UNITED STATES AND CANADA 261 



life may be brightened by unclouded domestic 

 happiness, and by the loving regard of a great 

 people.'' — Mr. E. J. Smith, in handing to Mrs. 

 Chamberlain the gift of jewellery from electors, said 

 that jewels of far more intrinsic value had been 

 presented that evening, but a special claim was made 

 for those from West Birmingham that placed them 

 in a unique position. They were the handiwork 

 of Mr. Chamberlain's own constituents, and be- 

 longed to a class of jewellery which deserved more 

 recognition than had been given it. (Laughter.) 

 To Mrs. Chamberlain, he thought, their value 

 would be higher from the fact that they were the 

 work of willing hands and earnest hearts. In every 

 thread of that beautiful and delicate work there had 

 been woven a kindly wish and fervent hope for the 

 happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain. (Cheers.) 

 Mr. Chamberlain was received with loud cheering 

 on rising to acknowledge the presentations. He 

 said : Ladies and gentlemen, — You will readily 

 believe that I do not find it easy to express the 

 feelings which have been raised by the addresses 

 that have just been read, and by the cordial welcome 

 which you have given to my wife, and the proofs 

 of continuous kindness which you have shown to 

 myself. I have been accustomed to rely upon this 

 kindness in all the relations of my life, and it is quite 

 true that I felt no little confidence that you would 

 extend to Mrs. Chamberlain the regard you have 

 always shown to me. (Cheers.) But you have sur- 

 passed my hope and expectations in the warmth of 

 your greeting, and in the determination that you 



