f which noble task
he is well supported by his gracious Princess."

The Prince, in reply, said:--

"I can hardly find words adequate enough to express my deep
thanks to his Excellency the Austro-Hungarian Ambassador for the
exceedingly kind and flattering manner in which he has proposed
this toast, and to you all for the hearty way in which it was
received. I can assure you that it affords me the greatest
pleasure and gratification to be your chairman on the present
occasion. The members of my family have now for some years taken
a deep interest in this charity, and I take the same interest.
This is not at all to be wondered at, considering that we have
German blood running in our veins. We have the greatest sympathy
with the foreigners who live in our country, and we gladly join
in an attempt like this to alleviate their sufferings in every
possible way. The President of the German Hospital, the Duke of
Cambridge, as did his father before him, takes a warm interest
in this institution, and I sincerely hope that our family will
always remain connected with so excellent and admirable a
charity. I thank you once more for the hearty reception you have
accorded to the toast."

The Prince, again rising, proposed in cordial terms: "The
Foreign Sovereigns and Princes, Protectors and Patrons of the
Institution, and their Representatives who had honoured them
with their presence." He stated that "the Emperor of Germany
gave an annual donation of L200 to the charity, and that the
Emperors of Russia and Austria, and the Kings of Wuertemberg,
Bavaria, Saxony, and the Netherlands, had also evinced a
practical interest in the institution."

Count Muenster, the German Ambassador, whose name was coupled with the
toast, said he agreed with his friend and colleague, Count Beust, that
it was one of the most pleasant duties of diplomatists to be present on
occasions of that kind, and he felt it, indeed, a great honour to return
thanks for the kind and gracious manner in which His Royal Highness had
proposed the health of the foreign Sovereigns and their representatives.
He was quite sure that the interest which their Majesties had taken in
that fine, benevolent institution would be much strengthened when they
became aware that the first gentleman in England--the heir to the
British Throne--had shown his practical sympathy with it by