PEOCEEDIISTGS FOR 1804. Ill 



to wish both youi'self and the Countess of Aberdeen every success in your earnest efforts to promote 

 the happiness of the Canadian people, and to give us additional evidence of how muoh we owe to those 

 distinguished men who are sent fi'om time to time to preside over the administi-ation of public affairs, 

 and to represent that illustrious sovereign whoso reign best illustrates the genius of the English race, 

 and is coincident wilh that admirable system of govei'nmcnt under which Canada has attained her 

 present favourable position among the communities of the world." 



His Excellency's Replt. 

 Lord Aberdeen replied to the address in the following terms : 



" Mr. President, Your Honour,' Ladies and Gentlemen, 



" Moat cordially do I thank you for this loyal and kindly addi-ess. Such a greeting, such a welcome, 

 as it contains and conveys, coming as it does from a society so representative and comprehensive in 

 its nature, and objects, cannot fail to be deeply valued. 



"Allow me, sii-, before going further, to express my hearty endorsement of the allusions which 

 this address contains to the founder of the Society, Ihe Maiquess of Lorno. (Applause.) It is not neces- 

 sary to have been in this country during the period of his official residence in it, to understand how 

 deep and thorough was the practical interest which he displaj^ed in all its affairs. We, in the old country, 

 weie not unaware of this fact, and since Lord Lome returned to Britain he has, as you have pointed 

 out, continuously displayed the same practical and permanent interest in all that concei-ns the welfare 

 of this country; and it is obvious that a man in his position and with his experience of Canadian 

 affairs can render no small services in the mother countrj' hy the infoi'miition which he can afford to 

 the public there as to what is being done in the Dominion of Canada. In view, then, of the connec- 

 tion of Lord Lorne and Her Royal Highness the Princess Louise with the formation of this Society, 

 it is not surprising that you have alluded to it in this address, nor is it surpi-ising that the interest 

 which Lord Lorne and the Princess Louise have taken in the affairs of Canada since the time they 

 were here, has had a special exemplification in connection with this particular Society. I had not 

 been many weeks in Canada before I received a letter from Lord Loi-ne with special reference to the 

 Royal Society of Canada (applause) ; and that quickened the interest which undoubtedly in any case 

 I should have felt with regard to its operations. 



The address is gi-atifying to me, not only on account of the sentiments which it contains, but also 

 because of the practical information which it affords as to the work and operations of the Society, and 

 I take leave to congratulate you, Dr. Dawson, and your colleagues and fellow-members upon the record 

 which this Society can show. There is one jioint in its constitution and character which I cannot help 

 thinking would in itself commend it to the grateful approval of all intelligent Canadians. I refer to 

 the opportunity and incentive which it affoi'ds for harmonious co-operation between different branches 

 and races of our community in the matter of promoting not only literature, art and science, but 

 indirectly community of interest and good feeling. (Applause.) It must be evident that when one 

 section of the community shows respect and courtesy and consideration towards another section, they 

 show respect to themselves and also to their country. It is obvious also that any deficiency in this 

 respect is inconsistent with true patriotism, and with the dictates not only of courtesy and duty, but 

 of common-sense (applause); and the community at large must be grateful for the example in the 

 carrying out of this necessary principle which is afforded by your Society ; I say ' necessary,' because 

 obviously any permanent want of co operation, harmony and sympathy as regards the affairs of the 

 country at large would be fatal to its true progress and happiness. (Applause.) 



" When we come to look in more detail at the operations of the Society, apart from its more general 

 aspects, there is, as I have said, ample ground for satisfaction and for more than satisfiiction, for con- 

 gratulation, on the foresight and judicious action of those who took part in the original formation of 



- Among the large audience was His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba. 



