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

THE LONDON HOSPITAL NEW BUILDINGS

The London Hospital has many and special claims on public sympathy and support. Its position, in Whitechapel, surrounded by poor and crowded parts of East London; its small endowments compared with some of the other great hospitals; the vast number of patients annually relieved, both in the house and as out-patients; and its being virtually a "free" hospital, nearly three-fourths of the in-patients being received without letter or recommendation; all these circumstances appeal to liberal charity. In 1887 there were 8863 in-patients admitted, of which 6019 were freely received, without letters of subscribers. There are children's wards where, during the same time, 1717 were admitted; and Hebrew wards, where 623 received treatment. The total number of out-patients, treated either at the Hospital or at their homes, was nearly 100,000, including relief given in less serious and protracted illness. The income from endowments is little more than £15,000 a year, while the annual cost of maintenance is £50,000. The Medical School is supported by the fees of pupils, but for the general maintenance of the Hospital appeal must be made to the public for voluntary subscriptions and contributions.

A Nursing Home, to accommodate 100 nurses, a new Library, and other buildings having been recently added, the Prince and Princess of Wales were invited by the Governors, of whom the Duke of Cambridge is President, to inaugurate these additions to the institution. This was done, with suitable ceremony, on Saturday, the 21st of May, 1887. The Princesses Louise and Victoria of Wales, and the Crown Prince of Denmark were also present. The Governors and officers of the Hospital, with many distinguished persons, were in attendance, and great interest was shown by the crowds of people who thronged the streets on the occasion. The Royal party visited several of the wards, where the Princess of Wales showed kindly sympathy with many of the poor patients, especially in the children's wards. On arriving at the dining-hall of the nurses and sisters, who wear a plain and tasteful uniform, a hymn was sung, and a prayer offered by the Bishop of Bedford, after which, at the request of the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess of Wales formally declared the Nursing Home to be open.

The Medical College was then visited, and in the new library an address was presented by the President. The Prince of Wales, in acknowledging the address, said: —

"Your Royal Highness and Gentlemen, – The Princess and myself thank you for your address, and can assure you that we have much pleasure in coming here to-day to open the nursing home and college buildings of this important institution. The Hospital, which is the largest civil one in the United Kingdom, which contains 800 beds and which supplied medical and surgical assistance to 80,000 out-patients last year, may be regarded almost in the light of a national institution, as every description of case, excepting those of an infectious or incurable nature, is admitted. Such a Hospital cannot fail to be of inestimable value to the population of over a million persons residing in its vicinity, and especially to the labouring class, who are so extensively employed in connection with the railways and docks. But it has other and additional claims upon public sympathy and assistance. First, although its annual expenditure amounts to nearly £50,000, it is mainly supported by voluntary contributions; secondly, it has undertaken the difficult task of improving the system of nursing and of providing a higher class of nurses, with better discipline and superior training and instruction. To effect this object house accommodation was essential, and instead of closely-packed dormitories the new home provides separate rooms, a cheerful dining hall, and other advantages, all tending to brighten the lives of the inmates, while reserving for them the necessary quiet and rest.

"The new library and buildings which I am now about to declare open belong to a college over 100 years old. It was the first in the Metropolis in which a complete curriculum was established, and being attached to the largest Hospital in the country, and situated in the midst of the most populous artisan neighbourhood in London, it offers greater facilities for the acquirement of medical and surgical knowledge than perhaps any other college of a scientific character. I understand that among the important duties which the students perform are those of dressers, clinical clerks, maternity pupils, and other assistants, and from their number the resident officers are selected after having become qualified practitioners. The Princess and I most earnestly pray that every blessing may attend the labours and efforts of all those who are working among the sufferers in the Hospital, and you may rest assured that we shall always take the warmest interest in the welfare and prosperity of your noble institution."

Dr. Langdon Down, the senior physician, in thanking His Royal Highness on behalf of his colleagues and the students, explained that the new buildings did not diminish the funds of the Hospital, as a rent was paid for them by the teaching staff of the medical school. The Prince then declared the new buildings and the library to be open. The Duke of Cambridge then called for three cheers for the Prince and Princess, which were given with great heartiness, followed by "one cheer more for the Duke," who has always been a zealous and generous friend of the London Hospital.

DEACONESSES' INSTITUTION AND HOSPITAL AT TOTTENHAM

The object of the Deaconesses' Institution at Tottenham is "the training of Christian women to serve as deaconesses" – that is to say, as sisters trained for working, teaching, and nursing, without being subject to any obligation or vow of celibacy, as is usual in the sisterhoods of Roman Catholic communities. The training of nurses is one of the chief purposes sought, following in this the example of the celebrated institution of Kaiserwerth, where, under Pastor Fliedner, Florence Nightingale and other English as well as German nurses were trained. In fact the full title of the establishment at the Green, Tottenham, is the "Evangelical Protestant Deaconesses' Institution and Training Hospital." The Hospital contains 100 beds for the sick poor, and there are also a few private rooms for paying patients. Thousands of the poor are also attended every year in the neighbourhood.

From the commencement of the work, in 1867, the late Samuel Morley, M.P., took warm interest in it, and at his death two of his sons, Howard and Charles Morley, erected a new wing to the building, as a memorial of their father. It was to open the "Samuel Morley" memorial wing that the Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Prince and their three daughters, visited Tottenham on the 29th of May, 1887. A large number of persons were assembled, including deputations from foreign countries, Pastor Fliedner from Kaiserwerth, Pastor Nehmitz from Berlin, and other Pastors, Lady Superintendents, and Deaconesses from German and Danish institutions.

When the Royal party had been conducted to the marquee where the ceremony was to take place an address was read to the Princess of Wales by Dr. Laseron, the medical director. The Prince, in replying on behalf of the Princess, said: —

"Dr. Laseron, Ladies, and Gentlemen, – The Princess of Wales desires me to express her sincerest thanks for the address which has just been read to her, and to express to all who take an interest in this institution the great pleasure and gratification it affords her to take part in to-day's proceedings. There can be, I am sure, nothing more noble or more praiseworthy than an institution like this, in which women give up their lives to the object of philanthropy in order to heal and mitigate the sufferings of the sick. An institution like the Deaconesses' Institution is one well worthy of the support of all. I am sure that the proceeding of to-day, in opening a fresh wing of this hospital, is a sincere gratification to the Princess, and especially that it should be called after the name of one whom I have had the privilege of knowing, and whom you all knew, at any rate by name, and whose loss we must all deeply deplore – the late Samuel Morley. I am sure no more fitting name could be given to the new wing than that it should be called after him who, with the members of his family – one of whom I am glad to see here to-day – has contributed so much to the prosperity of this institution. In the name of the Princess I beg to express to you the pleasure it gives us to be present here to-day."

Purses were then presented to the Princess by many girls, as gifts to the funds, and Dr. Laseron handed to her Royal Highness a key to unlock the new wing. The Royal party were then conducted to the hall, where the Princess unveiled the "Samuel Morley Tablet," bearing an inscription commemorative of the occasion.

THE FREEMASONS AND THE QUEEN'S JUBILEE

Her Gracious Majesty being the chief patroness of the Order of Freemasons, and of the Masonic charities, it was deemed fitting that an address should be presented to her on the occasion of her Jubilee. Accordingly, the Prince of Wales, with the Duke of Connaught and Prince Albert Victor, and a vast company of officers and members of the Order, representatives chosen by lodges in different parts of the empire, assembled in the Royal Albert Hall on the 13th of June, 1887. The number present was about 7000. No such scene has been witnessed since that day, twelve years before, when the Prince was installed as Grand Master of English Freemasons. The procession which received the Grand Master and conducted him to the throne was a magnificent affair. The assemblage, we are told, although "tyled," was not held as a lodge. The business of the meeting being opened, his Royal Highness the Grand Master said: —

"Brethren, – This is, I think, one of the greatest gatherings of Freemasons I have ever seen, with the exception of the occasion when, after election by the craft, I received the honour of installation as your Grand Master. It is most gratifying to me, as I feel sure it will be to the Queen, that so large a gathering has assembled here to-day to do her honour on the fiftieth anniversary of her reign – the Jubilee of her accession. This gathering will be a proof to her, as it is also to me, of the great devotion and loyalty of the craft to the Throne – a devotion and loyalty which have ever animated the Free and Accepted Masons of England. We are here, brethren, as you are aware, for the purpose of moving an address to the Queen, congratulating her upon having attained the fiftieth anniversary of her reign. You are well aware that my ancestors – some of them former Sovereigns of this nation – did much in support of Freemasonry, and, though they well knew it to be a secret society, they were well assured that it was in no wise a dangerous one. Among our tenets of motives 'loyalty' and 'philanthropy' stand out prominently, and we are proud of the fact. I assure you, brethren, that it is most gratifying to me to receive so large, important, and influential a gathering as this to-day, and I am rejoiced that in the many events which are to be the signs of the people's rejoicing at the Jubilee of the Queen, this meeting, at the Royal Albert Hall, of the Free and Accepted Masons of England will be first on the list. I will now call upon Grand Secretary, Colonel Shadwell E. Clerke, to read the proposed address, and then our worshipful brother the Earl of Carnarven will move its adoption."

The Address and the Speech were on the same lines as most of the Jubilee addresses, but of course with special reference to the loyalty and the devotion of Freemasons. The great company having chanted the National Anthem, the ceremony of giving Jubilee honours was performed, among the numerous recipients of which were the Maharajah of Kuch-Behar, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Francis Knollys, Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, and Sir Charles Warren.

The Grand Master announced that the amount paid by the members that day amounted to upwards of £6000, the whole of which would go to the Masonic charities for children and the aged, under the rules of the Order.

June 17th, 1887.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by Prince George and Princess Louise of Wales, went on the 17th of June, 1887, to lay the foundation stone of a central building for the "National Refuges for Homeless and Destitute Children." There are many institutions in London for similar objects, but this charity is one of old standing, and one of the most important and best. It was established in 1843 under the patronage of Lord Shaftesbury, in Great Queen Street. The income of the Society was only £180 in the first year, and all that could be attempted was to shelter and teach a few poor children in a "Ragged School," open two evenings a week. The efforts of Mr. W. Williams, the Secretary, and zealous coadjutors, were successful in gradually increasing the operations of the Society, till, in the year of the Queen's Jubilee, the Committee had the satisfaction of managing seven industrial homes, in town and country, with more than 1000 children, and two training ships, the Chichester and the Arethusa, with an annual income of about £20,000. The good work in its various departments continues to prosper. All this and more was stated in an address by the Earl of Jersey, Chairman of the Reception Committee. Among the friends of the Society who had witnessed its progress, and helped it from the beginning, was Mr. John MacGregor, the founder of the Shoe-black Brigade, and the chief helper of the Secretary in bringing the Chichester to its high excellence as a training-ship.

The ceremony was performed in a tent erected on the site of the new Home, in Shaftesbury Avenue, close to the once notorious Seven Dials. The building is intended to provide shelter for 100 homeless boys, a home for 35 working lads, a club for "old boys" trained in the institution, and the central offices of the Society. After the address had been read, the Prince of Wales thus spoke: —

"Lord Jersey, Ladies, and Gentlemen, – In thanking you for the 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

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

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."