cluding some of
the Foreign Ministers, were present. Foreign seamen in the British
mercantile service are admitted to benefits of the Home. An address
having been read by Admiral Sir William Bowles, President of the
Institution, the Prince replied:--

"Sir William Bowles, your Excellencies, my Lords, and
Gentlemen,--It is very gratifying to me to comply with the
invitation I have received to take a part in this day's
proceedings and to preside at the opening of the new wing of
this institution. The beneficial results attending the
establishment of a Sailors' Home for our immense mercantile navy
are shown by the statements and figures which you have now
given, and which establish in the most satisfactory manner the
necessity of adding to the original building. The interest taken
by my lamented father in the religious welfare of this
institution, evinced by his laying the foundation stone of the
Seamen's Church adjoining, will not, I trust, be less in his
son, who is well aware of the sentiments of loyalty and devotion
to the Throne which distinguish the mercantile navy of Great
Britain."

ROYAL DRAMATIC COLLEGE.

_June 5th, 1865._

How much the Prince of Wales has, from early life, favoured dramatic
art, and encouraged its professors, is universally known. While enjoying
the drama for his own recreation, amidst more arduous labours, he has
been always ready to support any well-devised and well-directed scheme
for the benefit of the dramatic profession. It was with this feeling
that he accepted the invitation to inaugurate and formally open the
Royal Dramatic College at Woking.

There was a great gathering on the occasion, and the hall was well
filled, principally by ladies, before the proceedings commenced. Mr.
Webster, the Master of the College, having presented the Prince with a
massive gold key, symbolical of the ceremony, and having read an address
describing the objects of the Institution, His Royal Highness replied as
follows:--

"Gentlemen,--It is truly gratifying to my feelings to find
myself this day called on to take a part in the final completion
of a building the foundation of which was the work of my
lamented father, as it was also an object which he had much at
heart. My satisfaction is increased by finding his beneficent
plan carried out in a manner worthy of the cause and of the
profession for the ben