rally
suggested in remembering the reception given in 1871 to the heir to the
British Crown.

A succession of engagements and of entertainments took place, as on the
visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1868. The military display
in the Phoenix Park was even more brilliant than on that occasion. One
notable incident in 1871 was the installation, with great ceremony, of
His Royal Highness as Grand Patron of the Masonic Institution in
Ireland. A formal address of welcome having been read, His Royal
Highness made the following reply:--

"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,--I thank you very much for
your cordial and grateful address, and for the kind sentiments
expressed in it towards myself. It was a source of considerable
satisfaction to me when I was elected a member of the craft, and
I think I may without presumption point to the different Masonic
meetings which, since my initiation, I have fraternally
attended. As a proof of the interest I take in all that relates
to Freemasonry, I can assure you that it has afforded me great
gratification to become the Patron of the Most Ancient and
Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons in Ireland, and
that an opportunity has been given to me by my visit to Ireland
of being installed here to-day."

The Grand Master then clothed His Royal Highness with the collar, apron,
and jewel, as Patron. The Brethren then, according to ancient custom,
saluted the Prince as Patron of the Order in Ireland, the Grand Master
himself giving the word. His Royal Highness then said:--

"Most Worshipful Sir and Brethren,--I have now to thank you
heartily and cordially for your fraternal reception, and for the
honour you have done me, and I beg to assure you of the pleasure
I feel on having been invited to become the Patron of the Order
of Freemasons in Ireland. It is a source of considerable
satisfaction to me to know that my visit to this country has
afforded this opportunity of meeting you, Brethren, in Lodge,
and so interchanging these frank and hearty greetings. It is
true I have not been a Mason very long. I was initiated, as you
perhaps know, in London, a few years ago, after which I visited
the Grand Original Lodge of Denmark, and a short time afterwards
I had the signal satisfaction of being elected a Past Grand
Master of the United Grand Lodge of England. Last year I had the