sources, her large
benevolence, her eagerness to instruct all classes of society in
other branches of knowledge, one thing has hitherto been
wanting--a national institution for music. Yet music is in the
best sense the most popular of all arts. If that government be
the best which provides for the happiness of the greatest
number, that art must be the best which at the least expense
pleases the greatest number. I trust that to-day we have removed
the reproach. England, by a national subscription, has acquired
an institution worthy to be called national, and with the
establishment of such an institution we may look forward with
confidence to the creation of a national school of music.
England has the composers already; all she wants is a general
centre, such as a Royal College of Music, to which they may
resort for mutual aid and common inspiration.

"Such are the aims, not mean nor ignoble aims, proposed for the
College which we open to-day. It remains for you, gentlemen of
the council, to be careful that the aims are fully realised. A
young institution requires fostering care and constant
supervision. You must not relax your efforts, no pains must be
spared to gain fresh support and obtain the establishment of new
scholarships. We want much; we are, I trust, entitled to ask for
much of the public. In addition to scholarships we want more
extended premises, a music-hall, lodgings for our scholars,
houses for masters, and all the appurtenances of a great
College. I am sure I may trust to the generosity of the public
to supply these wants; but you, gentlemen, must by your careful
supervision make our institution worthy of support, and no
efforts of mine shall be wanting to secure the objects we have
in view.

"I will say only one word in conclusion. The establishment of an
institution such as I open to-day is not the mere creation of a
new musical society. The time has come when class can no longer
stand aloof from class, and that man does his duty best who
works most earnestly in bridging over the gulf between different
classes which it is the tendency of increased wealth and
increased civilisation to widen. I claim for music the merit
that it has a voice which speaks, in different tones, perhaps,
but with equal force, to the cultivated and the ignorant, to the
pe