of simple
devotion to duty have been somewhat obscured by the ephemeral contests
of the passing hour. Looking back over the records of the last few
months, we are almost reduced to the sad and savage mood of
Hamlet--'then there's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life
half a year.' But the memory of Gordon's life and death will be a point
of light in the history of the Victorian age long after the strenuous
trifling of our politicians has sunk into forgetfulness. In honouring
this man of antique mould, this Englishman who in a somewhat tricky and
small-minded age 'could do and dared not lie,' we shall far more honour
ourselves; and in munificently endowing a work such as he loved to carry
out the nation will find itself twice blessed."

The London office of the Gordon Boys' Home is at 20, Cockspur Street,
within sight of the statue in Trafalgar Square.

OPENING OF THE MERSEY TUNNEL.

_January 20th, 1886._

For more than half a century, in fact ever since the opening of the
first English railway, it has been the dream of engineers to obtain
direct communication between Liverpool and Birkenhead, and the Welsh
lines. The ferry-boat traffic had been enormous and ever increasing, but
it little helped the transit of minerals and heavy goods. Even since the
construction of the great Runcorn bridge the land route had been found
long and troublesome. It was not till 1870 that parliamentary sanction
could be obtained to make a direct route by tunnelling under the Mersey,
but attempts to carry out the scheme were not then successful. At
length, towards the close of 1879, an arrangement was made with Major
Isaac, and from that time the work was unceasing, above 3000 men having
been constantly employed. In 1886 the work was completed. The importance
of the undertaking was recognized, and the Prince of Wales was invited
to open "The Mersey Tunnel." The Princess of Wales was unable to be
present, but on the 20th of January, 1886, the Prince, with his sons
Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, came from Eaton Hall, where they
were the guests of the Duke of Westminster.

On his arrival at Birkenhead the Prince was escorted to a dais, and an
address was read by Mr. Knight, the secretary, on behalf of the
chairman. Mr. Cecil Raikes, M.P., and the directors, engineers,
contractors, and officers of "The Mersey Railway Company." In reply His
Royal Highness said:--

"Mr. Raikes and Gentlemen,--I thank you for you