The Sun.
London, England, 1867-05-06 00:00:00

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PA fit ki

thought there was some tai 1 titak''''4444V:: 13:1:4-s I
Rofotyhael tAwooaidnesintityu.tioln,sh—eyt. institutions--the
ktle? 291M11.4.1
stitutions. They have both in thikt. timibe-en ry
,
much criticised. They have both been 'opcasißally
reformed. (Laughter.)
b eNotwithstanding,lieyewill no
now
theyb e
have still remained, and I
generally acknowledged to bo flourishing and
popular institutions of this country. The relations,
indeed, tween the House of Commons and the
Royal Academy are, if examined, of an inte-
resting and of an anc;_erit date. We in the
House of Commons hank, not forgotten that
when the R.,yal Acadg my . was first esta-
•bli-hed ono of its first Alai rs (Nlr. Burke) was a
most illustrious member of the House of Commons
of that date. And, indeed, the first picture of the
House of Commons was ni inted by a member of
Parliament. This remind 4 one of a painting which
I have seen representing that House of Commons,
awl which was painted b' an illustrious artist to
whom his Royal Highness has alluded with so much
feeling. I cannot, I cold( ss, without some emotion.,
recall the scene which that picture presented, and
the artist—with whom, I am happy to say, I was
personally acquainted—who painted it. The leader
of the House of Commons was portrayed in the
picture with remarkable likeness and power of ex-
pression. He has left us ; but he left us in the ful-
ness of his age, and when he had pursued a noble
and highly spirited career. The great painter who
portrayed him left us when he was comparatively
young, and when the opinion of England, and, indeed
of Europe, was only maturing to the recognition of
his great genius. Had he been spared to us, be
would have covered the walls of our museums with
works of endtuingbeauty and lasting fame. (Cheers.)
There are some of his works upon the walls of this
room-at the present moment, and I think that it is
impoasible.to examine them without feelings of ad-
miration, and without sentiments of a peculiar and
tender interest. For my part, I believe that intel-
lectual creations have in them a sort of spiritual
affinity with £heir creators that never cease ; and I
hope that they may whisper to him, in the Elysian
Fields where he may be wandering at this moment,
that we remember him with sentiments of affection
and admiration. (Cheers.) His works, I think,
will be recognised as amongst the finest specimens
of the English school, which it will be the pride of
our descendants to recognise as radiant creations
which command the admiration of the world. The
President has reminded me of the peculiar con-
dition in which tho Academy is now placed with
respect to the great change in its position which
is about to occur. I did not very clearly collect
what were the peculiar points -to which
he wished to draw my attention. There is
nothing which in my private capacity I
should not be glad to do for the Royal Academy.
But in another character I must say I would prefer
on the whole to transact business before dinner. In.
offering you, my lords and gentlemen, the thanks of
the House of Commons for the honour which you
have done it, I think I may say that there never has
I been at any time a want of feeling in that body for
the fine arts. They may not have shown it exactly
lin the right manner. They are a popular assembly,
and express their sentiments in a popular manner.
But when the opportunity has offered of purchasing
any valuablecollection of rare works of art the House
of Commons has not omitted to avail itself of it. No
doubt the reason was, because they acted from the
conviction that good taste is one of the elements of
national greatness. I beg leave to thank you in the
name of the House of Commons for the honour you
have done it. (Loud applause.)
The PRESIDENT—It has always been a source of
much pleasure to the members of the Royal Academy
to be honoured by the presence of the chief magis-
trate of this great city, and it is impossible not to
regard with respect the individual who fills that im-
portant and honourable position, to which he is
elected by the suffrages of his fellow-citizens. But,
my lords and gentlemen, we must all have observed,
with feelings of admiration, and, I may say, perso-
, nal gratitude, the zealous and able manner in which
his lordship came forward to mitigate the severe and
heartrending distress by which East Loudon was
visited last winter. In the previous year we also
witnessed with great pleasure the exertions of the
late Lord Mayor to mitigate the sad misery created
by the awful scourge of cholera with which we were
visited. All honour to our chief magistrates, who,
whilst fulfilling the arduous duties, and maintaining
the dignity and proverbial hospitality of their high
position, have eyes to see and hearts to feel for the
suffering humanity which ever must abound in this
vast metropolis. I have the honour to propose
" Prosperity to the City of London and the Health
of the Lord Mayor."
The LORD MAYOR briefly acknowledged the com-
pliment.
The meeting then terminated.