Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , who presided as chairman , and Bros . John Hervey , George Kenning , H . C . Levander , Charles Coote , Barnett , John Boyd , W . Carpenter , Stedwell , W . Smeed , Magnus Ohren , Horsley , A . Thiellay , John Coutts , James Brett , W . Roebuck , George S . Slater , Williams , Hurlstone , LI . G .
Buss , Major Finney , T . Finney , junr . F . Davison , Odell , Thomas , S . Rosenthal , Thomas W . White , Taylor , T . Cubitt , D . D . Beck , Brown , } . Adlard , W . H . Scott , G . Scott , John Cockburn , T . B . Yeoman , H . Parker , J ohn J . Moss , and H . Massey . Bro . Little occupied a seat immediately on the chairman ' s right , and Bro . F . Davison took the vice-chair . In the course of the eveninsr the
following telegram , dated 7 . 45 p . m ., was received from Bro . "W . J . Hughau , Truro : — " Sorry I cannot be present . Warmest congratulations to Bro . Little . Hearty good wishes to brethren , and success to Freemasonry every where . " When the cloth -was removed and grace sang , the toasts were introduced .
The Chairman said , although he was chairman of a very large and pleasant party he did not think it was necessary to inflict long speeches upon the company . They were met together to pass an agreeable evening , and for one other particular purpose , at the same time the } ' met as
Masons , and a convivial party of freemasons never met without drinking , as the first toast , "The Health of the Queen . " They all felt how much they were indebted to her , and how much they might hereafter be indebted to her and to her son , the Prince of Wales , who had
lately passed through a most critical illness . We hoped to see him in public amongst us again soon , not onl y as Prince of Wales , but as a brother Mason . He coupled the two names in one toast so that he might not tresspass on the brethren ' s time
Hie Chairman again rose , and said it had seldom fallen to his lot to have the opportunity either of proposing a toast , or making a proposition similar to that which he was now going to submit the brethren ; andhefelt thatheencountered some difficulty in performing the duty which
devolved upon him , because , as the representative of every brother present , he was obliged to do his utmost , thoroughly to embody their feelings in wdiat he had to say . He felt that every one would wish all his own sentiments to be conveyed with respect to the benefit that had been
conferred upon themselves and the Craft at large , by one who , he was happy to say , was present on his right hand , and was their guest . That guest had served the Masonic Order with the greatest ability , and the greatest kindness . Though he ( the Chairman ) had started with a short speech ,
he must tresspass on the brethren ' s patience and indulgence now , because he could not do justice to the subject he had in hand in an effectual manner , if he was very brief . On this account only he would almost have preferred that some other brother who was more eloquent than
heshould have taken the President ' s chair , ( cries of " No , No . " He was much obliged for their kindness , but while almost wishing that another brother should have presided , he felt that no brother ' s speech would have been dictated by greater feelings of admiration of Bro . Little than
his . Still they must not measure his feelings by his poor language , and he would not delegate the privilege of presenting the testimonial to any one else . He had great pleasure in proposing " The health of Bro . Little . " He mi ght , perhaps never
have the opportunity of doing so again in public , and in conjunction with it , expressing the gratification he had in presiding over a company , who confessed Bro . Little ' s merits , andwere desirous of rewarding them . Very likel y many of the brethren were aware of hisfeelinsrs towards Bro .
Little . He had had the pleasure of knowing him for some time : many of the brethren perhaps had known him longer and much better , and could better appreciate his worth and excellence than he ; but he should be very sorry , when he had the opportunity of
expressing his feelings , not to do so . Many brethren no doubt would be glad to express theirs , but has he had been honoured with the position of Chairman he hoped that what he said would be taken as conveying all their views . He had just said he had known Bro . Little some time ; he must make that observation that the more he
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
knew of him , the better he liked him . He looked on him , not only as a brother in the Masonic order , but as a brother in the world in general , for he had instructed them to do what they could for the welfare of others . In their intercourse with him they had experienced a sincere feeling
of fellowship from him—a feeling which they felt happy to return to him again as far as lay in their power . He would be happy to say much more of Bro . Little , if he was not present , but even in his presence he would not refrain from saying , he had done everything in his power to promote
the interest of the order , and every thing for his brethren individually and collectively . His kindness , beneficence , and general behaviour to all was what the brethren appreciated most highly . He ( the Chairman ) had great pleasure in presiding on this occassion ; he had never
occupied a chair with greater pleasure , and he now begged to hand to Bro . Little , in the name of all the brethren a purse , of 300 sovereigns and a handsome clock , the inscription upon which Bro . Moss , the Secretary to the Testimonial Fund , would read . ( Great cheering ) . The presentation
was made in recognition of Bro . Little ' s services to Masonry , and as a return forthekind behaviour he had shown towards all the brethren , The Chairman then presented the purse of sovereigns , and Bro . Moss read the following inscription on the plinth of the clock : —
" Presented , with a purse containing £ . 300 , to Bro . Robert Wcntworth Little , P . M . 975 and 1273 P . Z . 177 and 975 , Provincial Grand Secretary , Middlesex , by several brethren , in token of their high admiration of his peersonal qualities , and in recognition of his ability and zeal in
promoting the interest of Freemasonry in all its branches . "COL . FRANCIS BURDETT , P . G . M . Middlesex . "J THOMAS AIoss , ) Hon . " HENRY C LFAWXIVKR , $ Sees . " J HERVEY , Grand Secretary of England ,
Treasurer . " February , 1872 , " The chairman said the purse containing the sovereigns had been made and presented gratuitously by Bro . Kenning , to whom they were indebted for a like kindness when a Testimonial
was given to Bro . James Brett . BRO . LITTLE . —Most Worshipful Chairman and Brethren , —To some extent 1 feel myself in the position of the member of the House ol Commons who rose for the first time to make a speech , and who said , " Mr . Speaker , I
rise , impelled by a sense of the duty I owe to my consti . uents "—but found he could get no further , and ultimately felt himself bound b y a sense of duty to his constituents to sit down . Well , sir , I rise with some diffidence , but I cannot say I appear before my constituents , but I
can say I meet here my friends . There is not one here to night of whom I cannot say it ; in fact , their presence is evidence that they are my friends , They have evinced that good , true , masonic feeling which every brother ought to have towards another , so long as he pursues the
path of duty , and acts honourably and uprightly to all men . But , sir , my difficulty increases when I approach the subject which you have so gracefully alluded to , and when I give to the Subscribers , the Committee , and the Brethren present my sincere thanks for their kindness . Baethren ,
the Right Worshipful Chairman has told you the brethren represent much larger numbers than those who attend here to-ni ght . I have to thank you , brethren , as representing them , the committee , and the masons generally , for the magnificent token of their esteem and regard which has
been presented to me . Whatever services I may have rendered to the cause of Freemasonry , however great you may have been pleased to think them , I have considered them but sli ght . I fear they have been over-estimated ; and I cannot see why I should have been deemed a fit recipient of such a testimonial . However , Right Worshipful
Sir , and brethren , as it has pleased ycu and others to present me with this testimony and mark of your esteem , I must tender to you , and through you to them , my heartfelt thanks for the compliment paid to me . I accept it , sir , as an evidence of that boundless good-will which has been one of the tenets of our ancient order , and receive it as a stimulus to greater exertion in my
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
future career . I shall strive to be , if possible , more deserving than I may have been in the post I have occupied , more deserving of the estimation and confidence which has been this day reposed in me . I will only say I will not detain
you longer . You have justly said that long speeches were to be deprecated on the present occasion . I can Only tender you , from the bottom of my heart , my thanks and gratitude for that estimation and affection which has been
manifested towards me this evening . ( Great applause . ) Bro . Davison proposed " The health of the Chairman , " testifying , at the same time to his merits as a mason , and to the readiness with which he came forward to assist the Little Testimonial movement when h was set on foot .
The Chairman said he was much gratified with the kindness of the brethren . Although he had done what he could to support the movement , he could have done very little without the assistance of others . A great many brethren round the
table had aided him materially ; but it was labour well bestowed , for no one hail assisted him in the order more than Bro . Little . Not only so , but Bro . Little had brought him forward in a manner that could not be done by any brother In the Craft . Several of the brethren at the table had
contributed their services to the same end , and to all of them he felt himself indebted for his position of Grand Master of Middlesex . Bro . Hervey , Bro . Little , and Bro . Moss took a leading part in the work , The province had to be established , and that entailed great difficulty and
trouble . Middlesex was now in a position which nobody could regret ; and no one would deny that it was standing , well as compared with other provinces . It was a great honour to be the Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , and while he occupied that distinguished position he should
devote his attention to promoting the prosperity of the province . The Chairman then proposed " The health of the Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . John Hervey and John Thomas AIoss , " and informed the brethren , that the time , trouble , and expense of
getting the testimonial up were incalculable . Bro . John Hervey said he had a very small interest in this toast . He had had very little to do , but that little which consisted in acting as Treasurer to the Fund gave him great satisfaction to have it in his power to do . He had a fancy for supporting all who did their duty . He knew
and felt that Bro . Little had done his duty ; therefore he had supported him , and on the same should continue to support him . ( Cheers ) . They , the subjects of this toast , must be very much gratified with the result which had been attained . For himself he should have been sorry indeed if a good result had not been obtained . It would have been a prievous thine if it had failed . He
had played a subordinate part . The giant ' s part had been played by Bro . Moss , which was quite right , as he had appliances at hand which others he had not , and a purse at hand which they had not . Bro . Levander was an able coadjutor of Bro . Moss , as for myself , continued Bro . Hervey ,
laughing , I have made a fortune out of the money during the time it had been in my hands . I have profited most largely by the interest I have received on the deposits ; and 1 am gratified at any rate that the cheque which was included in the purse this evening could not be handed over
without me . ( Cheers and laughter . ) I do hope that the cheque will be paid when it is presented , because if not I shall be . p laced in an unfortunate position . ( Cheers ) . Bro . J . T . Moss in responding said although he had experienced a good deal of labour in
working this movement it was to hint a source of great pleasure . Before he undertook the duties of Secretary he did not know he should have to write to so many brethren . When he wanted some circulars Bro . Kenning printed a thousand , all free of expense ,
too , which would show what were his sentiments towards Bro . Little . Bro . Kenning expressed those sentiments in words , and said he believed him to be the right man in the right place . He afterwards printed another thousand circulars , and in the end another thousand . Bro . Kennins "
had also advertised the Testimonial , and he ( Bro . Moss ) thought injustice would be done to Bro . Kenning if his liberality were not made known . . Bro . H . C . Levander also replied , but could
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , who presided as chairman , and Bros . John Hervey , George Kenning , H . C . Levander , Charles Coote , Barnett , John Boyd , W . Carpenter , Stedwell , W . Smeed , Magnus Ohren , Horsley , A . Thiellay , John Coutts , James Brett , W . Roebuck , George S . Slater , Williams , Hurlstone , LI . G .
Buss , Major Finney , T . Finney , junr . F . Davison , Odell , Thomas , S . Rosenthal , Thomas W . White , Taylor , T . Cubitt , D . D . Beck , Brown , } . Adlard , W . H . Scott , G . Scott , John Cockburn , T . B . Yeoman , H . Parker , J ohn J . Moss , and H . Massey . Bro . Little occupied a seat immediately on the chairman ' s right , and Bro . F . Davison took the vice-chair . In the course of the eveninsr the
following telegram , dated 7 . 45 p . m ., was received from Bro . "W . J . Hughau , Truro : — " Sorry I cannot be present . Warmest congratulations to Bro . Little . Hearty good wishes to brethren , and success to Freemasonry every where . " When the cloth -was removed and grace sang , the toasts were introduced .
The Chairman said , although he was chairman of a very large and pleasant party he did not think it was necessary to inflict long speeches upon the company . They were met together to pass an agreeable evening , and for one other particular purpose , at the same time the } ' met as
Masons , and a convivial party of freemasons never met without drinking , as the first toast , "The Health of the Queen . " They all felt how much they were indebted to her , and how much they might hereafter be indebted to her and to her son , the Prince of Wales , who had
lately passed through a most critical illness . We hoped to see him in public amongst us again soon , not onl y as Prince of Wales , but as a brother Mason . He coupled the two names in one toast so that he might not tresspass on the brethren ' s time
Hie Chairman again rose , and said it had seldom fallen to his lot to have the opportunity either of proposing a toast , or making a proposition similar to that which he was now going to submit the brethren ; andhefelt thatheencountered some difficulty in performing the duty which
devolved upon him , because , as the representative of every brother present , he was obliged to do his utmost , thoroughly to embody their feelings in wdiat he had to say . He felt that every one would wish all his own sentiments to be conveyed with respect to the benefit that had been
conferred upon themselves and the Craft at large , by one who , he was happy to say , was present on his right hand , and was their guest . That guest had served the Masonic Order with the greatest ability , and the greatest kindness . Though he ( the Chairman ) had started with a short speech ,
he must tresspass on the brethren ' s patience and indulgence now , because he could not do justice to the subject he had in hand in an effectual manner , if he was very brief . On this account only he would almost have preferred that some other brother who was more eloquent than
heshould have taken the President ' s chair , ( cries of " No , No . " He was much obliged for their kindness , but while almost wishing that another brother should have presided , he felt that no brother ' s speech would have been dictated by greater feelings of admiration of Bro . Little than
his . Still they must not measure his feelings by his poor language , and he would not delegate the privilege of presenting the testimonial to any one else . He had great pleasure in proposing " The health of Bro . Little . " He mi ght , perhaps never
have the opportunity of doing so again in public , and in conjunction with it , expressing the gratification he had in presiding over a company , who confessed Bro . Little ' s merits , andwere desirous of rewarding them . Very likel y many of the brethren were aware of hisfeelinsrs towards Bro .
Little . He had had the pleasure of knowing him for some time : many of the brethren perhaps had known him longer and much better , and could better appreciate his worth and excellence than he ; but he should be very sorry , when he had the opportunity of
expressing his feelings , not to do so . Many brethren no doubt would be glad to express theirs , but has he had been honoured with the position of Chairman he hoped that what he said would be taken as conveying all their views . He had just said he had known Bro . Little some time ; he must make that observation that the more he
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
knew of him , the better he liked him . He looked on him , not only as a brother in the Masonic order , but as a brother in the world in general , for he had instructed them to do what they could for the welfare of others . In their intercourse with him they had experienced a sincere feeling
of fellowship from him—a feeling which they felt happy to return to him again as far as lay in their power . He would be happy to say much more of Bro . Little , if he was not present , but even in his presence he would not refrain from saying , he had done everything in his power to promote
the interest of the order , and every thing for his brethren individually and collectively . His kindness , beneficence , and general behaviour to all was what the brethren appreciated most highly . He ( the Chairman ) had great pleasure in presiding on this occassion ; he had never
occupied a chair with greater pleasure , and he now begged to hand to Bro . Little , in the name of all the brethren a purse , of 300 sovereigns and a handsome clock , the inscription upon which Bro . Moss , the Secretary to the Testimonial Fund , would read . ( Great cheering ) . The presentation
was made in recognition of Bro . Little ' s services to Masonry , and as a return forthekind behaviour he had shown towards all the brethren , The Chairman then presented the purse of sovereigns , and Bro . Moss read the following inscription on the plinth of the clock : —
" Presented , with a purse containing £ . 300 , to Bro . Robert Wcntworth Little , P . M . 975 and 1273 P . Z . 177 and 975 , Provincial Grand Secretary , Middlesex , by several brethren , in token of their high admiration of his peersonal qualities , and in recognition of his ability and zeal in
promoting the interest of Freemasonry in all its branches . "COL . FRANCIS BURDETT , P . G . M . Middlesex . "J THOMAS AIoss , ) Hon . " HENRY C LFAWXIVKR , $ Sees . " J HERVEY , Grand Secretary of England ,
Treasurer . " February , 1872 , " The chairman said the purse containing the sovereigns had been made and presented gratuitously by Bro . Kenning , to whom they were indebted for a like kindness when a Testimonial
was given to Bro . James Brett . BRO . LITTLE . —Most Worshipful Chairman and Brethren , —To some extent 1 feel myself in the position of the member of the House ol Commons who rose for the first time to make a speech , and who said , " Mr . Speaker , I
rise , impelled by a sense of the duty I owe to my consti . uents "—but found he could get no further , and ultimately felt himself bound b y a sense of duty to his constituents to sit down . Well , sir , I rise with some diffidence , but I cannot say I appear before my constituents , but I
can say I meet here my friends . There is not one here to night of whom I cannot say it ; in fact , their presence is evidence that they are my friends , They have evinced that good , true , masonic feeling which every brother ought to have towards another , so long as he pursues the
path of duty , and acts honourably and uprightly to all men . But , sir , my difficulty increases when I approach the subject which you have so gracefully alluded to , and when I give to the Subscribers , the Committee , and the Brethren present my sincere thanks for their kindness . Baethren ,
the Right Worshipful Chairman has told you the brethren represent much larger numbers than those who attend here to-ni ght . I have to thank you , brethren , as representing them , the committee , and the masons generally , for the magnificent token of their esteem and regard which has
been presented to me . Whatever services I may have rendered to the cause of Freemasonry , however great you may have been pleased to think them , I have considered them but sli ght . I fear they have been over-estimated ; and I cannot see why I should have been deemed a fit recipient of such a testimonial . However , Right Worshipful
Sir , and brethren , as it has pleased ycu and others to present me with this testimony and mark of your esteem , I must tender to you , and through you to them , my heartfelt thanks for the compliment paid to me . I accept it , sir , as an evidence of that boundless good-will which has been one of the tenets of our ancient order , and receive it as a stimulus to greater exertion in my
Presentation Of The Robert Henthorth Little Testimomal.
future career . I shall strive to be , if possible , more deserving than I may have been in the post I have occupied , more deserving of the estimation and confidence which has been this day reposed in me . I will only say I will not detain
you longer . You have justly said that long speeches were to be deprecated on the present occasion . I can Only tender you , from the bottom of my heart , my thanks and gratitude for that estimation and affection which has been
manifested towards me this evening . ( Great applause . ) Bro . Davison proposed " The health of the Chairman , " testifying , at the same time to his merits as a mason , and to the readiness with which he came forward to assist the Little Testimonial movement when h was set on foot .
The Chairman said he was much gratified with the kindness of the brethren . Although he had done what he could to support the movement , he could have done very little without the assistance of others . A great many brethren round the
table had aided him materially ; but it was labour well bestowed , for no one hail assisted him in the order more than Bro . Little . Not only so , but Bro . Little had brought him forward in a manner that could not be done by any brother In the Craft . Several of the brethren at the table had
contributed their services to the same end , and to all of them he felt himself indebted for his position of Grand Master of Middlesex . Bro . Hervey , Bro . Little , and Bro . Moss took a leading part in the work , The province had to be established , and that entailed great difficulty and
trouble . Middlesex was now in a position which nobody could regret ; and no one would deny that it was standing , well as compared with other provinces . It was a great honour to be the Provincial Grand Master of Middlesex , and while he occupied that distinguished position he should
devote his attention to promoting the prosperity of the province . The Chairman then proposed " The health of the Treasurer and Secretary , Bros . John Hervey and John Thomas AIoss , " and informed the brethren , that the time , trouble , and expense of
getting the testimonial up were incalculable . Bro . John Hervey said he had a very small interest in this toast . He had had very little to do , but that little which consisted in acting as Treasurer to the Fund gave him great satisfaction to have it in his power to do . He had a fancy for supporting all who did their duty . He knew
and felt that Bro . Little had done his duty ; therefore he had supported him , and on the same should continue to support him . ( Cheers ) . They , the subjects of this toast , must be very much gratified with the result which had been attained . For himself he should have been sorry indeed if a good result had not been obtained . It would have been a prievous thine if it had failed . He
had played a subordinate part . The giant ' s part had been played by Bro . Moss , which was quite right , as he had appliances at hand which others he had not , and a purse at hand which they had not . Bro . Levander was an able coadjutor of Bro . Moss , as for myself , continued Bro . Hervey ,
laughing , I have made a fortune out of the money during the time it had been in my hands . I have profited most largely by the interest I have received on the deposits ; and 1 am gratified at any rate that the cheque which was included in the purse this evening could not be handed over
without me . ( Cheers and laughter . ) I do hope that the cheque will be paid when it is presented , because if not I shall be . p laced in an unfortunate position . ( Cheers ) . Bro . J . T . Moss in responding said although he had experienced a good deal of labour in
working this movement it was to hint a source of great pleasure . Before he undertook the duties of Secretary he did not know he should have to write to so many brethren . When he wanted some circulars Bro . Kenning printed a thousand , all free of expense ,
too , which would show what were his sentiments towards Bro . Little . Bro . Kenning expressed those sentiments in words , and said he believed him to be the right man in the right place . He afterwards printed another thousand circulars , and in the end another thousand . Bro . Kennins "
had also advertised the Testimonial , and he ( Bro . Moss ) thought injustice would be done to Bro . Kenning if his liberality were not made known . . Bro . H . C . Levander also replied , but could