proceedings in the economy and trade section embraced | bridge, and one or more in the University of London, the consideration of fiscal laws, taxation, and the impediments which existed to commerce.

In the health department, under Dr. Farr, Mr. Robert Rawlinson read a paper on River Obstructions and Pollutions by Manufactories.

On the 5th, an address was given by Dr. W. H. Romsey on Air, Water, and Earth. Mr. Dixon, M.P. for Birmingham, presided in the education department; Dr. Rumsey in that of health; and Mr. Fawcett, M.P., in that of economy and trade. In the municipal law section there was a discussion on the representation of minorities. In the evening a soirée was held in the Town Hall, in connection with the association. The proceedings on the 6th began with an address by Professor Fawcett, M.P., on the Connection between the Principles of Economic Science and their Application to Trade. In the department of economy and trade, Colonel Maude read a paper on Trades' Unions. The jurisprudence section was occupied with a discussion on the existing law of Bankruptcy. The department which dealt with repression of crime was presided over by Sir Walter Crofton.

There was a grand meeting on the 7th, in conclusion of the labours of the congress, in the Town Hall, which gave delight as well as satisfaction to the public of the central midland districts, which assembled in vast numbers on the occasion.

The utility of these meetings, and of the whole proceedings of the Social Science Association, was seen in this, that the attention of the press and the legislature was awakened to the various subjects debated, and thus a large number of subjects of vital importance to the welfare of the country became discussed and thoroughly investigated.

The exhibition of the Royal Academy in 1868 reached its hundredth year. Most of the academicians were represented on the walls; and although there were no pictures of marked pre-eminence, the display was of fair average quality. At the annual banquet the principal guests were the Prince of Wales, Prince Christian, Prince Teck, and Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar; the Dukes of Cambridge and D'Aumale; the Archbishops of Canterbury, York, and Dublin; the Bishop of Oxford; and several cabinet ministers.

The Great Exhibition at Leeds was opened by the Prince of Wales on the 18th of May. The object of this exhibition was to benefit the funds of the town infirmary. Mr. Gilbert Scott's noble building was filled with a choice collection of works of art, many of them but little known previously.

During 1868 many fine artistic collections were secured for the nation by purchase or bequest. Of the latter, that to the National Museum, by the late Felix Slade, Esq., calls for special notice. The collections he amassed and bequeathed to the nation are chiefly a superb assemblage of Venetian and other glass objects, and a noble assortment of engravings. In addition to this valuable gift to the nation, Mr. Slade made a princely bequest for the encouragement and advancement of the Fine Arts in England. His plans for the latter object will be best seen from the words of the codicil to his will:

"This is a codicil to the last will and testament of me, Felix Slade, which will is dated March 25, 1868. I give to the trustees and executors named in my said will, the sum of Forty-five Thousand Pounds sterling, free from legacy duty, upon trust, with so much of the same sum as my said trustees and executors shall ascertain to be sufficient for the purpose, not exceeding together the sum of Thirty-five Thousand Pounds, to found and endow within two years after my decease three or more Professorships for promoting the study of the Fine Arts, to be termed Slade Professorships of Fine Arts, one of such Professorships being founded and endowed in the University of Oxford, another in the University of Cam

the amount of the sum to be expended in founding and endowing each of such professorships being in each case at the discretion of my said trustees and executors; it being also, at their discretion, whether the sums shall be equal or unequal in amount, and each of such professorships shall be founded and endowed upon such terms and under such regulations and provisions as shall be agreed upon between my said trustees and executors, and the University or College in which the same shall be founded and endowed. And also upon trust out of the same Forty-five Thousand Pounds, to found and endow, within two years after my decease, six exhibitions or scholarships, each to be of Fifty Pounds per annum in amount, and to be in connection with Univer sity College, London, and to be given to students in the Fine Arts under nineteen years of age for proficiency in drawing, painting, or sculpture, and to be held by each student to whom an exhibition or a scholarship shall be so given for not more than three years, and the same exhibitions or scholarships shall be founded or endowed upon such other terms, and such and such other provisions and regulations as shall be agreed upon between my said trustees and executors, and the governing body of University College, London. And, upon further trust, in case, after providing for the several trusts and purposes aforesaid, or such of them as can or shall be effected within the period of two years after my decease, there shall be any surplus of the sum of Forty-five Thousand Pounds hereby bequeathed, that my said trustees and executors shall, within five years after my decease, apply and dispose of the same surplus in such manner as they shall think fit for the encouragement, benefit, and advancement of the Fine Arts in England. And every part of such surplus which shall not be so supplied shall fall into my resi duary personal estate. And the trust and discretion hereby reposed in and given to my said trustees and executors may be respectively performed and exercised by the trustees or trustee for the time being of my said will. I have made the aforesaid disposition of the sum of Forty-five Thousand Pounds hereby given from a sincere wish, and in the hope, thereby to confer a benefit on society."

A stained-glass window of great beauty and value was presented on the 15th of July to the City of London by the cotton-factory workers of Lancashire and its neighbourhood. This was a testimonial of gratitude for the bestowment of half a million relief to the cotton districts during the American civil war. A deputation of || the elite of the residents in the factory districts, headed by the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Lord Egerton of Tatton, Lord Edward Howard, M.P., Mr. Jacob Bright, M.P., &c., waited upon the lord mayor, aldermen, and common council, to perform the act of presentation, the Earl of Derby's absence being caused by ill-health. The ceremony was interesting in its nature and from the occasion.

man.

A bronze statue was erected to Lord Palmerston in the little town of Romsey, near Southampton, close by Broadlands, his lordship's favourite estate. This statue was unveiled soon after the middle of July, and at the same time a stained-glass window in the abbey church was uncovered, also a memorial of the popular statesA very numerous company of divines, statesmen, members of both houses of parliament, county magistrates, and civic dignitaries, were assembled on the occasion. A special afternoon service was held in the church, previous to which the window was displayed. It was designed by Messrs. Clayton and Bell, and forms at the west end of the abbey a triplet of lancets, almost without parallel for size and proportion, the centre light being 39 feet by 5 feet 7 inches, and the two side lights 36 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 2 inches each. The artist's aim was "to exemplify the idea of government descending from heaven to earth." At the bottom are the heraldic

hospital. The roads were kept by files of the 2nd Life Guards at short distances apart, and at the corner of Parliament Street and Bridge Street the bands were stationed. On the other side of the river, at the corner of Stangate, the road was kept by a guard of the 1st Surrey Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Macdonald.

bearings of Lord Palmerston and the following fascrip- | Westminster Bridge and by Stangate, to the site of the tion:-"In memory of Viscount Palmerston obiit, 1865." After the religious service a procession was formed to the market-place, where a platform had been erected close to the statue. The Mayor of Romsey, Mr. F. Cressey, opened the proceedings, the statue was uncovered, the Volunteers presenting arms and the band playing the National Anthem. The statue was designed by Mr. Noble, and represents Lord Palmerston in the act of addressing the House of Commons. Including the bronze plinth, it is 8 feet 10 inches high, and the pedestal is 9 feet 8 inches high. The latter is formed of Aberdeen granite, and at the base is about 6 feet 8 inches square. On the front of the polished shaft is inscribed, in letters of gold, "Palmerston," and at the back, "Born 1784. Died 1865." Earl Granville delivered the inaugural address, praising the character of Lord Palmerston, and extolling his public services; he dwelt especially on the warm personal attachment which most of the Liberal party always felt for their late political leader. Mr. Noble, the sculptor of this exquisitely designed and executed statue, was a personal friend and artistic favourite of Lord Palmerston, and is the author of the most admirable bust of the statesman ever executed.

A statue commemorating the national services of Richard Cobden, the eminent champion of free trade, was erected by the subscriptions of the parishioners of St. Pancras. It was unveiled with much ceremonial at the latter end of June. The position assigned to it is a very favourable one in Camden Town. The statue is carved from Sicilian marble, 8 feet in height, representing the orator in his ordinary apparel and position as a parliamentary debater. It is placed on a pedestal of Portland stone, the sides of which are sculptured with fruits and sheaves of corn in relief. Mrs. Cobden and her daughters were present in the balcony of Milbrook House.

THE COURT.

The movements of the British court are generally too much a matter of course and of routine to deserve to be recorded in every year's annals. This was more particularly the case during the time that her Majesty remained in retirement, in consequence of the death of her royal consort. But during the year 1868 there was greater variety in the events connected with the royal family; some of these were identified with the visits of the Duke of Edinburgh to the colonies, of some of the members of the royal household to the Continent, and of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Ireland. It is here desirable to notice such as were connected with Great Britain.

THE QUEEN AND THE NEW ST. THOMAS'S
HOSPITAL.

On the 13th of May, the Queen laid the foundationstone of the new St. Thomas's Hospital, on the southern Thames Embankment. The vastness of the structure might be presumed from the fact that it took twelve months, at a cost of 40,000., to construct the founda

tions.

The Queen, with Princess Helena, Princess Louisa, and Princess Beatrice, left Buckingham Palace at eleven o'clock, in an open carriage, preceded by four other carriages, which contained Prince Christian, Prince Leopold, the lord high steward, lord chamberlain, master of the horse, mistress of the robes, lords and ladies in waiting, equerries, and maids of honour. The Queen's carriage was accompanied by an escort of the Horse Guards. The Princess of Wales left Marlborough House a few minutes earlier, attended by a separate escort. The route was down the Mall, through the Horse Guards, into Parliament Street, and thence, over

VOL. IV.

Her Majesty was received, on her arrival, by Alderman Sir John Musgrove, the president of the hospital, Mr. Francis Hicks, the treasurer, and a deputation of the governors. A procession was formed at the entrance, to conduct her Majesty to the dais. The heartiest cheers welcomed the Queen. Her Majesty wore deep mourning, and beneath the bonnet might be seen the white edge of the widow's cap. Two ladies standing at the back of the Queen were also in mourning. All the rest of the group were bright and gay-brighter and gayer by contrast with the black dresses in the centre.

The national anthem was sung, and at the close the governor and authorities of the hospital advanced to the dais, and Sir John Musgrove read the address, to which the following written reply was handed to the governors :-" It is with sincere pleasure that I lay the first stone of the noble buildings which you are about to dedicate to the use of the sick and suffering poor. The hospital of St. Thomas, founded by my royal predecessor, Edward VI., for services rendered to humanity, naturally attracted the attention of my beloved husband, whose heart and mind were ever interested in institutions of so beneficial a character. It is a solace to me to follow his example in promoting the objects which you have in view, and I trust that your hospital, by the various improvements which experience and sanitary skill may suggest, will secure increased benefit to its suffering inmates, and provide an admirable school for nurses and for the promotion of medical and surgical science. I thank you for the loyal and sympathising expression of your feelings on the late attempt to take the life of my dear son, the Duke of Edinburgh, and join in your prayer that the same good Providence which preserved him from the assassin may soon restore him in health and safety to his family and country."

Descending from the dais, her Majesty proceeded, amidst the cheers of the company, to lay the stone. This was a large block of polished grey granite, having on its face, in letters of gold, the words, "This stone was laid by her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, on May 13, 1868." Copies of the charters of Edward VI. founding and endowing the hospital, of the Acts of parliament providing for the management of the institution and authorising the purchase of the new site, and a list of governors of the hospital, were handed to the Queen, and were by her placed in a glass vase, together with the coins of the realm. This vase, with its contents, was then deposited in a cavity in the bedding for the stone. The mortar was duly spread by her Majesty with a trowel. The stone was gradually lowered by tackle led from the shears under the flooring of the building, and the Queen, assisted by Mr. Perry, the builder, having tested the work by line and plummet, declared it to be well and truly laid. The Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced a suitable prayer for the occasion. The Queen and the members of the royal family then returned to the dais, when the company sang in unison the Old Hundredth Psalm. The archbishop pronounced the benediction. The military bands played a grand march, and the royal party were conducted by the authorities of the hospital to their carriages.

of the public offices and large business establishments | headed the London Rifle Brigade. The marching past of London; and in many parts of the City the streets that morning had quite a military aspect.

The town of Windsor wore a very unusual appearance. The shops were shut, while the taverns and hotels were thronged; flags of all colours hung from the windows of the principal houses; words of welcome and emblematic devices were displayed in prominent places; crowds gathered at the railway stations to give the visitors a warm reception, and their frequent cheering mingled with the confused noise of various tunes as the regiments marched under the castle-walls to the gates of the royal park, each preceded by its band.

was not terminated until 7 o'clock. A short "sham fight" followed, under the direction of Sir James Scarlett, presenting a mimic attack on Windsor.

RETURN OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.

On the 26th of June, an event occurred in connection with the court which gave the people of England the liveliest satisfaction. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, after his travels and dangers, arrived at Spithead. All the customary honours were paid by the navy, the authorities, and the populace, and with the utmost enthusiasm. He proceeded thence to Southsea pier, where another enthusiastic reception awaited him. On his arrival in London he was received by the Prince of Wales and the Princess Louis of Hesse. After dinner they proceeded to Windsor. Although he did not arrive until 11 at night the concourse to welcome him was very great. The Queen with a numerous suite received him at the entrance to the castle.

Queen Anne's Mead, on which the review took place, was kept clear by the Metropolitan Police, under Sir Richard Mayne, assisted by the 17th Lancers. This part of the great park, the ground of which has a slight incline, is situated between the Long Walk and Queen Anne's Ride. It extends to the statue of George III., which stands on a little mound called Snow-hill. The same spot was selected for the review of the regular troops and the Household Brigade during the visit of the Emperor Napoleon to the Queen. The ground was sufficiently marked out by the splendid trees with which CRYSTAL PALACE FESTIVAL TO WELCOME it is bordered; but, in order to preserve it from intrusion, stakes and chains were placed for nearly a mile from Queen Anne's gate. Behind this line the spec tators took up their position, certain enclosures being made near the saluting flag for the convenience of titled ladies, officers in uniform, and other visitors; also for the reporters of the various journals. The ground was kept by the 1st Regiment of Life Guards, the first battalion Coldstream Guards, the 10th (Prince of Wales's) Hussars, and the 17th Lancers. The Hussars marched over from Aldershot and the Lancers from

Woolwich.

One of the interesting incidents of the day was the construction of a pontoon at Datchet by a detachment of the Royal Engineers. Her Majesty, with the Princesses Louisa and Beatrice, witnessed this performance. The bridge was 218 feet in length, and was placed in twenty-eight minutes.

At half-past one the signal gun brought the men under arms; the London Irish were the first to take up position. The troops were drawn up in two lines, and presented a magnificent appearance, heightened by the great variety of contrasted colours. The elms of "the Long Walk" presented a picturesque background. It was five o'clock when the sudden appearance of a blaze of scarlet at the right of the line, and the report of the first gun of the salute, told the spectators that the Queen had reached the review ground. The royal cortege, preceded by an escort of the Life Guards, moved slowly towards the stand amidst the cheers of the people. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge rode behind the staff, followed by Prince Christian, Prince Louis of Hesse, Prince Teck, and the Crown Prince of Denmark, also on horseback. The royal carriage was occupied by her Majesty, the Princess of Wales, Princess Louis of Hesse, and Princess Christian. On the right rode the Prince of Wales, and on the left Prince Arthur Patrick, the latter wearing the uniform of a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. In the second carriage were Princess Louisa, Princess Beatrice, Prince Leopold, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and the youthful Princess Victoria of Hesse. Two other carriages were occupied by the ladies and gentlemen in waiting. The appearance of the royal party at the flagstaff was the signal for a cheer, which her Majesty, who seemed in excellent health and spirits, acknowledged. The bands of the 17th Lancers, the London Irish, the Hon. City Artillery Company, and the City Rifle Brigade, played by the grand stand, near her Majesty. These being selected for their superiority.

The Prince of Wales, as their captain-general, headed the Hon. Artillery Company. The Duke of Cambridge

PRINCE ALFRED.

The safe return of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh from his voyage to the Australian colonies, with his escape from the attempt to assassinate him in New South Wales, being a fit subject of popular rejoicing, the Crystal Palace Company arranged a grand festival on the 4th of July, at which not only he was present, but the Prince of Wales also; and her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales came at a later hour of the evening. The entertainments consisted of a grand opera concert, the exhibition of the great fountains, and a magnificent display of fireworks at ten o'clock. The royal visitors, with their company, were accommo dated in three boxes, elegantly fitted up, in that part of the central transept which is opposite the Handel orchestra, and which was lately occupied by a theatre. The two princes arrived at four o'clock, accompanied by the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Duke of Sutherland, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, the Marchioness of į Aylesbury, the Countess of Westmoreland, and other ladies and gentlemen. The floor of the central transept, with the space near it on each side, was crowded with people, who greeted the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales with demonstrations of welcome. The performance at the concert was a selection of opera music, in which Mario, Adelina Patti, Graziani, Mr. Cummings, and other favourite vocalists, took part, followed by the Handel chorus, "See, the Conquering Hero comes;" the national song, the National Anthem, "God save the Queen;" and ite new song, composed by Mr. Stephen Glover, “tro bless our Sailor Prince." After the concert, the twe princes and the royal party went out into the canopied balcony above the terrace, overlooking the Crystall Palace gardens, to see the playing of the fountains. An immense multitude of spectators were assembled on the terrace and steps. They, of course, welcomed the Duke of Edinburgh with the heartiest cheers, but did not omit to do honour, in like manner, to the Prince of Wales. The fountains were seen to peculiar advantage. At a quarter before ten, when the twilight which succeeds to daylight had faded away, though not followed by darkness, the terraces were thronged by spectators of the fireworks. They had then the unexpected pleasure of welcoming the Princess of Wales, who presented herself, first in the royal box within the palace; afterwards in the balcony outside. All being ready, a few rockets and shells were fired as a preliminary. The pyrotechnic display began with the ceremony of saluting their royal highnesses with coloured signal lights, held by men of the 19th Middlesex Volunteers, stationed

"Rule Britannia;"