party, of members of both Houses of Parliament, and of nearly all
the judges of the land. We have here also the highest
representatives of science, of art, of literature, and of the
press; and we are also honored with the presence of neighbors and
friends in some of the most eminent bankers and merchants of the
city. I am glad to add that all the distinguished Americans that I
know of at present visiting this city have come here to show their
esteem for their fellow-countryman. It may be said that this
remarkable gathering is a proof not only of the fact that our
distinguished guest is personally popular, but also that we are
satisfied that, so far as he could, he has endeavored to do his
duty faithfully and well between the country he represents and the
country to which he is delegated. Mr. Phelps in leaving our shores,
I think, will take with him a feeling that he has been received in
the most cordial spirit, in the most friendly manner in this
country. I think he will feel also--at any rate, I should like to
assure him so far as I am able to observe--that he has greatly
tended, by his manner and by his courteous bearing, to consolidate
those friendly relations which we desire should forever exist
between his country and our own. Those of us who have had the honor
from time to time to meet his Excellency, know what high and good
qualities he possesses, and we feel sure he will take with him to
the United States a not unfavorable impression of the old country,
and that so far as he can he will endeavor in the future, as I
believe he has done in the past, to promote those feelings of
peace, of amity between the two countries, the maintenance of which
is one of the objects to be most desired in the interests of the
world at large. I give you 'His Excellency, the American Minister,
Mr. Phelps,' and I ask you, if you please, to rise and give the
toast standing, in the usual manner."]

MY LORD MAYOR, MY LORDS, AND GENTLEMEN:--I am sure you will not be
surprised to be told that the poor words at my command do not enable me
to respond adequately to your most kind greeting, nor the too flattering
words which have fallen from my friend, the Lord Mayor, and from my
distinguished colleague, the Lord Chancellor. But you will do me the
justice to believe that my feelings are not the