w each other at intervals too short. These
are questions with which I do not feel myself competent to deal;
but at the same time I feel that the question of railways, and
especially the frequency of accidents, are brought more
distinctly under our notice when we consider the claims of the
Institution we are brought together this evening to promote.
This is a theme about which one might talk for a long time; and
I know, on occasions of this kind, it would be out of place on
my part to give you a long oration; yet, though I but feebly
express what others would much better have laid before you, I
hope you will believe that nobody feels more deeply for this
Institution than I do, that nobody advocates its claims more
ardently than I, and nobody will continue to take a greater
interest in everything connected with our great railways.

"To show you that I am not using mere stereotyped phrases, I may
tell you that no week elapses without my travelling once or
twice at least by train. I have therefore the opportunity of
seeing, as well as anybody can see, how admirably our railway
system is worked; not only the managers and directors, but the
officers and servants have my warmest admiration for doing their
utmost in the execution of their duty, and also for their
unvarying courtesy and attention. I will now ask you once more,
in conclusion, to open your purses as freely as you can in
support of the Railway Benevolent Institution."

The Secretary afterwards announced subscriptions to the handsome amount
of L5000, which included a second donation by His Royal Highness of 100
guineas.

UNVEILING THE ALBERT STATUE ON HOLBORN
VIADUCT.

_January 9th, 1874._

On the 9th of January, 1874, the Prince of Wales visited the City for
unveiling the equestrian statue erected at the western entrance of the
Holborn Viaduct, in memory of the late Prince Consort. At the site an
address was read, containing a description of the memorial, and an
account of its origin. The ceremony of unveiling over, the Prince was
driven in the state carriage of the Lord Mayor to the Guildhall, where
between 700 and 800 guests, including many distinguished persons, were
invited to luncheon. After the first loyal toast, "The Queen," had been
received with all honours, the Lord Mayor said: "I now raise my glass to
the memory of the late Prince Consort. 'He being