tablet which had just been unveiled was one of a series erected by the Corporation of Bath upon various historic houses, intended to mark the association with the city of those who in bygone days had carved their names deep upon the history of their time, men marked and famous in many directions, and, it would only be fair to add, having regard to the present position, women also. That tablet would mark permanently the association of the city with that greathearted statesman concerning whom they had just listened to a eulogy superior, he thought, in brevity and force to anything which had before been either written or spoken on the subject. It would for many many years to come help to keep his memory green. It would call aside the thoughts of those who passed by from the work-a-day world to a contemplation of the picturesque period in which Bath played so prominent a part. (Cheers.) It had served to-day to secure for them the visit of their esteemed guest which they all so much valued and appreciated. He had come to the conclusion that his Excellency knew about as much about Bath as any Bath citizen, and he would not be surprised to know that the citizens of Bath were indeed proud of their city-proud of its old associations and traditions, of the beauty of its surroundings, of its Roman remains, unequalled on this side of the Alps, of its worldfamed mineral springs dispensing their cure to thousands of sufferers every year who came here on crutches and went away with their crutches over their shoulders; and proudest of all of its modern revival as one of the foremost spas in Europe. (Cheers.) They welcomed to Bath a great many American visitors in search of health pleasure. They were very glad to have an American invasion of a peaceful kind. The American Ambassador's sojourn with them that day was short, but it might be that some time in the future, seeking rest from the arduous and important duties which he now so worthily fulfilled, he might again turn his eyes to the serene and peaceful Queen of the West, and come for even a longer stay. (Cheers.) They hoped that the visitors from the other side of the water would always be on the increase, and at any rate they could make this promise that they would do or their utmost to merit and maintain the reputation which it was their privilege to enjoy. (Cheers.) On the suggestion of Alderman HENSHAW the large company, before dispersing, gave three rousing cheers in honour of the Ambassador. The Ambassador afterwards visited the Abbey where he inspected with much interest Flaxman's beautiful monument to Bingham, which was pointed out to him by the Rector of Bath. In the evening Mr. Whitelaw Reid dined at the Empire as the guest of the Mayor, and at 9 o'clock he attended a special concert given in his honour at the Roman Promenade. THE POE CENTENARY, Authors' Club, March 1st (for Jan. 19th), 1909. THE BACON TERCENTENARY, THE MILTON TERCENTENARY, THE WASHINGTON ANNIVERSARY, Winter of 1908–9. REMARKS BY THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR AT THE POE CENTENARY, Authors' Club, March 1st (for Jan. 19th), 1909. THE BACON TERCENTENARY, Gray's Inn, Oct. 17th, 1908. THE MILTON TERCENTENARY, Mansion House, Dec. 9th, 1908. THE WASHINGTON ANNIVERSARY, HARRISON AND SONS, PRINTERS, LONDON, 1909. |