THE FAMOUS FAREWELL DINNER
Why the Maharajah of Durbangah Gave up Racing--The Maharajah of
Patiala Joins the Stable--The Indian Lotteries--Some Successful
Racing--Lord Bill Pays Up--Simla Feeling Sad--Death of Myall
King--Some of His Chief Races--Farewell Dinner--List of
Guests--Speeches
Early in 1891 the Maharajah of Durbangah told his partner he meant to
give up racing. Mr. Abbott, who was in the know of all things racing,
attributes this decision to worry and anxiety caused by certain
Government schemes afloat which he feared would entirely disturb
the peace of his territory. Perhaps I cannot do better than quote
Mr. Abbott’s own words referring to the reason for His Highness’s
retirement.
“This popular prince was worried out of his life by the spectre which
haunted his nightly dreams of the utterly uncalled for, ill-judged
and stupid scheme of the Cadastral Survey, hatched by two Irish
civilians, true to their breeding in that they were rabid haters of
landlords. If ever the heart of that generous, loyal and rattling
good all-round prince be post-mortemed, Cadastral Survey will be
found indelibly printed thereon. How could a man go on racing when he
knew that his whole principality, at that moment resting in perfect
peace and contentment, was to have its Arcadian simplicity disturbed
by numerically untold bands of harpies in Government uniform,
sweeping through its length and breadth, looting alike Zemindar and
Ryot, taking bribes with a magnificent impartiality from both--and
to do what? Draw dauby maps, incomplete and incorrect to start with,
absolutely useless in less than five years. A precious lot of use
this thrice-cursed and most scandalous survey will prove. Small
wonder Durbangah stopped racing, and that the once contented prince
is in a state of unrest and discontent.” Mr. Abbott maintains, “This
and this alone was the secret of Durbangah’s retiring from the turf.”
Whether this survey proved disastrous or a benefit I am not able
to say, but I think we may take it that the description of Mr.
Abbott’s which I have quoted faithfully represents the state of the
Maharajah’s mind and feelings at the time. Great was the excitement
in India when the news became public property, and many both wise
and foolish were the speculations indulged in as to the reason.
Lord William was naturally very sorry, having had nothing but the
pleasantest relations with his partner from first to last. There had
always been entire agreement between them. In addition to his regret
at losing his racing partner Lord William was very grieved that
“such a good fellow and such a loyal prince” should be unhappy and
unsettled.
There happened to be another native nobleman at the time anxious and
longing to make a name for himself on the turf, namely, the young and
enormously rich young Maharajah of Patiala, straight from the leading
strings of a strict Scotch tutor. Being at the Calcutta meeting
for the first time in the early part of ’91, and knowing that the
Beresford-Durbangah arrangement was at an end, he approached Lord
William with a view to being taught the ropes and joining company. He
was already a good horseman and loved the sport. His lordship agreed,
and so for the future it was to be that very powerful stable the
Patiala-Beresford, the strongest in India.
So there was no halting in any of the programmes, everything went
on just as usual. At the Second Extra Calcutta Meeting in ’91 Lord
William won two races with Lord Clyde and one with Wild Oats, as wild
as his name. At the Lucknow Meeting Myall King won the Stewards’
Purse, value 1500 rupees. Here again there was an unpleasantness, one
of those heated arguments that spoil the pleasure of a meeting for
everybody. This time the row began when Mr. Apcar’s Sylvia won the
Civil Service Cup, and Lord William, on behalf of the owner of the
second pony named Frisky, made objection to her not having paid the
full penalties. After certain explanations Lord William withdrew his
objection, but Frisky’s owner carried on the war, and the unfortunate
Stewards of the Turf Club (Calcutta) had to sift the matter and
adjudicate. Counsel exhausted themselves with their eloquence over
the case, but again it came to naught.
[Illustration:
_Photo. Vandyk_
H. H. THE MAHARAJAH OF PATIALA]
It was, I believe, in December, 1891, Myall King was beaten for the
Viceroy’s Cup by that speedy horse Moorhouse, but Sunshine won the
Karnaul Stakes, Edith the Zeerut Stakes, Teviot the Eastern Stakes,
plucky little Blitz the Eclipse Stakes, with ears down, thinking
hard, and doing his best; Ivo the Christmas Cup, so amongst these
many wins it is hoped consolation was found to make up for poor Myall
King’s defeat.
On the fourth day of the big Calcutta Meeting there was some grand
racing. The Patiala-Beresford’s country-bred pony Negus, supposed
to be the best country-bred ever seen in India, won the Eastern
Handicap, and Ringmaster made a splendid finish for the Durbangah
Cup, Vinall only just managing to squeeze him in front of Savant
by a short head. The stable at this time had a small English boy
named Peake doing the lightweight riding for them, he was rather a
success. At the Third Extra Calcutta Meeting the black cap and light
blue jacket won four races on Christmas Day as follows: Escapade the
Kerry Stakes, Tabby the Welter, Negus the Bengal, Ivo the Fitzmaurice
Stakes.
From now on, until Lord William left India early in 1894, there is
little if any particular interest to relate except his successful
racing, to which he devoted all his spare time. Chasing appealed
strongly to him, the excitement of it being after his own heart, and
nothing pleased him better than to be up himself. Being a good judge
of a horse, he knew what to look for when keeping his eyes and ears
open for possible winners. On paper we all know the thing to look
for, good shoulders to help them when landing, plenty of power behind
to propel with, and so on, but in practice this does not always do
the trick, for most of us at times have seen little weedy, tucked-up
animals win big prizes. Never mind, we are told the exception proves
the rule, and, as I have already remarked, Logic is, no doubt, a
good training for us all as leading to sound and considered judgment,
but horses are unacquainted with it. It is very seldom, however, that
a horse will not do his best, strain every nerve, in response to the
demands of his master. Lord William was a bold, plucky rider, with
good hands, but in racing was, I think, inclined to be too impetuous.
I have seen him spoil his own chances by being too eager. My readers
will say he managed to win a good many when riding himself. Quite
true, so he did, and he could do almost anything with horses, but his
tendency in racing was to go “all out.”
A good deal of business was done in India over the Calcutta
Sweepstakes on the English Derby. Lord William was always keenly
interested, and did a good deal of buying and selling over the
horses’ chances, which, of course, is just as legitimate as certain
leading lights in the English racing world making a £10,000 yearling
book on the Derby. As a purchaser of tickets Lord Bill was in a good
position to judge a horse’s chances, being well posted from home, his
brother Lord Marcus keeping him well informed of all that was going
on, the breakdowns, scratchings, and other contingencies connected
with good and bad luck of the racehorse in training. The Calcutta
Sweep on our Derby is the most valuable in the world. Lord William
did a large business with the Indian lotteries, and made a heap
of money over them. The sweepstakes being drawn some weeks before
the race is run, gives everybody who likes to avail themselves of
it opportunities of making money by buying and selling the chances
subsequent to the draw, taking the form of jobbery on the Stock
Exchange. Many of my readers know all about this, but there are some
who may be glad of the explanation. It is not now possible to do
what has been done in the past with Calcutta Sweeps, what is called
“future event wagering,” is more or less a thing of the past. It must
be remembered there was not much for Lord William to learn about
racing, and he knew how to hedge so as to make his book fairly safe
before the flag fell. There is an old adage, “No bet is a good one
until it is well hedged.” I think latterly Lord William hedged a
good deal. I have heard it remarked that he lost his nerve a little,
and after making a big book would hedge it off again, thereby not
making the sums he might have done over his own horses, but I think
we may take it his lordship knew what he was doing, and did it fairly
satisfactorily.
In February, 1892, that wonderful pony Lord Clyde, whose legs must
have been made of cement, won the Merchants’ Purse at Lucknow with
ease, Arabi Pasha the Derby, and Negus the Civil Service Cup.
Racing people in India were growing restive at the formidable
Patiala-Beresford stable winning so many of the best races, but if
the stewards and officials who arrange the different meetings invite
outsiders to compete they must not cry if they come and at times
carry off their prizes. Both the Maharajah and Lord Bill were so
extraordinarily generous they cared much less for the cash and prizes
than for the glory of winning, and would willingly have given them
the value of the stakes if that was all that mattered.
The Patiala Prince started some races of his own in April, 1892, on
his own estate. They became very popular, and his hospitality was
remarkable, everything well done, and Lord William able to help him
in laying out and arranging the course, which was 1½ miles long, and
well kept. It boasted of two grand stands, stables, dressing-rooms,
weighing-room, and all the heart of man or beast could desire.
On the opening day both the Maharajah and his A.D.C., Sirdar Preetum
Singh, rode in races, each being a winner. The bookmakers did good
business too.
At Agra the stable did fairly well, winning the Bhurtpore Plate
with Doris, Bar Stakes with Teviot, three races with Edith, and the
Auction Stakes with Joker. Small wonder folk felt nervous when the
Patiala-Beresford horses appeared on the scenes.
At Simla, on the new altered course, the races could hardly be called
gymkhanas any longer, many good horses coming from far and near to
compete. Lord William won the Jakko Stakes with his Coffee, but I do
not remember any other wins of this time at Annandale, though there
may have been several.
[Illustration: NEW PAVILION AT ANNANDALE]
The majority of his horses, as well as the viceregal horses, were
summering at Dehra as usual. This year a few were sent to Nami Tal,
another hill station, by way of a change and to represent the stable
in some races and gymkhanas. Two horses that had lately been imported
to India were causing anxiety, they were not doing very well at
Dehra, but as they had come out in that trying month of August it
was hardly surprising. It was my fate once to be in the Red Sea in
August, and I almost made up my mind to die, but thought better of
it, while a real live judge on board made no bones about it, and did
lie down and die, though everybody did their best for the poor old
man with ice, fans, and punkahs.
At Meerut Doris won the Haupur Stakes, Cuba the Handicap Hurdles,
Tabby the Aligarh Stakes, Edith the Railway Stakes.
At Umballa a match was arranged between Lord William and Mr. Woolmer,
to come off at the Autumn Lucknow Meeting, the friends of each of
these sportsmen betting on the event. It was looked forward to with
considerable interest.
Saltford won the Grand Annual at Umballa, and the stable won a couple
of other races.
At Pindi, Marvel won the Pindi Plate; at Lucknow, Doris the Dilkoosha
Stakes easily, Escapade the Trials, Teviot the Club Stakes.
Some horses were sent off at the same time to Hyderabad with Ryder in
charge and did well, bringing in something satisfactory in stakes.
Myall King, if I remember rightly, won a big race. The race meetings
followed on each other’s heels fairly quickly, and we must now follow
the stable to the Calcutta First Extra Meeting, where Pavo won the
Pony Plate easily. Arab Brat, a wonderful pony, a mass of muscle,
well made and lovely to behold, won the small Pony Trials, Ivo the
Frost Stakes, and in the December Stakes, Lord William led in Lady
Grace the winner.
At the big meeting, December 24th, Sunshine won the Kurnaul Stakes,
Tostig, a most untrustworthy but very fast horse, the Trials, Ivo the
Walter Locke Cup.
For the Viceroy’s Cup this year the stable had nothing they felt that
could compete with the Maharajah of Kooch Behar’s grand black gelding
Highborn. Their Caterina ran, but was beaten by him.
The smart country-bred Sunshine won the Gunny Meah Cup, the fast
Eider the Sandown Park Stake in a canter, and Caterina retrieved her
character by winning the rich Kooch Behar prize, though she had a
good field against her; Little Brat also won the Eclipse Stakes.
It seemed quite correct that after being beaten by the Rajah of Kooch
Behar’s horse for the Viceroy’s Cup that Caterina should retaliate by
winning His Highness’s Cup.
A glance at the winning of the Confederacy at this meeting is
instructive, 21,000 rupees being won between the Patiala and
Beresford horses.
At Tollygunge, the obliging and always ready Edith won the Handicap
Chase. So ended the 1892 racing.
On January 14th, 1903, at Calcutta, that compact and beautifully
made pony Parvo won the Belvedere Pony Stakes, also another a little
later. Vixen, the South American, roped in the rupees in the Selling
Welter, and again next day the Alipore Stakes.
The first day at Lucknow opened with the two matches between Lord
William and Captain Woolmer. In the first Lord William was to
ride his English horse Tostig against Capt. Woolmer’s Australian
Flashlight, catch weight over 12 stone, distance three furlongs.
Flashlight was a curious, rather ungainly looking horse, with
an uncomfortable saddle back, being round or roach-backed.
Nevertheless, the horse won. In the other match Lord William rode an
English horse again, named Simon de Montfort. I am sure his opponent
must have felt impressed by this high-sounding title. Capt. Woolmer
was on an English mare rejoicing in the common or garden name of
Stourbay. Here again Capt. Woolmer won, and Lord Bill had to pay up,
the terms having been 5000 rupees a side. The only comfort out of the
day’s racing was that Exile won the Martiniere Stakes.
The second day’s racing was better for them. Doris won the Pony
Race, Mocassin the Pony Chase, Kirkstall the Goomtee Stakes, Prince
Imperial the All-horse Handicap, as well as two other races I am
not sure about; so the owners began to preen themselves again. The
Civil Service Cup was a disappointment. They had hoped to win it with
Negus, but were beaten by a pony named Pekin.
At Meerut Plebein won the Grand National Chase, Prince Imperial the
Turf Club Cup, and in March, 1893, at the Patiala meeting little
Blitz added the Pony Race to his laurels; Sirus the Asiatic Stakes,
and Salford with nothing near him the Grand Annual.
Lord William had added Flashlight to his string. It had worried him
very much there being anything that could beat his Tostig, which was
considered a really fast horse; he determined if possible to buy
Flashlight, and, as we see, he did accomplish the deal.
Riding in the Calcutta Military Paperchase for the cup in 1893, Lord
Bill had a nasty fall with Ratafia. No bones were broken this time
fortunately, but he had to keep to his bed for several weeks. Though
now forty-six years of age, he still rode as hard as ever, still did
gymkhana tricks, and skylarked with the best of them, though he had
already eight times broken his collarbone, had various concussions
of the brain, and hundreds of minor griefs in the way of bumps and
bruises, yet his nerve had never failed him.
At the 1893 Pindi meeting, Patiala-Beresford horses won nothing,
which was rather amusing, as it was from there the chief cry came
about its being no use racing against millionaire princes, of course
they could afford to buy up all the best horses, etc., giving no one
else a chance. On this occasion they must have felt small, to say the
least of it.
At the end of the season the horses went to their summer quarters,
and the usual anxiety and curiosity began of wondering what the
Confederacy would produce for the next year’s racing. Wild rumours
floated about of the horses Lord William was supposed to have bought;
the racing and betting people studied all the English, Australian,
and American papers in hopes of finding out, or at any rate gleaning
some information. The would-be wise gossipers added various horses to
his stable with wonderful records, all of which were inventions or
at any rate proved incorrect. What was true, and eventually became
known, was that he had bought Sprig o’ Myrtle, a well-known and good
horse, with a view to taking Highborn down a peg or two.
In June I think, at any rate in the hot weather, Lord William sent
Westminster, Vixen, Lady Grace, Escapade, Goldleaf and Chester to
Bangalore to train. This was chiefly owing to the Calcutta Turf Club
having decided not to allow South American horses any longer to be
entered in the country-bred class as regards weight. The Western
Indian Turf Club not having arrived at any such conclusion, both
Vixen and Westminster had a good chance there, making it worth while
sending them. Lord William’s prediction was verified, they both won
races and many rupees there.
Simla was feeling rather miserable trying to face the inevitable,
for Lord William’s years of office were drawing to a close. People
quarrelled with one another to entertain him and do him honour, and
in spite of Lord Bill’s cheery efforts there was a something in the
air that spelt depression, for who would, or ever could, take his
place? And what were Lord Bill’s feelings in leaving all his kind
friends and the haunts of so many happy and successful years? I know
he felt lumps in his throat at times, and it seemed to bring home
to him that his youth was gone; that suddenly somehow he had become
middle-aged, and he had not hitherto realised it. He had been obliged
to give up polo, and his health at times was far from satisfactory,
although his spirit had never failed, was still unquenched, and after
all he had earned a little home life, but against that no one likes
leaving a place where they have been a little god.
Amongst the most touching of his farewells was from the children
at Simla; he gave them a last farewell party at Inverarm, and they
presented him with a little remembrance, which was amongst the most
valued of his many parting gifts.
While at Simla, Lady Lansdowne, who was very much liked, told some
lady she should like to visit her friends and have tea with them as
she did amongst her friends at home, she did not care for the formal
“stand-off” viceregal attitude. The lady this remark was addressed
to promptly said, “Oh, will you come to tea with me?” receiving an
answer in the affirmative. When the Military Secretary heard of this
he at once begged Her Excellency to do nothing of the kind; it would
be establishing a precedent in the first place which might not be
desirable, added to which it would most certainly lead to jealousy
and trouble, so the kind and sociable-hearted Vice-reine had to give
up the idea.
[Illustration:
_Photo. Bourne & Shepherd_
MYALL KING’S GRAVE]
Lord William now entered upon his last year’s racing. He wanted to
have an Irish finish, a good gallop for the last, and he was not
disappointed, for he certainly won a prodigious number of races.
People opened their eyes and blinked when Willson, Lord William’s
trainer, reached Calcutta with a truly formidable string, consisting
of good old Myall King, Flashlight, Tostig, Sprig o’ Myrtle,
Kirstall, Ivo, Westminster, Lady Grace, Caterina, Eider, Tabby,
Killatoe, Firstshot, Nectar, Mite, Negus, Labby, Parvo, Lady Ethleen,
Seabreeze, Puffball, Annie Rooney, Release, FitzGeorge, Coochick
and ever so many more, surely he must have reached the height of
his ambitions in India; but alas! his pleasure in his last year’s
racing was damped by an accident to his favourite Myall King while
he was being schooled over hurdles. It was noticed he was fencing
rather carelessly, whether he felt he had done his bit, and ceased
to be interested in the game, or whether he did not feel well, it is
hard to tell, but it ended in his coming to grief and breaking his
leg. Lord William was much upset, for Myall King had played the game
so handsomely for him. He ordered a monument to be erected to the
horse’s memory at Barrackpore, of which I give a photograph. Lord
William is standing on the right side with his little fox terrier,
Willson the trainer stands on the left, and Vinall near him. The
picture of Lord William is not the least like him. I think it has
suffered in the touching up process through which I understand they
have to go, but the photo is of interest.
Many people who had admired the poor old horse felt sad when they
heard he had met his death on the racecourse where he had won so many
races. The poor beast had of course to be put out of his pain.
The _Indian Planters Gazette_ felt it so strongly it broke into song,
as follows:--
Myall King has been shot, ran the pitiful story,
We heard in Calcutta on last Tuesday eve;
But that such a sad ending had come to his glory,
We listeners indeed found it hard to believe.
Fling open the gates of the equine Valhalla
While the notes of his requiem mournfully ring,
Staunchest of thoroughbreds, best of Australians,
Champion of India, brave Myall King.
Yet, if there’s a future for men and for horses,
Perhaps our old hero we once more may see,
Grazing free on sweet clover in meadows celestial,
Happy as sportsmen all wish him to be.
The following shows at a glance the horse’s performances:--
_Myall King, by King Cob--Queen of the Forest_
Weights. Distance. Time.
1887, Dec. Calcutta Viceroy’s Cup 8.8 1¾ m. 3 m. 9½ s.
Durbangah Cup 9.0 1 m. 6 f. 3 m. 20½ s.
132 yds.
1888, Feb. Lucknow Stewards’ Purse 10.3 2 m. 3 m. 41 s.
1888, Dec. Calcutta Viceroy’s Cup 9.0 1¾ m. 3 m. 7½ s.
1890, Dec. Calcutta Viceroy’s Cup 9.0 1¾ m. 3 m. 8 s.
1891, Feb. Lucknow Stewards’ Purse 9.7 1½ m. 2 m. 41 s.
1891, Dec. Calcutta Viceroy’s Cup -- -- Ran third
1892, -- Hyderabad Gold Cup 9.7 2 m. --
Misfortunes seldom come singly. Another catastrophe occurred almost
directly after Myall King’s, that useful pony Edith fell at the same
place, putting her shoulder out, so of course she could race no more.
On December 2nd, at the first Extra Calcutta Meeting, Release ran
a dead-heat with Mr. Apcar’s Sapper in the Pony Plate, which was
unsatisfactory to both. At the second Extra Meeting Ivo won the
Fort Stakes, First Shot, looking splendid, won the Pony Trials, and
Westminster the Maiden Horse Stakes. Prince Imperial the Hastings
Plate Hurdles.
Then came the eventful Cup Day. Excitement had been great for some
time and now grew intense. Many people thought the Maharajah of Kooch
Behar’s Highborn was certain to win, though in the opinion of some
he was a trifle overtrained. Lord William also had plenty of backers.
As the horses cantered past to the post, Highborn certainly did look
tired and a little stale, while Tostig, Lord William’s horse, or I
should say the Confederacy horse, was looking very fit. They both got
away well, and Vinall kept his charge going from the first, hoping
to reduce his field a bit; he kept the lead until the last turn for
home, when it was observed Highborn was creeping up, though pale blue
and black cap was still leading. Presently Trahan, who was riding
Highborn, threw up his arm and began riding for a finish. This made
the crowd shout out, “Highborn’s beaten, Highborn’s done,” and the
field thought all was over but the shouting, and Lord William would
be victorious. Both jockeys now meant business; both were riding
every inch resolutely, but in spite of Vinall’s best endeavours, the
black landed his head well in front as he passed the winning post,
conqueror by a length.
The sporting Maharajah of Kooch Behar, who was very popular, received
endless congratulations, and none more hearty than from his old
friend Lord William. Most people had hoped that being his lordship’s
last year’s racing he would again win the cup and retire victorious,
but the stable had to console itself with Negus winning the Eastern
Pony Stakes, and Eider the Walter Locke Cup.
The big plum of the third day Parvo secured, on the fourth day
Lady Ethleen ran a dead-heat for the Lilliputians, and Negus the
Pony Handicap, and so ended Lord William’s last season’s racing in
Calcutta.
On Saturday evening, the 30th of December, 1893, a farewell dinner
was given to Lord William by a large number of his friends in the
Calcutta Town Hall, prior to his departure from India, where he had
spent, as he himself said, “The best years of his life.”
The hall was decorated with flags and draperies in Lord William’s
racing colours, the lances of the Viceroy’s Body Guard arranged round
the massive pillars of the hall, the general effect being distinctly
pretty.
Mr. Charles H. Moore, one of Lord William’s oldest friends, occupied
the chair, and it is thanks to his courtesy I am able to produce the
facsimile of the signatures of the guests at that memorable feast,
also his speech in proposing the guest of the evening my readers will
see is both eloquent and earnest, and my friends tell me the delivery
was most impressive, calling forth an enthusiasm rarely witnessed on
such occasions.
Lord William was, I know, greatly touched, and his reply was spoken
with much feeling and heartfelt appreciation for his kindly reception.
Lord William sat on Mr. Moore’s right, the two next chairs being
occupied by Mr. Justice Macpherson and the Hon. General Brackenbury,
while on the chairman’s left were Admiral Kennedy and Lord Brassey.
The band of the Rifle Brigade played during the evening.
The following is a list of those present:--
Abbott, Mr. H. E.; Agnew, Capt. Q.; Agnew, Mr. H. de C.; Alexander,
Mr. R.; Allason, Major; Allan, Mr. J. J.; Anderson, Mr. A. S.;
Anderson, Mr. G. G.; Apcar, Mr. J. G.; Apostolides, Mr. E. C.;
Althorp, Capt. K.; Arbuthnot, Mr. J.; Ardagh, Col. J. C., C.I.E.;
Arthur, Mr. A.; Barclay, Mr. P. D.; Barlow, Mr. R.; Barnes, Mr.
F. C.; Bates, Mr. R. G.; Beaver, Col. P. K. L.; Beresford, Mr.
W. M.; Beverley, the Hon. Mr. Justice, C.S.; Bignell, Mr. R.;
Boteler, Mr. R.; Bourdillon, the Hon. J. A., C.S.; Brackenbury,
the Hon. Lieut.-General H., C.B.; Bradshaw, Surgeon-Major-General;
Brassey, the Right Hon. the Lord; Brasier-Creagh, Capt., A.D.C.;
Brock, Mr. C.; Brooke, Mr. W. R., C.I.E.; Buck, Sir E., C.I.E.;
Buckland, Mr. C. E., C.S.; Butler, Mr. A. L.; Bythell, Capt.;
Campbell, Capt. I. M., D.S.O.; Campbell, Mr. Alec; Campbell, Mr.
H. P.; Chatterton, Col. F. W.; Chisholme, Major J. J. Scott;
Christopher, Major; Collen, Major-General Sir E. H. H., K.C.,
I.E.; Cotton, the Hon. H. J. S., C.S.I.; Creagh, Mr. B. P.; Croft,
the Hon. Sir A., K.C.I.E; Cubitt, Mr. J. E.; Cumberledge, Mr. F,
H.; Cuningham, Mr. W. J., C.S.I.; Cunningham, Surgeon-Lieut.-Col.
D. D.; Currie, Capt. J.; Curzon, the Hon. Major M.; Dangerfield,
Mr. E.; Daniel, Mr. Linsay; Dickson, Mr. Geo.; Dickson, Mr. J.
G.; Dods, Mr. W.; Doran, Major B. J. C.; Eddis, Mr. W. K.; Ellis,
Col. S. R.; Enter, Mr. K.; Evans, the Hon. Sir Griffith, K.C.I.E.;
Ezra, Mr. J. E. D.; Fenn, Surgeon-Col. E. H., C.I.E.; Galbraith,
Major-General W., C.B.; Gambrie, Col. G. R.; Gamble, Mr. R. A.;
Garraway, Capt. C. W.; Garth, Mr. G. L.; Garth, Mr. W.; Gladstone,
Mr. A. S.; Gladstone, Mr. J. S.; Gough, Capt. C. H. H.; Gough, Mr.
G.; Gregory, Mr. E. H.; Gregson, Mr. C. B.; Grimston, Capt. R. E.,
A.D.C.; Hadden, Mr. F. G.; Hamilton, Mr. F. S., C.S.; Hamilton,
Mr. L. B.; Harbord, Capt. the Hon. C.; Hart, Mr. G. H. R.; Harvey,
Surgeon-Col. R.; Henderson, Mr. G. S.; Hensman, Mr. H.; Herbert,
Capt. L.; Hewett, Mr. J. P., C.S., C.I.E.; Hext, Capt. J., R.N.,
C.I.E.; Hills, Mr. A.; Hills, Mr. C. R.; Hodgson, Mr. G. C.;
Holmes, Mr. W., C.S.; Hope, Mr. G. W.; Hunt, Col. J. L.; Irving,
Mr. W. O. Bell; James, Mr. S. Harvey, C.S.; Jardine, Sir William,
Bart.; Jarrett, Col. H. S.; Jenkins, Capt. A. E.; Johnstone, Mr. C.
Lawrie; Jourdain, Mr. C. B.; Kennedy, H. E., Rear-Admiral George;
King, Brigade-Surgeon-Lieut.-Col. G., C.I.E.; King, Mr. D. W.;
Kirk, Mr. H. A.; Kooch Behar, H. H. the Maharajah of, G.C.I.E.;
Lambert, the Hon. Sir John, K.C.I.E.; Lance, Brigadier-General F.,
C.B.; Latimer, Mr. F. W.; Lethbridge, Brigade-Surgeon-Lieut.-Col.;
Lister, Capt. G. C., A.D.C.; Ludlow, Col.; Lumsden, Mr. D. M.;
Luson, Mr. H.; Lyall, Mr. A. A.; Lyall the Hon. Mr. D. R., C.S.I.,
C.S.; Lyall, Mr. R. A.; Mackensie, Mr. D. F.; Mackellor, Mr. G.
B.; Macleod, Mr. J. J.; Macnair, Mr. G. B.; Macpherson, the Hon.
Justice W., C.S.; Maitland, Col.; McInnes, Mr. H. H.; McLeod,
Mr. C. C.; Mehta, Mr. R. D.; Miley, Col. J. A.; Mills, Mr. G.;
Milton, Lord, A.D.C.; Moore, Mr. C. H.; Muir, Mr. A. K.; Muir, Sir
John, Bart.; Myers, Mr. Dudley B.; Norman, Mr. A. F.; Norris, the
Hon. Justice, Q.C.; Overend, Mr. T. B. G.; Paget, Mr. H. E. C.;
Paris, Mr. G. B.; Pattison, Mr. F. E.; Paul, Col. St.; Peacock,
Mr. F. B.; Perinan, Mr. F. W.; Peterson, Mr. C. D.; Patrie, Mr.
J. M.; Playfair, the Hon. Mr. P.; Pollen, Capt. S. H., A.D.C.;
Prickett, Mr. L. G.; Prinsep, the Hon. Mr. Justice H. T., C.S.;
Pritchard, the Hon. Sir C., K.C.I.E., C.S.I.; Ralli, Mr. John A.;
Ralli, Mr. T. D.; Rawlinson, Mr. A. T.; Raye, Brigade-Surgeon
D.; Rodocanachi, Mr. J.; Ross, Mr. R. M.; Rustornjee, Mr. H. M.;
Sanders, Surgeon-Major R. C.; Saunders, Mr. J. O’B.; Schiller,
Mr. F. C.; Shakespeare, Mr. F.; Simson, Mr. A.; Simson, Mr. A.
F.; Stedman, General E., C.B.; Steel, Mr. Robert; Stewart, Mr. F.
G.; Stewart, Mr. C. D.; Stewart, Mr. J. L.; Stewart, Mr. J. R.;
Stuart, Mr. Harry; Targett, Mr. W. H.; Temple, Mr. G.; Thomas, Mr.
J. P.; Thomas, Mr. L. R.; Thomas, Mr. R. E. S.; Thomas, Mr. W. L.;
Thuillier, Col. H. R.; Toomay, Mr. J. A.; Trail, Mr. T.; Tremearne,
Mr. Shirley; Turnbull, Mr. R., C.I.E.; Turner, Capt. J. G.; Upton,
Mr. R. L.; Vincent, Mr. Claude; Walker, Major-General A.; Waller,
Mr. R. R.; Ward, Mr. G.; West, Mr. J. D.; Wilkins, Mr. C. A., C.S.;
Williams, Capt. G. A.
In rising to propose the health of the Viceroy and Lady Lansdowne,
Mr. Moore was very warmly received. He said:--
“Gentlemen,--We have a rigid rule here to-night to confine our
speeches to two, but I must break it so far as to ask you to drink
to the health of the Viceroy and Lady Lansdowne--(cheers). I am
sure I am interpreting your sentiments right in thinking you will
do it with enthusiasm. They have won the hearts of us all, and
their approaching departure carries with it a feeling of actual
personal loss arising from the affection and esteem they have so
universally inspired; he, because he is straight, loyal and true,
and she, because in every respect she is perfectly charming.”
“The toast was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, the whole
company standing,” to quote the words from the account given to me.
After a brief interval the Chairman again rose, his rising being the
signal for prolonged cheering. He said:--
“Gentlemen,--I first knew Bill Beresford over thirty years ago in
the playing fields of Eton, where they say battles are won, to the
inspiration of which thought we may both trust to fight against
the extreme nervousness our respective positions entail on us
to-night. His nervousness needs no apology, as he has to respond
to a whole evening in his honour, which nobody could face with
perfect equanimity. Mine perhaps requires this explanation, that in
assuming my duty, which is to now call a toast to his name, and bid
him farewell on behalf of this large company, I find it difficult
to do so in appropriate terms, lest I be charged with personal bias
from my well-known feelings for him of affectionate friendship and
regard--(cheers). I have been selected for this task which, for
this reason, I would rather have deputed to some other, because
amongst Calcutta residents proper (and this dinner is meant to
bear a Calcutta complexion) I have known him longer than most, if
not than all of you. This qualification I claim with pride. I beg
you however to believe I mean to be impartial in the few remarks
regarding his career which I now make--(cheers).
“I must not date back too far, so I leave Eton days and get
straight to India, where his main career has been spent, and with
distinction--(cheers)--for it is with that portion of his life that
this company is chiefly concerned. What fortunate accident brought
him here I do not quite know, unless it was the natural termination
of the short life and a merry one dear to youthful soldiers in the
old country, but having arrived here eighteen years ago, here he
has remained, and I would briefly recall to you the various phases
in which he has appeared before us. I think I can best cut him
into four--(laughter and cheers)--the soldier, the official, the
sportsman, and the social companion--(cheers).
“As soldier I cannot speak of him from personal knowledge.
I have the satisfaction of being a member of society who,
when war is abroad, is entitled to seclude himself from its
ranks--(laughter)--but it is a consolation to feel that a good
plucked one, like our friend Bill, is to the fore to protect
me--(hear, hear, and laughter). I recollect I first saw him as
a soldier, gay and dapper, in 9th Lancers uniform, brown hair,
sufficient of it, and a straight nose--(laughter)--escorting the
Prince of Wales from Prinseps Ghât to Government House, but this is
only the show side of a soldier’s life. For its realistic side one
must go further afield, and there are those amongst us from whom no
doubt I could glean facts to set forth his worth, but there is no
need. He bears on his breast the sign manual of merit in the proud
insignia of the Victoria Cross, and I am justified in accepting
that as sufficient evidence--(loud and prolonged cheers).
“As official, we have all known him best as Military Secretary to
the Viceroy of India. He has (after six years’ service as A.D.C. to
Lords Northbrook and Lytton) held the post for twelve years under
three successive Viceroys; has raised the office to a science, and
himself from an official into an institution--(cheers)--acquired
a reputation absolutely unique, and so identified himself with
the position that when a new Viceroy is appointed it seems
more natural to ask who is to be his ‘Bill Beresford’ than his
‘Military Secretary’--(cheers and laughter)--and when it is
Bill himself the Viceroy elect has secured, what is of great
value, the same capacity and undeviating loyalty enjoyed by his
predecessor--(cheers). In all this I need not rely upon my own
judgment, for it is proved a hundred-fold in the fact that he
has been the choice and acquired the confidence and esteem of
successive men of high intellect and such different characters as
Lords Ripon, Dufferin and Lansdowne--(cheers). More than that I
understand his worth has been recognised by a power higher even
than a Viceroy’s, and testified to by his elevation to a Knighthood
in the Order of the Indian Empire, of which he is already a
member--(loud and continued cheering). I knew that would elicit the
hearty congratulations of you all, and I am glad we are the first
to offer them.
“In the social part of his duties, his capacity extends to, and is
felt by all of us, for the influence of the Chief of the Staff is
visible in every detail of the social functions and hospitality
of Government House. I can assure him we not only know it, but
appreciate very warmly the advantages we have derived from it. He
has won all this by sheer force of character, and we find it hard
to realise he is really giving up.
“As sportsman, I can best sum him up in the current colloquialism
that he is absolutely undefeated--(loud and continued cheers).
His stable of racehorses has been for years the chief mainstay of
Calcutta racing; in all weathers and all vicissitudes of fortune
he is to the fore, full of pluck, always has horses to run or to
back, buys freely, and is generally a dispensation of Providence
to stewards, being a staunch supporter of ruling powers and
frequent offers of useful advice born of long experience. His most
remarkable virtue to my mind is his exuberant cheerfulness even
when luck is against him--(cheers). I never met a better loser, and
it means possession of a combination of enviable qualities rarely
met with. I have known his career on the turf for over twenty
years, and to speak of him as I know him he has throughout raced
like an honest English gentleman. As you all know, he is a splendid
whip, and was a first-class performer over jumps, especially on
difficult horses, until he ended his career to that game, and it
was then that he spoilt the shape of the nose I before alluded
to--(much laughter and cheers).
“As social companion, I suppose nobody amongst us has ever had
such a large circle of appreciative acquaintance in circles
from the highest to the lowest, male and female--(laughter and
cheers)--and if I may venture to say it without exhibition of
bias, his popularity is due to his inexhaustible fund of high
spirits, ready sympathy, love for hosts of friends, open-handed
generosity--(cheers)--admiration of beauty, his merry Irish wit,
and infinite capacity of loyal attachment to his pals--(continued
cheers).
“That concludes my dissection of his personality, which the patient
has borne heroically, and I now put him together again as one
piece--(laughter).
“I do not think any man in this room is intuitively more modest in
the estimate of his own merits than my dear friend Bill--(hear,
hear, and cheers). I know his impulse will be to attribute my
praise to my kindly feelings towards him. I anticipate him by
replying that 180 people have met here to do him honour--(loud
and prolonged cheers)--that residents in India are not given to
spasmodic ebullitions of enthusiasm, nor to be influenced by a
passing breath of popular favour. Their whole trend of mind is
in the opposite direction; they are more prone to indifference
generally, and as regards individuals to apathy, and when such a
goodly company as this assembles to bid good-bye to one member of
the community, it bears the practical significance that he has
made a noticeable mark and justifies the general tenour of my
remarks--(cheers).
“I ask him therefore to take that unction to his soul in reflecting
over this entertainment, and assure him that when on behalf of all
of us I now wish him a very warm farewell, health and happiness in
the future, and add a hearty ‘God bless you, old chap,’ we mean
we admire him, that we are his friends, intend to remain so, and
bitterly regret his departure from amongst us--(loud and prolonged
cheers).
“I have now to call a toast to him, Gentlemen, as a typical
soldier, a capable official, an undefeated sportsman, a prince of
good fellows, and a man of mark amongst us.”
The toast was drunk with enthusiastic cheers, the band playing “For
he’s a jolly good fellow” and “Auld Lang Syne,” in both of which the
whole company joined in singing the chorus.
Lord William Beresford stood up to reply, and after the hearty round
of cheering with which his rising was greeted had subsided, spoke as
follows:--
“Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,--Before I attempt to reply to the
speech in which your Chairman has praised me much more than I
deserve--(No, no)--I must ask you to notice that even the old
schoolfellow and friend he is, he is unable to bring it to
my charge that I am orator, and I must own I feel at a great
disadvantage in this respect compared with him, and if the few
words which I have risen to say seem to any of you to fall short
of what they should, believe me that it is not because they are
not spoken from the heart--(hear, hear, and cheers)--but because
of my inability to give expression to what I feel, and surely it
would be no reproach to anyone if at a time like this he found it
very difficult, if not almost impossible, to thank you in adequate
terms, not only for the manner in which you have accepted and
endorsed the altogether flattering description that Mr. Moore has
given of me and of my career in India, but also for the feelings of
good fellowship which prompted you to ask me to be your guest here
to-night--(cheers).
“I can imagine no greater honour than to find myself at the close
of one’s sojourn in India invited by 180 of one’s fellow-countrymen
in Calcutta to a social meeting like that of to-night--(cheers).
The invitation came to me as a most complete, unexpected and
most gratifying surprise, and will, I assure you all, add to
the brightest and happiest recollections of my last weeks in
India--(hear, hear, and cheers)--which must, alas! of necessity
contain far more of pain than pleasure in them, for no one can cut
himself off finally from a country in which he has been employed
for eighteen years, and those the best of his life, in which he
has made most of his best friends, and mixed as I have tried to do
in all its sport and pastimes, without feeling a shock in doing
so--(cheers).
“Gentlemen, Mr. Moore says he does not quite know what brought me
out to India, and as I, to use his own expression, have appeared
before you in four various phases, first of which he puts as
soldier, I think this is a good opportunity of telling you that it
was in the capacity of a subaltern in the 9th Lancers that I came
out to this country, and he is quite right in saying that it was in
that uniform I first appeared in Calcutta, as extra A.D.C. on Lord
Northbrook’s staff, leading the cortège of His Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales from Prinseps Ghât to Government House.
“I regret that the abundance of brown locks to which he refers no
longer remain, but is replaced by a scanty silver fringe--(laughter
and cheers).
“With regard to the allusion he made to the straightness of the
nose--(laughter)--that he recollects on that occasion, he is not
quite correct, and there is a gentleman (Mr. J. J. Allan) among my
hosts here to-night that can testify to the fact that, owing to
a slight disagreement he and I had many years ago, not actually
in the playing fields of Eton, but close by, he made a little
arrangement that prevented the particular nose referred to being
worn straight by its wearer for the rest of his life--(laughter
and cheers)--this particular battle was not won by either, as it
was acknowledged to be a draw, and I am glad to tell you the two
combatants have been the very best of friends ever since--(hear,
hear, and cheers).
“When I came out with the 9th, the greatest aim and object of my
life was, some day in the future, to get command of that regiment,
but force of circumstances prevented these wishes being gratified,
and I elected, whether for better or worse I cannot say, to remain
as Military Secretary with the Viceroy of India, in preference
to going back as second in command of my old regiment, and thus
closing promotion which I was bound to get by remaining on in my
post out here. I am sorry to say, therefore, that it is years since
I have done any soldiering, and it is a great regret to me on
leaving this country that I cannot return to the dear old regiment
in which I began my service.
“The next section into which Mr. Moore has placed me is the
official one, and with regard to it I may say how fortunate I have
been in having served under five such masters. It is not for me
to make comparisons, or to refer to their respective policies,
but I may be permitted to say, which I do from the bottom of my
heart, that from one and all I invariably received the greatest
kindness, and if I have succeeded in pleasing them, I am fully
recompensed for any trouble I may have taken in the performance of
my various duties; but, Gentlemen, I am afraid that at times the
Military Secretary’s duty necessitates his doing things which may
be displeasing to those who are affected. In such cases I can only
say that I have endeavoured to do my duty to the best of my lights,
and if I have at any time hurt anyone’s feelings in such matters, I
have done so most unwillingly and to my great regret, and I should
like to take this opportunity of stating how much indebted I am to
all the different departments that I have had to deal with for the
help, advice, and support that I have always received on all sides,
and thanks to which my official work has been made comparatively
easy--(cheers)--and when in a few weeks now I hand over the reins
of my office to my successor, the best and kindest wish I can
desire for his welfare is that he may be as ably supported and
leniently dealt with as I have been--(hear, hear, and cheers). I
think he starts his career under very favourable circumstances,
having formerly served his apprenticeship on the Viceroy’s staff,
and has thus become thoroughly conversant with all the details
of that staff. He (Colonel Durand) is a real good soldier; most
popular with everybody who knows him--(cheers)--and I only hope
when the time comes for him to have finished his turn of office as
Military Secretary he will be able to look back to as many happy
days and warm friendships made as I can--(cheers).
“The third section to which the Chairman referred was the sportsman
section, and believe me, I am very proud indeed to have such
a title attached to my name, but I am afraid I can no longer
claim to be the sportsman I used to be owing to a variety of
accidents between the flags, on the polo ground, and in pursuit
of pig and paper, but still I cling to sports of all sorts as
much as circumstances will permit me to do. I have tried all that
are offered to us in India, and I think that many of my hosts
to-night will support me in saying that pig-sticking takes first
place--(hear, hear, and cheers). I certainly must own I have
derived more pleasure from this than either tiger shooting, racing,
or anything else I tried. Certainly I was extremely fortunate when
I first came to India and tried my hand at the spear to have the
advice and guidance of that acknowledged prince of pig-stickers,
who I am proud to see has honoured me to-night with his presence,
Archie Hills, of Patkahari--(loud and continued cheers). It was he
who led the dance of our party the first time I ever rode after
pig; he told me how to hold my spear and use it, and the best day’s
pig-sticking I ever saw in my life was afforded by him at his own
place, when we accounted before tiffin for seventeen boars, three
cut horses, and a collar-bone broken--(cheers and laughter).
“With regard to racing, I have indeed had my full share of the
plums, and it is a pleasant thing to look back on the record of
my stable, which amongst other things can count six Viceroy’s
Cups--(cheers)--three of which are credited to old Myall
King--(cheers)--who, alas! died on the course little over a month
ago--besides two Kooch Behar Cups, two Durbangah Cups, three Civil
Service Cups, and five Grand Military Steeplechases, of which I was
fortunate enough to pilot the winner myself--(loud cheers)--and at
one time or another most of the biggest races in India.
“In this my last year I was indeed pleased to be connected with
the severe tussle for the Viceroy’s Cup, inasmuch as Tostig,
who made such a good fight for it, was imported by me, and was
till quite recently my property--(cheers)--and as His Highness
the Maharajah of Patiala was not fortunate enough to win on this
occasion, he and I--believe me I am quoting his feelings as well
as my own--were compensated to a great extent by the fact that the
much-coveted prize was won by one of my greatest supporters of the
Indian turf--(loud and continued cheers)--who struggled for many
years with crushing bad luck, but stayed the course, and eventually
has been rewarded for his pluck by having won the Viceroy’s
Cups two years in succession, and all the other big races this
season--(continued cheers). I may add that I hope he may live for
many years and carry off in the future several more prizes of the
Indian turf, and though His Highness the Maharajah of Patiala has
not yet won this most coveted prize, which, by the way, is no fault
of his own, he has spared no expense in trying to get together the
best horses money can buy--(hear, hear)--and has done all that a
sportsman could do to become a recipient of the Viceroy’s Cup,
but though Dame Fortune seems up to the present to frown upon his
endeavours in this particular direction, I prophesy that his time
will come when his wishes will be gratified, and nobody wishes
him this success more than myself--(cheers). He, at any rate, can
congratulate himself at this moment on possessing the best horse in
India, of which there can be no doubt, as our best authority out
here has declared officially that Sprig o’ Myrtle is at weight for
age and class, 8 lbs. in front of the invincible Highborn at a mile
and three quarters, and I only hope that authority is correct in
his estimation of this son of Trenton--(much laughter and cheers).
“I am sorry to say I have been obliged to give up the game of
polo, but I still have a sneaking regard for the pursuit of
paper--(cheers)--and I hope, with the kind assistance of our
Honorary Secretary, we shall have some very pleasant paper-chases
this my last cold weather among you--(hear, hear).
“Now, Gentlemen, I have come to the last phase or section referred
to, namely, that of social companion, and on this head I can say
nothing. It is needless for me to do so as your presence here
to-night fully justifies the many nice things the Chairman has said
about me. He is, as you doubtless know, one of my oldest friends;
he has known me longer almost than anybody present, and has always,
whether in weal or woe, extended the hand of true friendship
and hospitality to me ever since I first came to Calcutta in
1875--(loud cheers).
“Before I sit down, I must again thank you one and all for the
splendid reception you have given me this evening, and for the very
kind manner in which my friends have rallied round me to-night
and drunk my health, and I heartily wish to all of you the warm
farewell you have wished to me.”
Lord William resumed his seat amid loud cheers, which were continued
for some time.
Signatures recorded at the farewell dinner to Lord William Beresford
are reproduced here.
SIGNATURES OF THE
GUESTS PRESENT AT THE
CALCUTTA BANQUET.
[Illustration: (several signatures; page 1 of 10)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
[Illustration: (several signatures)]
Having bid farewell to Calcutta, on his way down country, Lord Bill
managed to stay at Lucknow to see his horses run for the last time
in India. Good old Lucknow, where he had run many races and had some
glorious times.
To send him away feeling happy his Mite won the Civil Service Cup and
pots of money; also another race the same day, namely, the Chutter
Munzil Purse; Vixen won the Horse Handicap on the third day; Negus
won the Derby on the fourth day. After this Lord William made his
final bow to India.