ss the hope that this great
undertaking, and the many occasions for friendly intercourse
with our fellow-subjects from India and the Colonies which it
will afford, may convey to them the assurance that, while we are
deeply moved by the spirit of patriotism they have lately shown
in desiring to bear their share in the graver trials of the
country, we on our part wish to participate in every effort to
further and develop their material interests--interests which we
feel to be inseparably bound up with the prosperity of the
Empire. We must remember that, as regards the Colonies, they are
the legitimate and natural homes, in future, of the more
adventurous and energetic portion of the population of these
Islands. Their progress, and their power of providing all that
makes life comfortable and attractive, cannot, therefore, but be
a matter of serious concern to us all. And, as regards India,
the increasing knowledge of that vast Empire and the rapid and
easy means of communication to all parts of it which now exist,
render its remarkable and varied products and its social and
political condition a source of yearly increasing interest and
importance to us.

"For the attainment of the purposes I have indicated, I am sure
I may rely on your friendly co-operation and assistance, in your
several localities, and within the sphere of your individual
influence. Although it has been impossible from the pressure of
their duties elsewhere for some members of the Commission to be
present at this meeting, I am gratified by the assurance from
them that we may none the less rely on their practical and
earnest assistance on every occasion in furthering the work
which has been entrusted to us, and achieving the important ends
which I trust may flow from its successful accomplishment."

_May 3rd, 1886._

A meeting of the Royal Commission was again held on the 3rd of May, in
the Durbar Hall of the Indian Palace, when the Prince of Wales, as the
Executive President, addressed the audience. He gave an interesting
report on all the chief matters that had engaged the attention of the
Royal Commissioners; and referred to the co-operation received from the
Colonies and India. He stated that the guarantee fund had reached the
amount of L218,430, of which the City of London had voted L10,000. A
vote of thanks was proposed by the Du