"Your Graces, my Lords, and Gentlemen,--I have thought it more for your convenience, as well as more within the compass of my ability, that I should, with your permission, make a general reply to the many kind addresses with which you have honoured me, and copies of which have already by your courtesy been before me, than that I should attempt a separate reply to each. I feel myself highly honoured by having been welcomed in this historic hall by so many bodies representing so many and so varied interests as you do. Leaders of local administrations, heads of religious communities, representatives of learning and art, philanthropy and education, you have one and all greeted me with the kindness and good will which has made a deep impression upon me, and which I never shall forget. You have alluded in terms of loyalty, which have much gratified me, to your attachment to the Constitution, and have expressed in a manner which I will not fail to communicate to the Queen your devotion to Her Majesty. "In varied capacities, and by widely different paths, you pursue those great objects which, dear to you, are, believe me, dear also to me--the prosperity and progress of Ireland, the welfare and happiness of her people. That many difficulties from time to time impede you I can well understand. Such is the natural course of events. But I am glad to be able to gather from your addresses that you are advancing steadily towards the goal which you have in view. From my heart I wish you success, and I would that time and my own powers would permit me to explain fully and in detail the deep interest which I feel not only in the welfare of this great Empire at large, but in the true happiness of those several classes of the community on whose behalf you have come here to-day. You have referred to the Princess of Wales, who has accompanied me on this occasion, and for her I thank you for your welcome to a country, of the past visits to which we have pleasant recollections, and where we hope in future, as we have in the past, to spend happy days." The several deputations listened with great interest to the reply, and at the close gave expression to their pleasure in cordial acclamations.