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-
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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
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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.
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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