flSIAl +•♦• DS 796 .H77| B3e> ^UKVi '^ I (Cornell HniwetHitg Slibtarg CHARLES WILLIAM WASON COLLECTION CHINA AND THE CHINESE THE GIFT OF , CHARLES WILLIAM WASON CLASS OF 1876 1918 Cornell University Library DS 796.H77B36 Visit of His Royal Highness tlie Duke of 3 1924 023 216 967 1 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023216967 /hfulL.'^'f^'^'^/'f VISIT OF HIS EOYAL HI&HNESS | THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH, I m E.G., K.T„ G.C.M.G., TO u u HONaKONa IN 1869. COMPILED FROM THE LOCAL JOURNALS \ AND OTHER SOURCES, U THE REV. WILLIAM R. BEACH, M.A., i COLONIAL CHAPLAIN, ' M AND CANON OF VrCTOEIA, HONGKONGt. S ILLUSTKATED BY A PORTEAIT OF HIS BOYAL HIGHNESS TAKEN IN HONGKONG; AND BT PH0T06EAPHS OF LOCAL SCENES, AND INCIDENTS OF THE PKINCE's VISIT. SEOOITID EIDIOTIOIT. HONGKONO: PRINTED BY NOEOmiA AND SONS, GOVERNMENT PRINTERS. LONDON: SMITH, ELDER AND Co. 1870. This Publication owes its existence to the following circumstance. A few days after the departure of the Galatea from Hongkong, the 'Compiler, being at Government House, remarked on the universal feeling of satisfaction caused by the visit of His Eoyal Highness the Duke, of Edinburgh, and the reception which had been given him in this Colony ; the. Prince having expressed himself as much gratified, and every dne having' been charmed with the Prince. He, at the same time, referred to a rumour that was i current, to the effect that it was intended to publish 5 1 an official account of the leading events connected with the Royal visit; upon which His Excellency the Governor requested that he would undertake it, and offered to place at his disposal all the information which he possessed, and to give every assistance in his power. This request the Compiler, though unable to command much leisure, did not feel that he could, as a loyal Englishman, decline to accede to ; and the brie:f Narrative which follows is the result. It will be seen that the nature of the task undertaken by him left little scope for originality, and , that his duty has been less that of an Author than of a Chronicler. He begs to acknowledge his obligations to the Editors of the China' Mail and the Daily Press, both of whom cordially acceded to his request to be allowed to make extracts from their Journals and also to alter and adapt them according to his own views; a permission which has been freely used. To many private friends he - 'Otic » ■ — 0I30 » IV is also indebted for valuable contributions ; and especially to those who suggested revisions and additions during the progress of the Work through the Press. The Photographs are by Mr. J, Thomson, f.r.g.s., and will, it is believed, form one of the chief attractions of the work, the expense of which has of course been very considerably increased by their insertion. That of His Eoyal Highness will be recognized by aU who saw him in Hongkong as an excellent likeness. The Compiler, as an old resident in China, hopes that this Chronicle with all its imperfections will be favourably received not only by his many friends now residing in Hongkong, but by those also who, after spending some years in the East, are now enjoying the fruit of their labours in the Fatherland to which we so often look with pride and affection, and which may God long preserve in peace and prosperity ! Victoria, Hongkong, December 29th, 1869. i i ] - " s>ua -»- -■« OtlO ' ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. Contrary to the expectation of the Compiler, another Edition of the Royal Visit to Hongkong has been called for. The present Edition is little more than a corrected reprint of the first; but at the suggestion of friends a Photograph of S. John's Cathedral, showing the Stone laid by the Prince, has been added. A general wish having also been expressed that the work should take a more permanent form, this Edition is issued in a suitable binding and greater care has been taken in mounting the Photographs. The Compiler cannot allow this opportunity to pass without offering his thanks to those who have kindly noticed his work, both in private and in the public journals; and he trusts that this new and improved Edition will be received with the same favour as the first. Victoria, Hongkong, May Zrd, 1870. '« otic »- LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS. -'^-s~^z§Jik.3i^ii'^^ — Portrait of His Botal Highness The Duke of Bviubvuoh,... Frontispiece- GOVERKMENT HOITSE, To face page 3 Queen's Road (prepared for Illttmination,) Street prepared for Illumination in Chinese Style, HoNGEONs Facing the Harbour, 11 The Race Course and Happt Valley, 17 The City Hall, , 21 S.John's Cathedral, jfrom the East, 43 ' « =>IIO > ■ (2) The height of the foremost port above the water-line is 12 feet 9 inches, the height of the middle port 10 feet 6|- inches, and that of the after port 12 feet 5 inches. She can stow 700 tons of coal in her boxes, and 72 tons of water. She has seen active service, having been engaged in suppressing the insurrection at Jamaica, and having des- troyed the batteries on Cape Haitien after the loss of the BuUdog. Her behaviour in the hurricane which she met off S. Paul's during her late cruise, proved her to be admirably adapted for rough weather. A list of her Officers is given in the Appendix, (A. ) She carries 530 souls, viz. : Officers 46, Petty Officers 65, Seamen 305, Boys 46, and Marines 68. "The clear bright looks worn by all, fore and aft," struck the attention of a reporter who visited her soon after she anchored, and all who saw her agreed with him that the Galatea is worthy of the British Navy and of her Royal Captain. His Royal Highness was accompanied by his Equerries, the Honourable E. C. Yorke, and Arthur Balfour Haig, Esq., k.b., and by M. Chevalier, an artist. After Divine Service on board, the Prince and his suite landed, and spent the remainder of the day at Government House with His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, c.b., Lady MacEionnell, and a limited number of guests, including his late Commanding Officer, Admiral the Honourable Sir Henry Keppel, k.c.b., and a few Officers of the Galatea. Monday^i November Ist. — His Royal Highness consi- derately postponed his Pubhc Official Landing till Tuesday morning, as that important event in Hongkong life, the departure of the mail for Europe, was close at hand ; and during the day, both on shore and on board the Galatea, ' one > GOVERNMENT HOUSE. *ii GOVERNMENT HOUSE. ~-«-e^ ] < 3 ^^ (3) ample occupation was found for all hands in getting ready their correspondence. In the evening, however, the whole City was brilliantly illuminated. A brief outline of the illuminations and pyrotechnic displays is all that can be attempted here, but it will be sufficient to shew that the inhabitants of Hongkong were determined to avail them- selves to the utmost of the fine natural position of the City of Victoria for such an exhibition ; and all nationalities, European, American, and Chinese, seemed to vie with each other in their attempts to express their loyal and kindly feelings towards the Sailor Prince of the Royal House of Great Britain. During the evening. His Royal Highness dined privately, in company with Admiral and Lady Keppel, at the hospitable mansion of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., East Point. Thence, returning by water to the City, the party landed by mistake at a wharf considerably east of that at which their chairs and escort had been ordered to wait for them. Much fatigue, inconvenience, and crushing amongst the dense masses of Chinese, who thronged the streets, resulted ; all of which, however, was borne by His Royal Highness with the greatest patience and good humour. On finding their chairs, the party, under the experienced guidance of the Honourable Cecil C. Smith, Registrar General, visited the various places of interest for the purpose of witnessing the fireworks and illuminations ; and wherever his chair was discovered by the crowd, enthusiastic cries of " Long Live the Prince, " greeted his appearance. His Royal Highness during the whole of his stay in Hongkong was favoured with " Queen's weather, " and that which prevailed on the occasion of the illuminations was all that could be wished. The night was dark, but clear, and as there was scarcely any wind, the Chinese lanterns, ' which were very extensively employed, showed to great i f ^^1^^ ^«^ (4) advantage. The finest general view of the whole was obtained fi'om the Harbour. " The lights, " says a Daily Paper, "were seen blazing along the whole length of the Praya skirting the Harbour ; while the huge ' A ' at the P. &. 0. Office, together with the brilliant exhibition on the Messageries Imp^riales Office, marked 'the length to which the Uluminations extended Westward ; and a cleverly made outline of a ship at Messrs. Jardine & Co.'s, as well as a Pagoda at the Mint, both distinctly visible from opposite Pedder's Wharf, showed the length of the lighting Eastwards. Across the Harbour, the Police Station at Kow-loong gave an idea of the distance in that direction; while looking towards the Peak above the City, the extent to which the light reached up the hill was clearly seen, the illumination of the Pohce Station at the Gap having a very fine efifect. The brilliant and tasteful lights running round all the doors and windows of Dr. Murray's house were very imposing. The chaste, but highly effective hghting of Government House was still finer, though in another way ; two thousand large and handsome Japanese lanterns being used which had been expressly made for the purpose, each displaying the Duke's cypher and the Union Jack. The beautiful red Cross on the top of S. Paul's College shone out gloriously against the dark back ground, its effect being enhanced by the associations connected both with the Sacred Emblem and the building over which it was known to be shining, though the edifice itself was not visible from the distance. On the Praya, the eye was caught by the North German Consulate, and the magnificent design on Messrs. Russell & Co.'s house, in the centre of which was a large chromatrope star, with the word 'Welcome;' on one side of which were two transparencies representing Plenty and Justice, and on the other, two representing Prudence and Commerce. " ■ oHc "5^^ I OHO * - (5) Among the most striking sights, in addition to these, the following may be mentioned : — The Clock Tower, designed by Eichard N. Buckle, Esq., e.e., A.D.C. to His Excellency . the Governor, to which by general consent the palm of superiority was awarded. Four thousand lamps of various colours threaded the entire outline of this structure, giving it the appearance of being set with precious stones; The Post Office, which was entirely illuminated with gas, very much to the sur- prise of the native population, some of the juvenile members of which were seen placing their fingers in the burning jets, apparently for the purpose of ascertaining whether it was capable of producing the same sensations as the fire with which they were more familiar in their own humble dwellings ; The Hongkong Club and the Club 1 Germania; the former distinguished by three lanterns of i I immense size, finely" painted, and which, it is said, so | 1 completely exceeded the fondest hopes of the unreflecting * manufacturer that they proved too large to be taken out of his house without removing the whole shop front; the latter having an allegorical figure on a white ground, with the German Arms on one side and those of Great Britain on the other. The house of Messrs. Sassoon & Co. also attracted much admiration; the Galatea under sail was represented in a transparency in the centre, and over this were the words " Welcome to our Alfred, " surmounted by the "Star of India," which decoration is worn by one of the members of this celebrated firm. The entire building occupied by Messrs. Smith, Archer & Co., was covered with small Chinese lamps with coloured shades; in the centre was a large "A," and on either side of the upper verandah were two large transparencies, one of the Royal Arms, and the other the Arms of the United States. A portrait of Her Majesty, with the motto "God Bless the Empress of India, " drew deserved attention to the house ■ ' otic '■'^ (6) of Messrs. Mody & Co., and the Parsee community gene- rally were conspicuous for their loyal efforts in the general display ; Mr. D. Kuttunjee's house in Lyndhurst Terrace deserving especial mention. The oval device of imitation diamonds and rubies, having the Arms of the Duke of Edinburgh painted on stained glass in the centre, at Messrs. Sayle & Co.'s, was ordered from England for the occasion, and was greatly admired. Nearly opposite, the house of Messrs. Birley & Co. was illuminated by a brUhant gas star, and the arches of the verandah were decorated with evergreens and flowers. A novelty, though of rather obscijre meaning, was presented by Messrs. Heard & Co., in the centre of whose prominent building was a large "greenback" for $1,000; on either side, were allegorical representations of Peace and Hope. The numerous flags hung from the ofiice of Messrs Lapraik & Co. to the Club Chambers opposite combined with the lamps of different colours to make the appearance of d'Aguilar Street very beautiful; and an equally fine effect was produced by a similar arrangement in the Queen's Road near the "Oriental" and "Chartered" Banks. At the top of the flag staff of the house belong- ing to Messrs. Carlowitz & Co. floated a very ingeniously contrived transparency of the North-German flag. Many private residences were also decorated with Chinese lanterns and various devices, and rising, tier upon tier, presented from the less elev3,ted part of the City a most artistic appearance. The following account, furnished by a Chinese corres- pondent to one of the Daily Papers, will give some idea of the illuminations of the Chinese Quarter of the City, which presented the appearance of a scene from the " Arabian Nights. " — "Here and there along Hollywood Eoad, West- ward of the Mun Mo Temple, are to be seen arcades of -■ ' P»C> -- STREET PREPARED FOR ILLUMINATION IN CHINESE STYLE i OHO ' (7) different patterns. The gods of the Joss House can boast of their illuminations, and indeed this spot may be considered second to none. Passing further on, the whole of that Street which leads down to Queen's Road is covered -with a long piece of cloth stretched on poles, forming a regular roofed-in avenue. Suspended to this cloth roof are boxes of figures representing human beings, &c., and these seem to give much delight to Chinese sight-seers who stand in front of them with eager eyes for a considerable time, studying the nature of their representations. At the farthest end of, the Street, or rather the junction of it from Queen's Road, the concourse of people is generally greater, owing to the additional sights Lum-Tak-Kee displays in the shape of a handsome chandelier of several burners hung up in front of his shop, and of a small platform raised directly opposite for a few choristers to fill the ears of the spectators with their peculiarly melodious strains of Chinese music. The most attractive spot in this block of buildings is Kwok Tseung's house, who signifies his loyalty by having the usual arcade erected in fi*ont of his house, with the addition of a plat- form for singers also." "Loyalty seems determined to show itself everywhere, and despises not even nooks and corners ; for in a snug little lane in this vicinity, known as the Circular Building's Lane, is to be seen a small mat-shed erected in front of a house nicely lit up with a number of lamps and lanterns, the latter bearing the motto of ^ ^ ^^ which means ' the whole heaven is covered with glory.' " His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell and suite, having paused in the course of their visits to this part of the City to listen to the recitations of the musical performers mentioned in the above extract, were soon recognized by them; and it was most amusing -I ^ f!TtfTO fc.-^ (8) to observe witli what added zest they pursued their labo- rious, though somewhat inharmonious, task for the purpose of expressing their sense of the honour done them by the presence of so distinguished an audience. In connection with the native demonstrations of loyalty the Chinese procession must not be omitted. There was, of course, the inevitable Dragon, which on this occa- sion pursued its sinuous path along the Praya, accompanied with the usual amount of shouting and piping and beating of gongs. But what attracted much greater attention was the numbe? of cleverly manufactured fish which pre- ceded the monster, and which being borne on men's shoulders, looked almost as though they were creatures that had forsaken their native element and had taken to swimming in mid air. These fish were of large dimen- sions, several being 9 feet long, and were constructed of some transparent substance which looked like gauze hghted by candles inside. The idea intended to be conveyed was, that these children of the Ocean had assem- bled to pay their respects to a member of a Koyal Race, only persons of kingly descent being honoured by a visit from the Fishes followed by their Dragon Chief. Another explanation that has been given is to the effect that the Prince was so popular at sea that even the fish followed him to the land. The Fireworks, though not failures, were perhaps the least successful portion of the night's performance. The scene selected for their exhibition was the Parade Ground, where a large concourse of people was gathered together. "The exhibition," says one of the Journals, "commenced with a number of Chinese Fireworks, having much the ap- pearance of large horizontal Catherine Wheels; and this was followed by curious and ingenious displays on the large scaffolding which for some time previous had been ■ ' Ot3C > - - «i>no ■ (9) erected on the ground. A series of very beautiful eifects was produced. Fountains of light at one time played from them — then a pause, and rockets were projected in all directions; — another pause, and the brilliant lights were seen rapidly ascending and des- cending, and suddenly there appeared a beautiful casket of sapphire and ruby, with an inscription on it, 'the Chinese Community welcome the British Prince.' A little afterwards, the next tower was seen to be on fire, and soon there appeared a pagoda splendidly illuminated; — again a pause, and a final grand evolution of magnificent jets in all directions terminated the display. While it was going on, much attention was attracted to the plucky manner in which the Chinamen attending to it climbed up the scaffolding, apparently altogether without sense of danger. " Long before dark the Streets presented the appearance of a living sea of human heads, in which the Celestial element prevailed to a very large extent; the compara- tively few Europeans, {'■'■rari nantes in gurgite vasto,") some in chairs and others on foot, giving variety to the scene. The most perfect good feeling prevailed every- where, and the remark was common that probably in no City in the world could the order and civility which distinguished the crowd be surpassed. During the period of the Royal visit, the only extra precaution taken was the employment of two hundred additional Chinese Lo-Kangs, or Native Police, as it was computed that upwards of thirty thousand unknown visitors had arrived from the mainland, and as the length of the Town, which stretches upwards of four miles along the Harbour, required a great number of watchmen. The result was most satisfactory; crime of every description being below the usual average during the Prince's visit. I otic » ■ - ■■ s>tlo « - (10) Tuesday, November 2nd. — This auspicious day opened with an act of graceful courtesy on tlie part of His Royal Highness, which, while it gave a fresh impulse to the feelings of loyalty and affection which his presence had already excited, • will long be remembered with pride and admiration in this part of the Queen's dominions. Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, after a long and distinguished service in China, was to proceed to England by the departing Mail, carrying with him the esteem and respect of the whole community, who had joined as one man, in giving him a farewell banquet only a few days before. On the gallant Admiral's arrival at the Wharf about 8 o'clock, he found there His Royal Highness the Duke of Edindurgh with a barge manned by Officers of the " Galatea," the Duke himself at the stroke oar, and Commodore Oliver J. Jones for cox- swain. When the boat reached the steamer. His Royal Highness, with characteristic good feeling, showed his respect for the brave old Sailor by keeping up his rdle of " Stroke oar, " and insisting on the Admiral preceding him in going up the side. Just before 9 o'clock, the Prince having wished Admiral and Lady Keppel a warm " Good bye" left the steamer, and on reaching his barge led off three hearty cheers for the Admiral, in which he was joined by his gallant coxswain and crew, and a large number of the residents, including the Governor, who had gone off to bid the Admiral farewell. There was a general feeling that by this spontaneous act of courtesy, His Royal Highness had proved himself to be "every inch a Prince, " and if anything had been required to ensure him a most cordial and enthusiastic welcome on his Public Landing, it was now amply supplied. Precisely at the hour fixed, 11 o'clock, closely copy- ing the punctuality for which our Sovereign Lady is so celebrated. His Royal Highness made his Official Landing 1 (11) at Pedder's Wharf. An invitation had been issued a few days before by the Harbour Master, H. G. Thomsett, Esq., E.N., calling upon the masters of vessels to form a lane of boats through which His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh might pass on the occasion of his Public Landing; and in compliance with this a large number of boats now drew up in parallel lines between the Galatea and the Wharf. One of the most striking spectacles connected with the Royal visit was presented to the eye as His Royal Highness approached the shore, followed by the multitude of boats, which, as soon as he had passed them, closed in and took their places behind the Royal barge. The morning was lovely, and the sight viewed from the verandah of Messrs. Hunt & Co., and from other neighbouring houses, was most beautiful and imposing. The Prince was attended by Admiral Sir H. Kellett, and by his Equerries. . At the Wharf, His Excellency the Governor, surrounded by the leading officials, both British and Foreign, received the Prince, and heartily bid him welcome to the Colony. His Royal Highness shook hands warmly with His Excellency and having reciprocated his good wishes, passed under the Triumphal Arch and took his seat in the State Sedan Chair prepared for him of yellow velvet embroidered with silver and furnished with a white silk canopy. Then, escorted by the Governor, the Foreign Consuls, and the Civil and Military Officials, His Royal Highness traversed slowly the short distance to the New City Hall, amidst the booming of guns and the loud cheers of the large crowd assembled to do him honour. The road was lined with Troops and Police, and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested as the procession passed on. The Chairman of the City Hall Committee, the Honour- able W. Keswick, met His Royal Highness at the entrance, and escorted him through the Building. The Museum, the - « PtlO » - ■ &IIO »- (12) Library, S. Andrew's Hall, and the Theatre each in turn elicited, as they deserved, the Prince's high commendation. His Eoyal Highness then ascended the dais prepared for him in the Reception Room, and the private Entree, at which the higher Officials, Civil and Military, were pre- sented, commenced. The Prince was observed to address a few words to the Senior Naval Officer of the U. S. Navy, and it was understood that he expressed to that gentleman his sympathy with two of the sailors on board the U.S.N.S. Iroquois, who had been injured while firing the salute on his landing, an event which caused general regret, but which was the only contre-temps that occurred during the Royal visit. The general Lev^e followed, and upwards of three hundred gentlemen, representing several nationalities, were presented to His Royal Highness. His Excellency Vice-Admiral De Souza, the Governor of Macao, and Suite, arrived about this time, and were received by the Prince with much cordiality. His Excellency remaining till the termination of the Lev^e on the dais beside Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell at the right hand of the Prince. The effect produced by the splendid suite of Rooms in which the Reception took place and the number of British and Foreign uniforms. Civil, Military, and Naval, was the subject of general remark. When the Lev^e was over, but' in the presence of almost all who had attended it, Thomas Pyke, Esq., entered at the head of the Committee appointed to present an Address on behalf of the general Community of Hongkong. The Address, with the Prince's reply, which was delivered with much feeling, will be found in the Appendix, (B.) The Parsee deputation was next introduced. Mr. D. Ruttunjee, who bad been selected as spokesman, expressed - « pHo » . E»t3<3 ' (13) the sentiments of reverence which he and those whom he represented entertained towards Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family, including His Royal Highness, and begged permission to read an Address, which he did in a particularly clear and distinct manner. Vide Appendix, (C.) The Registrar General, (who is also Protector of Chinese) the Honorable CecU C. Smith, at the head of a deputation of the Chinese Community, next appeared, and requested His Royal Highness to accept the very respect- ful Address which they had drawn up as an expression of their admiration and affection for himself, and as a token of their appreciation of the laws and institutions of this portion of Her Majesty's dominions, where they had found a home. This was one of the marked incidents of the occasion; several of the Native gentlemen presented being apparelled, after the fashion of Mandarins, in long silk robes, and decorated with peacock's feathers, and making obeisance after the most approved rules of propriety ; and the Address which they presented being very elaborately composed, both as to wording and external appearance. It was of rich yellow satin, lined with crimson damask silk, and was about three yards in length and one in breadth. The outer edge of six inches or more was embroidered with the Imperial Dragons (with five claws) worked in gold thread; and within this border was one somewhat narrower made of flowers, and peacocks and other birds, the whole having a very life-like appearance. The Address was written within these borders in vermilion, and was a master-piece of penmanship. An admirable translation of it, together with the Prince's reply which was much ap- preciated by the Native community, whose representatives - « s > tio » (14) were very proud of the gracious manner in which they were received, will be found in the Appendix, (D.) The Government Inspector of Native Schools, F. Stewart, Esq., in his academical costume, next approached, accompanied by several of the Government School-masters, who, sensible of the advantages which they themselves derived from the British Government, and of those also which the Chinese Community generally enjoyed from the efforts made in the Colony to extend education, had asked and obtained permission to express their gratitude on the occasion of His Royal Highuess's visit. Their Address, which was presented by Leung King-ham who had been longest in the Government service, was also beautifully written and ornamented ; it consisted of a roll of red satin, about 3 yards in length and 30 inches broad, enclosed within a broad border of figured silk, the predominating colour of which was grey — a very favourite border with the Chinese literati. This was covered on the back with green silk. The Chinese characters were then boldly impressed in gold, and, being beautifully executed, showed well on the red satin. A translation of their "Compli- mentary Ode," for that is its proper description, and the reply of His Royal Highness, who graciously received it, is given in the Appendix, (E.) This part of the proceedings was terminated by the presentation of an Address from the City Hall Committee, which was read by the Honourable W. Keswick, of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., to whose liberality the Hong- Kong public are mainly indebted for that magnificent building. To this Address the Prince read a gracious reply, which, together with the Address, will be found in the Appendix, (F.) The ceremonial of opening the City Hall and of the Lev^e being concluded, His Royal Highness, accom- ' = > Hc ■ - ' e>(lo ■ (15) panied by His Excellency the Governor, drove to Govern- ment House, where, as the guest of Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, rooms had been prepared for the reception of himself and his suite, the Military Band playing the National Anthem as he retired. The greater part of the road from the City Hall to Government House was lined with soldiers of the 29th Madras Native' Infantry and the guard of honour awaiting His Royal Highness at Government House was furnished by the same Regiment. The Governor drew the Prince's attention to the fact that he was the first member of the Royal Family who had ever seen on actual duty any part of that large Indian Army now associated with so many of England's difficulties and triunyphs. \ A formal State Lunch at Government House followed, I to which the Governor of Macao, the leading CivU, I Diplomatic, and Military Functionaries, the members of Council, and a few of the principal Merchants had been invited; and the day appropriately terminated with a Banquet, followed by a Reception held by Lady MacDonneU, at which about one hundred ladies of the Colony were presented to His Royal Highness, who stood at the right hand of her Ladyship during the ceremony. The hospi- talities for which Government House is so famous were extended to a large number of guests ; and the fine Recep- tion Rooms, graced on this occasion by the presence of the Royal visitor and by that of the fair and the brave, never appeared to greater advantage. The evening was enlivened by the band of Her Majesty's 75th Regiment, which played a selection of fine music, and by dancing, and Government House and grounds were brilliantly illu- minated for the occasion. Several German Amateurs also kindly entertained the company with pieces of vocal music known to be favourites with the Prince, who was greatly ■ « ono > - "" ^ ^^f 1 ^! * (16) pleased with this mark of attention. The proceedings were diversified by the passage round Government House of the Chinese Procession of the Dragon and Fishes, in compliance with an urgent request from the Native Community, who intended thereby to render an act of homage to His Royal Highness. The following notice which was issued two days after- wards, was most gratifying to the community, as it showed His Royal Highness' s appreciation of the efforts made to give him a Reception worthy of his exalted position, and of the respectful affection felt by all classes towards the Royal House of Great Britain. " NOTICE." " The Harbour Master has much pleasure in informing the Officers and Crews of the Mercantile Marine engaged in forming the lane of boats through which His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh passed on his way from the Galatea to Pedder's Wharf, on the occasion of his Public Landing in this Colony on the 2nd instant, that His Royal Highness has requested His Excellency the Governor to communicate to him 'that notwithstanding he had visited so many Colonies, he never had such a landing, and he was .specially struck by the lane of boats formed from the Galatea to the Wharf, and the manner in which they saluted and fell in.' His Royal Highness was also pleased to express his appreciation of the arrangement, as well as the readiness of the Mercantile shipping to promote it." Wednesday^ November Srd. — During the forenoon of this and of almost every day during his stay in Hongkong, His Royal Highness was busily engaged at the Naval Dock Yard in procuring the means of refitting the Galatea after her long voyages, and the assiduity of the Royal Captain in this particular was most untiring. (17) In the afternoon, His Royal Highness drove with Sir Eichard Graves MacDonnell along the East Praya, and round the singularly beautiful Race Course in the " Happy Valley, " which forms so attractive a feature of Hongkong and which justly called forth the admiration of the Royal visitor. In the evening, the first public performance at the City Hall Theatre was given in honour of His Royal High- ness. The following account, extracted from the Daily Press by a gentleman who is well versed in theatrical matters, shows that it was very successful. " The approach to the City Hall was tastefully illumi- nated, which gave the building a very imposing effect from without. At at early hour, those anxious to obtain seats commenced assembling at the doors, and long before eight o'clock, the time appointed for opening them, a vast number of people had congregated outside, so that the entrance presented the appearance familiar at home at the Opera or at the Theatre when some special attraction is going on." " Not long after the doors were opened the building became filled with a brilliant assemblage, the large number of ladies present giving tot;he whole theatre a most effective appearance, which was enhanced by the glitter of numerous uniforms worn by the different officers and officials, all of whom, in accordance with a Gazette notice to that effect, appeared in full dress. " " Soon after half past eight the sound of ' God Save the Queen,' played outside, announced the arrival of the Prince ; and in a few moments, His Royal Highness entered the state box, leading Lady MacDonnell on his arm, and followed by His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Cecil C. Smith, His Excellency the Governor of Macao, the Honour- able the Acting Chief-Justice Pauncefote, and the Honour- able E. C. Yca-ie, and A. B. Haig, Esquire, -Equerries to His ^ 3 »f T^ 1 ^ ^ (18) Royal Highness. As soon as they appeared the band struck up the National Anthem, the whole audience standing, and after the music had ceased, they gave three hearty cheers, ■which His Royal Highness and Lady MacDonnell grace- fully acknowledged. " " The performance was commenced by the Amateur Dramatic Club, who gave Charles Dance's comedy in two acts, ' A Wonderful Woman. ' The plot is of a simple nature. Madame Hortense Bertand, a rich widow, desirous of being present on a state occasion, at which she cannot appear unless she holds aristocratic rank, suggests to the Marquis de Fontignac, who has fallen into great monetary straits, the mutually advantageous arrangement of a mar- riage — he, for money, she, for rank. To this the Marquis assents, signing the marriage contract, without reading it. In this contract, there is a clause to the eifect that as soon as the marriage ceremony is over, the Marquis and his bride are to separate, he being duly provided for pecunia- rily — which clause, however, the Marquis is not aware of. The marriage is gone through; and, after it, the attention of the nobleman is called by his bride to the sj)ecial proviso." " It gives dire offence to the Marquis, who refuses to receive any money from his new wife. Leaving her his title, he takes up with a good natured little cobbler of his acquaintance, and being driven to extremities manfully determines to better his fortune at the last. The trouble is in the end set to rights by the lady herself destroying the marriage contract. " " The Marquis de Fontignac, the leading character of the piece, was admirably acted by Mr. Hockey (the names were of course assumed), a gentleman who possesses the very high talent of being able thoroughly to throw himself into the part he undertakes. His conception of the cha- racter of the Marquis, easy-going and careless, but still (19) imbued with honourable and high sentiments, was very- accurate ; and his rendering of his conception was full of tact and talent. In the second act, where he appears in cobbler's garb with old Crepin^ and pointing to the sign over his door, of 'the Marquis de Fontignac, Cobbler,' succeeds in humbling the spirit of his wife, by proving to her that the pride, both of wealth and birth, may be exceeded by that of poverty, he performed with marked talent and effect; and displayed admirably the high-toned gentleman, when he assured her that, as she had found him her equal in pride, she shall also acknowledge he is her equal in generosity. Crepin, the cobbler, (Mr. Ballanton) was an admirable piece of comic acting; very forcible and humour- ous, and without a tinge of vulgarity or exaggeration. Madame Hortense, the rich widow, was very well rendered by Miss Mary/ Middlesex, who has gained many laurels on the Shanghai' boards. The character was a difficult one for an imaginary lady to render; but it was done. justice to, and in many points, great talent was exhibited. Cecile, her niece, was rendered charmingly by Miss Lucy Vernon, who has a most wonderful power of performing female roles; every look and gesture beiug natural, telling, and giving evidence that she enters into the soul of the cha- racter she personifies. The Visconte de Millefleurs (Mr. P. Saily) was good, but was perhaps a shade overdrawn. Rodolphe acted well towards the latter part of the play, but som.ewhat wanted fire and 'go' at the commencement. On the whole, the piece went off very well, and did great credit to all concerned. " " The play given by the Amateurs of the Gernian Club 'Concordia,' 'Benjamin in search of his Father,' was a humourous farce in one act, which was very effectively rendered. The servants of Tiberius Zander take the op- portunity of the absence of their master and mistress < £ > C10 ■ (20) have a jollification ; but are interrupted by the arrival of Benjamin^ who has been wandering abroad for some time, and returns to his home without saying who he is. In order to get rid of him, Auguste (Freulien Feldman) tells him that his father is dead, and, on the old gentleman's suddenly returning, Auguste informs the father that news has been received that his son has died in Paris. There is a by-plot in which Shwisbusser, who passes himself off as the son, appears on the scene, and produces considerable amusement by making love, much to old Zander's delight, to his adopted daughter Pauline^ and gives a capital comic song. The mistake resulting from Auguste' s stories lead to innumerable comical incidents, as may easily be con- ceived, the upshot being that the father and son meet in a dark room and each mistakes the other for a ghost, old Zander fainting upon the spot. Of course, the whole affair is cleared up in due time, and the piece ends in general reconciliation. Zander, the leading character, was given with great humour and cleverness, by Herr Knickebein; while Joseph, the servant, was full of intense fun, and brought down great applause by an admirable comic song. Benjamin was the silly loutish son to a point ; and little Auguste made the audience forgive her for her white lies by her charming sprightliness and pleasantry. Char- lotte and Pauline also deserve a word of praise; while Madame Zander (Frau Porchheimer) acted the stately middle-aged lady to perfection. The other characters were also well given ; and, as is always the case with German actors, the by-play was very good. " " The Prince stayed to the end, and entered thoroughly into the spirit of the evening, repeatedly joining, in the most hearty and gracious manner, in the applause which greeted the best part of the acting. On leaving, he was vociferously cheered. " (21) Thursday^ November Uh. — The great event of this day was the Ball given in honour of the Prince's visit at the City Hall. The fountain in front of this handsome Building was illuminated with much taste for the occasion, and over the entrance a brilliantly lighted transparency of Galatea appeared as though to bid welcome to the invited guests. Soon after dark, a large crowd of spectators as- sembled, and from nine till ten, at which latter hour the Prince was expected to arrive, a continuous stream of chairs flowed in from all directions to the great centre of attraction. ' The noble Building presented to the guest on entering a very dazzling appearance, the spacious hall and staircase being splendidly lit up and decorated with ever- greens, and flowers. The Ball Room attracted unqualified admiration and the scene presented was indeed a most brilliant one. Wherever the eye wandered, a vision of beauty met its gaze : richly painted armorial shields orna- mented the walls, festoons of evergreens were suspended from the ceiling, and a perfect blaze of light shone upon the gay multitude below, while the elegant dresses, the bright uniforms, the sparkling looks and graceful motions of the dancers, gave to the whole a very animated appear- ance. At the expected hour His Royal Highness arrived and was met by the Ball Committee at the foot of the grand staircase, where a guard of honour furnished by Her Majesty's 75th Regiment was drawn up to receive him. Amid the inspiriting strains of the National Anthem, the Royal guest proceeded to the Ball Room leading Lady ' MacDonnell, and followed by His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell with Mrs. Pollard. The Ball was then opened with a quadrille, in which His Royal Highness and Lady MacDonnell, His Excellency the Governor and Mrs. Pollard, His Excellency the Governor of Macao and Mrs. Cecil C. Smith, the Acting Chief Justice and the Viscountess do Cereal, took part. This was followed by ' e»nc . ~..,.~~..,.-..~~->^.^.-.™— .^^ -"^^i (22) ■waltz, in -which Mrs. Pollard was the partner of the Prince. Dancing was kept up with great animation until about ^ past 12, when the Duke's piper played the company into supper which was served in S. Andrew's Hall. Those who were fortunate enough to secure the company of ladies for the banquet sat down at the well furnished tables, while a relay of expectant guests lined the room awaiting their turn with evident determination to do their duty as places were left vacant. At the high table the Chairman, the Honourable W. Keswick, was supported by His Royal Highness on the right and His Excellency the Governor on the left. Lady MacDonnell and other persons of distinction being seated on either side. A novel sight for Hongkong was presented in the person of a powdered footman standing behind the Duke's chair, attired in the Royal livery. The manner in which he anticipated every want and identified himself with his Royal Master must have been very edify- ing to the numerous Chinese "boys" present. After supper the Chairman rose and proposed " The Queen, " a toast which it is scarcely necessary to say was received with the greatest enthusiam. , He then gave the "Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family;" and said : "I am quite sure that all present will receive this toast with the most cordial feelings and good wishes. Englishmen are proud of the Royal Family, and justly so; proud especially of the Prince and Princess of Wales, whose noble qualities are universally admired, and whose generous sympathies have • endeared them to the hearts of all people. On the present occasion, this toast is peculiarly significant, for Hongkong now enjoys, for the first time, the honour and the privilege of coupling with it the illustrious name of our Sailor Prince, to whom this community is most happy to offer hospitality, and whose presence here is a source of great gratification - ■ sno ' - i (23) to us all. I call upon you, gentlemen, to drink this toast with all the honours. " Loud and prolonged cheering immediately ensued, and the rising of the Duke to respond was the signal for renewed and increased applause. His Royal Highness said : "Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you most heartily for the kind manner in which you have received this toast; and I wish to express to the Chairman my sincere acknowledgments for the kind words in which he has alluded to my brother and sister-in-law, I thank you also for the hearty reception given to the toast as coupled with my name ; and for the welcome you have given me in Hongkong, a welcome as cordial and enthusiastic as any I have ever received in any portion of the Queen's domi- nions. On an occasion like the present, the fewer words spoken the better, and a lengthened speech might perhaps rather detract than otherwise from the feelings which I wish to express, viz. : my sense of the great kindness with which I have been received. Before resuming my seat, I will ask you to join me in drinking another toast ; ' The future prosperity of Hongkong. ' It is unnecessary to say much on such a subject, for when one enters a palace like this it is evident that prosperity is already guaranteed. " This toast was greeted with much cheering, the Duke himself leading off with the good old English, "hip, hip, hurrah. " The Honourable H. B. Gibb, as soon as he could obtain a hearing, said: "I have much pleasure in respond- ing, on behalf of the community of Hongkong, to the first toast which has ever been given in this Colony, I believe, by a Royal Prince. Our gratification was very great when we first heard that the Galatea was to visit Hongkong, having for her Captain a son of that noble Lady whom we call Queen. We were reminded of home, our home, Great Britain, to which we so often look with affection, and which is ruled over by a Sovereign beloved and respected {■^i^ — -^ one ■ (24) as well on the Continent and in America as among our- selves. Every British heart was animated, when that intelligence reached us, with a desire to give a most hearty welcome to our Sailor Prince. Distant though we are from England, and limited in numbers, still our hearts are large, and I am sure no hearts beat with greater loyalty than those of the residents of Hongkong. I beg to return, on behalf of this community, most heartfelt thanks to His Royal Highness for the honour he has done us in proposing this toast, and at the same time, to assure His Royal Highness that, wherever he goes, he will take with him the best wishes of a loyal and dutiful community. " A general rising of the guests here occurred, and amid excessive cheering, there were heal-d the well-known words "for he's a jolly good fellow, &CC. " The Chairman then proposed " The health of His Excellency the Governor, " remarking that the genial face of Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell was sufficient to ensure its reception with enthusiasm. His Excellency the Governor rose and said : " Your Royal Highness, Ladies, and Gentlemen; When your hearts and thoughts must naturally be engrossed with matters entirely distinct from anything affecting the indi- vidual who addresses you, it is pleasant to find you can nevertheless give so cordial a greeting to the toast proposed by the Chairman. My position entails many difficulties, but it has also some privileges; and I gladly avail myself now of this opportunity to convey to His Royal Highness, on my own behalf and on yours, the assurance of the loyal and hearty satisfaction which per- vaded this community at the prospect of his visit, and the still greater satisfaction which his actual arrival has afforded, (loud cheers.) His Royal Highness may rest assured that under any circumstances you would be proud to see ■^ ■ 'f^^T T ^^ ^ •* (25) amongst you a son of your Queen, whose name is so connected with the most hallowed sympathies and associa- tions of English domestic life, and equally identified throughout the world with the most sacred principles of political and civil liberty, (great cheering.) Still there are personal reasons why in the case of our illustrious visitor you should regard him with special favour* Most of you have no doubt brought with you so much of the national insular instincts of your English home, that without in the least disparaging the noble sister profession, your hearts warm naturally to the Blue Jackets, with whom are asso- ciated so many of the illustrious achievements of English history, and on whom at present depends mainly the se- curity and prestige of the British Empire ; a fact no where more thoroughly appreciated than here, (loud cheers.) His Koyal Highness will therefore find that he is all the more welcome for coming amongst us as our " Sailor Prince. " (cheers.) There is however another, and a very sound, healthy reason also, why this community at least should unite in rendering honour and respect to their guest. This is unquestionably a community of hard working men, as is proved by the fact that, in little more than a quarter of a century, the magnificent City around us has been cons- tructed on a site, which, as Admiral Keppel so lately told us, had once been officially reported as capable of affording a good natural position for only one house, (laughter.) Nevertheless, the noble and picturesque Harbour beneath the windows of the hall, in which we are assembled, already receives from and sends forth annually to all parts of the world upwards of four millions of tons of shipping, (hear, hear.) Such results, therefore, in so brief a period proves the Hongkong Community to be composed of work- ing men, and consequently they might be expected to appreciate in others a similar capacity for work. For that i-eason, I have much pleasure in welcoming His Royal I Pt]0 »- ■ fi ^ i ^^ fc i f ■ ' Olio ■ (31) from last year, remarking, that the pig, which he walks off with, will just cover the amount." "A-l^n is stupefied, and at his wit's end what to do, or how to meet his wife. He gives a comic fancy sketch of her reception of him, and says he dare not go home. The other swindler, to get his accomplice clear off, offers to give him lessons in boxing, so that he may meet his wife on more equal terms, and makes a few exhibitions of his skill by inviting A-lan to hit him, when he knocks him down in sundry wonderful ways. A-l^n is very anxious to learn, and agrees to say no more about the pig, for which he is taught three feints, or modes of parrying an attack, and that he may practice them, the professor offers to personate his wife, which he does very amusingly, coming at him with feminine scoldings, and gestures, and trying to cuff him for the loss of the pig. A-lan practices his newly acquired art of self defence very successfully, the professor being floored each time." "He then went home, confident in his newly acquired skill, and, naturally, a rupture followed. A-lan tried all three of the feints he had learned, but to no purpose, his wife knew them all and a few more, so he soon found himself ignorainiously tied to the door-post, with his wife's old jacket over his head, while she went to her supper, promising to come and settle accounts with him when she had finished ! " "While she was supping, a hunchback came by. Seeing A-lan tied there, with his face covered, he asks, ' Halloo ! are you a man or a demon ? ' A-lan asserts himself to be a man, but, spying advantage in the ignorance of the hunchback, declares that this is his way of advertising his business. 'What is his business !' 'Curing • deformities !'" "The hunchback is charmed. Can he cure hira f Of course he can, and the price is to be a certain subscription (32) book which the hunchback carries, the moneys entered in which A-lan may collect. By A-lan's instructions he unties the supposed doctor, and is tied up in his place, as the first step to a cure. A-lan then deliberately strips him of his clothes and all he has on him, including the subscription book. He throws his wife's jacket over him, and says he must now wait, a fairy will come and com- plete the cure. He must not mind if she is a little rough at first. With this consolation A-lan hides himself with the plunder to see the fun." "When his good lady has supped, she comes out to settle with him, and commences a hearty cuffing of the form under the jacket. To her horror the supposed A-14n breaks loose, and turns out to be a hunchback. He, seeing the lady not to be unpleasing in appearance, takes her for the fairy, and rushes at her open-armed. She flies from so repulsive an embrace, and is being chased round the stage by the ' patient,' when A-lan appears with a long bamboo, in the character of an injured husband, to drive away the intruder. He hunts out the hunchback with great fervour, and then makes his peace with his wife by exhibiting the clothes and book of which he has robbed him. The lady declares that her husband will be a credit to her yet, and the worthy couple, chuckling over the spoil, which will re-place the domestic pig, retire to rest, having experienced 'the falling-out that all the more endears ! ' " On Saturday, November 6th, His Royal Highness left on a visit to Canton by the steamer Kin-shan, which had been most liberally and obligingly placed at his disposal by Messrs. Augustine Heard & Co., General Agents of the Hongkong, Canton and Macao Steam-boat Company, Limited. The steamer was fitted up in the most com- modious manner, and provided with all the requistes for ■ g»t30 » ■ (33) an excellent cuisine; a courtesy for which His Royal Highness expressed his warm acknowledgments. Tuesday, November 9th, being the birthday of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, salutes were fired at noon by all the ships of war in the Harbour and by the Shore Battery. In the evening of that day the Prince returned, vi^ Macao, to Hongkong, and dined at Govern- ment House, which was brilliantly illuminated for the occasion with Japanese lanterns. Wednesday, November lOih, was devoted by His Royal Highness to business principally connected with the refit of the Galatea, and in the evening, the Prince and the Governor, with their respective suites, dined with Colonel Milles and the Officers of the 75th Regiment. On Thursday, November 11th, His Royal Highness received the Clergy on board the Galatea, having most kindly provided them with his own barge for the occasion. A loyal Address was read, on their behalf, by E. Sharp, Esq., the. Registrar of the Diocese, to which His Royal Highness was pleased to read a gracious reply, which, together with the Address, is given in the Appendix, (G. ) On the same day, a Cricket Match was played between the Hongkong Club and the "United Services," in which Officers of the Galatea took a prominent part. The follow- ing account of this Match has been contributed by the Secretary of the Hongkong Cricket Club : — " The weather was all that could be desired. A bright sun, tempered by a cool breeze, afforded promise of a day on which everything would look its best; and certainly the cricket ground showed to great advantage. The green sward, the line of glistening white tents gaily ornamented with flags of all colours and nationalities, and the blue line of the Harbour beyond, brightly relieved by the display of bunting on the ships, formed a sight to delight the artist's eye." (34) " Shortly after the appointed hour, the two Elevens appeared on the ground. They were as follows : — Honghong Cricket Club. 1. Hon. E. H. Pollard, q.c. 2. G". F. Maclean, Esq. 3. T. Mercer, Esq. 4. C. P. Chater, Esq. 5. W. H. P. Darby, Esq. 6. L. Prior, Esq. 7. H. Foss, Esq. 8. R. D. Starkey, Esq. 9. P. W. Mitchell, Jr., Esq. 10. J. R. Anton, Esq. 11. H. E. Wodehouse, Esq." United Services. 1. Lieut. P. Romilly, h.n., Galatea. 2. Lieut. P. B. Aitken, k.n., Binaldo. 3. H. H. Jollye, Esq., b.n., Princes. Charlotte. 4. Capt. R. P. Tayler, r.m.l.i., Galatea. 5. Lieut. R. W. Parr, 75tli Refft. 6. G. J. Parkyn, Esq., D. A. C. G. 7. P. A. C. de Crespigny, Esq., R.N., Galatea. 8. Lieut. J. L. Hammett, r.n., Avon. 9. Lieut. A. G. PuUarbu, r.n., Midge. 10. Ed. Ponsonby, Esq., r.n., Galatea. 11. Lieut. H. P. Lee, b.e. " ' The United Services,' having won the toss, appeared first at the wickets, and notwithstanding the efforts of Messrs. Darby and Prior, both of whom bowled really well, Mr. Jollye succeeded in putting together 79 by a splendid display of cricket, while Captain Tayler's admir- able defences contributed, perhaps, more than anything else to the 'demoralization' of the Hongkong Cricket Club. Mr. de Crespigny and Lieutenant Hammett batted very well for their respective scores, and Mr. Ponsonby showed a very free and cricketing style of play." " For the Club, Mr. Pollard went in for his usual steady style, sure to give confidence to any Eleven for whom he may play, while Mr. Mercer's slashing career was pre- maturely (such are the chances of cricket) cut short at 16." " In the second innings of the ' Services,' Lieutenant Parr, (75th Kegt.) stole 15 by a number of judicious twos, while Messrs. Parkyn, Ponsonby and de Crespigny backed him up with double figures. In this innings, Mr. Mercer was very destructive, taking five wickets out of the ten." " In the Club's second innings, nobody succeeded in reachkig double figures but Messrs, Darby (who played i f — *OfJO-»~ (35) like a book,) and Mercer (who began with a six,) and the total only amounted to 55, the ' United Services ' remain- ing victors by 89 runs. In both innings, the bowling of Messrs. de Crespigny and Parkyn was the subject of frequent applause." " Tiffin was served under the tents, which His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh honoured by his presence. The match occupied two days; and during the afternoons, the Band of the 75th Regiment played a choice selection of music. The ground was visited by several ladies, amongst whom was Lady MacDonnell, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor." The day closed with a Banquet at Government House, and a Reception afterwards by Lady MacDonnell. The grounds were illuminated, and the interest of the occasion was heightened by the Band of the Galatea playing during the course of the evening several pieces composed, and others arranged, by His Royal Highness himself. Friday, November 12th. — The Duke of Edinburgh is Master of the Trinity House ; and, availing themselves of this fact, several Masters of vessels in Hongkong signed an Address to His Royal Highness, which is given in the Appendix, (H.) The following account of this circumstance, evidently written by a Sailor, was communicated to the China Mail: — " On Friday morning last, a number of the Ship Masters in Hongkong went off, by appointment, to Her Majesty's Ship Galatea to pay honour and respect as Seamen to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, her Captain, in his official capacity as Master of the Trinity House. On their arrival on board, they were met by the Lieutenant of the Deck who, with ' the Duke's compliments,' stated that he was detained on Court Martial duty, and hoped they would kindly await him (36) in his Cabin. Thither they were accordingly conducted ; the Honourable E. C. Yorke, and all the ward-room officers, and many from the gun-room also coming to show them objects of interest, not only in the Duke's private apart- ments, where they enjoyed a sight of many specimens of high art such as are rarely seen except in the Capitals of Europe, but all over the ship. A gun's crew was mustered. Lieutenant McHardy, the Gunnery Lieutenant, showing how the monster cannon were handled. After this, upon the suggestion of one whose name should here find honour- able mention were it known, some liquor was poured on the delay ; and libations of Moselle were offered between the after guns of the port broadside on the main deck, not unto Bellona Bellatrix, but unto Bacchus. This pleasing rite performed, and while yet invitations to a repetition were being declined, the Captain of the Galatea descended, courteously turning and bowing to all, an honest smile mantling his face. After a short interval, the ship masters were summoned to their Levee, and each handing his card to the Equerry in attendance was presented on entering the cabin to His Royal Highness. The introductions and a few prefatory words from the Secretary of the Committee over, the Master who filled that capacity, sup- ported by the Chairman and Vice-chairman of Committee, read the Address to the Master of the Trinity Corpora- tion in the person of the Captain of the Galatea^ His Eoyal Highness Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. To speak of its presentation and not mention the pleasure of the recipient would be a simple disloyalty to truth and to the Wor- shipful Master, whose tones and demeanour, as he read his reply, both demonstrated that he was not engaged in a bit of conventionality, but that he was meeting seamen as a seaman. When his reply was concluded, in a few simple words he apologized for the delay which had occurred, alleging the cause, a Court Martial ; to which the Secre- - « OHO » - (37) tary replied that 'duty was before all,' and they had profited in his absence by the courtesy of their many ad-interira hosts." "For the first time since the Galatea had left the shores of England, the Trinity Flag was displayed at the main, nor were the Officers of the Galatea slow to point it out to the Masters assembled. Many nationalities were repre- sented on the occasion ; it was a genuine enthusiasm born of the brine and the breeze, and it is highly satisfactory to know that amongst the squadron His Royal Highness has often spoken of the event as one that was most gratifying to him as the Master of the Trinity House, and that he shewed his appreciation of the event by ordering the Trinity Flag to be displayed at the fore on the day of his departure." In addition to the Cricket Match, which was not concluded until this day, a Match at Bowls was played in the afternoon at the Oriental Bowling Alley, which had been specially engaged by the Committee of the Hongkong Club during the Prince's visit, between Eight of the Galatea and Eight of the Club, which resulted in a victory for our gallant guests. His Royal Highness headed the Naval side, and " played throughout," says a reporter, " with that spirit and enthusiasm which he appears to carry with him in whatever he undertakes." The total score in the two games played, was as follows : Galatea^ 3,966 Club, 3,882 84 In the evening, Commodore Oliver Jones entertained at dinner on board the Princess Charlotte His Royal High- ness, His Excellency the Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Kellett, and a numerous party. \^€^ — oa<3 ' ■ (38) Saturday, November IBth. — An Amateur Performance was given at the New Theatre this evening by the Officers of the Galatea; His Royal Highness himself graciously conducting the Orchestra on the occasion. The following account of this most successful Performance is taken from the China Mail: — ' " At 8.30, His Excellency the Governor, Lady MacDonnell and guests arrived ; and, led by His Royal Highness, the Orchestra gave the National Anthem, the audience rising with the double sense of honouring and being honoured as the ' First Violin,' gave the opening chord. The curtain rose to the Farce of 'Notting Hill.' " "Alderman Syllabub (Lieut. Romilly) and Mrs. Chut- ney (Mr. Key), were admirable in their parts, the chief work devolving upon them. Policeman X (Lord Charles Beresford) was scarcely inferior, though his outward ' get-up,' was a grave libel on that much abused body of men, the London Police. Private Tight-Leather was positively Chinese in his endeavours to fan 3£rs. Chutney into consci- ousness; and Lizzy (Mr. Wild) ably seconded the efforts of Policeman X to be a true lover, and comforted him in a way which is supposed to be peculiarly agreeable to the frequenters of our streets and areas, at home. The fun of the piece turns on the desperate inventions of the Alder- man to be prepared against burglars; his protective measures, which involved the connection of the front door with an explosive machine warranted to act, resulting of course in its going off at a most inconvenient moment. The Alderman may congratulate himself upon achieving a very marked success." "Of the Shakesperian selection 'The Fall of Wolsey,' from Henry VIII, we can only speak in terms of unquali- fied praise. The part of Wolsey, as taken by the Honour- able E. C. Yorke, the Equerry-in-waiting of His Royal ^ISRS*- • PHo ■ (39) Highness, was a real, genuine, conception of the part — not a mere acting edition — and brought the house down in thunders of applause. In many cases indeed, irrepres- sible individuals who started a cheer were checked by their neighbours who were anxious to hear what was undoubt- edly the finest piece of dramatic acting which Hongkong has for some time witnessed. The grand climax, when the taunted, fallen Cardinal exclaims, ' Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, he would not in mine age have left me naked to mine enenues,' was superbly rendered. The enthusiasm awakened was a deserved tribute to the Cardinal's histrionic powers. Cromwell (Mr, Wild) did well, as did the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk (Lieut. McHardy and Mr. Neville.) But the Earl of Surrey (Lieut. A. Fitz-George) had a good part and made the most of it ; though it is doing him and his companions no injustice to say that the great Cardinal obscured his companions by the admirable rendering of his, part." " Between the two pieces we have thus briefly noticed, the Orchestra gave a selection from Rossini's '■ Mose in Egitto.' It was rendered with a precision and taste which did infinite credit to the Royal conductor, the amateurs who assisted, and the professional Bandsmen. Courtesy forbids as extended a criticism as we should desire to give, but we may say in one word, that it called forth on its merits, as a Performance alone, the heartiest applause. A Fest-march of original composition agreeably filled up the interval between the ' Fall of Woleey ' and the very laughable burlesque, by Lieutenant Poore, r.m.a., which followed. ' Crossing the Line ' would not have disgraced a more experienced playwright than we presume Lieutenant Poore to be. The dialogue is sparkling, and abounds with puns, which were delivered with much effect by the very - •» OHO » - ^ Of Tf"! fc — (40) accomplished troupe who took the various characters. From old Father Neptune (Lieutenant Fitz-George) down to the Tritons (Messrs. Eyre, Rich, and Brown) there was not a character lacking the fullest and most humorous interpretation. Neptune was most ably seconded by his better half, Mrs. Amphitrite, (Mr. Key) whose visage alone, apart from her inimitable 'get up,' was a sight worth seeing. We hope that this gentleman does not throw such comicality into private life, for if he does, sobriety .of demeanour in his presence must be an impossi- bility. Each of the worthy pair had noses which, like that of a well known recent visitor to this Colony, would be worth a fortune if composed of real flesh and blood. Lord Charles Beresford, as Billi/ Bowline, was almost the lion of the piece, as he certainly was the terpsichorean favourite. His 'double shuffle,' accent, look, and general turn out, were as completely removed from anything like stage 'get- up' as was possible. He looked the thorough sailor, which under more refined conditions, we suspect he really is, and he deserves to be congratulated on a very unusual measure of success. Ben Backstay, The Barber, and Policeman X, were important elements in the success of the piece. But we must give the palm amongst the 'humanities' to Marina, who as Neptune's little girl, was the most perfect little witch ever seen upon a Hongkong stage. As for Billy-coddy, whose difficulty in taking a chair was one of the most amusing touches of the piece, he was a perfect gem amongst fishes ; and we never heard heartier laughter than that evoked by his touching, gasping appeal, acted, though not spoken, when he discovered that Billy Bowline was his accepted rival. We wish we knew who acted the part of ^SamJo for he certainly deserves decided recognition." Sunday, November lAth. — His Royal Highness accord- ing to custom attended Divine Service on board the Galatea; - . OHO -*-- (41 ) His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell forming, by special invitation, part of the congregation. The singing by the Crew, in which the Prince takes great personal interest, was very effective, and the Reverend J. Milner, b.a., the Chaplain, preached on the Miracle of "The water turned into wine." Tiffin and the inspection of the Prince's collection of Photographs, and of M. Chevalier's sketches of various incidents associated with the voyages of the Galatea agree- ably occupied the former part. of the afternoon. Monday^ November Ibih. — His Excellency the Gov- ernor invited a select number of guests to meet His Royal Highness at dinner this evening ; and a Reception was afterwards held by Lady MacDonnell, which was attended by a large number of ladies and gentlemen who assembled to do honour to the Prince for the last time. Hlis Royal Highness moved freely among the guests, and probably so large an assembly never gathered together in Hongkong on the eve of the departure of the Home Mail. Govern- ment House and grounds were beautifully illuminated for the occasion, and the coup-d'ceil on entering the gateway was very striking, a most enchanting effect being produced by the thousands of Chinese and Japanese lanterns which were hung on shrubs and trees on the spacious lawn and croquet ground. The singing of Signor Pellico and of more than one Amateur during the evening was greatly admired, and after a few dances in the well lighted Central Hall the company separated about midnight, highly pleased with the Royal Prince, and with the hos- pitality of His Excellency the Governor, in which he is ever charmingly seconded by Lady MacDonnell. It may here be mentioned that during his visit His Royal Highness and suite, accompanied by the Governor, the Honourable Julian Pauncefote, and several Officers of ■ ' otio ■ (42) the Galatea^ including Lord Charles Beresford, Lieutenant Fitz-George and E. Ponsonby, Esq., made an excursion to Victoria Peak which overhangs the City, and forms so striking a point of view to all visitors to Hongkong. The party were much struck by the position of Mountain Lodge, the Governor's summer residence, 1,750 feet above the level of the sea, and commanding a magnificent view extending far over the Mainland on the West, and upwards of fifty Islands from the West to the East. His Royal Highness expressed his surprise that the wealthy Merchant Princes of the Colony had not availed themselves of the vicinity to their City of a position ofiering so bracing a climate in the hottest time of the year. It is certainly difficult to account for the comparative neglect of such a spot, as it takes only forty minutes to reach it, and less than thirty to return. The advantages of the site were, however, only recently demonstrated, and the security aiforded there by a Telegraph and Police Station is quite a modern boon, not even yet completed. The future of the Peak, therefore, is still to be developed, though we are not so sanguine as to think that it will supersede trips to Europe ! Tuesday^ November IQth. — -It was officially announced that the Galatea would leave this afternoon; and, as a fitting termination to the Prince's visit. His Royal High- ness had consented to lay the first Stone of a new Choir for S. John's Cathedral in the morning. At half past nine, the Clergy in their canonicals, and the Choir in their surplices, assembled in the Church, and a procession was formed to march to the Stone for the purpose of receiving the Prince. About the same time a guard of honour, provided by the 75th Regiment, was drawn up on the ground. Precisely at 10 o'clock. His Royal Highness arriv- ed, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor and Lady ' t pt]q > - - « OHO > - (43) MacDonnell, the Honourable E. C. Yorke, A. B. Haig, Esq., the Honourable C. C. Smith and Mrs. Smith. He was met by the Clergy; the Honourable J. G. Austin, the Ho- nourable "W. Keswick, the Honourable E. H. Pollard, Q.c, and Messrs. Mitchell, Moorsom, and Pyke, Trustees ; and several Officers of the Array and Navy. The Troops having presented arms, and played the National Anthem, the Prince ascended the platform which had been erected ; and the Service was commenced with the 84:th Psalm, "0 how amiable are thy Dwellings, &c.," sung by the Cathedral Choir, and the Congregation assembled to take part in the solemn Ceremony. The Colonial Chaplain then read the first portion of the ' Form of Prayer' which had been prepared and printed for the occasion; after which, the Reverend R. O'Callaghan, Chaplain, r.n., read the Lesson, taken from Hebrews, X. 19 — 26. The Lord Bishop being absent from the Colony, the Canon Residen- tiary then, on behalf of the Trustees and Churchmen (3f Hongkong, requested His Royal Highness to lay the Stone, which wUl form the centre plinth of the Eastern end of the new Choir. A silver trowel having been handed to the Prince by the Surveyor General, His Royal Highness laid some mortar, and said : — " In the Faith of Jesus Christ, we place this first Stone, in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, Amen." After this he struck the Stone gently three times, and declared it to be " well and truly laid." The Hymn, "0 Lord of Hosts, whose glory fills, &c., &c.," (from ' Hymns Ancient and Modern,') was now sung, and the suffrages fii-om the Litany for the Queen and Royal Family, &c., and two Collects referring to the special uses of the Chancel were said ; after which, the Reverend Canon Beach, m.a., spoke as follows: — "By permission f « ptaa »■' (44) of His Royal Highness and of His Excellency the Governor, I wish, my brother Churchmen, before pronouncing the Benediction, to say a few words, with reference to the Work which has been so happily commenced to-day, and with reference also to our distinguished guest. The Work is one of faith ; faith in God, and faith in you. We believe that ' except the Lord build the House, they labour in vain that build it,' and therefore we look up to Him for his blessing upon an Undertaking whose sole object is His honour and glory. But we, on whom the responsibility of setting it on foot rests, have faith also in you. We believe in your Christian zeal and liberality; and, so believing, we feel sure that you will not be satisfied until the Work now begun under such favourable auspices is brought to a successful conclusion. As to our guest, I am sure you will most heartily join me in thanking His Royal Highness for his great kindness in consenting to inaugurate this pious Undertaking, and for the skilful manner in which he has executed it. We were all pre- pared to receive him with respect and loyal affection as the son of our beloved Queen, whose throne is securely founded in the hearts of her people. But we now know him personally, and I am sure I express the sincere sen- timents of all present when I say that His Royal Highness has won for himself, during his too brief stay here, by his frank, genial, and affable bearing, a place in all our hearts. You will Avithout exception, I am persuaded, join me in wishing him a safe and prosperous voyage, and in bidding him ' God speed.' " Then, turning to the Prince, the Canon said: — "Your Royal Highness, On behalf of the Clergy and Laity of this Cathedral City, I beg to present to you our most respectful and cordial thanks for your presence here to-day. We are sorry that you are so soon to leave us. We shall always think of your visit with feelings of unmixed satisfaction ; and as ( ( ■■« &I1<3 ' (45) continually, in this Holy Place, we pray for ' all the Royal Family,' our thoughts will often revert to yourself. I can only offer you in conclusion, that which the Kings and Princes of the earth, and none more than those of your Royal House, have been wont to consider worthy of their acceptance, what I believe you also will highly value, — the Blessing of God's Priest, and the Prayers of God's Church. May the Lord of the Ocean speed yoix and your gallant crew in the good ship Galatea, in all her voyages ! may He Who, eighteen hundred years ago, calmed the sea of Galilee be your Pilot and Guide ! may hope, the bright hope of the Christian, be your anchor in every port ! and may you ' so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally,' without loss 6v dasnage, you 'may come to the land of ever- lasting life, there to reign ' ' world without end ' ! Amen." The Reverend Canon then gave the Benediction, and His Royal Highness departed, the guard presenting arms as before and the National Anthem being performed by the band. Among those on the Platform, in addition to His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell, and the Trustees of the Cathedral, were Commodore Oliver J. Jones, E. Sharp, Esq., Registrar of the Diocese, Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. Sharp, Mrs. Pyke, Mr. Sassoon and many others. Under the Stone were deposited coins of Hongkong mintage, and copies of the Daily Press and Overland China Mail. His Royal Highness soon after visited His Excellency Major-General Whitfeild, Commanding Her Majesty's Forces in China, who had been prevented by illness from appearing during the Prince's visit, and subsequently His Royal Highness honoured in a similar way Acting Chief Justice Pauncefote. On this day many elegant and costly souvenirs were presented on behalf of the Prince to his Hongkong friends. A sum of £150 was also left by His Royal High ■ ' otic ' - (46) ncss to be distributed in charity, in addition to a donation of £50 to the American Sailors injured when saluting the Royal Standard. About three o'clock in the afternoon, His Royal High- ness, accompanied by His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell, drove down from Government House, through Streets lined with Troops, to Pedder's Wharf, to re-embark on board the Galatea. The Prince was pleased to express to the Governor his gratification at the efficiency and completeness of the arrangements made in connection with the stationing of the Military and the guards of honour, both at Government House and at Pedder's Wharf, under the direction of Captain Shaw, Deputy ^Assistant Quarter Master General, and also of those connected with the Police under C. Vandeleur Creagh, Esq., Deputy Super- i intendent of that Force. Many of the leading gentlemen f of the Colony were assembled at the Wharf, and the Streets and houses in the neighbourhood were crowded with loyal spectators, who heartily cheered His Royal Highness as he appeared in sight. A lane of boats had been formed, as on the occasfon of the Prince's Official Landing, and whilst the Royal barge, followed by that of His Excellency the Governor, having on board several personages of distinction, passed through them, the crews presented oars, and loudly cheered the departing guest. All the Men-of-War in the Harbour, British and Foreign, were now wreathed in the folds of a sulphurous canopy, as, in concert with the Shore Battery, they thundered forth all together a Royal Salute, such as had never before been heard in Hongkong, whilst as the smoke was now and then rent asunder by the breeze, the eye caught a glimpse of yards manned, and sailors cheering heartily. The Officers of the Ward-room Mess had mean- time been dispensing hospitality with great profusion on I &t]<3 » - (47) board the Galatea to their numerous friends from the shore, and when His Royal Highness came on board he found a large number of residents waiting for the purpose of bidding him farewell. The State Sedan Chair which had been used by the Prince during his visit was brought off about this time, as His Royal Highness wished to retain it as a memento of his visit and also to try whether it could be made available in India. The French Admiral, Comte de Cornulier Lucinidre, and suite paid a visit to the Galatea shortly before she weighed anchor, to exchange parting compliments with His Royal Highness; and soon after four o'clock the Royal Frigate left her moorings amid salutes of cannon and the cheering of many ships' crews, similar to that which had attended the Prince's embarkation an hour previously, and which must have improved the previous native idea of the Rank of the Personage honoured by so unusual a distinction ; and thus the Galatea glided majestically out of sight through the Li-ii Mun Pass, followed by the hearty good wishes of the entire population of Hongkong. mm ' ouo ■ (48) A-PPEISTDIX. (A) LIST OF OFFICEES OF H.M.S. " GALATEA." CAPTAIN. His Royal Highness Alfred Ernest Albert, Duke of Edinburgh, K. G., K. T., G.C.M.G., . . 22 Jan. 67. Commander. Edward S. Adeane . .21 Sept. 68. lAeutenants. George R. Heneage .22 Jan. 67. WallaceB. McHardy.22 Jan. 67. Francis Romilly . . .22 Jan. 67. AdolphusA.F.Fite-Koj^^gg^_ George ... I John W. Ramsay . .19 Sept. 68. Additional. ior^ Charles W.D.K^Q^^_ 68. Beresiord . . | Staff- Commander. William H. Bradley . 3 June 69. Captain of Marines. Robert F.Tayler. . .28 Jan. 67. Lieutenant of Marine Artillery. Francis H. Poore . .29 Jan. 67. Chaplain and Naval Instructor. Rev. John Milner, b.a. 23 Jan. 67. Staff-Surgeon. Alexander Watson, m.d. . 24 Mar. 69. Surgeon. William L. Powell. . 4 July 68. (Additional in lieu of Assistant Surgeon.) Paymaster. Thomas Bradbridge .22 Jan. 67. Chief Engineer. John Sear 26 Jan. 67. Sub- Lieutenants. George R. C. Eyres .22 Jan. 67. Edward J. Fellowes .18 June 68. Supernumerary. Charles Campbell . ,17 Oct. 68. Alvin C. Corry, (ac^.).17 Nov. 68. Navigating Sub-Lieutenant. James R. Veitch. . . 3 Aug. 68. Assistant Surgeon. William H. Symes. .22 Jan. &7. Assistant Paymasters. Edmund H. Key . .22 Jan. G7. William O.Greenslade 1 Oct. 67. ■ ' S > HO » - (49) (B) The Address from the Hongkong Community. To His Royal Highness Alfred Ernest Albert, Duke of Edinburgh E.G., K.T.,,&c. We, the inhabitants of the Colony of Hongkong, desire to approach Your Royal Highness to offer our heartfelt congratulations and welcome upon your arrival at this remote Dependency of the Crown of Great Britain. It affords us particular pleasure upon the occasion of this, the first visit of a Member of the Royal Family of England to this Colony, to express our loyal sentiments to a Son of a Sovereign so beloved by Her subjects, and so esteemed and respected by other nationalities, as is Her Majesty Queen Victoria. We beg also to express a hope that Your Royal Highness will expe- rience some pleasure on finding, at so great a distance from home, how in the space of a tew years, under the enlightened reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty, and under the blessings of the institutions of England, and the prestige of Her name, a Colony so important and considerable has arisen, and been maintained in peace upon the shores of the most populous and exclusive Empire in the world. With sentiments of loyalty and respect, we have the honour to be, Your Royal Highness's most obedient servants. (Signed by 300 Residents.) Reply fff His Royal Highness. Gentlemen, — No answer that I can return to your Address will sufiBciently convey to you my thanks, or express the pleasure I have derived from the manifestations of loyalty and affection to Her Majesty the Queen, by which I have been met upon my arrival in Hongkong. For myself, I rejoice at the opportunity which has been afforded me of visiting this City, the great emporium of British trade in China, and whose growing prosperity offers so striking an example of what may be effected by energy and enterprise, under the influence of free institutions. (50) In your magnificent harbour, the Navies of Great Britain can ride in safety, whilst you continue to prosecute that commercial activity, which under their protection, would seem to make Hongkong one of the most important cities of the Bast, and to raise her inhabitants to a high prosperity. I will only add that I shall ever take a deep concern in all that promotes the prosperity of this loyal and enterprising Community. ALFRED. To the Inhabitants of the Colony of Hongkong. (0) The Address from the Parsee Community. To His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, E.G., K.T. May it please Your Royal Highness : The members of the Parsee Community resident in Hongkong desire to approach Your Royal Highness with expressions of the sineerest loyalty to the Queen, and of affectionate regard to Your Royal Highness, both individually and as representative of Her Majesty. The Parsee residents in the dominions of the Queen of England, or rather the Empress of India, as they are proud to style their Sovereign, have ever been sensible of the great benefits of the enlightened rule under which it is their fortune to be placed; and those who are tempo- rarily sojourning in this Colony feel that they cannot allow the present opportunity to pass without expressing their loyalty and respect, and they trust they may be permitted to cherish the hope that the heartfelt welcome with which they now greet Your Royal Highness, will be retained as a small item in the happy recollections of Your Royal High- ness's travels round the world. ('Signed), D. RUTTUNJEE. „ JEHANGEER FRAMJEE BUXEY. „ BAPOOJEE PALLANJEE RANJEE. „ NUSSERWANJEE P. M. FEROZE. and 63 others. Victoria, Hongkong, November, 1869. --»-&jje-»^- — < ot]o» - (61) Reply of His Royal Highness. Gentlemen, — I thank you with all sincerity for the Address which you have just presented to me, and for the hearty welcome you have given me to Hongkong;. It will he a great pleasure to me to inform Her Majesty of the proof which you have given me to-day of your loyalty and devotion to Her Throne and Person, and of your gratitude for those blessings, which you, and so many others of Her subjects in all parts of the world, have enjoyed during Her Reign. I shall carry back to England a lively recollection of to-day's pro- ceedings, and of your kindness to myself, but above all of these hearty demonstrations which so ably express your devotion and submission to the laws and institutions of Great Britain. ALFEED. To the Members of the Parsee Community. (D) The Address from the Chinese Community to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. The following is a translation of the Address presented to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh by the Chinese Community : — To His Royal Highness Prince Alfbed, JDuke of Edinburgh, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, &c., &o., &c. Prince of the Royal House of England. Illustrious descendant of an illustrious race. Fair as the plumes of the Phoenix, that sits in the crimson nest; Graceful as the Unicorn, auspiciously nurtured on the sombre hills. Whose comely form and matchless mien raise you above the common herd. Gifted with charms of youth, which are like the fresh spring; The time was when, bedecked with jewels, with hasty step, you entered the Royal Presence — « 0I30 - - I PCIO ■ (52) With your sword, too, girt, you respectfully presented your morning salutation. Though the days were bright, and leisure at your command, yet for you there was no relaxation. Esteeming each moment of time as more precious than gems, you diligently devoted yourself to study. With books are you well acquainted, in all literature have you become deeply versed. In military affairs are you well skilled; these are your delight. Perfect in letters and the art of war. Being at all times diligent as the ant, no study escaped your grasp. And you aimed at a knowledge of philosophy, labouring with assiduity and understanding. Into science you extended your enquiries, working with energy and attention. Gifted with all accomplishments, your mind full stored with learning, you stiU panted for more. ^ Wishing to enlarge your mind, a new thought came to you — o You chose to traverse the seas, and great was the delight expe- % rienced. Your desire to visit the Central land occupied your thoughts by night and day. In China there is a spot which in times long past was opened to commerce : Hongkong is its name, where congregate many merchants and many ships. Looking from Canton as far as the eye can reach, nothing is to be seen but a succession of islands and peaks. Mounting the ruins of Ut Toi, and travelling eastward, many waters must be passed. In the midst of these islands and this expanse of water, guarded by Heaven, rises this isle, overflowing with merchandize and abounding in wealth. For years it has appeared mirrored in the uni-ufled deep. Its thousand houses, sheltered by the hills, present a picture of surpassing beauty. This picture — this scene — how rapid its completion ! Report of it reaching you in your far off palace, how great your joy ! . . OHO ■ — (53) You had no dread of stormy waves ; from the long' voyage you did not shrink. You resolved on traversing the roaring seas, which like swift coursers bore you hither. Across the boundless ocean, with its thousand myriad leagues. Passing many lands and seas, the mighty ship arrives at last. With kindly feelings cherished deeply in your breast (have you come among us.) Having watched from a distance, to-day we see your standard hoisted. You have come, but there is no haughty bearing. AU are treated with the greatest condescension. Such kindness and such condescension cause all to regard you with the profoundest respect. All clap their hands with delight at the sight of your noble counte- nance. In your honoxir are the banquets spread ; Everywhere may be heard the sounds of music welcoming your Eoyal retinue — Day and night the music and the feast continue. For what is thus worthless, you have rewarded us right royally. Throughout the whole City are the sounds of praise and prayers on your behalf. In the markets and in the streets are sung ballads and songs. By these expressions of joyous song may you learn that there is no limit to our affection for you. Yet, with all this exuberance of feeling, your great fame can with difficulty be proclaimed. We blush when we think how unskilled is the pen that has written the few words which we now present. For so rude an Address will doubtless raise a smile around us. Still, though smiles arise,' how can we decline to express our feelings ! We trust that you wiU take this with you to distant lands, and that great may be the result — Namely, that for thousands ' of years our countries may be firmly bound together in peace and amity ; And that throughout the world there may continue joy and gladness and universal peace. " « otio » - - « one • - (54) Reply of His Royal Highness. The Duke of Edinburgh has received your Address, and experienced much pleasure at the cordial expressions of esteem, and the affectionate words which it contains. Such a greeting as you accorded him can only emanate from feel- ings of respect towards the laws and institutions which are established alike throughout the British Empire, under the happy rule of the Queen, his Mother. The preparations made for his reception here, the decorations and illuminations adding additional beauty to the fine City in which you have found a home, have been viewed by him with great pleasure and much interest. Indeed, during the course of his travels through the numerous possessions of the British Crown no sight more striking and beauti&l has come under his observation. His Eoyal Highness has been gratified also at learning from the authorities of Hongkong, that the numerous Chinese residents here are distinguished no less for their industry than their orderly behaviour, and general respect for the law. In conclusion, the Duke of Edinburgh offers his heartfelt thanks to the Chinese Community, and desires them to believe that he will ever bear in mind their kindness to him, personally, during his stay in Hongkong, and he will always preserve as an agreeable memento of his visit to the Colony, the remarkable and highly artistic Address which has been presented to him. (Signed), ALFEED. To the Chinese Community of Hongkonkg. (E) Chinese School-masters' Address. An ode in honour of His Eoyal Highness Prince Alfred of England. Illustrious Prince ! Thou art all glorious as leaves of Gem, and as branches of Gold j Thou art skilled in War : skilled also in Letters, — Heaven having gifted thee with matchless talents. -•■ ot ic '^ (55) Thou art now visiting many lands. And glory accompanies thy Royal Banner. May happy stars shine on all thy path ! All regard thee with respect, and bid thee welcome. Dear to us as the sweet T'ong tree, thy love will abide with us : All will cherish remembrance of thee. Here, in Hongkong, royal favours surround us. Our youth, by education, are made talented : They have all the blessings of knowledge and refinement. Royal Prince ! Thou hast condescended to visit us : We, the Schoolmasters, approach thee with reverence. Deign, too, to convey to Her Majesty, the Queen, This our sincerest wish, that she may enjoy Perfect Peace, Happiness, Length of Days, and the Love of All. Reply of His Eoyal Highness. His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh returns his sincere thanks to the Chinese Government School-masters of this Colony, for the Address which they have presented to him. It will give His Royal Highness the greatest pleasure to comply with the request contained in the concluding words of their compli- mentary Address, and he will himself bear to Her Majesty their very sincere wishes for Her welfare. (Signed), ALFRED. To the Government School-masters of Hongkong. (F) The Address from the City Hall Committee. To His Royal Highness Alfred Ernest, Duke of Edinburgh. May it please Your Royal Highness : The City Hall Committee desire me to welcome you most warmly to the Colony of Hongkong, and to convey to Your Royal Highness the expression of their grateful thanks for the kind consideration you have displayed in honouring this ceremonial with your presence. When the first stone of the City Hall was laid^ by His Excellency the present ■< t>Ho » ( ! *" ^ ' C^^ts^S' ^ "^ (56) Governor, in February, One thousand Ei^ht hundred and Sixty-seven, none who were then present could have anticipated that its completion and formal opening would be inaug'urated under the gracious auspices of the first British Prince who has ever visited the distant East. This happy termination of their labours will more than compensate the Committee for the many difficulties, delays, and disappointments with which they have had to contend in bringing the arduous under- taking to a successful conclusion. Your Royal Highness has been graciously pleased to accede to our request, and formally to open an Institution which we sincerely hope will prove a permanent benefit to the residents of Hongkong. We can already boast of a Library, recently formed, and which, though not very extensive, contains several very valuable works upon the East, and that portion of it especially with which we have most to do : the Museum we trust will soon be filled with choice and curious specimens of the natural and artificial productions of the vast Empire on the borders of which we are situated; while provision has been made in the Theatre and the Ball-room for the amusement of the £ Residents and our numerous Visitors, The building itself may fairly be said to constitute one of the greatest ornaments of the City of Victoria,' and will long redound to the honour of the Architects by whom it was designed and completed. Your Royal Highness has but just arrived from a visit to Australia, where you have seen what British energy and perseverance have achieved in its vast and flourishing Colonies, and still more recently you must have been struck by the contrast presented by the peculiar habits and manners of the Japanese and Chinese. Your reception everywhere has been gratifying; and though the Colony of Hongkong is more remote from England than almost any other of her possessions, and is in extent perhaps the least, its residents yield to none in fervent loyalty to the Crown, and warm attachment to the Royal Family. We all feel grateful for the visit you have paid to Hongkong, and in parti- cular the City Hall Committee again tender their warm thanks to you for honouring this ceremonial with your presence. We shall long look back with pleasure to this auspicious day, and earnestly pray that Your Royal Highness may be blessed with health, long life, and prosperity. (Signed), W. KESWICK, for the City Hall Committee. f - « t>IlQ » ■ (57) Reply of His Royal Highness. Gentlemen, — It is with mingled feelings of gratification at the duty which I have been called upon to undertake, and admiration of the magnificent structure which is before me, that I have complied with your invitation to inaugurate this building. It is my most earnest prayer that this beautiful hall may realize all the expectations of its promoters, and continue throughout the great future of this Colony a source of permanent and ever increasing pros- perity. I shall never cease to rejoice that I have been enabled to visit this distant portion of the British Empire, and to become acquainted with a people of whom I shall carry back with me the most pleasing recol- lections. I thank you for your kind wishes on my behalf, and for the expressions of your loyalty to the Crown and warm attachment to the Royal Family. (Signed), ALFEED. To the City Hall Committee. (G) TTie Address from the Clergy of Hongkong. To His Royal Highness Alfred Eknest Albert, Duke of Edinburgh, K.G., K.T., &c., &c., &c. May it Please Your Royal Highness: We, the undersigned, the Archdeacon, Clergy, and Ministers of Religion, British subjects of Hongkong, beg to approach your Royal Highness for the purpose of giving expression to those feelings of lovalty and attachment which we entertain towards the Throne, Person, and Family of our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria. It is, at the same time, a source of much pleasure to us to have this opportunity of tendering to Your Royal Highness a most cordial Welcome on the occasion of the visit of Your Royal Highness to this distant Dependency of the British Crown. The Eight Reverend the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, who is now in England, also wishes us to express to Your Royal Highness his great ' otio ■ (58) regret that he is unable to be present ; and he desires us, in his name, to make this public manifestation of loyalty and attachment to our Most Gracious Queen, and of hearty Welcome to Your Royal Highness. It is our constant prayer that the Most High God, whose servants we are, may be pleased long to bless and keep the Person, and to prosper the Reign, of our beloved Sovereign, and that He may ever bestow His choicest gifts upon all the Members of Her Royal Family. Subscribed at Victoria, Hongkong, this 11th Day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, 1869. Reply of His Royal Highness. Gentlemen, — I thank you from my heart for the address you have presented to me. It is most agreeable to my feelings to receive such proofs of welcome to myself, and of loyalty to the Queen, from Members of a Church to which it is my happiness to belong. I trust that Your efforts, in common with those of the other Churches of the Colony, may long prosper, and that under your care a population may be reared fearing God and honouring the Queen. I beg you to accept my thanks for imploring the blessings of Heaven on behalf of my Family and myself (Signed), ALFRED. To the Archdeacon, Clergy, and Ministers of Religion in Hongkong. (H) Address from the Master Mariners in Hongkong. An Address from Masters of Vessels in the Port of Hongkong to His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, in his capacity of Master of the Corporation of Trinity House of Deptford-le-8troud, &c. May it please Your Royal Highness. Representing the different nationalities now present in the British Colony of Hongkong, we approach Your Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh to present this our Address. ^ ^H A ^^fT"*^ *!-.>-' (59) The Presence of Your Royal Highness as Master of the Corporation of the Trinity House permits us to approach you, also, Captain of Her Majesty's Ship Galatea, on the common footing of seamen, and as such we are desirous of recording our recognition of those great benefits which your august Father, The Good Prince Albert, conferred on that Institution, of which you are now the Honoured Master. We would embrace this opportunity most heartily to express our admiration and reverence for that loveliness of character which has made Your Gracious Mother, Victoria, the Queen of England and Empress of India, the world-wide type of Mother, Wife, and Queen. To Your Royal Highness we, as seamen, would commend that great National Institution, of which you are now the Master. Under all ban- ners and in all latitudes, it is ours to recognise, and yours to improve, that great system by which darkness is made safe to the conscientious mariner and anxious trader. As seamen, and men with whom Your Royal Highness has been, and will hereafter be brought in contact, we beg to take our leave of the 1 August Master of the Trinity Corporation of Deptford-le- Stroud, earn- X estly praying that Your Royal Highness may, under the guidance of the $ Over-ruling Pilot, ever stem the currents, and weather the gales, of life's \ tempestuous voyage, and that when at last anchored in the Haven of ] Rest, all future seamen may hail your memory as that of Alfred the ^ Good. (Signed by Fifty-eight Masters of Vessels in Hongkong.) Reply of His Royal Highness. Gentlemen, — I thank you sincerely for the Address you have presented to me, which is all the more valuable from its being a tes- timony by other Nationalities, as well as British, to the great value and marked utility of the ancient Institution of which I esteem it a high honour to be the Master. Accept my assurances that the interests of the profession to which we belong shall ever occupy my most careful attention^ and every endea- vour towards rendering more effectual and beneficial those objects which the Trinity House was founded to carry out shall meet with my most hearty support; and it will always be my aim to follow the example of my beloved Father, to which you have so gracefully alluded in your Address. ALFRED. _ J ff^ f 1 ^ ^, ,. 5iC!i