Chapter I: Declare This Dock Now Open, and That Henceforth It Is to Be (11)

The leading article in the _Times_ on the following day thus closed: "There are few benevolent institutions which offer fairer promise of good results than the Gordon Boys' Home. But the care with which it has been organized and the special sphere which it seeks to fill enable us to press with greater confidence its peculiar claim to the support of the English public, founded upon the fact that it forms a national monument to the memory of a great Englishman. The heroism of General Gordon, his betrayal by those who utilized his rare personal qualities in the hour of their need, and the tragic end of a life of simple devotion to duty have been somewhat obscured by the ephemeral contests of the passing hour. Looking back over the records of the last few months, we are almost reduced to the sad and savage mood of Hamlet--'then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year.' But the memory of Gordon's life and death will be a point of light in the history of the Victorian age long after the strenuous trifling of our politicians has sunk into forgetfulness. In honouring this man of antique mould, this Englishman who in a somewhat tricky and small-minded age 'could do and dared not lie,' we shall far more honour ourselves; and in munificently endowing a work such as he loved to carry out the nation will find itself twice blessed."

The London office of the Gordon Boys' Home is at 20, Cockspur Street, within sight of the statue in Trafalgar Square.

OPENING OF THE MERSEY TUNNEL.

_January 20th, 1886._

For more than half a century, in fact ever since the opening of the first English railway, it has been the dream of engineers to obtain direct communication between Liverpool and Birkenhead, and the Welsh lines. The ferry-boat traffic had been enormous and ever increasing, but it little helped the transit of minerals and heavy goods. Even since the construction of the great Runcorn bridge the land route had been found long and troublesome. It was not till 1870 that parliamentary sanction could be obtained to make a direct route by tunnelling under the Mersey, but attempts to carry out the scheme were not then successful. At length, towards the close of 1879, an arrangement was made with Major Isaac, and from that time the work was unceasing, above 3000 men having been constantly employed. In 1886 the work was completed. The importance of the undertaking was recognized, and the Prince of Wales was invited to open "The Mersey Tunnel." The Princess of Wales was unable to be present, but on the 20th of January, 1886, the Prince, with his sons Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, came from Eaton Hall, where they were the guests of the Duke of Westminster.

On his arrival at Birkenhead the Prince was escorted to a daïs, and an address was read by Mr. Knight, the secretary, on behalf of the chairman. Mr. Cecil Raikes, M.P., and the directors, engineers, contractors, and officers of "The Mersey Railway Company." In reply His Royal Highness said:--

"Mr. Raikes and Gentlemen,--I thank you for your address and for
the cordial and loyal terms in which you have welcomed me here
to-day. I experience at all times sincere pleasure when
circumstances permit me to associate my name with any
undertaking tending to advance the welfare and convenience of
the community, and I accepted, therefore, with much satisfaction
your invitation to be present on this interesting occasion to
assist in the inauguration of a national work of such vast
importance. An enterprise of this nature is always deserving of
the warmest support and encouragement, as it not only completes
the railway system of the district, and thus provides constant
and easy means of communication between towns of such prominence
as Liverpool and Birkenhead, but it cannot fail also before long
to afford material benefit to the millions of hands in the
neighbouring industrial centres by aiding the more rapid
development of commercial intercourse. The heartiest
commendation should, therefore, be bestowed on all engaged in
the promotion of so great and worthy an object. I fervently
trust that well-merited success may be the result of your
labours, and that an ever-increasing prosperity may be your
reward for the difficulties which you have encountered, and
which have been mainly overcome by the admirable skill, the
indomitable patience, and the unceasing and unwearied energy
which have been displayed by all those who have contributed to
bring this work to a happy and a triumphant termination. Let me
convey to you, in conclusion, gentlemen, at the special request
of the Princess of Wales, the expression of her deep and
unfeigned regret at having been unavoidably prevented from
accompanying me here to-day. She begs me to assure you that
nothing but the imperative orders of the physicians would have
precluded her from sharing the gratification which I experience
at taking part in the proceedings which celebrate the
consummation of your most arduous task."

When the cheers which greeted the Prince's speech had subsided, the Mayor of Birkenhead, Mr. John Laird, was introduced to His Royal Highness, whom he asked to receive an address from the Corporation of that town. The Recorder then read the address, which remarked--"The communication between Birkenhead and Liverpool has hitherto been by a ferry, one of the most ancient and important in the kingdom, first established at a very early period, and conferred by King Edward III., in the year 1332, on the Prior and Convent of Birkenhead. It is a happy coincidence that your Royal Highness should be present to open this new connecting link between the county from which your Royal Highness derives the title of Earl of Chester and the Royal Duchy of Lancaster."

His Royal Highness made an appropriate reply, in which he said:--

"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--It has given me, I assure you,
unfeigned pleasure to have been able to comply with your
request to receive an address from the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Burgesses of the borough of Birkenhead, and I am confident that
though you may be one of the youngest of the corporate bodies,
you equal the oldest in loyalty and in devotion to the Queen and
the Royal Family. The completion of the work which I am about to
declare open will mark an important era in the history of this
district, for it will not only afford an improved line of
communication between two towns of so much consequence and
increasing prosperity as Birkenhead and Liverpool, but it will
likewise supply the means of easy and ready access to the
principality of Wales, with its places of picturesque beauty and
interest, and its numerous health resorts. The utility of the
undertaking cannot therefore be over-estimated."

The Royal party then re-entered the train, and after inspecting the works at the station the train entered the tunnel, and in four minutes reached the James Street Station on the Liverpool side. They were raised to the street level by a hydraulic lift, and the Prince being conducted to a daïs in the waiting hall, said, "I declare this station opened." Prolonged cheering greeted the announcement, which was continued throughout the route as the Princes drove to the Town Hall. In the Council-chamber an address was read by the Town Clerk from the Corporation, to which the Prince replied, acknowledging cordially the welcome given to him, and the kind references to his family, adding:--

"You rightly observe that I am deeply interested in every
movement that is calculated to tend to the advantage and
well-being of the people of this country, and it is a great
satisfaction to me to think that my name will be associated with
the memorable enterprise which by completing a connecting link
in our railway system supplies a want that has been long felt in
this part of the kingdom."

At the luncheon afterwards given in the ball-room, where about 250 guests had been invited, responding to the toast of his health, the Prince said that he had received, since his arrival in Liverpool, a telegram from the Princess, regretting her absence, and saying how deeply she was interested in the purpose of his visit. He also expressed his thanks for the reference to his sons, who were much gratified by the opportunity of visiting this great town.

"I have been engaged to-day, Mr. Mayor, on an interesting and
important work, which I feel convinced will be a very great
benefit, not only to the town of Liverpool, but to the vast
commercial resources of this and surrounding towns. The
difficulties in making a subterranean or subaqueous railway are
only too clear. You have hitherto had means of taking passengers
and goods over the river by steam ferries. I am aware that this
right has existed a long time--I believe as far back as the 11th
century. But it is a remarkable fact that in the last year you
conveyed across the Mersey, from Birkenhead to Liverpool, on the
steam ferries 26,000,000 passengers, and 750,000 tons of goods.
You may say, such being the case, why do you require to have
this tunnel, and to have your railway to connect Liverpool and
Birkenhead? The answer is that you have to encounter storms, you
have to encounter fogs, and you have to encounter ice. Both your
passengers and your goods are very frequently imperilled.
Therefore, a great engineering scheme of this kind, which will
be a very great boon, is one deserving of encouragement. Not
only will it benefit the commerce of the north-west of England,
but it will also open up a railway system to Wales and that
beautiful picturesque country with all its health-giving
resorts. Great praise is due to Major Isaac for the
indefatigable manner in which he has carried out this work and
has found the capital, and we have also to recognize the
indomitable energies of Mr. Brunlees and Mr. Fox, the engineers,
and I must not forget to mention the name of Mr. Waddell, the
contractor. At the head of this company we find my right hon.
friend, Mr. Cecil Raikes, who has had a long experience in
railways. Before sitting down, as I know there is no time for
long speeches, I wish most cordially to drink 'Prosperity to the
Mersey Railway,' which I am sure you will drink most heartily,
and to connect with the toast the name of its chairman, Mr.
Cecil Raikes."

Mr. Raikes, in responding, said he held it as a most happy omen for that great undertaking whose completion they celebrated, that the heir to the throne should have come there to take part in completing an enterprise which would, he believed, be reckoned as one of the most important and interesting of Her Majesty's reign. His Royal Highness had been good enough to refer especially to the connection which was now to be established between Liverpool and his principality of Wales. As a resident in that principality he could assure His Royal Highness that the expression of interest would be cordially appreciated and treasured by the people of Wales.

The Prince of Wales said:--

"Ladies and Gentlemen,--Although the toast list is closed, I
have the permission of the Mayor to propose one more toast, and
I feel sure it is one which will recommend itself to you all, as
it is the health of the chairman of this entertainment, the
Mayor. You are aware of the Mayor's great popularity, and his
deserved popularity; for have you not re-elected him for a
second term of office as your Mayor? I feel that it is difficult
to praise him in his presence, but at the same time he will
forgive me if I say that I know how the inhabitants of Liverpool
have been grateful to him for the great kindness, generosity,
and philanthropy he lately evinced at Christmas, when he gave
that well-known and popular Lancashire dish, the hotchpotch, to
the poor inhabitants of your town. That kindness will not be
forgotten by them, and it will be gratifying to him to know the
good he did and the pleasure he gave on that occasion. As for
myself, this is not my first visit to Liverpool, and I hope by
no means it may be my last. I have always been received here
with the greatest kindness, and I have always looked back to my
different visits with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction.
The fact that 100 years ago this town numbered only 40,000
people, and now, with its suburbs, numbers close upon 700,000,
speaks for its prosperity. Most cordially do I propose this
toast, Mr. Mayor, and most sincerely do I wish long life to you,
and prosperity to your town."

The Mayor briefly replied, and the proceedings terminated; the Prince and his sons drove in an open carriage to the station, great crowds in the streets cheering them, and returned to London.

INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.

_March 27th, 1886._

Not for the first, nor the second time, the Prince of Wales was entertained at the Annual Dinner of the Institution of Civil Engineers, on the 27th of March, 1886. The banquet was held on this occasion in the hall of Lincoln's Inn, the use of which was kindly granted by the Benchers. The Prince was accompanied by Prince Albert Victor and the Duke of Cambridge. A very large company of distinguished men in various walks of life, as well as the leading engineers of the day, were present, about two hundred in all.

The President, Sir Frederick Bramwell (the President of the British Association at Bath in 1888), in giving the usual loyal toasts, took occasion to mention that of the Royal guests, two, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge, were honorary members of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and he hoped that the third would before long be added to the list.

In responding to the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," after expressing his grateful thanks, the Prince said:--

"In coming here this evening among you I feel that I am not a
stranger, as you have paid me the high compliment of enrolling
me as an honorary member of your Institution. At the same time I
consider it a high privilege, and I may say a high honour, to
dine here at this your annual banquet, as I am sure no one will
gainsay me when I assert that an Institution like this is one of
the most important in this country, and one for which we have
the highest respect. I do not know what we should do without the
civil engineers. How could we cross rivers? How could we go
under them? Where would be the roads? Where would be the
railways? And, perhaps, most important of all, where would be
those great works of sanitation, which are of such vital concern
to all countries and to all towns? For all these things are left
in your hands.

"Some years have elapsed since I last had the pleasure of dining
here, and in the interval I well know that civil engineers have
not been idle. I may just mention a few works which have come
under my own observation, not only in this country but in India,
works which have been carried out by civil engineers, though all
may not, perhaps, be members of this Institution. The first that
occurs to me is the new Eddystone Lighthouse, of which I myself
had the pleasure to assist in placing the first stone. Then
there are those great works which will be handed down to
posterity and of which civil engineers will ever be proud--I
refer to the Mersey and Severn Tunnels. The former work I had
the great pleasure of opening two months ago. Then comes the
Forth Bridge, not yet completed; I visited the works two years
ago, and I hope in two, or at most three years we may see the
great bridge in working order. While referring to these great
works, which will always remain mementoes of the ability of the
civil engineers of our time, I must not forget to allude to a
more distant evidence of engineering skill--viz., the Alexandra
Bridge in India, which was built over the River Chenab, and
which I had the good fortune to open now ten years ago.

"I might speak for a long time if I detailed all the important
works constructed by civil engineers that I have seen, and
especially if I were to mention also a string of illustrious
names familiar to every one. But I shall abstain from doing so
now, first because, as you hear, my voice is not very good, and
in the second place because it has been agreed upon that there
are not to be any very long speeches. It is my satisfaction now
before sitting down to propose a toast which I am sure will be
most gratefully and sympathetically received by the company, and
that is 'The Health of your President, Sir Frederick Bramwell.'
I cannot allude to him in the manner I should like, or enumerate
all the distinguished services which he has rendered to his
country; but one thing I will venture to say, and that is that
his name will always be honourably connected with the
advancement of technical education. The interest he has taken in
that great subject, and the labour he has bestowed on it, have
gained for him the high honour, conferred by his Sovereign, of
the order of knighthood, and I am sure he will still continue to
devote his time and energies to a measure which is of the
greatest importance to this country. For myself I may say that I
also owe him a deep debt of gratitude for the services he has
rendered as chairman of the executive committee of the recent
Inventions Exhibition. I have now the great pleasure of
proposing the toast of 'Prosperity to the Institution of Civil
Engineers,' coupled with the name of your President Sir
Frederick Bramwell."

Sir Frederick Bramwell made an amusing speech, in which he highly magnified the office of the Civil Engineer as contrasted with every other profession. The Duke of Cambridge spoke well, as usual, for the Army, and Lord Charles Beresford gave a supplementary speech, in response to loud calls, after Admiral Le Hunte Ward had responded for the Navy. The improvements in both military and naval armaments due to civil engineers were duly recognized by all the speakers.

AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE.

_April 29th, 1886._

Sir Henry Holland (now Lord Knutsford), as Secretary of State for the Colonies, entertained the representatives at the Colonial Conference, and various gentlemen connected with the Crown Colonies, at a dinner at the Colonial Office, on the 29th of April, 1886. The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Abercorn, the Marquis of Lorne, the Earl of Carnarvon, and the Earl of Rosebery were among those present. The loyal toasts being given, Sir Henry Holland said that to the hard work and warm sympathy of the Prince of Wales the success of the Colonial Exhibition was largely due. The Prince, in acknowledging the toast, said:--

"Sir Henry Holland, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--When Sir Henry
Holland was kind enough to invite me here this evening to meet
the colonial delegates I was under the impression that it was a
private dinner, in so far that I should not be called upon to
make a speech. In this respect he has sprung a mine upon me.
But, notwithstanding, I beg to thank him for the very kind way
in which he has proposed this toast, and to thank you for the
cordial manner in which you have received it. I can only assure
him and you of the very great pleasure it gives me to meet you
here this evening.

"In this large gathering there are many gentlemen connected with
the colonies whom I have had the pleasure of knowing personally,
and it affords me especial pleasure to make the acquaintance of
others who have come over in connection with this occasion. I am
aware that the proceedings of the conferences which have taken
place have been kept secret from the public in a most marvellous
way, which is not an easy matter in these days. But from the
words which have fallen from Sir Henry Holland I am glad to hear
that everything has been so prosperous, and I hope that the
important and difficult questions which have been discussed
during the last few weeks will bear fruit. Nobody wishes more
sincerely than I do that the good feeling, or, as the French
say, the _entente cordiale_, between the mother country and our
great colonies may be established on a still firmer basis. Far
be it from us, and far distant may the day be, when we shall see
the colonies separated from us in any way.

"You have been kind enough to allude to the Colonial Exhibition,
which is now a matter of the past. I feel sure that in that
Exhibition, during the few months that it lasted, our own
countrymen learnt perhaps more of the colonies than they could
in any other way except by visiting them. No better means could
have been adopted for bringing the colonies more prominently
before us. Most sincerely do I hope that that Exhibition may
bear fruit. I most sincerely trust that the end of the
Conference may also be successful, and that it may realise all
that we could wish. It is true, as you have observed, that I
have not yet had an opportunity of visiting the distant
colonies, especially the Australian colonies and those of the
Cape. Much as I may desire to go out to those distant colonies,
I fear that my duties at home may prevent my doing so. However,
I assure you that it is my wish to do so, and though I am
unable, it is through circumstances over which I have no
control."

Lord Rosebery, in giving the toast of their Colonial guests, said, that whatever questions of home policy divided Englishmen, party feeling never interfered in those greater Imperial questions. It was a happy innovation to invite representatives of the colonies to meet in conference, and he trusted that the result of that meeting would hasten the welding and uniting of the Empire.

INSTALLATION AS GRAND MASTER OF MARK MASONS.

_July 1st, 1886._

A large and most imposing gathering, held in connexion with the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, took place at the Freemasons' Hall on the 1st of July, 1886. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, whose installation as Grand Master of English Freemasons, at the Albert Hall, in April 1875, has been already narrated, was now installed as Grand Mark Master. There were upwards of 1000 Grand, Past, and Provincial Grand Officers present, including many distinguished representatives from India and the Colonies, as well as from all parts of the United Kingdom. The Earl of Kintore, Grand Master, presided at the ceremony.

When the Prince entered the Grand Lodge, which had been opened by Lord Kintore, he was accompanied by a large and representative body of Mark Masons deputed to conduct His Royal Highness to the throne. He then took the customary obligation, having been proclaimed and saluted on the throne, to which he was conducted by Lord Kintore. Addressing the Prince, Lord Kintore expressed the feelings of loyal devotion felt by every Mark Mason in Great Britain, and in the Greater Britain beyond the seas, at the step which the Prince was pleased to take that day. He then gave a few statistics to show the progress of Mark Masonry. In 1876 there were but 5 time-immemorial lodges, and 18 Provincial Grand Lodges. In 1886 there were 13 time-immemorial lodges, and 375 warranted lodges, divided into 44 Provincial Grand Lodges, including those in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, India, and other parts of the globe. The consent of the Prince of Wales to be Grand Mark Master was proof of his zealous personal efforts to unite the Colonies and Dependencies of the empire with the mother country. The Prince, in his reply, said that--

He thanked the Past Grand Master most heartily and sincerely for
the address he had just delivered. He feared that Lord Kintore
had referred to him in terms far too kind and flattering. He
assured the brethren he considered it a high honour and
compliment which had been paid him that day, and he accepted the
distinguished position of Grand Master of Mark Master Masons
with a deep feeling of gratitude, and as a high honour to
himself. He assured the brethren that anything he could do to
further the interest and welfare of the Mark Degree would be
done with sincere pleasure. He was most thankful and grateful
for the kind feeling the brethren had manifested towards him,
and he appreciated very highly the compliment which had been
paid by the Mark Masons who had attended from distant parts of
the kingdom. Lord Kintore had spoken in kind and feeling terms
of his beloved mother the Queen. It would afford Her Majesty
sincere gratification to know the kind terms in which her name
had been mentioned, and the hearty manner in which it was
invariably received, especially in a meeting of this
description. Personally he thanked them from his heart, and he
desired to assure them that all he could do for the welfare of
Mark Masonry would always be done with very great pleasure.

The Grand Master then appointed the Grand Officers for the ensuing year, beginning with Lord Kintore as Pro-Grand Master, Lord Egerton of Tatton Deputy Grand Master, the Duke of Connaught Senior Grand Warden, and numerous others to the usual offices. The Pro-Grand Master presented the Prince with a jewel, which he accepted with pleasure, and said it would be a gratifying memento of the pleasant proceedings of the day.

After the conclusion of the Grand Lodge proceedings, there was a luncheon at the Holborn Restaurant, at which the Prince presided. After the customary loyal toasts had been proposed, the Prince regretted that he had to leave, having to fulfil an engagement at the East-end of London.

FOUNDATION STONE OF THE PEOPLE'S PALACE.

_June 28th, 1886._

There are few who do not know the history, and have not rejoiced in the success of the People's Palace for East London. The magnificent spectacle when the Queen went in state, on the 14th of May, 1887, to open "The Queen's Hall" at the Palace, will long be remembered by the multitudes who witnessed the ceremony, or who saw the Royal progress through the crowded streets.

The foundation stone had been laid, with almost equal pomp, and amidst as great popular enthusiasm, by the Prince and Princess of Wales on the 28th of June in the previous year. On that occasion nearly 10,000 people were assembled within the space set apart for the ceremony, including 1000 delegates from the various trade, friendly, and temperance societies in East London, with 2000 or 3000 school-children.

The Lord Mayor in his robes of office, and attended by the officers and many members of the Corporation, and a vast number of distinguished persons--among whom were the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Adler, the Bishop of Bedford, and many of the Clergy of the neighbouring districts, Cardinal Manning, and Mr. Walter Besant--awaited the arrival of the Royal visitors. This was announced by a salute by the guard of honour of the Tower Hamlets Engineers and the 24th Middlesex Volunteers. They were received by Sir Edmund Hay Currie and the Beaumont Trustees, the Master and Wardens of the Drapers' Company, and delegates from various Committees. From the old and well-known "Beaumont Trust," and the munificent donations of the Drapers' Company, supplemented by public contributions, the large funds necessary for the People's Palace had been derived.

The ceremony began by the Archbishop of Canterbury offering a special prayer, followed by the Lord's Prayer, and the singing of the Old Hundredth Psalm. Sir E. H. Currie, Chairman of the Committee, then read and presented an address, to which the Prince replied as follows:--

"Sir Edmund Hay Currie and Gentlemen,--I thank you, on behalf of
the Princess of Wales and myself, for your address, and I can
assure you that we heartily rejoice that an opportunity has been
afforded us of again visiting this important district of the
Metropolis. We thoroughly appreciate the endeavour of the
trustees to promote a scheme which, from the comprehensiveness
and liberality of its scope, should not fail to prove
advantageous to the population of the near neighbourhood in
which the Palace is to be erected, and to the inhabitants of the
Metropolis at large. We do not doubt that the opportunities for
healthy recreation so essential in a population that is
comprised mainly of artisans and mechanics and their families
will be promptly and properly appreciated by those for whom the
People's Palace had been provided. The facilities which will be
afforded for continuous education of all kinds will, we are
convinced, materially tend to still further develop and perfect
the various handicrafts of this neighbourhood, and should
therefore prove of the greatest importance, not only to the
inhabitants of East London, but to the nation at large, and
should enable Englishmen to continue to maintain in the future,
as they have in the past, that supremacy in the arts of peace at
home which, among civilized nations, must be the invariable and
necessary accompaniment of power and prosperity abroad. We
congratulate the trustees upon the success which has already
attended their efforts in having secured £75,000 of the £100,000
required, and we sincerely trust that the munificent donations
of the Drapers' Company, Mr. Dyer Edwardes, Lord Rosebery, and
the Duke of Westminster will influence others to follow so
excellent an example. The 'Queen's Hall,' of which I am about to
lay the first stone, will, I understand from the architect, Mr.
Robson, be capable of accommodating more than 3000 persons, and
will be so constructed as to serve the purpose of a winter
garden, affording a resort for social intercourse and
entertainment at a period of the year when the summer garden
will not be available. We humbly join in the prayer of the
Archbishop of Canterbury that God's blessing may rest upon this
great work, and that, in the years to come, benefits both
material and moral will result to the thousands who, we trust,
will not fail to avail themselves of the facilities which the
scheme will afford."

The stone was then laid with the usual ceremonies, the Prince's declaration that it was "well and truly" laid being received with general cheers. The proceedings were concluded with the benediction, pronounced by the Archbishop.

* * * * *

Long before the time of the People's Palace, visits to the East of London had not unfrequently been made by members of the Royal Family. On the 24th of June, 1880, the Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by their sons, Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, went to open a Recreation Ground in Whitechapel, for the benefit of the people of that parish, and of Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, and other adjacent districts. The ground, above an acre in extent, had formerly been a burial-ground of the Society of Friends, some of the members of which had contributed towards its being laid out as a pleasure-garden. The Rev. J. F. Kitto and the Rev. S. A. Barnett, whose names have long been associated with good deeds in East London, hoped that the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales that day would give new impetus to the movement for obtaining open spaces in crowded parts of the Metropolis. The Prince expressed his gratification at being present, and said he was desired by the Princess to say that she declared the Recreation Ground now open.

SALE OF SHORTHORNS AND SOUTHDOWNS AT SANDRINGHAM.

_July 15th, 1886._

To be "President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England" is an honour which the Prince of Wales gained not merely from his high position, but from his genuine love and practical knowledge of agriculture. Old King George III. was proud to be known as "Farmer George," but his great-grandson, the "Norfolk farmer," knows vastly more about the subject, and turns his knowledge to more profitable account. This was shown at the great sale of Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep which the Prince held at Sandringham, at the time of the Royal Agricultural Show at Norwich, in July 1886.

The idea of holding the sale at that time was a fortunate one, for the Show had brought to Norwich breeders of stock from every part of the kingdom, and some from foreign countries. Many of the leading members of the Royal Agricultural Society were the guests of the Prince at Sandringham during the week of the Show. Special trains were run to Wolferton Station from Norwich, so that there had never been seen such crowds at Sandringham, as on Thursday, the 15th of July, the day of the sale. Ample provision had been made for their reception, a large marquee capable of seating 1500 persons being erected in a field adjacent to the homestead. Among those who sat down to the luncheon were almost all the agricultural celebrities of England, and some of the most noted breeders of cattle and sheep in France. The entrance of the Prince and his family to the tent was received with immense enthusiasm.

After luncheon the Prince proposed the health of the Queen, which was duly honoured, and then the Duke of Richmond and Gordon gave the toast of "The Prince and Princess of Wales." He said that two days before it had fallen to his lot to move a vote of thanks to the Prince in his capacity as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, which might be deemed the Royal Academy of farming. Now he had to speak of him in his capacity of a Norfolk farmer. Amid much cheering, the Duke went on to say that it would be well for Norfolk farmers if all of them had such a wife as it was the good fortune of the Prince to possess, and that the high qualities of the Princess had endeared her not less to the people of Norfolk than to the other inhabitants of her future realm. In speaking of the sale itself, the Duke said that the quality of the stock, all of which he had personally examined, was remarkably level and good, and that the Prince was conferring a distinct benefit upon the agricultural community in the eastern counties by giving them an opportunity of obtaining such grand strains of blood as were to be found in the Sandringham Shorthorns and Southdowns. It is needless to add that this toast was received with the most enthusiastic cheering, and the plaudits were so sustained that the Prince had to wait some time before beginning his reply. He said:--

"Your Grace, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--The kind way in
which this toast has been proposed by the Duke of Richmond and
Gordon and received by you all cannot but give the greatest
possible pleasure both to the Princess and myself. We derive the
most genuine satisfaction at seeing so many of the inhabitants
of Norfolk here in our country home, for I can assure you that
we take the deepest interest in all that concerns the welfare of
this county. This has been a week of great agricultural interest
for the county of Norfolk, and we have among us many men eminent
as breeders and farmers from other parts of the kingdom, and to
them also I extend a cordial welcome. As we have a busy
afternoon before us, I will not detain you long, but before
sitting down I should like to say a few words with respect to
the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, which has urgent
need of support, as, owing to the recent depression in
agriculture, the demands upon it have been so heavy that it is
unable to do as much as it could a few years ago. In conclusion,
let me bid you heartily welcome to Sandringham, and ask you to
bid well at the sale."

This genial speech was received with applause, and its closing words with cheerful laughter. The Duke of Manchester next proposed the health of Mr. John Thornton, the auctioneer, who may be regarded as the Tattersall of the Shorthorn world, and who, in responding, said that he was more anxious to hear others than others would be to hear him. The company then broke up, the Prince and Princess of Wales leading the way to the sale-ring, which had been pitched close to the homestead, with three covered stands for the Royal party, the auctioneer and his chief customers, and for the county people, who mustered in great force.

The auctioneer gave much interesting information as to the establishment of the herd of Shorthorns and the flock of Southdowns at Sandringham. Since the herd of Shorthorns was formed the Prince of Wales has been in the habit of exhibiting at the Royal and other shows held within easy reach of home, and the animals selected for exhibition, but not forced into extreme condition, as is so often done, have been very successful, for they have taken sixteen first prizes, twelve seconds, four thirds, and four special prizes, while it is interesting to note that at the Royal Agricultural Show at York three years ago the Prince obtained what is generally regarded as the highest honour of the showyard--viz., the prize for a family group consisting of mother and several daughters.

The Prince has been not less conspicuously successful with his Southdown sheep, as this flock, first formed in 1886 by the selection of sheep from the flocks of the Duke of Richmond at Goodwood, Lord Walsingham at Merton, Mr. Webb at Babraham, and Mr. Gorringe at Kingston, has won sixty-eight first and sixty-two second prizes, to say nothing of minor distinctions, bringing the total of prizes up to 183, while at the Smithfield Show last winter three Southdowns from Sandringham won the £50 champion cup and the gold medal as the best pen of sheep in the hall. These facts being well known to all those who attended the sale, while they had the further assurance that all the lots offered would be sold without any of those reservations which mar so many auctions, the bidding was very brisk; but in spite of this the number of lots was so great that the sale, commencing at two o'clock, lasted until nearly six.

The detail of the sale only concern those who have to do with buying or breeding: and the records of the pedigree stock, and the prices obtained, and other particulars, will be found in the reports of the meeting. To the general reader of this book the whole proceedings are full of interest, as being a scene of genuine English country life, and the Prince of Wales was thoroughly in his element as the centre of the grand agricultural assemblage. How Washington Irving would have rejoiced to be there, and what a description he would have given of the scene!

SION COLLEGE.

_December 15th, 1886._

Sion College was founded by the Rev. Dr. White, Vicar of St. Dunstan's in the West, in the time of Charles I. He held several other preferments, but we forgive him for being a notable pluralist because he made such good use of his money. By his will he left £3000 for the purchase of a site in the City of London, for erecting a hospital, consisting of twenty almshouses, and a college, which he endowed, with an annual revenue, not large, but sufficient in those times. Dr. White's intention was to enable the clergy of the City of London, and the incumbents of outlying parishes, to obtain corporate existence, like other crafts and professions, and so be legally qualified to hold and to administer property. This was well carried out by the Rev. Dr. Simpson, Rector of St. Olave's, Hart Street, one of the executors, who gave special attention to the library, now so important a feature of the College.

The College was established by Charter in 1630, and confirmed in 1664 by Charles II. The site selected was that of the Priory of Elsing Spital, London Wall, where a spacious building was afterwards erected, and continued in use till our own day. The library gradually became an important one, especially after 1710, when the Government conferred upon it the privilege of being one of the libraries entitled to receive copies of all books entered at Stationers' Hall. In 1843 this privilege was commuted for an annual grant, which barely sufficed for the maintenance of the library and other expenses. At length it was determined to sell the site in London Wall, the value of which was great for business purposes, and to remove to a better site, on which more commodious buildings might be erected. By Acts of Parliament authority was obtained to sell the old site, which realized thirty-three times the amount given for it in 1627. Another Act of Parliament authorized the purchase of a site on the Thames Embankment, the freehold of which cost £31,625, and on this, at a cost of £25,000, the present magnificent building, designed by Mr. A. W. Blomfield, was erected. To open this new Sion College, the Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Princess of Wales, went to the City on the 15th of December, 1886.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, and several Bishops, the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London, the Lord Chancellor, and many distinguished persons were present, and a numerous body of the Clergy. The President of the College (who is elected annually by the Fellows), the Rev. Richard Whittington, a name of good omen, read an address, the Archbishop having previously conducted a short religious service. To the address the Prince replied:--

"Mr. President and Gentlemen,--I thank you for your address, and
for the kind terms in which you allude to the Princess of Wales
and my children. I experience the greatest satisfaction at being
present on this interesting occasion, when your ancient
corporation may be said to take a new departure. I are gratified
to learn that the words of advice which I uttered two or three
years ago have borne good fruit and have helped on the removal
of your College from the comparative obscurity of London Wall to
this central and eligible spot. I congratulate you on the
completion without any serious drawback of a work which from its
nature could not but be surrounded by many administrative and
financial difficulties, only to be overcome by much tenacity of
purpose, energy, and hard work. Many of you will probably look
back with some feeling of lingering regret upon a spot hallowed
by the memories of two centuries and a half, and by the
recollection that in the same place, for many years before Sion
College existed, the Augustinian canons devoted themselves to
the alleviation of suffering, and providing a refuge for the
homeless and the outcast. Yet, if Sion College was to continue
its work in the future as it has carried it on in the past, such
a change as I inaugurate to-day was essential. On this site and
with this building, upon the beauty and convenience of which
your architect may well come in for his share of congratulation
and praise, Sion College may become more than ever a centre
where the London clergy may meet together to exchange
experiences and learn by personal intercourse how substantial is
the tie which results from devotion to one high purpose. Of your
library I need say little. The high place which it occupies
among similar institutions is well known, and the extent and
excellence of its contents are universally acknowledged. I have
to congratulate the clergy of London upon having at their
command such a varied collection of the best literature of all
ages to stimulate their studies and enrich their minds. I will
only add an expression of my satisfaction at learning that
those poor persons for whose temporal wants your benevolent
founder, Dr. Thomas White, made provision have reason to claim a
full share in the gratification which attends the proceedings
to-day."

The Lord Mayor said it was a great privilege for him to be called on, as Lord Mayor, to say a few words on that most interesting occasion. He congratulated the President and Fellows that Sion College was rebuilt under such favourable auspices and so happily placed between those seminaries of the law, the ancient and honourable societies of the Temple, of which His Royal Highness was so distinguished a member, and the more modern institution, on which he thought the Corporation might justly pride itself, the City of London School for the classical and commercial training of our younger citizens, which His Royal Highness graciously inaugurated just four years ago.

The Lord Chancellor said there were no words of his which would adequately express the gratitude and affection which all those present felt towards His Royal Highness and the Princess. This was only one of a series of acts by which their Royal Highnesses had exhibited their sympathy with the people, and there was nothing good, high, and noble that was not from time to time graced by their presence.

The Prince of Wales then, amid loud cheers, declared the library to be open.

The procession, having been re-formed, left the library and descended to the hall, which was also filled with spectators. Here the President pointed out the ancient panels, the pictures, including portrait of the founder, and other treasures removed from the old building. The Prince declared the Hall open, and their Royal Highnesses signed their names in the Register of Benefactors.

It may be added that it was a hint from the Prince of Wales that hastened the decision to remove from London Wall. He was viewing from the roof of the old library the fire in Wood Street, Cheapside, when he said to the Rev. W. H. Milman (the librarian, son of Dean Milman) that he thought it was the duty of the Governors to remove their valuable library to a safer locality.

COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION OF 1886.

On the 10th of November, 1884, the Queen issued a Royal Commission to arrange for holding an Exhibition of the products, manufactures, and arts of Her Majesty's Colonial and Indian Dominions, in the year 1886. Of this Commission the Prince of Wales was President, and Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen Secretary. The first meeting took place at Marlborough House on the 30th of March, 1885. In opening the proceedings His Royal Highness said:--

"In addressing you for the first time, I would remind you that
the objects for which Her Majesty has been pleased to appoint
this Commission are, briefly, to organise and carry out an
Exhibition by which the reproductive resources of our Colonies
and of the Indian Empire may be brought before the people of
Great Britain, and by which also the distant portions of Her
Majesty's Dominions may be enabled to compare the advance made
by each other in trade, manufactures, and general material
progress.

"This project, to the realisation of which I have looked forward
for some years, is essentially one of a National and Imperial
character, differing in this respect front former Exhibitions,
in which the elements of trade rivalry and profit largely
existed.

"No such opportunity of becoming practically acquainted with the
economic condition of our Colonies and the Indian Empire has
ever been afforded in this country. The attractive display in
the Indian and Colonial Courts at the Paris Exhibition of 1878
could only be witnessed by a comparatively small number of the
population of these Islands, millions of whom may be expected to
view and profit by the evidence which the Exhibition of 1886
will afford of the marvellous progress made by their
fellow-countrymen beyond the seas.

"I also trust that this gathering may serve even a higher
purpose, and be the means not only of giving a stimulus to
commercial interests and intercourse, but of strengthening that
Bond of Union between Her Majesty's subjects in all parts of the
Empire, the growth and manifestation of which are most sincerely
appreciated by us all.

"Whilst Her Majesty's Government have given their hearty
approval to the objects for which the Commission has been
appointed, they have not so far found it desirable to make any
definite grant towards it. The Commission have, therefore, to
rely entirely upon the public support of the great purposes
which the Exhibition is intended to promote; and on the
attractive form which it will be the endeavour of all concerned
to give to it.

"I cannot doubt but that, under such conditions, should no
untoward events occur, the project will be more than
self-sustaining.

"At the same time, it has been thought prudent not to dispense
with the usual provision of a Guarantee Fund, though I trust no
circumstances may arise rendering it necessary to make any call
on the guarantors. To this Fund the Indian and Colonial
Governments have made liberal contributions, amounting to
£51,000."

The Prince then gave detailed announcements of the responses made to appeals addressed to corporations, firms, and individuals in Great Britain, and in the Colonies and India. He also explained the arrangements for administrative and financial affairs, and for the reception of foreign representatives.

"In conclusion, let me express the hope that this great
undertaking, and the many occasions for friendly intercourse
with our fellow-subjects from India and the Colonies which it
will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we are
deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately shown
in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the
country, we on our part wish to participate in every effort to
further and develop their material interests--interests which we
feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the
Empire. We must remember that, as regards the Colonies, they are
the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the more
adventurous and energetic portion of the population of these
Islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all that
makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, but be
a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards India,
the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire and the rapid and
easy means of communication to all parts of it which now exist,
render its remarkable and varied products and its social and
political condition a source of yearly increasing interest and
importance to us.

"For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, I am sure
I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, in your
several localities, and within the sphere of your individual
influence. Although it has been impossible from the pressure of
their duties elsewhere for some members of the Commission to be
present at this meeting, I am gratified by the assurance from
them that we may none the less rely on their practical and
earnest assistance on every occasion in furthering the work
which has been entrusted to us, and achieving the important ends
which I trust may flow from its successful accomplishment."

_May 3rd, 1886._

A meeting of the Royal Commission was again held on the 3rd of May, in the Durbar Hall of the Indian Palace, when the Prince of Wales, as the Executive President, addressed the audience. He gave an interesting report on all the chief matters that had engaged the attention of the Royal Commissioners; and referred to the co-operation received from the Colonies and India. He stated that the guarantee fund had reached the amount of £218,430, of which the City of London had voted £10,000. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Duke of Cambridge, seconded by Lord Granville, to the Prince of Wales for the able and energetic manner in which he acted on behalf of the Commission as their President. "It is not the first time that His Royal Highness has acted as President in undertakings of this nature, and it is very difficult for any individual to praise him in his presence without appearing fulsome, but it is not fulsome to say that he has always devoted his whole energies to bringing everything to a successful issue with which he is connected."

The Prince, in his reply, said:--

He hoped that the Exhibition would be not only entertaining to
the eye, and that it will prove of material benefit to our own
countrymen, but that it will also tend to strengthen the bond of
brotherly love between ourselves and the rest of Her Majesty's
subjects.

_April 30th, 1887._

At the final meeting of the Royal Commission, held at Marlborough House on the 30th of April, 1887, the minutes of the previous meeting, held on the 3rd of May, 1886, having been read, the Prince of Wales addressed the meeting:--

"Your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen,--I have asked you
to meet me to-day, in order that I might submit for your
approval a Report which I have drawn up upon the work of the
Royal Commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, a
draft of which has already been forwarded to each of you for
consideration.

"The contents of this Report are so exhaustive, and the
information afforded so full and complete, that it seems
scarcely necessary that I should detain you with many
explanatory remarks.