and in our vast
possessions abroad. In connection with the Army, it gives me the
greatest pleasure to propose the health of my illustrious
relative, the Commander-in-Chief. It would ill become me to make
those remarks in his presence which it would afford me sincere
satisfaction to offer were he absent; but I am sure that you, as
brother officers, know the great interest the Commander-in-Chief
takes in the Army, and I know you will drink his health most
cordially on this occasion. I am not able to couple any name
with the Navy, for the very sufficient reason that there is no
naval officer present to respond to it. I regret that our
gallant sea forces are not represented, but the toast will not
on that account, I am sure, be less cordially received."

The Duke of Cambridge, who was loudly cheered, said: "I personally am
much gratified by the kind reception which has been given to my name in
conjunction with this toast. His Royal Highness, with a modesty which is
delightful in one in his position, has expressed diffidence in proposing
it; but there is no ground for such diffidence on his part, for there is
no officer in the Army that I know of who takes a more lively interest
in the efficiency of the service, even in its every detail, or who,
whenever the opportunity offers, shows a greater aptitude than does His
Royal Highness. He has proved a most worthy spokesman for the Army on
this and on many other occasions, and I am sure officers of the Army are
always flattered and gratified when His Royal Highness has the
opportunity of speaking of them as he has done this evening. I feel
particular interest in being present here, and I beg to express to His
Royal Highness, who has many and constant duties to attend to, my thanks
and those of my mother, who is, unfortunately, in a very suffering
state, for having, on the mere expression of a wish on her part, at once
consented to preside on this occasion. I beg also to thank you for the
compliment which you have paid me and my family by your attendance, for
I cannot forget that this institution was originally founded in memory
of my father, who had many opportunities of showing the deep interest he
took in the charitable institutions of the country. On that account many
of his friends were anxious that some testimonial should be established
to his memory, and instead of a statue I am happy to think, as I am sure
he would have been