Untitled Article

extremely grateml for your kindness . At the same time , as a Mason , I am sorry to say I have neglected many of my duties ; but I only feel , on that account , the more strongly the kind manner in which you have received the toast which the Grand Master has 'done me the honour to propose . I am extremely gratified that my presence , on this occasion , should have afforded me an opportunity of witnessing the kindly feeling which has been testified towards my old and kind friend , the Grand Master . At the same time I may be allowed ( though I have been rather remiss in the discharge of my own duties ) to observe , that I have always

felt that Institutions like these were the greatest pride of the country . Had I been able earlier in life to see the merits of associations such as these , I should , no . doubt , have been a better and more accomplished Mason ; for although , perhaps , not very well qualified for taking the lead upon occasions like this , I beg leave , at the same time , to assure you that I am not wanting in inclination or zeal towards the cause in which we are all embarked , and will never be found sparing of my exertions in favour of the Fraternity . I beg again to assure you how grateful I am for the kind manner in which you have received the toast , and also to express my sincere thanks to the Prov . G . M . for the manner in which he has proposed it . ( Applause . )

The Noble Chaikman then said—Gentlemen and Brethren—In the list of toasts I perceive I am set down to propose one—a toast which you will all , I am convinced , receive with the greatest enthusiasm . I beg to propose " The Army and Navy , and our gallant Allies . " Drank with three cheers for the " Army and Navy and Allies . " Colonel Wildman rose to reply , saying—Brethren—I find that I am put down as the person to return thanks for this toast . As a soldier , I have already made acknowledgments for your kindness , and can again do so with every kind feeling . But , Brethren , with regard to those who are now engaged in active service , I can

assure you that I envy them from the bottom of my heart—especially in their alliance with those noble Frenchmen . It may seem strange for me to say this— - an old soldier—particularly when it is recollected that , as a child in the nursery , I was taught to regard the French as the most horrible bugbears and savages . But what was our condition when we first went to war with them , and found ourselves allied to a miserable race of Spaniards , and opposed as enemies to these noble Frenchmen ? Having , in after times , contracted many friendships with French officers , I have learnt to appreciate them for what they are , am proud of the alliance we have formed , and really envy our soldiers who have to fight side by side with such noble allies ( applause ) .

Colonel Wildman shortly again rose and said—Brethren , you will see that your kindness has brought me upon my legs again . I am called upon to propose a toast , to do which yields me the utmost delight , as I am sure it will be received with the greatest pleasure . Long as I have known the county of Nottingham , and connected as I have been in many ways with this town , " ! have always , found the

principles and views of Masons actuating the first magistrates of the town and county . This very evening we are indebted to the kindness and hospitality of the Mayor of Nottingham for the use of this noble apartment . Having the pleasure of the company of that gentleman on this occasion , I am sure you will all cordially join with me in drinking the health of "The Mayor of Nottingham and Magistrates '' ( applause ) .

The Mayor said—My lord and gentlemen , in rising to respond to the toast , allow me to thank you for affording me the honour of being present on this most interesting occasion . ^ It was not necessary for me to be a Member of the Craft to enable me to enter into the feelings with which you have so gracefully marked your respect for your esteemed Provincial Grand Master . It would be presumptuous on my part , after the eloquent address which has been read to you , to

attempt any eulogy of the character of Colonel Wildman . I can only say that I subscribe to every sentiment of that address , and that it not only echoes my feelings but those of all this large community . Pew men are more highly esteemed amongst us than Colonel Wildman . As chief magistrate of this town , I am new in office , and cannot refer back to anything in my own merits which could mark the estimation upon which it has pleased my fellow-townsmen to place me in the