e that you will assist me by presiding at assemblies of your
fellow-townsmen, and will urge them to contribute to so national
an institution. I may, I doubt not, look with confidence to the
representatives of the Church and of other religious and
educational denominations who have been good enough to attend
here, to remind their choirs and their flocks that any
contributions will be a grateful testimony that the population
of England are interested in improving an art which, more than
others, excites devotional feelings, and inspires with
enthusiasm public and private worship. From those who are
directly interested in music, either professionally or as
amateurs, I trust I have a right to expect the greatest measure
of assistance which they can afford; for on their behalf, and
with a view to extend the influence of the science to which they
are devoted, we are met here to-day for the purpose of
establishing a national central musical institution. I know the
loyalty of our Colonial brethren; they will not be behindhand in
aiding the mother country. From foreign countries I have ever
received so many tokens of regard and sympathy, that I may look
with confidence to them to give their support to an institution
the doors of which will be thrown open to all nations. One
practical observation in conclusion. I trust that those present
here to-day will each and every one of them from time to time
communicate to me the steps they are taking to procure
contributions, and will forward to the honorary secretaries the
amount of contributions they may receive. For my part, I will
take care, as soon as I am enabled to form some judgment of the
extent to which the nation will support this demand, to
communicate to the contributories and to the public the details
of the foundation and establishment of the College, of which I
have only set forth in my address the general outline."

The first resolution was proposed to the meeting by the Duke of
Edinburgh, and seconded by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The speech of
the Duke of Edinburgh was so clear and practical, supplementing and
confirming that of the Prince of Wales, who has always generously
attributed to his brother the initiation in this great national
movement, which, however, could not have been carried out without the
personal aid and influence of the Prince. H