352 LIFE AND EXPERIENCES CHAP. 



the people of the metropolis. The degrees of the 

 University are open to all comers, and are awarded to 

 competent men and women without distinction or ques- 

 tion of school or class. It is therefore a University for the 

 people. Our highest honours are given alike to rich 

 and to poor, and over and over again it is the poor 

 man who carries them off against all competitors. 

 This freedom of examination we desire to extend to 

 teaching for after all it is on teaching and training 

 that progress depends. 



All must rejoice to know that the Technical Com- 

 mittee of the London County Council take a proper 

 view of their duties and responsibilities with regard to 

 the highest forms of scientific instruction, not merely 

 for its immediate application to industry, but as an 

 essential part of our educational system. 



On His Majesty's accession to the throne I had the 

 honour, in the absence of our Chancellor, Lord 

 Kimberley, owing to illness, of introducing a deputa- 

 tion from the Senate on January 23rd, 1901, to 

 present a dutiful address from the Chancellor, Vice- 

 Chancellor, Members of Senate, and Graduates of the 

 University. 



In his reply the King referred to the University as 

 follows : 



" The progress of your University, from its commencement 

 almost at the date of Her late Majesty's accession to its 

 recent re-organisation as a teaching as well as an examining 

 body, has been one of the most remarkable developments 

 witnessed in a reign memorable for the spread of higher 

 instruction among both sexes and all classes and races in 

 my Empire. 



You may feel assured of my hearty sympathy and good 

 wishes and co-operation in the furtherance of your good 

 work." 



On May i5th, 1901, I again spoke on the presenta- 

 tion of degrees. 



