Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888

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

The Prince of Wales, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor, opened the new gymnasium connected with the Central Young Men's Christian Association, on the 6th of July, 1888. The gymnasium is in Long Acre, in what was formerly the Queen's Theatre. The King of Sweden and Norway, Lord Aberdeen, President of the Gymnastic Club, Mr. J. Herbert Tritton, President of the Young Men's Christian Association, Lord Charles Beresford, Lord Kinnaird, the Earl of Meath, the Bishop of London, Lord Brassey, Lord Harris, and other distinguished persons were present. The Bishop of London offered a dedicatory prayer. The Earl of Aberdeen read an address, in which it was stated that the Young Men's Christian Association, which had its head-quarters at Exeter Hall, was founded forty-four years ago, and had at the present time nearly 4000 affiliated branches scattered throughout the Colonies and the civilised world (seventy-seven of which are in London), with an aggregate membership of 250,000. It formed a rendezvous for young men, and a centre for the development of a strong, healthy, religious life among them. In recent years the value of athletics had been more fully recognised, and the Committee of the Central Association had availed themselves of that valuable adjunct in the work. The Exeter Hall Gymnasium Team having won (in open competition) the 200-guinea Challenge Shield and Gold Medals offered by the National Physical Recreation Society, it would be deemed a circumstance of the utmost honour by the recipients to have received their medals at the hands of the Prince of Wales. Moreover, the Gymnasium was able to supply voluntary teachers who instructed children and others of the poorer classes in the exercises which they had acquired in that place.

The Prince of Wales said: —

"Your Majesty, Lord Aberdeen, my Lords, Ladies, and Gentlemen, – I am most grateful to you, indeed, Lord Aberdeen, for the address which you have just read to me. I can assure you all that by coming here I receive very great satisfaction, and I am glad to take part in a work in which so many of you are interested. From the account you, Lord Aberdeen, have given us of the Young Men's Christian Association, I have little doubt but that it is an association founded upon excellent and practical principles, and that it is an association likely not only long to continue in existence, but likely to be greatly augmented in its usefulness, as well as in the numbers benefited by it. I am glad that you combine with Christian education healthy recreation, which must, no doubt, tend to be of the greatest benefit to the community at large, and especially to young men who are exposed to so many temptations in a great city like this. It is a great advantage to all young men to have the opportunity of enjoying healthy and useful recreation. Thank you for asking me to take part in the proceedings of the day. And we must all tender our thanks to the King of Sweden and Norway for coming here to-day, knowing, as we all do, how deeply interested his Majesty must be in work of this kind, and of the important part drill has played amongst his people. I have now great pleasure in declaring this gymnasium open."

Mr. Herbert Gladstone, M.P., President of the National Physical Recreation Society, informed the King and Prince that the 200-guinea challenge shield offered by that Society had this year been won by the team of eight sent from Exeter Hall Club to the contest in Dundee, and he asked the Prince of Wales to do them the honour of presenting the shield and gold medals to the winners. Thereupon Mr. E. Sully, the instructor, at the head of the victorious team, advanced up the room, and, after receiving a gold medal each from the Prince, they shouldered the handsome and massive shield, and, at a run, raced away with the trophy.

Then followed an exhibition of drill by thirty members chosen out of 400 members of the Club. These were clad in flannels, and wore red or black stockings. They went through an exposition of musical drill, accompanied by the piano, the exercises consisting of those with dumb-bells, clubs, and bars, Mr. Sully giving the word of command. Occasionally the athletes sang as they drilled, at other moments they whistled as they swung their clubs or poles about.

At the close of the exercises the King rose and said: – "Your Royal Highnesses, I cannot leave this hall without expressing the satisfaction I have had in witnessing the exercises here. I wish also to add my good wishes for the progress and prosperity of this Association. I feel great satisfaction in witnessing the execution of the gymnastic exercises this morning – exercises which are very highly appreciated in my country."

The Prince of Wales summoned Mr. Sully, shook hands with him, and congratulated him upon the admirable display made by his pupils. The King of Sweden did the same, very highly praising the manner in which the drill had been executed.

The Prince of Wales, Prince Albert Victor, and the King of Sweden then left the hall amid the cheers of those assembled. The heartiness with which the Prince spoke, and the interest which he showed in the whole proceedings, greatly delighted all who were present.

THE ROYAL MASONIC INSTITUTE FOR GIRLS

July 6th, 1888

The centenary festival of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls was held on the 6th of July, 1888, in the Royal Albert Hall, the Prince of Wales, Grand Master, presiding. Between two and three thousand members of the Craft were present, amongst them being the King of Sweden and Norway, Prince Albert Victor, the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Lathom, the Earl of Zetland, Lord Egerton of Tatton, Lord Leigh, and many other eminent Masons. The galleries were filled by a large number of ladies.

After dinner, the Prince of Wales gave the first toast, which was that of "The Queen and the Craft," and was received with the greatest enthusiasm, the whole of the vast audience rising and joining in singing the National Anthem.

The Prince of Wales then said: —

"Your Majesty and Brethren, – A very high honour and a very high compliment has been conferred upon us this night. At this great and important gathering, probably the largest meeting for a charitable object that has ever taken place anywhere, we have as our guest his Majesty the King of Sweden. I little doubted the manner in which you would receive this toast, because not only are we honouring a distinguished guest, but also a brave ally of ours, and we are further honouring the Grand Master of the Freemasons of Sweden. We all know the deep interest which his Majesty takes in our Craft, and what excellent Masons the Swedes are. In proposing this toast it is specially gratifying to me, for I have looked forward to this occasion for many years, because it was through the King and his late brother that, twenty years ago, I was initiated into the mysteries of the Craft, and I am proud to be one of you, and, still more, to be at your head. I am grateful to the King for having made me one of us. Brethren, I know you will drink this toast with cordiality, and at the same time I feel that it will be right to give this toast Masonically, for in doing so we do honour to our guest and to ourselves."

The toast was drunk with Masonic honours.

The King of Sweden, who was loudly cheered on rising, said: – "Most Worshipful Grand Master and Brethren, – The toast I have the honour of replying to I acknowledge, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of all the foreign Lodges and Masonic congregations whose principles and constitution are in conformity with yours. On their behalf I would also express the great satisfaction I feel at the honour and distinction to-day conferred upon me by your Grand Master and by you in constituting me a member of your honoured body. I feel much satisfaction in being present at such an enormous gathering as this, and one assembled for purposes of so noble a kind. Patriotic feelings are always noble and honourable, and nowhere have they taken deeper root than in this country, for whose people, ever since my young days, I have felt the most profound esteem. But there is one feeling still more noble than patriotism, and that is the feeling which has its foundation in the Word of God, and unites us in love and charity to mankind. As we sing at Masonic gatherings in my own country, 'There is one God, our Father, so be His sons then, brethren.' This is the bond which exists between us, the rallying cry which unites us, and the lasting tie which binds us. I have the greatest pleasure in giving you 'The Health of our Grand Master, the Prince of Wales.'"

The toast was drunk with full Masonic honours. The Prince of Wales, in reply, said: —

"Your Majesty and Brethren, – You are well aware that during the fourteen years I have held the high office of Grand Master I have striven not to be unmindful of your interests and of those of the Craft, and, though I am prevented by my many duties from meeting you as often as I should like, still I hope that you are convinced that your interests are none the less dear to me. We have heard an address from the King of Sweden this evening which none of us are likely to forget, and I think, if he will allow me to say so, that we Englishmen have reason to envy his facility in speaking our language. It is, I believe, the first time that a foreign Sovereign has honoured a gathering of this kind. I think that we may look upon this as a red-letter day, and we are not likely to forget the King's presence, or the kind and useful words which he has spoken. Our watchword, 'Religion and Charity,' is one which has been inculcated in us ever since we belonged to the Craft, and it is one which we shall do well to remember. If we uphold those principles, and, above all, that idea of patriotism of which the King has spoken, there is little doubt that the Craft will remain as prosperous as it is now, and that our lodges and members will increase. I do not wish to allude to foreign lodges with whom we are not in accord; but I would ask that at any rate we should strive to pick out what is good in them, and remember that we are not only English Freemasons, but Freemasons of the entire universe. I trust that as long as I live, or as long as I may be permitted to hold the high office of your Grand Master, I may continue to do my duty to the Craft and to my country. I wish now to ask his Majesty the King of Sweden to accept the Steward's badge of this festival."

His Majesty was then invested with the badge, amidst loud cheers. The Grand Master then said he had much pleasure in reading a telegram from New York to the following effect: – "Grand Lodge in annual communication congratulates the fraternity in England on the one-hundredth anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls."

Again rising, the Prince of Wales said: —

"Your Majesty and Brethren, – I have now the honour to give you the last toast, though it may be safely called the most important, as the object with which we have met at this enormous and unprecedented gathering is to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Masonic Institute for Girls. That an institution should have existed a hundred years is one proof that it is a good one, and we have every reason to be grateful to those who, from the commencement up to the present time, have given their energy and their labours to keep going so thoroughly Masonic an Institution.

"As you are aware, the Institution was founded by the Chevalier Ruspini. King George IV. and King William IV. were patrons, besides many members of the Royal Family, and Her Majesty the Queen is patroness now. The school at first contained only fifteen children; it now contains 243, and they are educated up to a high religious standard, combined with education of a general character, including music. Particular attention is paid to needlework and cooking and domestic duties. Only a few days ago I was present here and saw the girls go through their marching exercise, and I never saw anything more satisfactory. There are many commanding officers who would be proud to see their men march and go through their exercise as we saw them performed. I may state the system was established by Miss Davis, who was appointed head governess in 1861, and I am glad to think that at this moment she retains her post. She has been eminently successful, as is manifest by the Cambridge Local, College of Preceptors, and the Science and Art Examinations. It is also satisfactory to notice that, with the exception of Miss Davis, every member of the staff has been educated at the Institution. The Head Governess of the Female Masonic School at Dublin and the Head Governess of the British Orphan Asylum were educated at our school, and during a period of eighty-four years there have been but two matrons, one of whom held the appointment over fifty-two years.