The National Register.
London, England, 1817-05-19 00:00:00

Joseph Abuderithin; Esq. the Hebrew Persuasion.

H. E. the Lieutenant Governor next addressed those pre-
sent in the following words t
" Gentlemen—ln laying the fonndation stone of this build-
ing dedicated to the purposes of a public Exchange, I feel
convinced, that all present unite with me in the sine( ic hope,
that Commercial prosperity, the offspring of persevering in-
dustry, and undeviating integrity, will, under the protecting
intinenee of Giant Britain. still continue to diffuse its benefits
over this Community ; and this Rock, known to antiquity
only as the lofty boundary of Europe, the limit of pendent
navizatinn, and destined, as It would seem, by nature to
productiveness, will not only exist a proud monument of the
heroic actions of an Elliott, and his brave Companions in
arms, bet afford, at the saute time, an example of the com-
mercial activity and resources of our country, and of the wis-
dom of her laws, policy, and institutions.
" When I reflect upon the peculiar difficulties of the
period at whieh this beneficial, as well as ornamental, Work
se commeeced, it is impossible too highly to appreciate that
public spirit which has induced the Commercial Gentlemen
of Gibraltar to co-operate. with such zeal and unanimity. in
tarrying the design into execution.
"4 Though tunable to express, in adequate terns, my opi-
nion of such conduct, you may be assured, Gentlemen, of my
most anxious and strenuous assistance during the progress of
this Work, as well as on every occasion where the Mercantile
:interests of our Country, anti the welfare of the inhabitants of
this territory, are concerned.
" And whether flu prospect of a direct intercourse with
the more distant parts of the extended dominions of nor So-
vereign, shall, if realised, contribute to the support of Your
future commerce, or in whatever other manner your efforts
may he destined to meet with their merited reward, I feel
-confident that, while the firm and persevering spirit, now
evinced. shall continue to exist, the difficulties of the times
will only operate as a fresh stimulus to your exertions, and be
the means of striking out new paths of industry.
" Gentlemen—That you may long continue to enjoy the
advantages which this Exchange, as a place of union for the
transaction rit your affairs, is calculated to give, is my most
sincere and heartfelt wish."

The silver Plate was then deposited, with a few British
=Coins, of the late issue, in • recess made in a stone placed at
fee N.. W. angle of the projecting front of the intended build-
ing.

•
The ceremony of fixing the stone lr. nsing the trowel find
mallet, was then gone throngh by the Lieutenant Gos ernor,
M. Geferal Sir Charles Holloway, and Messrs. Johnston, Bos-
ehetti and Alniderham, on the part of the Protestant, Roman
Catholic, and Hebrew persuasions respectively. under a emu-
wlimentars- salute from the guard, with the air of" God Save
-the King," and the hearty cheers of all present.
The procession then accompanied his E Celletley to the
-Convent, and took their leave. At six, as many of the gen-
tlemen who had assisted at the ceremony of the morning, as
-could be accommodated, dined at the Convent; and the even-
ing passed with that hilarity and good humour which the re-
collection of the circumstances of the day was calculated to
.eicitc.