SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES
OP
H.RH. THE PEINCE OF WALES
1863-1888.
SPEECHES AND ADDRESSES
OF
H.E.H. THE PKINCE OF WALES
1863-1888.
JAMES MACAULAY, A.M., M.D. EDIN,
AUTHOR OP "VICTORIA B.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 CHARIXG CROSS.
t£o tfje .pUmon? of
HIS EOYAL HIGHNESS
THE PRINCE CONSORT,
THE "NOBLE FATHER OF OUE 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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal 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
viii PREFACE.
which Koyalty 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; wTith
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 Eoyal 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
PREFACE. IX
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 Eoyal 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.
*** The frontispiece portrait, under which the Prince of Wales has been
pleased to put his autograph, is ttched ly W. Strung, from a recent photograph ly
Van der Weyde.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAG*
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 EOYAL LITERARY FUND DINNER 17
IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865 .... 21
INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE AGRI-
CULTURAL 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
xii TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
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' OHPHAN 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS. xiii
PAOE
VISIT TO DERBY ........ 140
KAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION ..... 142
UNVEILING THE ALBERT STATUE ON HOLBORN VIADUCT . .145
THE BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL . . . .146
BANQUET TO SIR GARNET WOLSELEY . ... 148
EOYAL 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 EOYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM . . . . .159
AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL . . . . .163
THE GERMAN HOSPITAL . . . . . . .165
INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF ENGLISH FREEMASONS . 169
EOYAL 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 EOYAL WELSH FUSILIERS . . . 205
THE EOYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN . . 208
AT KING'S COLLEGE . . .a . . . .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
EIFLE VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . .223
BRITISH GRAVES IN THE CRIMEA . . . . .225
THE FISHERIES EXHIBITION . . . . . .228
OPENING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION 230
CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION . . . . .231
FINANCIAL EESULTS OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION, AND DISPOSAL OF
SURPLUS . . . 235
XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
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
EOYAL 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
EAILWAY 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
SIGN 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 46ra REGIMENT. . . . 330
THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888 . . . 332
SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE 337
TABLE OF CONTENTS. XV
PAGE
NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE (OP Y. M. C. A.) . . 338
THE EOYAL 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 EOYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS .... 355
EOYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE . . . 377
THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF Music . . . . . .391
NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOR Music . . .391
FOUNDING THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF Music . . . 394
THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF Music . . . 403
INAUGURATION OF THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF Music . . 408
INDEX 417
THE EABLY YEARS OF THE PEINCE 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, witli 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
S B
2 SPEECHES OF H.R.II. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 censcientious
attendant to every one of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 E. I." A beautiful wreath sent by the Prince and
Princess of Wales bore the inscription : " In remembrance of dear
old May."
When the Eoyal children came to be under governesses and
teachers, they were taught well the usual branches of early educa-
tion, 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 Port-
land, 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 Palrnerston 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
Eoj-al 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.
THE EARLY TEARS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. 3
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 Eoyal yacht, on the llth 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 Eothesay 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 aifairs, 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 com-
panionship 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 know-
ledge 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
B 2
4 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 pre-
sented to the Queen, in answer to Her Majesty's message
announcing the opening of war with Eussia, 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 accom-
panied the Queen and the Prince on their memorable visit to the
Art Treasures Exhibition at Manchester. The Princess Eoyal,
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 approach-
ing marriage with the Princess Eoyal.
In July of that year, 1857, the Prince of Wales went to
Konigswinter, 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 Eev. 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 Eome,
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.
TEE EARLY TEARS OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. 5
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 Eos, 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
veiy 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, E.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 aftairs, but he felt deeply every change in the home
6* SPEECHES OF H.E.II. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eome, 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 Eome 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 llth 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
i-im, and he seems to have shown zeal and good will. Dr. Lyon
Playfair is giving him lectures on Chemistry in relation to
Manufacture^, 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 Bector of the High School of
Edinburgh, a German, gives him lectures on Eoman 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 Eoyal 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 lie " (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.
THE EARLY YEARS OF TEE PRINCE OF WALES. 7
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 o
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 reqiiest 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 testify-
ing 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 New-
foundland 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 admira-
tion. " God bless his pretty face, and send him a good wife ! "
was their most frequent exclamation. The manner of the Prince
S . SPEECHES OF HAM. THE PEIXCE OF WALES.
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 nigged
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
Doke 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
Yictoria 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 unwilling-
ness of people to be shalbed off with a sham title (Baron Kenfrew,
under which name he travelled in the States), instead of His Boyal
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 Boyal 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
THE EARLY TEARS OF TEE PRINCE OF WALES. 9
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 NY ales, the great-grandson of George TIL, 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 N\ est,"
The Prince left Washington for Bichmond 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 hi»
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 fathers 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 pathc*s. 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
10 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 ap-
pearances, and his voice had been heard, in the City of London.
The words were few, but the occasions were so important ihat
with them may be commenced the record of the Speeches of His
Eoyal Highness. The earliest appearance in a public assembly
was at the banquet of the Eoyal Academy of Arts, on the 2nd of
May, 1863.
( 11 )
SPEECHES OE H.B.H. THE PRINCE OE WALES,
AT THE EOYAL 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 " : —
12 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" Sir Charles Eastlake, your Koyal Highnesses, my Lords, and
Gentlemen, — It is with the most contending feelings of plea-
sure, pride, and sorrow that I rise to return you thanks in the
name of myself and the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 speak-
ing 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 Palmer -
ston, Mr. Thackeray, and Sir Eoderick Murchison.
FEEEDOM 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 Eoyal Highness be presented with
FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON. 13
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 Eoyal party had
arrived. The Prince wore his military uniform, and the Eiband
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 Eoyal personages, followed by a numerous
retinue. The Eoyal party were conducted to the dai's, in front of
which was a table at which the Lord Mayor (Alderman Hose, M.P. ),
and the City officials took their places, and there resolved them-
selves 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 Eoyal 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 : —
14 SPEECHES OF H.K.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal 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 dai's, 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 Eoyal 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.
BEITISH OEPHAN 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
BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM. 15
resolved in 1862 to move the whole establishment from Clapham
Eise, 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 High-
nesses the pupils sang the Old Hundredth Psalm, the National
Anthem having been previously played by military bands as the
procession moved towards a dai's, 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 Yice-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 bene-
volent 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 £12,000 from Mr. Edward Mac-
kenzie 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.
16 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. TEE PKINCE OF WALES.
AT MEECEES' 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 Eoyal names of King Henry VIII.
and Queen Elizabeth, the Company can boast those of Sir Eichard
Whittington, William Caxton the Printer, Sir Thomas Greshani,
and Dean Colet, the founder of St. Paul's School. The address to
the Prince was read by the Master Warden, the Eev. 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 Eoyal 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
AT MERCERS' HALL. 17
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 Boom.
THE EOYAL LITERARY FUND.
May 18tJi, 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 illus-
trious father had presided at the fifty-third anniversary, in 1842.
In the long list of Stewards, in 1864, appear the names of almost
all those most distinguished at that time, not only in Literature,
but in Art and Science, and in every department of the public
service. Upwards of four hundred attended, and the special
donations to the fund at the dinner amounted to £2328 17s., 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 Corpora-
tion, with the addition of legacies, and the profits obtained at the
anniversary festivals, the Royal Literary Fund has been enabled,
C
18 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PEINOE OF WALES.
since its foundation in the latter part of the eighteenth century, to
dispense upwards of £105,000 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 chari-
table institutions, remains undiminished. Gentlemen, I give
you ' The Queen.' "
The next toast was proposed by the Marquis of Salisbury,
" The health of Her Eoyal Highness the Princess of Wales, and
the rest of the Eoyal Family." The toast was drunk with all the
honours and responded to by His Eoyal Highness the Chairman.
" The Church " having been proposed by the Bt. Hon. Edward
Cardwell, and responded to by the Archbishop of Armagh, H.E.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 oppor-
tunity 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 ROYAL LITERARY FUND. 19
the army owes its present high state of efficiency. With ' the
Navy,' I will couple the name of Bear- 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 Koyal Highness the Chairman then gave
the toast of " The Eoyal Literary Fund," saying : —
"Your Eoyal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, I have
now the honour to propose the most important toast of the
evening, it is 'Prosperity to the Eoyal 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 country-
men, 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
c 2
20 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Literary Fund.' "
The list of subscriptions and donations having been read,
including a donation of £110 from the Prince of Wales, Earl
Stanhope, as President of the Institution, responded. Speeches
being delivered by Earl Eussell, 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 Eoyal 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
TEE ROYAL LITERARY FUND. 21
office of your President, and who has contributed so much to
historical literature. T 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, ac-
customed 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, deco-
rated 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 Eosse,
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.
22 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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, pre-
sented by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of Dublin, in their
civic robes. This was read and handed to His Koyal 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
IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865. 23
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 dai's, 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 bril-
liantly 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
Eoyal 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.
24 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
INTERNATIONAL EEFOEMATOEY EXHIBITION, HELD
IN THE AGEICULTUEAL HALL, ISLINGTON.
May IQth, 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 exhi-
bitions, 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 Shaftes-
bury, 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 contribu-
tions 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 Kefuge 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 Eeformatory and Eefuge
INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION. 25
Union has in view — namely, industrial and moral training.
The Committee do me justice in believing that I cordially sym-
pathize 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 in-
tended, and insisted on paying lor 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
26 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 dis-
tinguished 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 state-
ments 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 dis-
tinguish the mercantile navy of Great Britain."
EOYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.
June oth, 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 Eoyal 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.
EOTAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE. 27
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 infirmi-
ties, 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 thank-
fulness to God and their fellow-creatures."
FISHMOXGEES' HALL DINNEE.
June llth, 1865.
ON the llth 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
28 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
this by the Prime Warden, James Spicer, who, as Chairman, pro-
posed 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
Avhich 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
FISHMONGERS' HALL DINNER. 29
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.
1 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
30 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 enthu-
siasm 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
Boyal 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.
( 31 )
INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
May QtTi, 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 Eooms, 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 Eichard) Owen, Baron Marochetti,
the Presidents of the Royal Society and of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness, my Lords and Gentle-
men, I have indeed every reason to feel deeply flattered and
gratifibd 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
32 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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. Presi-
dent 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. Brunei 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 Metro-
polis. 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 Embank-
ment. These constitute the most important works of the day. I
must also refer to the Metropolitan Underground Eailway, which
is owing to the continued exertions of your distinguished Presi-
dent, 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 en-
gineers 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 con-
structed 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
INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS. 33
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 Eoyal 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
Eoyal 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 improve-
ments 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 BEITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.
June llth, 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 llth 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 Arch-
bishop 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
D
34 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
Secretaries, giving a summary of the history of the Society, and
stating its objects and operations.
The Earl of Shaftesbury then formally requested His Eoyal
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 Eoyal
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 guid ance,
the wider diffusion and the deeper study of the Scriptures
THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. 35
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 pro-
posed, 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-
D 2
36 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 £100 to the Building Fund, and £100 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 £116,761 ; and the sum received for Scriptures
sold was £104,880. The Society has aided the translation of the
Bible into 280 languages or dialects.
FEIEKD OF THE CLEEGY COEPOEATIOK
June I3th, 1866.
THE sixteenth anniversary festival of this institution was celebrated
at Willis's Eooms 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 Eoyal family.
Among the many charities in this country, I believe there are
few which demand our sympathy and support more than the
Friend of the Clergy Corporation. Its object is to assist the
orphans and unmarried daughters of clergymen of the Church
of England, and to afford temporary aid to their necessitous
parents. We have met here this evening to advocate the cause
of the institution, and I believe that at the present moment the
pensions which it distributes amount to the large sum of
£4000 per annum, and that it helps to maintain 106 pensioners,
while there are 60 more persons applying for its bounty. One
remarkable characteristic of the institution is that its pensions,
FRIEND OF THE CLERGY CORPORATION. 37
which never exceed £40 a year, are granted for life, and another
is that these pensions are bestowed on members of the Church
not only in England, but also in Ireland and the colonies.
Young though I am, I think I may state that I am aware from
niy 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 partici-
pate 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 Eoyal Highness it was scarcely necessary for
him to say another word. He could fully confirm everything
which had been said by His Royal Highness as to its value, and
the urgent need of such an institution was proved by the fact that
there were in this kingdom no less than 10,000 clergymen who
occupied benefices of less value than £150 a year. How was it
possible for men with such incomes, who had to move in a respect-
able 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
Eoyal Highness.
The result of the appeal was a subscription list amounting to
£1200, 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
£6,000, and the invested funds are about £18,500.
38 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
WAKEHOUSEMEN AND CLEEKS' SCHOOL.
June 18^, 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 Insti-
tution, 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
WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERKS' SCHOOL. 39
stone was laid. On this occasion upwards cf one thousand ladies
presented the charitable gifts, and above £5000 in money or
subscriptions proved to be the gratifying result. Prayer and
thanksgiving were again offered, and the Prince, amid much
enthusiasm, declared the Asylum open.
The schools, first established in 1853, had been formerly con-
ducted in three separate houses at New Cross, under many dis-
advantages. 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 Eailway, near Caterham Junction. The prosperity of the
Institution has been in keeping with its auspicious beginning.
MEKCHASTT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.
June 28tJi, 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 Eussell 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 anew dining-
hall that the Prince and Princess of Wales visited the Asylum, on
the 28th of June, 1866. Received by a guard of h&nour 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 : —
40 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 founda-
tion 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
MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM. 41
address was afterwards read, expressing the gratification which the
friends of the institution derived from the presence of their Eoyal
Highnesses, and their thankfulness for the interest thus mani-
fested 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 anniver-
sary 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 en-
courages 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 Eoyal visitors left, amidst the cheers of the assemblage.
EOYAL VISIT TO NOBWICH 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 exer-
tions. 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 agricul-
ture 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 Corpo-
ration 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 vLsit, which was in every way a most enjoyable and suc-
cessful one. Among the attractions of the musical festival was
the performance for the first time of Sir Michael Costa's oratorio
42 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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.
KOYAL 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 Eoyal
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 Corpora-
tion, the Prince was thence conducted to the Hall, where a
numerous and distinguished company had assembled. On taking
the chair, the Prince said : —
ROYAL NATIONAL LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION. 43
" 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 Institu-
tion 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
44 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
the course of the past year 33 have been called into existence,
at a cost of no less than £17,000, the whole of which has been
defrayed by benevolent individuals. Before concluding the
brief remarks which I have addressed to you, however imper-
fectly, 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
£1200. At the luncheon, which was afterwards given in the Long
Parlour, the Prince hoped that the proceedings of that day would
advance the prosperity of the Institution, the benefits of which
had only to be more widely known, to be more largely supported.
We may add that the receipts, as stated in last year's report
(1887), were £56,970, and the expenditure £74,162. During the
year 368 lives had been saved by the Society's boats, and ten
vessels saved from destruction. Besides medals and other testi-
monials, £3345 had been granted in rewards. Since the formation
of the Society it has voted as rewards 97 gold and 996 silver
medals or clasps, 139 binocular glasses, 15 telescopes, and money
to the amount of £96,700. These statistics are furnished by the
present secretary, Mr. Charles Dibdin, a descendant of the Dibdin
whose naval songs are known to all sailors. British seamen are
always ready to risk their lives to save their fellow men, and
there is never any difficulty found in manning the lifeboats, but
it is necessary to have a permanent staff, and to keep up the
stations, while those who volunteer to imperil their own lives
ought to have reward, in order to help to provide for others
dependent on them. The Prince again presided at the Annual
Meeting in 1884.
SOCIETY OF ANCIENT BEITONS.
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
SOCIETY OF ANCIENT BRITONS. 45
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 attach-
ment 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 insti-
tutions, and at a later period the Irish followed the example. On
the present anniversary the Prince was supported by a distin-
guished 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 Eoyal 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
46 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 accom-
panied 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 pro-
vided, 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."
( 47 )
LONDON LNTEKNATIONAL COLLEGE.
July ICMft, 1867.
ON the 10th of July, 1867, His Eoyal 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 Eector 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 Due 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 de-
sired, and I know that its management will be so adminis-
tered 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 insti-
tutions 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
48 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
important that modern languages should form one of the prin-
cipal 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, Eichard 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 Manage-
ment," 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 lltli, 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 llth 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 ambas-
sadors 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 pro-
posed 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
E
50 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 im-
proving 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. PATEICK.
March I70i, 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
FESTIVAL OF ST. PATRICK. 51
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 Eooms. 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 pro-
posed 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
"Istatio benefida carinis." Complaints had been made from time to
time that the Government had not availed themselves of the faci-
lities 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 forth-
coming 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 ou 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
E 2
52 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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, in-
cluding 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 ta
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 grand-
father, 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 nourishing 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 oppor-
tunity 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
FESTIVAL OF ST. PATRICK. 53
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
54 SPEECHES OF E.E.H. TEE PRINCE OJF WALES.
state from his own knowledge that His Eoyal 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, con-
clude by once more thanking you for the kind way in which
you have drunk my nealth, and for the manner in which you
have supported me this evening."
The amount contributed to the funds of the charity was about
£1200, which included 100 guineas from the Queen, and a similar
sum from the Prince of Wales.
DUBLIN AND CAENAEVON.
April 15-2501, 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 Holy head at
4 A.M., arrived in Kingstown Harbour at 9.30, and landed amidst
salutes from the fleet attending the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 King-
doms, 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 Eoyal Highness, in returning thanks, said : —
" Your Excellency, your Eoyal 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 nattering manner in which this toast has been pro-
posed, and for the cordial way in which it has been received by
the company present here this evening. Under any circum-
stances I should feel it a great honour to have my health pro-
posed 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
56 SPEECHES OF HM.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 illus-
trious 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
DUBLIN AND CARNARVON. 57
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 Koyal
visitors devoted much time to inspecting museums, libraries, hos-
pitals, colleges, schools, including some sights not usually attrac-
tive to strangers, such as the collections of preparations and
curiosities in the College of Surgeons, and the College of Physi-
cians. The antiquities in the Eoyal 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 outj 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 impres-
sion 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
58 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PEINCE OF W4LES.
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 some-
times in a manner made by them. Be it Cardinal, Chancellor,
Eector, 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 mould 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 Eoyal 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.
DUBLIN AND CARNARVON. 59
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 fulfil-
ment ; 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 Eoyal 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 FEIENDS OF FOKEIGNEKS IN
DISTKESS.
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 Eooms, under the presidency of H.K.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 lie was
not merely following the high example of his august mother and
lamented father, but was moved by bis own kind disposition. As
60 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 tem-
porary asylum among the European residents at Beyrout.
His Koyal 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 Eoyal
Highness said that he was sure it would be received with enthu-
siasm : —
" 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 tem-
porary relief in time of sickness. These cases were inquired
into with the greatest care, and sums from a few shillings up to
£5 or £10 were sometimes given where the cases required it.
A third object was to afford temporary assistance to the younger
members of families when the heads of the families were by
infirmity or ill health unable to support them ; but when such
relief had been once afforded to any extent a period of eight
weeks was required to elapse before any further help was
rendered, unless in cases of great emergency. The fourth
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF FOREIGNERS IN DISTRESS. 61
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 con-
fined their assistance to the natives of certain countries, while
this society had for its object the giving relief to foreigners of
all nations. He had one more statement to make which had
only been mentioned to him a few minutes ago. There was a
gentleman present who was well known to them, but did not
wish his name to be announced, who had already given £1000
to the society, and who had expressed himself ready to give an.
additional £100 if he could find nine other gentlemen who
would each give a like sum. He hoped the society would be
able to find those nine gentlemen to assist them. Having
made this brief statement, he begged to propose that the toast
be drunk up-standing with three times three."
The call was heartily responded to, and, after some further
complimentary and formal toasts, His Royal Highness and the
principal guests retired.
62 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 founda-
tion-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 Eoyal
Family," said that the presence of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 anni-
versary festival. My only regret has been and is, that the
ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL. 63
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 Koyal 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 pro-
posing 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 Eoyal 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 Hos-
pital, 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 Eahere, 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
64 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 re-
ceiving 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 £4,000, which was
owing, however, chiefly to the high price of provisions. At the
time of the Clerkenwell explosion he was prepared, if it had been
ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL. 65
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 communica-
tion, with the object of erecting conjointly a convalescent hospital,
at an expenditure of £45,000 eaah corporation. In conclusion, the
Treasurer denounced with some warmth the taxation of charities.
The Royal President proposed " The Medical Statf," 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 Eoyal visitors had the opportunity of
seeing all the Clerkenwell sufferers and of expressing their
sympathy with them. Before leaving, they inspected the beauti-
ful 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 Eoyal 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 pre-
sentation of a testimonial to Sir James Paget in 1871, on retiring
from the post he had long held.
66 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
LAYING FOUNDATION- STONE OF NEW BUILDINGS,
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY.
October Sth, 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-Eeformation 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,
tmrmounted by the Eoyal 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
£160,000 ; and this being supplemented by the money for the sale
of the old building and the old site, with a parliamentary vote of
£120,000, gave a total of £440,000.
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 orna-
ment 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, accom-
panied by the Princess of Wales, laid the foundation stone of the
new building, on the Sth 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.
LAYING FOUNDATION-STONE, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY. 67
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."
FOKEIGN TOUR, 1868-1869.
November l7tJi, 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. Eeference
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
F 2
68 SPEECHES OF II.1LH. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
personal interest, but the national importance of the Prince's
Eastern Tour, may be said to culminate. Never before had Chris-
tian 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 in-
vested 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 fur 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 pre-
cautions 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 en-
closure. 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, faying 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. Eosen, well known to travellers in Palestine for his know-
ledge of sacred geography, was fortunately one of the party ad-
mitted, 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 EOYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.
May 24$, 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 Pule, 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 e>sentially 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 Eoyal 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
70 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoderick Murchison has mentioned me in con-
nexion 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 arrange-
ments for his great and important undertaking, and could not,
indeed, take farewell of all his friends. Sir Eoderick 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 Kavy,
and Auxiliary Forces," had been given. He apologized 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."
EOTAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. 71
The President next proposed the health of Professor Norden-
skiold, 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 Eoderick then proposed the health of Professor Owen, and
the Duke of Sutherland, and Dr. Bussell, who had been com-
panions of the Prince in his Egyptian journey. Dr. Eussell had,
through the Times, been the reporter and historian of the ex-
pedition. 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. Eussell, and Sir
Henry Eawlinson, who proposed the health of the President,
made this a memorable anniversary of the Society.
EAELSWOOD ASYLUM.
June 28th, 1869.
ALL travellers on the London, Brighton and South Coast Eailway,-
have admired the palatial and splendidly situated building near
Eed Hill, Surrey, known as the Earlswood Asylum. It is an
institution for the care and education of the idiot and imbecile.
Everything that can be done by kindness and skill to ameliorate
the lot of these classes, is here in exercise. By far the larger
number show some capability of improvement, and not a few have
learned some trade or industry, sufficient for their own support.
There are now nearly 600 inmates, from all parts of the kingdom.
At each half yearly election, there are about 150 applicants of whom
the Board usually can elect 30 to 35. The receipts of last year
were nearly £25,000, and the charity has £20,000 invested funds.
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 belong-
ing 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 Eeigate came to the
Earlswood railway station with an address of welcome, to which
the Prince made reply.
Sir Charles Eeed, son of the Eev. Dr. Andrew Eeed, founder of
the Institution (as he was of other important charities), conducted
the Eoyal visitors to the gate of the Asylum, to which they had
driven from the station. From the Board Eoom a procession was
formed, to the place of laying the stone. Here another address
was read, in reply to which t!ie Prince said : —
72 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" My Lords and Gentlemen, — I thank you for the kind expres-
sions 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 Eeed, 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 Eoyal Highness
had afterwards given to Dr. Andrew Eeed. A good supply of
mortar having been brought to the Prince of Wales in a mahogany
hod, His Eoyal 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 instru-
mental 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 interest-
ing 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.
( 73 )
THE ALEXANDRA DOCK AT LYNX.
July 7/i, 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, Rotterdnm, 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 Eoyal visitors w ere received, with great ceremony, in
the Council Room of the Town Hall of Lynn. An address was
presented by the Recorder, in Mhich gratification was expressed at
their Royal Highnesses having selected an abode in the neighbour-
hood 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 centuiy in which we live it is permitted
neither to town nor to community to rest quiet or to stand
still. The energies I hav.e 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 navi-
gation 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
74 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
commerce, shedding the blessings which are derived from them
on your town, and contributing to the prosperity of our beloved
country."
The Eoyal 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 Sandringharn, 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 Eoyal visitors were greeted with cheering,
hell-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 iu 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 Eoyal Agricultural Society was held iu
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 Eoyal party then
VISIT TO MANCHESTER. 75
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 Eowing 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 com-
memorated 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 mani-
fested 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
76 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF W4LES.
to merit the good opinion of the people I am so proud to call
my fellow-countrymen."
In driving through the park the Eoyal visitors had been con-
ducted 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 move-
ments 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 fore-
most 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 Eoyal Agri-
cultural 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 £he centres of the world, the most remarkable and the
most deserving of study for their interest and for their develop-
ment of the elements of wealth. In admiring, and, I trust,
appreciating, the successful result that has distinguished foreign
exertions, I have also learnt to look with increased admiration
on those wonderful works of human ingenuity, perseverance,
and industry, the products of the heads and hands of my own
countrymen, and especially of those who now surround me.
May we all be grateful, gentlemen, to a superintending Provi-
VISIT TO MANCHESTER. 77
dence, 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 Norman ton ; 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
78 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 magni-
ficent 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 Eoyal
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 MEMOEIAL. 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 monu-
ments 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 Eoyal 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 : —
UNVEILING PEABODY MEMORIAL STATUE. 79
" I thank you for the compliment you have paid me in drink-
ing 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 Eoyal 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 pros-
perity.' Your Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
80 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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, aud 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 delight-
ful 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
UNVEILING PEABODY MEMORIAL STATUE. 81
"benefactor as are those of us who have enjoyed his acquaintance
anil 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 merri-
ment 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 £40,000, and the
annual receipts are about £5000. In trust to the Scottish Hospital
there is also attached the " Kinloch Bequest," for granting pensions
to Scottish soldiers and sailors, resident in the United Kingdom,
who have been wounded or have lost their sight in the service of
the country, and whose incomes do not exceed £20 from other
sources.
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 con-
ducted 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 Volun-
teers performed a selection of Scotch music during the dinner.
G
82 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PBINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Family," proposed by
the Duke of Koxburghe, 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 Eoyal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, — I have
now to give you the toast of the evening : ' Prosperity to the
Scottish Hospital.' I feel assured that it is a toast which
the numerous assembly I see before me will drink in bumpers.
As you know, the Queen is patroness of this hospital ; she has
been so for thirty-seven years, and she has contributed to its
funds between £3000 and £4000. At twenty different anni-
versaries 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 contri-
buted 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 incorpora-
tion 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 £15, but not more than £30 per annum ; for
20 poor and infirm persons exceeding 72 years of age, to whom
a pension of £15 each per annum is allowed ; for 110 above 68,
to whom a pension of £12 each is allowed. Pensions of £6 are
granted to 50 persons selected from the casual list. Monthly
casual relief to upwards of 200 is awarded by the committee,
and free passages to Scotland are given to such as require them.
THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL. S3
"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 employ-
ment, be exposed to the utmost wretchedness, or to discreditable
beggary, but for the fostering relief afforded them by this
institution. Those natives of Scotland resident in London who
may desire to spend the remainder of their days in Scotland
have free passages granted to them by the corporation. From
the accumulation of a subscription which was raised in India
thirty years ago the corporation is also enabled to allot £120 a
year to the ministers and Kirk Sessions of the several congre-
gations 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 £6, £12, £15,
and £25 per annum have been granted to nearly 200 respectable
men and women, whose means of support have been greatly
increased by the timely aid afforded. Nearly 300 monthly
applicants have had sums given to them by the directors, in
several instances amounting to £5 at one time. In addition to
these, more than 1300 persons have had casual assistance at
the office of the corporation. Passages to Scotland have been
granted to about 200 deserving persons. But for the inter-
vention 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 40 0,
have been in receipt of pensions from the Kinloch Bequest.
" Although the facts must be known to most of you. I have
G 2
84 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 ex-
cellent 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, — Allow
me to return you my most hearty thanks for the excessively
kind way in which my health has been proposed and re-
ceived 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 mani-
fested 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."
TEE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL. 85
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 contribu-
tions received, among which were 100 guineas from Her Majesty
the Queen, 100 guineas from His Eoyal Highness the Prince of
Wales, 100 guineas from the Highland Society of London, 300
guineas from the Caledonian Society of London — in. all about
£2500, being by far the largest subscription received at any
anniversary of the .Scottish Hospital.
EOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOE 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 Eipon,
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 institu-
tion 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 centuiy. 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 ex-
press 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
86 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 rela-
tive 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 educa-
tion— a subject which had of late so much occupied the public
mind — and had founded many schools. The Eoyal Masonic
Institution for Boys was founded in 1798, when six boys were
admitted. In 1810, when the jubilee of the reign of George III.
was celebrated, the number was increased to 50, and now there
were 110 in the school. The total cost of the new building had
been £47,000 of which £5000 was still owing, while there were
other matters which raised the total liability to £10,200. There
were now 155 candidates for admission, but there were only
nine vacancies, although 20 more boys could be admitted if the
institution was free from debt. He was sure he had only to
mention these facts to so distinguished an assemblage of
Masons to insure a response which would greatly forward the
prosperity of the institution."
( 87 )
INTEENATIONAL 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 Eoyal
Highness presided at the rooms of the Society of Arts, in con-
nection 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 Eoyal 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 Exhibi-
tions 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, denomi-
nation, 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
88 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 tha
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 tha
completion of a great work, and here I am reminded how fully
the difficulties connected with this work of education wera
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 Faver-
sham School and the District Union Schools of the Metropolis,
which have been published by our Society, lead me on to hopa
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 Com-
mittee 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
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION. 89
•warmly approved of the proposed International Educational
Exhibition, which would not only receive His Eoyal Highness's
sanction, but his personal assistance and co-operation. It waa
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 nie
great pleasure to be here to open the proceedings, and I cordially
thank all the gentlemen who have so kindly supported me on
tliis 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."
EOYAL GENEEAL THEATEICAL FUND.
May IGth, 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 £2000 annually is
paid to fifty annuitants. The invested capital is about £12,000.
The institution has the merit of not being a mere charity, but is
largely supported by the actors themselves. In this respect it
holds a more honourable position than even the Royal Literary
Fund ; no attempt to establish a guild for mutual help among men
of letters having, as yet, been successful.
The Theatrical Fund was established as long ago as 1839 by a
few actors, and was incorporated by Koyal 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
90 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" The Prince and Princess of "Wales, and other members of the
Eoyal Family," adverted to the constant support given by their
Eoyal 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 regard-
ing 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 Eoyal
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
ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND. 91
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 21s. 4d. to £28 9s.
a year, according to a special scale, provided he had been per-
forming three years in a theatre licensed by the Lord Chamber-
lain 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 incapaci-
tated from further work, he had the option of either receiving a
life annuity or one-half the payments made by him while a
subscriber. On his death an allowance of £10 was granted
towards defraying funeral expenses. At 60 years of age any
member was at liberty to claim an annuity if he had subscribed
to the fund for 12 years, and female members were allowed to
cease their subscriptions when 55 years old. Since the opening
of the charity 322 members of the profession had been admitted
associates. To 61 of these life pensions had been granted,
varying from £30 to £90 a year. In 1846, the first year in
which pensions were granted, the receipts amounted to £565,
and the annuities to £98. Last year the total income was
£1370, and the amount expended in pensions was £1614. The
receipts of 1869 therefore exceeded those of 1846 by £805, and
the pensions, &c., by £1516. Again, while in 1846 only seven
members received annuities, the number of annuitants had
increased to 33 in 1869. The total disbursements, however,
of last year exceeded the income by £368, and it had been
found necessary therefore to draw that sum from the reserve
fund.
" These few remarks would perhaps induce those who heard
him to come forward liberally to the assistance of the charity,
and to make up the £300 which it had been necessary to draw
from the reserve fund. His Eoyal 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."
92 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 kind-
ness 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 founda-
tion 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 £100 ; and although, unfortunately, she does not now
visit our theatres, yet she does not forget us ; and so, my Lords,
Ladies, and Gentlemen, with such a truly Royal example before
you, I can only conclude by hoping that, according to your
generous feelings and your worldly means, you will come and do
likewise."
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 Shake-
speare were not more frequently performed in them. The
subscriptions of the evening amounted to £700, including £100
from the Prince of Wales, and £50 from the Nawab Nazim of
Bengal.
( 93 )
ST. GEOEGE'S HOSPITAL.
May 26th, 1870.
ON the 26th of May, 1870, a public meeting was held at the
Queen's Concert Eooms, 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 Eoyal 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 Koyal 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 tbose on my right
and left — that the authorities did perfectly right in building
that wing, as a piece of ground had been presented to them at a
nominal rent by the late lamented Marquis of Westminster,
who always came forward voluntarily to assist any great and
important work. Besides that, a further sum of £5000 was
given by Miss Williams to the building fund.
" 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, May-
fair, and Belgravia. One would have thought that there would
94 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
have been no difficulty, and that the large number of inhabi-
tants 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
£2500 a year. Is it not, therefore, a scandal, ladies and gentle-
men, that for the sake of this small sum we cannot use forty-
eight beds in that wing ? The Hospital itself is in want of
money, as I will prove by stating that last year the expenditure
amounted to as much as £20,000, while the income was only
£15,000. In order, therefore, to make up the deficiency, £5000
had to be sold out of capital. That will be the case this year,
and it may be the same in future years. The capital thus
diminishing, the income will naturally be smaller, and in that
way this excellent Hospital, which is most admirably cared for,
which has the very best surgeons and physicians — one of whom,
Mr. Prescott Hewett, I know personally — will sustain a yearly
diminution of its usefulness. In this way, if the public do not
come forward liberally we shall see one of the most excellent
and important hospitals in London becoming, year by year, in a
more difficult position with regard to funds.
" 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 hos-
pital 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
ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL. 95
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 £1000 for the maintenance of a. ward for the space
of two years. Let this example not be lost upon us. Let us
all try to follow it, and liberally open our purses for the sake of
an institution of such value and importance to all of us who
live in this part of London."
The Earl of Cadogan, one of the Treasurers, announced that the
Prince of Wales had just handed to him a cheque for two hundred
guineas. The Princess of Wales had also given a donation of fifty
guineas. Miss Read, had given £500, and the Marquis of West-
minster a subscription of £200 a year. Mr. Prescott Hewett, the
surgeon, gave a hundred guineas, and other liberal donations and
subscriptions were announced, amounting to upwards of £2000.
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 in-
formed that the size of the picture depended upon the amount of
the sum given by the donor. One who gave, say £4000, had his
portrait painted full length, while the others were represented
half-length, or even by a head. ... It might be thought a light and
easy thing to come forward and make so excellent a speech as His
Royal Highness had done ; but he was quite sure that if any who
thought thus would come forward to try, they would find them-
selves 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
96 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
for the way in which he proposed the resolution. Xot 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 list, 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
DULWICE COLLEGE. 97
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 Eev. W. Eogers presided,
and proposed the health of the Eoyal 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 in-
crease, 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 Eev. Dr. Carver " returned his very sincere thanks for this
compliment, which he took to be meant really for the institution
H
98 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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, E.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 FOE THE CHILDEEN OF SEAMEN.
June 3<MA, 1870.
THEIR Eoyal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, on
the 30th of June, 1870, performed the ceremony of opening the
new schools for the children of seamen. There was a large
assembly present, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress, the
Bishop of London and Mrs. Jackson, the Sheriffs of Middlesex,
several Aldermen and public officials. The schools are situated
near the London Docks, in Wellclose Square, where for two
hundred years stood the church for Danish seamen. The site of
the buildings was the property of the Crown of Denmark, and,
with the church, was purchased from the trustees with money
granted from the Bishop of London's Fund. The newly-erected
schools afford accommodation for 600 children, and the cost was
about £5500.
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 benevo-
lent 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
SCHOOLS FOR THE CHILDREN OF SEAMEN. 99
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 £1500, 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 pro-
ceedings 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 in-
terest 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.
H 2
100 SPEECHES OF H.R.ff. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
" 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 pro-
bably 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 GEAMMAB 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 edu-
cated, 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. Yalpy.
The town was in high festival for the occasion, and distin-
guished 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
NEW GRAMMAR SCHOOL AT READING. 101
for your town the benefits contemplated by the Eoyal founders
of this ancient school. In extending to Eeading 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 indi-
cated 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 success-
fully 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 Eeading and this neigh-
bourhood, 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 ponred 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,
102 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Beading 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 deco-
rated ; nor was it possible that the arrangements for laying the
foundation stone of the new schools, and the magnificent cere-
mony 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 Boyal 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
Beading 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 Beading.' 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 Koyal 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 Heading had good reason to be
pleased with the proceedings of the day.
( 103 )
ALBEET GOLD MEDAL TO M. DE LESSEES.
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, pre-
sented 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 cal-
culated 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 con-
gratulate 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."
104 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 commence-
ment 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 manifes-
tation 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.
( 105 )
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 Eoyal
carriages, with an escort of the Eoyal Horse Guards, proceeded
from Marlborough House, by the Mall, Whitehall, and Parliament
Street to Westminster Bridge, where they entered the embank-
ment. 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 Eoyal procession went as far as Black-
friars 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 com-
pletion 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
10G SPEECHES OF E.E.E. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
and enterprising spirit of its citizens and the genius and resources
of our civil engineers been more signally displayed. I am com-
manded 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 congratu-
lated Mr. Thwaites, then chairman of the Metropolitan Board of
Works, and Mr. Bazalgette, the engineer, on the completion of an
for disposing of the sewage
the water of the Thames.
TTIS1A.D, ft 1111 JJLL.I • JJCL £><* 1 1£ U L ItJ 9 11J.C CI1J^1U<_
important portion of the great scheme
of London, and purifying the water of
WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION.
July 16fA, 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 exhi-
bition 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 im-
posed 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 rela-
tions 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
WORKMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. 107
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 in-
dustrial 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 EOYAL ALBEET HALL.
March 2Qth, 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 con-
sisted 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences, it is
my high privilege and gratification to report to your Majesty
108 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 en-
couragement 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 assist-
ance 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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
ROYAL ALBERT HALL. 109
of the vast building : " In handing you this answer, I wish to
express ray 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 com-
petition 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
Avith 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 appre-
ciation 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 Canter-
bury, offered a dedication prayer.
The Prince of Wales, after a minute's conference with Her
Majesty, then said, " THE QUEEX 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 Eoyal visitors proceeded to the Koyal box, where they re-
mained 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.
110 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
THE INTEENATIONAL 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 some-
what 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 inter-
national displays. Some of the later Exhibitions were little better
than huge bazaars or trade shows.
Having regard to these conditions, the Eoyal 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 miscel-
laneous museum of all sorts of objects. As the Queen approved of
this proposal, the opening of the Exhibition of 1871 was under-
taken 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 2ndT 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 Cunlifie 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.
( 111 )
AETISTS' OEPHAN FUND.
May Ifh, 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
Eoyal 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
112 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 par-
ticular 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
AKTISTS' ORPHAN FUND. 113
munificent donation of £900. My only regret is that, while we
must all applaud the munificence of this gentleman, I am for-
bidden to mention his name. There is, however, another name
with respect to which I need not be reticent, and which is well
known to you all — I mean that of Sir W. Tite, who has given
the large sum of £1000 to the fund. Now, I feel sure you will
follow this good example, that you will support to the best of
your ability this excellent charity, and that I need not urge upon
you to sign freely the papers which have been placed before you.
I may add that I am authorized by the Council to mention that
a sum of £7000 has already been collected out of the £10,000
which are required, a result for which they beg to return their
grateful thanks. But though the sum I have just named will
enable them to carry out the immediate object of the fund,
neither they nor any one else will have any objection to your
adding considerably to that amount. I will not detain you
longer, but while thanking you for your attention will again
ask you to drink ' Prosperity and success to this most worthy
charity.' "
The Prince of Wales then gave " Prosperity to the Eoyal
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 Eoyal 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
Eoyal Academy were very glad to have it in their power to aid so
excellent a charity, and that, in addition to the £500 which they
had given last year to the orphanage in connection with it, they
were ready to give on the present occasion a further donation of
£1000. He begged, in conclusion, to propose " Prosperity to the
other Art Societies." The toast was responded to by Mr. Clint,
President of the Society of British Artists.
The Treasurer read a long list of subscriptions, amounting in
all to £12,308, including a hundred guineas from the Eoyal
Chairman.
114 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
EOYAL 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," accord-
ing 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 pro-
posed by the Royal President, and' Lord Clonmell proposed " The
Past Grand Master, the Earl of Zetland." " The Deputy-Grand
EOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS. 115
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 Eoyal 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 Free-
masons 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 com-
mittee, 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
i 2
116 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Highness the Prince, and 25 guineas from
the Princess, and though forty lists were not given in the sub-
scriptions already received amounted to £5000. On a later page
will be found the record of another anniversary, when the Prince
presided, and when the subscriptions were about £50,000.
The year 1888 is the centenary of the Institution, which
flourishes, at St. John's Hill, Battersea Eise. The girls are
admitted at eight years of age, and maintained until sixteen.
There are nearly 250 in the school. The annual revenue, from all
sources, is about £15,500.
EAELSWOOD 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Family,"
proposed by the Duke of Wellington.
His Eoyal 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
EAELSWOOD ASYLUM FESTIVAL. 117
another what might occur, and, therefore, we ought always to
be prepared."
Later in the evening, His Koyal 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 in-
terested 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 Eoyal Highness and himself in-
augurated 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. Eeed
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 improve-
ment 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
118 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
necessary, although no epidemic had hitherto occurred in the
asylum; and as that would go far to exhaust the funds, he
called upon the company to do their utmost to replenish them.
His Royal Highness made a passing allusion, by way of example,
to the fact that an anonymous benefactor had thrice contributed
the sum of £1000 to the treasury of the institution, and in
conclusion he earnestly appealed to the audience to do what in
them lay towards the relief of that grievously afflicted class of
their fellow creatures."
At the close of the festival Mr. William Nicholas, the secretary,
announced that the subscriptions in the course of the evening
amounted in all to £4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas,
under initials, which left no doubt that it was a donation by His
Royal Highness the Chairman.
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
HOMES FOR LITTLE SOTS. 119
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 £9000 a
year, but he was sorry to say the institution was still about
£5000 in debt. Mentioning the munificent donation of £1000,
which had recently been received from some anonymous bene-
factor, His Eoyal 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 £3464, including £1000 obtained
120 SPEECHES OF E.E.E. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
from friends by Mr. Eobert Hanbury, then the President of the
institution, and £150 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 pre-
sidency 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 Lome,
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
TEE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM. 121
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 Eoyal Highness in proposing " The Army, the Navy, and
the Eeserve 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 of 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.' i He begged to couple with the toast the name of his
Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness in proposing the toast of the evening,
" Prosperity to the Eoyal 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 Eoyalty for so
long a period. On the occasion when his grandfather had pre-
sided 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 pro-
viding board, lodging, clothing, and education for the 110 boys
and girls now received within the building. The children were
given a thoroughly sound education, and many of those who had
been brought up in the establishment had subsequently dis-
122 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
tinguished themselves in the Army, the Navy, and the Law.
This charity, which was entirely supported by voluntary con-
tributions, 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 con-
ferred 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 High-
ness 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 £2000.
During the course of the evening, the children, headed by their
pipers, marched round the room.
DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
August !«/, 1871.
THE Royal Agricultural Society, of which the Prince of Wales is
President, held its annual meeting at Dublin in 1871. The occa-
sion was taken for a royal visit to Ireland. The Prince of Wales
was accompanied by the Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lome,
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
lie 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,
DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW. 123
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 Exhibi-
tion 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 recep-
tion 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,
124 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
gentlemen, as lie bears the name of Patrick. Without saying
more, I beg you to drink the health of the rest of the Eoyal
Pamily, 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 any-
thing 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 Eoyal 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 Koyal Agri-
cultural Societies. I believe I am not wrong in stating that in
1867 the entries in the department of horses numbered 257, and
DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW. 125
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 srnal(
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, there-
fore, 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.
126 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
It was a happy thing that they were able to mark this. The
calling out of the Irish Militia had tended to encourage the con-
fidence and loyalty of the people. His Excellency hoped that the
improved relations established by recent legislation between land-
lord 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 enthu-
siastic 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 Eman-
cipation. 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 Kulers 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. Eather the com-
plaint is that Ireland has so much less of the Eoyal 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 Phoanix Park was even more brilliant than
on that occasion. One notable incident in 1871 was the installa-
DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW. - v 127
tion, with great ceremony, of His Eoyal Highness as Grand Patron
of the Masonic Institution in Ireland. A formal address of welcome
having been read, His Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 consider-
able 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
128 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF. WALES.
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 oppor-
tunity 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 affec-
tion, 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 Eoyal Highness's address was received with great applause.
The Lodge was then closed in due form.
THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBEK, 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 fore-
boding. 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 clergy-
man 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
THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871. 129
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 Can-
terbury, expressed well the universal feeling of the nation : —
" 0 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
recoveiy 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 Thanks-
giving Service in St. Paul's on the 27th.
With regard to the Eoyal 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
130 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF 'WALES.
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 Thanks-
giving 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 :
TEE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871. 131
" 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 benedic-
tion. "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 Eoyal procession moved down the nave. Thus
ended tbis 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 gratu-
lation. 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 : —
" 0 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;
K 2
132 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
0 be tliis 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 :
0 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 it 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 IQth, 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
NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 133
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 oppor-
tunity 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 success-
ful 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
134 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
he should ever esteem it a high compliment to have been asso-
ciated 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 Eoyal 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
NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 135
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 con-
clusion, His Eoyal 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 Koyal chairman, the Prince and Princess returned to
Sandringham.
AT GEEAT YAEMOUTH.
July 5fk, 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."
Eeference 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 : —
136 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 Artil-
lery, 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 senti-
ments 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 represen-
tative of the people of Yarmouth, and tender to liim 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 Edmond Lacon, Chairman of the Trustees of the
School, to which the Prince replied :—
AT GREAT YARMOUTH. 137
" I tliank you sincerely for the expressions of your kind feel-
ing 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 en-
gaged 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 Eoyal 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
lie 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.
138 SPEECHES OF ff.R.ff. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
THE SCHOOL DEILL KEVIEW.
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 Keview 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 neat sailor uniforms. The lads of the Warspite, Goliath,
and Chichester training ships also made a good appearance. The
Greenwich boys, having the advantage of nioi-e 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 dis-
tributed in the Royal Albert Hall. The Princess went to the
Royal box, but the Royal princes went with their father to the
dai's, 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
THE SCHOOL DRILL REVIEW. 139
to be present. Congratulating the schools on their excellent
marching, and on the favourable report just read, His Eoyal
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 dai's, 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 pro-
gramme was then fulfilled by the bands playing a selection of
musie.
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 satis-
faction 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 POETLAOT) BEEAKWATEE.
August llth, 1872.
ON the llth of August, 1872, the Prince of Wales went from
Osborne in the Boyal yacht Victoria and Albert, to inaugurate the
completed Breakwater and Harbour of Eefuge 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 sur-
face on which the last of seven million tons of Portland stone
was to find a firm resting-place, the usual glass bottle containing
140 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Highness then struck thi-ee 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 Eoyal High-
ness Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria, deposited the
iirst 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 Eoj'al yacht steamed towards
Weyrnouth, and after a rather uncomfortable passage, through a
choppy sea and over the bar, in the Eoyal barge, the Prince landed
at the end of the pier. Here the Mayor and Corporation presented
an address, which declared that " His Eoyal Highness had added
one more link to the golden chain of favours already conferred by
Eoyalty on this ancient borough." A luncheon was given by
Mr. Hambro, the senior member for Wey mouth. The streets were
gaily decorated, and the people were loud in their loyal and joyful
demonstrations. The Eo) al yacht returned to Osborne late in the
evening.
VISIT TO DERBY.
December 17/A, 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 anniver-
sary 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 Eoyal visit was
mainly to present the prizes at the Derby Grammar School, one of
VISIT TO DEEBT. HI
the most flourishing of provincial middle- class schools. The pro-
cession 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 Eev. W.
Clark, having thanked the Prince and the Princess for coming,
added that His Eoyal Highness had kindly said he would write his
name in each of the prize-books in remembrance of the occasion : —
His Eoyal 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 Chats-
worth, 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 reputa-
tion, 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 1 4th of
November, 1888, he went to see "the Prince of Wales's Class
Booms," 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.
142 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF . WALES.
EAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.
March 27lh, 1873.
OK 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 Eailway Benevolent Institution, at
Willis's Eooms. 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, more-
over, 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 gratifica-
tion 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 Eailway Benevolent
Institution and Board of Management.' When I look around
RAILWAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. 143
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 Kailway Benevolent Institution may be
briefly mentioned under six heads. First, it has for its object
the granting of annuities of from £10 to £25 to the distressed
railway officers and servants incapacitated through age, sickness,
or accident; second, to grant small pensions to distressed
widows ; third, to educate and maintain orphan children ;
fourth, to grant temporary relief until permanent relief can be
afforded ; fifth, to induce railway officers and servants to insure
their lives by dividing the payment of the premium into small
periodical sums, and by granting a reversionary bonus of 10 per
cent, out of the funds of the institution ; sixth and lastly, to
grant small sums not exceeding £10 to the families of those who
are injured or killed in the performance of their duties.
" 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 8s. 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 !• 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
144 SPEECHES OF JJ.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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. Xot 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 pro-
mote. 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
KAIL WAY BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. 145
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 Eailway Benevolent Institution."
The Secretary afterwards announced subscriptions to the hand-
some amount of £5000, which included a second donation by His
Koyal Highness of 100 guineas.
UNVEILING THE ALBEET STATUE ON HOLBOKN
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 unveil-
ing 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 satis i'action 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."
146 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
THE BEITISH OBPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL.
March 25th, 1874.
THE number of institutions for helping fatherless and orphan
children is considerable, but the purpose of tbe 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 Eev. 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 Kooms, 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 W'ales,
and the rest of the Eoyal Family," among whom was now included
the Duchess of Edinburgh. The Marquis said : " It gives us all
the greatest pleasure to see His Eoyal Highness again among us as
one of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 under-
stand its working. At the same time it gives me the greatest
pleasure to propose the toast, and to be here this evening advo-
cating 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.
THE BRITISH ORPHAN ASYLUM FESTIVAL. 147
" I have a special interest in this Asylum. It is now nearly
eleven years since the Princess and myself visited and inaugu-
rated 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 expres-
sing 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 con-
dition, why have this dinner ? Why call so many people
together ? And why am I to ask you, in as civil a manner as I
possibly can, to subscribe towards its support ? My answer is,
that the net income of the Asylum is £3000 a year, but that
the increase in prices of all the necessaries of life is so enormous,
that to meet the deficiency that exists as much as £1500 has
been sold out of their funds ; and I feel that in order to make
that deficiency good, I shall not call upon you this evening in
vain. There are points which I might bring before your notice,
but I think that on this occasion brevity is best, for you all
know what a good institution it is, and I am sure you will
drink with me ' Prosperity to the Institution/ and try to make
it still more prosperous for the future. I beg to couple with the
toast the health of the treasurer, the directors, the hon. secre-
taries, and medical officers of the institution."
The subscriptions announced during the evening amounted to-
upwards of £2400.
L 2
148 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 oppor-
tunity 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
BANQUET TO SIR GARNET WOLSELET. 149
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 expe-
dition. 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 Expedi-
tion 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 nec.ssary 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 mo of a Civil Governor, or of an Ambassador authorised to
give me orders, I do not think I should ever have reached Coornassie.
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
150 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PEINCE OF. WALES.
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 per-
sonally 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."
EOYAL 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 lor 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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal
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
Eoyal Medical College. No doubt many of you will be well up
in the subject, but others will be reminded or informed. This
College was founded by Mr. Propert, a medical gentleman of
high eminence; and its object is, in the first place, to assist
aged medical men and the widows of qualified practitioners,
and, in the next place, to educate the children of such persons.
In 1853 the first stone was laid at Epsom ; in 1855 the institu-
ROYAL MEDICAL BENEVOLENT COLLEGE. 151
tion was opened by my lamented father, who took the deepest
interest in its welfare ; and I had the opportunity, as a boy, of
accompanying him on that occasion. I have therefore been
acquainted with the institution, which we have come here to do
honour to, for nineteen years. There were then five pensioners'
houses and a school for loO^boys. There are now, including the
three about to be elected, fifty pensioners, each of whom receives
£21 a year, and twenty-four of whom are also resident in the
College. The school contains 200 resident pupils, the sons of
medical men, fifty of whom, being foundation scholars, are
educated, boarded, clothed, and maintained at the expense of
the institution, while the remainder are charged from £48 to £51
a year.
" 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 institu-
tion. The school has always been full, but we are anxious to
increase its funds, and, as each foundationer costs £60 a year,
you will see that we want money.
" 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 £1780, 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
152 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
be congratulated on the prospects of the institution, and on their
having " induced His Eoyal 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 llth, 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 llth 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 Mid-
summer 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 \\ indsor 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. Kenyon, 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
AT THE MIDDLE AND THE 2NNEK TEMPLE. 153
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 dis-
tinguished 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 Com-
154 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
inons, 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 Eoyal Highness the Princess Louise a few days before.
The two Eoyal 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 acknow-
ledged 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 con-
ventional 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 intro-
duced— an innovation which did not seem unwelcome.
NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COUKTS, PLYMOUTH.
August 13**, 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
NEW GUILDHALL AND LAW COURTS, PLYMOUTH. 155
address are most gratifying proofs of the feelings which animate
the inhabitants of Plymouth towards Her Majesty the Queen
and^the members of the Eoyal 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 com-
pleted. 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 Eoyal 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 Com-
156 SPEECHES OF H.E.IL THE PEINCE OF WALES.
mittee, it must be very gratifying ; and allow me also to have
the pleasure of offering my sincere congratulations to the Mayor
of Devonport, as one of the architects of this Guildhall. I
again beg to thank you for the kind reception which you have
given me to-day, and, in conclusion, I beg also to thank you,
Mr. Mayor, for the kind way in which you have proposed the
Princess of Wales's health, and to assure you how deeply she
regrets that she was unable to accompany me on the present
occasion. She is now on her way to Scotland to meet her
father, the King of Denmark, who is returning that way from
his visit to Iceland."
Afterwards the Prince proposed the health of the Mayor, thank-
ing 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 Birming-
ham 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
Eobert Feel at Tarn worth, 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
VISIT TO BIRMINGHAM IN 1874. 157
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: "What-
ever 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 Eoyal
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 popu-
lation, 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 admira-
tion of Her people by the loyal fulfilment of the responsible duties
158 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 Koyal Highnesses."
The replies of the Prince were confined to a few brief but appro-
priate sentences, and after proposing the health of the Mayor, the
Eoyal party proceeded to visit some of the most famous manufac-
tories 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 Eoyal Highnesses have also to thank not only
the authorities who made such excellent arrangements, but like-
wise 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 Boyal 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 Eoj'al High-
nesses will ever entertain most agreeable recollections of their visit
to Birmingham. I am desired, in conclusion, to state that the Prince
of Wales, being anxious to contribute £100 in aid of the funds of one
of the charitable institutions of your town, requests that you will
have the goodness to acquaint him with the name of the institution
which you may consider to be the most deserving, and to be at the
same time the most in want of support. — I have the honour to be,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
"FRANCIS KNOLLYS.
" To the Mayor of Birmingham."
( 159 )
THE EOYAL 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 Eoyal chair-
man, the Lord Mayor,4n 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
160 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Com-
mander- 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 per-
sonally am much gratified by the kind reception which has been
given to my name in conjunction with this toast. His Koyal
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness has the opportu-
nity of speaking of them as he has done this evening. I feel parti-
cular interest in being present here, and I beg to express to His
Eoyal 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
THE ROYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM. 161
also to thank you for the compliment which yon have paid me and
my family by your attendance, for I cannot forget that this institu-
tion 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 Array, I may
«ay 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
eervice 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 Eoyal 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 6s. a week, besides a grant of 2s. 6^. per
month for coals. While the expenditure is great, exceeding
£2000, the funded income, including £50 a year, called the
Princess Mary Fund for Nurses, amounts to little over £500 a
year. It was originally intended to have, if possible, 130
inmates, but at the present moment there are only 57, for
there is no room for more, and our great object is to make the
institution a success by increasing the numbers. On philan-
thropic grounds alone it is almost unnecessary to say a word as
M
162 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 Gust — 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 Eoyal 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. Gust, 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 If 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
TEE ROYAL CAMBRIDGE ASYLUM. 163
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 in-
directly 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 £1635 17s. lOd.
The present number of inmates (1888) is sixty-nine. The
receipts of the previous year were £2700 ; the invested funds nearly
£23,000. The festival dinner is triennial, but additional sums
have been obtained by military 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 proprie-
tors 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 MEKCHANT TAYLOES' 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 tbe Merchant Taylors' School in the Charter-
house' -Was an event of sufficient importance to justify the request
for the ceremony being honoured by the presence of the Prince
M 2
164 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
and Princess of Wales, who came on 6th of April, 1875, accom-
panied 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 bad 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 lias 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 build-
ings. 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 Eev. Dr.
Baker."
AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL. 165
After the luncheon the Koyal 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 IGtli, 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 con-
nected with the Hospital by a corridor. The yearly receipts
average now about £10,000, and there is funded property amounting
to £55,000.
The Prince of Wales presided at the thirtieth anniversaiy
festival, at Willis's Eooms, 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 Eoyal Family." He
said that he spoke the sentiments of the representatives of all
German-speaking countries, when he said that the " Royal Chair-
man had always shown for the German Hospital a feeling German
heart and an open English hand. When he brought under the
notice of his Sovereign, the Emperor of Austria, that the Prince
was to preside at the festival, he was immediately instructed by
His Majesty to announce the donation from him of £100 to the
funds. Let us, one and all, drink to our illustrious Chairman,
whom the people of England know not only as a gracious and
popular Prince, but also as a high-minded, generous gentleman,
who takes a deep and active interest in all that contributes to
the greatness and the welfare of the country, and to the relief
of the suflerers 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 : —
166 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PHINCE OF WALES.
" I can hardly find words adequate enough to express my
deep thanks to his Excellency the Austro-Hungarian Ambas-
sador for the exceedingly kind and nattering 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 Eepresentatives who had honoured them
with their presence." He stated that " the Emperor of Germany
gave an annual donation of £200 to the charity, and that the
Emperors of Eussia and Austria, and the Kings of Wurtemberg,
Bavaria, Saxony, and the Netherlands, had also evinced a
practical interest in the institution."
Count Minister, the German Ambassador, whose name was
•coupled with the toast, said he agreed with his friend and col-
league, Count Beust, that it was one of the most pleasant duties of
diplomatists to be present on occasions of that kind, and lie felt it,
indeed, a great honour to return thanks for the kind and gracious
manner in which His Eoyal 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 pre-
siding 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
Ids fellow-countrymen he tendered to His Royal Highness their
TEE GERMAN HOSPITAL. 167
most hearty thanks for the gracious part he was taking at that
gathering.
The Prince of Wales next gave "The Army, Navy, and
Eeserve 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 gene-
rally full, and last year the total in- and out-patients amounted
to about 18,000. Of these there were 1300 in-patients, of whom
240 were English. Besides the hospital there is a sanitarium,
to which 42 persons were admitted. The rooms there are
unfortunately limited in number, but the occupants are rather
of a well-to-do class, such as professors, governesses, clerks, and
others, who, in return for the services rendered to them, give a
small sum of money towards defraying the necessary costs.
Last year the expenses of the hospital were very heavy,
amounting to £6500, exclusive of £600 for improvements.
This, I hear, is likely to be increased considerably in the next
accounts, owing to the continuous rise of prices. Fortunately,
I am able to announce to you that the receipts nearly covered
the expenditure. The fixed income, however, can only be put
down at £1200 or £1300 a year, and the authorities of the
168 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
hospital, to carry it on successfully and to keep it out of debt,
have to collect annually between £4000 and £5000.
" 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, there-
fore, 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 recom-
mendation 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
ths 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 pre-
sided, a sum of £500 in excess of any former collection was,
obtained, and I hope to-night we may even exceed the sum
subscribed then. I may tell you that a distinguished guest
among us to-night, Baron von Diergadt, of Bonn, sent us a few
years ago the magnificent donation of £10,000. I do not ask
you, gentlemen, to give quite so large a sum as the Baron, but
I am sure that all that is in your power to give you will. I
desire to tender our thanks to the Emperor of Austria for his
THE GERMAN HOSPITAL. 169
munificent donation, announced by his Ambassador this evening,
and I will now ask you all most cordially to assist me in sup-
porting this excellent charity. I give you as the toast of the
evening : ' Prosperity to the German Hospital.' "
The Secretary (Mr. Feldinann) afterwards announced the receipt
of donations (including £105 from the Prince of Wales, £200 from
the Emperor of Germany, and £100 from the Emperor of Austria)
to the amount of over £5000, being £1200 in excess of any previous
collection. Other toasts, including "The health of Baron von
Diergadt, of Bonn," followed. During dinner, Mr. Marriott's
band played a selection of operatic music, and afterward, at inter-
vals, 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 GEAND MASTER OF ENGLISH
FPtEEMASONS.
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 Eoyal 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 con-
ditions. 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 con-
vert 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 proces-
sion to meet His Koyal Highness. The Duke of Gunnaught had
already seated himself near the Pro-Grand Master, and had been
warmly received ; but when the Prince entered the Hall, the vast
assemblage rose as one man, and, regardless for the moment alike
of Masonic order and of the ceremonies of the craft, greeted him
with such applause as even his experience at public assemblages
could seldom have heard equalled. The Prince was conducted up
the arena to a chair on the left of the Pro-Grand Master, and
before seating himself he bowed repeatedly in response to the
plaudits of the brethren. He then went through the forms pre-
170 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
scribed by the Masonic ritual, and was duly inducted into his
throne, the enthusiasm of the assembled Freemasons once again
outstripping the proper order of the ceremonial, and finding vent
in cheers with which the building rang again.
Garter King-at-Arms, who holds also the high Masonic office of
Grand Director of Ceremonies, then proclaimed His Eoyal High-
ness 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 Eoyal Highness is not the first by many of your illus-
trious 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 mo 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 express-
ing but very feebly the feelings and aspirations of this great
assemblage when I say that I trust the connexion of your Eoyal
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 b6en 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
INSTALLATION AS ENGLISH GRAND MASTER. 171
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 Free-
masons, 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 elocu-
tion which rendered every syllable audible to the whole of the
vast assemblage; but when (adds the reporter of the scene) in
conclusion, he tittered 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 Eoyalty 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
172 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Prin-
cess 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 Eoyal 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
INSTALLATION AS ENGLISH GRAND MASTER. 173
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
nie 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 eulogrum on Freemasonry, and expressed his great gratifica-
tion 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 repre-
sentatives 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 Eosslyn, as representative of
the Grand Lodge of Scotland, and I cannot forget the kind
174 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 repre-
sentative 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 me great pleasure to couple with this toast
the name of the Admiral on my left. As my earliest associ-
ations 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
Piosslyn, 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
Highness has been good enough to say that you have not forgotten
the occasion. I can assure your Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness lias this day told us what the duties of
Freemasonry are, and there is no doubt he has summed them up in
INSTALLATION AS ENGLISH GRAND MASTER. 175
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 E. W. Shekleton, Deputy Grand Master of Ireland,
spoke of the loyalty of Irish Masons, who are, he said, " remark-
able for fear of God, fealty to the Sovereign, love to the brother-
hood, 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
Eitual : " 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.
EOYAL AGRICULTUEAL 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 Eichmond is President, and the Earl of
Northbrook, Chairman of the Executive Council. At the present
time (1888), 647 persons are maintained at an annual cost of nearly
£14,000. The Prince of Wales has always been a generous friend
and supporter of the charity. At the Eoyal 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
176 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
through, the various causes of agricultural failure. During the
past twenty-eight years, about 1300 persons have been granted
annuities, at a total expenditure of £165,821.
At the fifteenth anniversary festival of the Institution, at
Willis's Eooms, 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
Eoyal 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 him-
self 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 Eichmond, 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
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. 177
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 agri-
culture, 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 Eeserve 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 Xavy 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 Eeserve
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 con-
tentment 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 Eoyal Agricultural Benevolent Institu-
tion.' 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
N
178 SPEECHES OF H.fi.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
which is absolutely necessary to entitle to relief, and that is
that the recipient of the pension must have, as his exclusive
means of support, cultivated at least fifty acres, or rented land
at £100 a year at least for twenty years. And those farmers
who receive pensions must prove to the society that they do not
possess an income from other sources of more than £20 a year.
Among those, also, who are benefited by the society are the
widows and children or orphans of farmers and their unmarried
daughters.
" One main object of the managers of the institution is to
maintain in their own districts those who have not the means
of providing for themselves, so that, instead of their going to
the workhouse, or having to remove to distant parts of the
kingdom, they may be kept as much as possible in the counties
where they were born and bred. Pensions varying from £20 to
£40 a year are granted, and since the foundation of this society
as many as 432 pensioners have been elected, and 53 children
have been educated and maintained at a cost of not far from
£40,000. At present there are 302 pensioners and 41 children
on the books of the charity, and these numbers will, I under-
stand, be augmented during the present month by the election
of 51 pensioners. The total cost of the year will be nearly
£8500, and I am sorry to say the donations and annual sums
received amount to little over £6800. Therefore, you see that
although this institution is in a highly prosperous state, at the
same time the funds are not as great as we could wish. It
is for that reason that we assemble here — to augment those funds.
" 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
EOTAL AGEICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. 179
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 Eoyal 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 £25. The Prince of Wales gave, in addition to his
annual subscription of ten guineas, a donation of 100 guineas.
The largest list of collections was Mr. Naish's, of £465. The total
amount was no less than £8000.
Mr. C. S. Bead, M.P., then proposed the toast of " The Execu-
tive Council, the Secretary, and the Honorary Local Secretaries."
In the course of his speech, he remarked that it had been well said
by His Boyal Highness that agriculture is exposed to more vicissi-
tudes and difficulties than almost any other industry, and it was
surprising that it should have existed so long without any bene-
volent 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 con-
descended 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 agricul-
tural population, they had donations of £826.
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
N 2
180 SPEECHES OF HM.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 lias 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 Koyal 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
THE INDIAN EMBASSY. 181
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. Kussell 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
lor the story of the Royal expedition, both in India and in the
countries through which he passed on the outward and homeward
journey.*
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 ex-
pedition. 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
* «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 E. Hall. Sampson Low & Co.
182 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 llth 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
llth 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 Eoyalty 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 under-
stood 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 : —
THE INDIAN EMBASSY. 183
" It is a great pleasure to me to begin my travels in India at
a place so long associated with the Eoyal 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 popu-
lation 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 satis-
faction 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,
wliilst 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 Eulers
and Chiefs of Western India, a scene of truly Oriental magnifi-
cence, 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
184 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 \vish — the dream of my life —
to visit India ; and now that my desire has been gratified, I
can only say, Sir Philip "VVodekouse, 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 experi-
enced 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 Presi-
dencies, 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 £60,000 ; and this, although no expense
was spared in carrying out the mission with due display and
THE INDIAN EMBASSY. 185
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
£4770 ; grants £300 yearly for the maintenance of twelve children
in the Society's School ; and dispenses temporary relief amounting
to £500. The School just named, founded in 1803, situated in
Kennington Lane, Lambeth, wholly maintains and educates 200
children of deceased or distressed members of the Incorporated
Society of Licensed Victuallers. Its income from all sources
averages £6000. Besides these charitable operations, there is the
Licensed Victuallers' Asylum, in the Old Kent Road, founded in
1827, and incorporated in 1836, for the reception and mainten-
ance of decayed aged licensed victuallers, their wives or widows,
and for granting weekly allowances of money to fifty candidates,
while waiting for the more substantial benefits of the Society.
The Asylum comprises 170 distinct houses, with a common library,
a chapel and resident chaplain. The property covers six acres of
freehold land, and the annual expense is about £8500.
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 £50 to its funds at one
of its annual festivals. Earl Granville, in a genial and humorous
speech, proposed the toast of " The Prince and Princess of Wales
186 SPEECHES OF ff.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
and the rest of the Eoyal Family." The noble Lord said he con-
sidered 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 con-
sumption, 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 Eoyal 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 pre-
siding in a work of charity and kindliness. He might also recom-
mend it in consequence of His Eoyal Highness being the very best
chairman of a public dinner. Instead of long speeches, His Eoyal
Highness made addresses that were, to use a homely expression, as
full of meat as an egg. But without using any arguments what-
ever, he would give them " The Health of the Prince and Princess,
and the rest of the Eoyal 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,
LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASYLUM. 187
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 meet-
ing 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 English-
men 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
188 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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
Eeserve 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 grate-
ful 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
LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASYLUM. 189
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, 10s., and the
others, 8s. per week, besides coals, medical assistance, &c.
The annual expenses are very large, as they amount to upwards
of £8000, and as for the greater amount of that expenditure
the Asylum is dependent upon voluntary contributions, the
Governors are most anxious to collect now a sum which may be
added to their capital in order that they may feel that they
have more certain sources of income. I feel sure you will aid
them, and I call upon you once more to give most liberally all
that is in your power to give, and to show that you are anxious
by pecuniary means as well as by your presence here this
evening to benefit the institution. I will not weary you with
any more words, because no doubt at many other dinners the
main. facts of the case have been brought before your notice. I
will only say that it has given me the greatest pleasure to take
the chair this evening. I thank you again for the cordial
support which you have been kind enough to give me, and I
feel that now again 1 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 las 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 Koyal
Highness, which was followed by large subscriptions from Messrs.
Bass, Allsopp, Huggins, Mr. C. Sykes, M.P., and other gentlemen.
The whole list amounted to £5000.
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.
190 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
UNVEILING ALBERT STATUE AT CAMBRIDGE.
January 22nd, 1878.
THE election of His Royal Highness Prince Albert to the Chancellor-
ship 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 Cam-
bridge 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 mem-
bers 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 were 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.
UNVEILING ALBERT STATUE, CAMBRIDGE. 191
Daring 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 Fitz William Museum, a
memorial worthy of the noble benefactor, who bequeathed to the
University his valuable collection of pictures and books, with a
sum of £100,000 to be spent in providing a building suitable for
their reception. The statue of Prince Albert was here fittingly
placed. It was one of the best works of Mr. Foley, in his later
years, and is universally admired as a striking and worthy repre-
sentation 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, seting 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
xis 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 High-
ness 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 Chan-
cellor 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 Cam-
bridge 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 Uni-
versity is well known to us all, and it is a source of deep grati-
fication to me to witness the respect which the members of the
192 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Koyal 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
eulog^tic 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 advan-
tage of teaching in the University.
The ceremony in the entrance-hall was thus brought to a closer
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 Kosebery, Lord Selborne, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Goschen, and
Professor Stokes. At the luncheon afterwards given in the Fitz-
william 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."
( 193 )
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 contribu-
tions. 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 institu-
tion. 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 Eoyal 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,
0
194 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 Man-
chester 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 Eoyal 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 gratifica-
tion to come here to-day and to inaugurate the fifty-first anni-
versary 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 per-
fectly 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 Eeed, the chairman of the London School Board, whose
father, Dr. Andrew Pteed, was, I understand, one of the pro-
moters 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.
INFANT ORPHAN ASYLUM, WANSTEAD. 195
" I am sure there is but little more for me to say in commend-
ing so admirable an institution to you, which has now existed
for half a century, which maintains 600 children during the
course of the year, and has educated and sent forth into the
world as many as 3000 up to the present time. But a well-
managed institution like this, with the spacious rooms which
we have seen, will naturally convince you that it must cost a
considerable sum, and I believe I am not incorrect in stating
that it requires at least £18,000 a year to maintain this asylum.
And as it is almost entirely supported by voluntary contribu-
tions 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 — ' Pros-
perity 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, £462. In all, about £1600.
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, E.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
0 2
196 SPEECHES OF EM.H. TEE PRINCE OF , WALES.
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 appear-
ance. 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 Ed ward 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 im-
provement 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
THE TRAINING SHIP 'BRITANNIA: 197
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 Eoyal Naval Keserve, 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 con-
fidence 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 fur 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
198 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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. The 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.
CABDKIVEKS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
May 5th, 1879.
THE objects of the Cabdrivers' Benevolent Association are : 1, to
give annuities of £20 a year ; 2, to grant small loans ; 3, to give
temporary assistance in cases of urgent distress ; 4, to assist the
widows and orphans of cabmen. This is an institution the
benefits of which are so obvious, and for the help of a class of men
so hard-worked, so uncertainly paid, and so useful to the public,
that we are not surprised at the readiness with which the Prince
of Wales assented to preside at one of its annual festivals, and at
the hearty earnestness in which he made an appeal on its behalf.
It was at the festival dinner on the 5th of May, 1879. On
coming to the toast of the evening His Eoyal 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 these poor men sitting on
their cabs in the cold east winds with which we are, alas ! so
CABDRIVERS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. 199
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 £12 each to aged cabdrivers or to those who from infirmity
are unable to earn their living ; secondly, to grant loans without
interest to members requiring such aid, and to give temporary
assistance to those who may be in distress through unavoidable
causes ; and, thirdly, to give legal assistance to members who
may be unjustly summoned to the police courts. It is hardly
possible to conceive that any benevolent institution of this kind
is more deserving of support, not only by the large assembly
who are gathered here, but by the inhabitants generally of our
great Metropolis. There are a thousand cabmen who are
members of this Association, and they pay 5s. a year. Pensions
of £12 are granted now to old and indigent cabdrivers, but it is
our great wish to augment that sum to £16 " (now £20). " The
system of loans seems to have answered admirably in every
respect; £600 has been granted to the members without in-
terest, and these loans have, I understand, been always most
regularly and most punctually repaid. Two hundred and thirty-
three cabmen or their families have been assisted by this society
in various years since its formation, and its existing capital is
more than £3000 ; but this we hope to augment still further.
" One statement I may make which may be of interest to
those present here this evening. I ^mentioned that as a class
the cabmen are thoroughly honest. As a proof of that I have
statistics here before me which state that last year there were
between 16,000 and 17,000 articles left in cabs, amounting in
value to about £20,000, which have been punctually returned.
I believe, at least it is the popular belief, that there is only one
article a cabman never returns, and this is an umbrella, and I
think that is, we may consider, quite fair. A gentleman having
an umbrella may not want a cab, but without an umbrella he
will be compelled to take a cab if the rain comes on !
200 SPEECHES OF H.E.E. THE PEINCE OF 'WALES.
" There are now between 11,000 and 12,000 cabmen, and the
amount of the expense in cab fares comes to a most colossal
sum, something between £4,000,000 and £5,000,000 sterling.
With regard to the remark I made as to the honesty of cabmen,
it may perhaps be not out of place if I mention an anecdote
which was told me to-day. A gentleman drove in a cab to a
shop, left the cab, and entered the shop. On coming out of the
shop, he was not in so quiet a frame of mind as when he entered
it; it was evident to the passers-by that he was dissatisfied
with the shopman ; he left the shop and went away. The
shopman threw a case into the cab. The gentleman had for-
gotten it. But the cabman immediately drove to Scotland
Yard and delivered the case, which was found to contain
jewellery worth £2300. This will give you some idea of the
honesty of these men, for whom we are endeavouring to do
much. Some considerable good was done only four years ago
by a philanthropic and noble lord whose name is known to you,
who started cabmen's shelters. There are now twenty of these,
and they shelter 2000 cabmen, doing much to alleviate the
discomfort of the men, who sit so many hours of the night
suffering from the inclemency of the seasons.
"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 Cab-
drivers' 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 £20,
and there, are 40 annuitants now on the books. The receipts in
1887 were £2191, and the funded property was £10,000. Tem-
porary relief was given to upwards of 200 cabmen. Upwards of
1200 members contribute 5s. 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
CABDRIVERS* BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. 201
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 PEINCESS HELENA COLLEGE.
May 23rd, 1880.
THE Prince of Wales presided at Willis's Eooms 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 Eegent'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
202 SPEECHES OF HJt.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
you can therefore easily understand that as more highly efficient
education is needed now for these young ladies there is a
proportionate increase of expense. Like many other institutions,
its expenditure has been greater than its receipts, and, as a
consequence, it has been found necessary to somewhat alter its
rules by admitting a certain number of paying students as
boarders, and also by establishing day classes for the daughters
of gentlemen. In order to fit the institution for this new
sphere of operations it has been necessary to enlarge the
building, and though, no doubt, the effect of this arrangement
will be to increase receipts, the enlargement of the building has
naturally entailed great cost, and in order to meet that charge
I have to call upon you, gentlemen, to do all you can, by a most
liberal contribution to-night, to enable the committee to meet
their pecuniary difficulties. The best proof you can give me
of the real interest you take in the welfare of this excellent
institution will be to subscribe as handsomely as it is in your
power to do. I am informed that a distinguished naval officer
is acting as steward here to-night in gratitude for the benefit
his daughters have derived in their education from a governess
who was brought up at the Princess Helena College. I have
mentioned before that the Queen is its patron. Her Majesty
subscribes £50 a year to its funds, and on this special occasion
she presents 100 guineas. The interest taken by my sister, the
Princess, in its welfare is sufficiently proved by the fact that
she is President of the Council of the College, and I have great
pleasure in stating to you that it is by her express wish and
recommendation that I am here to-night. I will, in conclu-
sion, 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 £2060.
The College still flourishes at Ealing, a populous district, where
day boarders are also admitted to the classes of the institution.
( 203 )
NEW HAEBOUE AT HOLYHEAD.
June 17 th, 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 £1,500,000.
This outlay included the works and buildings for Government
use in the postal service. The engineer-in-chief was Mr. James
Eennel, 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 Eefuge 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 Eailway Company found enlarged harbour accommodation
a necessity for the benefit of their own traffic.
It is not often that Eoyal 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 Eailway 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 : —
204 SPEECHES OF H.X.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 assem-
blage. 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 Eailway 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 Eailway 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 repi-esentative duties of Eoyalty 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 Eoyal State and, what is harder still, his own
NEW HARBOUR AT HOLYHEAD. 205
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 associa-
tions 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 KOYAL WELSH FUSILIERS.
August 16 to, 1880.
THE Eoyal 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,
" Nee 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 under-
taken by the Prince of Wales. This he did on the 16th of August,
1880, coming from Osborne for the purpose, when the 1st Battalion
206 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 pre-
sented in 1849 by the late Prince Consort, the battalion at the
same time receiving from the Queen the first of those Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eedoubt at Sebastopol.
Twelve officers and half the rank and file fell in that terrible rush,
but the Eoyal 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
Yictoria 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 after-
wards 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 assem-
blage, 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 Eoyal 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
NEW COLOURS TO THE EOTAL WELSH FUSILIERS. 207
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, Water-
loo, 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 con-
cluding : " 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 main-
tain 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
Eoyal Highness, the Princess of Wales, and the remainder of the
Eoyal Family."
The line having been reformed, His Eoyal 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 pre-
sented 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal yacht Osborne, the baud of the Eoyal
Marines ashore played " The March of the Men of Harlech," and
" Cheer, Boys, Cheer," while the troops responded by singing
" Auld Lang Syne."
208 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
THE EOYAL HOSPITAL FOE WOMEN AND CHILDEEN.
May 24th, 1881.
THIS Hospital, which is the oldest of its kind in London, is situated
in Waterloo Bridge Eoad, in a populous and poor district. It
contains now about 50 beds. The number of out-patient attendances
averages 3000 a month, and upwards of 250 visits each month are
paid by the house-surgeon to sick children at their own homes.
The ordinary receipts are about £3000, and the funded property
£6500. It is a well-managed and useful charity, and just such a
one as would gain the good will of the Prince of Wales, who pre-
sided at the festival dinner, in Willis's Eooms, on the Queen's
Birthday, May 24th, 1881. .
After the customary loyal and patriotic toasts, the Royal Chair-
man 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 nourishing
financially as it ought to be. The ordinary income was £2000
a year less than was required to meet the expenditure. It was
also most important that the hospital should be enlarged. The
freehold of the surrounding property had been obtained from
the Duchy of Cornwall at an expense of £3000. Several years
ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN. 209
ago that great philanthropist, Lord Shaftesbury, presided at a
dinner in aid of this charity, when a sum of nearly £3000 was
raised. If the same amount could be made up that evening all
who were interested in the institution would be deeply gratified.
Mentioning that since the foundation of the Hospital as many
as 400,000 children had been relieved, His Eoyal 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 dona-
tions and subscriptions which, including 100 guineas from the
chairman, exceeded £2000.
AT KING'S COLLEGR
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 Eev. 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, pro-
posed 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.
p
210 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
" It would have been a gratification to me on any day to come
to this college and present the prizes to the successful compe-
titors, but as this day is your jubilee day, your fiftieth anni-
versary, 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 dis-
tinguished 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 instruc-
tion they have received.
" Before concluding I wish to congratulate those young gentle-
men to whom I have presented these prizes to-day on having
AT KING'S COLLEGE. 211
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, Presi-
dent of the Colonial Institute, and a large company of representa-
tives 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 tlie 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 Me Arthur, 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 Eoyal and distinguished persons
he had met, and would carry back to his country the most grateful
and pleasant recollections of his visit.
The Lord Mayor next gave " The health of the Prince of Wales,
the Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family."
In response to the toast, the Prince arose amidst great cheering,
and said : —
P 2
212 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF .WALES.
" 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 re-
present here those great North American colonies, of the great
pleasure it would give me to do so. It affords me great gratifi-
cation 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 accomplish-
ing what would have been a long, though a most interesting
voyage. I regret that such has been the case, and that I was
COLONIAL BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE. 213
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 develop-
ment, 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 ex-
hibits 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 Eoyal 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
214 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 proceed-
ings of that august body than many of its members. He had,
the reason why he was called upon to respond to that toast.
Having given some remarkable statistics of progress in Australia,
he said, " It was calculated that Australians and New Zealanders, per
head, man, woman, and child, consumed £8 lOs.-worth of Briti.^h
goods, while France only rated at 7s. Sd. 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 English-
men set their foot they grew and prospered ; they bad 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 bad 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 tbe toast of the evening, " The
British Colonies," to which the Earl of Kimberley replied, con-
cluding with these words : " This is a representative assembly,
and one of tbe most remarkable ever gathered together in this
Metropolis. I congratulate you, my Lord Mayor, on tbe happy
notion of bringing together this assembly, which must have an
equally happy effect in promoting good feeling both here and in
tbe 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,
COLONIAL BANQUET AT THE MANSION HOUSE. 215
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 subse-
quently 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 Koyal 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 pre-
sents the whole subject, and brings out its national importance : —
216 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 manu-
factures 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, aod 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, com-
pensated 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
CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE. 217
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 manu-
facturers.
" 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 under-
taking, 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 com-
munities, 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
218 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
was completed. A medal to commemorate the event had previously
been struck at the Eoyal 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 £46,000 from the Goldsmiths, of £43,000 from
the Drapers, of £37,000 from the Clothworkers, of £34,000 from the
Fishmongers, of £22,000 from the Mercers, of £10,000 from the
Grocers, and of £11,000 from the City Corporation. Besides this, to
mention the more salient examples, the Drapers have given some
£60,000 to the People's Palace, the Goldsmiths have promised an
annuity of £2,500, equivalent to a capital sum of £85,000, to the
New Cross Technical Institute, the Mercers propose to devote
£60,000 to the establishment of an agricultural college in Wiltshire,
and the Shipwrights' Company is taking the lead in a movement
for the formation of a college of shipbuilding in connection with a
Technical Institute at the East-end."
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 Eegister, 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. Eisdon 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 : —
THE INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CONGRESS. 219
" Your Imperial Highness and Gentlemen, — I gladly com-
plied with the request that I should be patron of the Interna-
tional 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 ac-
quiring 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 hospi-
tals 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 acknow-
ledgment 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
220 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 be well repaid, and I am sure Mr. MacCor-
mack 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
MEMORIAL TO DEAN STANLEY. 221
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 reso-
lation 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 West-
minster; 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
222 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 com-
munity, 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 appreci-
ated 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. Kussell 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 Lome, and Lord Chief Justice Coleridge, Mr. Gar-
diner, 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 West-
minster and London.
( 223 )
EIFLE VOLUNTEEES.
March 1st, 1882.
THE 21st anniversary dinner of the Civil Service Volunteers, on
the 1st of March, 1882, at Willis's Booms, 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 Bine Volunteers was cele-
brated 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 re-
member 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 com-
mencement 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
224 SPEECHES OF H.JB.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 Bine Volun-
teers 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 Eegular 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 Eeview 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 Keview 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 Eifle Volunteers,' coupled with the name of
RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. 225
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 dis-
tinguished 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.
BEITISH GEAVES IN THE CEIMEA.
March 10 to, 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 £90 a year had been made by
the Government for maintaining the different cemeteries, but this
was utterly insufficient for the purpose. The Consul-General at
Odessa had recently reported that there were at least eleven
graveyards or cemeteries scattered between Balaclava and
Sebastopol, and there were many others in different places where
the dead had been laid. The scandal of neglect was so great that
the Duke of Cambridge called a meeting at the United Service
Institution, Whitehall, to consider what ought to be done. A
large number of distinguished men, including many of those who
had passed through the Crimean War, responded to the invitation,
and letters were received from others throughout the country
who were unable to be present.
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
Q
226 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 English-
men— 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
BRITISH GRAVES IN TEE CRIMEA. 227
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 Eobert 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 Eussian
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
Grim Tartars — who are Mahomedans 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, disturb-
ing the remains of some who fell. I only hope that before the
meeting separates to-day we may have arrived at some satis-
factory 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,
Q 2
228 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
General Kotzebue, the Governor-General of Odessa ; and I need
only say that, as far as the Eussian 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
kte 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 apply-
ing 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. The interest of their Koyal
Highnesses was practically attested by the gift of £50 from the
Prince of Wales and £25 from the Duke of Cambridge toward the
necessary funds. It was stated in the course of the proceedings
that the French Government granted yearly more than double
what the British Government did, for protecting the Crimean
graves.
THE FISHEEIES EXHIBITION.
1883.
IN the preface to the Official Catalogue of the International
Fisheries Exhibition, the compiler, Mr. Trendell, gives an in-
teresting 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 depart-
ment of industry and commerce. At Boulogne, Havre, and other
maritime places, there were local expositions ; but the first inter-
national 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
THE FISHERIES EXHIBITION. 229
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 per-
mission 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 Fish-
mongers' 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 Eooms, when the Duke of Eichmond
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 Boyal Dukes being named Vice-Presidents, with the
Duke of Eichmond 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 con-
cerned 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
230 SPEECHES OF E.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Depart-
ment 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 Eoyal 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 Kichmond, Chairman of the General Com-
mittee, 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
OPENING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION. 231
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 Eeserve ; 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 un-
doubtedly fall strictly within the province of a fishery exhibi-
tion; 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 FISHEEIES EXHIBITION.
October 3lst, 1883.
IF there ever had been any doubt as to the success of the Inter-
national 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
232 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 Eeport 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 Eeport 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 Exhibi-
tion. 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 obseive in your Eeport, 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.
CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION. 233
" 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 Exhibi-
tion 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 some-
thing 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 gratifi-
cation 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 Exhibi-
tions, to divert the minds of men from those international
rivalries by which all suffer, to those by which all gain.
234 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF . WALES.
"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 com-
munity 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, 1 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,
CLOSING OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION. 235
and also of affording valuable information to intending emi-
grants.
" 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 EESULTS OF FISHEEIES EXHIBITION,
AND DISPOSAL OF SUEPLUS.
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 Eeport of the Executive Committee. Details of receipts
and outlay were presented. Eeference was made to the wide
236 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PE1NCE OF WALES.
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 un-
known in our great towns. The Eeport 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 show-
ing the great improvements that have been made in the fishing
industry of the world ; and its practical object because it not
only showed to our own countrymen, but to all the world, what
a valuable means of subsistence fish is. Many, I believe, had
no idea of its value ; while the existence of varieties of fish was
made known which had not even been heard of by the great
majority of people. Well, gentlemen, you have all heard that
there is a surplus amounting to £15,243, and the question is
naturally how to employ that sum. In the address that I read
to you at the closing of the Exhibition I held out some hope
that this might be applied in a useful and practical manner, and
I would therefore now suggest to the General Committee that
one of the best objects by which to perpetuate the results of
this successful Exhibition would be to appropriate, say, about
£10,000 to alleviate the distress of widows and orphans of sea
fishermen. I use the words ' alleviate the distress ' because I
do not wish to bind any of you to our erecting an orphanage.
That would cost a great deal of money, and, I think, would
possibly be a mistake. If we were to embark in any great
building enterprise of that kind, and in future find ourselves in
debt, we should have frustrated the very object we have in
view, viz., supporting the widows and orphans of those brave
FINANCIAL RESULTS OF FISHERIES EXHIBITION. 237
men who peril their lives at sea. I would also suggest that
£3000 should be given as an endowment to a society, which
might be called the Koyal 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 Eoyal Agricultural Society. We shall then have
a surplus of about £2000 left, which, I think you will all agree,
will be a good thing to keep in reserve. It would be for the
general public in future to show their interest in this scheme by
supporting it to the best of their ability. I beg, therefore, to
move the following resolution : — ' That a sum of £10,000 be
invested, with a view to applying the proceeds to the assistance
of families who have suffered the loss of a father or husband in
the prosecution of his calling as a sea fisherman ; and that a
further sum of £3000 be applied to the formation of a Fisheries
Society, such as was suggested by His Eoyal 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 appli-
ances 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 LOKDON 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
238 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF .WALES.
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 Universi-
ties, 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 educa-
tional 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 NOBTHBKOOK CLUB.
May 21**, 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 assem-
blage. 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 Korthbrook, he had little to say about the
objects and advantages of the club. After expressing his gratifi-
cation at being invited to be present, he said : —
" I have not forgotten — and I address this especially to those
THE NOETEBROOK CLUB. 239
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 inter-
change 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 under-
taking. 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 MOOKFIELDS.
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 £16,000. To
inaugurate this new College, the Prince of Wales, accompanied
by the Princess, went to the City. After being shown over the
building their Royal Highnesses were conducted by the Lord
Mayor to the great hall, which is capable of holding about 1000
persons, and which was densely filled.
The Eeverend 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
240 SPEECHES OF H.Ii.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 opportuntity of ex-
pressing 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 Eoyal 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 tban to say that I feel convinced — and it is our earnest
hope — that this College, which has been so successful hitherto,
CITY OF LONDON COLLEGE IN MOOEF1ELDS, 241
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 POOE AND THE WOKKING
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 Eoyal 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.
R
242 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
"My Lords, it is not my intention to trouble your Lord-
ships 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 nattered at having been
appointed a member of the Eoyal 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 con-
dition 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Commission will be a recommenda-
tion 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 Eoyal 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.
( 243 )
THE GUAEDS' IKDUSTEIAL HOME AT CHELSEA
BAEEACKS.
February 25th, 1884.
THE Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Princess
Louise, Marchioness of Lome, and the Princesses Louise, Victoria,
and Maude of Wales, visited Chelsea Baracks 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 Eoyal 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
R 2
244 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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.
[EOYAL 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
Booms 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
E07AL NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION. 245
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 im-
press upon you the great necessity which exists for keeping it
up and maintaining it in a state of efficiency with adequate
funds. A large annual income is, of course, required for this
purpose. To maintain a lifeboat station in a good state £70
per annum is needed.
" Allusion has been made in the report to the fact that the
Princess of Wales has become a vice-patroness of this institu-
tion, 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
!M6 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 ad-
dresses ; 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 con-
ducted 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 how much our hearts ought always to go with
those 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 llth, 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 Eoyal 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 distin-
guished foreigners.
THE HEALTH EXHIBITION. 247
The Duke of Buckingham, on "behalf of the Executive Council,
expressed the great gratification they felt at the appearance of
His Boyal 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 Eeay presented
to His Eoyal 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 pre-
sent 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 gentle-
men who have come from the Continent, and who, no doubt at
considerable inconvenience to themselves, have so kindly con-
sented 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 every-
tliing they can do to make it pleasing to the eye ; but still I
hope that those who visit the Exhibition will remember that
248 SPEECHES OF II.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 won-
derful inventions and methods of showing them. I wish to
tender my thanks to the Lord Mayor and the great City Com-
panies 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 Chair-
men 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-opera-
tion 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
OPENING OF GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE. 249
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 Eoyal High-
ness 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 Koyal
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 Eoyal 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 appro-
priately 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
250 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINQE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Com-
missioners 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 manu-
facturing 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
OPENING OF GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE. 251
parts of the kingdom. I shall be glad to see other corporations
and individuals follow the example of the Clothworkers' Com-
pany, 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 Corpora-
tion 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.
252 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PEINCE OF, WALES.
ANTI-SLAVEKY 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 Guild-
hall, 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. Forgter, Mr. Sergeant Simon,
Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Mr. T. K. Potter, Mr. Henry Kichard, 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 Kabbi,
from Lord Salisbury, the Duke of Norfolk, the Duke of Suther-
land, 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
dai's behind the platform were busts of Granville Sharp, and of
ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL. 253
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 Eoyal
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 occa-
sion. 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 con-
cerning 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
254 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 para-
mount importance to the greatest interests of humanity and
justice.'
" This is a great and important anniversary. To-day we cele-
brate 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 un-
daunted 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
ANTI-SLA VER Y SOCIETY MEETING IN G UILDHALL. 255
thanksgiving to the Father of all, for the chains \vere 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 Con-
ference 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 consum-
mation 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.
256 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
" I will now turn to Europe. The great Republic of France
in 1848, under the guidance of the veteran Abolitionist M. Victor
Schcelcher 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 re-
ceived, 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 au-
thentic 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
ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL. 257
•
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 apprentice-
ship system produced worse evils than the servitude of the
Slave. The negroes wrere 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 appren-
ticeship was shortened, and soon afterwards public opinion
at home demanded and effected its complete abolition. There
were four years of disappointment, trouble, dispute, and suffer-
ing 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 emanci-
pation. 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,
258 SPEECHES OF E.E.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 niy
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 ques-
tion." 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 worlcL There
were lines written by a great poet which were originally applied
to the great Empire of Eome, 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
ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL. 259
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 ail 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 con-
sequence, 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 men-
tioned 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 Eed 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 con-
firmed by his Eminence Cardinal Lavigerie, Archbishop of Algiers
S 2
260 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 appear-
ance 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 moiion 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
ANTI-SLAVERT SOCIETY MEETING IN GUILDHALL. 261
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 Patrou
of the British and Foreign And- Slavery Society.
VISIT TO IEELAND IN 1885.
April 9th-l7th.
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.
262 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF , WALES.
The first manifestation of loyal feeling was displayed at Kings-
town, 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 to-
wards 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 hospi-
tality 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 kind-
ness, and I regret the length of the interval which has elapsed
since we last were in Ireland, and fully appreciate your senti-
ments of loyalty to the Throne and Constitution, and I will take
care to communicate to the Queen your expressions of devotion
and attachment to Her Majesty. It will give me much pleasure
to renew my acquaintance with Dublin and see the results of
the civic and private enterprise to which you refer. The
furtherance of the welfare of all classes of the realm is an object
which is dear to me, and I trust that the efforts of the Commis-
VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885. 263
sion of which I am a member will tend to the improvement of
the dwellings of those who contribute by their labour to the
prosperity of our great towns, and will thus add to their public
utility as citizens as well as to their private and domestic
happiness. I hope to visit many parts of Ireland and see much
of the work, as well as share some of the amusements, of the
Irish people. The kindness with which you have greeted me
encourages me to look forward with pleasure to my visit to a
country where courtesy and hospitality have ever been the
characteristics of the people."
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 bo
productive of so much pleasure to your Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 suc-
cessful 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
264 SPEECHES OF H.X.ff. THE PS INGE OF WALES.
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 neces-
sarily dependent to a large extent on highly taught and scien-
tific 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 mis-
placed. 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 dai<«, when the Prince, in clear 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 com-
pass 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 adminis-
trations, 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
VISIT TO ICELAND IN 1885. 265
a deep impression upon me, and which I never shall forget.
You have alluded in terms of loyalty, which have much grati-
fied 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 re-
collections, 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 Eoyal
party and the ceremonial it-elf could be seen. A guard of honour,
contributed by the Cornwall Begiment, with their band, was
stationed on Leinster Lawn, opening upon Merrion Square, through
which the Eoyal 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
266 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
having been duly laid, and a statement having been made by Pro-
fessor 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 have given us to-day. It is peculiarly
satisfactory to me to have been able to take part in the inter-
esting 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 Eoyal Dublin Society and from the Eoyal Irish
Academy. It is by a united movement such as this that diffi-
culties 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 kind-
ness 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 Eoyal and Viceregal
parties drove to the Eoyal University, where another interesting
VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885. 267
ceremony was performed. The hall of the University was crowded
with a brilliant concourse of graduates and spectators. Their
Boyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness Albert Edward Prince of
Wales, and also the degree of Doctor of Music honoris causa upon
Her Eoyal Highness Alexandra Princess of Wales, and that their
Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 sup-
ported 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 Eoyal Highness wishes me to state on her
268 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 llth 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*. 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 under-
graduates 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
VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885. 269
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 Eegiment,
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 com-
manded 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
270 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Cornwall Eangers 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
Colonel Stabb, in the name of all the officers and men of the
regiment, thanked His Eoyal 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 the
VISIT TO IRELAND IN 1885. 271
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 DAKWIN 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 un-
veiling 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 know-
ledge, the advancement of which is the object of the vast col-
lection 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
272 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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, what-
ever his condition or his country, who enters our doors."
THE BIEKBECK 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 18H3, 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.I'.,
•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 build-
ing ; and it speaks much for the vitality of your institution
TEE BIRKBECK INSTITUTION. 273
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 provi-
sion 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 advance-
ment 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 insti-
tution 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 congratula-
tion 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 exert-
ing 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 in-
creasing prosperity.
" This building, which will be regarded as a memorial of my
dear brother's devotion to the great cause of education, I have
274 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Commis-
sioner for Canada.
EAILWAY GUAKDS' FEIENDLY SOCIETY.
July 5th, 1884.
Ax the ninth triennial festival of the Eailway Guards' Universa.1
Friendly Society, held at Willis's Booms, July 5th, 1884, the
Prince of Wales presided. A large number of directors and lead-
ing men connected with the railway companies were among the
company. In giving or responding to the usual loyal toasts, His
Eoyal Highness, in a very grateful and gracious way, took the
opportunity of expressing his warm sense of the uniform atten-
tion 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 Eailway
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 sym-
pathy 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
RAILWAY GUARDS' FEIENDLY SOCIETY. 275
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 mainte-
nance 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 prin-
cipal 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 require-
ments 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 institu-
tions, 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, notwith-
standing 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 Koyal Highness con-
sisted 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.
T 2
276 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PBINCE OF WALES.
The Prince concluded with an earnest appeal for help to the
institution for which he pleaded. The appeal was liberally
responded to, the subscriptions amounting to £3383, including a
hundred guineas from the Royal Chairman, which has been his
generous custom at the close of most of the charitable meetings
for objects which have had the advantage of his support and
advocacy.
It ought to be added that the Prince had already presided at a
festival of the " Eailway 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
CONVALESCENT HOME AT SWANLEY. 277
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 Water-low, who had for several years
given the use of Lauderdale House at Highgate, read an address,
which gave a summary of the facts relating to the new institution.
Besides the gift of £15,000 by Mr. Kettlewell for the building, an
anonymous donor, a governor of the Hospital, contributed £500 for
the site; Mr. Homan, another governor, and Mrs. Homan had built
a chapel and provided its furniture and communion plate ; and
Sir James Tyler had given an organ to the chapel, and built the
lodge at the entrance of the grounds.
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 insti-
tution 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 in-
stitution 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 bave great satisfaction in declaring the home to be now open."
The ceremony over, the Eev. 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.
278 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
THE YOKKSHIKE 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, chem-
istry, 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 Cloth workers' Company of London undertaking
to support that which pertains to textile industries, and the
Drapers' Company that of colliery management and mining engi-
neering. Workshops, laboratories, lecture rooms, and other pre-
mises, are connected with the College, the buildings of which were
designed by Mr. Alfred Waterhouse, and commenced in 1877, when
the foundation stone was laid by the Archbishop of York. The
friends of the College have contributed not less than £200,000 to
bring it to its present condition. To inaugurate this great institu-
tion the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Leeds on the 15th of
July, 1885.
On arriving at Leeds from Studley, the seat of Lord Eipon, 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 popula-
tion 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
TEE TOEKSHIEE COLLEGE AT LEEDS. 279
useful institutions for which Leeds is so justly famous. Al-
though 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 ex-
pressions 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 Eoyal Highnesses proceeded to the
Yorkshire College. Here they were received, in the Cloth workers'
Court, by the Marquis of Eipon, President of the College and
Chairman of the Council, Sir Edward Baines, Sir Andrew Fair-
bairn, Mr. Beckett Denison, and other distinguished persons. Depu-
tations 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
Kdward 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 bad undertaken, in addi-
tion, 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 quali-
fied 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 ad-
dresses 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
280 SPEECHES OF E.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 con-
gratulations 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 con-
clusion, 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 pro-
gramme, and the company then dispersed. The Royal visitors
accepted an invitation from the authorities of the College to lun-
cheon 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 acknowledg-
ments 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
TEE YORKSHIRE COLLEGE AT LEEDS. 281
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 nourish 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 them-
selves, 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 Cloth workers'
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 £1000
was collected in Leeds, but that unfortunately was insufficient
282 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 liimself
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 Eipon.
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
TEE GORDON BOYS' HOME. 283
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 difiiculty 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 appoint-
ment 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 Com-
mittee, 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 work-
shops 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, con-
sidering 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 com-
memorated, 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
284 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 institu-
tion, 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 nattering 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
THE GORDON BOYS' HOME. 285
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 Eoyal 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
286 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
1 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 Euncorn
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 hia 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 Kaikes, 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 satisfac-
tion 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
OPENING OF TEE MERSEY TUNNEL. 287
of the warmest support and encouragement, as it not only com-
pletes 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 consum-
mation of your most arduous task."
"When the cheers which greeted the Prince's speech had
subsided, the Mayor of Birkenhead, Mr. John Laird, was intro-
duced to His Eoyal 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
288 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF. WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 conse-
quence 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 Koyal party then re-entered tlie 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 pui'pose
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
OPENING OF TEE MEXSEY TUNNEL. 289
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 llth 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. Branlees 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 Eaikes, 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 Eailway,' which I am sure
you will drink most heartily, and to connect with the toast the
name of its chairman, Mr. Cecil Eaikes."
Mr. Eaikes, 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Highness that the ex-
U
290 SPEECHES OF n.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
pression 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 Liver-
pool 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
INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS. 291
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 Eoyal 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 wotild before long be added to the list.
In responding to the toast of" The Prince and Princess of Wales
and the rest of the Eoyal 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 engi-
neers, though all may not, perhaps, be members of this Institu-
tion. The first that occurs to me is the new Eddystone Light-
house, 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
u 2
292 SPEECHES OF ff.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
referring to these great works, which will always remain me-
mentoes 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 Paver 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 Brarnwell.'
I cannot allude to him in the manner I should like, or enumer-
ate 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 ad-
vancement 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 supple-
mentary 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.
( 293 )
AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE.
April 29*A, 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,
1880. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Abercorn, the Marquis of
Lome, 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 con-
ferences 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.
294 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" You have been kind enough to allude to the Colonial Exhi-
bition, 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 promi-
nently 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 Kosebery, 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 lie trusted that the result of that
meeting would hasten the welding and uniting of the Empire.
INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTEE OF MAEK
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 repre-
sentative body of Mark Masons deputed to conduct His Roya
INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER, MARK MASONS. 295
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 Kin-
tore 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 Provin-
cial 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 bo 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 sin-
cerely 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 Con-
naught Senior Grand Warden, and numerous others to the usual
offices. The Pro- Grand Master presented the Prince with a jewel,
296 SPEECHES OF H.H.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
•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 Eestaurant, 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 2Sth, 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, supple-
mented 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,
FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PEOPLE'S PALACE. 297
and I can assure you that we heartily rejoice that an oppor-
tunity 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 com-
prised 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 con-
vinced, 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 congratu-
late the trustees upon the success which has already attended
their efforts in having secured £75,000 of the £100,000 required,
and we sincerely trust that the munificent donations of the
Drapers' Company, Mr. Dyer Edwardes, Lord Eosebery, 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.
Eobson, 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 entertain-
ment 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
298 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
declaration that it was " well and truly " laid being received with
general cheers. The proceedings were concluded with the bene-
diction, 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 Eecreation Ground in Whitechapel, for the
benefit of the people of that parish, and of Bethnal Green, Spital-
fields, 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 Eev. J. F. Kitto and the Eev.
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 move-
ment 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 Eecrea-
tion Ground now open.
SALE OF SHOETHOENS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT
SANDEINGHAM.
July 15th, 1886.
To be " President of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
tho leading members of the Eoyal Agricultural Society were the
guests of the Prince at Sandringham during the week of the Show.
Special trains were run to Wolf'erton 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
SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS. 299
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
Eoyal Agricultural Society of England, which might be deemed
the Eoyal 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
Eichmond 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 Eoyal Agricultural Benevolent
Institution, which has urgent need of support, as, owing to the
recent depression in agriculture, the demands upon it have been
300 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 San-
dringham, 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 be 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 Eoyal 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 South-
downs at Sandringham. Since the herd of Shorthorns was formed
the Prince of Wales has been in the habit of exhibiting at the
Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 Eichinond at
Goodwood, Lord Walsingham at Merton, Mr. Webb at Babraham,
and Mr. Gorringe at Kingston, has won sixty-eight first and sixty-
two second prizes, to say nothing of minor distinctions, bringing the
total of prizes up to 183, while at the Smithfield Show last winter
three Southdowns from Sandringham won the £50 champion cup
and the gold medal as the best pen of sheep in the hall. These
facts being well known to all those who attended the sale, while
they had the further assurance that all the lots offered would be
sold without any of those reservations which mar so many auctions,
the bidding was very brisk ; but in spite of this the number of
lots was so great that the sale, commencing at two o'clock, lasted
until nearly six.
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
SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS. 301
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 !
SIGN COLLEGE.
December 15tJt, 1886.
Siox COLLEGE was founded by the Eev. Dr. White, Vicar of St.
Dunstan's in the West, in .the time of Charles 1 . He held several
other preferments, but we forgive him for being a notable
pluralist because he made such good use of his money. By his
will he left £3000 for the purchase of a site in the City of London,
for erecting a hospital, consisting of twenty almshouses, and a
college, which he endowed, with an annual revenue, not large, but
sufficient in those times. Dr. White's intention was to enable the
clergy of the City of London, and the incumbents of outlying
parishes, to obtain corporate existence, like other crafts and
professions, and so be legally qualified to hold and to administer
property. This was well carried out by the Eev. Dr. Simpson,
Eector 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 after-
wards 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 com-
modious buildings might be erected. By Acts of Parliament
authority was obtained to sell the old site, which realized thirty-
three times the amount given for it in 1627. Another Act of
Parliament authorized the purchase of a site on the Thames
Embankment, the freehold of which cost £31,625, and on this, at a
cost of £25,000, the present magnificent building, designed by
Mr. A. W. Blornfield, was erected. To open this new Siou
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
302 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eev. Eichard 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 am grati-
fied 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 provid-
ing 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 inter-
course 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
SION COLLEGE. 303
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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal Highness and the Princess.
This was only one of a series of acts by which their Eoyal High-
nesses 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
Eoyal Highnesses signed their names in the Eegister 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 Eev. 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 Eoyal Com
mission to arrange for holding an Exhibition of the products,
manufactures, and arts of Her Majesty's Colonial an5 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
304 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 from former Exhi-
bitions, 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 Exhibi-
tion 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 attrac-
tive form which it will be the endeavour of all concerned to
give to it.
COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886. 305
" 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, amount-
ing to £51,000."
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 oar 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 indi-
vidual influence. Although it has been impossible from the
pressure of their duties elsewhere for some members of the
x
306 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 audi-
ence. He gave an interesting report on all the chief matters that
had engaged the attention of the Eoyal Commissioners ; and re-
ferred to the co-operation received from the Colonies and India.
He stated that the guarantee fund had reached the amount of
£218,430, of which the City of London had voted £10,000. A
vote of thanks was proposed by the Duke of Cambridge, seconded
by Lord Granville, to the Prince of Wales for the able and
energetic manner in which he acted on behalf of the Commission
as their President. " It is not the first time that His Eoyal
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 every-
thing 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 SOtJi, 1887.
At the final meeting of the Eoyal Commission, held at Marl-
borough 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 Eoyal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen, — I have
asked you to meet me to-day, in order that I might submit for
your approval a Eeport which I have drawn up upon the work
of the Eoyal Commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibi-
COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886. 307
tion, a draft of which has already been forwarded to each of you
for consideration.
"The contents of this Eeport 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 Exhi-
bition was evidenced by the striking manner in which it was
visited by the public. You will have seen by the Eeport 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
lias arisen from the holding of this Exhibition. No one can
liave failed to notice the earnest attention paid by all classes of
the visitors to the contents of the Exhibition; and the in-
struction 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 Eeport they have pre-
sented to me. The accounts now before you, which have been
circulated for your information, have been subject to a con-
tinuous and careful audit. They have been made up at the
earliest possible day consistent with the proper realization of
the assets belonging to the Eoyal Commission, and with the
x 2
308 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Commission up to the
23rd April, and I am sure that you will share my satisfaction
at the gratifying result of a substantial surplus of £35,235 7s. 8cL
remaining in the hands of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal Commission.
I desire, therefore, to draw your attention to a paragraph in the
Eeport 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 Eesolution 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
COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886. 309
which the Eoyal 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 repre-
sentatives 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 per-
manently gathering together in one building the varied produc-
tions 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 Eoyal Commission."
In the speeches of those who moved and seconded the resolu-
tions 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 Phoonix 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,
310 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
and those who were present will not readily forget the impressive
nature of the proceedings on that memorable day. The Official
Eeport of the Eoyal Commission (printed and published, as all
the Exhibition Eeports have been, by W. Clowes & Sons) is a
most valuable manual on all matters relating to the Exhibition —
the most imposing and interesting of any since that of 1851. It
was also the most successful as to finance, there being a surplus of
no less than £35,285 7«. Sd. Of this £25,000 was voted to the
Imperial Institute fund, and the remainder applied to liquidate
the debt remaining from the Inventions Exhibition, and the
formation of a reserve fund connected with other Exhibitions.
THE IMPEEIAL 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 illus-
trating its vast resources ; a museum for exhibiting its manifold
products and industries ; a centre of information and communica-
tion 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 appa-
rent to the throne.
Of the progress of the movement, and of the home for the Insti-
tute 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 Eoyal 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
THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. 311
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.
312 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 organi-
zation 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 im-
provement 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,
THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. 313
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 repre-
sent the unity of the Empire.
" To some minds the scheme may not be sufficiently compre-
hensive, 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
314 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 pro-
posed 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 con-
fidence 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
Lome, approving the scheme, and promising hearty support. The
Lord Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to the Prince, who tendered
Ms 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
THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. 315
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 Eeginald Hanson), Earl Granville, Mr. Plun-
ket, M.P., Mr. Mundella, M.P., Mr. Goschen, M.P., and Lord Koths-
child, were among the speakers, and resolutions were passed with
an enthusiasm which gave good augury for the success of the
Imperial Institute.
THE LONDON OKPHAN 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
316 SPEECHES OF H.B.E. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
philanthropist of the time, Dr. Andrew Eeed. 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 accord-
ing to your cloth. It commenced in the first year of its organi-
zation 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 sub-
scribers, 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, arid 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 remark-
able 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
THE LONDON ORPHAN ASYLUM. 317
are prepared to give liberal donations. The education they
receive is a thoroughly sound and practical one, and when they
leave every effort is made to find them situations, and they are
sent out with proper clothing. As a proof that it is managed
on economical principles I need only say that the cost per head
in the past year amounted to little over £30. The amount dis-
bursed in the 74 years since its foundation has reached the
large sum of £700,000 — all of this large sum, with the excep-
tion of £1000 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, un-
doubtedly, be very great, the ultimate amount being between
£18,000 and £20,000. I am here, therefore, as your chairman,
to ask you to contribute as liberally as you can for the main-
tenance 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 con-
vinced 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 mnch enthusiasm, and acknowledged
by Mr. Capell (the treasurer). The total amount of the subscrip-
tions announced during the evening was £5000, 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 iu all
about £8000. For the chapel £5000 was given by one whose
early days were spent in the Asylum. The Grocers' Company
contributed £3000 to build one house ; the Countess of Verulam
and the Countess of Essex raised another sum of £3000, as a kind
of welcome io the county. The income in 1887 was £15,000, but
the invested funds give little more than £1000, so that there is
constant need of new " voluntary contributions," to maintain the
550 orphans now in the houses.
318 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
THE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS.
March 30/A, 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 Mer-
chant Taylors' Schools, of Marlborough and Dulwich Colleges, and
of Christ's Hospital.
On the arrival of the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Prin-
cess of Wales, and their daughters Princesses Victoria and Maud,
an address was presented by the Rev. Dr. T. W. Jex-Blake, Presi-
dent 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 im-
portant 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
TEE COLLEGE OF PRECEPTORS. 319
in some of our endowed schools, and more particularly in the
numerous private schools for boys and girls which are an im-
portant 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 build-
ing, 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 MANCHESTEE 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 Eoyal to
the Knutsford May Day Sports. They then travelled in a saloon
320 SPEECHES OF H.K.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Exhibi-
tion 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 Boom. 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 illustra-
THE MANCHESTER EXHIBITION. 321
tions which you have collected on "engineering and chemical
industry, and the products of manufacture and useful toil,
afford ample testimony to the skill and ingenuity and steady
perseverance of the inhabitants of this district, and prove how
justly they hold a high and an honourable place in the in-
dustrial 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 celebra-
tion 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 Eoyal
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 recom-
mendation ; all these circumstances appeal to liberal charity. In
1887 there were 8863 in-patients admitted, of which 6019 were
freely received, without letters of subscribers. There are children's
wards where, during the same time, 1717 were admitted; and
Hebrew wards, where 623 received treatment. The total number
of out-patients, treated either at the Hospital or at their homes,
was nearly 100,000, including relief given in less serious and
protracted illness. The income from endowments is little more
than £15,000 a year, while the annual cost of maintenance is
Y
322 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
£50,000. The Medical School is supported by the fees of pupils,
but for the general maintenance of the Hospital appeal must be
made to the public for voluntary subscriptions and contributions.
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 Eoyal 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 rail-
ways and docks. But it has other and additional claims upon
public sympathy and assistance. First, although its annual
expenditure amounts to nearly £50,000, it is mainly supported
by voluntary contributions; secondly, it has undertaken the
difficult task of improving the system of nursing and of pro-
viding a higher class of nurses, with better discipline and
THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS. 323
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.
Y 2
324 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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
DEACONESSES' INSTITUTION AND HOSPITAL. 325
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 Eoyal Highness
a key to unlock the new wing. The Eoyal party were then
conducted to the hall, where the Princess unveiled the " Samuel
Morley Tablet," bearing an inscription commemorative of the
THE FKEEMASONS 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 Con-
naught 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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,
32G SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PE1NGE OF WALES.
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 anni-
versary of her reign — the Jubilee of her accession. This gather-
ing 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 Eoyal 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 Carnarvon
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 mem-
bers that day amounted to upwards of £6000, the whole of which
would go to the Masonic charities for children and the aged, under
the rules of the Order.
( 327 )
THE SHAFTESBUEY 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
Eefuges for Homeless and Destitute Children." There are many
institutions in London for similar objects, but this charity is one
of old standing, and one of the most important and best. It was
established in 1843 under the patronage of Lord Shaftesbury, in
Great Queen Street. The income of the Society was only £180 in
the first year, and all that could be attempted was to shelter and
teach a few poor children in a " Ragged School," open two evenings
a week. The efforts of Mr. W. Williams, the Secretary, and zealous
coadjutors, were successful in gradually increasing the operations
of the Society, till, in the year of the Queen's Jubilee, the Com-
mittee 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 Arethma, with an annual income of
about £20,000. The good work in its various departments con-
tinues 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-
328 SPEECEES OF E.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 £50 from his
Koyal Highness, £30 from Sir Robert Garden, 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
CONSECRATION OF TBUEO CATEEDEAL. 329
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 Kooms, 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 Koyal 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
330 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
of you. It is the event of a lifetime, and I congratulate you,
the Duchy, the county, and all connected with it, on the erec-
tion 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 COLOUES TO THE OLD 46iH KEGIMENT.
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
NEW COLOURS TO TEE OLD 46TH REGIMENT. 331
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 regi-
ment 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 con-
sequence, in 1777, of your Light Company at Dominica having
332 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 regi-
ment, 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 Sth, 1888.
ON the Sth of May, 1888, the Exhibition at Glasgow was opened by
the Prince and Princess of Wales. There have been many Exhi-
bitions, 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 ou
TEE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888. 333
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 pro-
viding 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 com-
municating to Her Majesty the hope that you have expressed
that she will visit your magnificent Exhibition, and I will not
334 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
fail to acquaint her likewise with your words of devotion to her
throne and person."
The Eoyal party left the Council Chamher for the Lord Provost's
residence, where they partook of luncheon. After the luncheon
the Eoyal 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 Exhi-
bition were introduced to his Eoyal Highness. Sir A. Campbell
handed to the Prince a gold key, and his Eoyal 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 neighbour-
ing heights firing a salute of twenty-one guns. After their Eoyal
Highnesses were seated and prayers had been read by the Eev.
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 Exhibi-
tions 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.
TEE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888. 335
" 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 appli-
ances 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 col-
lection 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 im-
portance 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
336 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 examina-
tion 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 Eoyal party spent con-
siderable 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 Bailway
Station, en route to Hamilton Palace.
On the same day, May 8, the Queen, accompanied by the Princess
Christian, and other members of tbe Eoyal family, honoured by
her presence the performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan's Golden
Legend, given by command at the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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.
( 337 )
SIE BAETLE FEEEE'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 Eichard Temple,
M.P., who asked the Prince of Wales to perform the ceremony.
The Prince said : —
" Sir Eichard 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 ot
myself." His Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
z
338 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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
NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACHE. 339
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
Eecreation 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."
z 2
340 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
The Prince of Wales summoned Mr. Sully, shook hands with
him, and congratulated him upon tho 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 EOYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS.
July Qth, 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 gal-
leries 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 any-
where, 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,
TEE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS. 341
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 con-
gregations 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 pur-
poses 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 founda-
tion in the Word of God, and unites us in love and charity to man-
kind. 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
342 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
presence, or the kind and useful words which he has spoken.
Our watchword, ' Eeligion 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 frater-
nity in England on the one-hundredth anniversary of the founda-
tion of the .Koyal 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 Eoyal 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 Kuspini. King George IV. and King William IV.
were patrons, besides many members of the Eoyal 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
THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOB GIRLS. 343
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 £20,000. In
1838, on the occasion of the jubilee of the Institution, £1000
was subscribed at the annual festival, and in 1871, when I had
the honour of presiding, as much as £5200 was collected. But
I have now an announcement to make which I think will
interest you beyond measure, and that is that I have received
the assurance of the Secretary that we have obtained at this
centenary festival over £50,000. I may safely challenge any-
body 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 £50,472, of which London
contributed £22,454, and the Provinces, India, and the Colonies
£28,018.
344 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
WEST NOKFOLK 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 Koger de Coverley or the Squire of Bracebridge Hall. The
members of the West Norfolk Fox Hunt presented a handsome
silver figure of Keynard 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 Eoyal 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 so
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 master-
ship of one whose loss we all regretted, the late Mr. Villebois,
and also of Mr. Hamond, then Mr. Fountaine, and next of the
WEST NORFOLK HUNT. 345
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 BLACKBUKK
May Qth, 1888.
ON the return from opening the Exhibition at Glasgow, it was
arranged that the Prince and Princess of Wales should visit Black-
burn, for laying the foundation-stone of the new Technical and
Trades School in that nourishing 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 Eoyal
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 accept-
ing 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 congratula-
tions on our Silver Wedding, and we desire to take this oppor-
tunity 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 educa-
tion ; and I rejoice, therefore, to find that I am able to come
here to-day to lay the foundation-stone of an institution which
I trust will afford material assistance in maintaining and ad-
346 SPEECHES OF H.E.E. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
vancing the industries and commercial enterprise of your town.
I have very much gratification in complying with your request
that I would accept the honorary freedom of your borough, and
I shall experience a feeling of pride in signing my name as the
first honorary freeman of a town so loyal and prosperous, and
that, I am persuaded, has so great a future before it as Black-
burn."
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal visitors were 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 Eoyal 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 oppor-
tunity 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, be-
cause 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
AT BLACKBURN. 347
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 nourish. Before sitting down I have a
toast to propose to you, ' The Mayor and Corporation of Black-
burn, and success to the Blackburn Technical School.' In pro-
posing 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 I4th, 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 Cam-
bridge and her daughter the Princess Victoria, Prince Karl of
348 SPEECHES OF ILR.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 £5000. This Institu-
tion, founded in 1861, provides home with every comfort for
hopelessly incurable sufferers (except the idiotic, insane, and the
blind, for whom there are other asylums), and also gives pensions
to out-patients of £20 per annum.
( 349 )
GEEAT NOETHEEN HOSPITAL, HOLLOWAY EOAD.
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 Eev. 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 Koyal
visitors in a gaily decorated tent. Their Eoyal Highnesses, how-
ever, 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 Hos-
pital 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 popula-
tion as this in the North of London is, the project of com-
memorating the Queen's Jubilee should have been so appro-
priately 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 philan-
thropic 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
350 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PEINCE OF WALES.
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 £1050. This ceremony being finished,
their Koyal 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 Hollo way Sanatorium at Yirginia
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 philan-
thropic 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 Eedhill, for children of the Clergy, and of others whose
means are not equal to their position in life. To have given an
MULTIPLICITY OF ENGAGEMENTS. 351
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 York-
shire, 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 Baling 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.
352 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 lined, 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. Eennell Bodd,
the widowed Empress — our own Princess Eoyal — 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 KOYAL ACADEiMY BANQUETS.
( 355 )
SPEECHES AT EOYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS.
THE first appearance of the Prince of Wales at the annual dinner
of the Koyal Academy, with the short speech made on the occasion,
has been given under the date, May 4th, 1863. In many subse-
quent 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 Eoyal 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 consider-
able 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 Eoyal 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 dis-
tinguished both his illustrious parents. But the title of artist is
not confined to the subjects which occupy the Royal Academicians.
2 A 2
356 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 obser-
vation, and I feel sure his Grace the Duke of Eutland will bear
me out, that His Koyal Highness in his recent visit to Leicester-
shire, 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal High-
ness was most deservedly presented with the brush. I have the
honour to propose ' The health of their Eoyal Highnesses the
Prince and Princess of Wales and the other members of the Eoyal
Family.' "
The Prince, in responding, said : —
" Sir Francis Grant, your Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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
SPEECHES AT EOYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 357
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 Volun-
teers 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
lie 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 Eussell, 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.
358 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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
lier Eoyal 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.
SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 359
" 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 Eoyal 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 beau-
tiful 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 Eoyal Family," the President said that they
were all glad to welcome the Prince, for the first time, in the new gal-
leries. " Last year His Eoyal 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 circum-
stance to all Her Majesty's loyal subjects that the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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."
360 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PSINCE OF WALES.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who was received with
much cheering, said : —
" Mr. President, your Eoyal Highness, my Lords, and Gentle-
men,— I beg to tender you rny 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 Eoyal 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
Eoyal Academy. I think I may be allowed to congratulate
the President and all the Eoyal 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 Ms 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
SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 361
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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal family," Sir Francis referred to the zeal
of the Prince in tbe 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
562 SPEECHES OF H.K.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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, E.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 Com-
mander-in-Chief, for his efforts to raise the standard of military edu-
cation.
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
Eoyal Family," said : — " It is a subject of infinite satisfaction to the
members of the Eoyal Academy to observe the unmistakable and
earnest love of art which His Eoyal Highness the Prince of Wales
manifests on all occasions. Notwithstanding the numerous calls
that are made on the time of His Eoyal 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
SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 363
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 Edin-
burgh 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 Eoyal Highness, my Lords, and Gentle-
men,— 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Academy of pictures by his late dis-
tinguished 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 oppor-
tunity of seeing those magnificent works, some of which, having
for many years been in the possession of their proprietors, had
364 SPEECHES OF H.R.1I. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
not been placed before the eyes of the public. It gave ine very
great pleasure to help in any way such an exhibition. Thanks
to the efforts of the President and the members of the Eoyal
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 illus-
trious, 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 sur-
rounded 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 oppor-
tunity of saying that I hope those gentlemen who have come
to the Eoyal 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 Eoom, 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 E.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 Eoll Call " was a generous tribute
to rising merit. The young artist thus signalised has more than
SPEECHES AT ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 365
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 encourage-
ment 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 Eoyal Family," Sir Francis Grant said : —
" I beg to assure His Eoyal Highness that the members of the Royal
Academy are very sensible of the honour he confers on iis 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
366 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
company here present allow me to return my most sincere
thanks. The President of the Eoyal Academy and the Eoyal
Academicians may be assured that it affords us the greatest
pleasure on all occasions to come to the Eoyal 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 gratifica-
tion 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 Eoyal Family, and I sincerely hope
that on many future occasions I may have the happiness to be
present at the annual gatherings of the Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Academy, we acclaim in this
SPEECHES AT EOYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 367
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 iu
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 Koyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal Family.' "
The Prince, in responding, said : —
" Sir Frederick Leighton, your Eoyal 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 Eoyal Academy which have
awakened deep regret. The members of the Eoyal 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.
368 SPEECHES OF E.E.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
But of the Academy, as of Royalty, it may be said, ' Le Roi est
mort I Vive le Hoi I ' The President is dead ; another President
is elected. Sir Frederick Leighton is an old friend of mine — a
friend of upwards of twenty years' standing. I congratulate him
most cordially and sincerely on the high office he now holds. I
may also congratulate the Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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. Froucle
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 Cimabuc," 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
. SPEECHES AT EOYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 369
when he said : " Sir, of the graces by which your Eoyal Highness
has won and firmly retains the affectionate attachment of English-
men, none has operated more strongly than the width of your
sympathies ; for there is no honourable sphere in which English-
men 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 oppor-
tunity 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 par-
ticularly requested to do so."
2 B
370 SPEECHES OF H.R.E. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
1881.
At the banquet of 1881, the most notable incident was the
special toast in honour of Sir Frederick Eoberts. 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 Eoberts, 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 Eoyal 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 Beacons-
field 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
SPEECHES AT ROTAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 371
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
2 B 2
372 SPEECHES OF H.S.H. THE PtilNCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Family," referred to
tliis year being the "Silver Wedding," and also alluded to the
anxiety then darkening the home of " the Princess Eoyal 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 nattering 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
SPEECHES AI ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUETS. 373
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 com-
mittee, 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,
" 1 feel more at home among you, and for this reason, because I
374 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 con-
dition 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.
377
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 im-
portant 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 further than that, as Master of your Corporation,
her, I beg you to give him a most hearty welcome."
and as his brother
378 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
His Boyal Highness the Prince of Wales said : —
" May it please your Majesty, your Eoyal 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 states-
man 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 Eoyal Highness
the Princess of Wales and the other members of the Eoyal
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 Eoyal Highnesses, my Lords, and Gentlemen, — I return
my best thanks to my illustrious relative for the kind way in
EOTAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE. 379
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 tune 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, con-
sistently 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 Eichmond, 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 Eoyal 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 : —
380 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
" Your Eoyal 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
Eoyal 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 1
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 Cor-
poration."
Other customary toasts were then given, and responded to. To
the toast of " The Master of the Corporation," his Eoyal High-
ness the Duke of Edinburgh, " wishing him a happy, prosperous,
and safe voyage from the Southern hemispheie, and a quick return
home," the Prince of Wales replied : —
" Your Eoyal 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, ' lies 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 Corpora-
tion 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.
ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE. 381
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 Eock, 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 con-
ferred 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, dis-
coursing 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. Card well 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
'382 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 eeas 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 com-
merce 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 E. 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
ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE. 383
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, saving 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 Corpora-
tion, who then had what they called " new Sailing Orders " for their
guidance.
384 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 proceed-
ings 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
ROYAL BANQUETS AT THE TRINITY HOUSE. 385
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 reduc-
tion of dues to the amount of £80,000, in addition to the
reduction of £60,000 in 1872. There are many other important
facts connected with the Trinity House which the Deputy
Master has been kind enough to place at my disposal, but which
I need not now detain you by mentioning. In proposing the
toast of ' Prosperity to the Corporation of the Trinity House/ it
is my pleasing duty to connect it with the health of one who
not only does everything to make our annual gatherings here
most agreeable, but who performs the arduous and responsible
duties which he has to .discharge in a most praiseworthy and
effective manner. I am sure that you will drink most cordially
the health of the Deputy Master. My Lords and gentlemen,
I give you ' Prosperity to the Corporation of the Trinity House,
coupled with the name of Sir Frederick Arrow, the Deputy
Master.' "
At a later period of the evening His Royal Highness proposed the
t >asts 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
2 C
386 SPEECHES OF E.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
the guests were received was a portrait of the Master, painted as
a companion picture to those already on the walls, by a Eussian
artist, G. Koberwein. Count Shouvaloff, the Eussian Ambassador,
was among the guests. In responding to the customary toast of
" The Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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.
1 give you " The Health of His Eoyal Highness the Prince of
Wales and the rest of the Eoyal 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 pro-
posed and the manner in which it has been received. I can
assure the whole company that I feel it a great honour to be
present on this occasion, especially connected as I have the
honour to be with your Master. I regret that my brother is
not here this evening. It is now two years since I was present
at this annual gathering, and I regret to say I miss the kind
and genial face of the late Deputy Master, Sir Frederick
Arrow ; but in Admiral Collinson we have an excellent substi-
EOTAL BANQUETS AT TEE TRINITY HOUSE. 387
tute. On the present occasion it is a matter of peculiar gratifi-
cation 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 Eeserve
Forces/ connecting with it on this occasion the name of a dis-
tinguished 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 Eoyal 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 satisfac-
tion than the interchange of friendly and good offices between the
two countries under the auspices of President Grant.
2 c 2
388 SPEECHES OF H.B.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal Highness
the President of the evening which compelled him to say one word
in response to them. The remarks he referred to were compli-
mentary to him. He begged to thank His Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 bv 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.
( 391 )
THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC.
THE Koyal 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 FOE MUSIC.
June \bth, 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 appre-
ciated. 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 Boyal Academy of Music, founded in
1822, and incorporated in 1830, did good service in its limited
392 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 AN ales, 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 Edin-
burgh to move the first resolution, in introducing which he gave a
lucid and interesting statement of the history of the movement.
In 1854, the Eoyal 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 Com-
mittee 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.
Eeports 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 Eoyal 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. Fieake intended to give the use only of the building
NATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOL FOE MUSIC. 393
for some years, but he now requested the acceptance of it as a free
jiift. It was further stated \>j 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 appoint-
ment 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 remem-
bered 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 oppor-
tunity 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 con-
veying 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.
394 SPEECHES OF H.K.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
FOUNDING THE EOYAL 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 establish-
ment 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 " Eoyal 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 inaugu-
ration 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 Con-
naught 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
FOUNDING THE EOYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 395
briefly recounted the history of the fruitless attempt which had
been made to induce Professor Macfarren and the directors of the
Koyal 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 establish-
ment of a Eoyal 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 Eoyal College of
Music on a more extended basis than any existing institution in
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 dis-
cussed 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
396 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 main-
tenance 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. Finan-
cially, 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
FOUNDING TEE EOTAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 397
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 institu-
tion 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 £80 a year; that of education alone at
about £40 a year. I should hope also that your liberality will
grant me means to found at least two fellowships, in order
that rising musicians, who have acquired distinction at the
college, may not be tempted on commencing their professional
career to sacrifice the higher aspirations of their art to the
necessity of providing immediate means of subsistence.
" Having settled the number of our foundationers, where are
we to place them ? In London, I need not say, land is sold by
398 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 communi'y, we must
have open space and pure air, and space is particularly neces-
sary 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 ex-
traneous 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 Eailway, 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 im-
mediately 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
FOUNDING TEE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 399
foundation apart from the expense of buildings an income of
not less than from £10,000 to £12,000 a year will be required.
The plan will admit of any degree of development in proportion
as the munificence of the public or the Government supplies
the requisite funds. A charter for incorporating the college has
already been prepared and laid before the Privy Council. I
have myself undertaken to be President. The governing body
consist of a council, intrusted with the function of making by-
laws for the regulation of the college, and of an executive com-
mittee 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
400 SPEECHES OF H.EM. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 Eoyal 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 imagina-
tions. 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 repre-
sentatives. 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 assem-
blies 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 assist-
ance 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
FOUNDING TEE EOYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 401
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 prac-
tical 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 con-
tributions, 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, eould 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 Eoyal 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 Koyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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.
2 D
402 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PEINCE OF WALES.
A large sum of money is required for our enterprise. England is
rich, and ready at all times to forward a worthy national under-
taking. 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 £50 for the Eoyal 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.
( 403 )
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 influ-
ential 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal
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 Eoyal 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 sym-
pathy 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 confi-
dence they will exhibit the like friendly rivalry in furthering
2 D 2
404 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 im-
portance 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 communi-
cation 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.
THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 405
" 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 perse-
verance 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 Eoyal 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
406 SPEECHES OF H.E.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
with general support on the part of the Clergy of all denomina-
tions 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 Eoyal 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.,
" < ALBEET EDWAED, P.'
THE COLONIES AND THE COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 407
" 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 them-
selves 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 ground-
work 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 ex-
pression 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
408 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. TEE PRINCE OF WALES.
every assistance in his power, by forwarding papers and informa-
tion. 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 Marl-
borough House in 1882.
INAUGURATION OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE
OF MUSIC.
May 7th, 1883.
THE ceremony of inaugurating the Eoyal 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 per-
mission of Her Majesty's Commissioners for the Exhibition of
1851, the use of rooms in the Albert Hall for choral and instru-
mental 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 : " 0 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, 0 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 proposi-
tion of the Royal College of Music was launched on the country.
INAUGURATION OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 409
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 Koyal 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 Eoyal Highness's hearers embraced many of the most dis-
tinguished 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 Eoyal 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 move-
ment.
" The hope so long entertained by your Eoyal 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 Eoyal Academy of Music from your Eoyal
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. Meet-
ings 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 com-
mercial centres of Nottingham, Leicester, Leeds, Bradford, Liver-
pool, and Blackburn, have all testified their interest in your Eoyal
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 Eoyal
Highness an opportunity of again enforcing your views upon your
audience. By these meetings, and by the personal exertions of
your Eoyal Highness and your illustrious brothers, a sum of
money, amounting to over £110,000, has been raised, of which
nearly £5000 was due to the gracious action of Her Eoyal Highness
the Princess of Wales."
Sir George Grove announced " the foundation already of many
scholarships for tuition, fifteen of which include maintenance.
410 SPEECHES OF H.RlH. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 to 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 Eoyal
Highness's idea. Following the method adopted in launching the
institution, your Royal Highness appealed to the mayors, corpora-
tions, and Local Boards throughout the country, and in the Metro-
politan districts to the Vestries, to make known the fact of the
competition, and to organise the preliminary examinations, select-
ing the examiners from the most 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 con-
ducted 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 unaminous 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
INAUGURATION OF ROJAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 411
your Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 com-
pleting 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 import-
ance which is not represented by a scholar at the Eoyal 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 un-
willing that any delay should take place in giving effect to the
412 SPEECHES OF ff.S.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
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 dis-
tribution 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
corne. 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 engage-
ments 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
INAUGURATION OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 413
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 in-
struction, 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 af the human heart.
" The observations I have hitherto made relate only to the
Eoyal 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 Eoyal 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 instru-
mentality of the Eoyal 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.
414 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
" 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 Eoyal 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 super-
vision. 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 yonr
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
INAUGURATION OF EOYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC. 415
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 ot
the Eoyal 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 Eoyal
College, and who could have devised no better mode of cele-
brating 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 Eoyal 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 sur-
rounded, 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."
416 SPEECHES OF H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES.
The Eoyal College of Music, incorporated by Eoyal Charter in
1883, is now one of the established institutions of the Empire.
There lies before us the Eeport 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, E.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 educa-
tional 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 £2484, a clear increase during the past year of nearly
£470. Various donations and benefactions were reported, but
the great event of the meeting — which H.R.H. Prince Christian
announced with a cheerful emphasis, in keeping with the warm
interest he has always taken in the College — this was the generous
gift of £30,000 by Mr. Samson Fox, for a building worthy of the
institution; met by Her Majesty's Commissioners of 1851 by the
grant of a site on their estate at South Kensington.
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 High-
ness 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.
( 417 )
GENERAL INDEX.
A.
Aberdeen, Earl of, 338
Abolition of Slavery, Jubilee of the,
252
Adalt Orphan Institution, 201
Agricultural Benevolent Institution,
the Royal, 175
— Society of England, Eoyal, 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, Inaugura-
tion 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
E
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
Beust, 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, 1U5
British and Foreign Bible Society, The
Laying of the Foundation Stone, 33
British Orphan Anniversary Festival,
15
2 E
418
GENERAL INDEX.
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 Eoyal, 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, Meet-
ing of the Eoyal Commission, 303
Colonial Institute Banquet, 211
Colonial Office, At the, 293
Colquhoun, Sir Patrick, 114
Companions of the Prince on his
Indian Tour, 181
Comiaugbt, 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 Wey bridge, 350
Crimea, British Graves in the, 225
Cunliffe-Owen, Sir Philip, 303
Currie, Sir E. H., 296
Gust, 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
Earls wood Asylum, 71
Festival, 116
East End of London, At the, 351
Eastlake, Sir Charles, 11
GENERAL INDEX.
419
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
Farninghain, Cottage Homes at, 118
Fenians, 65, 122
Fever Hospital, 350
' First Ironclad ' on the Academy walls,
366
First public speech, 11
Fisheries Exhibition, The Interna-
tional, 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
Frcake, 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, Six-
teenth annual festival, 36
Fusiliers, Royal Welsh, Presenting
new colours, 205
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,
Health Exhibition, The, 246
Higginson, General, 243
Highland honours, 120
Holland, Sir Henry, 293
Holloway Sauitorium, 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
420
GENERAL INDEX.
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 Eng.
lish 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 Man-
sion House, 49
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. I'atrick, Prince of Wales
made, 55
Knollys, General Sir W., 177, 188
Sir Francis, K.C.M.G., 158
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
Lome, Marquis of, 122, 314
Lowell, the Hon. J. Russell, 222
Luther, Martin, 402
Lynn, The Grammar School at, 74
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, Open-
ing 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
GENERAL INDEX.
421
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
— Kegister, The English, 218
M. de Lessops, 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, f>24
Morrison, Lady, 40
Motley, Mr., U.S. Minister, 80
Miinster, Count, 166
Murchison, Sir Eoderick, 12
Museum of Science and Art of Dublin,
265
Music, Free Education in, 396
, Free Scholarships, 393
, Inauguration of the Eoyal Col-
lege 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
Xorthbrook 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
I1.
Paget, Sir James, 129, 218, 247
Palmerston, Lord, 12, 26, 258
i Pauper Schools, Review of the Boys of
the, 138
I 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
1 Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital,
350
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