Chapter I: Declare This Dock Now Open, and That Henceforth It Is to Be (1)

CALLED THE ALEXANDRA DOCK.

The announcement was received with vociferous acclamation. The Prince's intention had been signified to the Chairman of the Dock Company only a few minutes before, and was quite unknown to the mass of the spectators, who expressed their delight by repeated salvos of cheering.

At a banquet afterwards given, when the toast of the Royal visitors was given, by Mr. Jarvis the President, the Prince said that he regarded King's Lynn as his country town, and should always feel the deepest interest in its welfare.

VISIT TO MANCHESTER.

_July, 1869._

The annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society was held in 1869 at Manchester, which the Prince of Wales visited on the 29th of July, accompanied by the Princess of Wales.

There are some who remember the first visit of the Queen and Prince Consort to Manchester in 1851. The Royal party then proceeded along the canal to Worsley from Patricroft, where the wonderful engineering works of James Nasmyth were inspected. In 1869, the Prince and Princess of Wales were conducted along the same canal, but in reverse direction, the barge going from Worsley, through Patricroft, to Old Trafford. The Prince and Princess, with their host and hostess, the Earl and Countess of Ellesmere, drove from the Hall to the stage where the royal barge was waiting. A large flotilla of boats followed as a guard of honour, including some of the Manchester Rowing Clubs. It was a strange and picturesque canal scene, the barges being towed by horses ridden by postillions, and the towing path all along the route, for five or six miles, being kept clear by mounted patrols in livery. It was a great gala day in those densely peopled regions.

In passing through Salford an address was presented by the Mayor, Aldermen, and burgesses of that borough, in the Reading Room of the Royal Museum. The address expressed the great pleasure experienced by this, the second visit of the Prince to their town, enhanced by the presence there, for the first time, of the Princess of Wales: "We cherish a lively and affectionate remembrance of the visit of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen to Peel-park in the year 1851, when she witnessed the assemblage of 80,000 Sunday-school scholars, and listened, not unmoved, while they sang the National Anthem. This event was commemorated by the erection of a marble statue to Her Majesty in the park, which was publicly inaugurated by the late and much revered Prince Consort, who on that occasion inspected and manifested a deep interest in the free museum and library in the park. We deeply deplored the loss of the late Prince Consort, and erected a marble statue to his memory, in close proximity to that of the Queen, and near the spot where he stood when inaugurating the statue of Her Majesty."

The Prince made the following reply:--

"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--The Princess of Wales and myself
thank you very cordially for your address, and for the
sentiments you are good enough to express towards us. It is very
gratifying to us to have the opportunity of paying you a visit,
and to observe the evidences of the growing wealth and
population which have raised Salford to the position she now
occupies in the Empire. It will be highly satisfactory to the
Queen to learn how deeply engraven on your hearts is the
recollection of the visit she paid you in 1851, and how
cherished and beloved is the memory of my lamented father. On my
own part, I can but acknowledge the kindness of the terms in
which you have alluded to my past years. For those which are to
come I can only say that it will be the one effort of my life
to merit the good opinion of the people I am so proud to call my
fellow-countrymen."

In driving through the park the Royal visitors had been conducted past the white marble statues of the Queen and the Prince Consort, and those of Richard Cobden and Joseph Brotherton. Leaving the park, the streets and ways being everywhere densely thronged, they reached the Manchester Town Hall, where another address was delivered, expressing joyous welcome from the loyal citizens, and especially the feelings of satisfaction at the presence of the Prince, as President of the Royal Agricultural Society, "believing the same to be an evidence of the deep interest manifested by your Royal Highness in the success of all movements which have for their object the advancement of art and science and the progress and welfare of the people of this great empire. It has been the special privilege of your Royal Highness to an unusual extent to visit and personally to become acquainted with other Courts and countries, and with distant portions of Her Majesty's dominions, and we rejoice to believe that the valuable experience thereby acquired gives to all classes of Her Majesty's subjects an assurance that your Royal Highness will ever be foremost in all efforts to extend true liberty and civilization, and to develope those free institutions which are the pride and glory of our country."

To which address the Prince replied:--

"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--I thank you for the kind expressions
of loyalty and devotion towards the Queen, the Princess of
Wales, and myself contained in your address. I have gladly
availed myself of the opportunity afforded me, in the fulfilment
of my duties as President of the Royal Agricultural Society, to
visit a city second to none in the Empire in commercial
importance, to become better acquainted with its history, its
locality, and the sources of its prosperity. The wise provision
of my lamented father and of the Queen, my dear mother, has
secured for me at an early age the advantages of visiting the
centres of the world, the most remarkable and the most deserving
of study for their interest and for their development of the
elements of wealth. In admiring, and, I trust, appreciating, the
successful result that has distinguished foreign exertions, I
have also learnt to look with increased admiration on those
wonderful works of human ingenuity, perseverance, and industry,
the products of the heads and hands of my own countrymen, and
especially of those who now surround me. May we all be grateful,
gentlemen, to a superintending Providence, which has blessed
the efforts of our commercial enterprise and the free
institutions of our country,--themselves a pledge of our future
prosperity."

The Prince presided at a general meeting of the Council of the Society, and opened the proceedings by a brief speech which was loudly applauded. He also received in his own marquee a numerous deputation from the Agricultural Society of France. At the close of the meeting the Royal visitors drove to a station on the Manchester South Junction line, where a train was waiting to take them to Brough, near Hull, viâ Normanton; the Prince having engaged to be at Hull in the afternoon in order to inaugurate the new Western Dock at that town.

The principal object of the Prince's visit was to see the Royal Agricultural Show, the members mustering in great force for the occasion from all parts of England. At the midday luncheon the Chairman, the Earl of Sefton, gave the toast of "The Queen," who was deeply interested in the agricultural affairs of the Kingdom, and set the practical example of being an exhibitor at the present Show. The Chairman next proposed "The Health of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales." He said the present toast should be the last. He had to ask them to drink to the health of the President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, coupled with the toast of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. He had looked forward to this meeting for a long time, and it was with the greatest pride they learnt that it was to be held under the presidency of His Royal Highness. The reception their Royal Highnesses met with the day previous and that day sufficiently testified to the loyalty and attachment of the people of this country to the Crown. It was difficult to allude to the good qualities of His Royal Highness, but he was ever foremost in the furtherance of works of charity and usefulness. They also experienced the warmest attachment and the truest loyalty towards the Princess.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in replying, said:--

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind way in
which you have received this toast. My health has been proposed
twofold--first for myself, and also in my position as President
of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. I can assure you
it was great honour that was conferred upon me when I was asked
to assume this presidency, and my only regret is that this
office has been a mere nominal one, and that I have not been
able to be of so much use as I should have liked. At the same
time I feel a pride in being President of a Society which has
existed for so long, and which is one of the greatest
agricultural societies anywhere, always helping forward
improvements in agriculture. It was a great satisfaction to this
Society to hold one of its annual meetings at Manchester, one of
the greatest manufacturing towns of England. It is my duty as
President of the Society to return, in the name of the Society,
our most cordial and our warmest thanks for the extensive and
liberal way in which the local committee have made their
arrangements. It is to them we owe this magnificent
entertainment in this fine tent, and also the excellent
arrangements which we see before us. Lord Sefton told us not to
make many speeches or long ones. I will, therefore, not make any
further remarks, but, before sitting down, allow me to thank you
in the name of the Princess for the kind way in which you have
received her. I can assure you it has given her great pleasure
to be present at this second visit to the Royal Agricultural
Society, and this her first visit to Manchester. We both feel
deeply grateful for the kind and hearty welcome which we have
received, not only from Manchester, but from the inhabitants of
Lancashire."

THE PEABODY MEMORIAL. UNVEILING OF THE STATUE IN THE CITY OF LONDON.

_July 23rd, 1869._

The best memorials of George Peabody, American citizen and philanthropist, are the piles of buildings which stand as monuments of his generous liberality, and of his desire to advance the physical and moral welfare of the poor of London. He received from the Queen of England, and from many public and official bodies, warm recognition of his beneficence. But it was also fitting and right that in some public place a Statue should be erected, to perpetuate his name and his likeness, as well as to commemorate his good deeds. The citizens of London, headed by all the leading men of the Metropolis, subscribed for the Statue, which now adorns the site on the east of the Royal Exchange. The Prince of Wales, having consented to perform the ceremony of unveiling the Statue, was received at the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor, where a distinguished company had assembled. In response to the toast of his health, the Prince said:--

"I thank you for the compliment you have paid me in drinking my
health. I assure you it is always a pleasure to me to be present
here at the Mansion-house. It is not, indeed, the first time I
have received the hospitality of the Lord Mayor and of the City
of London. We are assembled to take part in a great ceremony,
and I accepted with much pleasure the invitation and the
privilege of unveiling the statue of Mr. George Peabody. After
the appropriate remarks the Lord Mayor has made concerning him I
have little to say except to indorse what has been so well
expressed by his Lordship. He is a man whose name will go down
to posterity as a great philanthropist, and you, my Lord Mayor,
and the citizens of London in particular, can never be
sufficiently grateful to him for what he has done."

After the luncheon His Royal Highness was escorted to the site of the memorial. Here Sir Benjamin Phillips, Chairman of the Committee, addressed the Prince, concluding with these words:--"Let us hope that this statue, erected by the sons of free England to the honour of one of Columbia's truest and noblest citizens, may be symbolical of the peace and goodwill that exist between the two countries, and that a people springing from the same stock, speaking the same language, and inspired and animated by the same love of freedom and progress may live in uninterrupted friendship and happiness. Your Royal Highness may remember the language so beautifully expressed by George Peabody, in the letter that accompanied his last noble gift, when, speaking of America he said, 'I will pray that Almighty God will give to it a future as happy and noble in the intelligence and virtue of its citizens as it will be glorious in unexampled power and prosperity.' Your Royal Highness, these are the sentiments uttered by a man of ripe age, and alike applicable to the land of his birth and to the country of his adoption. May they inspire us, may they animate us, and may they find an echo throughout the length and breadth of our own free and happy homes."

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales than presented himself to speak, and was hailed with enthusiastic cheers. He said:--

"Sir Benjamin Phillips, my Lord Mayor, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--I
feel sure that all those who have heard the words which have
just been uttered cannot but be gratified with what has been
said. Allow me to say to you that among the many duties which I
have to perform, and which I have the privilege of performing,
none could have given me greater pleasure than to assist and
take part in the unveiling of this statue on this occasion. The
name of George Peabody is so well known to all of you that
really I feel some difficulty in saying anything new of that
remarkable man; but, at the same time, it affords me the deepest
gratification to join in paying a mark of tribute and respect to
the name of that great American citizen and philanthropist--I
may say, that citizen of the world. England can never adequately
pay the debt of gratitude which she owes to him--London
especially, where his wonderful charity has been so liberally
distributed. For a man not born in this country to give a sum, I
believe, more than a quarter of a million of pounds sterling for
purposes of benevolence is a fact unexampled. His name will go
down to posterity as one who, as Sir Benjamin Phillips so justly
remarked, has tried to ameliorate the condition of his poorer
fellow-citizens, and especially to benefit their moral and
social character. I have not yet had the opportunity of seeing
the statue which is about to be unveiled, but having had the
privilege of knowing the sculptor, Mr. Story, for a space of now
about ten years, I feel sure it will be one worthy of his
reputation, and worthy also of the man to whom it is dedicated.
Before concluding the few imperfect remarks which I have
ventured to address to you, let me thank Mr. Motley, the
American Minister, for his presence on this occasion, and assure
him what pleasure it gives me to take part in this great and I
might almost say, national ceremonial of paying a tribute to the
name of his great and distinguished countryman. Be assured that
the feelings which I personally entertain towards America are
the same as they ever were. I can never forget the reception
which I had there nine years ago, and my earnest wish and hope
is that England and America may go hand in hand in peace and
prosperity."

At the conclusion of His Royal Highness's address the Statue was uncovered, and at a signal from the Lord Mayor a loud and prolonged cheer was raised on its being exposed to view.

His Excellency, the American Minister, then addressed the vast audience. He said, towards the close of his speech, "It is a delightful thought that the tens of thousands who daily throng this crowded mart will see him almost as accurately as if in the flesh, and that generations after generations--that long, yet unborn, but I fear, never ending procession of London's poor--will be almost as familiar in the future with the form and features of their great benefactor as are those of us who have enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship in life."

Mr. Story, the sculptor, having been called on, said he had no speech to make. He added, significantly pointing to the Statue, "That is my speech,"--a remark which occasioned much merriment and cheering.

The ceremony was then brought to a close, and the Prince took his leave. His Royal Highness, as he did so, was repeatedly cheered.

THE SCOTTISH HOSPITAL.

_November 30th, 1869._

The Scottish Corporation is commonly called the Scottish Hospital, but this is rather misleading as to the uses of the charity. Its objects are to assist, by pensions, poor aged natives of Scotland living in London, to afford temporary relief to Scotchmen in distress, or to aid them to return to their own country; and also to educate poor Scottish children. The last-named object is also carried out by a kindred institution, the Royal Caledonian Asylum, which receives some children of indigent Scotchmen in London, although its main purpose is the maintenance and education of children of soldiers, sailors, and marines, natives of Caledonia. The Scottish Hospital possesses funded property to the amount of £40,000, and the annual receipts are about £5000. In trust to the Scottish Hospital there is also attached the "Kinloch Bequest," for granting pensions to Scottish soldiers and sailors, resident in the United Kingdom, who have been wounded or have lost their sight in the service of the country, and whose incomes do not exceed £20 from other sources.

The anniversary festival of the Scottish Corporation is always held on the 30th of November, St. Andrew's day. In 1869 His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presided at the dinner. The guests at this festival are mostly Scottish, and a large muster of Highland Chiefs and Lowland Lairds, as well as prosperous Scotchmen of London, supported the Royal chairman upon this occasion. Prince Christian and other distinguished visitors were also present. Many of the stewards wore the garb of old Gaul, and the tartans, scarves, flags, and decorations made the Hall of the Freemasons' Tavern assume a national appearance. The "bagpipes" were also in honourable use, the Prince being conducted to the chair to the tune of the Highland laddie, played by the Queen's piper, the Prince's first piper, and the piper of the Royal Caledonian Asylum. The Prince had previously been received by a guard of honour of the London Artillery, whose band played the National Anthem, while the band of the London Scottish Volunteers performed a selection of Scotch music during the dinner. The three pipers also, at intervals, paraded the hall, and regaled the guests with their stirring strains.

The health of the Queen was drunk with enthusiasm, specially as the patroness of the Scottish Hospital. To the toast of "the Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," proposed by the Duke of Roxburghe, the Prince responded, and then gave: "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," referring in his speech to the Kinloch Bequest, which provides pensions for about 400 disabled soldiers and sailors. A Scotch vocalist, Mr. Maclagan, sang "Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled." Then the Prince rose to give the toast of "Prosperity to the Scottish Hospital":--

"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I have now to
give you the toast of the evening: 'Prosperity to the Scottish
Hospital.' I feel assured that it is a toast which the numerous
assembly I see before me will drink in bumpers. As you know, the
Queen is patroness of this hospital; she has been so for
thirty-seven years, and she has contributed to its funds between
£3000 and £4000. At twenty different anniversaries the late King
William, as Duke of Clarence, presided. The Duke of Kent, the
Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of Cambridge also presided at
various anniversaries, and contributed largely to the funds of
the hospital.

"The hospital, as no doubt most of you know, was originally
founded in the reign of James I. Its first charter was given to
it by Charles II., in 1665, and a second charter of
incorporation was granted by the same Monarch, in 1676,
containing more extended privileges. It became necessary,
however, to enable the corporation to extend its relief, to
obtain a new charter, which was granted by King George I., in
1715.

"By the paper which has been placed in my hands I observe the
pensions which are contributed by this ancient corporation are
very numerous. I see that a sum is set apart for the support of
five persons exceeding 65 years of age who have occupied a
respectable social position, and who have a permanent income of
not less than £15, but not more than £30 per annum; for 20 poor
and infirm persons exceeding 72 years of age, to whom a pension
of £15 each per annum is allowed; for 110 above 68, to whom a
pension of £12 each is allowed. Pensions of £6 are granted to 50
persons selected from the casual list. Monthly casual relief to
upwards of 200 is awarded by the committee, and free passages to
Scotland are given to such as require them.

"The charity of the Scottish Hospital is applicable to the poor
natives of Scotland and their children resident in the
Metropolis and its immediate neighbourhood, who, not being in
receipt of parochial relief in this country, would in age and
poverty, in sickness or distress, or when in want of employment,
be exposed to the utmost wretchedness, or to discreditable
beggary, but for the fostering relief afforded them by this
institution. Those natives of Scotland resident in London who
may desire to spend the remainder of their days in Scotland have
free passages granted to them by the corporation. From the
accumulation of a subscription which was raised in India thirty
years ago the corporation is also enabled to allot £120 a year
to the ministers and Kirk Sessions of the several congregations
of the Scottish churches in London and Westminster, for the
purpose of affording education to the children of Scottish
parents at the schools attached to these churches.

"I am happy to say that the Scottish Hospital is in a more
prosperous state this year than at any former period. But at the
same time further demands have been made upon its funds. The
claims during the past year have been in excess of any previous
year, and several of the cases relieved have been of a very
pressing and urgent nature. Pensions of £6, £12, £15, and £25
per annum have been granted to nearly 200 respectable men and
women, whose means of support have been greatly increased by the
timely aid afforded. Nearly 300 monthly applicants have had sums
given to them by the directors, in several instances amounting
to £5 at one time. In addition to these, more than 1300 persons
have had casual assistance at the office of the corporation.
Passages to Scotland have been granted to about 200 deserving
persons. But for the intervention of this corporation many would
have been compelled to apply to an English parish for relief,
and by doing so would have lost that feeling of independence
which every Scotsman cherishes and desires to maintain. Upwards
of 208 children of Scottish parents resident in the Metropolis
have during the year been educated at the expense of the
corporation. Soldiers and sailors, natives of Scotland, to the
number of nearly 400, have been in receipt of pensions from the
Kinloch Bequest.

"Although the facts must be known to most of you, I have
nevertheless thought it necessary to mention a few of them in
order to stimulate your generosity this evening, and induce you
to contribute as largely as you can for the benefit of this
excellent charity. I hope you will drink the toast of
'Prosperity to the Scottish Hospital' in full bumpers. I have
great pleasure in coupling with the toast the name of the noble
Duke on my left, who has been president for four successive
years."

The Duke of Roxburghe, in responding to the toast, announced that His Royal Highness had kindly consented to allow his name to appear as that of President of the Corporation for the ensuing year. As Duke of Rothesay he had a warm welcome that evening, and in the name of his brother Scotchmen he gave his heartfelt thanks for appearing among them. "Nay more, I thank him in the name of the aged recipients of this great charity, many of whom have seen better days, but who now, bowed down by poverty, look to you for assistance in the hour of need. I also thank His Royal Highness in the name of all whose sorrows have been lessened, and whose homes have been brightened, by the ministrations of this Society." He proposed the health of the Prince of Wales.

The toast was drunk with "Highland honours." His Royal Highness, who was loudly cheered, said:--

"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--Allow me to
return you my most hearty thanks for the excessively kind way in
which my health leas been proposed and received by you. On any
ordinary occasion I should have been deeply gratified by the
kind feeling displayed towards me, but I am deeply touched by
the enthusiasm you have manifested just now in drinking my
health with Highland honours. I can only say it has afforded me
great pleasure to preside here this evening. Although for some
years past the Duke of Roxburghe asked me to take the chair,
different circumstances unfortunately prevented me--being absent
from the country two years ago--- and again last year being on
the Continent. I feel, therefore, exceedingly happy that I have
been enabled to be present this evening, and to discharge what I
have found to be the very easy duties of chairman. My lords and
gentlemen, let me thank you once more for the honour you have
done me in drinking my health, and for the support you have
given me this evening."

His Royal Highness then announced that telegrams had been received during the evening from meetings with similar objects held in New York, Glasgow, Belfast, Ipswich, and Aberdeen, and answers had been returned expressive of kindly feeling to the different associations. The secretary then read a list of contributions received, among which were 100 guineas from Her Majesty the Queen, 100 guineas from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, 100 guineas from the Highland Society of London, 300 guineas from the Caledonian Society of London--in all about £2500, being by far the largest subscription received at any anniversary of the Scottish Hospital.

ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR BOYS.

_March 30th, 1870._

The seventy-second anniversary festival of this institution was held at Freemason's Hall on the 30th of March, 1870. The Prince of Wales presided, and was supported by Earl de Grey and Ripon, G. M. elect, the Duke of Manchester, the Earl of Jersey, Earl Percy, the Marquis of Hartington, and a numerous company of above six hundred brethren, all of whom wore dress of the craft. The galleries were crowded with ladies.

After dinner His Royal Highness, in giving the toast of "The Queen," said that Her Majesty had been patroness of the institution since 1852, and on this occasion sent a donation of a hundred guineas, in addition to the annual subscription.

The next toast was "The health of the Earl of Zetland," the retiring Grand Master, who had held the honourable and useful post for more than a quarter of a century. The Grand Master elect, the Earl of Ripon, in giving the toast of the Prince and the Princess of Wales, said that the Prince had entered the craft determined to discharge his duties to the fullest extent, and he had taken the earliest opportunity of presiding at one of the festivals of the craft. The Prince of Wales, in responding, said:--

"Brethren, I feel deeply touched by the excessively kind manner
in which this toast has been received by you. I wish to take
this opportunity of thanking you for the kind reception you have
given me this evening, and I desire especially to express to you
the pride I feel at being so heartily received among you as a
brother Mason. I feel deeply grateful for the kind words which
have fallen from the Deputy Grand Master, and I can assure him
and you of my desire to follow the footsteps of my grand
uncles, who were so long connected with the craft. Brethren,
much has been said against Freemasonry by those who do not know
what it is. People naturally say they do not approve secret
societies; but I maintain that the craft is free from the
reproach of being either disloyal or irreligious; and I am sure
you will all support me in that assertion, for I am convinced
that Her Majesty has no more loyal subjects than are the
Freemasons of England. Brethren, I desire to remind you that
when, about 70 years ago, it became necessary for the Government
of that day to put down secret societies, my relative the late
Duke of Sussex urged in his place in Parliament that Freemasons'
lodges ought to be exempt from such a law, and the force of his
appeal was acknowledged. From that time Freemasonry has been
devoid of politics, its only object being the pure and Christian
one of charity. Brethren, I once more thank you heartily for the
welcome you have given me this evening, and let me assure you
that the interests of Freemasonry shall be always upheld and
respected by me."

Other toasts, usual at Masonic festivals, having been given, the Prince of Wales proposed success to the institution, and made a statement respecting its position and progress:--

"Freemasons had fully recognized the importance of education--a
subject which had of late so much occupied the public mind--and
had founded many schools. The Royal Masonic Institution for Boys
was founded in 1798, when six boys were admitted. In 1810, when
the jubilee of the reign of George III. was celebrated, the
number was increased to 50, and now there were 110 in the
school. The total cost of the new building had been £47,000 of
which £5000 was still owing, while there were other matters
which raised the total liability to £10,200. There were now 155
candidates for admission, but there were only nine vacancies,
although 20 more boys could be admitted if the institution was
free from debt. He was sure he had only to mention these facts
to so distinguished an assemblage of Masons to insure a response
which would greatly forward the prosperity of the institution."

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION.

_April 4th, 1870._

In everything pertaining to Exhibitions, national or international, the Prince of Wales has never grown weary, even when the public interest has seemed to flag. On the 4th of April, 1870, His Royal Highness presided at the rooms of the Society of Arts, in connection with the "Educational Section" of a series of proposed International Exhibitions. On rising to open the proceedings, the Prince said:--

"We are assembled here for the purpose of organizing the
educational section of the Exhibition to be held in 1871. I
appear before you on this occasion in a double capacity, for I
hold the position of President of your Society, and I am
President of the Royal Commission of 1851, having succeeded in
this post the late lamented Lord Derby, whose name will always
be remembered among the names of our great statesmen, and who
will be greatly missed from that Commission, the interest of
which he had so much at heart.

"The long-standing connection of the Society of Arts with
Exhibitions is well known, and in these very rooms the
Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 were first planned. This Society
is, I consider, well qualified to deal with the subject before
it, and I assure you that it is a great gratification to me to
preside here and show that I am entirely alive to the great
question of the day--that of education.

"I have now to state that the meeting to-day is of members of a
large Committee, of persons eminent in their various stations
for the interest they have displayed in education, and that it
has been appointed without reference to politics, party,
denomination, or social position, for the purpose of obtaining
the best possible representation in 1871 of the various
materials and apparatus used in teaching, and exhibiting, as far
as practicable, the results of the many systems of instruction
which are in operation in this country and in other nations of
the world. Under the first class we find such objects as affect
the sanitary condition of schools--the desks and stools used,
maps and globes, books, pictures, scientific diagrams, objects
of natural history, and the like. Under the second class will be
shown illustrations of modes of teaching, drawing, reading,
writing, music, and gymnastics, and the interesting work of
educating those whom nature has deprived of sight, speech, and
hearing, with examples of the successful results.

"In this Exhibition of Education, foreigners as well as British
subjects will take their share, and I am happy to say that
Sweden has already applied for permission to exhibit a
full-sized model of one of its parish schools. The duty of this
Committee is to see that such work as I have sketched out shall
be completely accomplished, that exhibitors shall come forward
and offer their productions, that the best only shall be
selected for exhibition, and that discussions on systems of
instruction shall be organized. I indulge a sanguine hope that
the labours of this Committee may teach lessons which will lead
to the improvement of the quality of primary education, and to
the extension of that secondary instruction in science and art
so much needed for the industrial progress of this country, a
necessity proved at the Exhibition of 1851, originated and
conducted by my illustrious father, and confirmed again in 1862,
and at Paris in 1867, where our own artisans showed by their
remarkable reports how strong were their convictions on this
point. Difficulties there are, as there must ever be, in the
completion of a great work, and here I am reminded how fully the
difficulties connected with this work of education were
appreciated by my father as long ago as 1851. But my visit with
the Princess of Wales to the Middle Class Schools in the City of
London on Wednesday last, and the reports on Faversham School
and the District Union Schools of the Metropolis, which have
been published by our Society, lead me on to hope that even
these difficulties may admit of solution.

"By improved organization of schools and teaching power, I think
that it is shown that instruction may be so given as to enable
earning and learning to go hand-in-hand together. I close these
few remarks by bidding 'God speed' to this Committee in the
great work that is before them. Two resolutions will be offered
for your acceptance, and any explanation which may seem
necessary will be afforded."

The resolutions, moved by Sir John Pakington, and by the Hon. W. Cowper Temple, were to the effect that the meeting warmly approved of the proposed International Educational Exhibition, which would not only receive His Royal Highness's sanction, but his personal assistance and co-operation. It was explained that the feature of these Exhibitions would be the arrangement of objects illustrating the progress of art and industry, not according to countries, but according to classes. On the proposal of a vote of thanks to the chairman of the meeting, the Prince said:--

"I require and desire no thanks at all. It has given me great
pleasure to be here to open the proceedings, and I cordially
thank all the gentlemen who have so kindly supported me on this
occasion. I beg again to assure you that I take a very deep
interest in this question--that of education, and that I shall
be always ready to give my hearty co-operation on a subject of
this important bearing."

ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.

_May 16th, 1870._

This Fund grants relief in annuities to members of the dramatic profession, to singers and dancers, and also to the widows and orphans of members. At present, upwards of £2000 annually is paid to fifty annuitants. The invested capital is about £12,000. The institution has the merit of not being a mere charity, but is largely supported by the actors themselves. In this respect it holds a more honourable position than even the Royal Literary Fund; no attempt to establish a guild for mutual help among men of letters having, as yet, been successful.

The Theatrical Fund was established as long ago as 1839 by a few actors, and was incorporated by Royal charter in 1853. Part of the income comes from subscribers to the fund; but it is necessary also to appeal to the public, in the method common to all charities; the resources of the profession not being sufficient to maintain a mutual insurance society on financial unaided by benevolent principles.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presided at the 25th anniversary festival of the Fund at St. James's Hall on the 16th of May, 1870. There was a large attendance, including the leading members of the profession, and some zealous supporters of the drama, among whom were the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, with his two sons, the Princes Ali and Suleiman. Grace having been sung after dinner the Prince gave "The Health of Her Majesty the Queen," the patroness of this institution, and an annual subscriber to its funds. The Duke of Sutherland, in proposing the health of "The Prince and Princess of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family," adverted to the constant support given by their Royal Highnesses to the drama.

The Prince of Wales, in returning thanks, said "he rejoiced that
ever since his childhood he had had opportunities of going to
the theatre and witnessing some of the most excellent plays, and
appreciating the performances of some of the best actors of the
present day, many of whom he saw on either side and before him
on this occasion. The few remarks he had to make regarding this
most excellent fund must be reserved till a later period of the
evening, and therefore he would not then detain the company; but
he must observe that not only had the Princess and himself
derived considerable amusement from what they had witnessed at
the theatres, but they had given their patronage to the drama
because it was their wish to encourage a noble profession."

The usual toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers having been given and responded to, the Prince rose, and said:--

"The toast which he had now to propose was the so-called toast
of the evening, which was 'Prosperity to the Royal General
Theatrical Fund.' It afforded him great pleasure to propose this
toast, and when he saw the numerous assembly before him he felt
no doubt of the great interest taken by all present in this
excellent charity. What charity, he asked, could be more
deserving of support? When they considered how much amusement
and pleasure they all derived by going to the theatre, did it
ever occur to them that it was to the actors and actresses a
life of drudgery and hardship? Those same actors and actresses
who appeared in some comic character might have near and dear
relations lying sick at home. Then, also, when a time of life
arrived in the course of nature in which they were unable longer
to appear upon the stage ought they to be left to starve?
Certainly not, and it was to prevent aged actors who were
incapable of work from starving, that this fund had been
instituted.

"This charity was still more meritorious, because it was
supported by the actors themselves. The charity was established
in 1839 by a few London actors, and in 1853 it was incorporated
by Royal charter. The fund was raised to provide annuities for
aged and decayed members of the charity, and in special cases
for granting temporary assistance to the families of deceased
members. Any member of the profession, on the payment of a small
annual subscription, ranging from 21_s._ 4_d._ to £28 9_s._ a
year, according to a special scale, provided he had been
performing three years in a theatre licensed by the Lord
Chamberlain or by the local magistrates, was eligible to receive
the benefits of the fund, but no member had a claim unless he
had been a subscriber for seven years. Should he then be
incapacitated from further work, he had the option of either
receiving a life annuity or one-half the payments made by him
while a subscriber. On his death an allowance of £10 was granted
towards defraying funeral expenses. At 60 years of age any
member was at liberty to claim an annuity if he had subscribed
to the fund for 12 years, and female members were allowed to
cease their subscriptions when 55 years old. Since the opening
of the charity 322 members of the profession had been admitted
associates. To 61 of these life pensions had been granted,
varying from £30 to £90 a year. In 1846, the first year in which
pensions were granted, the receipts amounted to £565, and the
annuities to £98. Last year the total income was £1370, and the
amount expended in pensions was £1614. The receipts of 1869
therefore exceeded those of 1846 by £805, and the pensions, &c.,
by £1516. Again, while in 1846 only seven members received
annuities, the number of annuitants had increased to 33 in 1869.
The total disbursements, however, of last year exceeded the
income by £368, and it had been found necessary therefore to
draw that sum from the reserve fund.

"These few remarks would perhaps induce those who heard him to
come forward liberally to the assistance of the charity, and to
make up the £300 which it had been necessary to draw from the
reserve fund. His Royal Highness concluded by calling upon the
company to drink 'Prosperity to the General Theatrical Fund,'
coupled with the name of one who, he was sure, they would
receive with the greatest enthusiasm, as he was one of their
oldest and ablest actors. He had known Mr. Buckstone personally
ever since his childhood, and had repeatedly laughed and roared
at his drollery and humour."

Mr. Buckstone made a very amusing and characteristic speech, but with good sense underlying the drollery. With regard to the presence of the Prince in the chair, he said: "That His Royal Highness is a constant and warm supporter of the drama is evident from his frequent visits with the Princess to all the London theatres, and his ready appreciation of every worthy novelty. This taste for the drama may in some measure be attributed to his early introduction to dramatic art at Windsor Castle, where, on having the honour of appearing there by invitation of Her Majesty and the lamented Prince Consort, I have frequently seen His Royal Highness with his brothers and sisters, seated at the feet of their father and mother, witnessing with delight the various representations.

"The members of our fund cannot be too grateful for the kindness and goodness of heart which have induced His Royal Highness to come here to-night, as the calls upon his time have now become so many, and the duties he has to perform so numerous and fatiguing, that we can only wonder how he gets through them all. Even within these few days he has held a levée; on Saturday last he patronized a performance at Drury-lane in aid of the Dramatic College; then had to run away to Freemasons'-hall to be present at the installation of the Grand Master; and now we find him in the chair this evening; so what with _conversaziones_, laying foundation stones, opening schools, and other calls upon his little leisure, I think he may be looked upon as one of the hardest working men in Her Majesty's dominions. Still, it is this ready kindness that endears him to the nation, as the Princess, by her charming qualities, is so firmly fixed in the heart of every Englishman and Englishwoman.

"And now, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, I must inform you that Her Gracious Majesty has again sent us her handsome donation of £100; and although, unfortunately, she does not now visit our theatres, yet she does not forget us; and so, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, with such a truly Royal example before you, I can only conclude by hoping that, according to your generous feelings and your worldly means, you will come and do likewise."

Lord W. Lennox proposed "The Visitors," coupling with it the health of the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, who during his residence in England had identified himself with the charities of this country. The Nawab had been a liberal patron of theatrical performances, and had, he understood, only one subject of regret in connection with our London theatres--that the plays of Shakespeare were not more frequently performed in them. The subscriptions of the evening amounted to £700, including £100 from the Prince of Wales, and £50 from the Nawab Nazim of Bengal.

ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL.

_May 26th, 1870._

On the 26th of May, 1870, a public meeting was held at the Queen's Concert Rooms, Hanover Square, in aid of the funds of St. George's Hospital, especially with the view of enabling the Governors to open the wards of the new wing. The meeting was one of unusual interest, not only from the wide publicity given to the claims of the institution, but also from the announcement that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales would preside, and from the high distinction of the speakers who were to take part in the proceedings. The Princess of Wales manifested her interest in the charity by accompanying the Prince to the meeting. The room was densely crowded, and a number of distinguished persons were in the company.

His Royal Highness, on taking the chair, said:--

"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--Before opening the
proceedings of this meeting, allow me to express to you the
satisfaction I have in being able to accept the invitation to
preside at a meeting to-day which has for its aim such excellent
and important objects. We are met here to-day to discuss whether
it is expedient to open the new wing that has been added to St.
George's Hospital. Last year a meeting was held for the same
purpose for which we are met to-day, and it was then thought
that the subscriptions, although they were to a great extent
liberal subscriptions, were not sufficient in amount to
authorize the Governors of the Hospital to open the new wing. It
has also been much discussed whether it was not an extravagance
on the part of the authorities to build this new wing. I must
say--and I think I speak for those on my right and left--that
the authorities did perfectly right in building that wing, as a
piece of ground had been presented to them at a nominal rent by
the late lamented Marquis of Westminster, who always came
forward voluntarily to assist any great and important work.
Besides that, a further sum of £5000 was given by Miss Williams
to the building fund.

"As regards this wing, we all know that St. George's Hospital
lies near the South-Western and Great Western districts. We also
know that it lies within the precincts of Kensington, Mayfair,
and Belgravia. One would have thought that there would have
been no difficulty, and that the large number of inhabitants in
those parts, who are increasing monthly, and even weekly, would
have been able to come forward and contribute sufficiently to
this excellent institution.

"It has been said that the Hospital of St. George is a rich one,
but that is a great mistake. One would indeed think that it
would be rich from its important position, and when one
remembers how full its wards invariably are. To go back to the
new wing. After all, it is not a very large sum that is required
to maintain these wards. The sum only amounts to £2500 a year.
Is it not, therefore, a scandal, ladies and gentlemen, that for
the sake of this small sum we cannot use forty-eight beds in
that wing? The Hospital itself is in want of money, as I will
prove by stating that last year the expenditure amounted to as
much as £20,000, while the income was only £15,000. In order,
therefore, to make up the deficiency, £5000 had to be sold out
of capital. That will be the case this year, and it may be the
same in future years. The capital thus diminishing, the income
will naturally be smaller, and in that way this excellent
Hospital, which is most admirably cared for, which has the very
best surgeons and physicians--one of whom, Mr. Prescott Hewett,
I know personally--will sustain a yearly diminution of its
usefulness. In this way, if the public do not come forward
liberally we shall see one of the most excellent and important
hospitals in London becoming, year by year, in a more difficult
position with regard to funds.

"I am here to state what I am not sure is known to all of you,
that, with the exception of one hospital, the average cost of
beds at the St. George's Hospital is less than in any other
hospital in London. The authorities of the Hospital are not even
satisfied with that, and, I believe, intend to appoint a
committee to inquire still more closely and rigidly into the
expenditure, in order to do their utmost to lessen that
expenditure.

"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--The address I have to make to
you is brief. I feel convinced that the gentlemen on this
platform will advocate the claims of the Hospital in longer,
more detailed, and more able statements than I have made; but I
am sure that none can feel more strongly than I do the
importance of this meeting. I feel certain also that the public
at large, if they will only take the trouble to reflect, will
come to our aid. Only to-day I read an excellent leading article
in the _Times_ in support of the objects of this meeting. I
thank you once more for the kind way in which you have received
me, but let me say before I sit down that a most excellent
example has been set us by a lady who has consented to give the
sum of £1000 for the maintenance of a ward for the space of two
years. Let this example not be lost upon us. Let us all try to
follow it, and liberally open our purses for the sake of an
institution of such value and importance to all of us who live
in this part of London."

The Earl of Cadogan, one of the Treasurers, announced that the Prince of Wales had just handed to him a cheque for two hundred guineas. The Princess of Wales had also given a donation of fifty guineas. Miss Read had given £500, and the Marquis of Westminster a subscription of £200 a year. Mr. Prescott Hewett, the surgeon, gave a hundred guineas, and other liberal donations and subscriptions were announced, amounting to upwards of £2000.

The principal speakers at the meeting were Earl Granville, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Carnarvon, Mr. W. H. Smith, the Marquis of Westminster, and the Rev. H. Howarth, Rector of St. George's, Hanover Square.

The Marquis of Westminster, in his admirable speech moving the thanks of the meeting to the Chairman, said that he happened to be in Milan a short time ago, and, going over a great hospital there, containing something like 3000 beds, he saw in different rooms portraits of the benefactors of the institution--some full length, others three-quarters, some half-length, and others only heads. On inquiring the reason of this distinction, he was informed that the size of the picture depended upon the amount of the sum given by the donor. One who gave, say £4000, had his portrait painted full length, while the others were represented half-length, or even by a head.... It might be thought a light and easy thing to come forward and make so excellent a speech as His Royal Highness had done; but he was quite sure that if any who thought thus would come forward to try, they would find themselves mistaken. In coming forward in this work of benevolence, His Royal Highness was fairly entitled to the warm and cordial thanks, not only of the governors of the hospital, but of the whole nation. He begged to include in this vote the Princess of Wales.

His Royal Highness said:--