it is with very great pleasure I undertake the duty imposed upon
me by the Queen in opening this Exhibition. The objects proposed
in it are such as cannot fail to meet with the cordial
approbation of all who are interested in the growth of our arts
and manufactures, and who wish to connect that growth with a
corresponding increase of sympathy and friendly relations
between employers and their workmen. In imparting to this
Exhibition an international character, you have sought to extend
the range of good which may result from it, and by inviting
competition between our workmen and those of foreign nations,
not only to afford a wholesome stimulus to both in the exercise
of their various callings, but to contribute, as far as you can,
to that kindly intercourse between countries which must in the
end prove the principal security for the peace of the world. The
allusion which you have made to my beloved father, who would
doubtless have regarded this Exhibition with the liveliest
interest, as the natural supplement of that first one with which
his name is especially connected, will be as affecting as it
must be gratifying to the Queen. It will be my agreeable duty to
report to her the proceedings of to-day, and I have only now, in
her name, to wish success to the undertaking."
A catalogue of the collection, and a newspaper printed in the building,
were then presented to the Prince. The catalogue showed that
contributions had been sent from all the chief industrial centres in
England,--Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry, Worcester,--and from Ireland,
in bog-oak carvings, and articles of the linen and flax industry. The
foreign contributions were from France, Austria, Italy, Holland, and
other parts of the continent. A musical piece composed for the occasion
was given, and the Old Hundredth psalm sung by the choir, after which
the Prince declared the Exhibition open.
THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL.
_March 29th, 1871._
The "Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences" was opened by Her Majesty
the Queen with imposing ceremony on the 29th of March, 1871. The
procession from Buckingham Palace consisted of nine State carriages, in
the last of which were the Queen, the Princess of Wales, and the Duke of
Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. In the other carriages were the Royal Family,
with the great officers of State and the Household in waiting. The Hall
was filled with nearly 8000 spectators, and the orchestra consisted of
nearly 1200 musicians and singers, Sir Michael Costa being leader.
When the Queen had taken her place on the daïs, the Prince of Wales, who
wore the uniform of Colonel of the 10th Hussars, advanced to Her
Majesty, and, as President of the Provisional Committee, read the
following address:--
"May it please your Majesty,--As President of the Provisional
Committee of the Royal Albert Hall of Arts and Sciences, it is
my high privilege and gratification to report to your Majesty
the successful completion of this Hall, an important feature of
a long-cherished design of my beloved father, for the general
culture of your people, in whose improvement he was always
deeply interested. Encouraged by your Majesty's sympathies, and
liberally supported by your subjects, we have been enabled to
carry out the work without any aid from funds derived from
public taxation. I am warranted in expressing our confidence
that this building will justify the conviction we expressed in
the report submitted on the occasion of your Majesty's laying
its first stone, that by its erection we should be meeting a
great public want. Your Majesty's Commissioners for the
Exhibition of 1851 in further prosecution of my father's design
for the encouragement of the Arts and Sciences, an object which
he always had warmly at heart, are about to commence a series of
Annual International Exhibitions, to the success of which this
Hall will greatly contribute by the facilities which it will
afford for the display of objects and for the meeting of bodies
interested in the industries which will form the subjects of
successive Exhibitions. The interest shown in the Hall by the
most eminent musicians and composers of Europe strengthens our
belief that it will largely conduce to the revival among all
classes of the nation of a taste for the cultivation of music.
Your Majesty will hear with satisfaction that results have
justified the original estimate of the cost of the building, and
that, aided by the liberal assistance of your Exhibition
Commissioners, the corporation will commence its management
unfettered by pecuniary liabilities, and under conditions
eminently calculated to insure success. It is my grateful duty
to return to your Majesty our humble thanks for the additional
mark of your Royal favour which is conferred upon us by your
auspicious presence on the present occasion when our labours as
a Provisional Committee are drawing to a close. We venture to
hope that when we shall have resigned our functions into the
hands of the governing body, which will be elected under the
provisions of the Royal Charter granted to us, your Majesty will
continue to the Corporation that measure of support which has
been always graciously given to us."
The Queen, who had listened to the address with the utmost interest and
attention, said, in a voice clearly heard in every part of the vast
building: "In handing you this answer, I wish to express my great
admiration of this beautiful Hall, and my earnest wishes for its
complete success."
The written answer to the address was not read, but it is here given to
complete the record of the day's ceremony:--
"I thank you for the loyal address which, as President of the
Provisional Committee of the Hall of Arts and Sciences, you have
presented to me. In opening this spacious and noble Hall, it
gives me pleasure to acknowledge the generous spirit which has
been manifested in the completion, by voluntary effort, of a
work promising so much public usefulness. I cordially concur in
the hope you have expressed, that this Hall, forming as it does
part of a plan in which I must ever take a deep and personal
interest, may largely and permanently contribute to the
promotion among my people of the love of art, as well as to the
success of the annual exhibitions, which will bring successively
into instructive competition the choicest products of the
industries of all nations. These objects could not fail to
commend themselves at all times and all places to my sympathy
and interest, fraught as they are with recollections of him to
whose memory this Hall is dedicated, and whose dearest aim was
to inspire my people with a love of all that is good and noble,
and, by closer knowledge and juster appreciation of each other,
to cultivate a spirit of goodwill and concord among the
inhabitants of all regions. I gladly give the assurance of my
support to the corporation to which the Hall is about to be
entrusted, and I earnestly hope that their efforts to promote
the objects for which it has been constructed may be rewarded by
a career of abiding success."
The Bishop of London, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, offered
a dedication prayer.
The Prince of Wales, after a minute's conference with Her Majesty, then
said, "THE QUEEN DECLARES THIS HALL TO BE NOW OPENED."
The announcement was followed by immense cheering and the sound of
trumpets; and while the choir sang the National Anthem, the Park guns
boomed forth a loud accompaniment.
The opening ceremony being thus accomplished, the Queen and the Royal
visitors proceeded to the Royal box, where they remained during the
performance of a selection of music. The programme included a cantata,
written for the occasion by Sir Michael Costa, and the Prince Consort's
_Invocazione all'Armonia_, which was first performed when Her Majesty,
in 1867, laid the foundation-stone of the Hall this day opened.
THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1871.
_May 1st, 1871._
During the twenty years that had passed since the ever-memorable
Exhibition of 1851, there had been many Exhibitions, one of which, that
of 1862, might aspire to the title of Great, and proved fairly
successful. But so numerous were the imitations of the first great
example, to which, at home or abroad, none approached in romantic
interest and universal popularity, that at length the idea which in 1851
charmed all the world, had come to be somewhat tiresome to the public.
Inventors and manufacturers found it troublesome and expensive to
exhibit, not without doubt whether there were not more disadvantages
than advantages in such international displays. Some of the later
Exhibitions were little better than huge bazaars or trade shows.
Having regard to these conditions, the Royal Commissioners of 1851, with
the Prince of Wales as President, allowed matters to rest awhile,
although still feeling under obligation to carry out the grand purposes
which gave rise to the first and grandest display in Hyde Park.
It was resolved to open at South Kensington, in 1871, an "International
Exhibition of the Fine Arts and of Industry;" to be the first of a
series, each with some definite aim, and mainly confined to certain arts
or industries, instead of forming a miscellaneous museum of all sorts of
objects. As the Queen approved of this proposal, the opening of the
Exhibition of 1871 was undertaken by the Prince of Wales on Her
Majesty's behalf, and was made the occasion of an imposing State
pageant. In the Court Circular of May 2nd, and in the journals of the
same date, a full account is given of the ceremonies of the preceding
day, with lists of the illustrious and notable persons present, and
other details. The Prince made formal proclamation of the opening.
In all his labours in connection with various exhibitions, at home or
abroad, the Prince has had most able lieutenants, such as Sir Philip
Cunliffe Owen, K.C.B., but every detail of plan and of administration
has been brought before his attention, and has received the sanction of
his judgment and experience. It is no exaggeration to say that to his
presidency was mainly due the success of the British Department of the
great Paris Exhibition of 1878. This was testified in the address
presented to the Prince by Earl Granville, signed by a thousand
Englishmen who had witnessed the events of that memorable season in the
Place de Trocadero.
ARTISTS' ORPHAN FUND.
_May 7th, 1871._
For the relief of distressed artists, their widows and orphans,
provision is made, as far as funds allow, by the Artists' Benevolent
Institution, which was established in 1814. In course of time it was
found that the amount available for the support and education of the
orphans of artists was very insufficient, and a separate fund was
established in 1866, under the auspices of the Council of the Artists'
Benevolent Institution. From time to time donations were received, and
in 1871 it was resolved to make a more public appeal. The Prince of
Wales cheerfully agreed to preside at a dinner in aid of the fund, which
took place on the 7th of May, 1871, in the Freemasons' Hall.
The Prince was supported by a large number of artists, and of patrons
and lovers of art. The usual loyal toasts were given, and the presence
of members of the well-known "artist corps" led the Prince to make
special reference to the Volunteers.
In giving "The Army, Navy, Militia, and Volunteers," His Royal Highness
said:--
"This is a toast which is never left out at all great public
dinners. By some it has been called a formal toast, but in my
opinion it should never be so styled. It is a toast which we
ought to drink warmly and heartily. Of that which we owe to our
army and navy I shall not speak to you at length, for this is
not a fitting occasion; but I may say that we are bound to those
services by a deep debt of gratitude, and let us hope that we
shall always have reason to be as proud of them as we are at the
present moment. We must, at the same time, never forget that
there is something wanting. Our army is small; smaller than
those of other countries; it ought, therefore to be better in
comparison. As to the navy, though a great many changes have
been made in our ships, though they have been converted from
wooden walls into iron batteries, I think we may confidently
anticipate that the fame which attaches to our old wooden walls
will be transferred to our iron fleet whenever it is called upon
to meet an enemy. The Militia, too, ought never to be omitted
from this toast, for I look upon it as our great army of
reserve, and desire to see it honoured; while as to the
Volunteers, I would remark that I think we may congratulate
ourselves on the circumstance that the movement, which has now
existed for eleven or twelve years, shows no sign that it is
slackening. I have the more confidence in asking you to respond
to this portion of the toast, because I see around me many
members of the Artists' Corps, which has always maintained a
high position in the Volunteer force."
The Prince, in proposing the next toast, "The Artists' Orphan Fund,"
said:--
"I have no doubt you will drink this toast in bumpers,
particularly as this is the first dinner which has been given in
aid of the Fund. I can assure you it has given me much pleasure
to come here and explain to you some of the chief points
connected with this excellent charity. Being a charity in aid of
orphans it is, you will agree with me, worthy of peculiar
sympathy. It recommends itself still more to our notice when we
reflect that it proposes to help the children of those who have
done so much to elevate and refine art among us, and whose
beautiful pictures have so often delighted us. Many persons may
imagine that it is not difficult to be a painter, but the
distinguished artists whom I see around me will, I am sure,
agree with me that that it is a great mistake. To be a good
painter genius is by no means all that is required. Industry and
perseverance must also be exercised just as much as in the case
of eminent clergymen, lawyers, scientific men, philosophers, or
the members of any other branch of human exertion which we can
name. Again, we must remember that, although a man may have been
a successful painter, although his genius may have been
recognized in other countries besides his own, and although he
may have accumulated money in the course of long, laborious
years, yet, being laid on a bed of sickness, that money may have
dwindled away, and his children may be left entirely destitute.
This fund, then, is destined for the support of the orphans of
such artists and for their education. No one particular school
is to be set apart for education. The guardians of the children
will be allowed to select the schools to which they shall go and
no restrictions of any kind will be imposed upon them with
respect to religion. I may add that the first idea of this fund
came from a gentleman who offered to place a certain number of
candidates in two schools which he himself established, and that
he has since given to the charity the munificent donation of
£900. My only regret is that, while we must all applaud the
munificence of this gentleman, I am forbidden to mention his
name. There is, however, another name with respect to which I
need not be reticent, and which is well known to you all--I mean
that of Sir W. Tite, who has given the large sum of £1000 to the
fund. Now, I feel sure you will follow this good example, that
you will support to the best of your ability this excellent
charity, and that I need not urge upon you to sign freely the
papers which have been placed before you. I may add that I am
authorized by the Council to mention that a sum of £7000 has
already been collected out of the £10,000 which are required, a
result for which they beg to return their grateful thanks. But
though the sum I have just named will enable them to carry out
the immediate object of the fund, neither they nor any one else
will have any objection to your adding considerably to that
amount. I will not detain you longer, but while thanking you for
your attention will again ask you to drink 'Prosperity and
success to this most worthy charity.'"
The Prince of Wales then gave "Prosperity to the Royal Academy,"
stating that "the community at large took the greatest interest
in that body of gentlemen, for to them we owe the elevated and
cultivated taste with regard to painting and sculpture which now
so widely prevailed in this country. The interests of the Royal
Academy and of Art would, he felt sure, not suffer as long as
they were confided to the care of Sir F. Grant, the
distinguished President of that institution."
Sir F. Grant, in returning thanks, said the members of the Royal Academy
were very glad to have it in their power to aid so excellent a charity,
and that, in addition to the £500 which they had given last year to the
orphanage in connection with it, they were ready to give on the present
occasion a further donation of £1000. He begged, in conclusion, to
propose "Prosperity to the other Art Societies." The toast was responded
to by Mr. Clint, President of the Society of British Artists.
The Treasurer read a long list of subscriptions, amounting in all to
£12,308, including a hundred guineas from the Royal Chairman.
ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS.
_May 8th, 1871._
The annual festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls was held
at Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, on the 8th of May, 1871, His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presiding. The whole assembly in the
hall was Masonic, the ladies being limited to the gallery of the Temple.
The Prince wore, besides his Royal and military Orders, the insignia of
a Past Grand Master of the English craft, and around him, in full
Masonic "clothing," according to their rank in the craft, were many
distinguished members.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in proposing "The Queen,"
said:--
"The first toast which I have to give is the health of the
patroness of our craft--Her Majesty the Queen, who has always
identified herself so far with our Freemasonry as to extend her
hand to all charities."
Sir Patrick Colquhoun, with the Grand Master's gavel, proposed the toast
of "The Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the
Royal Family." He referred in feeling and touching terms to the loss
lately sustained by the Prince and Princess, the death of an infant son
on Good Friday, April 7, and he expressed the deep thankfulness of the
brotherhood that the Princess was recovering her health.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in responding for the
toast, which had been received with loud applause, thanked the
brethren, and said "it gave him the greatest pleasure to be
there, surrounded by the brethren of the craft to which he was
proud to belong. He assured them that it was a proud day indeed
to him when he became a Mason, and he should always do his
utmost to be a worthy brother among them. He expressed, too, on
the part of the Princess, his personal thanks to Sir Patrick for
his touching remarks, and his thanks to the brethren for their
sympathy. He was glad to announce that the Princess was restored
to her accustomed health, and in a short time would be among
them. It might be fitting then to announce that the Princess had
consented to be the patroness of the institution."
The toast of "Earl de Grey, the Grand Master," was then proposed by the
Royal President, and Lord Clonmell proposed "The Past Grand Master, the
Earl of Zetland." "The Deputy-Grand Master's Health" was proposed by
Mr. C. Sykes, M.P., who dwelt upon the great zeal and ability the Earl
of Carnarvon had shown in following Masonry.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, in proposing the toast
of the evening, said, "in general he felt diffidence in asking
for subscriptions for charities over which he sometimes
presided, but he had not such a feeling on that occasion, when
he looked round and saw on all sides the brethren of the craft,
for he knew that one of the main principles inculcated in the
minds of Freemasons was charity. He knew that the brethren
composing the vast assemblage before him had come with one
object, to support this excellent institution. A very full and
able report had been drawn up, and therefore it was not
necessary for him to address them at any length. He might say,
however, that the institution was founded for the clothing,
maintenance, and education of the daughters of decayed
Freemasons, and it provided that the daughters of trustworthy
Freemasons should not be left to the pangs of misery and
ignorance. One important point was that it was supported
entirely by voluntary contributions, and since its foundation in
1788 it had educated, clothed, and maintained nearly 1000 girls.
"It was specially interesting for him to be connected with that
institution, as his grand-uncle, George IV., when Prince of
Wales, was an earnest supporter of it, and was present at its
foundation.
"It had been the great object of the committee to give the girls
a good, sound, simple, and useful education--not what it had
become the fashion to consider education, but an education
without any 'padding.' In these days education was more thought
of than it was fifty years ago, and, indeed, it was the great
topic of the day. But before this time the Freemasons were among
the first to set a good example, and having set this good
example early, it was their duty to keep it up. The committee,
in order to test the standard of education given in those
schools, entered some of the names of pupils for the Cambridge
Local Examinations, and, with very few exceptions, these girls
so entered had passed the examinations with credit to themselves
and to the institution. The institution was flourishing in every
respect. During the past year 100 girls had been received into
the institution, and as many had gone forth ready to take their
place in the every-day life of men and women, well instructed in
all the duties of the positions they would be called upon to
fill. He urged that it had become necessary to build afresh, and
as he had himself found that building could not be carried out
for nothing, the subscriptions of the brethren were looked for
to assist the committee."
The secretary read the list of subscriptions, which included 100 guineas
from His Royal Highness the Prince, and 25 guineas from the Princess,
and though forty lists were not given in the subscriptions already
received amounted to £5000. On a later page will be found the record of
another anniversary, when the Prince presided, and when the
subscriptions were about £50,000.
The year 1888 is the centenary of the Institution, which flourishes, at
St. John's Hill, Battersea Rise. The girls are admitted at eight years
of age, and maintained until sixteen. There are nearly 250 in the
school. The annual revenue, from all sources, is about £15,500.
EARLSWOOD ASYLUM FESTIVAL.
_May 17th, 1871._
In the summer of 1870 the foundation-stone of a new wing to the splendid
edifice of the Earlswood Asylum for Idiots, had been laid by the Prince
and Princess of Wales. The Prince further showed his interest in the
institution by presiding at the anniversary festival, held at the London
Tavern on the 17th of May, 1871. The Asylum, originally established at
Highgate in 1847, was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1862. Her Majesty
is patroness of the charity.
On the removal of the cloth the Prince gave the toast of "Her Majesty
the Queen, as the Patroness of the Institution," which was received with
every mark of respect, as was also that of "The Prince and Princess of
Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family," proposed by the Duke of
Wellington.
His Royal Highness, in proposing the toast of "The Army, Navy,
Militia, and Volunteers," expressed a hope that "the great name
which the Army and Navy bore in English history would always
remain unsullied in days to come. We were now at peace, thank
God, but we might never know from one day to another what might
occur, and, therefore, we ought always to be prepared."