address which you have just read, allow me to express to you,
and to this great assemblage, the very great gratification it
gives both the Princess and myself to be here to-day, to take
part in so interesting and what I may also call a most important
ceremony. You are well aware of the deep interest and solicitude
we take with regard to all classes of the community in this
great Metropolis, but we claim that we take especial interest in
what concerns the well-being and the welfare of the working
classes and of the poor of London. It is therefore a great
gratification to us that I should be afforded the opportunity
to-day of laying the foundation stone of a home to be called
'The Jubilee Memorial Home,' in commemoration of the fiftieth
year of the Queen's reign, and, at the same time, I rejoice to
think that this building is to be named 'The Shaftesbury House,'
as a memorial of the great and distinguished philanthropist
whose loss we must always and shall ever deeply deplore. Most
sincerely do we hope that this home may be the means of bringing
many of those waifs and strays always existing in so great a
metropolis as ours; we trust, too, that they may have such an
education and training that, as they grow older, they may be
able to go out into the world honest and respectable citizens,
and have an opportunity of gaining their livelihood. I thank you
again, Lord Jersey, for this address, and assure you that it
gives us the greatest pleasure to be here to-day."
The stone was then well and truly laid, and his Royal Highness was
presented with the trowel. A paper was laid by the Prince upon the
stone, and Lord Jersey announced the gift of £50 from his Royal
Highness, £30 from Sir Robert Carden, and other donations. "God bless
the Prince of Wales," and the "National Anthem" were then chanted. The
Royal party left amidst enthusiastic cheering. A large number of the
boys from the country homes were present, and from the training-ships in
their sailor costumes.
CONSECRATION OF TRURO CATHEDRAL.
_November 3rd, 1887._
The foundation stone of Truro Cathedral was laid in 1879 by the Prince
of Wales, with Masonic ceremony. He was accompanied by the Princess of
Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and Prince George. The Prince was again
asked to be present at the Consecration, when the building was
completed. The ceremony took place on the 3rd of November, 1887. On
arriving at the station, the Mayor of Truro presented an Address, to
which the Prince thus replied:--
"I thank you for your loyal address and for the kind words with
which you receive me on this memorable occasion. It affords me
the most unfeigned satisfaction to be able to attend the great
religious service which is held here to-day, and to be present
at the consummation of the important ceremony in which I took a
leading part more than seven years ago. The interest which the
Duchess of Cornwall and I have felt in the progress of the work
has continued unabated since that period, and she commissions me
to assure you how deep is her regret and disappointment that
unavoidable causes prevent her from accompanying me to the
consecration of the first Protestant cathedral erected in
England since St. Paul's in London. I join most heartily in the
expression of your hopes that the western part of the building
may ere long be completed, and I trust that circumstances will
then allow me once more to visit a town which can boast of
having been mentioned in Domesday Book 800 years ago. Let me in
conclusion, gentlemen, express my warm acknowledgments to you
for the loyal and cordial terms in which you allude to the Queen
and the Duchess of Cornwall."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the predecessor of the present Bishop, and
a large number of the Episcopal body, with many of the clergy and laity
of the diocese, were present in the Cathedral. The service, including
the administration of the Holy Communion, occupied nearly four hours.
After the service the Prince drove to the Truro Public Rooms, where
about four hundred of the principal residents of Cornwall assembled for
luncheon, Lord St. Germans, Lord Lieutenant of the County, presiding.
The noble Chairman, after proposing the toast of "The Queen," gave that
of "Their Royal Guest," who, he trusted, felt at home in his ancient
Duchy. The Prince, in reply, said:--
"Lord Mount-Edgcumbe, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--I am deeply
touched by the very kind manner in which this toast has been
proposed by our Lord Lieutenant and by the way in which it has
been received. Although it has not been my good fortune to come
as often to this ancient Duchy as I could have wished, still
among the different visits which I have been able to pay you
none has given me greater pleasure and satisfaction than that
which I am paying at the present moment. You may rest assured
that I feel proud of the ancient title that I bear. The interest
that I take in the welfare of the county will never be
diminished. Seven years and a half ago I was enabled to lay the
foundation stone of this cathedral with Masonic honours. To-day
I have been present at its consecration. The most interesting
service and religious ceremony at which we have assisted to-day
are not likely to be forgotten by me, nor by any of you. It is
the event of a lifetime, and I congratulate you, the Duchy, the
county, and all connected with it, on the erection of so noble
an edifice, and I trust that before long we may see the
completion of the building. It is a real sorrow to me that the
Princess of Wales and some of my children should not have
accompanied me on this occasion as they did when the foundation
stone was laid. Although they are far away, you may feel sure
that they take a great interest in what is being done here
to-day. Time is short and we have to leave. If, therefore, the
words I have uttered to you to-day are few, you must not
question their sincerity and heartiness. I thank you for the
kind reception that you always give me when I come among you.
Before sitting down I wish to give one toast, which I am sure
you will drink with pleasure. It is 'The Health of our Lord
Lieutenant.' You know how much is due to him and to your Bishop.
I am sure that it is a source of great satisfaction to them to
see so many distinguished prelates around them on this great
occasion and so large a body of the laity."
The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the company would have
remained standing while the air "God bless the Prince of Wales" was
being played upon the organ, had not the Prince motioned to them to
resume their seats.
NEW COLOURS TO THE OLD 46TH REGIMENT.
_November 4th, 1887._
The visit of the Prince of Wales to the West of England closed with the
ceremony of presenting new colours to the 2nd Battalion Duke of
Cornwall's Light Infantry at Devonport. On his arrival, an address was
presented by the Corporation. The Prince replied:--
"I have had much satisfaction in receiving your address, and I
thank you for your kind welcome to a borough in which on more
than one occasion I have experienced a very cordial reception. I
have a perfect recollection of the circumstances of my departure
for Canada to which you allude. It is hardly necessary for me to
remind you of the many important events which have occurred in
the history of this kingdom, and in my own life, since the day
on which I embarked for North America from your port,
twenty-seven years ago. Let me express to you my warm
acknowledgments for your gratifying recognition of my earnest
endeavours to encourage all undertakings tending to promote the
welfare of this great country. I am well aware that the position
which I occupy as the eldest son of the Sovereign entails upon
me the performance of duties which it always has been my most
earnest desire to fulfil to the utmost of my ability, and I can
assure my fellow-countrymen that in the future, as in the past,
they will at all times find me anxious to respond to any call
which they may make upon me to aid them in the advancement of
any object either of charity or of public utility."
The Prince then drove to the Raglan Barracks, where the regiment awaited
his arrival.
The usual ceremonies on such occasions were proceeded with, and the old
colours, which had been borne by the 46th, or South Devon Regiment, as
it was formerly called, through the Crimean War and in Egypt, were taken
to the rear to the music of "Auld Lang Syne." The new colours, after the
prayer of consecration by the chaplain of the garrison, were presented
to the lieutenants. The Prince then addressed the troops:--
"Colonel Grieve, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and Men of
the 2nd Battalion Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry,--You have
conferred a great pleasure and satisfaction upon me in having
asked me to give your efficient regiment new colours. I do so
with the greatest pleasure, because I know that, in giving these
new colours, I intrust them to the care of a regiment which has
distinguished itself for many years in every part of the globe,
and that they are certain to be in safe hands, and will continue
to do honour to their Sovereign and country as heretofore. I am
proud to be associated with your regiment as Honorary Colonel of
the 3rd Battalion. I am aware that, perhaps, the old name of the
46th is more dear to you; but I feel sure that, whether under
that name or under the present one, you will continue to bear
the high state of efficiency which has always existed ever since
the regiment was raised.
"Your regiment was raised, as I am aware, in 1741, and you
distinguished yourselves in the War of Independence. In
consequence, in 1777, of your Light Company at Dominica having
gallantly defended General Wayns, you were awarded the privilege
of wearing red feathers, a distinction which you still bear in
the shape of red cloth on your helmets, and of which you feel
very proud. I am also aware that your regiment served with
distinction in the Crimea, and these old colours, which are to
be carried by the old regiment no more, were given to you on
board ship, prior to landing in the Crimea, and have been used
for many years. You have since served in different parts of the
Empire, and especially in the recent campaign in Egypt and in
the Nile Expedition, under the command of the late gallant and
lamented General Earle. There is much more that I could say in
connection with your distinguished services, but, owing to the
want of time and the unfortunate inclemency of the weather, I do
not wish to detain the regiment longer than is necessary on
parade. Let me congratulate you, Colonel Grieve, on the smart
appearance of your regiment and the admirable way in which they
look. I sincerely hope the regiment, as opportunities offer,
though I hope they may not, whether in the defensive or
offensive, will continue as it always has to distinguish itself.
I can congratulate you, Colonel Grieve, upon the honour of
commanding so fine and efficient a regiment."
THE GLASGOW EXHIBITION OF 1888.
_May 8th, 1888._
On the 8th of May, 1888, the Exhibition at Glasgow was opened by the
Prince and Princess of Wales. There have been many Exhibitions,
international and national, since the famous "World's Fair" of 1851, but
few of them have surpassed, in variety of interest, that which the
Glasgow people have successfully carried out, in the spacious and
picturesque building in Kelvin Grove Park. Certainly, not one of the
national Exhibitions has offered so wonderful a display of the wealth,
enterprise, and versatility in productive industry, of the subjects of
the British Crown. There was at Manchester an unrivalled collection of
art-treasures, and at other places there have been special features of
distinction. But, on the whole, the Exhibition at Glasgow has been one
of most varied excellence, worthy of the Queen's Jubilee year, when the
preparations were made for it, and worthy of the silver-wedding year of
the Prince and Princess, whose presence was welcomed on the opening
day. The experience of other Exhibitions has not been lost, and one of
the most interesting portions of the show has been the antiquarian and
historical collection displayed in the Old "Bishop's Palace," after the
manner of the artificial constructions first made familiar in the
streets of "Old London" at South Kensington.
Before opening the Exhibition, the Prince and Princess were received in
the Corporation Chambers by the Lord Provost, magistrates, and a
distinguished assembly. An address of welcome was read by Dr. Marwick,
the Town Clerk, some of the points of which may be gathered from the
reply of the Prince, which was as follows:--
"My Lord Provost and Gentlemen,--I have received your address
with feelings of sincere satisfaction, and I thank you on behalf
of the Princess of Wales and myself for your cordial words of
welcome and your kind reference to our Silver Wedding. We have
come here to-day to celebrate, in one of the most prosperous
cities of the United Kingdom, the inauguration of a great
national work of the highest and most varied interest, and one
altogether worthy of your important city. I can assure you I
thoroughly understand and appreciate the anxious desire which
has prevailed among you that an Industrial Exhibition should be
held this year in Glasgow, and I consider that with the
commercial, manufacturing, and mercantile eminence which she
enjoys, such a desire is not only right and proper in the
highest degree, but natural and commendable. We warmly
sympathise with you in this feeling, and I would that my
lamented father were alive now to witness the development of the
general idea of which he was the originator. The relations of
this city with all the markets of the civilised world have long
been well known, but they have been immensely extended during
the present century by the energy and enterprise of those
merchants and citizens, who, by deepening the Clyde and
providing the extensive harbour and dock accommodation which now
exists, have overcome the natural disadvantages of its position,
and given it a permanent place among the shipping ports and
commercial centres of the Kingdom. Let me, my Lord Provost and
Gentlemen, sincerely thank you for the loyal terms in which you
alluded to the Queen. I shall have much pleasure in
communicating to Her Majesty the hope that you have expressed
that she will visit your magnificent Exhibition, and I will not
fail to acquaint her likewise with your words of devotion to her
throne and person."
The Royal party left the Council Chamber for the Lord Provost's
residence, where they partook of luncheon. After the luncheon the Royal
party passed under a triumphal arch at the West-end Park main entrance,
and over the Prince of Wales Bridge, opposite the Exhibition gate. Sir
Archibald Campbell, President of the Executive Committee, here met the
Prince, and a number of gentlemen who have been instrumental in
promoting the Exhibition were introduced to his Royal Highness. Sir A.
Campbell handed to the Prince a gold key, and his Royal Highness, amidst
cheers, opened the east door of the vestibule, and entered the
Exhibition. The Prince and Princess walked to the front of the platform
of the Grand Hall, the Glasgow Choral Union meanwhile singing the
National Anthem, and the Artillery on the neighbouring heights firing a
salute of twenty-one guns. After their Royal Highnesses were seated and
prayers had been read by the Rev. Dr. D. M'Leod, Sir A. Campbell
presented an address.
The Prince of Wales, accepting the address, said:--
"Sir Archibald Campbell, my Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you
for your address, and I can assure you that it affords the
Princess of Wales and myself very sincere pleasure to be present
on this important occasion. That gratification is increased by
the sense of the connection which you have recognised as
existing between this International Exhibition and that in which
my revered father took so deep an interest and so active a part.
The various Exhibitions which have been held since 1851 have
undoubtedly done much, not only to enlist the sympathy of the
nations of the world and to engage them in friendly rivalries of
industrial competition, but largely to extend our knowledge of
every branch of manufacture, and to afford pleasure to all ranks
and classes of society in every country in which these
Exhibitions have been held. Recognising the benefits which they
have thus conferred, such Exhibitions can never fail to enlist
the sympathy of the Queen and command the support of the
Princess and myself. We are here to-day to give personal
testimony to that feeling, and to express our satisfaction not
only with the public spirit with which the undertaking has been
supported financially, but with the enthusiasm with which
exhibitors from all parts of the world have enriched the
collections of science, art, and industry gathered within these
buildings.
"Nor is it possible to overlook the special appropriateness of
such an Exhibition in this city, in which the researches and
discoveries of Black, of Watt, and, in our own day, of Thomson,
have been productive of world-wide benefits to mankind. In the
application of science also, Glasgow can point with just pride
to Bell, whose 'Comet' is still preserved as a memorial of the
first attempt to apply the forces of steam to the propulsion of
ships, and to the multifarious industries which have here found
a home. To the widely different character of these industries,
which secure to the population of this district immunity from
many of the risks which necessarily attend devotion to one
special department of labour, it is only possible to allude in
general terms. Here there exist and flourish side by side great
establishments for shipbuilding, the production of marine
machinery, locomotives, mill machinery, and mechanical
appliances for the working of iron and coal for the production
of mineral oil, the manufacture of thread, glass, and pottery,
carpet-weaving, dyeing and printing. It must not likewise be
over-looked that Glasgow was the cradle of the steam-carrying
trade with America and the great mercantile centres of the
world. It is gratifying to me to learn that, in the
comprehensive collection to be found here, due regard has been
paid to the exhibition of works of art, and that the walls of
your galleries are enriched by many and valuable paintings and
works of sculpture. Here, as in the Exhibition at Manchester,
are to be found evidences of the fact that the successful
prosecution of trade, manufacture, and commerce afford not only
the means of gratifying, but of developing the taste for art.
"Not the least interesting of all is the section in which an
honourable place has been given to the works of artisan
exhibitors. In every industrial community, and nowhere more so
than in Glasgow, the development of the taste, skill, and
handicraft of its operatives must always command a respectful
consideration and interest. To the Women's Industry Section we
shall also look with special sympathy, recognising the
importance of encouraging every means by which women's work may
be made productive.
"It is also a gratification to us to observe that the artistic
building in which the Exhibition is contained occupies an
appropriate position within, I may almost say, the shadow of the
University of Glasgow, the second in antiquity of the old
Universities of Scotland. The site of the University is no doubt
modern; but it is satisfactory to see the Institution which was
founded through the influence of King James II. in 1450 in a
more flourishing state at present than at any previous period of
its history. It only remains now for the Princess and myself to
express our earnest hope that this great Exhibition may prove an
immense success, and that the thousands who, we trust, will
visit it may derive such instruction from an examination of its
various sections as will prove of material advantage to them for
years to come."
After an Inauguration Ode had been sung, the Prince declared the
Exhibition open, amid much enthusiasm. The Hallelujah Chorus was then
given by the choir. The Royal party spent considerable time in
inspecting various parts of the Exhibition, the Princess being specially
interested in the "Women's Industries" Section; after which they
returned to the Central Railway Station, _en route_ to Hamilton Palace.
On the same day, May 8, the Queen, accompanied by the Princess
Christian, and other members of the Royal family, honoured by her
presence the performance of Sir Arthur Sullivan's _Golden Legend_, given
by command at the Royal Albert Hall. Later in the year, on the 22nd
August, she gratified the citizens of Glasgow by visiting the
Exhibition, in response to the loyal invitation from the Corporation and
the Committee given to the Prince on the opening day. The Queen honoured
Sir Archibald Campbell, of Blythswood, Chairman of the Committee, by
being his guest on that occasion. The opportunity of this Royal visit
was taken for opening the new municipal buildings in George Square. It
was nearly forty years since Her Majesty, along with the lamented Prince
Consort, had visited the western capital of Scotland. No city in her
Majesty's dominions has made more wonderful progress than Glasgow, or
made more eager use of its natural advantages. The visit of the Prince
of Wales at the opening of the Exhibition, and the subsequent visit of
the Queen will make the year 1888 ever memorable in the annals of
Glasgow.
SIR BARTLE FRERE'S STATUE.
_June 5th, 1888._
Among the memorials of illustrious men in the gardens of the Thames
Embankment, no one will be honoured more than the statue to Sir Bartle
Frere. It was erected by public subscription, in memory of his private
virtues and of his public services. The grand bronze figure of the
patriotic Englishman is much admired. The likeness is good, and the
whole monument, with its pedestal of Cornish granite, imposing. Many
distinguished men were present to witness the unveiling of the statue by
the Prince of Wales on the 5th of June, 1888. He was accompanied by the
Princess, and their two daughters, the Princesses Maud and Victoria.
Among the company were the Duke of Cambridge, the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Lord Napier of Magdala, and Sir Richard Temple, M.P., who
asked the Prince of Wales to perform the ceremony. The Prince said:--
"Sir Richard Temple, Ladies, and Gentlemen,--It gave me great
pleasure, after the lamented death of Sir Bartle Frere, to
accept the post of President of the Committee, especially when
we found that a Memorial like this statue was to be erected to
the memory of a great and valued public servant of the Crown,
and at the same time to a highly esteemed and dear friend of
myself." His Royal Highness then briefly recounted the chief
points in Sir Bartle Frere's long and distinguished career in
India and Africa, a career with which all present were doubtless
acquainted. Continuing, His Royal Highness remarked:--"For his
services in India, whither he first went in the year 1834, in
the service of the East India Company, Sir Bartle Frere twice
received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. On his return
home he successfully conducted negotiations with the Sultan of
Zanzibar for the suppression of the slave trade, and, later, I
had the good fortune to have his services during my journey to
India in 1876. The last, but no means the least, important of
Sir Bartle Frere's duties was as Governor-General of the Cape of
Good Hope and Lord High Commissioner to South Africa. There is
much more that I might say, but the facts are known to history,
and I will, therefore, in conclusion, merely express my thanks
for having been asked to perform this ceremony, and remind
those present that, on this very day four years ago, when the
late Sir Bartle Frere was laid to his rest, the procession
passed by the spot where the statue now stands."
NEW GYMNASIUM IN LONG ACRE.
_July 6th, 1888._