRATION OF TRURO CATHEDRAL                              328
+  NEW COLOURS TO THE OLD 46TH REGIMENT                         330
+  THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888                               332
+  SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE                                    337
+  NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE (OF Y. M. C. A.)                  338
+  THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS                        340
+  WEST NORFOLK HUNT                                            344
+  AT BLACKBURN                                                 345
+  THE ANGLO-DANISH EXHIBITION                                  347
+  GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL, HOLLOWAY ROAD                       349
+
+         *       *       *       *       *
+
+  SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS                           355
+
+  ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE                          377
+
+  THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC                                   391
+      NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR MUSIC                       391
+      FOUNDING THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC                      394
+      THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC                    403
+      INAUGURATION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC               408
+
+  INDEX                                                        417
+
+
+
+
+THE EARLY YEARS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES.
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 the watchful care and the personal superintendence of
+the Royal Mother.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 _Victoria and Albert_ 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.'"
+
+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 him."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+In July of that year, 1857, the Prince of Wales went to Koenigswinter,
+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.
+
+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. 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
+_extremely well_. 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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+The Prince speaks of family events as trifles, compared with great
+political affairs, but he felt deeply every change in the home 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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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, _as a day's work_." 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.
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 _shabbed_ 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."
+
+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 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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+When the Prince and Princess were returning from Osborne, where they
+spent the honeymoon, on arriving at Portsmouth, _en route_ to Windsor,
+the Mayor and Corporation presented an address, upon the deck of the
+Royal yacht _Fairy_. 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.
+
+
+
+
+SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
+
+
+
+
+AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUET.
+
+_May 2nd, 1863._
+
+
+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.
+
+The presence of the young Prince, and so soon after his
+marriage, gave unusual _eclat_ 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."
+
+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":--
+
+   "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."
+
+Among the speakers at this banquet of 1863 were Lord Palmerston,
+Mr. Thackeray, and Sir Roderick Murchison.
+
+
+
+
+FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON.
+
+_June 8th, 1863._
+
+
+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:--
+
+"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 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."
+
+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 dais, 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:--
+
+"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.
+
+"ALBERT EDWARD."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 dais, 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 fete 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.
+
+
+
+
+BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM.
+
+_June 24th, 1863._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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 dais, 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:--
+
+"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."
+
+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 L12,000 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+AT MERCERS' HALL.
+
+_July 8th, 1863._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 beloved
+    mother and the Princess, and for the happiness you desire for us
+    both."
+
+The Prince then subscribed the Oath of the Company, with its quaint old
+phraseology, affixing his usual signature, ALBERT EDWARD, 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 _dejeuner_ in the Banqueting
+Hall, the Prince with a small number of select guests being at the same
+time entertained in the Council Room.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND.
+
+_May 18th, 1864._
+
+
+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."
+
+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 L2328 17_s._, 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.
+
+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.
+
+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, since its
+foundation in the latter part of the eighteenth century, to dispense
+upwards of L105,000 to needy persons of the literary class.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.'"
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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.'"
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 active member of your committee, and always ready to open
+    his purse for the relief of literary men struggling with
+    difficulties.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.'"
+
+The list of subscriptions and donations having been read, including a
+donation of L110 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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865.
+
+_May 9th, 1865._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Duke of Leinster read the address of the Committee, to which the
+Prince replied:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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 dais, 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.
+
+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 Phoenix 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE AGRICULTURAL HALL,
+ISLINGTON.
+
+_May 19th, 1865._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+To the address of Lord Shaftesbury, the Prince replied as follows:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE SAILORS' HOME, LONDON DOCKS.
+
+_May 22nd, 1865._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.
+
+_June 5th, 1865._
+
+
+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.
+
+There was a great gathering on the occasion, and the hall was well
+filled, principally by ladies, before the proceedings commenced. 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+FISHMONGERS' HALL DINNER.
+
+_June 11th, 1865._
+
+
+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 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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging the toast, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+
+
+SPEECH DAY AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.
+
+_July 3rd, 1865._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
+
+_May 9th, 1866._
+
+
+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."
+
+The Prince of Wales in returning thanks, said:--
+
+    "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 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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+
+THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.
+
+_June 11th, 1866._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 Secretaries, giving a summary of the
+history of the Society, and stating its objects and operations.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.'
+
+    "It is my hope and trust, that, under the Divine guidance, the
+    wider diffusion and the deeper study of the Scriptures 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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 for
+    the kind manner in which I have been received on this occasion."
+
+Her Majesty the Queen signified her interest in the proceedings of the
+day by sending L100 to the Building Fund, and L100 was also contributed
+by the Prince of Wales.
+
+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
+L116,761; and the sum received for Scriptures sold was L104,880. The
+Society has aided the translation of the Bible into 280 languages or
+dialects.
+
+
+
+
+FRIEND OF THE CLERGY CORPORATION.
+
+_June 13th, 1866._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 L4000 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, which never exceed L40
+    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."
+
+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
+L150 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.
+
+The result of the appeal was a subscription list amounting to L1200,
+including 100 guineas from the Prince of Wales.
+
+It may be added that now (1888) there are about 100 pensioners, besides
+special grants for urgent cases. Last year's receipts were L6,000, and
+the invested funds are about L18,500.
+
+
+
+
+WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERKS' SCHOOL.
+
+_June 18th, 1866._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 stone was laid. On this occasion upwards
+of one thousand ladies presented the charitable gifts, and above L5000
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.
+
+_June 28th, 1866._
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+In returning thanks the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales then rose and said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL VISIT TO NORWICH IN 1866.
+
+_August, 1866._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 _Naaman_. 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION.
+
+_March 1st, 1867._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I may say that there are 174 lifeboats afloat, and that in the
+    course of the past year 33 have been called into existence, at a
+    cost of no less than L17,000, 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."
+
+The Secretary having read the Report, and various speeches having been
+delivered, donations were announced to the amount of L1200. 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.
+
+We may add that the receipts, as stated in last year's report (1887),
+were L56,970, and the expenditure L74,162. During the year 368 lives had
+been saved by the Society's boats, and ten vessels saved from
+destruction. Besides medals and other testimonials, L3345 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 L96,700. 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.
+
+
+
+
+SOCIETY OF ANCIENT BRITONS.
+
+_March 1st, 1867._
+
+
+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 origin of which dates back from
+the year 1715, shortly after the accession of George I.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+
+
+
+LONDON INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE.
+
+_July 10th, 1867._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE VICEROY OF EGYPT, ISMAIL PASHA, AT THE MANSION HOUSE.
+
+_July 11th, 1867._
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+FESTIVAL OF ST. PATRICK.
+
+_March 17th, 1868._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 "_statio bene fida
+carinis_." 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+After the performance of a selection of Irish airs, the Prince of Wales
+again rose and said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+The toast was drunk with all the honours, and with unusual enthusiasm.
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+The amount contributed to the funds of the charity was about L1200,
+which included 100 guineas from the Queen, and a similar sum from the
+Prince of Wales.
+
+
+
+
+DUBLIN AND CARNARVON.
+
+_April 15-25th, 1868._
+
+
+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 A.M., 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 cortege, 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.
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness, in returning thanks, said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+The Prince, we are told, spoke with an unaffected earnestness which
+deepened the impression left by his words. The reference 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Phoenix Park, and
+on this occasion the military spectacle was of unusual brilliancy.
+
+On Sunday, the 19th, His Royal Highness attended the service in Christ
+Church, a cathedral exceeded by few in historic interest.
+
+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.
+
+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
+_Times_, who sent a special correspondent to chronicle the events, day
+by day. In a leading article of the _Times_, 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:--
+
+"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 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
+mediaeval 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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF FOREIGNERS IN DISTRESS.
+
+_May 5th, 1868._
+
+
+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.
+
+    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."
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+In proposing the principal toast of the evening, His Royal Highness said
+that he was sure it would be received with enthusiasm:--
+
+    "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!
+
+    "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 L5 or L10
+    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 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.
+
+    "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 L1000 to the society, and who had
+    expressed himself ready to give an additional L100 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."
+
+The call was heartily responded to, and, after some further
+complimentary and formal toasts, His Royal Highness and the principal
+guests retired.
+
+
+
+
+ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL.
+
+_May 13th, 1868._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+The Royal President said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+In proposing the next toast, "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers,"
+the Royal President said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+Other customary toasts having been given, the Royal President again
+rose, and said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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 L4,000, 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 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 L45,000 each corporation. In conclusion,
+the Treasurer denounced with some warmth the taxation of charities.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+LAYING FOUNDATION STONE OF NEW BUILDINGS, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY.
+
+_October 8th, 1868._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 A.D. 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.
+
+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 L160,000; and this being supplemented by the money
+for the sale of the old building and the old site, with a parliamentary
+vote of L120,000, gave a total of L440,000.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Another address was then presented by the Principal and Senate of the
+University, in replying to which the Prince said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+FOREIGN TOUR, 1868-1869.
+
+_November 17th, 1868-May 13th, 1869._
+
+
+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 _Times_, 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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.
+
+_May 24th, 1869._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+Admiral Sir George Back, the veteran Arctic explorer, and a leading
+officer in the Society, returned thanks for "The Navy."
+
+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.
+
+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 _Times_, 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.
+
+
+
+
+EARLSWOOD ASYLUM.
+
+_June 28th, 1869._
+
+
+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 L25,000, and the charity has L20,000 invested funds.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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 dais 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 _dejeuner_ followed, and planting of memorial trees and other
+festivities.
+
+
+
+
+THE ALEXANDRA DOCK AT LYNN.
+
+_July 7th, 1869._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness made the following reply:--
+
+    "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 commerce, shedding the blessings
+    which are derived from them on your town, and contributing to
+    the prosperity of our beloved country."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    I DECLARE THIS DOCK NOW OPEN, AND THAT HENCEFORTH IT IS TO BE
+    CALLED THE ALEXANDRA DOCK.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+VISIT TO MANCHESTER.
+
+_July, 1869._
+
+
+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.
+
+There are some who remember the first visit of the Queen and Prince
+Consort to Manchester in 1851. The Royal party then 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.
+
+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."
+
+The Prince made the following reply:--
+
+    "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
+    to merit the good opinion of the people I am so proud to call my
+    fellow-countrymen."
+
+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."
+
+To which address the Prince replied:--
+
+    "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 Providence, which has blessed
+    the efforts of our commercial enterprise and the free
+    institutions of our country,--themselves a pledge of our future
+    prosperity."
+
+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, via Normanton;
+the Prince having engaged to be at Hull in the afternoon in order to
+inaugurate the new Western Dock at that town.
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in replying, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+
+
+THE PEABODY MEMORIAL. UNVEILING OF THE STATUE IN THE CITY OF LONDON.
+
+_July 23rd, 1869._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales than presented himself to speak,
+and was hailed with enthusiastic cheers. He said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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 benefactor as are those of us who have
+enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship in life."
+
+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.
+
+The ceremony was then brought to a close, and the Prince took his leave.
+His Royal Highness, as he did so, was repeatedly cheered.
+
+
+
+
+THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL.
+
+_November 30th, 1869._
+
+
+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 L40,000, and the annual receipts are about L5000. 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 L20 from other
+sources.
+
+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. The three pipers also, at intervals, paraded the hall, and
+regaled the guests with their stirring strains.
+
+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":--
+
+    "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
+    L3000 and L4000. 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 L15, but not more than L30 per annum; for 20 poor
+    and infirm persons exceeding 72 years of age, to whom a pension
+    of L15 each per annum is allowed; for 110 above 68, to whom a
+    pension of L12 each is allowed. Pensions of L6 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.
+
+    "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 L120 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.
+
+    "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 L6, L12, L15, and L25
+    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 L5 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.
+
+    "Although the facts must be known to most of you, I have
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+The toast was drunk with "Highland honours." His Royal Highness, who was
+loudly cheered, said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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
+L2500, being by far the largest subscription received at any anniversary
+of the Scottish Hospital.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS.
+
+_March 30th, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 L47,000 of
+    which L5000 was still owing, while there were other matters
+    which raised the total liability to L10,200. 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."
+
+
+
+
+INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION.
+
+_April 4th, 1870._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+The resolutions, moved by Sir John Pakington, and by the Hon. W. Cowper
+Temple, were to the effect that the meeting 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.
+
+_May 16th, 1870._
+
+
+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 L2000 annually is paid to fifty
+annuitants. The invested capital is about L12,000. 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.
+
+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.
+
+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 "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.
+
+    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."
+
+The usual toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers having been given and
+responded to, the Prince rose, and said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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_s._ 4_d._ to L28 9_s._ 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 L10 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 L30 to L90 a year. In 1846, the first year in which
+    pensions were granted, the receipts amounted to L565, and the
+    annuities to L98. Last year the total income was L1370, and the
+    amount expended in pensions was L1614. The receipts of 1869
+    therefore exceeded those of 1846 by L805, and the pensions, &c.,
+    by L1516. 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 L368, and it had been found necessary therefore to
+    draw that sum from the reserve fund.
+
+    "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 L300 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."
+
+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.
+
+"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 levee; 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 _conversaziones_, 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.
+
+"And now, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, I must inform you that Her
+Gracious Majesty has again sent us her handsome donation of L100; 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."
+
+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 L700,
+including L100 from the Prince of Wales, and L50 from the Nawab Nazim of
+Bengal.
+
+
+
+
+ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL.
+
+_May 26th, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness, on taking the chair, said:--
+
+    "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 L5000 was given by Miss Williams
+    to the building fund.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 L2500 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 L20,000, while the income was only L15,000. In order,
+    therefore, to make up the deficiency, L5000 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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 _Times_ 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 L1000 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."
+
+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 L500, and the Marquis of Westminster a subscription of L200 a
+year. Mr. Prescott Hewett, the surgeon, gave a hundred guineas, and
+other liberal donations and subscriptions were announced, amounting to
+upwards of L2000.
+
+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.
+
+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 L4000, 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.
+
+His Royal Highness said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+
+
+DULWICH COLLEGE.
+
+_June 21st, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+At the luncheon which followed, the Rev. W. Rogers presided, and
+proposed the health of the Royal visitors.
+
+His Royal Highness, who was loudly cheered on rising to reply, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+The Rev. Dr. Carver "returned his very sincere thanks for this
+compliment, which he took to be meant really for the institution 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+SCHOOLS FOR THE CHILDREN OF SEAMEN.
+
+_June 30th, 1870._
+
+
+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 L5500.
+
+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
+
+    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 with its former uses would bear its fruit in the success
+    of this sacred work of education and religion."
+
+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 L1500, including a hundred guineas from
+the Prince of Wales.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales, in response, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL AT READING.
+
+_July 1st, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+The Prince then proved and set the stone, saying:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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, and those who have laid them, and
+all who have assisted, should 'rejoice in the light.'"
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ALBERT GOLD MEDAL TO M. DE LESSEPS.
+
+_July 7th, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Prince addressed M. de Lesseps in a French speech, of which the
+following is a translation:--
+
+    "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."
+
+M. de Lesseps replied as follows:--
+
+"Monseigneur,--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, Monseigneur, 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+OPENING OF THE THAMES EMBANKMENT.
+
+_July 13th, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The reply to the address read by the Prince, was as follows:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.
+
+_July 16th, 1870._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL.
+
+_March 29th, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+When the Queen had taken her place on the dais, 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:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+The Queen, who had listened to the address with the utmost interest and
+attention, said, in a voice clearly heard in every part 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."
+
+The written answer to the address was not read, but it is here given to
+complete the record of the day's ceremony:--
+
+    "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."
+
+The Bishop of London, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, offered
+a dedication prayer.
+
+The Prince of Wales, after a minute's conference with Her Majesty, then
+said, "THE QUEEN DECLARES THIS HALL TO BE NOW OPENED."
+
+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.
+
+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
+_Invocazione all'Armonia_, which was first performed when Her Majesty,
+in 1867, laid the foundation-stone of the Hall this day opened.
+
+
+
+
+THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1871.
+
+_May 1st, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ARTISTS' ORPHAN FUND.
+
+_May 7th, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+In giving "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," His Royal Highness
+said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The Prince, in proposing the next toast, "The Artists' Orphan Fund,"
+said:--
+
+    "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 munificent donation of
+    L900. 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 L1000 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 L7000 has
+    already been collected out of the L10,000 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.'"
+
+    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."
+
+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 L500 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 L1000. 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.
+
+The Treasurer read a long list of subscriptions, amounting in all to
+L12,308, including a hundred guineas from the Royal Chairman.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS.
+
+_May 8th, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in proposing "The Queen,"
+said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+    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."
+
+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 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.
+
+    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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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 L5000. On a later page will be found the record of
+another anniversary, when the Prince presided, and when the
+subscriptions were about L50,000.
+
+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 L15,500.
+
+
+
+
+EARLSWOOD ASYLUM FESTIVAL.
+
+_May 17th, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+    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 another what might
+    occur, and, therefore, we ought always to be prepared."
+
+    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.
+
+    "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 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 L1000 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."
+
+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 L4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas, under initials,
+which left no doubt that it was a donation by His Royal Highness the
+Chairman.
+
+
+
+
+HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS.
+
+_June 2nd, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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?
+
+    "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
+    L9000 a year, but he was sorry to say the institution was still
+    about L5000 in debt. Mentioning the munificent donation of
+    L1000, 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."
+
+A list of subscriptions and donations during the dinner was read,
+amounting to the sum of L3464, including L1000 obtained from friends by
+Mr. Robert Hanbury, then the President of the institution, and L150 from
+the Royal Chairman.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.
+
+_June 28th, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+    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 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."
+
+    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
+    _Battle of Dorking_ 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."
+
+    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
+    distinguished 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."
+
+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.
+
+The donations announced amounted to about L2000.
+
+During the course of the evening, the children, headed by their pipers,
+marched round the room.
+
+
+
+
+DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
+
+_August 1st, 1871._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 _Cead mille failthe_ 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.
+
+When the train from Kingstown arrived at Westland Row Terminus, the Lord
+Mayor and Corporation met the Royal visitors, and the Town Clerk read
+an address to which the Prince made an appropriate reply.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+The toast was drunk with loyal fervour. After a short interval the
+Prince of Wales again rose and said:--
+
+    "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,
+    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."
+
+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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, in proposing the next toast, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.'"
+
+The Lord-Lieutenant, Earl Spencer, in responding, said that since they
+last met there had been much prosperity in the country. 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.
+
+His Excellency then proposed "The Health of the Prince of Wales," who
+responded, and after several other toasts the party separated.
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Phoenix Park was even more brilliant than on that occasion. One
+notable incident in 1871 was the installation, 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+His Royal Highness's address was received with great applause. The Lodge
+was then closed in due form.
+
+
+
+
+THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871.
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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 "_Tu Marcellus
+eris_" 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:--
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 _Times_ 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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The service commenced with the _Te Deum_, 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 him."" 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: "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 _Aurelia_, 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.
+
+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.
+
+The words of the "Thanksgiving Hymn" well express the sentiment of the
+whole service of the day:--
+
+    "O Thou our soul's salvation!
+      Our Hope for earthly weal!
+    We, who in tribulation
+      Did for Thy mercy kneel,
+    Lift up glad hearts before Thee,
+      And eyes no longer dim,
+    And for Thy grace adore Thee
+      In eucharistic hymn.
+
+    "Forth went the nation weeping
+      With precious seed of prayer,
+    Hope's awful vigil keeping
+      'Mid rumours of despair;
+    Then did Thy love deliver!
+      And from Thy gracious hand,
+    Joy, like the southern river,
+      O'erflowed the weary land.
+
+    "Bless Thou our adoration!
+      Our gladness sanctify!
+    Make this rejoicing nation
+      To Thee by joy more nigh;
+    O be this great Thanksgiving
+      Throughout the land we raise,
+    Wrought into holier living
+      In all our after days!
+
+    "Bless, Father, him Thou gavest
+      Back to the loyal land,
+    O Saviour, him Thou savest,
+      Still cover with Thine Hand:
+    O Spirit, the Defender,
+      Be his to guard and guide,
+    Now in life's midday splendour
+      On to the eventide!"
+
+What may be the depth of the duration of the feelings thus alluded to,
+it is 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.
+
+
+
+
+NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
+
+_June 19th, 1872._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+    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 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."
+
+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."
+
+    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.
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+After various other toasts, the last being "The Ladies," proposed by the
+Royal chairman, the Prince and Princess returned to Sandringham.
+
+
+
+
+AT GREAT YARMOUTH.
+
+_July 5th, 1872._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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 Edmund
+Lacon, Chairman of the Trustees of the School, to which the Prince
+replied:--
+
+    "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."
+
+    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.
+
+On the next day the Prince made the official inspection of the
+Artillery; afterwards dining with the officers of his regiment.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE SCHOOL DRILL REVIEW.
+
+_July 25th, 1872._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 _Warspite_, _Goliath_, and _Chichester_
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The boys had been at work for some hours, when at 4 P.M., 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 dais, 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 _Goliath_; the second to the boys of the
+Shoreditch School at Brentford; and the third to the Lambeth School at
+Lower Norwood.
+
+After a short address by General Sir Eardley Wilmot, speaking in the
+name of the Council of the Society of Arts,--
+
+    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 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."
+
+Two boys of each prize school came in succession to the dais, 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.
+
+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."
+
+
+
+
+WEYMOUTH AND THE PORTLAND BREAKWATER.
+
+_August 11th, 1872._
+
+
+On the 11th of August, 1872, the Prince of Wales went from Osborne in
+the Royal yacht _Victoria and Albert_, 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 _Minotaur_, 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.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+        "'These are imperial works, and worthy Kings.'"
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+VISIT TO DERBY.
+
+_December 17th, 1872._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+RAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.
+
+_March 27th, 1873._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+Other toasts being proposed and acknowledged, the Prince rose and
+said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 L10 to L25 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
+    L10 to the families of those who are injured or killed in the
+    performance of their duties.
+
+    "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_s._ 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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+The Secretary afterwards announced subscriptions to the handsome amount
+of L5000, which included a second donation by His Royal Highness of 100
+guineas.
+
+
+
+
+UNVEILING THE ALBERT STATUE ON HOLBORN
+VIADUCT.
+
+_January 9th, 1874._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+
+
+
+THE BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL.
+
+_March 25th, 1874._
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+Other toasts having been disposed of, the Prince rose and said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 L3000 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
+    L1500 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."
+
+The subscriptions announced during the evening amounted to upwards of
+L2400.
+
+
+
+
+BANQUET TO SIR GARNET WOLSELEY.
+
+_March 31st, 1874._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Lord Mayor, having given the usual loyal toasts, the Prince of Wales
+rose to respond to that of the Royal Family, saying:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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 _prestige_ of England at its lowest ebb, but before I
+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."
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL MEDICAL BENEVOLENT COLLEGE.
+
+_April 22nd, 1874._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 institution 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 L21 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 L48 to L51
+    a year.
+
+    "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 L60 a year, you will see
+    that we want money.
+
+    "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.'"
+
+The subscriptions and donations announced by the secretary amounted to
+L1780, the list being headed by the Prince of Wales with 100 guineas.
+
+Sir James Paget, in proposing the health of the president, officers, and
+members of the Council of the College, said that they were to 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+AT THE MIDDLE AND THE INNER TEMPLE.
+
+_June 11th, 1874._
+
+
+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 _Midsummer Night's Dream_, 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.
+
+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 Queen, it was to give "respectful and hearty welcome
+to Master His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales."
+
+The Prince on rising to respond was loudly cheered, and said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+"The Queen" and "The Prince of Wales" were the only two toasts given at
+the banquet.
+
+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 Commons, 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COURTS, PLYMOUTH.
+
+_August 13th, 1874._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 Committee, 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IN 1874.
+
+_November 3rd, 1874._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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 _Times_ 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."
+
+To the address of the Corporation, read in the Town Hall, by the
+Recorder, the Prince made the following reply:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 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."
+
+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."
+
+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.:--
+
+"Packington Hall, Coventry, November 4, 1874.
+
+"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 L100 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,
+
+"FRANCIS KNOLLYS.
+
+"To the Mayor of Birmingham."
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM.
+
+_March 13th, 1875._
+
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, after a brief interval, again rose and said:--
+
+    "The toast I have now to offer to you is also one of those which
+    are always given, and which are always heartily received 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."
+
+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 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."
+
+The Prince of Wales next rose and said;--
+
+    "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_s._ a week, besides a grant of 2_s._ 6_d._
+    per month for coals. While the expenditure is great, exceeding
+    L2000, the funded income, including L50 a year, called the
+    Princess Mary Fund for Nurses, amounts to little over L500 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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+    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
+    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."
+
+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 L1635
+17_s._ 10_d._
+
+The present number of inmates (1888) is sixty-nine. The receipts of the
+previous year were L2700; the invested funds nearly L23,000. The
+festival dinner is triennial, but additional sums have been obtained by
+military _fetes_ 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.
+
+
+
+
+AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL.
+
+_April 6th, 1875._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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."
+
+The Prince, responding to the toast then given, said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE GERMAN HOSPITAL.
+
+_April 16th, 1875._
+
+
+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 L10,000, and there is funded property
+amounting to L55,000.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 L100 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."
+
+The Prince, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+    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 L200 to the charity, and that the
+    Emperors of Russia and Austria, and the Kings of Wuertemberg,
+    Bavaria, Saxony, and the Netherlands, had also evinced a
+    practical interest in the institution."
+
+Count Muenster, 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 most hearty thanks for the
+gracious part he was taking at that gathering.
+
+    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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    L6500, exclusive of L600 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
+    L1200 or L1300 a year, and the authorities of the hospital, to
+    carry it on successfully and to keep it out of debt, have to
+    collect annually between L4000 and L5000.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    L500 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 L10,000. 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 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.'"
+
+The Secretary (Mr. Feldmann) afterwards announced the receipt of
+donations (including L105 from the Prince of Wales, L200 from the
+Emperor of Germany, and L100 from the Emperor of Austria) to the amount
+of over L5000, being L1200 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.
+
+
+
+
+INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF ENGLISH FREEMASONS.
+
+_April 28th, 1875._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 prescribed 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.
+
+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:--
+
+"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."
+
+The Prince, who was again greeted with loud and prolonged cheering,
+replied in the following terms:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "The Pro-Grand Master has told you, brethren, and I feel
+    convinced, that such an assemblage as this has never been
+    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.
+
+    "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!"
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+The Grand Master proposed the health of "The Queen," in these words:--
+
+    "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.'"
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught responded, and proposed "The
+health of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master."
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales replied:--
+
+    "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 utmost to do my duty in the position in
+    which you have so kindly placed me.
+
+    "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.'"
+
+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.
+
+His Royal Highness the Grand Master then said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The toast having been drunk, Lord Rosslyn said:--
+
+"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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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 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."
+
+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."
+
+Brother Admiral Oscar Dickson returned thanks in the name of the Swedish
+Grand Lodge for the honour conferred upon them.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.
+
+_June 5th, 1875._
+
+
+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 L14,000. 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 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 L165,821.
+
+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."
+
+The toast was received with cheers, and the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I sincerely say that I do take a great interest in all that is
+    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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+Sir J. Heron Maxwell having replied for the Navy, the toast-master, Mr.
+Goodchild, announced a bumper toast, and the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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 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 L100 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 L20 a year. Among those, also, who are benefited by
+    the society are the widows and children or orphans of farmers
+    and their unmarried daughters.
+
+    "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 L20 to L40 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 L40,000. 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 L8500, and I am sorry to
+    say the donations and annual sums received amount to little over
+    L6800. 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "Many may think, 'Why should we give money to those who possibly
+    by their own fault may have got into distress?' But 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.
+
+    "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!'"
+
+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
+L25. 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 L465. The total amount was no less than L8000.
+
+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.
+
+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 L826.
+
+The Prince of Wales then said:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE INDIAN EMBASSY.
+
+_November 1875-May 1876._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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
+_Times_. 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]
+
+[Footnote 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
+P. Hall. Sampson Low & Co.]
+
+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.
+
+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 via 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 _Serapis_ anchored off the Isle of Wight, where
+the Princess of Wales and the children, in the _Enchantress_ 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 _eclat_.
+
+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 L60,000; and this, although no expense was spared in carrying
+out the mission with due display and 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.
+
+
+
+
+LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASYLUM.
+
+_May 7th, 1877._
+
+
+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 L4770; grants L300
+yearly for the maintenance of twelve children in the Society's School;
+and dispenses temporary relief amounting to L500. 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 L6000. 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 L8500.
+
+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.
+
+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 L50 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 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.
+
+The band of the Grenadier Guards, under Mr. Dan Godfrey, played "God
+Bless the Prince of Wales," after which the Prince rose and said:--
+
+    "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, 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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "In the year 1863 I had the pleasure of becoming the Patron of
+    this Society, although in sad circumstances, in succession to
+    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_s._, and the others, 8_s._
+    per week, besides coals, medical assistance, &c. The annual
+    expenses are very large, as they amount to upwards of L8000, 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."
+
+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.
+
+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 L5000.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+UNVEILING ALBERT STATUE AT CAMBRIDGE.
+
+_January 22nd, 1878._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 Fitzwilliam Museum, a memorial worthy of the
+noble benefactor, who bequeathed to the University his valuable
+collection of pictures and books, with a sum of L100,000 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.
+
+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, setting
+forth the services to the University of the Prince Consort, during his
+fifteen years' tenure of office. The address thus concluded:--
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+The Prince of Wales returned the following reply:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 _levee_, which
+was very numerously attended. After the _levee_ 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.
+
+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 _honoris causa_ 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."
+
+
+
+
+INFANT ORPHAN ASYLUM, WANSTEAD.
+
+_June 28th, 1878._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+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, 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."
+
+The Prince of Wales said, in reply:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 L18,000 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.'"
+
+The Prince of Wales then left the chair, resigning it to the Bishop of
+St. Albans, who gave the other usual toasts.
+
+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, L462. In all, about L1600.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE TRAINING SHIP 'BRITANNIA.'
+
+_July 24th, 1878._
+
+
+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 _Britannia_, 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
+_Britannia_, and graciously announced that the successful pupils should
+receive their medals and books from the hands of the Princess of Wales.
+
+The Mayor and Corporation of the ancient borough of Dartmouth took
+advantage of the occasion to give official welcome to the Royal
+visitors, and to present an address, which the Prince signified his
+readiness to receive on board the Royal yacht, _Osborne_. Thither the
+magistrates repaired in the forenoon. The picturesque estuary of the
+river Dart never had displayed so festive an appearance. The
+_Britannia_, and her attendant yacht the _Sirius_, 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 _Britannia_.
+    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."
+
+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 _Britannia_ 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
+_Britannia_. 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.
+
+The distribution of the prizes took place, a report on the state of the
+training having been previously read by Dr. Hirst, director of studies
+at the Greenwich Naval College, who had superintended the examination of
+the cadets.
+
+After the distribution, the Prince of Wales, standing on the deck in the
+uniform of a captain of the Royal Naval Reserve, said:--
+
+    "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 _Britannia_ 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 _Britannia_, 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 _Britannia_ 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."
+
+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 luncheon. Later in the day the Prince of Wales paid a visit to
+Captain Zirzow, on the German Imperial frigate _Niobe_, 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.
+
+When the Prince and Princess arrived at Dartmouth on Tuesday they were
+rowed to the _Britannia_, 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 _Britannia_ 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 _Britannia_ 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+CABDRIVERS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
+
+_May 5th, 1879._
+
+
+The objects of the Cabdrivers Benevolent Association are: 1, to give
+annuities of L20 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:--
+
+    "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 well
+    acquainted, and in the rain and snow which have been our lot now
+    for so many months.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "The objects of this Cabdrivers' Benevolent Association are, as
+    you are aware, threefold--first, to give annuities at the rate
+    of L12 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_s._ a year. Pensions
+    of L12 are granted now to old and indigent cabdrivers, but it is
+    our great wish to augment that sum to L16" (now L20). "The
+    system of loans seems to have answered admirably in every
+    respect; L600 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
+    L3000; but this we hope to augment still further.
+
+    "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 L20,000, 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!
+
+    "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 L4,000,000 and L5,000,000 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 L2300. 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.
+
+    "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!'"
+
+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 L20, and there
+are 40 annuitants now on the books. The receipts in 1887 were L2191, and
+the funded property was L10,000. Temporary relief was given to upwards
+of 200 cabmen. Upwards of 1200 members contribute 5_s._ 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 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.
+
+
+
+
+THE PRINCESS HELENA COLLEGE.
+
+_May 23rd, 1880._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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 L50 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."
+
+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 L2060.
+
+The College still flourishes at Ealing, a populous district, where day
+boarders are also admitted to the classes of the institution.
+
+
+
+
+NEW HARBOUR AT HOLYHEAD.
+
+_June 17th, 1880._
+
+
+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
+L1,500,000. 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.
+
+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.
+
+But there was yet much to be done for the Anglo-Irish route, via
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+The opening sentences of a leading article in the _Times_ on the
+following day, form a tribute due to the Prince for his part in the
+ceremony:--
+
+"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 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."
+
+
+
+
+NEW COLOURS TO THE ROYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.
+
+_August 16th, 1880._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 of the Welsh Fusiliers,
+above nine hundred strong, including officers, was embarking for India
+from Portsmouth.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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."
+
+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 _Malabar_. After luncheon,
+the whole party from the Royal yacht, including the Princess Beatrice,
+who had arrived in the _Alberta_ to receive the Empress Eugenie and take
+her to Osborne on a visit to the Queen, proceeded on board the
+_Malabar_, 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 _Osborne_, 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."
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
+
+_May 24th, 1881._
+
+
+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 L3000, and the funded property L6500. 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.
+
+After the customary loyal and patriotic toasts, the Royal Chairman
+briefly but earnestly pleaded the cause of the charity. He said that--
+
+    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 L2000 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 L3000. Several years ago that great
+    philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury, presided at a dinner in aid of
+    this charity, when a sum of nearly L3000 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.
+
+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
+L2000.
+
+
+
+
+AT KING'S COLLEGE.
+
+_July 2nd, 1881._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "Before concluding I wish to congratulate those young gentlemen
+    to whom I have presented these prizes to-day on having 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."
+
+
+
+
+COLONIAL BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE.
+
+_July 16th, 1881._
+
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 evening. 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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 L8 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."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+    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,
+    being a colonial merchant of high repute, and having visited, if
+    not all, at any rate most of our great colonies.
+
+The Lord Mayor briefly acknowledged the compliment, and said this
+meeting was one of the most gratifying incidents of his year of office.
+
+
+
+
+CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
+
+_July 18th, 1881._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+After this address, the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was
+completed. A medal to commemorate the event had previously been struck
+at the Royal Mint.
+
+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
+L46,000 from the Goldsmiths, of L43,000 from the Drapers, of L37,000
+from the Clothworkers, of L34,000 from the Fishmongers, of L22,000 from
+the Mercers, of L10,000 from the Grocers, and of L11,000 from the City
+Corporation. Besides this, to mention the more salient examples, the
+Drapers have given some L60,000 to the People's Palace, the Goldsmiths
+have promised an annuity of L2,500, equivalent to a capital sum of
+L85,000, to the New Cross Technical Institute, the Mercers propose to
+devote L60,000 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS.
+
+_August 3rd, 1881._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 _confreres_ whom they
+    meet in Congress.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+MEMORIAL TO DEAN STANLEY.
+
+_December 13th, 1881._
+
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.
+
+_March 1st, 1882._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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 manoeuvres, 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 _Bacchante_ 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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+BRITISH GRAVES IN THE CRIMEA.
+
+_March 10th, 1883._
+
+
+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 L90 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.
+
+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 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.
+
+The Prince, who was warmly received, rose, and said:
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    _ossuaire_. 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
+    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
+    Mohammedans 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.
+
+    "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 _ossuaire_, 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."
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales again rose, and said--
+
+    "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, 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."
+
+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 L50 from the
+Prince of Wales and L25 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.
+
+
+
+
+THE FISHERIES EXHIBITION.
+
+_1883._
+
+
+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
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+It thus appears that at the time of the Norwich Exhibition, and much
+more after the greater show at South Kensington, the Prince 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."
+
+
+
+
+OPENING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION.
+
+_May 12th, 1883._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The Archbishop of Canterbury having offered a prayer, the Prince
+declared the Exhibition open.
+
+
+
+
+CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION.
+
+_October 31st, 1883._
+
+
+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 financial result was sure to be satisfactory when such vast
+numbers had been attracted.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "I have listened with great pleasure to the Report of the
+    Executive Committee.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I learn with much pleasure that, after all expenses are
+    defrayed, a substantial surplus will remain in your hands.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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, and also of affording valuable information to
+    intending emigrants.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+FINANCIAL RESULTS OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION, AND DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS.
+
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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 L15,243, 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
+    L10,000 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 men who peril
+    their lives at sea. I would also suggest that L3000 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
+    L2000 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 L10,000 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 L3000 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.'"
+
+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!
+
+
+
+
+NEW CITY OF LONDON SCHOOL.
+
+_December 12th, 1882._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Prince, after expressing the gratification it gave to himself and
+the Princess to take part in the proceedings of the day, and, having
+thanked the Lord Mayor for the historical address, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE NORTHBROOK CLUB.
+
+_May 21st, 1883._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "I have not forgotten--and I address this especially to those
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE IN MOORFIELDS.
+
+_July 8th, 1883._
+
+
+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
+L16,000. 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.
+
+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 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.
+
+The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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 opportunity 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."
+
+A prayer for the continued success of the institution was then offered
+up by Bishop Claughton, and the Old Hundredth Psalm was sung.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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,
+    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."
+
+
+
+
+HOUSING OF THE POOR AND THE WORKING CLASSES.
+
+_February 22nd, 1884._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE GUARDS' INDUSTRIAL HOME AT CHELSEA
+BARRACKS.
+
+_February 25th, 1884._
+
+
+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 Barracks 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.
+
+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--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION.
+
+_March 15th, 1884._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 L70 per annum is needed.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+
+
+THE HEALTH EXHIBITION.
+
+_June 17th, 1884._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+OPENING OF GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE.
+
+_June 25th, 1884._
+
+
+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 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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    application to productive industry, a necessary part of the
+    training of all classes of persons engaged in manufacturing
+    pursuits.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL.
+
+_August 1st, 1884._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 dais behind the platform
+were busts of Granville Sharp, and of 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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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.'
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.'
+
+    "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 thanksgiving
+    to the Father of all, for the chains were broken and the Slaves
+    were free.'
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.'
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I will now turn to Europe. The great Republic of France in
+    1848, under the guidance of the veteran Abolitionist M. Victor
+    Schoelcher and his colleagues, passed a short Act abolishing
+    Slavery throughout the French dominions: 'La Republique n'admet
+    plus d'esclaves sur le territoire Francais.' 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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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, which on that day came into force, spoke the
+    doom of Slavery all round the world.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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.'"
+
+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 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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+What was thus said by Cardinal Manning has been since confirmed by his
+Eminence Cardinal Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885.
+
+_April 9th-17th._
+
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 Commission 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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+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 dais, when the Prince, in dear expressive
+tones, read the following reply:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+The several deputations listened with great interest to the reply, and
+at the close gave expression to their pleasure in cordial acclamations.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+After leaving the Leinster House the Royal and Viceregal parties drove
+to the Royal University, where another interesting 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 _honoris causa_ upon His Royal Highness Albert Edward Prince of
+Wales, and also the degree of Doctor of Music _honoris causa_ 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.
+
+The degrees having been conferred, the Prince rose and said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+Some of the incidents of the Royal visit must be passed over with simple
+mention, the Levee 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.
+
+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_s._ a week for each boy trained there, the rest of the cost
+being provided by charitable donations, and the profits of the
+workshops.
+
+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
+_alma mater_. 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 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.
+
+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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE DARWIN MEMORIAL.
+
+_June 9th, 1885._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Prince, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+
+
+THE BIRKBECK INSTITUTION.
+
+_July 4th, 1885._
+
+
+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.
+
+A loyal address having been presented by Mr. Birkbeck, M.P., one of the
+trustees, the Prince thus replied:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.'
+
+    "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.
+
+    "This building, which will be regarded as a memorial of my dear
+    brother's devotion to the great cause of education, I have now
+    the gratification to declare open, and, in his words, 'to
+    dedicate it to those noble uses which it is intended to serve.'"
+
+The thanks of the audience to the Prince were proposed by the Lord
+Mayor, and seconded by Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner for Canada.
+
+
+
+
+RAILWAY GUARDS' FRIENDLY SOCIETY.
+
+_July 5th, 1884._
+
+
+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.
+
+In giving the toast of the evening, "Prosperity to the Railway Guards'
+Universal Friendly Society," the Prince said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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 _employes_, 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."
+
+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
+_employes_, 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. 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 L3383, 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+CONVALESCENT HOME AT SWANLEY.
+
+_July 13th, 1885._
+
+
+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 the middle of
+beautiful grounds, comprising an area of fifteen acres.
+
+Their Royal Highnesses having taken their places on the dais 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
+L15,000 by Mr. Kettlewell for the building, an anonymous donor, a
+governor of the Hospital, contributed L500 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.
+
+Sir Sydney having finished his address, the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE YORKSHIRE COLLEGE AT LEEDS.
+
+_July 15th, 1885._
+
+
+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 L200,000 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales replied as follows to the address read by the
+Principal:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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."
+
+    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 L1000 was
+    collected in Leeds, but that unfortunately was insufficient 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.
+
+    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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE GORDON BOYS' HOME.
+
+_January 12th, 1886._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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 may
+    also say that all of us are indebted to the great energy which
+    Generals Higginson and Tyndall have displayed."
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+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.
+
+The leading article in the _Times_ 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 '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."
+
+The London office of the Gordon Boys' Home is at 20, Cockspur Street,
+within sight of the statue in Trafalgar Square.
+
+
+
+
+OPENING OF THE MERSEY TUNNEL.
+
+_January 20th, 1886._
+
+
+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.
+
+On his arrival at Birkenhead the Prince was escorted to a dais, 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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness made an appropriate reply, in which he said:--
+
+    "Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--It has given me, I assure you,
+    unfeigned pleasure to have been able to comply with your
+    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."
+
+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 dais 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+    "I have been engaged to-day, Mr. Mayor, on an interesting and
+    important work, which I feel convinced will be a very 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."
+
+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 expression of interest would be cordially appreciated and treasured
+by the people of Wales.
+
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
+
+_March 27th, 1886._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE.
+
+_April 29th, 1886._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 _entente cordiale_, 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF MARK MASONS.
+
+_July 1st, 1886._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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--
+
+    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.
+
+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, which he accepted with pleasure, and said it would
+be a gratifying memento of the pleasant proceedings of the day.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PEOPLE'S PALACE.
+
+_June 28th, 1886._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "Sir Edmund Hay Currie and Gentlemen,--I thank you, on behalf of
+    the Princess of Wales and myself, for your address, 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 L75,000 of the L100,000
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT SANDRINGHAM.
+
+_July 15th, 1886._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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
+L50 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.
+
+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 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!
+
+
+
+
+SION COLLEGE.
+
+_December 15th, 1886._
+
+
+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 L3000 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.
+
+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
+L31,625, and on this, at a cost of L25,000, 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.
+
+The Archbishop of Canterbury, and several Bishops, the Lord 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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales then, amid loud cheers, declared the library to be
+open.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886.
+
+
+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 March, 1885. In opening the proceedings His Royal
+Highness said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I cannot doubt but that, under such conditions, should no
+    untoward events occur, the project will be more than
+    self-sustaining.
+
+    "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
+    L51,000."
+
+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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+_May 3rd, 1886._
+
+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 L218,430, of which the City of London had voted L10,000. 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."
+
+The Prince, in his reply, said:--
+
+    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.
+
+
+_April 30th, 1887._
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 Exhibition, a
+    draft of which has already been forwarded to each of you for
+    consideration.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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 L35,235 7_s._
+    8_d._ remaining in the hands of the Royal Commission.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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 Phoenix 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."
+
+The Exhibition was opened by Her Majesty on the 4th of May, 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 L35,285 7_s._ 8_d._ Of this L25,000 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.
+
+
+
+
+THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.
+
+_January 12th, 1887._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I have on more than one occasion expressed my own views,
+    founded upon those so often enunciated by my lamented father,
+    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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE LONDON ORPHAN ASYLUM.
+
+_March 12th, 1887._
+
+
+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
+Hotel Metropole, 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.
+
+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.
+
+Other loyal and patriotic toasts having been given, the Prince rose to
+propose the toast of the evening. He said:--
+
+    "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
+    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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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 L30. The amount disbursed in the 74 years since its
+    foundation has reached the large sum of L700,000--all of this
+    large sum, with the exception of L1000 a year which you can rely
+    upon, having been derived from voluntary contributions.
+
+    "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 L18,000 and L20,000. 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."
+
+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 L5000, including an annual subscription of 20 guineas
+from the Queen and 100 guineas from the Prince of Wales.
+
+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 L8000. For
+the chapel L5000 was given by one whose early days were spent in the
+Asylum. The Grocers' Company contributed L3000 to build one house; the
+Countess of Verulam and the Countess of Essex raised another sum of
+L3000, as a kind of welcome to the county. The income in 1887 was
+L15,000, but the invested funds give little more than L1000, so that
+there is constant need of new "voluntary contributions," to maintain the
+550 orphans now in the houses.
+
+
+
+
+THE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS.
+
+_March 30th, 1887._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "For over forty years the College of Preceptors has exercised a
+    marked and growing influence for good upon the education given
+    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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION.
+
+_May 3rd, 1887._
+
+
+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 carriage
+to Manchester, accompanied by Lady Sefton and Lord Egerton.
+
+On arriving at the Town Hall an address was presented, to which the
+Prince read the following reply:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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. Halle'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:--
+
+    "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 illustrations
+    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."
+
+The Prince, in the name of the Queen, declared the Exhibition open. A
+fanfare of trumpets was then given and a _feu de joie_ 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.
+
+
+
+
+THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS.
+
+_May 22nd, 1887._
+
+
+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 L15,000 a year,
+while the annual cost of maintenance is L50,000. 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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 L50,000, 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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+DEACONESSES' INSTITUTION AND HOSPITAL AT TOTTENHAM.
+
+_May 28th, 1887._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE FREEMASONS AND THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE.
+
+_June 13th, 1887._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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,
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+The Grand Master announced that the amount paid by the members that day
+amounted to upwards of L6000, the whole of which would go to the Masonic
+charities for children and the aged, under the rules of the Order.
+
+
+
+
+THE SHAFTESBURY HOUSE.
+
+_June 17th, 1887._
+
+
+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 L180 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 _Chichester_ and the _Arethusa_, with an annual income of about
+L20,000. 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 _Chichester_ to its high
+excellence as a training-ship.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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-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."
+
+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 L50 from his Royal
+Highness, L30 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.
+
+
+
+
+CONSECRATION OF TRURO CATHEDRAL.
+
+_November 3rd, 1887._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+NEW COLOURS TO THE OLD 46TH REGIMENT.
+
+_November 4th, 1887._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The Prince then drove to the Raglan Barracks, where the regiment awaited
+his arrival.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "Your 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
+    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."
+
+
+
+
+THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888.
+
+_May 8th, 1888._
+
+
+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 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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
+    fail to acquaint her likewise with your words of devotion to her
+    throne and person."
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales, accepting the address, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "It is also a gratification to us to observe that the artistic
+    building in which the Exhibition is contained occupies an
+    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."
+
+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, _en route_ to Hamilton Palace.
+
+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 _Golden Legend_, 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.
+
+
+
+
+SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE.
+
+_June 5th, 1888._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+
+
+NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE.
+
+_July 6th, 1888._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS.
+
+_July 6th, 1888._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales then said:--
+
+    "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, 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."
+
+The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.
+
+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.'"
+
+The toast was drunk with full Masonic honours. The Prince of Wales, in
+reply, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+Again rising, the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 L20,000. In 1838,
+    on the occasion of the jubilee of the Institution, L1000 was
+    subscribed at the annual festival, and in 1871, when I had the
+    honour of presiding, as much as L5200 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 L50,000. 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."
+
+The Earl of Lathom replied, and the proceedings terminated. The grand
+total of the subscription was L50,472, of which London contributed
+L22,454, and the Provinces, India, and the Colonies L28,018.
+
+
+
+
+WEST NORFOLK HUNT.
+
+_April 9th, 1888._
+
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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
+    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."
+
+
+
+
+AT BLACKBURN.
+
+_May 9th, 1888._
+
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 advancing 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."
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The Mayor briefly responded to the toast. The Royal party afterwards
+proceeded to the Blackburn Railway Station, and left for London.
+
+
+
+
+THE ANGLO-DANISH EXHIBITION.
+
+_May 14th, 1888._
+
+
+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.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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 L5000. 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 L20 per annum.
+
+
+
+
+GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL, HOLLOWAY ROAD.
+
+_July 17th, 1888._
+
+
+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.
+
+The Prince of Wales, in replying to the address, said:--
+
+    "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 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 present."
+
+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 L1050. This ceremony being finished, their Royal
+Highnesses left the pavilion to visit the hospital.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+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.
+
+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 account of the proceedings, and reports of
+the speeches on all these occasions would have required the space of two
+volumes instead of one.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 _nulla dies sine linea_, 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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "Dear to thy land and ours; a Prince indeed
+    Beyond all titles, and a household name
+    Hereafter through all times--ALBERT THE GOOD."
+
+
+
+
+SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS.
+
+[Blank Page]
+
+
+
+
+SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS.
+
+
+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.
+
+
+_1866._
+
+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. 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."
+
+The Prince, in responding, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+_1867._
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+
+_1870._
+
+The Royal Academy banquet for 1870 fell on the 30th of April.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who was received with much
+cheering, said:--
+
+    "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 beg to thank you for the kind manner in
+    which you have listened to the few remarks I have made."
+
+The usual toasts were afterwards given, and responded to by eminent men,
+including Mr. Motley, the American Minister, and Charles Dickens.
+
+
+_1871._
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+The Prince, in responding, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+
+_1874._
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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."
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who was received with much
+cheering, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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 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.
+
+
+_May, 1875._
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+The toast was drunk with all the honours, and His Royal Highness, who
+was received with much cheering, said:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+In speaking of the Navy, the President said that Mr. Brassey had
+presented to the nation the fine picture of the _Devastation_. "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
+_Devastation_--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."
+
+
+_1879._
+
+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.
+
+Sir Frederick Leighton, in proposing "The Health of the Queen," said
+that, "as members of the Royal Academy, we acclaim in this 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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+The Prince, in responding, said:--
+
+    "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. But of the
+    Academy, as of Royalty, it may be said, '_Le Roi est mort! Vive
+    le Roi!_' 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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."
+
+
+_1880._
+
+At the annual banquet in 1880, the President, Sir Frederick Leighton,
+paid to the Prince of Wales a handsome compliment 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.
+
+In replying, the Prince, after expressing his sincerest thanks, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 _Constitution_, 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."
+
+
+_1881._
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "It is not for me on this occasion to offer any criticism on the
+    pictures which adorn these walls. I have only had the
+    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."
+
+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.
+
+
+_1885._
+
+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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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."
+
+
+_1888._
+
+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.
+
+The Prince, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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."
+
+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 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.
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL BANQUETS AT TRINITY HOUSE.
+
+[Blank Page]
+
+
+
+
+ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE.
+
+
+_July 2nd, 1866._
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said:--
+
+    "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."
+
+
+_July 20th, 1868._
+
+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:--
+
+    "Your Royal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I return my
+    best thanks to my illustrious relative for the kind way in
+    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 _Galatea_, 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."
+
+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.
+
+
+_July 4th, 1869._
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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:--
+
+    "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, '_Les absens ont toujours tort_.' 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. 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."
+
+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."
+
+In dilating on the magnitude of British commerce and the 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 _Alabama_ 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+_June 24th, 1871._
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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 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."
+
+The usual toasts were given, and responded to. His Royal Highness the
+Prince of Wales gave Her Majesty's Ministers, saying:--
+
+    "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."
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+
+_June 27th, 1874._
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "There is another subject in connection with which the Trinity
+    House has taken a very active part, and it is one of 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.
+
+    "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 L80,000, in addition to the reduction
+    of L60,000 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.'"
+
+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).
+
+
+_June 2nd, 1875._
+
+In 1875 the Duke of Edinburgh was not abroad, and presided at the annual
+dinner on the 2nd of June. The seamen of the _Galatea_ 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 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.
+
+
+_1877._
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+The toast was drunk with all the accustomed honours, and the Prince in
+reply said:--
+
+    "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 substitute. 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."
+
+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 Grant."
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
+
+[Blank Page]
+
+
+
+
+THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
+
+
+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.
+
+
+NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR MUSIC.
+
+_June 15th, 1875._
+
+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 _Messiah_ 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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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 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.
+
+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.
+
+    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.
+
+    "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."
+
+The Duke of Edinburgh seconded the resolution, which was carried
+unanimously.
+
+
+FOUNDING THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
+
+_February 28th, 1882._
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+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 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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "Again, the necessity of public aid formed the groundwork of
+    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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 L80 a year; that of education alone at about
+    L40 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.
+
+    "Having settled the number of our foundationers, where are we to
+    place them? In London, I need not say, land is sold by 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 foundation apart from the
+    expense of buildings an income of not less than from L10,000 to
+    L12,000 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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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:--
+
+"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.
+
+"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. 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:--
+
+"'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.'"
+
+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.
+
+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.
+
+When the thanks of the meeting had been moved, by Sir Stafford
+Northcote, to the Royal Chairman, and carried with acclamation,--
+
+    The Prince of Wales mentioned, in his reply, that "he had
+    received a touching letter from some one who had anonymously
+    sent L50 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."
+
+Many munificent donations and subscriptions were announced, but none
+more touching and interesting than this.
+
+
+THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
+
+_March 23rd, 1882._
+
+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.
+
+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:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I further desired to apprise you of the steps which had been
+    and were being taken to carry out this purpose.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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:--
+
+    "'MY LORD,--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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'I trust that the efforts now being made here may meet 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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'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.
+
+    "'I have the honour, &c.,
+
+    "'ALBERT EDWARD, 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "I have, accordingly, directed a memorandum in that sense to be
+    prepared, which will be forwarded, with the other papers, to the
+    proper quarter.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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."
+
+Lord Kimberley said that, as Colonial Minister, he would give 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+INAUGURATION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
+
+_May 7th, 1883._
+
+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.
+
+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."
+
+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. 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.
+
+"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 L110,000, has
+been raised, of which nearly L5000 was due to the gracious action of Her
+Royal Highness the Princess of Wales."
+
+Sir George Grove announced "the foundation already of many scholarships
+for tuition, fifteen of which include maintenance. 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.
+
+"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 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."
+
+The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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.
+
+    "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 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."
+
+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.
+
+The Examiners, Mr. W. G. Cusins, Sir Charles Halle, 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.
+
+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 L2484, a clear increase
+during the past year of nearly L470. 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 L30,000 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.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL INDEX.
+
+
+A.
+
+Aberdeen, Earl of, 338
+
+Abolition of Slavery, Jubilee of the, 252
+
+Adult Orphan Institution, 201
+
+Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Royal, 175
+
+---- Society of England, Royal, 298
+
+---- Society of Norfolk, 132
+
+---- Show at Dublin, 122
+
+Albany, The Duke of, 215, 272
+
+Albert Hall, Opening of the Royal, 107
+
+---- Medal, 103
+
+---- Statue at Cambridge, Unveiling, 190
+
+---- Statue, Unveiling the Holborn, 145
+
+Alexandra Dock at Lynn, Inauguration of, 73
+
+---- Home, 350
+
+America, Visit to, 7, 212
+
+Ancient Britons, Society of, Annual Dinner, 1867, 44
+
+Anglo-Danish Exhibition, 347
+
+Anti-Slavery Society, Meeting in Guildhall, 252
+
+Argyll, The Duke of, 244
+
+Arrow, Sir Frederick, 377, 381
+
+Arthur, Prince, 122
+
+Artists' Benevolent Institution, 111
+
+---- Orphan Fund, 111
+
+Art Treasures, Manchester, 1857, 4
+
+Ashantee Expedition, The return of the, 148
+
+Australasian Colonies, 212
+
+Austria, The Emperor of, 165
+
+
+B.
+
+Baker, Sir Samuel, 69
+
+Battle of Dorking, 121
+
+Beaumont Trustees, 296
+
+"Belgians," The "King of the," 377
+
+Benson, Mr. (now Archbishop), 29
+
+Beresford, Lord Charles, 137, 292
+
+Boust, Count, 165
+
+Birkbeck Institution, opening of the new building, 272
+
+Birkbeck, Sir Edward, 229, 232
+
+Birkenhead, 286
+
+Birmingham, 351
+
+----, Visit to, in 1874, 156
+
+Bingley Hall, Exhibition at, 156
+
+Blackburn, New Technical and Trades' School, 345
+
+Bolton Town Hall, 351
+
+Bombay Durbar, The, 184
+
+Bramwell, Sir F., 291
+
+Bright, Mr., 381
+
+_Britannia_, The training ship, 195
+
+British and Foreign Bible Society, The Laying of the Foundation Stone, 33
+
+British Orphan Anniversary Festival, 15
+
+British Orphan Asylum Festival, The, 146
+
+---- ---- ----, speech, 14
+
+Bruce, General, 5
+
+Buccleuch, The Duke of, 120
+
+Buckingham, Duke of, 247
+
+Buckland, Frank, 233
+
+Buckstone. Mr., 92
+
+Buxton, M.P., Mr. E. N., 189
+
+
+C.
+
+Cabdrivers', Benevolent Association, 198
+
+Caledonian Asylum, The Royal, 120
+
+Cambridge Asylum, The Royal, 159
+
+Cambridge, The Duke of, 149, 160, 225, 284, 374
+
+Cambridge University, Election of Prince Albert to the Chancellorship
+of, 190
+
+---- ----, Prince of Wales at, 192
+
+Campbell, Sir Archibald, 332
+
+Canadian tour, 8
+
+Canning, Lord, 181
+
+Carnarvon, Earl of, 170
+
+Caxton, William, 16
+
+Chamberlain, Mr. Joseph, 157
+
+Charterhouse School, 163
+
+Chelsea Hospital for Women, 350
+
+Christian, Prince, 416
+
+City and Guilds of London Institute, 215
+
+City of London College in Moorfields, 239
+
+---- ---- School, The New, 237
+
+Civil Engineers, Institution of, 31, 290
+
+Clerkenwell explosion sufferers, 65
+
+Clowes & Sons, Messrs. Wm., 310
+
+Coble Dene Dock at Newcastle, 351
+
+"Coke of Norfolk," 134
+
+Colet, Dean, 16
+
+"College of God's Gift," "The," 96
+
+Colonial and Indian Exhibition, Meeting of the Royal Commission, 303
+
+Colonial Institute Banquet, 211
+
+Colonial Office, At the, 293
+
+Colquhoun, Sir Patrick, 114
+
+Companions of the Prince on his Indian Tour, 181
+
+Connaught, Duke of, 124
+
+Convalescent Home at Swanley, 276
+
+Cork, The Prince of Wales at, 270
+
+Cornwall Regiment, The, 269
+
+Costa, Sir Michael, 41
+
+Cottage Homes at Weybridge, 350
+
+Crimea, British Graves in the, 225
+
+Cunliffe-Owen, Sir Philip, 303
+
+Currie, Sir E. H., 206
+
+Cust, Sir Edward, 162
+
+
+D.
+
+'Dark December' of 1861, 128
+
+Darwin Memorial, The, 271
+
+Deaconesses' Institution, The, 324
+
+Deaf and Dumb, Church for, 350
+
+Denmark, King of, 348
+
+Derby, Earl of, 258
+
+Derby Grammar School, 140
+
+Derby, Prince of Wales at, 140
+
+Dibdin, Mr. C., 244
+
+Dickens, Charles, 361
+
+Diseases of the Chest, Hospital for, 350
+
+Disraeli, Mr., 382
+
+Dorchester Cattle Show, 351
+
+Dramatic College, Royal, 26
+
+Dublin, Prince of Wales at, 21
+
+---- in 1868, The Prince of Wales in, 55
+
+---- Chamber of Commerce, 262
+
+----, Demonstrations at, 21
+
+---- Agricultural Show, 122
+
+----, Speeches of the Prince of Wales at, 22
+
+Dulwich College, 96
+
+Dwelling-Houses for Working People, 350
+
+
+E.
+
+Earlswood Asylum, 71
+
+---- ---- Festival, 116
+
+East End of London, At the, 351
+
+Eastlake, Sir Charles, 11
+
+Edinburgh, Master of Trinity House, 377
+
+----, Speech of the Duke of, on College of Music, 401
+
+Educational Exhibition, International, 87
+
+Education, The Prince of Wales on, 87, 216
+
+Egypt and Palestine, 67
+
+Elizabeth (Queen) and Sir Christopher Hatton, 152.
+
+
+F.
+
+Fairfax, Captain, 196
+
+Furningham, Cottage Homes at, 118
+
+Fenians, 65, 122
+
+Fever Hospital, 350
+
+'First Ironclad' on the Academy walls, 366
+
+First public speech, 11
+
+Fisheries Exhibition, The International, 228
+
+---- ----, The opening of the, 230
+
+---- ----, The closing of the, 231
+
+---- ----, The surplus fund, 233
+
+---- ----, Financial results, 235
+
+Fishmongers' Company's dinner, 27
+
+Fitzwilliam Museum, 191
+
+Foreign tour, 1868-9, 67
+
+Foreigners in Distress, Society of Friends of, 59
+
+Forster, Mr. W. E., 253
+
+Freake, Sir C., 393
+
+"Frederick the Noble," 218, 352
+
+Freedom of the City of London, 12
+
+Freemasonry, Duties of, 171
+
+Freemasons and the Queen's Jubilee, The, 325
+
+French Ambassador, 248
+
+Frere, Sir Bartle, 261
+
+Frere's Statue, Sir Bartle, 337
+
+Friend of the Clergy Corporation, Sixteenth annual festival, 36
+
+Fusiliers, Royal Welsh, Presenting new colours, 205
+
+
+G.
+
+Geographical Society, The Royal, 69
+
+German Hospital, The, 165
+
+Gladstone, Mr., 154, 381
+
+----, Mr. Herbert, 339
+
+Glasgow Exhibition, Inauguration of, 332
+
+---- University, Laying foundation-stone of, 66
+
+Gordon Boys' Home, 282
+
+----, General, 285
+
+Grammar School at Yarmouth, New, 135
+
+Grand Master, The Prince of Wales installed as, 169
+
+Grant, Sir Francis, 355, 362
+
+----, General, 386
+
+Granville, Earl, 185, 258
+
+Graves of soldiers in the Crimea, 225
+
+Great Northern Hospital, Opening of new buildings, 349
+
+Gresham, Sir Thomas, 16
+
+Grimsby, New docks, 351
+
+Grove, Sir George, 394, 408
+
+Guards' Industrial Home, 243
+
+Guildhall and Law Courts, Plymouth, The new, 154
+
+Guilds of London Institute, Opening of the, 248
+
+Gymnasium in Long Acre, New, 338
+
+
+H.
+
+Hartland Point, New Lighthouse, 384
+
+Health Exhibition, The, 246
+
+Higginson, General, 243
+
+Highland honours, 120
+
+Holland, Sir Henry, 293
+
+Holloway Sanitorium, 350
+
+Holyhead, New Harbour at, 203
+
+Homeless and Destitute Children, National Refuges for, 327
+
+Homes for Little Boys, 118
+
+House of Lords, Speech of the Prince of Wales, in the, on the Housing of
+the Poor, 241
+
+Housing of the Poor, 125, 241
+
+Hull, The Albert Dock, 351
+
+Hunstanton Convalescent Hospital, 351
+
+Huntly, Marquis of, 120
+
+Huxley, Professor, 271
+
+
+I.
+
+Idiots, Earlswood Asylum for, 116
+
+Illness of December, 1871, The, 128
+
+Imperial Institute, 310
+
+Imperial Policy, The Prince of Wales on, 311
+
+Indian Embassy, The, 180
+
+---- Tour, Places and Courts visited by the Prince of Wales, 182
+
+Infant Orphan Asylum, Wanstead, 193
+
+Installation as Grand Master of English Freemasons, 169
+
+Institution for Girls, Royal Masonic, 114, 340
+
+---- of Civil Engineers, 31, 290
+
+International Education Society, 47
+
+---- Exhibition of 1871, 110
+
+---- Reformatory Exhibition, 24
+
+Inventions Exhibition, 234, 292
+
+Ireland, Visit to, in 1885, 261
+
+Irish International Exhibition of 1865, 21
+
+---- Militia, 126
+
+Ismail Pasha, Reception at the Mansion House, 49
+
+
+J.
+
+Jenner, Sir W., 218
+
+Jersey, Lord, 327
+
+
+K.
+
+Kimberley, Earl of, 53, 214
+
+King George III., 298
+
+King's College, 209
+
+---- ---- Hospital, 350
+
+Kintore, Lord, 295
+
+Knight of St. Patrick, Prince of Wales made, 55
+
+Knollys, General Sir W., 177, 188
+
+---- Sir Francis, K.C.M.G., 158
+
+
+L.
+
+Lambeth, and Doulton Works, 104
+
+Landseer, Sir Edwin, 31, 357, 363
+
+Lawson, Sir Wilfrid, 252
+
+Leeds Art Exhibition, 351
+
+Leighton, Sir Frederick, 366, 368
+
+Leopold, Prince, 246, 386
+
+Lesseps, M. de, 104
+
+Letter of the Queen, 129
+
+Licensed Victuallers' Asylum, 185
+
+Lifeboat Institution, R. National, 42, 244
+
+Lindsay, Colonel Loyd, 121
+
+Liverpool, 288
+
+Livingstone and Gordon, 259, 260
+
+London Hospital New Buildings, 321
+
+---- Institute, City and Guilds of, Laying the Foundation Stone, 215
+
+---- International College, 47
+
+Lorne, Marquis of, 122, 314
+
+Lowell, the Hon. J. Russell, 222
+
+Luther, Martin, 402
+
+Lynn, The Grammar School at, 71
+
+
+M.
+
+Macaulay, Zachary, and Lord, 257
+
+Macfarren, Professor, 395
+
+MacGregor, Mr. John, 327
+
+Machpelah, Cave of, 67
+
+Magdala, Lord Napier, 283
+
+Manchester Exhibition of 1887, Opening of the, 319
+
+----, Royal Agricultural Society at, 74
+
+----, Visit to, 74
+
+Manning, Cardinal, 259
+
+Mark Masons, Installation of Grand Master of, 294
+
+Martin, Sir Theodore, 9
+
+Masonic Institution in Ireland, Prince of Wales as Grand Patron, 127
+
+---- Gathering, Great, 325
+
+---- Institution for Boys, Royal, 85
+
+Masonic Institution for Girls, 340
+
+Maxwell, Sir J. Heron, 177
+
+Mayors, Meeting of 200, 311
+
+McArthur, M.P., Sir William, 211
+
+Mechi, Mr., 180
+
+Medical Benevolent College, The Royal, 150
+
+---- Congress, The International, 218
+
+---- Register, The English, 218
+
+M. de Lesseps, Presentation of the Albert Gold Medal to, 103
+
+Mercers' Company, Freedom of the, 16
+
+Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum, Opening of New Dining Hall, 39
+
+---- Taylors' School, at, 163
+
+Mersey Tunnel, Opening of the, 286
+
+Middle and the Inner Temple, at the Opening of the New Library, 152
+
+Milne, Sir A., 121
+
+Morley, Samuel, 324
+
+Morrison, Lady, 40
+
+Motley, Mr., U.S. Minister, 80
+
+Muenster, Count, 166
+
+Murchison, Sir Roderick, 12
+
+Museum of Science and Art of Dublin, 265
+
+Music, free Education in, 396
+
+----, Free Scholarships, 393
+
+----, Inauguration of the Royal College of, 408
+
+----, National Training School for, 391
+
+----, Royal Academy of, 392
+
+----, Scheme for the College of, 396
+
+----, The Colonies and College of, 403
+
+----, The Power of, 414
+
+----, The Royal College of, 389
+
+
+N.
+
+Napier of Magdala, Lord, 283, 379
+
+National Training School for Music, 391
+
+Newcastle, Duke of, 7
+
+Nightingale, Florence, 324
+
+Nile Expedition, 332
+
+Norfolk Agricultural Society, 132
+
+Norfolk Artillery Militia, 135
+
+North Breakwater at Holyhead, 203
+
+Northbrook Club, The, 238
+
+----, Lord, 184, 238
+
+Northcote, Sir Stafford, 252
+
+Norwich Musical Festival, 41
+
+----, Opening of Drill Hall, 42
+
+----, Royal Visit to, 41
+
+
+O.
+
+O'Connell, Daniel, 128
+
+O'Connor, Colonel, 206
+
+Old 46th Regiment, New Colours to, 330
+
+Orphan Asylum, The London, 315
+
+Owen, Prof. (Sir Richard), 31
+
+Oxford, At, 7
+
+
+P.
+
+Paget, Sir James, 129, 218, 247
+
+Palmerston, Lord, 12, 26, 258
+
+Pauper Schools, Review of the Boys of the, 138
+
+Peabody Memorial, Unveiling the, 78
+
+Pembroke, Earl of, 125
+
+People's Palace, Laying the foundation stone of the, 296
+
+Phillips, Sir Benjamin, 79
+
+Phoenix Park, Review at, 23
+
+Playfair, Sir Lyon, 6
+
+Porcelain Works at Worcester, 351
+
+Portland Breakwater, The, 139
+
+Preceptors, The College of, 318
+
+Prince Albert Victor, 195, 371
+
+Prince George of Wales, 195
+
+Prince of Wales, early years of, 1-10
+
+Princess Helena College, 201
+
+Princess of Wales, 9, 351
+
+Probyn, Sir Dighton, K.C.B., V.C., 181
+
+"Prosperity to Ireland," 124
+
+
+Q.
+
+Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, 350
+
+
+R.
+
+Raikes, Mr. Cecil, 286
+
+Railway Benevolent Institution, 142
+
+---- Guards' Friendly Society, 274
+
+Reading, New Grammar School at, Laying foundation stone, 100
+
+Recovery of the Prince of Wales, National rejoicing at the, 130
+
+Reed, Dr. Andrew, and Sir Charles, 71
+
+Refuge Union, 24
+
+Richard, Mr. Henry, 252
+
+Richmond, the Duke of, 230, 379
+
+Rifle Volunteers, 223
+
+Roberts, Sir Frederick, 370
+
+Rosebery, Earl of, 294, 402
+
+Rosslyn, Lord, 174
+
+Royal Academy Banquets, The speeches at, 353
+
+---- ---- Banquet, First speech at a, 11
+
+Royal Albert Hall, Great Masonic gathering, 325
+
+---- College of Music, Founding the, 394
+
+---- ---- ---- ----, 384
+
+---- Family, The, 159
+
+---- Literary Fund, The, 17
+
+---- National Lifeboat Institution, Annual Meeting, 42, 244
+
+Russell, Dr. W. II., 181
+
+
+S.
+
+Sailors' Home, London Docks, The, 25
+
+Salford, At, 75
+
+Salisbury, Lord, 31
+
+----, The Marquis of, 181, 241
+
+Sandringham, 41, 298
+
+Sandwich Islands, The King of the, 211
+
+Savage Club, 351
+
+Saxe-Weimar, Prince Edward of, 138
+
+School Drill Review, The, 138
+
+Scottish Corporation, Anniversary of the, 81
+
+---- Hospital, The, 81
+
+Seamen, Schools for the Children of, 98
+
+Selborne, Lord, 215
+
+Shaftesbury House, The, 32
+
+----, Lord, 24, 33, 242, 327
+
+----, The Earl of, 252
+
+Sheffield, 351
+
+Shorthorns, Sale of, at Sandringham, 298
+
+Shouvaloff, Count, 386
+
+Sick Children, Hospital for, 350
+
+Sion College, Opening of, 301
+
+Slavery, The Prince of Wales on, 253
+
+Smith, Mr. W. H., 197
+
+Society of Arts, 87, 103
+
+Soldiers' Widows, Royal Cambridge Asylum for, 161
+
+Southampton, New Church, 351
+
+South Devon Regiment or Old 46th, 331
+
+Southdown, Sale of, at Sandringham, 298
+
+Spencer, The Earl, 125, 271
+
+Spicer, Mr. James, 28
+
+Stanley, Memorial to Dean, 220
+
+St. Anne's School at Redhill, 350
+
+St. Bartholomew's Hospital, 62
+
+St. George's Hospital, 93
+
+St. Mary's Hospital, 350
+
+St. Patrick, Festival of, 50
+
+St. Paul's, Thanksgiving Service in, 129
+
+Sullivan, Sir Arthur, 394
+
+Swanley Convalescent Home, 276
+
+Swanley, Orphan Homes at, 120
+
+Sweden, The King of, 338, 341
+
+Sydney, Lord, 201
+
+
+T.
+
+Tait, Dr. (Archbishop of Canterbury), 222
+
+Technical instruction, 313
+
+Teck, Duke of, 164
+
+----, Princess Mary of, 164
+
+Temple, Sir Richard, 318, 337
+
+Thackeray, Mr., 12
+
+Thames Embankment, Opening of the, 105
+
+Thanksgiving Collect, 129
+
+Thanksgiving Day, 129
+
+---- Hymn, 131
+
+Theatrical Fund, Royal General, 91
+
+"The Roll Call," 364
+
+Thompson, Elizabeth, 365
+
+Thwaites, Sir John, 105
+
+'Times,' The, on the Irish visit, 57
+
+Tite, Sir W., 113
+
+Tower Bridge, The new, 351
+
+Training ship _Britannia_, 195
+
+Training ships, Review of the boys of the, 138
+
+Trinity College, Prince of Wales made LL.D. at, 57
+
+---- House banquets, 375
+
+---- ----, Past Masters of, 377
+
+---- ----, The Corporation of, 377
+
+---- ----, The Prince of Wales installed as a "Younger Brother," 378
+
+Truro Cathedral, Consecration of, 328
+
+"_Tu Marcellus eris_," 129
+
+Tyndall, Professor, 385.
+
+
+U.
+
+University Hospital, 350
+
+---- of Dublin, 267
+
+
+V.
+
+Virchow, Professor, 220
+
+Volunteers, Civil Service, 223
+
+
+W.
+
+Warehousemen and Clerks' School, Formal opening, 38
+
+Warehousemen and Clerks' School, The laying of the foundation-stone, 38
+
+_Warspite_ training ship, 350
+
+Washington, At the tomb of, 8
+
+Waterlow, Sir Sydney, 277
+
+Wellington College, Speech day at, 29
+
+----, Duke of, 116
+
+----, "The great" Duke of, 316
+
+West Norfolk Hunt, 344
+
+Weymouth, Prince of Wales at, 139
+
+Whittington, Sir Richard, 16
+
+Wigan Infirmary, 351
+
+Wilberforce, William, 254
+
+Wilson, Sir Erasmus, 151
+
+Windsor and Eton Institute, 350
+
+Wodehouse, Sir Philip, 184
+
+Wolseley, Banquet to Sir Garnet, 148
+
+----, Sir Garnet, 362
+
+Women and Children, Royal Hospital for, 208
+
+_Worcester_ training ship, 350
+
+Working classes, The, 241
+
+Workmen's International Exhibition, 106.
+
+
+Y.
+
+Yarmouth Hospital, Laying foundation-stone, 137
+
+----, Prince of Wales at, 135
+
+Yorkshire College at Leeds, Inauguration of the, 278
+
+Young Men's Christian Association, Opening of the gymnasium, 338
+
+
+
+
+LONDON:
+
+PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED.
+
+STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE.
+
+
+Corrections to the original text have been made as follows:
+
+Pg ix  It is the variety of subjects that will strike most readers.
+         [Punctuation after readers changed from comma to period.]
+Pg 2   seemed delighted with him." [Closing quote added.]
+Pg 130 late mercies vouchsafed to him."" [Closing quote added in most
+         likely place.]
+Pg 132 alluded to, it is not for man to judge; [Original: to, it it not]
+Pg 136 presented by Sir Edmund Lacon, Chairman of the Trustees [Original
+         unclear but 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.]
+Pg 172 "The health of the Most Worshipful the Grand Master." [Superfluous
+         single quote removed from: Master.'"]
+Pg 181 Footnote A: With illustrations by Sydney P. Hall.
+         [Original: Sydney E. Hall.]
+Pg 191 read by the Chancellor, setting forth the services
+         [Original: seting]
+Pg 191 The site chosen was in the Fitzwilliam Museum
+         [Original: FitzWilliam]
+Pg 212 I think, to be found here this evening. I regret that
+         [Punctuation after evening changed from comma to period.]
+Pg 227 who are Mohammedans by religion [Original: Mahomedans; Mohammedans
+         appears 5 other times in the book.]
+Pg 240 and for being given this opportunity of expressing
+         [Original: opportuntity.]
+Pg 243 Maude of Wales, visited Chelsea Barracks [Original: Baracks.]
+Pg 331 "Your regiment was raised [Opening quotation mark added.]
+Pg 350 gratification it has given us to be present." [Closing quotation
+          mark added.]
+Pg 377 July 2nd, 1866. [Section heading; ending period added.]
+Pg 387 auspices of President Grant." [Closing quotation mark added.]
+Pg 419 Hartland Point, New Lighthouse, 384 [Index entry; page number
+          added.]
+
+Missing punctuation in the Index has been corrected without note.
+
+Inconsistent use of :-- ,-- and -- at the start of quotations has been
+retained.
+
+Oe ligatures have been replaced by Latin-1 letters 'oe'.
+
+Variant spellings: sanatorium, sanatarium, sanitorium, sanitarium,
+appear once each in the text and have been retained.
+
+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.
+
+
+
+
+
+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.txt or 32848.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
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