of Wales proposed success to the institution, and made a statement
respecting its position and progress:--
"Freemasons had fully recognized the importance of education--a
subject which had of late so much occupied the public mind--and
had founded many schools. The Royal Masonic Institution for Boys
was founded in 1798, when six boys were admitted. In 1810, when
the jubilee of the reign of George III. was celebrated, the
number was increased to 50, and now there were 110 in the
school. The total cost of the new building had been £47,000 of
which £5000 was still owing, while there were other matters
which raised the total liability to £10,200. There were now 155
candidates for admission, but there were only nine vacancies,
although 20 more boys could be admitted if the institution was
free from debt. He was sure he had only to mention these facts
to so distinguished an assemblage of Masons to insure a response
which would greatly forward the prosperity of the institution."
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITION.
_April 4th, 1870._
In everything pertaining to Exhibitions, national or international, the
Prince of Wales has never grown weary, even when the public interest has
seemed to flag. On the 4th of April, 1870, His Royal Highness presided
at the rooms of the Society of Arts, in connection with the "Educational
Section" of a series of proposed International Exhibitions. On rising to
open the proceedings, the Prince said:--
"We are assembled here for the purpose of organizing the
educational section of the Exhibition to be held in 1871. I
appear before you on this occasion in a double capacity, for I
hold the position of President of your Society, and I am
President of the Royal Commission of 1851, having succeeded in
this post the late lamented Lord Derby, whose name will always
be remembered among the names of our great statesmen, and who
will be greatly missed from that Commission, the interest of
which he had so much at heart.
"The long-standing connection of the Society of Arts with
Exhibitions is well known, and in these very rooms the
Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862 were first planned. This Society
is, I consider, well qualified to deal with the subject before
it, and I assure you that it is a great gratification to me to
preside here and show that I am entirely alive to the great
question of the day--that of education.
"I have now to state that the meeting to-day is of members of a
large Committee, of persons eminent in their various stations
for the interest they have displayed in education, and that it
has been appointed without reference to politics, party,
denomination, or social position, for the purpose of obtaining
the best possible representation in 1871 of the various
materials and apparatus used in teaching, and exhibiting, as far
as practicable, the results of the many systems of instruction
which are in operation in this country and in other nations of
the world. Under the first class we find such objects as affect
the sanitary condition of schools--the desks and stools used,
maps and globes, books, pictures, scientific diagrams, objects
of natural history, and the like. Under the second class will be
shown illustrations of modes of teaching, drawing, reading,
writing, music, and gymnastics, and the interesting work of
educating those whom nature has deprived of sight, speech, and
hearing, with examples of the successful results.
"In this Exhibition of Education, foreigners as well as British
subjects will take their share, and I am happy to say that
Sweden has already applied for permission to exhibit a
full-sized model of one of its parish schools. The duty of this
Committee is to see that such work as I have sketched out shall
be completely accomplished, that exhibitors shall come forward
and offer their productions, that the best only shall be
selected for exhibition, and that discussions on systems of
instruction shall be organized. I indulge a sanguine hope that
the labours of this Committee may teach lessons which will lead
to the improvement of the quality of primary education, and to
the extension of that secondary instruction in science and art
so much needed for the industrial progress of this country, a
necessity proved at the Exhibition of 1851, originated and
conducted by my illustrious father, and confirmed again in 1862,
and at Paris in 1867, where our own artisans showed by their
remarkable reports how strong were their convictions on this
point. Difficulties there are, as there must ever be, in the
completion of a great work, and here I am reminded how fully the
difficulties connected with this work of education were
appreciated by my father as long ago as 1851. But my visit with
the Princess of Wales to the Middle Class Schools in the City of
London on Wednesday last, and the reports on Faversham School
and the District Union Schools of the Metropolis, which have
been published by our Society, lead me on to hope that even
these difficulties may admit of solution.
"By improved organization of schools and teaching power, I think
that it is shown that instruction may be so given as to enable
earning and learning to go hand-in-hand together. I close these
few remarks by bidding 'God speed' to this Committee in the
great work that is before them. Two resolutions will be offered
for your acceptance, and any explanation which may seem
necessary will be afforded."
The resolutions, moved by Sir John Pakington, and by the Hon. W. Cowper
Temple, were to the effect that the meeting warmly approved of the
proposed International Educational Exhibition, which would not only
receive His Royal Highness's sanction, but his personal assistance and
co-operation. It was explained that the feature of these Exhibitions
would be the arrangement of objects illustrating the progress of art and
industry, not according to countries, but according to classes. On the
proposal of a vote of thanks to the chairman of the meeting, the Prince
said:--
"I require and desire no thanks at all. It has given me great
pleasure to be here to open the proceedings, and I cordially
thank all the gentlemen who have so kindly supported me on this
occasion. I beg again to assure you that I take a very deep
interest in this question--that of education, and that I shall
be always ready to give my hearty co-operation on a subject of
this important bearing."
ROYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND.
_May 16th, 1870._
This Fund grants relief in annuities to members of the dramatic
profession, to singers and dancers, and also to the widows and orphans
of members. At present, upwards of £2000 annually is paid to fifty
annuitants. The invested capital is about £12,000. The institution has
the merit of not being a mere charity, but is largely supported by the
actors themselves. In this respect it holds a more honourable position
than even the Royal Literary Fund; no attempt to establish a guild for
mutual help among men of letters having, as yet, been successful.
The Theatrical Fund was established as long ago as 1839 by a few actors,
and was incorporated by Royal charter in 1853. Part of the income comes
from subscribers to the fund; but it is necessary also to appeal to the
public, in the method common to all charities; the resources of the
profession not being sufficient to maintain a mutual insurance society
on financial unaided by benevolent principles.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presided at the 25th anniversary
festival of the Fund at St. James's Hall on the 16th of May, 1870. There
was a large attendance, including the leading members of the profession,
and some zealous supporters of the drama, among whom were the Nawab
Nazim of Bengal, with his two sons, the Princes Ali and Suleiman. Grace
having been sung after dinner the Prince gave "The Health of Her Majesty
the Queen," the patroness of this institution, and an annual subscriber
to its funds. The Duke of Sutherland, in proposing the health of "The
Prince and Princess of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family,"
adverted to the constant support given by their Royal Highnesses to the
drama.
The Prince of Wales, in returning thanks, said "he rejoiced that
ever since his childhood he had had opportunities of going to
the theatre and witnessing some of the most excellent plays, and
appreciating the performances of some of the best actors of the
present day, many of whom he saw on either side and before him
on this occasion. The few remarks he had to make regarding this
most excellent fund must be reserved till a later period of the
evening, and therefore he would not then detain the company; but
he must observe that not only had the Princess and himself
derived considerable amusement from what they had witnessed at
the theatres, but they had given their patronage to the drama
because it was their wish to encourage a noble profession."
The usual toast of the Army, Navy, and Volunteers having been given and
responded to, the Prince rose, and said:--
"The toast which he had now to propose was the so-called toast
of the evening, which was 'Prosperity to the Royal General
Theatrical Fund.' It afforded him great pleasure to propose this
toast, and when he saw the numerous assembly before him he felt
no doubt of the great interest taken by all present in this
excellent charity. What charity, he asked, could be more
deserving of support? When they considered how much amusement
and pleasure they all derived by going to the theatre, did it
ever occur to them that it was to the actors and actresses a
life of drudgery and hardship? Those same actors and actresses
who appeared in some comic character might have near and dear
relations lying sick at home. Then, also, when a time of life
arrived in the course of nature in which they were unable longer
to appear upon the stage ought they to be left to starve?
Certainly not, and it was to prevent aged actors who were
incapable of work from starving, that this fund had been
instituted.
"This charity was still more meritorious, because it was
supported by the actors themselves. The charity was established
in 1839 by a few London actors, and in 1853 it was incorporated
by Royal charter. The fund was raised to provide annuities for
aged and decayed members of the charity, and in special cases
for granting temporary assistance to the families of deceased
members. Any member of the profession, on the payment of a small
annual subscription, ranging from 21_s._ 4_d._ to £28 9_s._ a
year, according to a special scale, provided he had been
performing three years in a theatre licensed by the Lord
Chamberlain or by the local magistrates, was eligible to receive
the benefits of the fund, but no member had a claim unless he
had been a subscriber for seven years. Should he then be
incapacitated from further work, he had the option of either
receiving a life annuity or one-half the payments made by him
while a subscriber. On his death an allowance of £10 was granted
towards defraying funeral expenses. At 60 years of age any
member was at liberty to claim an annuity if he had subscribed
to the fund for 12 years, and female members were allowed to
cease their subscriptions when 55 years old. Since the opening
of the charity 322 members of the profession had been admitted
associates. To 61 of these life pensions had been granted,
varying from £30 to £90 a year. In 1846, the first year in which
pensions were granted, the receipts amounted to £565, and the
annuities to £98. Last year the total income was £1370, and the
amount expended in pensions was £1614. The receipts of 1869
therefore exceeded those of 1846 by £805, and the pensions, &c.,
by £1516. Again, while in 1846 only seven members received
annuities, the number of annuitants had increased to 33 in 1869.
The total disbursements, however, of last year exceeded the
income by £368, and it had been found necessary therefore to
draw that sum from the reserve fund.
"These few remarks would perhaps induce those who heard him to
come forward liberally to the assistance of the charity, and to
make up the £300 which it had been necessary to draw from the
reserve fund. His Royal Highness concluded by calling upon the
company to drink 'Prosperity to the General Theatrical Fund,'
coupled with the name of one who, he was sure, they would
receive with the greatest enthusiasm, as he was one of their
oldest and ablest actors. He had known Mr. Buckstone personally
ever since his childhood, and had repeatedly laughed and roared
at his drollery and humour."
Mr. Buckstone made a very amusing and characteristic speech, but with
good sense underlying the drollery. With regard to the presence of the
Prince in the chair, he said: "That His Royal Highness is a constant and
warm supporter of the drama is evident from his frequent visits with the
Princess to all the London theatres, and his ready appreciation of every
worthy novelty. This taste for the drama may in some measure be
attributed to his early introduction to dramatic art at Windsor Castle,
where, on having the honour of appearing there by invitation of Her
Majesty and the lamented Prince Consort, I have frequently seen His
Royal Highness with his brothers and sisters, seated at the feet of
their father and mother, witnessing with delight the various
representations.
"The members of our fund cannot be too grateful for the kindness and
goodness of heart which have induced His Royal Highness to come here
to-night, as the calls upon his time have now become so many, and the
duties he has to perform so numerous and fatiguing, that we can only
wonder how he gets through them all. Even within these few days he has
held a levée; on Saturday last he patronized a performance at Drury-lane
in aid of the Dramatic College; then had to run away to Freemasons'-hall
to be present at the installation of the Grand Master; and now we find
him in the chair this evening; so what with _conversaziones_, laying
foundation stones, opening schools, and other calls upon his little
leisure, I think he may be looked upon as one of the hardest working men
in Her Majesty's dominions. Still, it is this ready kindness that
endears him to the nation, as the Princess, by her charming qualities,
is so firmly fixed in the heart of every Englishman and Englishwoman.
"And now, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, I must inform you that Her
Gracious Majesty has again sent us her handsome donation of £100; and
although, unfortunately, she does not now visit our theatres, yet she
does not forget us; and so, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, with such a
truly Royal example before you, I can only conclude by hoping that,
according to your generous feelings and your worldly means, you will
come and do likewise."
Lord W. Lennox proposed "The Visitors," coupling with it the health of
the Nawab Nazim of Bengal, who during his residence in England had
identified himself with the charities of this country. The Nawab had
been a liberal patron of theatrical performances, and had, he
understood, only one subject of regret in connection with our London
theatres--that the plays of Shakespeare were not more frequently
performed in them. The subscriptions of the evening amounted to £700,
including £100 from the Prince of Wales, and £50 from the Nawab Nazim of
Bengal.
ST. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL.
_May 26th, 1870._
On the 26th of May, 1870, a public meeting was held at the Queen's
Concert Rooms, Hanover Square, in aid of the funds of St. George's
Hospital, especially with the view of enabling the Governors to open the
wards of the new wing. The meeting was one of unusual interest, not only
from the wide publicity given to the claims of the institution, but also
from the announcement that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales would
preside, and from the high distinction of the speakers who were to take
part in the proceedings. The Princess of Wales manifested her interest
in the charity by accompanying the Prince to the meeting. The room was
densely crowded, and a number of distinguished persons were in the
company.
His Royal Highness, on taking the chair, said:--
"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--Before opening the
proceedings of this meeting, allow me to express to you the
satisfaction I have in being able to accept the invitation to
preside at a meeting to-day which has for its aim such excellent
and important objects. We are met here to-day to discuss whether
it is expedient to open the new wing that has been added to St.
George's Hospital. Last year a meeting was held for the same
purpose for which we are met to-day, and it was then thought
that the subscriptions, although they were to a great extent
liberal subscriptions, were not sufficient in amount to
authorize the Governors of the Hospital to open the new wing. It
has also been much discussed whether it was not an extravagance
on the part of the authorities to build this new wing. I must
say--and I think I speak for those on my right and left--that
the authorities did perfectly right in building that wing, as a
piece of ground had been presented to them at a nominal rent by
the late lamented Marquis of Westminster, who always came
forward voluntarily to assist any great and important work.
Besides that, a further sum of £5000 was given by Miss Williams
to the building fund.
"As regards this wing, we all know that St. George's Hospital
lies near the South-Western and Great Western districts. We also
know that it lies within the precincts of Kensington, Mayfair,
and Belgravia. One would have thought that there would have
been no difficulty, and that the large number of inhabitants in
those parts, who are increasing monthly, and even weekly, would
have been able to come forward and contribute sufficiently to
this excellent institution.
"It has been said that the Hospital of St. George is a rich one,
but that is a great mistake. One would indeed think that it
would be rich from its important position, and when one
remembers how full its wards invariably are. To go back to the
new wing. After all, it is not a very large sum that is required
to maintain these wards. The sum only amounts to £2500 a year.
Is it not, therefore, a scandal, ladies and gentlemen, that for
the sake of this small sum we cannot use forty-eight beds in
that wing? The Hospital itself is in want of money, as I will
prove by stating that last year the expenditure amounted to as
much as £20,000, while the income was only £15,000. In order,
therefore, to make up the deficiency, £5000 had to be sold out
of capital. That will be the case this year, and it may be the
same in future years. The capital thus diminishing, the income
will naturally be smaller, and in that way this excellent
Hospital, which is most admirably cared for, which has the very
best surgeons and physicians--one of whom, Mr. Prescott Hewett,
I know personally--will sustain a yearly diminution of its
usefulness. In this way, if the public do not come forward
liberally we shall see one of the most excellent and important
hospitals in London becoming, year by year, in a more difficult
position with regard to funds.
"I am here to state what I am not sure is known to all of you,
that, with the exception of one hospital, the average cost of
beds at the St. George's Hospital is less than in any other
hospital in London. The authorities of the Hospital are not even
satisfied with that, and, I believe, intend to appoint a
committee to inquire still more closely and rigidly into the
expenditure, in order to do their utmost to lessen that
expenditure.
"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--The address I have to make to
you is brief. I feel convinced that the gentlemen on this
platform will advocate the claims of the Hospital in longer,
more detailed, and more able statements than I have made; but I
am sure that none can feel more strongly than I do the
importance of this meeting. I feel certain also that the public
at large, if they will only take the trouble to reflect, will
come to our aid. Only to-day I read an excellent leading article
in the _Times_ in support of the objects of this meeting. I
thank you once more for the kind way in which you have received
me, but let me say before I sit down that a most excellent
example has been set us by a lady who has consented to give the
sum of £1000 for the maintenance of a ward for the space of two
years. Let this example not be lost upon us. Let us all try to
follow it, and liberally open our purses for the sake of an
institution of such value and importance to all of us who live
in this part of London."
The Earl of Cadogan, one of the Treasurers, announced that the Prince of
Wales had just handed to him a cheque for two hundred guineas. The
Princess of Wales had also given a donation of fifty guineas. Miss Read
had given £500, and the Marquis of Westminster a subscription of £200 a
year. Mr. Prescott Hewett, the surgeon, gave a hundred guineas, and
other liberal donations and subscriptions were announced, amounting to
upwards of £2000.
The principal speakers at the meeting were Earl Granville, the Earl of
Derby, the Earl of Carnarvon, Mr. W. H. Smith, the Marquis of
Westminster, and the Rev. H. Howarth, Rector of St. George's, Hanover
Square.
The Marquis of Westminster, in his admirable speech moving the thanks of
the meeting to the Chairman, said that he happened to be in Milan a
short time ago, and, going over a great hospital there, containing
something like 3000 beds, he saw in different rooms portraits of the
benefactors of the institution--some full length, others three-quarters,
some half-length, and others only heads. On inquiring the reason of this
distinction, he was informed that the size of the picture depended upon
the amount of the sum given by the donor. One who gave, say £4000, had
his portrait painted full length, while the others were represented
half-length, or even by a head.... It might be thought a light and easy
thing to come forward and make so excellent a speech as His Royal
Highness had done; but he was quite sure that if any who thought thus
would come forward to try, they would find themselves mistaken. In
coming forward in this work of benevolence, His Royal Highness was
fairly entitled to the warm and cordial thanks, not only of the
governors of the hospital, but of the whole nation. He begged to include
in this vote the Princess of Wales.
His Royal Highness said:--
"My Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--Allow me to return you all my
most cordial thanks for the kind way in which you have supported
me by your presence, and to my noble friend for the way in
which he proposed the resolution. Not wishing to keep you here
any longer, let me only urge you to be as liberal as you can,
and I hope that the excellent speeches we have heard to-day may
impress you with the importance of this meeting, and with the
feeling that those speeches have been made not as a mere form,
but as real and earnest appeals to you to open your purses most
liberally. Lord Westminster has just alluded to the hospital at
Milan and to the portraits of different sizes, according to the
amount of money subscribed by the originals. I have but one
suggestion to make to you in that respect, and one to which I am
sure you will respond--that you should all contribute very
largely that circular golden portrait representative of the
Queen which this Hospital so much needs."
DULWICH COLLEGE.
_June 21st, 1870._