ertaking, but it was the success of the Indo-Colonial Exhibition,
held in 1886, that led to the proposal of a permanent Imperial
Institute. It would be a visible emblem of the unity of the Empire, and
a place for illustrating its vast resources; a museum for exhibiting its
manifold products and industries; a centre of information and
communication for all the countries throughout the world under the
British sovereignty; and be helpful to the increase and the distribution
of the wealth of the nation. It would co-operate and not conflict with
older institutions of tried utility, such as Colonial museums and
exchanges, emigration societies, technical colleges, and other
organizations for the welfare of the people. The scheme was worthy of
being adopted as a national memorial of the Jubilee of the Queen's
reign, and was fittingly inaugurated by the heir apparent to the throne.

Of the progress of the movement, and of the home for the Institute at
South Kensington, it is not necessary here to speak, but the following
speech of the Prince of Wales, at St. James's Palace, on the 12th of
January, 1887, gives the best summary of all that is designed and
expected in regard to the Imperial Institute.

Letters had been sent out inviting many influential persons to meet His
Royal Highness as chairman, and the members of the organizing committee
of the Institute. The banqueting room at the old Palace was filled with
an audience such as has rarely been brought together on any occasion in
recent years. Many of the most distinguished men in all departments of
public life, the Lord Mayors of London and York, with nearly 200 Mayors,
Provosts, and Chief Magistrates of English and Scottish boroughs,
Masters and Wardens of City Companies, and Directors of great corporate
bodies and societies were present. The Prince of Wales, on entering the
room, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor, was warmly received; and thus
he addressed the meeting:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,--You are doubtless aware of the general
feeling on the part of the public that some signal proof of the
love and loyalty of Her Majesty's subjects throughout her widely
extended Empire should be given to the Queen when she celebrates
the fiftieth year of her happy reign. In order to afford to the
Queen the fullest satisfaction, the proposed memorial should not
be merely personal in its character, but should tend to serve
the interests of the enti