of establishing
free scholarships in connection with the proposed National Training
Schools for Music, near the Royal Albert Hall, and there were present
the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Christian, the Duke of Teck, the
Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Lord Mayor of London and many
Provincial Mayors, and a numerous company distinguished by public
reputation or position. The result of this action was most successful,
and in 1878, the Prince endeavoured to complete it by bringing the
Academy and the Training Schools into union.

ENCOURAGES MUSICAL EDUCATION

Failing in this, however, he presided on February 28th 1882 at a meeting
in St. James's Palace held for the purpose of founding a "Royal College
of Music" and attended by one of the most representative gatherings
which His Royal Highness had ever brought together. His speech was an
able and elaborate statement of the importance of a national cultivation
of music and the necessity for its promotion in the United Kingdom. "Why
is it," he asked, "that England has no music recognized as national? It
has able composers but nothing indicative of the national life or
national feeling. The reason is not far to seek. There is no centre of
music to which English musicians may resort with confidence and thence
derive instruction, counsel and inspiration." The plan was then clearly
outlined and enthusiastically accepted--Lord Rosebery, Mr. Gladstone
and Sir Stafford Northcote being amongst those who spoke and supported
the project presented by the Royal chairman. A little later, on March
23rd, the Prince invited a number of gentlemen connected with the
Colonial part of the Empire to meet him at Marlborough House in order to
discuss how best the benefits of the College might be extended and
applied to the more distant British countries.

On May 7th, 1883, the Royal College of Music was formally inaugurated
after an effort amongst its supporters which had included the holding of
forty-four public meetings throughout the country. With the Prince of
Wales were present the Princess, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the
Princess Christian and the Trustees, amongst whom were the Duke of
Westminster, Sir Richard Wallace, M.P., Sir George Grove and Sir John
Rose. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Mr. Gladstone and many others were
also present. The Royal founder of the institution spoke at unusual
length, referred to the teaching and examining powers of the College,
asked for aid