ANNUAL MEETING, 9 
[The Honorary Srcrerary (Captain Francis Petrie, F.G.S.), first 
read the letters of regret from those unable to be present ;—among 
these was one from Professor A. H. Sayce, the author of the 
Annual Address, expressing his great regret that private matters 
consequent on his father’s death prevented his being present, and 
he had therefore deputed “one acquainted with the subject,” the 
Rev. W. Wright, D.D. (author of The Empire of the Hittites), to read 
the Address.—He then announced that one of the Council, His 
Excellency Dr. R. H. Gunning, LL.D., F.R.S.E., had arrived from 
Rio de Janeiro, and was the bearer of a message from the Emperor 
of Brazil expressing His Majesty’s desire to be admitted an honorary 
member of the Institute, the proceedings of which His Majesty 
highly esteemed. He concluded by pointing out the leading features 
of the Report, which was in the hands of all present; alluding 
first to its introductory paragraphs describing a more effective 
advance of the Institute than had taken place in any year since its 
foundation. After referring to the fourth paragraph in regard to 
the Institute’s new apartments, he adverted to the sixth, speaking 
of the great need of a larger library fund; and finally alluded to 
the growing importance of the Institute’s Transactions as shown in 
the eleventh and twelfth paragraphs and the note thereto, and the 
importance of each member and associate doing his part to increase 
the strength of the Institute by introducing new supporters. | 
Sir H. Bargty, K.C.B., G.C.M.G., F.R.S.—Mr. President, my 
lords, ladies, and gentlemen: In the absence of Earl Nelson, I have 
the honour to move the first resolution, and have great pleasure 
in performing that duty. It is,—‘“ That the Report be received, 
and the thanks of the Members and Associates presented to the 
Council, Honorary Officers, and Auditors, for their efficient conduct 
of the business of the Victoria Institute during the year.” I think 
it clear from the Report that has been read that the conduct of 
business has been efficient, because, in the first place, the number 
of supporters of the Institute is continually increasing, and the 
sphere of its operations is being extended both in this country, in 
the colonies, and elsewhere. The objects of its operations I need 
not dwell upon because they are set out in all writings connected 
with the Institute, and you are well aware that they are briefly 
summarised in the desire to show that believers in Revealed Re- 
ligion are not averse to, or afraid of, the discoveries of Modern 
Science, since we merely wish for fair play, and only protest against 
the ignoring of the truth of Scripture (cheers). The Council, no 
