lly to drink 'Prosperity to the
Mersey Railway,' which I am sure you will drink most heartily,
and to connect with the toast the name of its chairman, Mr.
Cecil Raikes."

Mr. Raikes, in responding, said he held it as a most happy omen for that
great undertaking whose completion they celebrated, that the heir to the
throne should have come there to take part in completing an enterprise
which would, he believed, be reckoned as one of the most important and
interesting of Her Majesty's reign. His Royal Highness had been good
enough to refer especially to the connection which was now to be
established between Liverpool and his principality of Wales. As a
resident in that principality he could assure His Royal Highness that
the expression of interest would be cordially appreciated and treasured
by the people of Wales.

The Prince of Wales said:--

"Ladies and Gentlemen,--Although the toast list is closed, I
have the permission of the Mayor to propose one more toast, and
I feel sure it is one which will recommend itself to you all, as
it is the health of the chairman of this entertainment, the
Mayor. You are aware of the Mayor's great popularity, and his
deserved popularity; for have you not re-elected him for a
second term of office as your Mayor? I feel that it is difficult
to praise him in his presence, but at the same time he will
forgive me if I say that I know how the inhabitants of Liverpool
have been grateful to him for the great kindness, generosity,
and philanthropy he lately evinced at Christmas, when he gave
that well-known and popular Lancashire dish, the hotchpotch, to
the poor inhabitants of your town. That kindness will not be
forgotten by them, and it will be gratifying to him to know the
good he did and the pleasure he gave on that occasion. As for
myself, this is not my first visit to Liverpool, and I hope by
no means it may be my last. I have always been received here
with the greatest kindness, and I have always looked back to my
different visits with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction.
The fact that 100 years ago this town numbered only 40,000
people, and now, with its suburbs, numbers close upon 700,000,
speaks for its prosperity. Most cordially do I propose this
toast, Mr. Mayor, and most sincerely do I wish long life to you,
and prosperity to your town."

The Mayor briefly replied, and