large assemblage. On the arrival of their Royal Highnesses the pupils
sang the old Hundredth Psalm, the National Anthem having been previously
played by military bands as the procession moved towards a daïs, beneath
a marquee on the lawn. An Address was read, concluding with the
expression of a hope that the Prince and Princess would allow their
names to be enrolled as Vice-Patron and Vice-Patroness of the Asylum, of
which the Queen is Patron. The Prince made the following reply:--
"It has given the Princess and myself great pleasure to be present at
the opening of your most excellent Asylum, and to have been invited to
take part in so good a work. The benevolent purposes of this
widely-extended institution speak for themselves. It is one in which the
Queen and my lamented father, the promoter of every scheme for the
relief of the miserable, evinced a warm interest, and the details which
you have given of its formation and progress furnish another appeal for
aid from those whose highest enjoyment it is to give a home and
education to the fatherless and destitute. It is a privilege, I assure
you, that the Princess and myself value greatly to have our names
associated with the British orphan Asylum."
The Prince then formally declared the building to be for ever dedicated
to the purposes of the British orphan Asylum, and also announced the
munificent gift of £12,000 from Mr. Edward Mackenzie to the building
fund. The Bishop of Bath and Wells offered prayer; a choral was sung,
and many purses were presented in the offertory. Trees were also planted
in commemoration of the day.
Eleven years later, the Prince presided at the anniversary festival of
the Asylum. He then said that he felt a special interest in the
institution, which he had visited along with the Princess of Wales so
many years before. In his speech at that festival he spoke more fully of
the objects and merits of the Asylum, as will be seen in the report
under the date of the festival in May 1874.
AT MERCERS' HALL.
_July 8th, 1863._
After the visit to Guildhall, the common hall of all the City Guilds or
Companies, the civic event of most importance was when, on the 8th of
July, 1863, the Prince went to the City to take up his freedom in the
Mercers' Company, and to enroll his name on their records.
It was a fitting thing thus early to show his attachment to ancient
Guilds and Corporate Constitutions. The Mercers' Company is the first in
rank, and the most ancient of all the great City Guilds, and its roll of
members is one of the most illustrious. Its existence as a Metropolitan
Guild can be traced as far back as the year 1172, and the Company
received its incorporation in 1392 from Richard II., who conferred upon
it the honour of becoming one of its brethren. Besides the Royal names
of King Henry VIII. and Queen Elizabeth, the Company can boast those of
Sir Richard Whittington, William Caxton the Printer, Sir Thomas Gresham,
and Dean Colet, the founder of St. Paul's School. The address to the
Prince was read by the Master Warden, the Rev. Markland Barnard, who had
the distinction of representing the fourteenth generation of his family,
who had been freemen or wardens of the Company ever since the third year
of Henry IV.
To this address the Prince listened with marked attention, and then
replied, in a clear and pleasing tone, which those who heard it said he
inherited from his Royal mother:--
"Master and Court of Assistants,--I am glad to avail myself of
the last opportunity which my stay in London affords me of
attending here this day to receive the freedom of your ancient
and honourable company. The oldest of the city companies, the
Mercers', is hardly exceeded by any in the amount of its
charities, or in its capabilities of doing good. How these
powers have been exercised, the list of the foundations of the
company and of the distinguished persons whom you have
enumerated as benefactors and freemen tells us. Among the
latter, the great Sovereign, who was herself a sister of the
company, stands conspicuous; and commerce and science appear
equally to have lent their representatives to ennoble the
Mercers' Company. To be associated with such names in the
freedom and history of your company is an honour and privilege I
am proud to have conferred upon me. I thank you sincerely for
the terms in which you have mentioned the names of my beloved
mother and the Princess, and for the happiness you desire for us
both."
The Prince then subscribed the Oath of the Company, with its quaint old
phraseology, affixing his usual signature, ALBERT EDWARD, P.
The Clerk then presented His Royal Highness with the formal document
which enrolled him as a Freeman, enclosed in a massive gold casket of
exquisite design and workmanship. The numerous visitors who had
witnessed the ceremony afterwards had a _déjeuner_ in the Banqueting
Hall, the Prince with a small number of select guests being at the same
time entertained in the Council Room.
THE ROYAL LITERARY FUND.
_May 18th, 1864._
In the last annual Report of the Royal Literary Fund, for 1888, it is
said: "The anniversary of 1864 was memorable as the first public dinner
presided over by the Prince of Wales, to whose presence in the chair the
Institution is indebted for a success altogether unprecedented in the
history of its anniversaries."
The annual Report for 1864 contains a detailed account of the
proceedings at that meeting, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the
Institution. It was natural that a large number of eminent men should
assemble to support the youthful Chairman, whose illustrious father had
presided at the fifty-third anniversary, in 1842. In the long list of
Stewards, in 1864, appear the names of almost all those most
distinguished at that time, not only in Literature, but in Art and
Science, and in every department of the public service. Upwards of four
hundred attended, and the special donations to the fund at the dinner
amounted to £2328 17_s._, a sum then far in advance of any profit of
former anniversaries. This amount has only once since been exceeded,
when the King of the Belgians presided, in 1872.
In commemoration of Prince Albert's presidency, Her Majesty was
graciously pleased to grant to this Institution the privilege of bearing
the Crown as an addition to its Armorial bearings, and the style of the
Institution was thenceforth that of "The Royal Literary Fund." Her
Majesty confers upon it the sanction of her name as its Patron, and has
shown her interest by an annual benefaction of One Hundred Guineas, ever
since the year of her Accession.
By the donations and subscriptions of members of the Corporation, with
the addition of legacies, and the profits obtained at the anniversary
festivals, the Royal Literary Fund has been enabled, since its
foundation in the latter part of the eighteenth century, to dispense
upwards of £105,000 to needy persons of the literary class.
The importance and the benefits of the Institution will more clearly
appear from a brief statement of the proceedings at the Festival over
which H.R.H. the Prince of Wales presided. The dinner was served in St.
James's Hall on Wednesday, May 18th. Grace was said by the Lord Primate
of Ireland. After the removal of the cloth, and the singing of the "Deum
Laudate," the Prince rose to propose the first toast:--
"The first toast I have the honour to propose is 'The health of
Her Majesty the Queen, our munificent Patron;' a toast which I
feel sure will be drunk with the enthusiasm which it elicits on
all public occasions. Although the Queen is now compelled, to a
certain extent, to withdraw from public life, still her interest
in every institution of this country, and particularly in
charitable institutions, remains undiminished. Gentlemen, I give
you 'The Queen.'"
The next toast was proposed by the Marquis of Salisbury, "The health of
Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal
Family." The toast was drunk with all the honours and responded to by
His Royal Highness the Chairman. "The Church" having been proposed by
the Rt. Hon. Edward Cardwell, and responded to by the Archbishop of
Armagh, H.R.H. the Chairman proposed the toast of "The Army, Navy, and
Volunteers," saying:--
"This is a toast which it gives me especial pleasure to propose
from the circumstance of my having served for a time with both
infantry and cavalry. Short as my service was, it has been long
enough to impress me with the conviction of the efficiency of
all ranks composing the British army. I have also had an
opportunity during my voyage to America in 1860, and on many
other occasions, of witnessing the able manner in which the
duties of the navy are performed. The volunteers demand our
warmest thanks and approbation for the zeal with which they came
forward when they thought their services were required, a zeal
which they still evince on every occasion afforded to them. I
beg to couple with 'the Army and Volunteers,' the name of my
illustrious relative the Duke of Cambridge, who so ably fills
the arduous post of Commander-in-Chief entrusted to him by the
Queen, and to whose practical and liberal administration the
army owes its present high state of efficiency. With 'the Navy,'
I will couple the name of Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, who
has only lately returned from the successful discharge of the
difficult duties attaching to the command of the North American
Station. Gentlemen, let us drink to the 'Army, Navy, and
Volunteers.'"
The Duke of Cambridge and Admiral Sir Alexander Milne having responded,
His Royal Highness the Chairman then gave the toast of "The Royal
Literary Fund," saying:--
"Your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen, I have now the
honour to propose the most important toast of the evening, it is
'Prosperity to the Royal Literary Fund.' Although the most
important, it is nevertheless the toast upon which, perhaps, I
can say least, certainly I can give you no new information, as
every one here present knows better than I do the character of
this institution. Still it is right that I should offer a few
remarks on the working of this Society. You are all aware,
gentlemen, of the immense advantages which have been derived
from it in support of literature and science. One of its
principal features is that it is not limited to our own
countrymen, but is often extended to literary men of all
nations; so that we may feel proud to think that by our timely
assistance, we not only advance the literature of our own
country, but that of other nations. In this way, many eminent
men who would otherwise be incapacitated from carrying on their
labours, and from making their talents known to the world, are
enabled to do so. The second important feature is the secrecy
with which this timely aid is given,--a secrecy so sacredly
observed that in the whole number of cases, which amount to
1,645 since the foundation of this Corporation in the year 1790,
there is not a single case of any indiscretion having been
committed; and if cases have been brought to light at all, it
has only been through the acknowledgment of the literary men
thus assisted, who have been anxious to express their gratitude.
I ought here to mention the name of an eminent man of letters,
whose loss must be deeply deplored in all literary circles. I
allude to Mr. Thackeray. I allude to him, not so much on account
of his works, for they are standard works, but because he was
an active member of your committee, and always ready to open
his purse for the relief of literary men struggling with
difficulties.
"Gentlemen, some of those here present do not perhaps know that
in France, since 1857, an Institution similar to ours, and
founded by M. Thenard, has been in existence for the benefit of
scientific men only, and that a few days ago M. Champfleury, a
distinguished writer, proposed to form a Literary Society
adopting some of our principles. It is to be hoped that some day
these two societies may form sister Literary Funds; and if
administered on our model, I think we may augur for the new
institution a large measure of success. We shall at all times be
most happy to enter into communication with it, and show it the
result of our long experience and of the unwearied zeal and
exertion of the Officers of this Corporation.
"I will not detain you much longer, gentlemen, but I cannot sit
down without bringing back to your recollection the deep
interest which my dear and lamented father took in everything
connected with literature and science, and particularly in the
labours of this Society. Nobody has forgotten that the second
time he spoke in public in this country, was as chairman of the
Literary Fund dinner. And we all, I am convinced, deeply regret
that the speeches made on that occasion were not reported at
full length, as every word falling from those lips could not
fail to command universal admiration. Gentlemen, let us drink
'Prosperity to the Royal Literary Fund.'"
The list of subscriptions and donations having been read, including a
donation of £110 from the Prince of Wales, Earl Stanhope, as President
of the Institution, responded. Speeches being delivered by Earl Russell,
Mr. Anthony Trollope, Lord Houghton, and H. E. M. Van de Weyer, Earl
Stanhope proposed the health of the Chairman, which was received with
much enthusiasm, and the Prince thus replied:--
"Your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen, I thank you most
sincerely for the kind and cordial manner in which you have
drunk my health, and I feel proud to have occupied the chair for
the first time, on so interesting and important an occasion. I
must now take the opportunity to congratulate this Corporation
on the great advantage which it enjoys, in the services of the
distinguished nobleman who now fills the high office of your
President, and who has contributed so much to historical
literature. I can give him no higher praise, than by saying that
he is a worthy successor of a nobleman who was for more than
twenty years your president; who throughout a long political
career never made an enemy, and who always found time to assist
in the advancement of literature and art. I allude to the late
Marquess of Lansdowne. Gentlemen, allow me to propose one more
toast. In the presence of a Society, accustomed to cultivate
with such signal success the flowers of literature, it would be
unpardonable to forget the flowers of society. I propose the
health of 'The Ladies,' who, by their numerous attendance here
this evening, evince the interest they take in the Literary
Fund."
The toast was received with the usual honours. It should have been
mentioned that nearly 400 ladies were present, but in the galleries, not
at the tables as guests, as is the better custom at some anniversaries.
IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865.
_May 9th, 1865._
The city of Dublin has seldom presented a scene of more general joy than
when the Prince of Wales opened the International Exhibition, on the 9th
of May, 1865. The weather was superb, the loyal demonstrations in the
streets were enthusiastic, and the great Hall where the opening ceremony
took place, decorated with the flag of all nations, was densely crowded
with the most distinguished assembly that Ireland could bring to welcome
the heir of the throne, and the representative of the Queen. There were
no disloyal feelings nor discordant sounds in the Palace that day. The
Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Rosse, and the highest and most
distinguished of the nobles of Ireland were there. The Lord Mayor and
Corporation of the City appeared in their civic robes. The Mayors of
Cork and Waterford and Londonderry walked together; and the Lord Mayors
of London and York, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, with many
official personages, joined in the procession. When His Royal Highness
took his place in the chair of State, the orchestra, 1000 strong,
performed the National Anthem, and 10,000 voices sent up their loyal
cheers at its conclusion.
The Duke of Leinster read the address of the Committee, to which the
Prince replied:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you for your address. It is a
source of sincere pleasure to me to discharge the duties
confided to me by Her Majesty the Queen in thus inaugurating
your Exhibition. It is not less in accordance with my own
feelings than with those of Her Majesty to assist in every
measure calculated for the happiness and welfare of the Irish
people. The example of my lamented and beloved parent will, I
trust, ever be present to my mind as a stimulus in the
encouragement of every work tending to advance international
prosperity, and to develope the powers and resources of our own
country. The cultivation of the fine arts, in itself so powerful
an auxiliary in the civilization and refinement of the human
race, has been an important object in these Exhibitions, and
seems already to have produced most satisfactory results.
Believe me very sensible of your kind wishes on behalf of the
Princess of Wales. Her regret at being unable to accompany me
equals my own, and you may rely upon her anxiety to come among
you, assured of the welcome she will receive."
Then from the grand organ and choir rose the ever impressive music of
the Hundredth Psalm, the most Catholic of all strains of praise and
thanksgiving. At its close there was another address, giving an account
of the origin and history of the Exhibition. A copy of the Catalogue,
and the key of the building, having been presented to the Prince, the
organ and orchestra pealed forth Handel's Coronation Anthem. Then came
another address, presented by the Lord Mayor and the Corporation of
Dublin, in their civic robes. This was read and handed to His Royal
Highness, who thus replied:--
"My Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the City of
Dublin,--I return you my hearty thanks for the kind welcome you
have given me, and for your loyal expressions towards Her
Majesty the Queen. I regret that circumstances should prevent
the extension of my visit to a longer period. It would have been
very gratifying to the Princess had she been able to accompany
me, and I request that you be assured that we look forward to
another occasion when she will have the opportunity of
appreciating the hearty welcome which my own experience leads me
to anticipate for her. You justly ascribe to me a peculiar
interest in this day's ceremony. As the son of that revered and
lamented parent to whose wisdom, energy, and influence you truly
state exhibitions such as these owe their origin, I may well
feel proud in being able to assist in the inauguration of the
one we are about to open. May your prayers be granted that it
will be the means of producing the usual result attending
well-directed labour, and conduce to the prosperity of Ireland
and to the happiness of her people."
Then followed more music, from Haydn's Creation, and the State
procession moved from the centre of the nave, and made a tour of the
Exhibition. The Committee had arranged that music should form a notable
feature of the ceremonies, for when the Prince returned to the daïs, the
orchestra gave with grand effect Mendelssohn's 'Hymn of Praise.' At its
conclusion the Prince rose and commanded Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster
King-at-Arms, to declare the Exhibition open. This was done amidst a
flourish of trumpets, and on a rocket being sent up as a signal, salvos
of artillery were fired from the forts and batteries, and from the ships
of war off Kingstown.
Such was the opening ceremony. In the evening the Lord Mayor gave a ball
at the Mansion House. The city was brilliantly illuminated. Next day
there was a review in the Phoenix Park, the number of spectators on
the ground being greater than on any occasion since the visit of the
Queen in 1849. The Prince of Wales, who wore the uniform of the 10th
Hussars, of which regiment he is Colonel, was received with the utmost
enthusiasm.
This was the first State visit of the Prince of Wales to Ireland. His
second visit, along with the Princess of Wales, was a time of even
greater brilliancy, and evoked equal enthusiasm of loyalty. If later
visits were marked with less unanimity of rejoicing, the causes of the
apparent disloyalty are well understood, and the disaffection is known
to be partial and temporary. Nothing has ever occurred to lessen the
personal popularity of the Prince of Wales, nor to give reasonable cause
for the reception of any of the Royal Family being less cordial and
enthusiastic than that of the Prince in 1865. The Exhibition of that
year was held under the patronage of the Queen, who wished every success
to the "patriotic undertaking," as she called it. They can be no true
patriots who seek to lessen the Queen's interest in the welfare of
Ireland.
INTERNATIONAL REFORMATORY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE AGRICULTURAL HALL,
ISLINGTON.
_May 19th, 1865._
After the great national and international Exhibitions, in which were
seen the most advanced displays of art, fostered by wealth, skill, and
training, it is pleasant to look back upon other exhibitions, of a
humbler but not less useful kind, which were encouraged and patronized
by the Prince of Wales. One of the most memorable of these, the pattern
and parent of many local exhibitions of similar kind, was the
Reformatory Exhibition held in the Agricultural Hall, Islington, in
1865. It was to exhibit the productions of various schools connected
with the Reformatory and Refuge Union. The articles were the veritable
manufacture of poor boys and girls of the lowest classes, many of them
utterly destitute and hopeless as to any usefulness in life, until
rescued and taught various industries, by the efforts of Christian and
philanthropic men.
The good and venerated Lord Shaftesbury was the President of the Union,
of which the Prince of Wales had gladly allowed himself to be named
Patron. In an address read by Lord Shaftesbury, it was stated that the
objects exhibited were contributed by workers in above two hundred
separate institutions in London and other great towns. An invitation had
been sent out for contributions from foreign schools of the same class,
and this was responded to by articles being sent from almost every part
of Europe, and some from Africa and America. Hence the title of
international could be fairly given to the show. The representatives of
several foreign governments were present on the occasion. The opening of
the meeting by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the sacred choral music
performed by about one thousand children from the Reformatory and Refuge
Schools, showed that moral and religious training was associated with
the industrial work of the Union.
To the address of Lord Shaftesbury, the Prince replied as follows:--
"Your Grace, your Excellencies, my Lords, Ladies and
Gentlemen,--I have gladly taken a part in the proceedings of
this day, and complied with your request that I should attend,
as patron of this society, with the greatest satisfaction. The
benevolent purpose of this Exhibition cannot fail to be followed
by deserved success, and claims the co-operation of every one
who has the interests of the industrious poor at heart, and who
desires to forward the object which the Reformatory and Refuge
Union has in view--namely, industrial and moral training. The
Committee do me justice in believing that I cordially sympathize
in the welcome this society offers to those representatives of
foreign countries who have responded to the invitation they have
received by their presence and contributions. In doing so they
have borne testimony, in common with ourselves, to the value of
these international exhibitions in promoting the growth of those
Christian and kind feelings towards each other which we ought to
pray should animate the whole of the nations of the world."
This reply, read in a clear, sonorous voice, was heard in every part of
the building, and at its conclusion the cheers were loud and prolonged.
Prayers were then offered up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, after
which, and the singing of a hymn composed by the late Prince Consort,
His Royal Highness declared the Exhibition opened.