at its disposal. Their
hearts, he added, were full at leaving Canada and their regrets extreme
at having to decline so many kind invitations from different centres.
"But we have seen enough to carry away imperishable memories of
affectionate and loyal hearts, frank and independent natures, prosperous
and progressive communities, boundless productive territories, glorious
scenery, stupendous works of nature, a people and a country proud of
its membership in the Empire and in which the Empire finds one of its
brightest offspring."

On the way home Newfoundland was visited and an enthusiastic reception
given by the people of St. John's and the Government of the Island. The
usual addresses, decorations and functions followed and then the _Ophir_
steamed away over the last stretch of ocean in this long, strenuous and
memorable Royal progress of over fifty thousand miles on sea and land.
When in sight of English shores again the King and Queen and the Royal
children, accompanied by the Channel squadron of thirteen warships, met
the travellers and escorted them to Portsmouth. After eight months of
separation the Royal family of three generations were again together.
The popular welcome at Portsmouth was brilliant and enthusiastic as well
it might be. As the _Times_ put it on November 1st--the day of the
arrival home--"The Duke and Duchess have made the greatest tour in
history; they have accomplished an act of high statesmanship without
statecraft but by simple arts which are better than any statecraft; they
have been under many skies and seen many strange, lovely and impressive
sights; they have been greeted and acclaimed by many peoples, races and
languages." In his speech to the Civic deputation waiting upon him on
the following day His Royal Highness stated that their journey had
covered thirty-three thousand miles by sea and twelve thousand five
hundred by land. "Everywhere we have been profoundly impressed by the
kindness, affection and enthusiasm extended to us and the universal
declarations of loyalty to the Throne; and by the conscious pride in
membership of our great Empire which has constantly displayed itself."

A dinner was given by the King and Queen on board the yacht _Victoria
and Albert_ in honour of the Royal travellers' return and, in the course
of a speech of welcome, His Majesty referred to the cordiality and
loyal enthusiasm of their reception everywhere. "The accounts of their
receptions, regularly tra