disease in a variety of different climates,
away from home, often leaving his wife for many years behind
him, it is impossible not to see that it must be a comfort to
him, especially if ill or dying, to think there is an
institution where his wife, if he succumbs, has a chance of
being provided for. Among soldiers there can be but one feeling
on this subject, and I am sure that on this occasion I shall not
appeal to those who are present in vain.

"I regret very much that one who has taken a deep interest in
this institution--its chairman, Sir Edward Cust--is not here on
this occasion, and I fear on account of illness. But it is some
gratification to be able to read to you an extract from a letter
of his, dated the 1st of March, to Colonel Stewart, the
secretary, in which he says--"I think I intimated to you last
year that I should make a disposition by my will of all my
copyright and interest in my military histories for the benefit
of the Asylum. As I am unable to support the Prince of Wales in
the chair, may I beg the favour of His Royal Highness making
this donation in my name as evidence of my sympathy for the
institution?" Those who are present know so thoroughly well all
the merits of the institution that it would be unnecessary for
me to make a lengthened speech. I will therefore wind up by once
more asking you to do all in your power to assist in
accomplishing the great object we have in view of extending the
building so as to accommodate more widows. With the toast which
I have given you, I beg, in the absence of Sir E. Cust, to
couple the name of Colonel Liddell."

Colonel Liddell, who responded, said it was the desire to provide
accommodation for one widow from each regiment in the service, which, of
course, as there were only fifty-seven inmates, left a great deal still
to be done.

The Prince of Wales: "I have now to propose a toast which, I am
sure, of all those I have given none will have been received
with greater cordiality, for it is that of the 'Lady Patron.'
You all, I know, wish as sincerely as I do that her
health--which is not good just at present--may be restored, and
that she may be among us for some years yet to come. One of the
reasons why this institution has prospered so much, and why so
many are here to-night, is the regard which is felt for the kind