Chapter I: Declare This Dock Now Open, and That Henceforth It Is to Be (13)

"Lord Mount-Edgcumbe, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--I am deeply
touched by the very kind manner in which this toast has been
proposed by our Lord Lieutenant and by the way in which it has
been received. Although it has not been my good fortune to come
as often to this ancient Duchy as I could have wished, still
among the different visits which I have been able to pay you
none has given me greater pleasure and satisfaction than that
which I am paying at the present moment. You may rest assured
that I feel proud of the ancient title that I bear. The interest
that I take in the welfare of the county will never be
diminished. Seven years and a half ago I was enabled to lay the
foundation stone of this cathedral with Masonic honours. To-day
I have been present at its consecration. The most interesting
service and religious ceremony at which we have assisted to-day
are not likely to be forgotten by me, nor by any of you. It is
the event of a lifetime, and I congratulate you, the Duchy, the
county, and all connected with it, on the erection of so noble
an edifice, and I trust that before long we may see the
completion of the building. It is a real sorrow to me that the
Princess of Wales and some of my children should not have
accompanied me on this occasion as they did when the foundation
stone was laid. Although they are far away, you may feel sure
that they take a great interest in what is being done here
to-day. Time is short and we have to leave. If, therefore, the
words I have uttered to you to-day are few, you must not
question their sincerity and heartiness. I thank you for the
kind reception that you always give me when I come among you.
Before sitting down I wish to give one toast, which I am sure
you will drink with pleasure. It is 'The Health of our Lord
Lieutenant.' You know how much is due to him and to your Bishop.
I am sure that it is a source of great satisfaction to them to
see so many distinguished prelates around them on this great
occasion and so large a body of the laity."

The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the company would have remained standing while the air "God bless the Prince of Wales" was being played upon the organ, had not the Prince motioned to them to resume their seats.

NEW COLOURS TO THE OLD 46TH REGIMENT.

_November 4th, 1887._

The visit of the Prince of Wales to the West of England closed with the ceremony of presenting new colours to the 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry at Devonport. On his arrival, an address was presented by the Corporation. The Prince replied:--

"I have had much satisfaction in receiving your address, and I
thank you for your kind welcome to a borough in which on more
than one occasion I have experienced a very cordial reception. I
have a perfect recollection of the circumstances of my departure
for Canada to which you allude. It is hardly necessary for me to
remind you of the many important events which have occurred in
the history of this kingdom, and in my own life, since the day
on which I embarked for North America from your port,
twenty-seven years ago. Let me express to you my warm
acknowledgments for your gratifying recognition of my earnest
endeavours to encourage all undertakings tending to promote the
welfare of this great country. I am well aware that the position
which I occupy as the eldest son of the Sovereign entails upon
me the performance of duties which it always has been my most
earnest desire to fulfil to the utmost of my ability, and I can
assure my fellow-countrymen that in the future, as in the past,
they will at all times find me anxious to respond to any call
which they may make upon me to aid them in the advancement of
any object either of charity or of public utility."

The Prince then drove to the Raglan Barracks, where the regiment awaited his arrival.

The usual ceremonies on such occasions were proceeded with, and the old colours, which had been borne by the 46th, or South Devon Regiment, as it was formerly called, through the Crimean War and in Egypt, were taken to the rear to the music of "Auld Lang Syne." The new colours, after the prayer of consecration by the chaplain of the garrison, were presented to the lieutenants. The Prince then addressed the troops:--

"Colonel Grieve, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men of
the 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry,--You have
conferred a great pleasure and satisfaction upon me in having
asked me to give your efficient regiment new colours. I do so
with the greatest pleasure, because I know that, in giving these
new colours, I intrust them to the care of a regiment which has
distinguished itself for many years in every part of the globe,
and that they are certain to be in safe hands, and will continue
to do honour to their Sovereign and country as heretofore. I am
proud to be associated with your regiment as Honorary Colonel of
the 3rd Battalion. I am aware that, perhaps, the old name of the
46th is more dear to you; but I feel sure that, whether under
that name or under the present one, you will continue to bear
the high state of efficiency which has always existed ever since
the regiment was raised.

"Your regiment was raised, as I am aware, in 1741, and you
distinguished yourselves in the War of Independence. In
consequence, in 1777, of your Light Company at Dominica having
gallantly defended General Wayns, you were awarded the privilege
of wearing red feathers, a distinction which you still bear in
the shape of red cloth on your helmets, and of which you feel
very proud. I am also aware that your regiment served with
distinction in the Crimea, and these old colours, which are to
be carried by the old regiment no more, were given to you on
board ship, prior to landing in the Crimea, and have been used
for many years. You have since served in different parts of the
Empire, and especially in the recent campaign in Egypt and in
the Nile Expedition, under the command of the late gallant and
lamented General Earle. There is much more that I could say in
connection with your distinguished services, but, owing to the
want of time and the unfortunate inclemency of the weather, I do
not wish to detain the regiment longer than is necessary on
parade. Let me congratulate you, Colonel Grieve, on the smart
appearance of your regiment and the admirable way in which they
look. I sincerely hope the regiment, as opportunities offer,
though I hope they may not, whether in the defensive or
offensive, will continue as it always has to distinguish itself.
I can congratulate you, Colonel Grieve, upon the honour of
commanding so fine and efficient a regiment."

THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888.

_May 8th, 1888._

On the 8th of May, 1888, the Exhibition at Glasgow was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales. There have been many Exhibitions, international and national, since the famous "World's Fair" of 1851, but few of them have surpassed, in variety of interest, that which the Glasgow people have successfully carried out, in the spacious and picturesque building in Kelvin Grove Park. Certainly, not one of the national Exhibitions has offered so wonderful a display of the wealth, enterprise, and versatility in productive industry, of the subjects of the British Crown. There was at Manchester an unrivalled collection of art-treasures, and at other places there have been special features of distinction. But, on the whole, the Exhibition at Glasgow has been one of most varied excellence, worthy of the Queen's Jubilee year, when the preparations were made for it, and worthy of the silver-wedding year of the Prince and Princess, whose presence was welcomed on the opening day. The experience of other Exhibitions has not been lost, and one of the most interesting portions of the show has been the antiquarian and historical collection displayed in the Old "Bishop's Palace," after the manner of the artificial constructions first made familiar in the streets of "Old London" at South Kensington.

Before opening the Exhibition, the Prince and Princess were received in the Corporation Chambers by the Lord Provost, magistrates, and a distinguished assembly. An address of welcome was read by Dr. Marwick, the Town Clerk, some of the points of which may be gathered from the reply of the Prince, which was as follows:--

"My Lord Provost and Gentlemen,--I have received your address
with feelings of sincere satisfaction, and I thank you on behalf
of the Princess of Wales and myself for your cordial words of
welcome and your kind reference to our Silver Wedding. We have
come here to-day to celebrate, in one of the most prosperous
cities of the United Kingdom, the inauguration of a great
national work of the highest and most varied interest, and one
altogether worthy of your important city. I can assure you I
thoroughly understand and appreciate the anxious desire which
has prevailed among you that an Industrial Exhibition should be
held this year in Glasgow, and I consider that with the
commercial, manufacturing, and mercantile eminence which she
enjoys, such a desire is not only right and proper in the
highest degree, but natural and commendable. We warmly
sympathise with you in this feeling, and I would that my
lamented father were alive now to witness the development of the
general idea of which he was the originator. The relations of
this city with all the markets of the civilised world have long
been well known, but they have been immensely extended during
the present century by the energy and enterprise of those
merchants and citizens, who, by deepening the Clyde and
providing the extensive harbour and dock accommodation which now
exists, have overcome the natural disadvantages of its position,
and given it a permanent place among the shipping ports and
commercial centres of the Kingdom. Let me, my Lord Provost and
Gentlemen, sincerely thank you for the loyal terms in which you
alluded to the Queen. I shall have much pleasure in
communicating to Her Majesty the hope that you have expressed
that she will visit your magnificent Exhibition, and I will not
fail to acquaint her likewise with your words of devotion to her
throne and person."

The Royal party left the Council Chamber for the Lord Provost's residence, where they partook of luncheon. After the luncheon the Royal party passed under a triumphal arch at the West-end Park main entrance, and over the Prince of Wales Bridge, opposite the Exhibition gate. Sir Archibald Campbell, President of the Executive Committee, here met the Prince, and a number of gentlemen who have been instrumental in promoting the Exhibition were introduced to his Royal Highness. Sir A. Campbell handed to the Prince a gold key, and his Royal Highness, amidst cheers, opened the east door of the vestibule, and entered the Exhibition. The Prince and Princess walked to the front of the platform of the Grand Hall, the Glasgow Choral Union meanwhile singing the National Anthem, and the Artillery on the neighbouring heights firing a salute of twenty-one guns. After their Royal Highnesses were seated and prayers had been read by the Rev. Dr. D. M'Leod, Sir A. Campbell presented an address.

The Prince of Wales, accepting the address, said:--

"Sir Archibald Campbell, my Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you
for your address, and I can assure you that it affords the
Princess of Wales and myself very sincere pleasure to be present
on this important occasion. That gratification is increased by
the sense of the connection which you have recognised as
existing between this International Exhibition and that in which
my revered father took so deep an interest and so active a part.
The various Exhibitions which have been held since 1851 have
undoubtedly done much, not only to enlist the sympathy of the
nations of the world and to engage them in friendly rivalries of
industrial competition, but largely to extend our knowledge of
every branch of manufacture, and to afford pleasure to all ranks
and classes of society in every country in which these
Exhibitions have been held. Recognising the benefits which they
have thus conferred, such Exhibitions can never fail to enlist
the sympathy of the Queen and command the support of the
Princess and myself. We are here to-day to give personal
testimony to that feeling, and to express our satisfaction not
only with the public spirit with which the undertaking has been
supported financially, but with the enthusiasm with which
exhibitors from all parts of the world have enriched the
collections of science, art, and industry gathered within these
buildings.

"Nor is it possible to overlook the special appropriateness of
such an Exhibition in this city, in which the researches and
discoveries of Black, of Watt, and, in our own day, of Thomson,
have been productive of world-wide benefits to mankind. In the
application of science also, Glasgow can point with just pride
to Bell, whose 'Comet' is still preserved as a memorial of the
first attempt to apply the forces of steam to the propulsion of
ships, and to the multifarious industries which have here found
a home. To the widely different character of these industries,
which secure to the population of this district immunity from
many of the risks which necessarily attend devotion to one
special department of labour, it is only possible to allude in
general terms. Here there exist and flourish side by side great
establishments for shipbuilding, the production of marine
machinery, locomotives, mill machinery, and mechanical
appliances for the working of iron and coal for the production
of mineral oil, the manufacture of thread, glass, and pottery,
carpet-weaving, dyeing and printing. It must not likewise be
over-looked that Glasgow was the cradle of the steam-carrying
trade with America and the great mercantile centres of the
world. It is gratifying to me to learn that, in the
comprehensive collection to be found here, due regard has been
paid to the exhibition of works of art, and that the walls of
your galleries are enriched by many and valuable paintings and
works of sculpture. Here, as in the Exhibition at Manchester,
are to be found evidences of the fact that the successful
prosecution of trade, manufacture, and commerce afford not only
the means of gratifying, but of developing the taste for art.

"Not the least interesting of all is the section in which an
honourable place has been given to the works of artisan
exhibitors. In every industrial community, and nowhere more so
than in Glasgow, the development of the taste, skill, and
handicraft of its operatives must always command a respectful
consideration and interest. To the Women's Industry Section we
shall also look with special sympathy, recognising the
importance of encouraging every means by which women's work may
be made productive.

"It is also a gratification to us to observe that the artistic
building in which the Exhibition is contained occupies an
appropriate position within, I may almost say, the shadow of the
University of Glasgow, the second in antiquity of the old
Universities of Scotland. The site of the University is no doubt
modern; but it is satisfactory to see the Institution which was
founded through the influence of King James II. in 1450 in a
more flourishing state at present than at any previous period of
its history. It only remains now for the Princess and myself to
express our earnest hope that this great Exhibition may prove an
immense success, and that the thousands who, we trust, will
visit it may derive such instruction from an examination of its
various sections as will prove of material advantage to them for
years to come."

After an Inauguration Ode had been sung, the Prince declared the Exhibition open, amid much enthusiasm. The Hallelujah Chorus was then given by the choir. The Royal party spent considerable time in inspecting various parts of the Exhibition, the Princess being specially interested in the "Women's Industries" Section; after which they returned to the Central Railway Station, _en route_ to Hamilton Palace.

On the same day, May 8, the Queen, accompanied by the Princess Christian, and other members of the Royal family, honoured by her presence the performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan's _Golden Legend_, given by command at the Royal Albert Hall. Later in the year, on the 22nd August, she gratified the citizens of Glasgow by visiting the Exhibition, in response to the loyal invitation from the Corporation and the Committee given to the Prince on the opening day. The Queen honoured Sir Archibald Campbell, of Blythswood, Chairman of the Committee, by being his guest on that occasion. The opportunity of this Royal visit was taken for opening the new municipal buildings in George Square. It was nearly forty years since Her Majesty, along with the lamented Prince Consort, had visited the western capital of Scotland. No city in her Majesty's dominions has made more wonderful progress than Glasgow, or made more eager use of its natural advantages. The visit of the Prince of Wales at the opening of the Exhibition, and the subsequent visit of the Queen will make the year 1888 ever memorable in the annals of Glasgow.

SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE.

_June 5th, 1888._

Among the memorials of illustrious men in the gardens of the Thames Embankment, no one will be honoured more than the statue to Sir Bartle Frere. It was erected by public subscription, in memory of his private virtues and of his public services. The grand bronze figure of the patriotic Englishman is much admired. The likeness is good, and the whole monument, with its pedestal of Cornish granite, imposing. Many distinguished men were present to witness the unveiling of the statue by the Prince of Wales on the 5th of June, 1888. He was accompanied by the Princess, and their two daughters, the Princesses Maud and Victoria. Among the company were the Duke of Cambridge, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Napier of Magdala, and Sir Richard Temple, M.P., who asked the Prince of Wales to perform the ceremony. The Prince said:--

"Sir Richard Temple, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--It gave me great
pleasure, after the lamented death of Sir Bartle Frere, to
accept the post of President of the Committee, especially when
we found that a Memorial like this statue was to be erected to
the memory of a great and valued public servant of the Crown,
and at the same time to a highly esteemed and dear friend of
myself." His Royal Highness then briefly recounted the chief
points in Sir Bartle Frere's long and distinguished career in
India and Africa, a career with which all present were doubtless
acquainted. Continuing, His Royal Highness remarked:--"For his
services in India, whither he first went in the year 1834, in
the service of the East India Company, Sir Bartle Frere twice
received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. On his return
home he successfully conducted negotiations with the Sultan of
Zanzibar for the suppression of the slave trade, and, later, I
had the good fortune to have his services during my journey to
India in 1876. The last, but no means the least, important of
Sir Bartle Frere's duties was as Governor-General of the Cape of
Good Hope and Lord High Commissioner to South Africa. There is
much more that I might say, but the facts are known to history,
and I will, therefore, in conclusion, merely express my thanks
for having been asked to perform this ceremony, and remind
those present that, on this very day four years ago, when the
late Sir Bartle Frere was laid to his rest, the procession
passed by the spot where the statue now stands."

NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE.

_July 6th, 1888._

The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor, opened the new gymnasium connected with the Central Young Men's Christian Association, on the 6th of July, 1888. The gymnasium is in Long Acre, in what was formerly the Queen's Theatre. The King of Sweden and Norway, Lord Aberdeen, President of the Gymnastic Club, Mr. J. Herbert Tritton, President of the Young Men's Christian Association, Lord Charles Beresford, Lord Kinnaird, the Earl of Meath, the Bishop of London, Lord Brassey, Lord Harris, and other distinguished persons were present. The Bishop of London offered a dedicatory prayer. The Earl of Aberdeen read an address, in which it was stated that the Young Men's Christian Association, which had its head-quarters at Exeter Hall, was founded forty-four years ago, and had at the present time nearly 4000 affiliated branches scattered throughout the Colonies and the civilised world (seventy-seven of which are in London), with an aggregate membership of 250,000. It formed a rendezvous for young men, and a centre for the development of a strong, healthy, religious life among them. In recent years the value of athletics had been more fully recognised, and the Committee of the Central Association had availed themselves of that valuable adjunct in the work. The Exeter Hall Gymnasium Team having won (in open competition) the 200-guinea Challenge Shield and Gold Medals offered by the National Physical Recreation Society, it would be deemed a circumstance of the utmost honour by the recipients to have received their medals at the hands of the Prince of Wales. Moreover, the Gymnasium was able to supply voluntary teachers who instructed children and others of the poorer classes in the exercises which they had acquired in that place.

The Prince of Wales said:--

"Your Majesty, Lord Aberdeen, my Lords, Ladies, and
Gentlemen,--I am most grateful to you, indeed, Lord Aberdeen,
for the address which you have just read to me. I can assure you
all that by coming here I receive very great satisfaction, and I
am glad to take part in a work in which so many of you are
interested. From the account you, Lord Aberdeen, have given us
of the Young Men's Christian Association, I have little doubt
but that it is an association founded upon excellent and
practical principles, and that it is an association likely not
only long to continue in existence, but likely to be greatly
augmented in its usefulness, as well as in the numbers benefited
by it. I am glad that you combine with Christian education
healthy recreation, which must, no doubt, tend to be of the
greatest benefit to the community at large, and especially to
young men who are exposed to so many temptations in a great city
like this. It is a great advantage to all young men to have the
opportunity of enjoying healthy and useful recreation. Thank you
for asking me to take part in the proceedings of the day. And we
must all tender our thanks to the King of Sweden and Norway for
coming here to-day, knowing, as we all do, how deeply interested
his Majesty must be in work of this kind, and of the important
part drill has played amongst his people. I have now great
pleasure in declaring this gymnasium open."

Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P., President of the National Physical Recreation Society, informed the King and Prince that the 200-guinea challenge shield offered by that Society had this year been won by the team of eight sent from Exeter Hall Club to the contest in Dundee, and he asked the Prince of Wales to do them the honour of presenting the shield and gold medals to the winners. Thereupon Mr. E. Sully, the instructor, at the head of the victorious team, advanced up the room, and, after receiving a gold medal each from the Prince, they shouldered the handsome and massive shield, and, at a run, raced away with the trophy.

Then followed an exhibition of drill by thirty members chosen out of 400 members of the Club. These were clad in flannels, and wore red or black stockings. They went through an exposition of musical drill, accompanied by the piano, the exercises consisting of those with dumb-bells, clubs, and bars, Mr. Sully giving the word of command. Occasionally the athletes sang as they drilled, at other moments they whistled as they swung their clubs or poles about.

At the close of the exercises the King rose and said:--"Your Royal Highnesses, I cannot leave this hall without expressing the satisfaction I have had in witnessing the exercises here. I wish also to add my good wishes for the progress and prosperity of this Association. I feel great satisfaction in witnessing the execution of the gymnastic exercises this morning--exercises which are very highly appreciated in my country."

The Prince of Wales summoned Mr. Sully, shook hands with him, and congratulated him upon the admirable display made by his pupils. The King of Sweden did the same, very highly praising the manner in which the drill had been executed.

The Prince of Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and the King of Sweden then left the hall amid the cheers of those assembled. The heartiness with which the Prince spoke, and the interest which he showed in the whole proceedings, greatly delighted all who were present.

THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS.

_July 6th, 1888._

The centenary festival of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls was held on the 6th of July, 1888, in the Royal Albert Hall, the Prince of Wales, Grand Master, presiding. Between two and three thousand members of the Craft were present, amongst them being the King of Sweden and Norway, Prince Albert Victor, the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Lathom, the Earl of Zetland, Lord Egerton of Tatton, Lord Leigh, and many other eminent Masons. The galleries were filled by a large number of ladies.

After dinner, the Prince of Wales gave the first toast, which was that of "The Queen and the Craft," and was received with the greatest enthusiasm, the whole of the vast audience rising and joining in singing the National Anthem.

The Prince of Wales then said:--

"Your Majesty and Brethren,--A very high honour and a very high
compliment has been conferred upon us this night. At this great
and important gathering, probably the largest meeting for a
charitable object that has ever taken place anywhere, we have as
our guest his Majesty the King of Sweden. I little doubted the
manner in which you would receive this toast, because not only
are we honouring a distinguished guest, but also a brave ally of
ours, and we are further honouring the Grand Master of the
Freemasons of Sweden. We all know the deep interest which his
Majesty takes in our Craft, and what excellent Masons the Swedes
are. In proposing this toast it is specially gratifying to me,
for I have looked forward to this occasion for many years,
because it was through the King and his late brother that,
twenty years ago, I was initiated into the mysteries of the
Craft, and I am proud to be one of you, and, still more, to be
at your head. I am grateful to the King for having made me one
of us. Brethren, I know you will drink this toast with
cordiality, and at the same time I feel that it will be right to
give this toast Masonically, for in doing so we do honour to our
guest and to ourselves."

The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.

The King of Sweden, who was loudly cheered on rising, said:--"Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren,--The toast I have the honour of replying to I acknowledge, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of all the foreign Lodges and Masonic congregations whose principles and constitution are in conformity with yours. On their behalf I would also express the great satisfaction I feel at the honour and distinction to-day conferred upon me by your Grand Master and by you in constituting me a member of your honoured body. I feel much satisfaction in being present at such an enormous gathering as this, and one assembled for purposes of so noble a kind. Patriotic feelings are always noble and honourable, and nowhere have they taken deeper root than in this country, for whose people, ever since my young days, I have felt the most profound esteem. But there is one feeling still more noble than patriotism, and that is the feeling which has its foundation in the Word of God, and unites us in love and charity to mankind. As we sing at Masonic gatherings in my own country, 'There is one God, our Father, so be His sons then, brethren.' This is the bond which exists between us, the rallying cry which unites us, and the lasting tie which binds us. I have the greatest pleasure in giving you 'The Health of our Grand Master, the Prince of Wales.'"

The toast was drunk with full Masonic honours. The Prince of Wales, in reply, said:--

"Your Majesty and Brethren,--You are well aware that during the
fourteen years I have held the high office of Grand Master I
have striven not to be unmindful of your interests and of those
of the Craft, and, though I am prevented by my many duties from
meeting you as often as I should like, still I hope that you are
convinced that your interests are none the less dear to me. We
have heard an address from the King of Sweden this evening which
none of us are likely to forget, and I think, if he will allow
me to say so, that we Englishmen have reason to envy his
facility in speaking our language. It is, I believe, the first
time that a foreign Sovereign has honoured a gathering of this
kind. I think that we may look upon this as a red-letter day,
and we are not likely to forget the King's presence, or the
kind and useful words which he has spoken. Our watchword,
'Religion and Charity,' is one which has been inculcated in us
ever since we belonged to the Craft, and it is one which we
shall do well to remember. If we uphold those principles, and,
above all, that idea of patriotism of which the King has spoken,
there is little doubt that the Craft will remain as prosperous
as it is now, and that our lodges and members will increase. I
do not wish to allude to foreign lodges with whom we are not in
accord; but I would ask that at any rate we should strive to
pick out what is good in them, and remember that we are not only
English Freemasons, but Freemasons of the entire universe. I
trust that as long as I live, or as long as I may be permitted
to hold the high office of your Grand Master, I may continue to
do my duty to the Craft and to my country. I wish now to ask his
Majesty the King of Sweden to accept the Steward's badge of this
festival."

His Majesty was then invested with the badge, amidst loud cheers. The Grand Master then said he had much pleasure in reading a telegram from New York to the following effect:--"Grand Lodge in annual communication congratulates the fraternity in England on the one-hundredth anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls."

Again rising, the Prince of Wales said:--

"Your Majesty and Brethren,--I have now the honour to give you
the last toast, though it may be safely called the most
important, as the object with which we have met at this enormous
and unprecedented gathering is to celebrate the centenary of the
Royal Masonic Institute for Girls. That an institution should
have existed a hundred years is one proof that it is a good one,
and we have every reason to be grateful to those who, from the
commencement up to the present time, have given their energy and
their labours to keep going so thoroughly Masonic an
Institution.

"As you are aware, the Institution was founded by the Chevalier
Ruspini. King George IV. and King William IV. were patrons,
besides many members of the Royal Family, and Her Majesty the
Queen is patroness now. The school at first contained only
fifteen children; it now contains 243, and they are educated up
to a high religious standard, combined with education of a
general character, including music. Particular attention is
paid to needlework and cooking and domestic duties. Only a few
days ago I was present here and saw the girls go through their
marching exercise, and I never saw anything more satisfactory.
There are many commanding officers who would be proud to see
their men march and go through their exercise as we saw them
performed. I may state the system was established by Miss Davis,
who was appointed head governess in 1861, and I am glad to think
that at this moment she retains her post. She has been eminently
successful, as is manifest by the Cambridge Local, College of
Preceptors, and the Science and Art Examinations. It is also
satisfactory to notice that, with the exception of Miss Davis,
every member of the staff has been educated at the Institution.
The Head Governess of the Female Masonic School at Dublin and
the Head Governess of the British Orphan Asylum were educated at
our school, and during a period of eighty-four years there have
been but two matrons, one of whom held the appointment over
fifty-two years.

"As you are aware, the object we have in view in meeting here
to-night is to make important additions to the present
buildings, and provide accommodation for an increased number of
children. These additions will cost at least £20,000. In 1838,
on the occasion of the jubilee of the Institution, £1000 was
subscribed at the annual festival, and in 1871, when I had the
honour of presiding, as much as £5200 was collected. But I have
now an announcement to make which I think will interest you
beyond measure, and that is that I have received the assurance
of the Secretary that we have obtained at this centenary
festival over £50,000. I may safely challenge anybody to dispute
the statement that so large a sum has never been subscribed at a
charity dinner. It now affords me great pleasure to propose
'Success to the Institution,' coupled with the name of the
Deputy Grand Master, the Earl of Lathom, Chairman of the
Executive Committee, and an old and personal friend of my own."

The Earl of Lathom replied, and the proceedings terminated. The grand total of the subscription was £50,472, of which London contributed £22,454, and the Provinces, India, and the Colonies £28,018.

WEST NORFOLK HUNT.

_April 9th, 1888._

Among the many memorial gifts of the Silver Wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales was one which would have delighted Sir Roger de Coverley or the Squire of Bracebridge Hall. The members of the West Norfolk Fox Hunt presented a handsome silver figure of Reynard in full gallop, mounted on a dark mahogany stand. A beautifully bound morocco album contained the names of the subscribers. The presentation was made on the 8th of April, the day of the Annual Steeplechase at East Winch, near Lynn. A marquee had been erected, and a large company assembled. The Prince and Princess of Wales and all the family were present.

Mr. Hamond, for many years Master of the Hunt, made the presentation, he having been the Chairman of the Committee who had carried on the Hunt during the past two years, in the temporary absence of the Master, Mr. A. C. Fountaine. He believed that the West Norfolk were the first pack of hounds that the Princess hunted with when she came to England. The Prince and Princess had entered into the sports and recreations of all classes of Her Majesty's subjects, and the sport which the members of the Hunt had enjoyed with their Royal Highnesses and their sons and daughters would long be remembered. He asked the acceptance of their gift by the Prince and Princess.

The Prince of Wales said:--

"Mr. Hamond, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--I can assure you that no
present which has been offered for our acceptance has been
received by us with more pleasure than the one which you have
given us to-day--- a model of the wily animal that we are all to
fond of following. Norfolk has always been considered to be a
shooting county; that may be so to a great extent, but I feel
convinced that the hunting is quite as popular, and I sincerely
hope that it will long remain so. There may be difficulties in
preserving foxes, but I feel sure that where there's a will
there's a way. For twenty-five years we have enjoyed hunting
with the West Norfolk Hunt--both the Princess and myself; and
our children have been brought up to follow that Hunt. I
sincerely hope that for many long years we may be able to
continue to do so. We have grateful memories of the mastership
of one whose loss we all regretted, the late Mr. Villebois, and
also of Mr. Hamond, then Mr. Fountaine, and next of the
gentlemen of the Committee who have of late ably carried on the
Hunt, whilst Mr. Fountaine was unfortunately away. Most
sincerely do I thank you again, in the name of the Princess and
myself, for the kind terms in which you have presented us with
this handsome and appropriate gift, and most sincerely do I wish
prosperity to the West Norfolk Foxhounds, which, I trust, may
long continue to exist in this county."

AT BLACKBURN.

_May 9th, 1888._

On the return from opening the Exhibition at Glasgow, it was arranged that the Prince and Princess of Wales should visit Blackburn, for laying the foundation-stone of the new Technical and Trades School in that flourishing Lancashire town. The borough was in high festival, the more so as it was the first time on record that it had been honoured with the presence of royalty. At the entrance of the town, the Mayor and Corporation met the Royal party, and conducted them to the marquee which was to be the scene of the ceremony. Here the Prince was presented with the freedom of the borough--being the first honorary freeman--and with an address, to which he replied:--

"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--I can assure you that the Princess of
Wales and myself feel very great pleasure in accepting your
address, and we thank you warmly for the kind and cordial words
of welcome with which you have received us on the occasion of
our first visit to the important borough of Blackburn. We thank
you most sincerely for your congratulations on our Silver
Wedding, and we desire to take this opportunity of publicly
stating how infinitely we have been touched by the affectionate
tokens of attachment and regard which have universally been
shown towards us throughout the whole country on the occasion of
that event. We appreciate very highly your allusions to the
interest which we take in all things related to the progress and
welfare of the kingdom, and more especially to the interest we
have taken in the subject of technical education; and I rejoice,
therefore, to find that I am able to come here to-day to lay the
foundation-stone of an institution which I trust will afford
material assistance in maintaining and advancing the industries
and commercial enterprise of your town. I have very much
gratification in complying with your request that I would accept
the honorary freedom of your borough, and I shall experience a
feeling of pride in signing my name as the first honorary
freeman of a town so loyal and prosperous, and that, I am
persuaded, has so great a future before it as Blackburn."

To another address by the Freemasons of Blackburn the Grand Master expressed his sense of the compliment paid him by their words of fraternal friendship, and gladly acceded to the wish that the first stone of so important and useful an institution should be laid with Masonic honours,--which was done accordingly.

The Mayoress of Blackburn then, on behalf of the ladies of Blackburn, presented the Princess of Wales with a magnificent diamond brooch representing Industry. Her Royal Highness said a few happy words in acknowledgment. The Prince, it should have been mentioned, received the roll of freedom enclosed in a very handsome gold casket. The Royal visitors wore afterwards entertained at luncheon in the Town Hall, where numerous guests were present. In responding to the loyal toasts the Prince said:--

"You may be assured that we are not likely to forget our visit
to Blackburn. The cordial and enthusiastic manner in which you
have received us, the beautiful way in which your streets and
houses have been decorated, and the wonderful order that was
kept throughout will not be forgotten by us. It will afford me,
also, great gratification and pleasure to acquaint the Queen
with the loyalty which has been shown to the Princess and
myself, who are the first members of the Royal families of
England who have visited your borough. The objects we have had
in view in coming here are, we are sure, excellent ones; and we
rejoice that there has been afforded to us the opportunity of
laying the foundation-stone of an institution which is likely to
do so much good. As the Mayor has said, I do take a sincere
interest in all that concerns technical instruction, because I
feel convinced that, in a vast country like ours, where so many
trades and different manufactures exist, nothing is of such
great importance to the well-being of its manufactures and
trades as a good sound technical education. We cannot erect too
many schools or institutions of the kind in the various parts of
the country. The school the foundation-stone of which we have
laid to-day has been properly started as a remembrance of the
Queen's Jubilee, and, as the special object of it is for the
technical education of the operative classes, I sincerely hope
that they also will show that they take a great interest in it,
and will thoroughly support it. I am glad to hear that there is
already existing in this borough a Technical and Art School,
which for two years has been in existence. I am told that there
are as many as 300 students, and those students who have gone up
to London to be examined by the Technical Institute have, I
understand, passed the very highest and best examinations. The
interest which this town takes in the subject of technical
education is a very gratifying one. You must remember that
improved talent for the production of more varied and artistic
designs in the staple manufacture is essential for the continued
prosperity of the town, and the more artisans learn what is
necessary to beautify the trade to which they belong, and vary
the different specimens which they bring forward, the more
likely the town is to flourish. Before sitting down I have a
toast to propose to you, 'The Mayor and Corporation of
Blackburn, and success to the Blackburn Technical School.' In
proposing this toast I am glad to have this opportunity of
thanking the Mayor for his kind hospitality and the cordial
welcome he has afforded us. He may be assured we shall never
forget the kind reception we have received at Blackburn."

The Mayor briefly responded to the toast. The Royal party afterwards proceeded to the Blackburn Railway Station, and left for London.

THE ANGLO-DANISH EXHIBITION.

_May 14th, 1888._

The Anglo-Danish Exhibition at South Kensington had not the official origin of some other similar displays, but the nationality of the scheme, and the promise of its proceeds being applied to a charitable object, secured the patronage of the Prince and Princess of Wales at its opening. This ceremony took place in the Albert Hall, on the 14th of May, 1888.

Their Royal Highnesses were accompanied by the Princesses Louise, Maud, and Victoria of Wales, the Princess Mary of Cambridge and her daughter the Princess Victoria, Prince Karl of Denmark, Prince George of Greece, the Danish Minister, and many distinguished persons. They were received by Lord Amherst, Chairman of the Committee, who presented an address, to which--after the musical and other ceremonies, and the formal opening of the Exhibition by the Princess of Wales--the Prince replied:--

"Lord Amherst, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--In your address you have
expressed the hope that the Exhibition will be a success. We
most sincerely hope it will be a success in every sense of the
word. The objects, as you are well aware, are, first, to pay a
compliment to us in respect of the twenty-fifth anniversary of
our wedding-day; and, secondly, to aid an institution which is
much in need of funds, and one which is most meritorious and
useful. You are anxious that money should be obtained in order
to build a new Home for Incurables. Very appropriately this
Exhibition has been connected with the institution which was the
first with which the Princess became connected when she came to
this country. I sincerely hope that the endeavours you have made
will be successful, and that the Exhibition will be instructive,
agreeable, and useful. It must be gratifying to you to see that
the King of Denmark has sent over one of his war ships, manned
by all those fine young men who are around us, and it is
gratifying to all of us, I am sure, to welcome these ladies
whose costumes lend such picturesqueness to the scene. We thank
you for your very kind reception of us, and I can only assure
you that it has given us the greatest pleasure to take part in
this very interesting ceremony, and that we wish the Exhibition
the most thorough success."

In the evening, the Duke of Cambridge presided at a special festival, in aid of rebuilding the British Home for Incurables at Clapham, which was held in the Conservatory of the Anglo-Danish Exhibition. There was a numerous attendance, and the donations to the building fund amounted to nearly £5000. This Institution, founded in 1861, provides home with every comfort for hopelessly incurable sufferers (except the idiotic, insane, and the blind, for whom there are other asylums), and also gives pensions to out-patients of £20 per annum.

GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL, HOLLOWAY ROAD.

_July 17th, 1888._

The Prince of Wales performed the ceremony of opening the new buildings of the Great Northern Hospital, at Islington, on the 17th of July, 1888. He was accompanied by the Princess of Wales, and by the Princesses Louise, Victoria, and Maude. The event caused much interest in the northern part of London, and vast crowds filled the streets and roads. The Rev. W. H. Barlow, Vicar of Islington, and many of the clergy, Mr. Murdoch, M.P., Chairman of the Hospital, and other official persons, received the Royal visitors in a gaily decorated tent. Their Royal Highnesses, however, were attired in deep mourning, on account of the death of the Emperor Frederick of Germany. An address was read, in which it was stated that Islington is the largest parish in England in population. At the beginning of the reign of the Queen it had 40,000 inhabitants, now it has 320,000. The Great Northern Hospital was established in 1857, but in 1882 it was resolved to erect a building more suitable for the increased population. The wish was to make the new hospital a thanksgiving memorial of the Jubilee year.

The Prince of Wales, in replying to the address, said:--

"Ladies and Gentlemen,--I am most anxious, in my own name, and
also in that of the Princess, to acknowledge the most cordial
and kind words of the address which we have just heard read by
the Vestry Clerk, and also for the kind expressions which have
fallen from Mr. Murdoch. We are very glad to be able to take
part in so interesting a ceremony as this, and we are glad to
think that in so large and ever-increasing a population as this
in the North of London is, the project of commemorating the
Queen's Jubilee should have been so appropriately celebrated by
the building of a hospital. We shall shortly have an opportunity
of visiting the wards, and I have little doubt that we shall
find everything in the most admirable and efficient state.
Amongst the many duties we have to perform, none, I assure you,
ladies and gentlemen, gives us greater gratification and
pleasure than such a function as this, where we come to give our
assistance and support to a philanthropic object, and to a cause
the object of which is to alleviate the sufferings of our
fellow-creatures. I can only express the pleasure it has given
us to have it in our power to open this hospital to-day. You
are well aware how much we regretted that it was not in our
power to come here and open the hospital on the date originally
fixed. You are also aware of the cause, and I well know how much
you all sympathise with us and the other members of our family
in our sorrow and grief. I am glad to have the opportunity of
saying, on this public occasion, that my sister has felt deeply
that, although thirty years have elapsed since she left this
country, her compatriots have not forgotten her, and that they
have sympathised with her, that they have felt for her, in the
great and overwhelming sorrow which it has pleased God to
inflict upon her, I beg to thank you once more for your kind
reception of us to-day, and again to assure you of the sincere
gratification it has given us to be present."

The Prince resumed his seat amidst loud cheers, and a number of children and young ladies then presented purses to the Princess, the names of the donors being announced by the Secretary. The total of these subscriptions was £1050. This ceremony being finished, their Royal Highnesses left the pavilion to visit the hospital.

* * * * *

The opening of the new Northern hospital in London was the last public function performed by the Prince of Wales before his autumn visit to Austria and other regions of Southern Europe. With it our record of his presence at charitable institutions must close. It has been necessary to make only a selection of his speeches on such occasions. The Hospital for Sick Children, the Chelsea Hospital for Women, Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, the Holloway Sanatorium at Virginia Water, the Cottage Homes at Weybridge, St. Mary's Hospital, University and King's College Hospitals, the Fever Hospital; these, and many other institutions for the help of the poor or the suffering, have had the advantage of the Prince's advocacy.

There have been also many occasions where he has assisted by his presence or his voice other institutions for educational and philanthropic objects, such as the Marine Society's ship "Warspite," and the training-ship "Worcester," the Windsor and Eton Albert Institute, the Church for the Deaf and Dumb, the Dwelling Houses for working people in Soho, the Alexandra Home at Kensington for Pupils at the Schools of Art and Music; besides more important educational and charitable establishments, such as the St. Anne's Schools at Redhill, for children of the Clergy, and of others whose means are not equal to their position in life. To have given an account of the proceedings, and reports of the speeches on all these occasions would have required the space of two volumes instead of one.