he preceding day. The first duty was the reception of
addresses from various public bodies. There were no fewer than thirty
different addresses, presented by deputations of five persons for each.
They were received by the Prince, who wore the Order of St. Patrick. The
Princess of Wales was on his left, and Prince Albert Victor on her left.
All the addresses were handed in succession to the Prince, without being
read, which would have occupied too much time, and then the deputations
were requested to approach the dais, when the Prince, in dear expressive
tones, read the following reply:--

"Your Graces, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I have thought it more
for your convenience, as well as more within the compass of my
ability, that I should, with your permission, make a general
reply to the many kind addresses with which you have honoured
me, and copies of which have already by your courtesy been
before me, than that I should attempt a separate reply to each.
I feel myself highly honoured by having been welcomed in this
historic hall by so many bodies representing so many and so
varied interests as you do. Leaders of local administrations,
heads of religious communities, representatives of learning and
art, philanthropy and education, you have one and all greeted me
with the kindness and good will which has made a deep
impression upon me, and which I never shall forget. You have
alluded in terms of loyalty, which have much gratified me, to
your attachment to the Constitution, and have expressed in a
manner which I will not fail to communicate to the Queen your
devotion to Her Majesty.

"In varied capacities, and by widely different paths, you pursue
those great objects which, dear to you, are, believe me, dear
also to me--the prosperity and progress of Ireland, the welfare
and happiness of her people. That many difficulties from time to
time impede you I can well understand. Such is the natural
course of events. But I am glad to be able to gather from your
addresses that you are advancing steadily towards the goal which
you have in view. From my heart I wish you success, and I would
that time and my own powers would permit me to explain fully and
in detail the deep interest which I feel not only in the welfare
of this great Empire at large, but in the true happiness of
those several classes of the community on