e Prince has frequently addressed, but never one more
broadly representative of all the most distinguished and influential
classes in the kingdom. The Ambassadors and Ministers of most of the
Continental Powers were also among the audience.

The Prince of Wales, who on rising was most cordially greeted, opened
the proceedings by reading letters from the Duke of Connaught and Prince
Christian, expressing regret that circumstances prevented them from
being present, and their hearty sympathy with the objects of the
meeting. Prince Christian in his letter briefly recounted the history
of the fruitless attempt which had been made to induce Professor
Macfarren and the directors of the Royal Academy of Music to consent to
a union of their institution with the National Training School of Music,
with a view to form a Royal College of Music on a more extended basis.
The Prince of Wales then said:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I have called you together to-day, the
representatives of the counties and towns in England, the
dignitaries of the Church and other religious and educational
bodies, distinguished colonists now resident in England, and the
representatives of foreign Powers, to aid me in the promotion of
a national object by obtaining contributions for the
establishment of a Royal College of Music. Were the object less
than of national importance, I should not have troubled you--the
heads of social life--to meet me here to-day, and I should not
myself have undertaken the responsibility of acting as the
leader and organiser of the movement. I have invited to meet you
the leading musicians and publishers of music, the most eminent
musical instrument makers, the most influential amateurs and
patrons of music, and I trust that by the co-operation and union
of some of the most powerful elements of society, we may succeed
in establishing a Royal College of Music on a more extended
basis than any existing institution in the United Kingdom;
worthy alike of this meeting and of this country, for whose
benefit you are asked to give your time, your money, and your
influence.

"I do not propose to trouble you with any proofs of the
advantages that would be derived from the establishment of a
National College of Music. That subject has been fully discussed
by the Duke of Albany at Manchester, and his address is before
the world. He showe