ed. The Prince was conducted
up the arena to a chair on the left of the Pro-Grand Master, and before
seating himself he bowed repeatedly in response to the plaudits of the
brethren. He then went through the forms prescribed by the Masonic
ritual, and was duly inducted into his throne, the enthusiasm of the
assembled Freemasons once again outstripping the proper order of the
ceremonial, and finding vent in cheers with which the building rang
again.

Garter King-at-Arms, who holds also the high Masonic office of Grand
Director of Ceremonies, then proclaimed His Royal Highness in due form,
and called upon the brethren to salute him in Masonic fashion. This
being done, the Earl of Carnarvon rose from the seat to which he had
retired, and, according to ancient custom, addressed the new Grand
Master on the duties of his office. He thus concluded his address:--

"Your Royal Highness is not the first by many of your illustrious family
who have sat in that chair. It is, no doubt, by the lustre of your great
name and position you will reflect honour on the craft to-day; but it is
also something to be at the head of such a body as is represented here.
I may truly say that never in the whole history of Freemasonry has such
a Grand Lodge been convened as that on which my eye rests at this
moment, and there is further an inner view to be taken, that so far as
my eyes can carry me over these serried ranks of white and blue, the
gold and purple, I recognise in them men who have solemnly taken
obligations of worth and morality--men who have undertaken the duties of
citizens and the loyalty of subjects. I am expressing but very feebly
the feelings and aspirations of this great assemblage when I say that I
trust the connexion of your Royal Highness with the craft may be
lasting, and that you may never have occasion for one moment's regret or
anxiety when you look back upon the events of to-day."

The Prince, who was again greeted with loud and prolonged cheering,
replied in the following terms:--

"Brethren, I am deeply grateful to the Most Worshipful the
Pro-Grand Master for the excessively kind words he has just
spoken to you, and for the cordial reception which you have
given me. It has been your unanimous wish that I should occupy
this chair as your Grand Master, and you have this day installed
me. It is difficult for me to find words adequate to express my
deep thanks for the honour which has already b