the Exhibition, and delighted many youthful manufacturers by the very
numerous purchases of every description, from the girls' as well as the
boys' stalls, such as lace and crochet work to take to the Princess of
Wales. The heartiness with which the Prince entered into the spirit of
the occasion charmed all who were present.
On an earlier day of the same year, on the 1st of March, the Prince had
visited an Exhibition got up by the South London Working Classes. No
formal address or speech marked this visit, but the interest taken by
the Prince, and his liberal purchases, of which all the neighbourhood
soon heard and spoke, secured the success of the Exhibition. One
exhibitor wished the Prince to accept a toy cart, which had attracted
his notice, but the Prince good-humouredly declined such irregularity,
however kindly intended, and insisted on paying for this as for all the
purchases during the visit.
THE SAILORS' HOME, LONDON DOCKS.
_May 22nd, 1865._
The objects and the advantages of Sailors' Homes are now so universally
known, that few words are needed for introducing a brief report of the
visit of the Prince of Wales to the Home at the London Docks, on May
22nd, 1865. This institution has now for above fifty years afforded
protection, comfort, and instruction to all classes of the mercantile
marine service. With increase of the trade and shipping of London, new
accommodation was required; and in 1863 the foundation stone of a new
wing to the Sailors' Home was laid by Lord Palmerston.
It was to open this completed building that the Prince of Wales made his
visit to the east of London. The event was regarded as a great honour by
the crowded and busy population of that quarter, and a general holiday
was held on the occasion. Many distinguished persons, including some of
the Foreign Ministers, were present. Foreign seamen in the British
mercantile service are admitted to benefits of the Home. An address
having been read by Admiral Sir William Bowles, President of the
Institution, the Prince replied:--
"Sir William Bowles, your Excellencies, my Lords, and
Gentlemen,--It is very gratifying to me to comply with the
invitation I have received to take a part in this day's
proceedings and to preside at the opening of the new wing of
this institution. The beneficial results attending the
establishment of a Sailors' Home for our immense mercantile navy
are shown by the statements and figures which you have now
given, and which establish in the most satisfactory manner the
necessity of adding to the original building. The interest taken
by my lamented father in the religious welfare of this
institution, evinced by his laying the foundation stone of the
Seamen's Church adjoining, will not, I trust, be less in his
son, who is well aware of the sentiments of loyalty and devotion
to the Throne which distinguish the mercantile navy of Great
Britain."
ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.
_June 5th, 1865._
How much the Prince of Wales has, from early life, favoured dramatic
art, and encouraged its professors, is universally known. While enjoying
the drama for his own recreation, amidst more arduous labours, he has
been always ready to support any well-devised and well-directed scheme
for the benefit of the dramatic profession. It was with this feeling
that he accepted the invitation to inaugurate and formally open the
Royal Dramatic College at Woking.
There was a great gathering on the occasion, and the hall was well
filled, principally by ladies, before the proceedings commenced. Mr.
Webster, the Master of the College, having presented the Prince with a
massive gold key, symbolical of the ceremony, and having read an address
describing the objects of the Institution, His Royal Highness replied as
follows:--
"Gentlemen,--It is truly gratifying to my feelings to find
myself this day called on to take a part in the final completion
of a building the foundation of which was the work of my
lamented father, as it was also an object which he had much at
heart. My satisfaction is increased by finding his beneficent
plan carried out in a manner worthy of the cause and of the
profession for the benefit of which the Dramatic College has
been instituted, and that, as the inevitable hour approaches, he
who has so often administered to your amusement, blended with
instruction, will here find a retreat open for age and its
infirmities, in grateful recognition of a debt due by the world
at large. I am happy to learn that the funds are progressively
increasing towards conferring the inestimable boon of education
on the children of men who, whether by their performances or by
their writings, have themselves laboured so well in the cause of
literature, and so justly earned this provision for their
offspring. The inauguration of the building we are now in
completes the three purposes which you have enumerated as
forming the original design of this institution. After having
provided for the material wants and comforts of those who are
entitled to seek a shelter in this asylum, the last object is to
cheer their evening of life, and to embellish its closing scenes
with the books, memorials, and records of their art, that they
may again live in the past, and make their final exit in a
spirit of thankfulness to God and their fellow-creatures."
FISHMONGERS' HALL DINNER.
_June 11th, 1865._
On the 11th of June, 1865, a banquet was given to the Prince of Wales by
the Fishmongers' Company in their hall at London Bridge. Two years
before, in 1863, the name of the Prince was added to the roll of the
Company, so that on this occasion he appeared as a member as well as a
guest. Allusion was made to this by the Prime Warden, James Spicer,
who, as Chairman, proposed the health of the Prince and Princess of
Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family. Reference was also made to the
recent birth of another infant Prince, so that there was prospect of two
Royal members, who would in due time have the right of inscribing their
names on their freemen's roll. Some of the Prime Warden's words are
worth reproducing, as showing at how early an age the Prince had
exhibited the traits of character, and the line of action, by which he
has now so long been distinguished. The Prime Warden said that "he was
not using the language of flattery, but simply recording a fact with
which the people of these realms, from one end of the kingdom to the
other, were conversant, when he said that the esteem and the affection
with which His Royal Highness was regarded by Her Majesty's subjects
were owing no less to his amiable manners, his kindly disposition, and
the condescension which he invariably displayed in his intercourse with
all the classes of the community, than to the exalted position which he
occupied, and the relation in which he stood as heir apparent to the
British Throne. There was another circumstance which had endeared him to
the people of England, and that was that he had followed so closely in
the footsteps of his ever-to-be-lamented and illustrious father, by
lending his high sanction to the promotion of those industrial
exhibitions that tended so much to elevate and improve the tastes and
habits of the people."
The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging the toast, said:--
"Mr. Prime Warden, your Royal Highness, my Lords, Ladies, and
Gentlemen,--I thank you very much for the kind manner in which
my name and that of the Princess of Wales, and the other members
of the Royal family, have been proposed and received. I need
hardly tell you that it is a source of sincere gratification to
me to be present here this evening; not only as a guest, but as
a member--a freeman of this corporation. I have not forgotten
that soon after I came of age the first freedom of any of the
ancient guilds of this city with which I was presented was that
of the Fishmongers' Company in 1863. I am proud also to think
that I have been thus enrolled as a member of a company into
which so many of my relations have been admitted, whose
portraits adorn these walls. Although this is a joyous occasion,
I cannot forbear alluding to the loss of one whose name is
intimately connected with the city of London, Mr. Cubitt, who
was twice elected Lord Mayor of London, and who was your Prime
Warden three years ago when I took up my freedom in this
company. I need not recall to your memory how anxious he was to
promote every kind of charity, and I feel sure you will not
think it unbecoming in me or inopportune to mention his name on
this occasion. In conclusion, I beg again to thank you for the
kind manner in which you have alluded to a recent event, and the
cordial wishes you have expressed for the speedy recovery of the
Princess. I can assure you my heartfelt wish is that my two sons
may learn to emulate and follow the bright example of their
revered grandfather."
SPEECH DAY AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE.
_July 3rd, 1865._
On the 3rd of July 1865, the ceremony of distributing prizes at
Wellington College was performed by the Prince of Wales, in presence of
a distinguished company. The Governors of the College were in
attendance, the Bishop of Oxford, the Earl of Derby, Earl Stanhope, Lord
Eversley, Lord Chelmsford, Mr. Walter, M.P., and Mr. Cox. At the
luncheon, which followed the proceedings in the large hall of the
College, the head master, Mr. Benson (now Archbishop of Canterbury),
having proposed the toast of the Prince of Wales, thanking him for his
presence that day, and for the kind favour and interest with which he
had uniformly regarded the institution, the Prince replied:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I am deeply sensible of the manner in
which Mr. Benson has proposed my health, and in which it has
been received by the company assembled here to-day. I need
hardly assure you that it is a source of sincere gratification
to me to find myself once more within the walls of Wellington
College, taking part in the proceedings of 'Speech Day,' and
distributing prizes to the successful competitors. Allow me, Mr.
Benson, to congratulate you, and through you the whole college,
on the highly efficient state in which I find it. I feel
convinced that my young friends have not forgotten that it bears
the name of one of the greatest soldiers England ever knew. In
the success of this institution Mr. Benson has already
mentioned, and I need hardly remind you, that the Queen takes a
strong interest; a still greater interest was taken by my
father, to whose exertions the college really owes its origin. I
have now, my lords and gentlemen, a very pleasing task to
perform, and that is to make an announcement which I hope will
not be considered indiscreet on my part. At the last meeting of
the Governors of Wellington College, Lord Derby intimated that
it was his intention to devote the profits of his justly
celebrated translation of 'Homer' to the production of a prize
to be given annually as a reward to the foundationer who within
the year of his leaving the college should conduct himself to
the entire approbation of the Head Master--be considered, in
fact, the most industrious and well-conducted boy or young man
in the school. I feel certain that this announcement will be
received with great pleasure. It will show you the interest
which the noble lord takes in this institution, and will be a
stimulus to increased exertion on the part of those within its
walls. I thank you, Mr. Benson, for proposing, and you, my lords
and gentlemen, for drinking, my health so cordially; and I
assure you it affords me great gratification whenever I can do
anything to promote the welfare of Wellington College."
The report of the proceedings states that this speech was "delivered
with a heartiness which elicited corresponding enthusiasm in the
audience." The other speakers were Sir John Pakington, who said he had
the most gratifying proof of the efficiency of the College in the
progress made by his son as one of the pupils; and Lord Derby, who said
that no worthier and suitable memorial of "the Great Duke" could have
been erected in his honour than this institution, which was not merely a
military school, but a college for training young Englishmen for the
Universities, and for every department of public life, although all the
foundationers are sons of deceased officers. Lord Derby also referred to
the prize instituted by him, such rewards being usually given only to
ability and successful study, while his object was to hold forth a
stimulus to general study, and persevering good conduct. He would not
have referred to the gift which it was his happiness to make, had not
the matter been mentioned by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
The Prince was again at Wellington College on the 17th of June, 1867,
and he has ever since taken personal interest in the institution, as one
of its Governors.
INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS.
_May 9th, 1866._
The President and Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers had the
honour of entertaining the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, as he was
then styled, and a very distinguished company, at dinner, in Willis's
Rooms, on the 9th of May, 1866. Among the guests were the veteran Sir
John Burgoyne, the Dukes of Sutherland and Buccleuch, Earl Grey, Lord
Salisbury, Sir John Pakington, Sir Edwin Landseer, Professor (Sir
Richard) Owen, Baron Marochetti, the Presidents of the Royal Society and
of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and representatives of
various departments in the public service. The members and associates of
the Institution, numbering nearly two hundred, included all the civil
engineers most eminent at that time, or who have since risen to
distinction. Some of the names recall notable events and achievements in
our time, sometimes called "the age of the engineers." Rennie,
Armstrong, Bidder, Hawkshaw, Scott Russell, Hawksley, Cubitt, Penn,
Fairbairn, Brunlees, Brassey, Samuda, Bramwell, Bessemer, Maudsley,
Rawlinson, Vignoles, are on the list of those present on this memorable
occasion. Mr. Fowler, President of the Institution, presided at the
dinner, and in proposing the loyal toasts which are given at all such
meetings, said of the Prince of Wales, that, "notwithstanding the
numerous duties of his exalted station, His Royal Highness has always
taken the greatest interest in those works which occupy the thoughts and
lives of engineers, and therefore it is a source of peculiar
gratification to the profession that His Royal Highness has been pleased
to join the Institution of Civil Engineers, which had the honour to rank
as its most distinguished honorary member His Royal Highness the Prince
Consort."
The Prince of Wales in returning thanks, said:--
"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords and Gentlemen, I
have indeed every reason to feel deeply flattered and gratified
at the very kind manner in which you, Mr. President, have
proposed this toast, and for the way in which it has been
received by the company present. Under any circumstances, it
would have afforded me sincere pleasure to have been present
this evening--present at a meeting of so distinguished a body as
the Civil Engineers of Great Britain; but it is still more
agreeable to me to find myself here in the position of one of
your honorary members. I thank you for the manner in which you
have mentioned my name regarding me as one of yourselves. I feel
proud to think that my lamented father was also an honorary
member of this distinguished Institution. Mr. President and
Gentlemen, perhaps it is a difficult task for me to address so
eminently scientific a body, more especially to eulogize them;
but I cannot forbear adverting to the names of two most
distinguished members of it--I allude to Mr. Brunel and Mr.
Stephenson, whose names will never be obliterated from our
memory. The important services they have rendered to this
country can never be forgotten. Let us look round at the vast
works which have been completed, or which are in the course of
completion in this country. Though it may, perhaps, seem
unnecessary, I think it is right I should on this occasion ask
you to look for a moment at the vast extension of our docks all
over this country--at the great improvements in the electric
telegraph, and also in our steamships, and, in fact, in the
general steam navigation on our waters. Let us look at what has
been done at home--and when I say at home, I mean in this
Metropolis. No one can walk over Westminster-bridge without
being struck by those magnificent quays which are being built on
either side of the river, and are commonly called the Thames
Embankment. These constitute the most important works of the
day. I must also refer to the Metropolitan Underground Railway,
which is owing to the continued exertions of your distinguished
President, and which, although not entirely completed, has been
in use for nearly three years, and has, I believe, to a
considerable extent diminished the traffic in our streets. Let
us look also at our colonies, and see the many important works
which our engineers have contrived there. I would allude more
especially to one--the celebrated bridge built over the St.
Lawrence, called the Victoria-bridge, which is close to
Montreal, and which was constructed by one of your most renowned
engineers, Mr. Stephenson. I had the honour of inaugurating that
bridge in the name of Her Majesty the Queen. I have to be
thankful to you all in many ways; but I have to be particularly
thankful to Mr. Stephenson for having built such a bridge,
because, perhaps, I should never have had an opportunity of
visiting our North American colonies and a portion of the United
States if I had not received an invitation to inaugurate that
great work. Let me thank you once more, Mr. President, for the
honour done me, and for the kind way in which the name of the
Princess of Wales has been received. And let me assure you that
it affords me the deepest gratification to have the honour of
being present this evening as one of your members."
The Chairman then gave the toast of "the Army, Navy, and Volunteers,"
coupling with it the names of Prince Alfred, Sir John Burgoyne, and
Colonel Erskine. The speech of Prince Alfred, in reply, is worth
recalling, as one of the earliest occasions on which he represented the
profession in which he now holds so high a position:--
"Mr. President, your Royal Highness, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I need
scarcely tell you with what pleasure I rise to respond to this toast,
nor how proud I feel to hear my name associated with the Royal navy.
Within the last few years the navy has become more connected with the
civil engineers than ever it was before. Many improvements we owe--in
fact, I may say all the later improvements we owe--to the civil
engineers. There is only one thing they have not succeeded in doing, and
that is making us look more beautiful than we did before. Indeed, I am
afraid they have rather caused us to deteriorate in appearance. I need
not add that I take, and shall continue to take, the greatest interest
in this body; the more so from the fact of my father having been an
honorary member of the institution, and from my brother having now for
the first time taken his place in the same character."
THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.
_June 11th, 1866._
The foundation-stone of the stately edifice in Queen Victoria Street,
the head-quarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society, was laid by
the Prince of Wales, on the 11th of June, 1866. On the ground near St.
Andrew's Hill, Doctors' Commons, a spacious awning stretched over an
area with ranges of seats for above 2000 persons. On the platform were
many good and eminent men, most of whom--Lord Shaftesbury, Lord
Teignmouth, the Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Winchester and
Carlisle, the Dean of Westminster, Dr. Binney--are with us no more.
The proceedings commenced with prayer, praise, and reading some portions
of Scripture appropriate to the occasion. An address was then read by
the Rev. S. B. Bergne, one of the Secretaries, giving a summary of the
history of the Society, and stating its objects and operations.
The Earl of Shaftesbury then formally requested His Royal Highness "to
undertake the solemn duty of laying the foundation stone of an edifice
which shall be raised for the glory of God, and for the promotion of the
best interests of the human race." The Prince duly and formally laid the
stone, and then replied to the address that had been read:--
"My Lord Archbishop, my Lords and Gentlemen,--I have to thank
you for the very interesting address in which you so ably set
forth the objects of this noble Institution.
"It is now sixty-three years ago since Mr. Wilberforce, the
father of the eminent prelate who now occupies so prominent a
place in the Church of England, met, with a few friends, by
candlelight, in a small room in a dingy counting-house, and
resolved upon the establishment of the Bible Society.
"Contrast with this obscure beginning the scene of this day,
which, not only in England and in our colonies, but in the
United States of America, and in every nation in Europe, will
awaken the keenest interest.
"Such a reward of perseverance is always a gratifying spectacle;
much more so when the work which it commemorates is one in which
all Christians can take part, and when the object is that of
enabling every man in his own tongue to read the wonderful works
of God.
"I have an hereditary claim to be here upon this occasion. My
grandfather, the Duke of Kent, as you have reminded me, warmly
advocated the claims of this Society; and it is gratifying to me
to reflect that the two modern versions of the Scriptures most
widely circulated--the German and English--were both, in their
origin, connected with my family. The translation of Martin
Luther was executed under the protection of the Elector of
Saxony, the collateral ancestor of my lamented father; whilst
that of William Tyndale, the foundation of the present
authorized English version, was introduced with the sanction of
the Royal predecessor of my mother the Queen, who first desired
that the Bible 'should have free course through all Christendom,
but especially in his own realm.'
"It is my hope and trust, that, under the Divine guidance, the
wider diffusion and the deeper study of the Scriptures will, in
this as in every age, be at once the surest guarantee of the
progress and liberty of mankind, and the means of multiplying in
the purest form the consolations of our holy religion."
The Archbishop of York then invoked the Divine Blessing on the work. The
Bishop of Winchester, as one of the oldest living members of the
Society, expressed the grateful acknowledgments of the Committee to the
Prince, for his presence among them, and for the act performed at their
request. Two verses of the National Anthem having been sung, and the
benediction pronounced, the meeting dispersed.
The Lord Mayor, with true civic hospitality, invited the Prince of
Wales, the officers of the Society, and all who had taken any part in
the ceremony to luncheon at the Mansion House. On the health of the
Prince and the Princess of Wales being proposed, the Prince acknowledged
the compliment in the following words:--