usic in this country. It will teach music of the
highest class; it will have a foundation for the education, and
in some cases for the free maintenance, of scholars who have
obtained by merit the right to such privileges. But it will do
more than this. It will be to England what the Berlin
Conservatoire is to Germany, what the Paris Conservatoire is to
France, or the Vienna Conservatoire to Austria--the recognised
centre and head of the musical world. Why is it that Germany,
France, Italy have national styles of music? Why is it that
England has no music recognised 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. I hope by the breadth of my plan to interest all
present in its success. You who are musicians must desire to
improve your art, and such will be the object of the Royal
College. You who are only lovers of music must wish well to a
plan which provides for all classes of Her Majesty's subjects a
pleasure which you yourselves enjoy so keenly. To those who are
deaf to music, as practical men I would say thus much--to raise
the people, you must purify their emotions and cultivate their
imaginations. To satisfy the natural craving for excitement, you
must substitute an innocent and healthy mode of acting on the
passions for the fierce thirst for drink and eager pursuit of
other unworthy objects. Music acts directly on the emotions, and
it cannot be abused, for no excess in music is injurious.

"In laying this great national question before you, I have
followed the example of my father, by offering to place myself
at the head of a great social movement. I have asked you for
assistance, I await your answer with confidence. I am sure that
it will be worthy of the nation of which you are
representatives. To you, my Lords-Lieutenant, I would address
myself with an intimation that I trust you will assemble
meetings throughout your counties, for it is desirable that
contributions should be received from all parts of the country
as showing the interest taken by the people in music. My Lord
Mayor of London and other Mayors who are here,--I am sure I may
hop