for more than
twenty years your president; who throughout a long political
career never made an enemy, and who always found time to assist
in the advancement of literature and art. I allude to the late
Marquess of Lansdowne. Gentlemen, allow me to propose one more
toast. In the presence of a Society, accustomed to cultivate
with such signal success the flowers of literature, it would be
unpardonable to forget the flowers of society. I propose the
health of 'The Ladies,' who, by their numerous attendance here
this evening, evince the interest they take in the Literary
Fund."

The toast was received with the usual honours. It should have been
mentioned that nearly 400 ladies were present, but in the galleries, not
at the tables as guests, as is the better custom at some anniversaries.

IRISH INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF 1865.

_May 9th, 1865._

The city of Dublin has seldom presented a scene of more general joy than
when the Prince of Wales opened the International Exhibition, on the 9th
of May, 1865. The weather was superb, the loyal demonstrations in the
streets were enthusiastic, and the great Hall where the opening ceremony
took place, decorated with the flag of all nations, was densely crowded
with the most distinguished assembly that Ireland could bring to welcome
the heir of the throne, and the representative of the Queen. There were
no disloyal feelings nor discordant sounds in the Palace that day. The
Duke of Leinster, the Earl of Rosse, and the highest and most
distinguished of the nobles of Ireland were there. The Lord Mayor and
Corporation of the City appeared in their civic robes. The Mayors of
Cork and Waterford and Londonderry walked together; and the Lord Mayors
of London and York, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, with many
official personages, joined in the procession. When His Royal Highness
took his place in the chair of State, the orchestra, 1000 strong,
performed the National Anthem, and 10,000 voices sent up their loyal
cheers at its conclusion.

The Duke of Leinster read the address of the Committee, to which the
Prince replied:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--I thank you for your address. It is a
source of sincere pleasure to me to discharge the duties
confided to me by Her Majesty the Queen in thus inaugurating
your Exhibition. It is not less in accordance with my own
feelings than with those of Her Majesty to assist in ever