the Princess of Wales, laid the foundation stone of the new building, on
the 8th of October, 1868. A vast concourse of people witnessed the
ceremony. An address was presented by the Lord Provost and Corporation,
the Prince having previously received the freedom of the city.
Another address was then presented by the Principal and Senate of the
University, in replying to which the Prince said:--
"It affords me the highest satisfaction to become a member and
graduate of your University, and at the same time to visit a
city the close connection of which with you has been so
beneficial to both, as well as to the interests of learning and
knowledge. The presence of so many of all classes of the
citizens of Glasgow around me, and their liberal subscriptions
for the prosecution of the work, the value they attach to its
completion, and their sense of the advantages they and the
people of Scotland derive from our institutions, the interest
which my lamented father took in the advancement of every branch
of science and education, would stimulate me to follow his
example, and promote by every means in my power the success of
your University and the objects for which it has been founded.
We may confidently expect that the eminent men educated here in
times past are only the precursors of a long train equally to be
distinguished by every scientific acquirement. The Princess of
Wales rejoices in the opportunity afforded her of taking part in
this day's ceremony and cordially thanks you for your kind
wishes."
FOREIGN TOUR, 1868-1869.
_November 17th, 1868-May 13th, 1869._
There is a long break in the record of proceedings or speeches on
account of the Foreign Tour on which the Prince started in November
1868, returning in May 1869. Of this time of travel it is not necessary
to say much here, as the chief events and incidents are before the
public in various works. Full reports appeared in the _Times_, and other
journals, during the movements of the Royal party on the Continent, in
Egypt, and Palestine. Reference is made to this interesting and
memorable tour in several of the speeches made by the Prince after his
return; and at a later time, as when he spoke at the meeting about the
neglect of the Crimean graves, and at that for the memorial to Dean
Stanley.
Only one incident of the tour, and the one of greatest historical
interest, may be mentioned, the visit to the Cave of Machpelah and the
Sepulchres of the Patriarchs. In this event, not only the personal
interest, but the national importance of the Prince's Eastern Tour, may
be said to culminate. Never before had Christian pilgrims, since the
days of the Mohammedan conquest, or of the Crusades, been allowed to see
so much of the holy tombs of the Patriarchs. The sanctity with which the
Mussulmans have invested the place is a living witness of the unbroken
veneration with which men of Jewish, Christian, and Mohammedan creeds
have honoured the memory of Abraham, the father of all the faithful.
Hebron is known among the native population by no other name than
El-Khalil, the Friend of God.
It was the high position of the Prince of Wales, as son of Queen
Victoria, that obtained for him the rare privilege of access to this
sacred spot. Nor was it obtained for him without some difficulty. Mr.
Finn, the English Consul at Jerusalem, prepared the way by requesting an
order from the Porte; and the reply of the Grand Vizier left the matter
very much to the discretion of the Governor, the Pasha of Jerusalem. He
gave his consent on the condition that only a small number should
accompany the Prince; and precautions were taken that the experiment
should be made with as little risk as possible. The approach to Hebron
was lined with troops, and guards were posted on the house-tops, in case
of any outbreak of fanatical opposition to entering the holy places. A
guard attended the Prince up to the entrance of the sacred enclosure.
Even then two of the Arab Sheiks were inclined to give annoyance, but
these the Governor of Hebron ordered out, or rather escorted them out
himself, and the remainder were very courteous and complimentary to the
Prince, saying that they were glad to have the opportunity of showing
any civility in their power to one of the Princes of England, to whom
their Government and people were so much indebted for kind offices.
Dr. Rosen, well known to travellers in Palestine for his knowledge of
sacred geography, was fortunately one of the party admitted, and he was
able to make a ground plan of the platform. This, with the observations
recorded by another of the Prince's party, has given clearer knowledge
of this world-renowned spot. The existence and exact situation of the
cave, the views of the enclosure within and without, the relation of the
different tombs to each other, and the general conformity of the
traditions of the mosque to the accounts of the Bible, and of the early
travellers, were now, for the first time, clearly ascertained.
The Prince's visit was on the 7th of April, 1869. The story of the visit
spread throughout the lands of Islam; and therefore this one incident of
the Prince's Eastern Tour is here referred to as showing its national
importance, and that the prestige of England is still great in these
lands. But we must resume the record of speeches in England, where it so
happens that the first of consequence was made at a meeting of the Royal
Geographical Society.
THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY.
_May 24th, 1869._
Of all the "learned societies" in London, the Royal Geographical is the
most popular. Perhaps it is because there is less "book learning"
required for its membership, than that love of travel, enterprise, and
adventure, which characterizes all true Englishmen. Professor Owen once
said that in the new Hall of the Geographical Society a statue of
'Robinson Crusoe' should be the central figure. It was a wise and
suggestive, though humorous proposal, for few geographers have not
received early impressions from Defoe's immortal book. The whole globe
is embraced in the objects of the Society, whether in the Old World or
the New, whether the explorations are in the frozen regions of the Pole,
or in the deserts and forests of tropical Africa.
The anniversary meeting of the Society was held on the 24th of May,
1869, in the Royal Institution, under the Presidency of Sir Roderick
Murchison, to whose energy and enthusiasm geographical discoveries, and
the prosperity of the Society, have been so largely due.
When the health of the Prince of Wales, as their Royal vice-patron was
given, the President referred to the appointment of Sir Samuel Baker,
the Society's medallist of the year, to the government of Equatorial
Africa. The good-will and patronage of the Viceroy in this instance was
essentially obtained through the personal influence of the Prince of
Wales. Among the guests at their table was the young Egyptian Prince
Hassan.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales said:--
"Sir Roderick Murchison, your Highness, my Lords, and
Gentlemen,--Under any ordinary circumstances it would have given
me great pleasure to be present at this interesting meeting--the
anniversary dinner of the Royal Geographical Society; but I feel
doubly proud to be here this evening as a vice-patron of so
useful and celebrated an institution. Sir Roderick Murchison has
had the kindness to allude to me as a traveller; I can only say
that I feel ashamed almost to stand here with the name of a
traveller, when I see around me so many distinguished persons
who have travelled, I may almost say from one end of the world
to the other. But I cannot be too grateful that my lamented
father at an early period gave me an opportunity of travelling
and seeing foreign countries; and the same permission being
granted to my brother, I feel certain that we have both derived
great benefit from seeing those interesting countries which it
has been our happiness to visit. No doubt much knowledge and
learning may be obtained by reading books of foreign travel, but
I feel convinced that all those gentlemen who are members of
this society will coincide with me when I say that you cannot
form so full or favourable an idea of the countries described by
reading of them in books as you can by visiting them yourselves.
"I am greatly flattered and deeply sensible of the kind manner
in which Sir Roderick Murchison has mentioned me in connexion
with the name of one whose presence we must all very much miss
this evening--I mean my late travelling companion, Sir Samuel
Baker. I cannot but regret that he was forced to leave this
country rather suddenly in order to make arrangements for his
great and important undertaking, and could not, indeed, take
farewell of all his friends. Sir Roderick has stated that I was
in some way instrumental in helping Sir Samuel Baker to carry
out the enterprise in which he is engaged. His Highness the
Viceroy of Egypt, I know, has deeply at heart the great
importance of that noble enterprise--to put down slavery on the
White Nile, and I need hardly tell you that anything I could do
in the matter was done with the utmost pleasure and
satisfaction. Such an enterprise must meet the approval not only
of every Englishman, but of every philanthropist. There are
great difficulties connected with it. These difficulties must be
great to any one, and they must still be more trying to a
European; but I know Sir Samuel Baker to be a man of energy and
perseverance, and whatever the difficulties he may have to
encounter he is certain, if it lies in his power, to attain the
end of his mission."
We may here say that when Sir Samuel Baker gave a detailed account of
his experiences, in the Hall of the London University, the Prince moved
the vote of thanks, in a speech equally eulogistic.
The Prince again rose after the toast of "The Army and Navy, and
Auxiliary Forces," had been given. He apologised for responding for the
Army, in presence of so many distinguished officers: but he spoke by
command of the President, and a soldier's first duty is obedience.
Admiral Sir George Back, the veteran Arctic explorer, and a leading
officer in the Society, returned thanks for "The Navy."
The President next proposed the health of Professor Nordenskiold, of
Stockholm, and of Mrs. Mary Somerville. The former received "the
Founder's" Medal, for his Arctic discoveries; and to Mrs. Somerville,
then in her eighty-ninth year, had been awarded the Patron or Victoria
Medal, for her scientific and astronomical researches, and her works on
physical geography.
Sir Roderick then proposed the health of Professor Owen, and the Duke of
Sutherland, and Dr. Russell, who had been companions of the Prince in
his Egyptian journey. Dr. Russell had, through the _Times_, been the
reporter and historian of the expedition. The speech of Professor Owen
was in happiest vein. Indeed, the whole of the speeches of the meeting,
including those of Sir Francis Grant, the Duke of Sutherland, Dr.
Russell, and Sir Henry Rawlinson, who proposed the health of the
President, made this a memorable anniversary of the Society.
EARLSWOOD ASYLUM.
_June 28th, 1869._
All travellers on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, have
admired the palatial and splendidly situated building near Red Hill,
Surrey, known as the Earlswood Asylum. It is an institution for the care
and education of the idiot and imbecile. Everything that can be done by
kindness and skill to ameliorate the lot of these classes, is here in
exercise. By far the larger number show some capability of improvement,
and not a few have learned some trade or industry, sufficient for their
own support. There are now nearly 600 inmates, from all parts of the
kingdom. At each half yearly election, there are about 150 applicants of
whom the Board usually can elect 30 to 35. The receipts of last year
were nearly £25,000, and the charity has £20,000 invested funds.
The first stone of the Asylum was laid by the Prince Consort in 1853,
and the building was opened by him in 1855. To lay the first stone of
additional buildings, on part of the 80 acres belonging to the Asylum,
the presence of the Prince of Wales was asked, and was very cordially
given. Accompanied by the Princess of Wales, he went to Earlswood for
this purpose on the 28th of June, 1869. The Mayor and the magistrates of
Reigate came to the Earlswood railway station with an address of
welcome, to which the Prince made reply.
Sir Charles Reed, son of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Reed, founder of the
Institution (as he was of other important charities), conducted the
Royal visitors to the gate of the Asylum, to which they had driven from
the station. From the Board Room a procession was formed, to the place
of laying the stone. Here another address was read, in reply to which
the Prince said:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you for the kind expressions
contained in your address. I cannot but rejoice that my presence
should be considered an encouragement, and conducive to the
prosperity of an institution that lays claim to our warmest
support. Apart from all other considerations, the fact of my
lamented father having taken so active a part in the early
formation of the society would, in itself, be sufficient to
enlist my sympathy and interest in its welfare. The necessity
for affording more extended accommodation, in consequence of the
increased number of applicants, is the best proof of the success
which has followed your first efforts. We must all appreciate
the comprehensive principle which regulates, without regard to
social or religious distinction, the admission of all classes of
our fellow-creatures suffering under an affliction which reduces
them to one common level. Finally, I have to assure you,
gentlemen, how sincerely I feel your expressions of devotion and
attachment towards the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the
Royal family. I am persuaded they, equally with myself, will
watch with increasing interest the success of an institution
this day enlarged under such hopeful circumstances."
The Treasurer then handed to the Prince a silver trowel, and Sir Charles
Reed, M.P., presented the mallet, which had been used by the Prince
Consort on laying the first stone of the "Infant Orphan Asylum" at
Wanstead, and which His Royal Highness had afterwards given to Dr.
Andrew Reed. A good supply of mortar having been brought to the Prince
of Wales in a mahogany hod, His Royal Highness spread a sufficient
quantity to make a setting for the stone. Then, amid cheering, the stone
was slowly lowered, and the Prince tapped it with the mallet, tested it
by rule and plumb, and amid a flourish of trumpets, followed by the
National Anthem, pronounced it to be well and truly fixed. The
Archbishop of Canterbury then offered an appropriate prayer, which was
followed by a hymn, of which there was an instrumental performance by
the hand of the Grenadier Guards, while the words were sung by the
entire company.
The Prince and Princess then took their seats, and, to the March of King
Christian IX., of Denmark, there was an interesting and, for the
charity, a most gratifying procession. It was one of ladies, who to the
number of 380 in single file ascended the daïs where the Prince sat, and
deposited in all 400 purses. The Prince had previously, immediately
after fixing the stone, handed to the Treasurer, a check for a hundred
guineas. A _déjeuner_ followed, and planting of memorial trees and other
festivities.
THE ALEXANDRA DOCK AT LYNN.
_July 7th, 1869._
Six centuries ago Lynn was, next to London, the chief port on the east
coast. It is nearer than any other port to Holland and North Germany. In
course of time the foreign trade of the place had fallen into decay, and
the town itself was outstripped in business by Hull, Grimsby, Yarmouth,
and other eastern seaports. A time of revival having come, it was
considered that the prosperity of the ancient borough would be secured
by the formation of docks and accommodation for foreign trade, as the
manufacturing districts of the Midland Counties might be brought into
connection with Lynn as the shortest route to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the
Texel, and Hamburg. In hope of benefiting the trade and industry of the
town, the Lynn Dock Company was formed, and obtained from Mr. Brunlees,
C.E., the plans for a great dock, which in due time was completed, and
was inaugurated by the Prince and Princess of Wales, on the 7th of July,
1869.
Arriving from London, by special train of the Great Eastern Railway, the
Royal visitors were received, with great ceremony, in the Council Room
of the Town Hall of Lynn. An address was presented by the Recorder, in
which gratification was expressed at their Royal Highnesses having
selected an abode in the neighbourhood of the borough, and in showing
their interest in its welfare by having graciously undertaken to
inaugurate their new dock.
His Royal Highness made the following reply:--
"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--I thank you for this address, for the
loyalty and attachment you express towards the Queen, and for
the kind welcome you offer the Princess and myself. It is
peculiarly gratifying to us to visit you on an occasion like the
present. The revolutions of time and science would have had the
same effects upon King's Lynn as upon other commercial ports but
for the energies of the inhabitants. Without them its ancient
name would have become interesting only for its antiquity. But
in the century in which we live it is permitted neither to town
nor to community to rest quiet or to stand still. The energies I
have referred to, I have learned to appreciate from living in
your neighbourhood, and, indeed, I have been called on to
participate in them as regards the navigation of your waters. I
fervently pray that the Dock we are about to open this day, may,
under the fostering auspices of a beneficent Providence, open
out new sources of wealth and commerce, shedding the blessings
which are derived from them on your town, and contributing to
the prosperity of our beloved country."
The Royal party then visited the Grammar School, where the Prince
received and responded to an address from the Masters and Scholars, and
presented to the successful competitor the gold medal, given annually,
through the munificence of the Prince, as a prize for classical and
modern languages in alternate years. The Prince presented the prize,
saying:--
"I have great pleasure in presenting you with this medal. On a
former occasion I presented it at Sandringham, but it is more
pleasure to you to receive it among your schoolfellows. I hope
this medal will contribute to your success in future life, and
that it may be a stimulus to you for further exertion."
On arriving at the Dock, the circumference of which was densely crowded,
the Royal visitors were greeted with cheering, bell-ringing, and every
demonstration of welcome. When it came to the ceremony of declaring the
dock open, an agreeable surprise was added by the terms in which the
announcement was made:--
I DECLARE THIS DOCK NOW OPEN, AND THAT HENCEFORTH IT IS TO BE
CALLED THE ALEXANDRA DOCK.
The announcement was received with vociferous acclamation. The Prince's
intention had been signified to the Chairman of the Dock Company only a
few minutes before, and was quite unknown to the mass of the spectators,
who expressed their delight by repeated salvos of cheering.
At a banquet afterwards given, when the toast of the Royal visitors was
given, by Mr. Jarvis the President, the Prince said that he regarded
King's Lynn as his country town, and should always feel the deepest
interest in its welfare.
VISIT TO MANCHESTER.
_July, 1869._
The annual show of the Royal Agricultural Society was held in 1869 at
Manchester, which the Prince of Wales visited on the 29th of July,
accompanied by the Princess of Wales.
There are some who remember the first visit of the Queen and Prince
Consort to Manchester in 1851. The Royal party then proceeded along the
canal to Worsley from Patricroft, where the wonderful engineering works
of James Nasmyth were inspected. In 1869, the Prince and Princess of
Wales were conducted along the same canal, but in reverse direction, the
barge going from Worsley, through Patricroft, to Old Trafford. The
Prince and Princess, with their host and hostess, the Earl and Countess
of Ellesmere, drove from the Hall to the stage where the royal barge was
waiting. A large flotilla of boats followed as a guard of honour,
including some of the Manchester Rowing Clubs. It was a strange and
picturesque canal scene, the barges being towed by horses ridden by
postillions, and the towing path all along the route, for five or six
miles, being kept clear by mounted patrols in livery. It was a great
gala day in those densely peopled regions.
In passing through Salford an address was presented by the Mayor,
Aldermen, and burgesses of that borough, in the Reading Room of the
Royal Museum. The address expressed the great pleasure experienced by
this, the second visit of the Prince to their town, enhanced by the
presence there, for the first time, of the Princess of Wales: "We
cherish a lively and affectionate remembrance of the visit of Her Most
Gracious Majesty the Queen to Peel-park in the year 1851, when she
witnessed the assemblage of 80,000 Sunday-school scholars, and listened,
not unmoved, while they sang the National Anthem. This event was
commemorated by the erection of a marble statue to Her Majesty in the
park, which was publicly inaugurated by the late and much revered Prince
Consort, who on that occasion inspected and manifested a deep interest
in the free museum and library in the park. We deeply deplored the loss
of the late Prince Consort, and erected a marble statue to his memory,
in close proximity to that of the Queen, and near the spot where he
stood when inaugurating the statue of Her Majesty."
The Prince made the following reply:--
"Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen,--The Princess of Wales and myself
thank you very cordially for your address, and for the
sentiments you are good enough to express towards us. It is very
gratifying to us to have the opportunity of paying you a visit,
and to observe the evidences of the growing wealth and
population which have raised Salford to the position she now
occupies in the Empire. It will be highly satisfactory to the
Queen to learn how deeply engraven on your hearts is the
recollection of the visit she paid you in 1851, and how
cherished and beloved is the memory of my lamented father. On my
own part, I can but acknowledge the kindness of the terms in
which you have alluded to my past years. For those which are to
come I can only say that it will be the one effort of my life
to merit the good opinion of the people I am so proud to call my
fellow-countrymen."
In driving through the park the Royal visitors had been conducted past
the white marble statues of the Queen and the Prince Consort, and those
of Richard Cobden and Joseph Brotherton. Leaving the park, the streets
and ways being everywhere densely thronged, they reached the Manchester
Town Hall, where another address was delivered, expressing joyous
welcome from the loyal citizens, and especially the feelings of
satisfaction at the presence of the Prince, as President of the Royal
Agricultural Society, "believing the same to be an evidence of the deep
interest manifested by your Royal Highness in the success of all
movements which have for their object the advancement of art and science
and the progress and welfare of the people of this great empire. It has
been the special privilege of your Royal Highness to an unusual extent
to visit and personally to become acquainted with other Courts and
countries, and with distant portions of Her Majesty's dominions, and we
rejoice to believe that the valuable experience thereby acquired gives
to all classes of Her Majesty's subjects an assurance that your Royal
Highness will ever be foremost in all efforts to extend true liberty and
civilization, and to develope those free institutions which are the
pride and glory of our country."
To which address the Prince replied:--