of the evening: "Prosperity to the Earlswood Idiot Asylum,"
said, "he felt convinced there was no charity which had a
greater demand on the public sympathy and support than it,
appealing as it did on behalf of the idiot classes, afflicted by
the will of Providence, and unable for the most part to help
themselves. The institution was happily in a highly flourishing
condition, to the great praise of those who had all along
interested themselves in its prosperity. In 1853 his lamented
father, who was always ready to assist the afflicted and needy,
laid the foundation-stone of the present institution; in 1866
the Princess of Wales and himself interested themselves in a
bazaar for raising funds for the erection of a new wing to the
building, and in 1869 Her Royal Highness and himself inaugurated
that new wing.
"It was a matter of satisfaction to his family and himself that
they had connected themselves with an institution which aimed at
so much practical good, and which was now in so flourishing a
state. It was in 1847 that the late Dr. Reed brought the state
of the idiot portion of the community under public notice; and
from that time to this much had been done to ameliorate the
condition of that most unfortunate class of our fellow
creatures. Although the cases were comparatively rare in which
cures had been made, still cures had been effected, and
practical experience had shown that the mental state of those
unfortunate beings was susceptible of manifest improvement by
the exercise of care and attention well directed by intelligent
and experienced persons. Many of them were taught music, and
others some trade or handicraft, and in that way their hands and
minds were occupied. There were cases in which patients so
engaged had improved so much as to be able to return to their
families, and afterwards to follow a trade which they had learnt
in the institution. The Institution had been very highly praised
by the Lunacy Commissioners, and he might remind the company
that it was supported by voluntary contributions. This year, he
believed, the contributions had exceeded those of any previous
one, but an infirmary had become necessary, although no
epidemic had hitherto occurred in the asylum; and as that would
go far to exhaust the funds, he called upon the company to do
their utmost to replenish them. His Royal Highness made a
passing allusion, by way of example, to the fact that an
anonymous benefactor had thrice contributed the sum of £1000 to
the treasury of the institution, and in conclusion he earnestly
appealed to the audience to do what in them lay towards the
relief of that grievously afflicted class of their fellow
creatures."
At the close of the festival Mr. William Nicholas, the secretary,
announced that the subscriptions in the course of the evening amounted
in all to £4197 odd, including a sum of 100 guineas, under initials,
which left no doubt that it was a donation by His Royal Highness the
Chairman.
HOMES FOR LITTLE BOYS.
_June 2nd, 1871._
Among the many institutions for homeless and orphan boys, the Cottage
Homes at Farningham are less heard of than some others which make more
clamorous appeals to the public. But they have for many years been the
scene of useful and beneficent work, and deserve larger support. At
Farningham there are 300 little boys, homeless, and in danger of falling
into evil ways, who are clothed, fed, educated, and taught some trade by
which they can earn their own living. They are then provided with
outfit, and placed in situations, where they are looked after as Old
Boys. This is a charity which was certain to awaken the sympathy and
receive the support of the Prince of Wales, when brought under his
notice.
On the 2nd of June, 1871, His Royal Highness presided at a festival at
the Freemasons' Hall for the benefit of the charity. He had already with
the Princess of Wales visited the Homes at Farningham, and then laid the
foundation-stone of the new buildings there. At the festival dinner, in
giving the toast, "Prosperity to the Home for Little Boys," the
following is the substance of what the Prince said:--
"The object of the promoters of this excellent charity had been
to take from the highways of this vast Metropolis those
unfortunate little beings who had been deprived of their
parents, or who had no homes, and to clothe, feed, educate, and
train them so that they might be enabled to go forth into the
world with a knowledge of some trade, and qualified, when they
left this admirable home, to earn their living, by being removed
from the temptations to crime, incident to the state of
destitution in which they were found. What could be more
dreadful than to see from day to day those wretched miserable
little children, who swarmed in our streets, who knew as little
as we did how or where they could live, or who were their
parents and natural protectors?
"It must be felt, then, to be the duty of every good Christian
to endeavour to ameliorate the condition of that class of our
fellow-creatures. He could speak from experience of the good
that had been done by this charity, because he had, with the
Princess, visited the institution. The asylum was erected about
seven years ago near Tottenham, but as it was thought desirable
to move further into the country, about 90 acres of ground were
purchased near Farningham, in Kent, and the homes were
established there. He then described the education received by
the boys, their excellent schooling in such subjects as
arithmetic and geography, besides the industrial training, which
was a special feature of the institution. He found that they
were taught to make clothes, boots, mats, &c.; there was a
carpenters' shop and a painters' shop, and a paper-bag shop;
they had a printing establishment, a laundry, a bakehouse, a
garden, a farm, and there were means for teaching the pupils a
great variety of other useful occupations, so that they might go
forth good and honest young men, capable of gaining their own
livelihood, instead of returning to those haunts of vice from
which they had been snatched. The cost of the homes was about
£9000 a year, but he was sorry to say the institution was still
about £5000 in debt. Mentioning the munificent donation of
£1000, which had recently been received from some anonymous
benefactor, His Royal Highness concluded, amid prolonged cheers,
by urging those present to contribute liberally, and to try to
persuade others to support this excellent institution, and so to
rescue as many as possible of the poor little suffering children
of the country, who had neither father nor mother living, from
wretchedness and crime."
A list of subscriptions and donations during the dinner was read,
amounting to the sum of £3464, including £1000 obtained from friends by
Mr. Robert Hanbury, then the President of the institution, and £150 from
the Royal Chairman.
Besides the Cottage Homes at Farningham, there are Orphan Homes at
Swanley, where 200 orphan or fatherless boys are maintained, and receive
technical education in various arts and industries, to fit them for a
working life.
THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.
_June 28th, 1871._
The 56th anniversary festival of this institution was held on the 28th
of June, 1871, at the Freemasons' Tavern, under the presidency of the
Prince of Wales, who wore the Highland costume, supported by Prince
Arthur and the Duke of Cambridge. About 350 sat down to dinner, a large
proportion being dressed in full Highland costume, among whom were the
Duke of Buccleuch, K.G., President; the Duke of Richmond, K.G.; the
Marquis of Lorne, M.P.; the Marquis of Huntly, the Earl of Fife, the
Earl of Mar, and the Earl of March.
His Royal Highness the Chairman, in proposing the toast of "Her Majesty
the Queen," alluded to the fact that Her Majesty was the patroness of
this institution, in which she had always taken the warmest interest.
The Duke of Buccleuch proposed "The health of His Royal Highness the
Chairman, the Princess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family."
Since the foundation of this institution in 1815 the Royal Family had
always responded most generously to every appeal that had been made to
them on its behalf, and he trusted that in consequence of the presence
of His Royal Highness on that occasion the funds of the charity would be
considerably increased. He reminded his audience that among his other
titles His Royal Highness possessed that of the Duke of Rothesay.
The toast was received with Highland honours, followed by the breaking
of the glasses from which it had been drunk. The Gaelic verses timing
the cheers were recited by Mr. Donald Mackenzie.
His Royal Highness the Chairman "expressed his sincere thanks at
the enthusiastic reception which had been given to the toast,
and his gratification that it had been drunk with Highland
honours. He was very sensible of the kindness of the feeling
that had prompted the latter act, and he begged to be regarded
on that occasion rather as the Duke of Rothesay than as the
Prince of Wales. This excellent institution had been associated
for so many years past with various members of his family that
he was rejoiced to be able to be there that night to plead in
its favour."
His Royal Highness in proposing "The Army, the Navy, and the
Reserve Forces," took occasion to refer to the changes that were
about to be effected in the organization of the army, and
"expressed a hope that those changes, whatever they might be,
would place the safety or the country upon a secure foundation,
and would enable us to prove that the author of the well-known
_Battle of Dorking_ was a false prophet. The writer of that
interesting production, however, deserved our thanks, inasmuch
as he had pointed out to us the danger of being 'caught
napping.' He begged to couple with the toast the name of his
Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who had already acted as
chairman of the festivals of the charity, of Sir A. Milne, and
of Colonel Loyd Lindsay, who had given such an impetus to the
Volunteer movement, and who had taken such an active part in
promoting the fund for the relief of the sick and wounded during
the late war."
His Royal Highness in proposing the toast of the evening,
"Prosperity to the Royal Caledonian Asylum," referred to "the
objects of the institution which is for supporting and educating
the children of soldiers, sailors, and marines, natives of
Scotland, who have died or been disabled in the service of their
country, and of indigent Scotch parents resident in London. The
charity had been founded in 1815, a memorable year for this
country, and from that time until his death his lamented
grandfather had presided over its interests. For his own part he
could only express the satisfaction he felt at being connected
with an institution which had received the patronage of Royalty
for so long a period. On the occasion when his grandfather had
presided at one of the festivals of the institution a large sum
of money was subscribed for its support, and he trusted on that
occasion its funds would be considerably increased, so as to
enable the thirty vacancies to be filled up, in addition to
providing board, lodging, clothing, and education for the 110
boys and girls now received within the building. The children
were given a thoroughly sound education, and many of those who
had been brought up in the establishment had subsequently
distinguished themselves in the Army, the Navy, and the Law.
This charity, which was entirely supported by voluntary
contributions, was the only one in London intended solely for
the children of Scotch parents, and, therefore, he called upon
all Scotchmen to contribute liberally in aid of its funds. It
conferred much happiness upon our soldiers and sailors that they
were able to feel assured that in the event of their death in
action their children would be brought up in decency and
comfort, and that they would not be allowed to fall victims to
want and sin."
The toast was drunk with three times three. His Royal Highness the
Chairman then briefly proposed "The Health of his Grace the Duke of
Buccleuch, the President of the Institution," to which his Grace
responded.
The donations announced amounted to about £2000.
During the course of the evening, the children, headed by their pipers,
marched round the room.
DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.
_August 1st, 1871._
The Royal Agricultural Society, of which the Prince of Wales is
President, held its annual meeting at Dublin in 1871. The occasion was
taken for a royal visit to Ireland. The Prince of Wales was accompanied
by the Princess Louise, the Marquis of Lorne, and his young brother,
Prince Arthur, better known in after years as the Duke of Connaught. Of
all the Royal family, this son of the Queen has special relation to
Ireland. One of his names he bears after the great Duke of Wellington,
Arthur Wellesley, an Irishman; another of his names is after an Irish
saint, and he sits in the House of Lords by an Irish title. Born in May
1850, Arthur Patrick was only a little past coming of age at this time.
The warm-hearted Irish people gave the royal Princes a truly cordial
welcome. On arriving at Dublin, there was not merely official display,
but the popular reception was not only friendly but enthusiastic. Flags
waved everywhere, and as it was late in the evening, the city was
illuminated, and _Cead mille failthe_ shone out in conspicuous
brilliancy. From a few knots of Fenians there were heard slight sounds
of hissing, but any hostile feeling was overborne by the general
rejoicing.
When the train from Kingstown arrived at Westland Row Terminus, the Lord
Mayor and Corporation met the Royal visitors, and the Town Clerk read
an address to which the Prince made an appropriate reply.
On the next day, August 1st, the royal visitors, having witnessed a
cricket match in College Park, and had luncheon with the officers of the
Grenadier Guards, went to the Show-yard in the afternoon. The Prince of
Wales proceeded to the Council-room, and signed the minutes of the last
meeting, in the capacity of President of the Council. The inspection of
the horses, cattle, and sheep was then made. Among the awards, made by
the judges of the Show in the forenoon, was a prize for the best pen of
shearling ewes, exhibited by His Royal Highness.
The annual banquet was given in the evening at the Exhibition Palace. It
was a brilliant and successful affair. About 450 guests were present,
and the galleries were thronged with ladies. When the Prince entered and
took his place at the head of the table there was tumultuous applause.
After dinner the Prince rose and said:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,--The first toast which I have the
honour of proposing to you this evening is one which I am sure
will be heartily received by you. It is 'The Health of Her
Majesty the Queen.' In proposing this toast I am convinced that
the Queen has a part in the best wishes of the Irish people.
Although, unfortunately, some time has elapsed since she has
been over in Ireland, still I hope the day will yet come when
she may again come over. I am also convinced that the reception
she has met on former occasions she will meet with again. I will
not add more, but ask you to drink the health of Her Majesty the
Queen."
The toast was drunk with loyal fervour. After a short interval the
Prince of Wales again rose and said:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I have some slight difficulty in
proposing the next toast, because it relates to members of my
own family; still, as it is on the list before me, I propose
'The Health of the rest of the Royal Family.' I am sure that it
has been the wish of my brothers not to be useless appendages of
the State, but to do all they can to serve their country. My
brother, the Duke of Edinburgh, as you are aware, has for some
time past been in the Royal Navy, and has had the advantage of
seeing many countries, and I may say of twice sailing round the
world. On my left is my brother who is serving in the Army, and
who responds to this toast. I trust that he has also a bright
career before him. He has some slight claim upon you,
gentlemen, as he bears the name of Patrick. Without saying more,
I beg you to drink the health of the rest of the Royal Family,
coupled with the name of Prince Arthur."
His Royal highness Prince Arthur, on rising to respond to the toast, was
received with loud cheers, renewed during the short but effective and
well delivered speech, in which he referred to a former visit to
Ireland, when he was received with much kindness and cordiality. "That
visit was certainly but a short one, but it was long enough to enable me
to see a good deal of the country, and to inspire in me a lasting
interest in all that concerns the welfare of Ireland."
The Prince of Wales, in proposing the next toast, said:--
"Ladies and Gentlemen,--It is now my pleasing duty to propose
'The Health of His Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and
Prosperity to Ireland.' Nothing could give me greater pleasure
than having the honour of proposing this toast. I am convinced
that all the Lords-Lieutenant that come over to Ireland do their
utmost to fulfil their duties, and sometimes they are very
arduous ones, and I feel convinced that his Excellency on my
right has the goodwill of the country. The theme before
me--Prosperity to Ireland--is one that might be enlarged upon
greatly. Nobody wishes more sincerely than I do prosperity to
this country. No one in the large assemblage which crowds this
hall, and no one outside this hall, could more largely wish for
the prosperity of Ireland which was so dear to them. I think I
may say without fear of contradiction, that at the present
moment Ireland is rich and prosperous. There has been a great
decrease of pauperism and of crime, and I may say that what will
do more than anything else towards making a country prosperous
is the extension of its agriculture. It was with great pleasure
that I accepted the position of President of the Royal
Agricultural Society, and it afforded me great pleasure to be
present for a short time at the Show to-day. My brother has
already alluded in his speech to the fine animals we saw, and I
may add that I feel sure that in no other part of the United
Kingdom could a more creditable Show be held than that which was
opened near Dublin this morning. During the last four years
there has been a great improvement in every respect in the shows
of the Royal Agricultural Societies. I believe I am not wrong in
stating that in 1867 the entries in the department of horses
numbered 257, and now, on this occasion, they are but one short
of 600. That alone shows the interest which all classes of the
community take in these Shows, and how anxious each one is to do
all in his power to promote the object it has in view."
Alluding to the interest which the Earl of Pembroke had shown in the
welfare of the country, and his liberality in granting a site for the
Showyard, His Royal Highness said:--
"I am assured that if the many gentlemen and landlords who very
often find some difficulty in leaving England, but who have
large interests and large estates in this country, could
contrive to come over here more frequently, it would do more
good than anything else I could imagine. I am certain that they
are anxious to come over, and that their relations with their
tenantry and those around them should be in every respect good.
I may also here refer to the great improvement made in the
erection of farm buildings and cottages. Beyond doubt there has
been progress in the direction of improvement there; but still I
believe much yet remains to be done. Everything depends upon the
well-being of the people, and if they are properly lodged it
tends to cleanliness, and very possibly to moral advantage.
Perhaps I may be allowed to speak of a slight personal
experience in that matter. I have a small estate in Norfolk, and
observed myself the greatest importance of providing suitable
small cottages for those resident there, and, having done so,
now reap immense advantage. I am sure that this is a question
which belongs in itself to the well-being of Irish agriculture,
and which will accordingly receive the best consideration of
this society. There are many other topics upon which I might
enlarge, but as there are still many toasts to be proposed and
responded to, time will not permit. Besides, as you are aware,
the excellent society under whose auspices we are assembled,
while endeavouring to do as much good as possible, has no
political connection whatever. You will, therefore, I am sure,
forgive me if I do not enlarge more fully on other topics which
might have some political bearing. I give you 'The Health of his
Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, and Prosperity to Ireland.'"
The Lord-Lieutenant, Earl Spencer, in responding, said that since they
last met there had been much prosperity in the country. It was a happy
thing that they were able to mark this. The calling out of the Irish
Militia had tended to encourage the confidence and loyalty of the
people. His Excellency hoped that the improved relations established by
recent legislation between landlord and tenant would have beneficial
effects.
His Excellency then proposed "The Health of the Prince of Wales," who
responded, and after several other toasts the party separated.
The Royal visitors, accompanied by the Countess Spencer and the Princess
Louise, afterwards proceeded to the Lady Mayoress's ball at the Mansion
House. The city was brilliantly illuminated at night.
* * * * *
The enthusiastic reception of the Royal Princes, and the success of this
visit to Ireland gave much public satisfaction at the time, and is
regarded with interest now, in the light of subsequent events. There had
been some misgivings, lest the Prince might meet with an uncourteous or
at least a cold and uncordial reception. But this had never been the way
of Irishmen, even under what might seem unpropitious conditions. The
most loyal and enthusiastic greeting ever given to a Sovereign, was that
which welcomed the Queen in 1849, just after the treason of Mr. Smith
O'Brien, and at the close of a long period of agitation. Still more
remarkable was the welcome given to George IV. in 1821. There were
neither personal nor political reasons for expecting much enthusiasm on
that occasion. It was well known that the new king, like his father
before him, and the brother who then stood next to the throne, were
determined opponents of Catholic Emancipation. But no sooner had this
king set foot on Irish soil, and left the name of Kingstown to the place
where he landed, than every political grievance, penal laws and
Protestant ascendency, were all for the time forgotten. The truth is
that whatever agitation may be at the surface, the masses of the Irish
nation, like the deep waters of the ocean, are not so disturbed as to
move them to disaffection or disloyalty. There was no Irishman more
loyal than Daniel O'Connell, and many of the Home Rulers of our own day
are not less loyal to the British Crown. There is no fear of the Queen
or any of her children being received by the mass of the Irish people
without demonstrations of joy. Rather the complaint is that Ireland has
so much less of the Royal sunshine than Scotland enjoys, and it might be
well if the sister island became the permanent residence of a member of
the reigning House.
Such thoughts have no bearing on party politics, but are naturally
suggested in remembering the reception given in 1871 to the heir to the
British Crown.
A succession of engagements and of entertainments took place, as on the
visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1868. The military display
in the Phoenix Park was even more brilliant than on that occasion. One
notable incident in 1871 was the installation, with great ceremony, of
His Royal Highness as Grand Patron of the Masonic Institution in
Ireland. A formal address of welcome having been read, His Royal
Highness made the following reply:--
"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,--I thank you very much for
your cordial and grateful address, and for the kind sentiments
expressed in it towards myself. It was a source of considerable
satisfaction to me when I was elected a member of the craft, and
I think I may without presumption point to the different Masonic
meetings which, since my initiation, I have fraternally
attended. As a proof of the interest I take in all that relates
to Freemasonry, I can assure you that it has afforded me great
gratification to become the Patron of the Most Ancient and
Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, and
that an opportunity has been given to me by my visit to Ireland
of being installed here to-day."