XCVI ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



and art in every part of the country, should be holding its annual 

 gathering in Halifax almost simultaneously with the celebration of the 

 diamond jubilee of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen — (applause) — 

 for among the many features of this evei"-to-be-reraembered occasion 

 there is this, that we are reminded of the unity as well as the majesty of 

 the British empire. And therefore, although many centuries have 

 passed since John Cabot discovered British North America, we may say 

 that it is only after the lapse of such a period as this that we have been 

 able to understand the significance and the importance of his discovery. 

 He himself could scarcely have anticipated its vast significance. In any 

 case, we do well to remember him, and although only the name of John 

 Cabot appears on this tablet, I think we should not forget Sebastian 

 Cabot, whose name is surely also to be associated with-that of his father. 

 Your Grace, 1 consider myself fortunate to be able to assist at this cere- 

 mony, all the more because I have only succeeded in so doing by a great 

 rush, having travelled over 1,600 miles in the last four days to fulfil my 

 engagements at the seat of government, but losing no time in returning 

 to Halifax where, without disrespect to any other portion of the Dominion, 

 I may say that I have much pleasure in finding myself. (Laughter and 

 applause.) I think we may congratulate the Eoyal Society of Canada, 

 first, upon the fact of their meeting here, and, secondly, upon the aus- 

 picious and interesting circumstances under which their meeting has 

 been held. We are indebted to them for the arrangements by which this 

 public state building, with so many associations, shall have upon its walls 

 this record of a great national and historic event. (Applause.) 



Before concluding may I say one word (I am not now speaking of 

 the Ro3'al Society) of appreciation regarding the admirable dispositions 

 in connection with the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee in your city. 

 (Applause.) I am sure those who had the advantage of being present 

 this morning, when the mass meeting of the echool children was held, 

 must have been delighted not only with the singing, but also with the 

 excellent organization, discipline and attention displayed by the children. 

 (Applause.) Some people say that if we have a fault in Canada (I do 

 not say that there is any fault in Canada) that it may be found in this, 

 that in some instances the children are not so subdued ; they do not keep 

 themselves out of sight as much as some might desire. If that be the 

 case, all the more credit and gratitude to those who succeeded in carry- 

 ing out the arrangements regarding the children so excellently to day. 

 Perhaps it is because the Nova Scotian children are superior to other 

 children. (Laughter and cheers.) However that may be, I hope others 

 will take note of what has been done and follow the good example 

 shown. 



His Excellency concluded by expressing his regret that Dr. Bourinot 

 could not be present, and by expressing his hearty good wishes for the 



