e, but thought it would be more
gratifying to him to have the medal presented in his own place and among
his own workpeople--an act of gracious considerateness which was well
appreciated by the vast assembly who witnessed the event.

OPENING OF THE THAMES EMBANKMENT.

_July 13th, 1870._

This great work, which, for solidity of construction, durability of
material, and beauty of design, is worthy of the Metropolis of the
Empire, was commenced early in 1852, but was not completed till the
summer of 1870. Viewed in connection with the benefits to public health
and convenience, by the improvement of the course of the Thames, and the
removal of the mud banks formerly disfiguring the shores, the Embankment
may be truly said to be the greatest public work undertaken in London in
modern times. Portions of the footway had been previously open for
passengers, and improvements have been since made in the approaches and
in laying out ornamental grounds, but the completion of the roadway,
from Westminster to Blackfriars, sufficiently justified the grand State
ceremony with which the Embankment was opened, on the 13th of July,
1870, by the Prince of Wales.

On that day, the Prince, accompanied by the Princess Louise, and
attended by the Great Officers of the Household, opened the Embankment
on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Five Royal carriages, with an escort
of the Royal Horse Guards, proceeded from Marlborough House, by the
Mall, Whitehall, and Parliament Street to Westminster Bridge, where they
entered the embankment. Here the procession was joined by the carriages
containing the Chairman and members of the Metropolitan Board of Works.
At Hungerford Bridge an address was presented by the Chairman, Sir John
Thwaites. The Royal procession went as far as Blackfriars Bridge, and
then returned to Westminster Bridge, when the Prince, amidst the cheers
of the multitude, and the salutes of artillery, declared the Embankment
to be open.

The reply to the address read by the Prince, was as follows:--

"Gentlemen,--It is a source of great regret to me, as I am sure
it cannot fail to be to you, that the Queen is unable to be
present, according to her original intention, at this
interesting ceremony. In her name I thank you for your loyal
address, and express to you the satisfaction with which she
regards the completion of this great work. We must all rejoice
that while the Embankment and the noble