“At last, not long ago, a sanitary commissioner--dead now alas!--who by wise sympathy, practical knowledge and skill had conquered the confidence of the people, went to the Pancháyat, explained to them the case, and urged them to move to a spot which he pointed out to them as safe and accessible. By the very next morning it had all been settled as he advised. “The Government of India is very powerful, and great things may be accomplished by official authority, but in such delicate matters affecting the homes and customs of a very conservative people almost more may be done by personal influence exercised with kindly sympathy and respect for the prejudices of others.” The celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 was an occasion of great interest to Miss Nightingale, and in her sick-room she followed all the events of that joyous time with keen appreciation. She was delighted at the idea of making a special feature of “Nursing” in the Women’s Section of the Victorian Era Exhibition, and sent her Crimean carriage as an exhibit. All visitors to Earl’s Court will recall the throngs of sight-seers who stood all day long peering into the recesses of the old vehicle as eagerly as though they expected to still find some remnant of the wounded. There was no more popular exhibit on view, while the smiling nurses in their becoming uniforms who flitted about the Nursing Section were a living testimony to the revolution in the art of nursing which Florence Nightingale had effected. Lady George Hamilton, who had charge of this section, was in frequent consultation with Miss Nightingale while preparations were going forward. One of the most interesting celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee year was the dinner of the Balaclava Society on the anniversary of the famous “Charge,” October 25th. After the loyal toasts, the health of Miss Nightingale was proposed by Mr. F. H. Roberts, who amid ringing cheers said, “Her name will live in the annals of England’s regiments as long as England lasts.” The company numbered one hundred and twenty, of whom sixty were survivors of the Charge. [Illustration: RECENT SPECIMEN OF MISS NIGHTINGALE’S HANDWRITING.] Miss Nightingale has continued to take an interest in the Hospital for Invalid Gentlewomen at Harley Street, where she worked so assiduously before going to the Crimea.