us task to perform. During
Lord Abercorn's administration there had been great troubles in
Ireland, but it was to be hoped that these were almost at an
end."

The Earl of Mayo, in returning thanks for the Lord-Lieutenant, expressed
his opinion that the Prince of Wales on his forthcoming visit to Ireland
would experience such a reception as would induce His Royal Highness to
go there again.

The Earl of Kimberley, in proposing the health of the illustrious
President, said he thought the friends of Ireland ought to feel much
obliged to His Royal Highness for his presence there that evening. He
was convinced that good would result from it. Having on one occasion,
while filling the office of Lord-Lieutenant, had the honour to receive
the Prince of Wales at Dublin, he could state from his own knowledge
that His Royal Highness took the deepest interest in all that concerned
the welfare of Ireland, and showed the greatest anxiety to make himself
acquainted with her affairs. The Prince had made himself acquainted with
her affairs, and was in a position to give an intelligent and a just
opinion on the matter. This was of great importance for Ireland. He
thought he might venture to say that the Prince of Wales felt an
affection for Ireland.

The toast was drunk with all the honours, and with unusual enthusiasm.
The Prince of Wales said:--

"I am exceedingly gratified by the very kind terms in which my
noble friend has proposed my health, and the more than cordial
manner in which you, my lords and gentlemen, have received it. I
hope I need not assure you that it has been a source of great
pleasure to me to take the chair at a dinner in aid of a society
which does so much for the benefit of so many children of the
poorer Irish in London. My noble friend has alluded to my
approaching visit to Ireland. I shall only say that I am glad to
visit a portion of the United Kingdom in which I have
experienced such extensive kindness from all parties. I agree
with the noble Lord the Chief Secretary for Ireland. If this
visit should tend to give pleasure to the people of Ireland I
hope there may be a longer visit hereafter. During the course of
the last two years there has been much that has been
disagreeable to loyal Irishmen; but I am convinced that the
people of Ireland generally are thoroughly true and loyal, and
that the disaffection which has existed wi