PREFACE. The ROYAL HOSPITAL of ST. KATHARINE near the TOWER has maintained during more than a century and a half the following distinctive features, viz. that it is in its constitution Ecclesiastical, Educational, and Eleemosynary. It is obvious that a foundation with such characteristics, and with a future income of, at the lowest computation, over £10,000, may, without infringing on 'founder's intentions,' be of real use to the Metropolis. We do not intend, in signing this short Preface, to commit ourselves to all that Mr. Simcox Lea so ably urges. We disclaim any idea of prejudging the decision at which the Lord Chancellor may arrive, or of interfering with the rights of patronage or with existing interests. We desire simply to express our opinion that in any scheme put forward α |