Читать книгу Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 - King of Great Britain Edward VII - Страница 10
THE SAILORS' HOME, LONDON DOCKS
ОглавлениеMay 22nd, 1865
The objects and the advantages of Sailors' Homes are now so universally known, that few words are needed for introducing a brief report of the visit of the Prince of Wales to the Home at the London Docks, on May 22nd, 1865. This institution has now for above fifty years afforded protection, comfort, and instruction to all classes of the mercantile marine service. With increase of the trade and shipping of London, new accommodation was required; and in 1863 the foundation stone of a new wing to the Sailors' Home was laid by Lord Palmerston.
It was to open this completed building that the Prince of Wales made his visit to the east of London. The event was regarded as a great honour by the crowded and busy population of that quarter, and a general holiday was held on the occasion. Many distinguished persons, including some of the Foreign Ministers, were present. Foreign seamen in the British mercantile service are admitted to benefits of the Home. An address having been read by Admiral Sir William Bowles, President of the Institution, the Prince replied: —
"Sir William Bowles, your Excellencies, my Lords, and Gentlemen, – It is very gratifying to me to comply with the invitation I have received to take a part in this day's proceedings and to preside at the opening of the new wing of this institution. The beneficial results attending the establishment of a Sailors' Home for our immense mercantile navy are shown by the statements and figures which you have now given, and which establish in the most satisfactory manner the necessity of adding to the original building. The interest taken by my lamented father in the religious welfare of this institution, evinced by his laying the foundation stone of the Seamen's Church adjoining, will not, I trust, be less in his son, who is well aware of the sentiments of loyalty and devotion to the Throne which distinguish the mercantile navy of Great Britain."
