Chapter I: Declare This Dock Now Open, and That Henceforth It Is to Be (3)

"It was a matter of satisfaction to his family and himself that
they had connected themselves with an institution which aimed at
so much practical good, and which was now in so flourishing a
state. It was in 1847 that the late Dr. Reed brought the state
of the idiot portion of the community under public notice; and
from that time to this much had been done to ameliorate the
condition of that most unfortunate class of our fellow
creatures. Although the cases were comparatively rare in which
cures had been made, still cures had been effected, and
practical experience had shown that the mental state of those
unfortunate beings was susceptible of manifest improvement by
the exercise of care and attention well directed by intelligent
and experienced persons. Many of them were taught music, and
others some trade or handicraft, and in that way their hands and
minds were occupied. There were cases in which patients so
engaged had improved so much as to be able to return to their
families, and afterwards to follow a trade which they had learnt
in the institution. The Institution had been very highly praised
by the Lunacy Commissioners, and he might remind the company
that it was supported by voluntary contributions. This year, he
believed, the contributions had exceeded those of any previous
one, but an infirmary had become necessary, although no
epidemic had hitherto occurred in the asylum; and as that would
go far to exhaust the funds, he called upon the company to do
their utmost to replenish them. His Royal Highness made a
passing allusion, by way of example, to the fact that an
anonymous benefactor had thrice contributed the sum of £1000 to
the treasury of the institution, and in conclusion he earnestly
appealed to the audience to do what in them lay towards the
relief of that grievously afflicted class of their fellow
creatures."

At the close of the festival Mr. William Nicholas, the secretary, announced that the subscriptions in the course of the evening amounted in all to £4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas, under initials, which left no doubt that it was a donation by His Royal Highness the Chairman.

HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS.

_June 2nd, 1871._

Among the many institutions for homeless and orphan boys, the Cottage Homes at Farningham are less heard of than some others which make more clamorous appeals to the public. But they have for many years been the scene of useful and beneficent work, and deserve larger support. At Farningham there are 300 little boys, homeless, and in danger of falling into evil ways, who are clothed, fed, educated, and taught some trade by which they can earn their own living. They are then provided with outfit, and placed in situations, where they are looked after as Old Boys. This is a charity which was certain to awaken the sympathy and receive the support of the Prince of Wales, when brought under his notice.

On the 2nd of June, 1871, His Royal Highness presided at a festival at the Freemasons' Hall for the benefit of the charity. He had already with the Princess of Wales visited the Homes at Farningham, and then laid the foundation-stone of the new buildings there. At the festival dinner, in giving the toast, "Prosperity to the Home for Little Boys," the following is the substance of what the Prince said:--

"The object of the promoters of this excellent charity had been
to take from the highways of this vast Metropolis those
unfortunate little beings who had been deprived of their
parents, or who had no homes, and to clothe, feed, educate, and
train them so that they might be enabled to go forth into the
world with a knowledge of some trade, and qualified, when they
left this admirable home, to earn their living, by being removed
from the temptations to crime, incident to the state of
destitution in which they were found. What could be more
dreadful than to see from day to day those wretched miserable
little children, who swarmed in our streets, who knew as little
as we did how or where they could live, or who were their
parents and natural protectors?

"It must be felt, then, to be the duty of every good Christian
to endeavour to ameliorate the condition of that class of our
fellow-creatures. He could speak from experience of the good
that had been done by this charity, because he had, with the
Princess, visited the institution. The asylum was erected about
seven years ago near Tottenham, but as it was thought desirable
to move further into the country, about 90 acres of ground were
purchased near Farningham, in Kent, and the homes were
established there. He then described the education received by
the boys, their excellent schooling in such subjects as
arithmetic and geography, besides the industrial training, which
was a special feature of the institution. He found that they
were taught to make clothes, boots, mats, &c.; there was a
carpenters' shop and a painters' shop, and a paper-bag shop;
they had a printing establishment, a laundry, a bakehouse, a
garden, a farm, and there were means for teaching the pupils a
great variety of other useful occupations, so that they might go
forth good and honest young men, capable of gaining their own
livelihood, instead of returning to those haunts of vice from
which they had been snatched. The cost of the homes was about
£9000 a year, but he was sorry to say the institution was still
about £5000 in debt. Mentioning the munificent donation of
£1000, which had recently been received from some anonymous
benefactor, His Royal Highness concluded, amid prolonged cheers,
by urging those present to contribute liberally, and to try to
persuade others to support this excellent institution, and so to
rescue as many as possible of the poor little suffering children
of the country, who had neither father nor mother living, from
wretchedness and crime."

A list of subscriptions and donations during the dinner was read, amounting to the sum of £3464, including £1000 obtained from friends by Mr. Robert Hanbury, then the President of the institution, and £150 from the Royal Chairman.

Besides the Cottage Homes at Farningham, there are Orphan Homes at Swanley, where 200 orphan or fatherless boys are maintained, and receive technical education in various arts and industries, to fit them for a working life.

THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.

_June 28th, 1871._

The 56th anniversary festival of this institution was held on the 28th of June, 1871, at the Freemasons' Tavern, under the presidency of the Prince of Wales, who wore the Highland costume, supported by Prince Arthur and the Duke of Cambridge. About 350 sat down to dinner, a large proportion being dressed in full Highland costume, among whom were the Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., President; the Duke of Richmond, K.G.; the Marquis of Lorne, M.P.; the Marquis of Huntly, the Earl of Fife, the Earl of Mar, and the Earl of March.

His Royal Highness the Chairman, in proposing the toast of "Her Majesty the Queen," alluded to the fact that Her Majesty was the patroness of this institution, in which she had always taken the warmest interest.

The Duke of Buccleuch proposed "The health of His Royal Highness the Chairman, the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." Since the foundation of this institution in 1815 the Royal Family had always responded most generously to every appeal that had been made to them on its behalf, and he trusted that in consequence of the presence of His Royal Highness on that occasion the funds of the charity would be considerably increased. He reminded his audience that among his other titles His Royal Highness possessed that of the Duke of Rothesay.

The toast was received with Highland honours, followed by the breaking of the glasses from which it had been drunk. The Gaelic verses timing the cheers were recited by Mr. Donald Mackenzie.

His Royal Highness the Chairman "expressed his sincere thanks at
the enthusiastic reception which had been given to the toast,
and his gratification that it had been drunk with Highland
honours. He was very sensible of the kindness of the feeling
that had prompted the latter act, and he begged to be regarded
on that occasion rather as the Duke of Rothesay than as the
Prince of Wales. This excellent institution had been associated
for so many years past with various members of his family that
he was rejoiced to be able to be there that night to plead in
its favour."

His Royal Highness in proposing "The Army, the Navy, and the
Reserve Forces," took occasion to refer to the changes that were
about to be effected in the organization of the army, and
"expressed a hope that those changes, whatever they might be,
would place the safety or the country upon a secure foundation,
and would enable us to prove that the author of the well-known
_Battle of Dorking_ was a false prophet. The writer of that
interesting production, however, deserved our thanks, inasmuch
as he had pointed out to us the danger of being 'caught
napping.' He begged to couple with the toast the name of his
Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who had already acted as
chairman of the festivals of the charity, of Sir A. Milne, and
of Colonel Loyd Lindsay, who had given such an impetus to the
Volunteer movement, and who had taken such an active part in
promoting the fund for the relief of the sick and wounded during
the late war."

His Royal Highness in proposing the toast of the evening,
"Prosperity to the Royal Caledonian Asylum," referred to "the
objects of the institution which is for supporting and educating
the children of soldiers, sailors, and marines, natives of
Scotland, who have died or been disabled in the service of their
country, and of indigent Scotch parents resident in London. The
charity had been founded in 1815, a memorable year for this
country, and from that time until his death his lamented
grandfather had presided over its interests. For his own part he
could only express the satisfaction he felt at being connected
with an institution which had received the patronage of Royalty
for so long a period. On the occasion when his grandfather had
presided at one of the festivals of the institution a large sum
of money was subscribed for its support, and he trusted on that
occasion its funds would be considerably increased, so as to
enable the thirty vacancies to be filled up, in addition to
providing board, lodging, clothing, and education for the 110
boys and girls now received within the building. The children
were given a thoroughly sound education, and many of those who
had been brought up in the establishment had subsequently
distinguished themselves in the Army, the Navy, and the Law.
This charity, which was entirely supported by voluntary
contributions, was the only one in London intended solely for
the children of Scotch parents, and, therefore, he called upon
all Scotchmen to contribute liberally in aid of its funds. It
conferred much happiness upon our soldiers and sailors that they
were able to feel assured that in the event of their death in
action their children would be brought up in decency and
comfort, and that they would not be allowed to fall victims to
want and sin."

The toast was drunk with three times three. His Royal Highness the Chairman then briefly proposed "The Health of his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, the President of the Institution," to which his Grace responded.

The donations announced amounted to about £2000.

During the course of the evening, the children, headed by their pipers, marched round the room.

DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.

_August 1st, 1871._

The Royal Agricultural Society, of which the Prince of Wales is President, held its annual meeting at Dublin in 1871. The occasion was taken for a royal visit to Ireland. The Prince of Wales was accompanied by the Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lorne, and his young brother, Prince Arthur, better known in after years as the Duke of Connaught. Of all the Royal family, this son of the Queen has special relation to Ireland. One of his names he bears after the great Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, an Irishman; another of his names is after an Irish saint, and he sits in the House of Lords by an Irish title. Born in May 1850, Arthur Patrick was only a little past coming of age at this time.

The warm-hearted Irish people gave the royal Princes a truly cordial welcome. On arriving at Dublin, there was not merely official display, but the popular reception was not only friendly but enthusiastic. Flags waved everywhere, and as it was late in the evening, the city was illuminated, and _Cead mille failthe_ shone out in conspicuous brilliancy. From a few knots of Fenians there were heard slight sounds of hissing, but any hostile feeling was overborne by the general rejoicing.

When the train from Kingstown arrived at Westland Row Terminus, the Lord Mayor and Corporation met the Royal visitors, and the Town Clerk read an address to which the Prince made an appropriate reply.

On the next day, August 1st, the royal visitors, having witnessed a cricket match in College Park, and had luncheon with the officers of the Grenadier Guards, went to the Show-yard in the afternoon. The Prince of Wales proceeded to the Council-room, and signed the minutes of the last meeting, in the capacity of President of the Council. The inspection of the horses, cattle, and sheep was then made. Among the awards, made by the judges of the Show in the forenoon, was a prize for the best pen of shearling ewes, exhibited by His Royal Highness.

The annual banquet was given in the evening at the Exhibition Palace. It was a brilliant and successful affair. About 450 guests were present, and the galleries were thronged with ladies. When the Prince entered and took his place at the head of the table there was tumultuous applause. After dinner the Prince rose and said:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--The first toast which I have the
honour of proposing to you this evening is one which I am sure
will be heartily received by you. It is 'The Health of Her
Majesty the Queen.' In proposing this toast I am convinced that
the Queen has a part in the best wishes of the Irish people.
Although, unfortunately, some time has elapsed since she has
been over in Ireland, still I hope the day will yet come when
she may again come over. I am also convinced that the reception
she has met on former occasions she will meet with again. I will
not add more, but ask you to drink the health of Her Majesty the
Queen."

The toast was drunk with loyal fervour. After a short interval the Prince of Wales again rose and said:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I have some slight difficulty in
proposing the next toast, because it relates to members of my
own family; still, as it is on the list before me, I propose
'The Health of the rest of the Royal Family.' I am sure that it
has been the wish of my brothers not to be useless appendages of
the State, but to do all they can to serve their country. My
brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, as you are aware, has for some
time past been in the Royal Navy, and has had the advantage of
seeing many countries, and I may say of twice sailing round the
world. On my left is my brother who is serving in the Army, and
who responds to this toast. I trust that he has also a bright
career before him. He has some slight claim upon you,
gentlemen, as he bears the name of Patrick. Without saying more,
I beg you to drink the health of the rest of the Royal Family,
coupled with the name of Prince Arthur."

His Royal highness Prince Arthur, on rising to respond to the toast, was received with loud cheers, renewed during the short but effective and well delivered speech, in which he referred to a former visit to Ireland, when he was received with much kindness and cordiality. "That visit was certainly but a short one, but it was long enough to enable me to see a good deal of the country, and to inspire in me a lasting interest in all that concerns the welfare of Ireland."

The Prince of Wales, in proposing the next toast, said:--

"Ladies and Gentlemen,--It is now my pleasing duty to propose
'The Health of His Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and
Prosperity to Ireland.' Nothing could give me greater pleasure
than having the honour of proposing this toast. I am convinced
that all the Lords-Lieutenant that come over to Ireland do their
utmost to fulfil their duties, and sometimes they are very
arduous ones, and I feel convinced that his Excellency on my
right has the goodwill of the country. The theme before
me--Prosperity to Ireland--is one that might be enlarged upon
greatly. Nobody wishes more sincerely than I do prosperity to
this country. No one in the large assemblage which crowds this
hall, and no one outside this hall, could more largely wish for
the prosperity of Ireland which was so dear to them. I think I
may say without fear of contradiction, that at the present
moment Ireland is rich and prosperous. There has been a great
decrease of pauperism and of crime, and I may say that what will
do more than anything else towards making a country prosperous
is the extension of its agriculture. It was with great pleasure
that I accepted the position of President of the Royal
Agricultural Society, and it afforded me great pleasure to be
present for a short time at the Show to-day. My brother has
already alluded in his speech to the fine animals we saw, and I
may add that I feel sure that in no other part of the United
Kingdom could a more creditable Show be held than that which was
opened near Dublin this morning. During the last four years
there has been a great improvement in every respect in the shows
of the Royal Agricultural Societies. I believe I am not wrong in
stating that in 1867 the entries in the department of horses
numbered 257, and now, on this occasion, they are but one short
of 600. That alone shows the interest which all classes of the
community take in these Shows, and how anxious each one is to do
all in his power to promote the object it has in view."

Alluding to the interest which the Earl of Pembroke had shown in the welfare of the country, and his liberality in granting a site for the Showyard, His Royal Highness said:--

"I am assured that if the many gentlemen and landlords who very
often find some difficulty in leaving England, but who have
large interests and large estates in this country, could
contrive to come over here more frequently, it would do more
good than anything else I could imagine. I am certain that they
are anxious to come over, and that their relations with their
tenantry and those around them should be in every respect good.
I may also here refer to the great improvement made in the
erection of farm buildings and cottages. Beyond doubt there has
been progress in the direction of improvement there; but still I
believe much yet remains to be done. Everything depends upon the
well-being of the people, and if they are properly lodged it
tends to cleanliness, and very possibly to moral advantage.
Perhaps I may be allowed to speak of a slight personal
experience in that matter. I have a small estate in Norfolk, and
observed myself the greatest importance of providing suitable
small cottages for those resident there, and, having done so,
now reap immense advantage. I am sure that this is a question
which belongs in itself to the well-being of Irish agriculture,
and which will accordingly receive the best consideration of
this society. There are many other topics upon which I might
enlarge, but as there are still many toasts to be proposed and
responded to, time will not permit. Besides, as you are aware,
the excellent society under whose auspices we are assembled,
while endeavouring to do as much good as possible, has no
political connection whatever. You will, therefore, I am sure,
forgive me if I do not enlarge more fully on other topics which
might have some political bearing. I give you 'The Health of his
Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and Prosperity to Ireland.'"

The Lord-Lieutenant, Earl Spencer, in responding, said that since they last met there had been much prosperity in the country. It was a happy thing that they were able to mark this. The calling out of the Irish Militia had tended to encourage the confidence and loyalty of the people. His Excellency hoped that the improved relations established by recent legislation between landlord and tenant would have beneficial effects.

His Excellency then proposed "The Health of the Prince of Wales," who responded, and after several other toasts the party separated.

The Royal visitors, accompanied by the Countess Spencer and the Princess Louise, afterwards proceeded to the Lady Mayoress's ball at the Mansion House. The city was brilliantly illuminated at night.

* * * * *

The enthusiastic reception of the Royal Princes, and the success of this visit to Ireland gave much public satisfaction at the time, and is regarded with interest now, in the light of subsequent events. There had been some misgivings, lest the Prince might meet with an uncourteous or at least a cold and uncordial reception. But this had never been the way of Irishmen, even under what might seem unpropitious conditions. The most loyal and enthusiastic greeting ever given to a Sovereign, was that which welcomed the Queen in 1849, just after the treason of Mr. Smith O'Brien, and at the close of a long period of agitation. Still more remarkable was the welcome given to George IV. in 1821. There were neither personal nor political reasons for expecting much enthusiasm on that occasion. It was well known that the new king, like his father before him, and the brother who then stood next to the throne, were determined opponents of Catholic Emancipation. But no sooner had this king set foot on Irish soil, and left the name of Kingstown to the place where he landed, than every political grievance, penal laws and Protestant ascendency, were all for the time forgotten. The truth is that whatever agitation may be at the surface, the masses of the Irish nation, like the deep waters of the ocean, are not so disturbed as to move them to disaffection or disloyalty. There was no Irishman more loyal than Daniel O'Connell, and many of the Home Rulers of our own day are not less loyal to the British Crown. There is no fear of the Queen or any of her children being received by the mass of the Irish people without demonstrations of joy. Rather the complaint is that Ireland has so much less of the Royal sunshine than Scotland enjoys, and it might be well if the sister island became the permanent residence of a member of the reigning House.

Such thoughts have no bearing on party politics, but are naturally suggested in remembering the reception given in 1871 to the heir to the British Crown.

A succession of engagements and of entertainments took place, as on the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1868. The military display in the Phoenix Park was even more brilliant than on that occasion. One notable incident in 1871 was the installation, with great ceremony, of His Royal Highness as Grand Patron of the Masonic Institution in Ireland. A formal address of welcome having been read, His Royal Highness made the following reply:--

"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,--I thank you very much for
your cordial and grateful address, and for the kind sentiments
expressed in it towards myself. It was a source of considerable
satisfaction to me when I was elected a member of the craft, and
I think I may without presumption point to the different Masonic
meetings which, since my initiation, I have fraternally
attended. As a proof of the interest I take in all that relates
to Freemasonry, I can assure you that it has afforded me great
gratification to become the Patron of the Most Ancient and
Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, and
that an opportunity has been given to me by my visit to Ireland
of being installed here to-day."

The Grand Master then clothed His Royal Highness with the collar, apron, and jewel, as Patron. The Brethren then, according to ancient custom, saluted the Prince as Patron of the Order in Ireland, the Grand Master himself giving the word. His Royal Highness then said:--

"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,--I have now to thank you
heartily and cordially for your fraternal reception, and for the
honour you have done me, and I beg to assure you of the pleasure
I feel on having been invited to become the Patron of the Order
of Freemasons in Ireland. It is a source of considerable
satisfaction to me to know that my visit to this country has
afforded this opportunity of meeting you, Brethren, in Lodge,
and so interchanging these frank and hearty greetings. It is
true I have not been a Mason very long. I was initiated, as you
perhaps know, in London, a few years ago, after which I visited
the Grand Original Lodge of Denmark, and a short time afterwards
I had the signal satisfaction of being elected a Past Grand
Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. Last year I had the
honour of being elected Patron of the Order in Scotland; and,
Brethren, though last, not least, comes the special honour you
have conferred on me. I thank you for it from the bottom of my
heart. I may, I think, refer with some pride to the number of
Masonic meetings I have attended in England since my initiation
as a proof of my deep attachment to your Order. I know, we all
know, how good and holy a thing Freemasonry is, how excellent
are its principles, and how perfect the doctrine it sets forth;
but forgive me if I remind you that some of our friends outside
are not as well acquainted with its merits as we are ourselves,
and that a most mistaken idea prevails in some minds that,
because we are a secret society, we meet for political purposes,
or have a political bias in what we do. I am delighted,
Brethren, to have this opportunity of proclaiming what I am
satisfied you will agree with me in--that we have as Masons no
politics; that the great object of our Order is to strengthen
the bonds of fraternal affection, and to make us live in pure
and Christian love with all men; that though a secret we are not
a political body; and that our Masonic principles and hopes are
essential parts of our attachment to the Constitution and
loyalty to the Crown."

His Royal Highness's address was received with great applause. The Lodge was then closed in due form.

THE ILLNESS OF DECEMBER, 1871.

How much the Prince of Wales had endeared himself to all classes in the nation was attested by the deep anxiety and the universal sorrow when he was struck down with illness in December, 1871. Those who remember that time, can tell how, for some weeks, all thoughts were turned to the chamber of sickness at Sandringham; with what earnest anxiety the daily bulletins were looked for; and with what fervent devotion the prayers of millions ascended to the throne of grace. The "dark December" of 1861, when the good Prince Consort lay on his deathbed, increased the ominous foreboding. Touching incidents of that critical period are still told. The watchful attendance of the Princess of Wales was illustrated in no way more strikingly than in the anecdote of her request to the clergyman at Sandringham to alter the order of the morning service so as to let her, after joining in the public prayer for recovery, hasten back to her husband's side. We remember, too, the affectionate anxiety of the royal mother, and brothers and sisters; and how the Prince himself, when he recovered consciousness, asked thoughtfully about the condition of the servant, who died of the same fever which nearly proved fatal to his master.

Had the Prince been "taken" at this period of his life, history would have recorded the loss in terms of tender regret, such as had been, more than once, felt towards Princes of Wales who died before coming to the throne. The eldest son of James I., for instance, was long remembered with deepest sorrow, so much was he loved, and so large the hopes of the nation which had been centered in him. Had our Prince been lost in that illness, there would have been another instance of what inspired one of the noblest of all passages in classic literature, the "_Tu Marcellus eris_" of Virgil. Happily it was otherwise ordained, and the enthusiasm of joyful thankfulness at the recovery of the Prince was as truly national as had been the anxiety and grief at his illness. The special Thanksgiving Collect, written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, expressed well the universal feeling of the nation:--

"O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we thank Thee that Thou hast heard the prayers of this nation in the day of our trial. We praise and magnify Thy glorious name for that Thou hast raised Thy servant Albert Edward Prince of Wales from the bed of sickness. Thou castest down and Thou liftest up, and health and strength are Thy gifts. We pray Thee to perfect the recovery of Thy servant, and to crown him day by day with more abundant blessings both for body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

When the Thanksgiving day was proclaimed, it was still doubtful whether the Prince himself would be allowed by his medical attendants to risk the winter journey for Osborne, along with the Queen. But his own desire to be present nerved him for the effort, and he obtained the assent of Sir James Paget, who had gone specially to give his opinion.

The danger had increased in the end of November and the first weeks of December. The first hopeful announcement was made on December 17th, and on January 3rd convalescence had decidedly begun. A public thanksgiving service was proclaimed for the 21st of January. On February 22nd the Letter of the Queen to the nation was published, and then followed the National Thanksgiving Service in St. Paul's on the 27th.

With regard to the Royal procession, and the display inside the Cathedral, the scene was far less imposing than on that famous day, the 23rd of April, 1789, when King George III. and Queen Charlotte went to St. Paul's to return public thanks for His Majesty's restoration to health. On that occasion there was more of heraldic pageantry, and more of official display, than accords with modern usage. But everything was done to make this assemblage as far as possible representative of all classes in social and public life. Not fewer than 13,000 persons had places allocated to them in the Cathedral. In the _Times_ of Wednesday, February 28th, a full classified list of the ticket-holders will be found. About 300 Mayors and Provosts from all parts of the kingdom had places. There were 560 places for representatives of the Army and Navy. The Peers and Commons had 885 tickets for each house. The Dean of St. Paul's had nearly 1300 tickets at his disposal. The Corps Diplomatique, "distinguished foreigners," London School Board, the Board of Works, Learned Societies, Nonconformists, and numerous other bodies figure in the catalogue. The wearers of uniform and official dress, besides the gaudy civic corporations, gave variety to the scene. The Judges, English, Scotch, and Irish, with robes and wigs, gave warm tone to the Law corner. Special state chairs were occupied by the Lord Chancellor and the Speaker, representing Parliament. The Press had 80 places, and the "General Public" made up the number 12,480 tickets--those who took part in the procession--the stewards, police, firemen, and the officials bringing up the total to about 13,000.

The crowds lining the streets, for about seven miles along which the procession passed, were innumerable; and every window and coign of vantage, with numerous scaffoldings along the line, appeared filled with spectators. Not even when the Princess of Wales entered London was there such a dense multitude seen, and it is only on rare occasions that one can see "all London in the streets." In our time we can remember some such occasions--the funeral of the Duke of Wellington, the reception of the Princess of Wales, and the entrance of Garibaldi, being among them.

It was not in the Metropolis alone, that the rejoicing was universal. Every city and town had its festivities, and its services of thanksgiving in Church and Chapel. Addresses came, by hundreds, from all quarters, and the announcement was made of holiday gatherings, of crowded meetings, of illuminations, and every form of public rejoicing. The telegraph flashed news of similar excitement throughout the whole of the Empire; and religious services were held wherever Englishmen are found on the Continent, in the Colonies, and in India. If ever a rejoicing could be called national and imperial, it was this, on the Thanksgiving Day for the recovery of the Prince of Wales.

The service commenced with the _Te Deum_, composed expressly for the occasion by Dr. Goss. The music of the anthem, from the words of Psalm 118th, verses 14-21, and 28, was by the same composer. Among other musical pieces was the choral hymn, "Gotha," by the Prince Consort. The whole of the service, devotional and musical, was most impressive, and the special prayers and thanksgivings were joined in by the vast congregation with devoutest feeling. It was noted by one who was present, with regard to the familiar "General Thanksgiving," that "the sublimity of the service culminated, and reached its highest and intensest expression, during the silent pause which followed the inserted words: "Particularly to Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who desires now to offer up his praises and thanksgiving for Thy late mercies vouchsafed to him."" The famous words which close the poem of the Seasons: "Come then expressive silence muse His praise," could be well understood in that perfect pause of a few moments, almost awful in its intensity, in the service at St. Paul's Cathedral. When the anthem had been sung, the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a short sermon or address, from Romans xii. 5: "Every one members one of another." This was followed by the special Thanksgiving Hymn, written by the Rev. J. S. Stone, author of "The Church's one foundation," and "Sonnets of the Sacred year." It was sung to the good and familiar tune _Aurelia_, by Dr. S. Wesley. Then the Archbishop pronounced the benediction. When the organ sounded the grand notes of the National Anthem, Her Majesty came forward and bowed twice, and the Prince bowed also. The organ continued to play variations of the anthem as the Royal procession moved down the nave. Thus ended this grand and joyful service, which will be remembered in English history.

Altogether it is with the utmost gratification we can look back upon that memorable 27th of February. A demonstration more general and spontaneous has not been recorded even in the annals of this loyal nation. Among high and low, rich and poor, there was one harmonious spirit of thankful joy, in regard to the recovery of the Prince. But apart from the special and personal aspect of the occasion, there was much to cause national gratulation. The combined feeling of religion and of loyalty showed that in this England of ours, the divine precepts: "Fear God, Honour the King," are as inseparable as they are powerful, and that their influence pervades the nation, when circumstances call them into exercise.

The words of the "Thanksgiving Hymn" well express the sentiment of the whole service of the day:--

"O Thou our soul's salvation!
Our Hope for earthly weal!
We, who in tribulation
Did for Thy mercy kneel,
Lift up glad hearts before Thee,
And eyes no longer dim,
And for Thy grace adore Thee
In eucharistic hymn.

"Forth went the nation weeping
With precious seed of prayer,
Hope's awful vigil keeping
'Mid rumours of despair;
Then did Thy love deliver!
And from Thy gracious hand,
Joy, like the southern river,
O'erflowed the weary land.

"Bless Thou our adoration!
Our gladness sanctify!
Make this rejoicing nation
To Thee by joy more nigh;
O be this great Thanksgiving
Throughout the land we raise,
Wrought into holier living
In all our after days!

"Bless, Father, him Thou gavest
Back to the loyal land,
O Saviour, him Thou savest,
Still cover with Thine Hand:
O Spirit, the Defender,
Be his to guard and guide,
Now in life's midday splendour
On to the eventide!"

What may be the depth of the duration of the feelings thus alluded to, it is not for man to judge; but it is not as mere forms, that in tens of thousands of churches there are still uttered, week by week and day by day, prayers for the Queen, and for the Prince and Princess of Wales,--expressing the faith, and the goodwill, and the loyalty, of the people of this empire, as truly and heartily as on that special thanksgiving day in St. Paul's.

NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

_June 19th, 1872._

The loyal people of King's Lynn and its neighbourhood retained pleasant remembrance of the festival time when, in 1869, the Prince and Princess of Wales came to open the new Alexandra Dock. In 1872 they were gladdened by the announcement that the Royal visitors were again coming from Sandringham, on the 19th June, to visit their ancient town, at the annual exhibition of the Norfolk Agricultural Society. At the east gate of Lynn the Royal carriage was met by the Mayor, who, with the Town Clerk, and two leading citizens, asked permission to conduct the Prince and Princess through the town. The Earl of Leicester and Lord Sondes were in the Royal carriage, a third carriage containing Lord Sheffield and Lady Anne Coke. At the entrance of the Show, an address was read, from the Norfolk Agricultural Association, to which the Prince made the following reply:--

"Gentlemen,--I thank you sincerely for this address. It has been
a source of the greatest gratification to have had it in my
power to contribute in any degree to the success of your
association and to promote the interests of agriculture in
Norfolk. It is with these feelings that I have endeavoured to
make myself acquainted with some of the operations of farming,
and to acquire some knowledge of stock, and if I have not always
been successful in the path of competition, I have at least
obtained prizes sufficient to encourage me to persevere, and to
indulge in the hope that I shall obtain more. The Princess is
always willing to come among you,--and to be present on
occasions like the present. We both desire to take this
opportunity of expressing the deep sense we entertain of the
sympathy and interest which were manifested towards us in our
late trials by yourselves and by every class in the county of
Norfolk."

Then followed the inspection of the Show, and the parade of the prize animals before the Grand Stand. The Prince was a successful exhibitor, having taken a second prize in Shorthorn heifers, a second prize in the class of ponies not above thirteen hands high, a first prize for the best Southdown ram, the second prize in Southdown ewe lambs, a second prize for ten wether lambs, two prizes (second and third) in the class of Norfolk and Suffolk red-polled cattle.

In the afternoon at a banquet attended by a large number of guests, the Prince took the chair, with the Princess of Wales on his right. Grace having been said by the Bishop of Norwich, the toast of "The Queen" was received with enthusiasm, and the Earl of Leicester then gave "The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family." He tendered the thanks of the society to the Prince of Wales for the aid which he had extended to agriculture, for his liberal assistance to the local charities, for the interest which he had displayed in county affairs, and, last but not least, for his support to the fox-hounds. The society was also still more indebted to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales for her gracious presence that evening. Ladies ought always to interest themselves in their husbands' pursuits, and he believed that agriculture came quite within their province. The Earl next alluded to the illness of the Prince of Wales in December last, and expressed his hope that His Royal Highness's life might long be spared, as it would be devoted to the welfare of the people of England, and the promotion of all that was good and noble. The toast was drunk with rounds of cheering, renewed when the Prince rose to reply.

His Royal Highness said that "he and the Princess were deeply
thankful for the reception which they had experienced during the
day. He was very glad that it had been in his power to fulfil
the promise which he gave some time since that he would preside
over the meeting. It had been a success, and he should ever
esteem it a high compliment to have been associated with it.
During the ten years in which he had lived in Norfolk, he had
endeavoured not to lag behind those other county landlords who
so ably fulfilled their duties. It would always be his earnest
endeavour to promote the welfare of the county, in which he was
much interested. He had to thank the meeting for the kind
reception which the Princess of Wales always experienced
whenever she appeared in public. It was most desirable that
ladies should associate themselves in their husbands' pursuits,
and when the Princess did not accompany him he always felt that
there was something wanting. With regard to his illness, he
should never forget the sympathy which had been extended towards
him. He accepted that sympathy as a token of the feeling of this
great and enlightened country towards himself and the Princess,
the Queen, his mother, and the Monarchical system which we had
adopted."

After acknowledgment had been made by Lord Leicester, for the toast of the Lord-Lieutenant of the county, and the Bishop had responded for the Clergy, the Prince rose to give what he called the toast of the evening: "Prosperity to the Norfolk Agricultural Association."

His Royal Highness traced "the progress of the society and
especially the rapid advance which it had made since it adopted
the principle of holding its Shows periodically in all the towns
of the county, instead of limiting its meetings to Norwich and
Swaffham only. At the present Show there were sixty more stock
entries and one hundred more implements. Norfolk had always been
held up as a great agricultural county, and was the home of the
great nobleman, better known as 'Coke of Norfolk.' The fame of
Coke of Norfolk had not been forgotten by his son, the present
Earl of Leicester. The county was a great cattle-breeding
county, the home of such men as Lord Sondes, Mr. Brown, Mr.
Aylmer, and Mr. Overman. One other great Norfolk breeder, the
late Lord Walsingham, had passed away, but he trusted that the
present Lord Walsingham would continue to maintain the
reputation of the Merton flock.

"His Royal Highness expressed his own great personal interest in
the Society and in the cause of agriculture generally. His late
father, the Prince Consort, always felt the greatest interest
in agriculture, and used to take his children to inspect his
prize animals. It might be desirable to increase the area of the
Society on the model of the Bath and West of England Society, by
bringing in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex. For his own
part, he supported such an extension of the Society. A landlord
ought to feel a pride in having the working classes properly
housed on his estate. Those who worked from morning to night
should find a comfortable house, which would promote their moral
and social wellbeing. He had endeavoured to improve the cottages
on his own estate, and he felt pride and satisfaction in having
his workmen properly housed. In conclusion, His Royal Highness
strongly supported the idea of having a great county school for
Norfolk, and said it would give him the greatest pleasure to
support the enterprise."

After various other toasts, the last being "The Ladies," proposed by the Royal chairman, the Prince and Princess returned to Sandringham.

AT GREAT YARMOUTH.

_July 5th, 1872._

The Prince of Wales visited Yarmouth on Thursday, the 5th of July, 1872, and remained till Saturday as the guest of Mr. Cuddon at Shadingfield-lodge. The object of the visit was to open the New Grammar School, and more especially the official inspection of the Norfolk Artillery Militia, of which the Prince is Honorary Colonel. The good people of Yarmouth, however, were resolved to make the visit a general holiday, and great preparations were made for giving a loyal and enthusiastic reception. The town was gay with decorations, and the passage through the streets was like a triumphal procession. In replying to the Address of the Mayor and Corporation, the Prince said:--

"It was most gratifying to me to receive in February last the
congratulations you offered me on my recovery from illness, and
my gratification is increased at having it now in my power to
thank you personally for your kindness and sympathy."

Reference was made to the same subject, in a feeling speech, in which the Prince responded to the toast of his health, at a banquet given by the Mayor:--

"Allow me to thank you, Mr. Mayor, for the very kind and
touching manner in which you have proposed my health, and to
return you all my sincere thanks for the cordial manner in which
you have drunk it. I assure you it gives me more than ordinary
pleasure to be here to-day. This is the first occasion since my
return from abroad that I have met with an official reception,
and my pleasure is increased from the fact that I regard myself
as a Norfolk man. I have also to acknowledge the very high
honour conferred upon me last year in my having been appointed
Honorary Colonel of the Norfolk Militia Artillery, and to say
how glad I am to find on coming to inspect them that they have
their head-quarters at Yarmouth, for although my residence is
not very near you, still you will believe me when I assure you
that I entertain the same sentiments with regard to your borough
of Great Yarmouth as I do towards Lynn, and all the other towns
of Norfolk. I have also again to thank you for your sympathy
during my illness. It is difficult for me now to speak upon that
subject, but as it has pleased Almighty God to preserve me to my
country I hope I may not be ungrateful for the feeling which has
been shown towards me, and that I may do all that I can to be of
use to my countrymen. I will not detain you much longer, but
before sitting down it affords me great pleasure to propose to
you a toast which I am sure you will all drink most heartily,
and that is the health of the Mayor. I regard him as the
representative of the people of Yarmouth, and tender to him my
warmest thanks for the cordial and impressive welcome I have
received. I feel convinced that, although my stay among you will
unfortunately be short, it will be agreeable; and I trust that
the sun which shines so brilliantly at present will continue to
favour us during the next two days."

His Royal Highness was loudly cheered throughout his speech, especially upon his declaration that he was a Norfolk man, and still more so upon referring to his recovery.

The Mayor having responded, the Prince rose and proceeded to his carriage, and drove at a slow pace by a circuitous route through the town and along the Marine Parade to the Grammar School. Here he was received by the Head Master, and an Address was presented by Sir Edmund Lacon, Chairman of the Trustees of the School, to which the Prince replied:--

"I thank you sincerely for the expressions of your kind feeling
at my recovery. It is a source of the greatest satisfaction to
me to have an opportunity of assisting, in whatever form it may
be, in the great work of education. It is gratifying to see the
schools of Edward VI. revived and devoted to the purpose for
which they were founded, and those who are actively engaged in
the work deserve the hearty thanks of the people to whom they
extend the benefit which a practical religious education always
confers. Success tells its own tale, and the numbers of the boys
present in the school, together with those whom you expect to be
added to it, enable me to congratulate the people of Yarmouth on
your having revived an institution so calculated to promote
their best interests."

His Royal Highness then declared the school open, and, with the
permission of the authorities, prayed that the boys be granted
an extra week's holiday at Midsummer in remembrance of his
visit.

On the next day the Prince made the official inspection of the Artillery; afterwards dining with the officers of his regiment.

* * * * *

The Prince of Wales being Colonel of the Norfolk Artillery Militia, has occasion to visit Great Yarmouth more frequently than he might otherwise do. At the time of the inspection in 1887, advantage was taken of his presence for laying the foundation of the new hospital, the old one having been in use since 1838, and being too small, and unsuitable for the increased requirements of the borough. The foundation stone of the new edifice was laid with masonic ceremony on the 18th of May, 1887. The Prince was accompanied by Lord Charles Beresford, and a large muster of the brethren of the Craft assembled to meet the Grand Master. An imposing procession proceeded from the Town Hall to the site of the Hospital. The crowds in the streets were great, and the ceremony excited much interest in the town. To an address from the Corporation, the Prince replied in gracious terms; expressing his gratification at being able again to visit the ancient borough, and to assist in so good a work; adding, that though it was his sixth visit, he hoped it would not be the last, as he always looked forward with the greatest pleasure to coming to Great Yarmouth.

THE SCHOOL DRILL REVIEW.

_July 25th, 1872._

The Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington had seen many vicissitudes, and been turned to many uses, before it ceased to be the head-quarters of the science and art of gardening. But the ground was never turned to better use than when it was lent for the Annual Review of the thousands of boys belonging to the Training Ships and the Pauper Schools of the Metropolitan District Unions. Two of these annual reviews had been held, under the auspices of the Society of Arts, when in 1872, on the 25th of July, the Prince of Wales was asked, as President of that Society, to take the leading part in the proceedings of the day.

About 4000 boys in all mustered, each little regiment marching on the ground with its own band playing and banner flying. The Greenwich Royal Naval School, of 700 boys, were conspicuous in their nest sailor uniforms. The lads of the _Warspite_, _Goliath_, and _Chichester_ training ships also made a good appearance. The Greenwich boys, having the advantage of more thorough training and instruction, were excluded from the competition in the drill exercises for which other schools entered.

Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar watched each school at drill under its own inspector, and adjudged the prizes to be afterwards distributed by the Prince of Wales. A Serjeant-major of the Guards was in charge of the parade, and of the march past the saluting point. The arrangements of the day had been chiefly organized by Major Donelly, R.E., to whom great praise was due.

The boys had been at work for some hours, when at 4 P.M., the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived on the ground, accompanied by their two eldest boys in sailors' costume. The prizes were distributed in the Royal Albert Hall. The Princess went to the Royal box, but the Royal princes went with their father to the daïs, where they were welcomed with great clapping of hands, by the thousands of boys, and the thousand adult spectators of the scene. Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar had adjudged the first prize to the boys of the _Goliath_; the second to the boys of the Shoreditch School at Brentford; and the third to the Lambeth School at Lower Norwood.