Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00900
Provost Macfarlane , Mr . Coats , ladies and gentlemen , and brethren all—I have now to make to you the formal announcement that , in compliance with the wish of the Provost of this burgh , I have laid the memorial stone of this building , which , I trust , under the nrovidence of the Almighty , may spedilly
be finished without accident to limb or lite , aud may long remain an ornament to your town . But , Mr ; Provost , the mere outward aspect of this building is trifling in comparison with what will , I trust , be ° seen withhi . In the first place it is the gift , the muuificient gift , of a townsman to the town in
which he was bom . Iu the next place , it is dedicated to the noblest of all purposes—not for the original and primary education of the people , but , being educated , to carry them ou in the march of intellect ; and it is a roof under which they will find the means of cultivating that knowledge which will
raise them from the class in which they begau life , it may be to the hig hest class in this great country . It is necessary for me to dilate upon the benefits which an institution like this is enabled and lias power to confer upon any community . Here the industrious will find leisure to cultivate their
understandings , and here , I trust , the idle may be induced to come , first , perhaps , from curiositj-, aud secondly from having seen the benefits which may be derived from the use of that Free Library which is to be established iu this place . There is to be here a Free Library in which you may read
of the glories of the past ; not simply and only of the glories of war , but of the far higher glories of peace and industry and intelligence , and of the secrets and of the growth of that relig ion which has made this country what it is . ( Applause . ) Here too , you will find that which is not the least of all
useful knowledge—a constant supply of the literature of the day . It will keep you informed of what is going on , of the laws which are made , and of the encouragement which is given to those who obey the laws ; and it will keep you informed also of the course pursued by those by whom we are governed ,
and of that Parliament whose directions it is our duty to follow . Under this roof also you will find a public Museum , in which , I have no doubt , there will be accumulated treasures of every description from all parts of the world . You will have the opportunity of study ing the animal , vegetable , and
mineral kingdoms , and you will also have it iu your power to trace that which many have wasted their days without succeeding iu tracing—viz ., the combination of those arts and sciences which have placed this country iu the high position in which it stands . Mr . Provost , and hulies and gentlemen , I
cannot conclude this short address without expressing to the brethren who have attended here to-day my thanks for the honour which they have done the Grand Lodge in turning out in such large numbers . Brethren , you havo witnessed a great and glorious sight , and it has been your privilege to assist in
putting the meiiiorial-stone upon a great and glorious work . Evidences such as this , of the generosity of those who rise to wealth and affluence , are but too rarely seen , though I am proud to say tbey have been frequently witnessed in our own country ; and I am sure I cannot conclude this clay ' s work more to
your satisfaction , and certainly not more to my own , than by proposing that we give three cheers for that generous man to whose large heavtedness we are indebted for the work we have just been engaged in . ( Load cheers . ) PUOVOST MACFAUI . ANE—My Lord , in behalf of
the inhabitants of Paisley I have to tender you oinmost grateful thanks for your coiidescention and kindness of coming here to day , for the very important work that you have performed , and for the largo representation ofthe Grand Lodge and of the other lodges throughout Scotland that has attended
on this occasion . AVe are gratified beyond measure at the very successful carrying through of this day ' s ceremony . ( Applause ) . The Earl of DALHOUSIE then called for three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen ; and a similar compliment having been paid his Lordship and the
ladies present , the procession reassembled and returned to County Square . Iu closing the Grand ' Lodge , the noble Earl conveyed through the masters and wardens present his thanks to the various lodges represented lor the admirable manner in which they had adhered to the prescribed arrangements . AVe may add to this that the authorities and inhabitants of Paisley deserve great credit for the orderly way in which the day ' s proceedings were conducted .
BANQUET IN THE DRILL HALL . The memorial-stone ceremonial was followed by a public banquet , which took place in the Drill Hall . Tho hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with flags and evergreens . At ono end the
chairman ' s platform was erected , while tho general company were seated at five tables , which extended along the whole length of thc spacious hall . In all , there were probably about 400 persons present . Thc
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chair was occupied by Provost Macfarlane ; while the duties of croupiers were discharged by Bailies Masson , Watson , Eaglesim , and Caldwell , aud Treasurer Russell . ' The Chairman was supported on the right by the Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie , K . T . : Sir M . S . Stewart , Bart . ; Mr . H . E .
Orum Ewing , M . P . ; Mr . Thos . Coats , of Ferguslie ; Mr . Wm . M'Ewen , Lord Deau of Guild , Glasgow ; Capt . Smyth , Mr . James Arthur , of Barshaw ; Rev . Mr . Faithful , Edinburgh ; and on the left by Mr , Peter Coats , of AVoodside ; Sheriff Cowen , Col . Campbell , of BIythswood ; Major Holms , Captain
Carlisle , R . R V . ; the Rev . James Brown , Mr . A . Galbraith , Glasgow ; Mr . P . Comyn Macgregor , of Brediland ; Mr . David M'Cubbin , Glasgow ; Mr . James Mr . James Moncrieff , Glasgow ; Mr . D . G . Sharp , and R . D . Robertson . The Rev . Mr . DUNCAN , Middle Parish Church ,
having asked a blessing , dinner was partaken of , thanks being returned by the Rev . Mr . France . The CHAIRMAN afterwards said apologies for absence had beeu received from a number ol gentlemen , amongst others from Mr . Speir , Convener of the County , -who very much regretted that on account of
a severe bereavement in his family , he was prevented from being present . An apology for absence had also been received from the Rev . Dr . Burns of Toronto , who was unable to be present in consequence of the death of a very near relative . Colonel Mure , also , who was in the south , had expressed
regret at his inability to attend . It was further intimated that Sherifi Fraser required to leave for Edinburgh immediately after the foundation stone ceremony . Thereafter the ordinary loyal toasts were given from the chair , and heartily responded to . The
toast of " The Army and Navy , and the Volunteers " was afterwards given by Baillie Masson , the name of Captain Smyth being coupled with the Army , and that of Major Holms with the Volunteers . These gentlemen replied for the respective branches of the services .
Mr . H . E . ORUM EWING , M . P ., afterwards said—The toa ? t which has been committed to my hands is ' The Health of Her Majesty ' s Ministers . " But , before proceeding to give that toast I may be allowed in the fullness of my heart , to allude in a single word to the munificence of my excellent friend Mr .
Peter Coats , which has been the means of calling us together this day ; and I must say thut a more suitable gift could not have been given to the town of Paisley than that which he has this day bestowed . ( Applause . ) That instance of private liberality is almost unequalled , except by that of bis esteemed
brother Mr . Thomas Coats , and it is a rare case when two such brothers exist iu any one community . ( Applause . ) But 1 do not wish to trench upon what is the province of whoever may be g iving tlie health of our esteemed friend Mr . Peter Coats , and I shall therefore proceed to give the toast which bus
been put into my hands . Since I have been your member , now for a considerable number of years , 1 have sat sometimes on one side of the House and sometimes on the other—sometimes on the right hand of the Speaker , at others on thc shady side of the Opposition . But my observation his been , that
whoever have been in the government of this country have been men of consummate ability , of the most inflexible integrity , and men who have had only one end in view , namely , the good of their country . ( Applause . ) 1 beg to propose "Her Majesty ' s Ministers . "
The CHAIRMAN next gave " The Lord Lieutenant . " He said , —In this county we have had the privilege of having as the representative of her Majesty amongst us a nobleman who resided in our immediate neighbourhood , and who was very hi ghly respected and esteemed by all with whom he came in
contact . ( Applause ) . He has lately been removed from amongst us by death , and I am sure that in consequence of that event a very general feeling of regret was cherished by this entire community , and of' sympii Jiy for his bereaved partner in life . He was taken from us in mature years , after iie had
long resided in our neighbourhood , and was respected and esteemed by us all ( applause ) , anil iu introducing the next toast , I feel that I ought in a single word to express my own feeling , and 1 doubt not I may say the feeling of this large assembly , of regret for the death of our late Lord Lieutenant , the
Earl ol Glasgow , lt is , however , fortunate i ' or tho county that his lordship is succeeded by one who is universally known and esteemed —( loud applause )—and on this , 1 may say , his ih-st public appearance in the capacity of Lord Lieutenant of this county , I do require to say that you will give him a hearty
welcome . ( Loud applause ) . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart has been long known and respected by this community . He has long taken an active part in the public business of this county , and he is known to take a deep interest in everything that relates to the welfare and prosperity of ita inhabitants . ( Applause ) . I have very great pleasure in proposing to
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you the health of Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart , Lord Lieutenant of the county of Renfrew . ( Applause ) . The LORD LIEUTENANT , who was very cordially received , said—The Provost , in so kindly proposing my health , has truly said that this is my first public
appearance as Lord-Lieutenant of the county of Renfrew . ( Applause ) . I have often had the honour of returning thanks for my health being drunk in the good old town of Paisley , and I may say that I have appeared in a good many characters , so to speak , in this Drill Hall —( hear , hear)—but it
certainly is a very novel sensation for rae to return thanks to you as Lord-Lieutenant of the county . ( Applause ) . I may say at once that I am not going to follow my honourable fi-ieud Mr . Crum Ewing into the higher regions . ( Laughter and loud applause ) . The sun , the moon , ami the stars are very
magnificent , but I think I shall feel much safer , for the present at any rate , on this platform . ( Laughter and applause ) . Iu returning thanks for the verykind way in which you have received my name , I feel that I should be wanting in proper feeling if I thought only of my own position . I could not have
done so after the very proper remarks made by your Chairman in proposing this toast , but I should be unfeeling and ungrateful if I did not at this moment reflect upon the circumstances which have led to a new appointment of a Lord-Lieutenant in this county This is not the occasion on which to enlarge on the
merits and good qualities ofthe late Earl of Glasgow , more particularly as these have been so gracefully alluded to by the Provest , but I may say that in him I have lost a trut and a kind friend . ( Hear , hear and applause ) . I had perhaps as frequent opportunities as any one in this assembly of knowing
the maimer iu which Lord Glasgow discharged the public duties pertaining to his office , and those who had to do with his Lordship in his public capacity know very well the prompt and ready attention he always gave to public business , and the sound . judgment and good heart which he displayed in all his
actions . ( Applause . ) I am sure of this , that the present generation in the town of Paisley will not cease to remember , and those who follow them will learn and cherish , the great munificence—tlie nobleheai-ted , noble-handed charity of the Earl of Glasgow in times of distress in this community . ( Applause . )
I can only say for myself that it will be my earnsst endeavour to discharge the duties which devolve upon me in a business-like maimer , and let me say that on this , my first public appearance , I receive as very kind on your part the cordial reception which 3 'ou havo given to this toast , and I assure
you it will be an encouragement to me that I have received from so largo an assembly so fair a start . ( Appl . - iuse . ) Allow me to add that it is a great p leasure to me to have taken part in the proceedings to-day , so ably conducted by the Right Worshipful
Grand Master Mason of Scotland , on the occasion of , I cannot say the iirst , but the latest nmniticieiit action on the part of the Messrs . Coats of Paisley —( applause)—whose great munificence and genuine simplicity of character are proverbial iu the West of Scotland .
THE CHAIRMAN afterwards said—I have now thc honour of proposing the toast of the evening . "The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Most AVorshipful the Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie . " 1 am sure 1 speak the sentiments of my townsmen when I say that we feel very highly
honoured indeed to be permitted to entertain his lordship this evening . ( Applause ) As Grand Master of the ancient brethren of the masonic craft , he has at considerable personal inconvenience come to our old town to-day to perform a very important duty . Surrounded by an assembly of the brethren
to the number of upwards of 4000 , he has laid the memorial stone of the Free Library and Museum of Paisley—a memorial stone that may tell to some future age the story of that building—may tell how a patriotic nobleman summoned not his clansmen from the hills , although he might have done so , and
thousands would have responded to his call , but summoned the brethren of the mystic tie , a more ancient order than that of the clans , and from all quarters they come , not singly but in battalionsmay tell also of the giver of that building to his townsmen , and the purpose to which he intends that
it should be dedicated . ( Applause . ) The toast was pledged amidst loud applause . The Earl of DALHOUSIE replied in a most earnest and eloquent speech , concluding thus : Myaquaintances and my affections , although they rest upon the Loi-d-Lieutenantaieniore dearly and moreelosely
associated with those who went before him . I numbered amongst my intimate friends his father , liis uncle Patrick , whom you all new and loved , and I think I can number among my living friends that roaring , excellent blade Houston , than whom a
merrier man or a truer friend never existed in this world . ( Applause ) , lt has given me sincere satisfaction to see the Stewards of Ardgowan placed at the head of the county of Renfrew . AVe have a Stewart—the descendant of a Stewart at least—the Barou of Renfrew ; and now we have a Stewart , a
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ar00900
Provost Macfarlane , Mr . Coats , ladies and gentlemen , and brethren all—I have now to make to you the formal announcement that , in compliance with the wish of the Provost of this burgh , I have laid the memorial stone of this building , which , I trust , under the nrovidence of the Almighty , may spedilly
be finished without accident to limb or lite , aud may long remain an ornament to your town . But , Mr ; Provost , the mere outward aspect of this building is trifling in comparison with what will , I trust , be ° seen withhi . In the first place it is the gift , the muuificient gift , of a townsman to the town in
which he was bom . Iu the next place , it is dedicated to the noblest of all purposes—not for the original and primary education of the people , but , being educated , to carry them ou in the march of intellect ; and it is a roof under which they will find the means of cultivating that knowledge which will
raise them from the class in which they begau life , it may be to the hig hest class in this great country . It is necessary for me to dilate upon the benefits which an institution like this is enabled and lias power to confer upon any community . Here the industrious will find leisure to cultivate their
understandings , and here , I trust , the idle may be induced to come , first , perhaps , from curiositj-, aud secondly from having seen the benefits which may be derived from the use of that Free Library which is to be established iu this place . There is to be here a Free Library in which you may read
of the glories of the past ; not simply and only of the glories of war , but of the far higher glories of peace and industry and intelligence , and of the secrets and of the growth of that relig ion which has made this country what it is . ( Applause . ) Here too , you will find that which is not the least of all
useful knowledge—a constant supply of the literature of the day . It will keep you informed of what is going on , of the laws which are made , and of the encouragement which is given to those who obey the laws ; and it will keep you informed also of the course pursued by those by whom we are governed ,
and of that Parliament whose directions it is our duty to follow . Under this roof also you will find a public Museum , in which , I have no doubt , there will be accumulated treasures of every description from all parts of the world . You will have the opportunity of study ing the animal , vegetable , and
mineral kingdoms , and you will also have it iu your power to trace that which many have wasted their days without succeeding iu tracing—viz ., the combination of those arts and sciences which have placed this country iu the high position in which it stands . Mr . Provost , and hulies and gentlemen , I
cannot conclude this short address without expressing to the brethren who have attended here to-day my thanks for the honour which they have done the Grand Lodge in turning out in such large numbers . Brethren , you havo witnessed a great and glorious sight , and it has been your privilege to assist in
putting the meiiiorial-stone upon a great and glorious work . Evidences such as this , of the generosity of those who rise to wealth and affluence , are but too rarely seen , though I am proud to say tbey have been frequently witnessed in our own country ; and I am sure I cannot conclude this clay ' s work more to
your satisfaction , and certainly not more to my own , than by proposing that we give three cheers for that generous man to whose large heavtedness we are indebted for the work we have just been engaged in . ( Load cheers . ) PUOVOST MACFAUI . ANE—My Lord , in behalf of
the inhabitants of Paisley I have to tender you oinmost grateful thanks for your coiidescention and kindness of coming here to day , for the very important work that you have performed , and for the largo representation ofthe Grand Lodge and of the other lodges throughout Scotland that has attended
on this occasion . AVe are gratified beyond measure at the very successful carrying through of this day ' s ceremony . ( Applause ) . The Earl of DALHOUSIE then called for three cheers for Her Majesty the Queen ; and a similar compliment having been paid his Lordship and the
ladies present , the procession reassembled and returned to County Square . Iu closing the Grand ' Lodge , the noble Earl conveyed through the masters and wardens present his thanks to the various lodges represented lor the admirable manner in which they had adhered to the prescribed arrangements . AVe may add to this that the authorities and inhabitants of Paisley deserve great credit for the orderly way in which the day ' s proceedings were conducted .
BANQUET IN THE DRILL HALL . The memorial-stone ceremonial was followed by a public banquet , which took place in the Drill Hall . Tho hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion with flags and evergreens . At ono end the
chairman ' s platform was erected , while tho general company were seated at five tables , which extended along the whole length of thc spacious hall . In all , there were probably about 400 persons present . Thc
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chair was occupied by Provost Macfarlane ; while the duties of croupiers were discharged by Bailies Masson , Watson , Eaglesim , and Caldwell , aud Treasurer Russell . ' The Chairman was supported on the right by the Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie , K . T . : Sir M . S . Stewart , Bart . ; Mr . H . E .
Orum Ewing , M . P . ; Mr . Thos . Coats , of Ferguslie ; Mr . Wm . M'Ewen , Lord Deau of Guild , Glasgow ; Capt . Smyth , Mr . James Arthur , of Barshaw ; Rev . Mr . Faithful , Edinburgh ; and on the left by Mr , Peter Coats , of AVoodside ; Sheriff Cowen , Col . Campbell , of BIythswood ; Major Holms , Captain
Carlisle , R . R V . ; the Rev . James Brown , Mr . A . Galbraith , Glasgow ; Mr . P . Comyn Macgregor , of Brediland ; Mr . David M'Cubbin , Glasgow ; Mr . James Mr . James Moncrieff , Glasgow ; Mr . D . G . Sharp , and R . D . Robertson . The Rev . Mr . DUNCAN , Middle Parish Church ,
having asked a blessing , dinner was partaken of , thanks being returned by the Rev . Mr . France . The CHAIRMAN afterwards said apologies for absence had beeu received from a number ol gentlemen , amongst others from Mr . Speir , Convener of the County , -who very much regretted that on account of
a severe bereavement in his family , he was prevented from being present . An apology for absence had also been received from the Rev . Dr . Burns of Toronto , who was unable to be present in consequence of the death of a very near relative . Colonel Mure , also , who was in the south , had expressed
regret at his inability to attend . It was further intimated that Sherifi Fraser required to leave for Edinburgh immediately after the foundation stone ceremony . Thereafter the ordinary loyal toasts were given from the chair , and heartily responded to . The
toast of " The Army and Navy , and the Volunteers " was afterwards given by Baillie Masson , the name of Captain Smyth being coupled with the Army , and that of Major Holms with the Volunteers . These gentlemen replied for the respective branches of the services .
Mr . H . E . ORUM EWING , M . P ., afterwards said—The toa ? t which has been committed to my hands is ' The Health of Her Majesty ' s Ministers . " But , before proceeding to give that toast I may be allowed in the fullness of my heart , to allude in a single word to the munificence of my excellent friend Mr .
Peter Coats , which has been the means of calling us together this day ; and I must say thut a more suitable gift could not have been given to the town of Paisley than that which he has this day bestowed . ( Applause . ) That instance of private liberality is almost unequalled , except by that of bis esteemed
brother Mr . Thomas Coats , and it is a rare case when two such brothers exist iu any one community . ( Applause . ) But 1 do not wish to trench upon what is the province of whoever may be g iving tlie health of our esteemed friend Mr . Peter Coats , and I shall therefore proceed to give the toast which bus
been put into my hands . Since I have been your member , now for a considerable number of years , 1 have sat sometimes on one side of the House and sometimes on the other—sometimes on the right hand of the Speaker , at others on thc shady side of the Opposition . But my observation his been , that
whoever have been in the government of this country have been men of consummate ability , of the most inflexible integrity , and men who have had only one end in view , namely , the good of their country . ( Applause . ) 1 beg to propose "Her Majesty ' s Ministers . "
The CHAIRMAN next gave " The Lord Lieutenant . " He said , —In this county we have had the privilege of having as the representative of her Majesty amongst us a nobleman who resided in our immediate neighbourhood , and who was very hi ghly respected and esteemed by all with whom he came in
contact . ( Applause ) . He has lately been removed from amongst us by death , and I am sure that in consequence of that event a very general feeling of regret was cherished by this entire community , and of' sympii Jiy for his bereaved partner in life . He was taken from us in mature years , after iie had
long resided in our neighbourhood , and was respected and esteemed by us all ( applause ) , anil iu introducing the next toast , I feel that I ought in a single word to express my own feeling , and 1 doubt not I may say the feeling of this large assembly , of regret for the death of our late Lord Lieutenant , the
Earl ol Glasgow , lt is , however , fortunate i ' or tho county that his lordship is succeeded by one who is universally known and esteemed —( loud applause )—and on this , 1 may say , his ih-st public appearance in the capacity of Lord Lieutenant of this county , I do require to say that you will give him a hearty
welcome . ( Loud applause ) . Sir Michael Shaw Stewart has been long known and respected by this community . He has long taken an active part in the public business of this county , and he is known to take a deep interest in everything that relates to the welfare and prosperity of ita inhabitants . ( Applause ) . I have very great pleasure in proposing to
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you the health of Sir Michael Robert Shaw Stewart , Lord Lieutenant of the county of Renfrew . ( Applause ) . The LORD LIEUTENANT , who was very cordially received , said—The Provost , in so kindly proposing my health , has truly said that this is my first public
appearance as Lord-Lieutenant of the county of Renfrew . ( Applause ) . I have often had the honour of returning thanks for my health being drunk in the good old town of Paisley , and I may say that I have appeared in a good many characters , so to speak , in this Drill Hall —( hear , hear)—but it
certainly is a very novel sensation for rae to return thanks to you as Lord-Lieutenant of the county . ( Applause ) . I may say at once that I am not going to follow my honourable fi-ieud Mr . Crum Ewing into the higher regions . ( Laughter and loud applause ) . The sun , the moon , ami the stars are very
magnificent , but I think I shall feel much safer , for the present at any rate , on this platform . ( Laughter and applause ) . Iu returning thanks for the verykind way in which you have received my name , I feel that I should be wanting in proper feeling if I thought only of my own position . I could not have
done so after the very proper remarks made by your Chairman in proposing this toast , but I should be unfeeling and ungrateful if I did not at this moment reflect upon the circumstances which have led to a new appointment of a Lord-Lieutenant in this county This is not the occasion on which to enlarge on the
merits and good qualities ofthe late Earl of Glasgow , more particularly as these have been so gracefully alluded to by the Provest , but I may say that in him I have lost a trut and a kind friend . ( Hear , hear and applause ) . I had perhaps as frequent opportunities as any one in this assembly of knowing
the maimer iu which Lord Glasgow discharged the public duties pertaining to his office , and those who had to do with his Lordship in his public capacity know very well the prompt and ready attention he always gave to public business , and the sound . judgment and good heart which he displayed in all his
actions . ( Applause . ) I am sure of this , that the present generation in the town of Paisley will not cease to remember , and those who follow them will learn and cherish , the great munificence—tlie nobleheai-ted , noble-handed charity of the Earl of Glasgow in times of distress in this community . ( Applause . )
I can only say for myself that it will be my earnsst endeavour to discharge the duties which devolve upon me in a business-like maimer , and let me say that on this , my first public appearance , I receive as very kind on your part the cordial reception which 3 'ou havo given to this toast , and I assure
you it will be an encouragement to me that I have received from so largo an assembly so fair a start . ( Appl . - iuse . ) Allow me to add that it is a great p leasure to me to have taken part in the proceedings to-day , so ably conducted by the Right Worshipful
Grand Master Mason of Scotland , on the occasion of , I cannot say the iirst , but the latest nmniticieiit action on the part of the Messrs . Coats of Paisley —( applause)—whose great munificence and genuine simplicity of character are proverbial iu the West of Scotland .
THE CHAIRMAN afterwards said—I have now thc honour of proposing the toast of the evening . "The Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Most AVorshipful the Grand Master , the Right Hon . the Earl of Dalhousie . " 1 am sure 1 speak the sentiments of my townsmen when I say that we feel very highly
honoured indeed to be permitted to entertain his lordship this evening . ( Applause ) As Grand Master of the ancient brethren of the masonic craft , he has at considerable personal inconvenience come to our old town to-day to perform a very important duty . Surrounded by an assembly of the brethren
to the number of upwards of 4000 , he has laid the memorial stone of the Free Library and Museum of Paisley—a memorial stone that may tell to some future age the story of that building—may tell how a patriotic nobleman summoned not his clansmen from the hills , although he might have done so , and
thousands would have responded to his call , but summoned the brethren of the mystic tie , a more ancient order than that of the clans , and from all quarters they come , not singly but in battalionsmay tell also of the giver of that building to his townsmen , and the purpose to which he intends that
it should be dedicated . ( Applause . ) The toast was pledged amidst loud applause . The Earl of DALHOUSIE replied in a most earnest and eloquent speech , concluding thus : Myaquaintances and my affections , although they rest upon the Loi-d-Lieutenantaieniore dearly and moreelosely
associated with those who went before him . I numbered amongst my intimate friends his father , liis uncle Patrick , whom you all new and loved , and I think I can number among my living friends that roaring , excellent blade Houston , than whom a
merrier man or a truer friend never existed in this world . ( Applause ) , lt has given me sincere satisfaction to see the Stewards of Ardgowan placed at the head of the county of Renfrew . AVe have a Stewart—the descendant of a Stewart at least—the Barou of Renfrew ; and now we have a Stewart , a